Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-30
Enough Lifeboats for All.

Another recommendation is that the
lifeboat and raft accommodations on
seagoing vessels be based on the number
of persons carried instead of on the
tonnage of the ship. and that they be
sufficient for all on board.
The court thinks changes may be
necessary in the size and type Of boats
carried by ships and in the methods Of
slowing and launching them. Possibly
1t may be necessary to reserve one or
more of the decks for the carrying of
boats and the drilling of the crew.
The court recommends that the life
boats be provided with signaling APP
paratus, with a compass and with pro-
visions, and that the number each boat
is intended to carry should be plainly
marked.
The court also recommends a more
searching inspection of the boats and
more frequent drilling of the crew.
enough of whom should be trained to
man the boats.
Further recommendations are:
Sight tests for ships lookouts: police
system for control in cases of emergency:
continuous wireless service and regu-
iatiOns for mOderating speed or altering
the vessels course in the ice region.
The court suggests that an international
convention be called TO agree on a COM
mon rule for the subdivision of ships,
also as to Hfe-saving apparatus. wireless
regulations. speed in the ice regions and
he use Of searchlights.
Capt Smith Not Blamed.
Regarding the wireless dispatch re-
ceived on board the Titanic giving the
warning that ice was in the vicinity
Lord Mersey said:
1T was irregular for the master of
vessel to part with the document
and improper for Mr.. Ismay to retain
it" but the Judge said he was con-
WINGED that the incident had not In
fluenced the navigation Of the Titanic
tanning the speed In face of ice warn
ings was in accordance with the long
existing custom due to competition
and to the desire of the public for
quick passage rather than for the use
OF judgment by navigators. He added: :
In the circumstances ] am unable
to blame Capt Smith. Other skilled
men would have done the same in the
same position.
Lord Mersey did not believe Capt.
Smith was improperly Influenced by
MIR. Ismays presence on board the Tt
tanic.
Lord Mersey then praised the general
conduct Of the passengers and crew, but
regretted that some of the boats espe-
cially No. l. had not attempted to save
the drowning.
He commended Capt. A. II. Rostron
of the Cunard liner Carpathia very
highly.
Culpability of the Californian.
lie said he was convinced those on
board the Californian had seen the Titan
les signals at a distance of eight or ten
miles and could have reached her with
out serious risk and thus saved the lives
of many or all. While not referring to
the captain of the Californian. Lord Mer-
C1v racn ha NJ ~
all masters of ships be drawn to the fact
that il was d misdemeanor to fail to go
to the rescue of distressed vessel.
Lord Mersey expressed the opinion that
the Titanic would have been safer with
water-tight deck, although there might
be expert reasons against this. He
thought she could have fioated il divided
into longitudinal instead OF transverse
water-tight compartments.
In conclusion Lord Mersey severely
blamed the British Board of Trade for It's
failure to revise the shipping rules OF
1894