Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1915-08-01

is made by the owner of steamship
for first inspection under the law he
must furnish the representatives of
the inspection service a copy Of the
blue print plans of his craft. which
must clearly show it's detailed con-
struction. including the position of all
bulkheads and all other structural fac
tors which may be regarded vital to
Together with the plans. schedule of
material used must be submitted This
makes it possible for inspectors to
forestall any faulty construction or the
use of unsuitable materials.
Hand in glove with me inspectors.
VINO must satisfy themselves of the
quality of the material to be used and
the plans for the hulls of new craft
direction of the Secretary of Commerce
may be assigned to examine at the
mills where they are being manufac-
tured boiler plates designed for use on
steam vessels. When such material re-
ceives the 90. K" of the steamboat in
spection man. it is so stamped, and
thereafter will be accepted by the local
Inspector at whatever point it may
marine machinery
The inspection of boiler MARTIAL and
construction blue prints is but the
veriest beginning of the activities of
INTO commission, she must be gone over
at least once year. and oftener if oc-
casion permits. And all of this branch
OF the work falls to the lot of two
are stationed in districts throughout
the country-the inspectors of hulls
and the inspectors of boilers.
Then there is one class of steamers
excursion craft, and under this category
the East1and falls-which must not
only receive an annual going-over at
the hands of the government inspectors,
but, together with all ferry steamers.
a vain %4I
times during the year for which the
original certificate of inspection was
issued. or during the season of naviga-
ton.
Although at one time in the history
of the service these reinspections were
OF more or less perfunctory character,
within the. last few years a rigorous
follow-up" system has been instituted
through a card catalogue Of reports
which inspectors are required to make
Following each reinspection. These
cards. when received at the Washing
ton Office. are carefully examined,
with a view of providing against the
old-time haphazard system of re- ,
inspection. and so closely does the de-
partment watch data of this character
that 1t is now possible for the head
quarters office to know the exact life
boats and their positions on the in
aividual vessels that are swung over r
side in every test. -=~--.--z==a7s---- c
AS his title indicates, an inspector :
Of bulls must assure himself of the n
structural condition of every vessel in t
his district. and whenever a steamer is
irydocked the law requires that he be n
Notified and given an opportunity of r.
going over that part of the hull which r.
8 usually submerged +,
Yet, after all of this is accomplished e
mere Stlll remains mass of detail n
Which must be carefully watched in e.
order to safeguard the lives Of the men "
VINO go on deep water in the iron craft v
If present-day commerce.
After having seen that the hull of
,essel is seaworthy, the inspectors of
he steamboat service believe the next :.
most important step is making sure o.
hat should accident overtake the craft "
II spite of the precautions already IL
aiken, the equipment of the shin for f.