Smyrna times., 1936-07-23
NEW SEA RULES
FOR VESSELS
Changes Are Imposed By
New Regulations AS
Safeguards
NEW ALARM PROVISIONS

WashingtOn.-Loud speakers for
officers on the bridge to broadcast
warnings to various parts of ship
are required under new rules now
being distributed by the bureau of
navigation and steamboat inspec-
tion of the United States Depart
ment of Commerce. The loud speak
er system supplements the alarm
bell system in the current program
for safety at sea resulting from the
ocean disasters of recent years.
From the bridge the captain or
officer in charge can broadcast
warnings separately to all lifeboat
stations, the embarkation deck, the
main crew quarters and places
where passengers are likely to gath
er. This device is expected to fore
stall catastrophes, particularly those
involving fire at sea, in which pas
sengers are trapped through fail
ure or inadequacy of the alarm
system.
The revisions embodied in the fif-
ty-third supplement of the general
rules and regulations include sew
eral other drastic measures, and
for vessels of certain types require
extensive changes. For new con-
struction they apply now, while for
vessels already in commission the
changes must be made by various
dates between next July l and 1893.
Alarm Provisions.
The alarm provisions of the new
rules, which were revised recently
by a nationwide conference of in
spectors, are the most significant.
Once there was a free and easy at
titude in this matter. In the regu-
lations of 1915, for instance, yes
sells of more than 100 tons gross
carrying passengers were required
to have an alarm bell unless there
was watchman always on duty"
or the inspectors decided that such
a bell might cause confusion and
panic.
Since then there has not been
such sensitive concern for the pas
sengers' nerves. The 1885 rule pro-
vided that there should be alarm
bells in the sleeping accommoda-
tions. Now it is ordered that the
bells shall be at least seven inches
in diameter. and besides of such
size "as to provide an alarm
throughout the spaces for which
they are intended"
The loudspeaker system, when
the vessel is under way, must be
supplied with power and be ready
for immediate use. 1t must have a
call or attention signal, a shril and
distinctive note of about 1,500-cycle
frequency. There must be an au-
tomato emergency power supply.
Directions are given for protection
to the loud-speaker equipment in
fire or collision.
Rules Are Strict
Earlier safety regulations stressed
portable fire extinguishers. These
devices in recent years have been
supplemented by fire detection and
sprinkler systems. The amended
rules Of 1896 are extremely strict
as applied to fiammable vessels now
in commission. BY these are meant
especially craft which have wood
en- hulls or upper portions where
sleeping quarters for passengers are
provided. This broad regulation ap-
plies to ocean, coastwise. river and
lake vessels.
The rule provides that vessels
with neither fire detection nor
sprinkling systems be fitted with
automatic sprinkler systems in the
sleeping quarters Of passengers and
other places deemed necessary. In
exceptional conditions additional
watchmen .may be substituted for
this requirement, provided that
enough watchmeD are provided to
reach every part Of the vessel ev-
cry ten minutes The watch sys-
tenn must be under close supervl-
sion and Its records kept for exam
ination by the bureau.