Page 108 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 1 - 5

keep in the boat for any length of time it would want at least six. 1742. In those eight boats which were launched while you were looking on, can you tell my Lord how many seamen were in each on an average? - To my knowledge there was either one or two in each. 1743. Was that insufficient in your opinion? - That is the regulation, two sailors to each boat. The Commissioner: I really do not understand it. He says the regulations are two in each boat. He says there ought to be twelve in some circumstances, and apparently six in other circumstances. What am I to understand? Are we getting this Witness’s skilled opinion on the point? 1744. (Mr. Scanlan.) I think his opinion might be of some value. (To the Witness.) When you speak of twelve men being required do you mean stokers as well as seamen? - I am a Service man and I did nine years in the Navy, and for a lifeboat it was always considered fourteen men is a lifeboat’s crew. 1745. (The Commissioner.) How many persons will that boat manned with 14 men carry in addition to the 14 men? - That boat would carry at least 50 besides the crew. 1746. Besides the fourteen? - Yes. 1747. (Mr. Scanlan.) When you speak of Mercantile Marine boats - I am not talking of Service boats now - you referred to a crew of twelve? - Yes. 1748. Does that include firemen and engineers and stewards as well as seamen? - Yes. 1749. You also stated a moment ago that you are supposed to have two seamen to each lifeboat? - Yes. 1750. Is that an ordinary regulation - two qualified seamen? - Yes, that is a regulation laid down by this Company - two sailors to each boat. 1751. Were there two sailors to each of the boats which you saw launched before you left the “Titanic”? - There were two sailors in several of them, one in some, and a fireman took their place. 1752. Do the firemen and stokers in other ships? - No. Mr. Holmes: I have no questions. Examined by Mr. LEWIS. With regard to this boat drill at Southampton, are many men allowed to run away as you did on that Saturday? The Commissioner: What is that question? 1753. (Mr. Lewis.) I am asking about the boat drill on Saturday at Southampton, where, I think, Mr. Lucas departed to have a drink. (To the Witness.) Was any notice taken of your going away? - No. 1754. What time is generally spent upon these boat drills as a rule? - I should say about an hour from the time they are lowered to the time they are hoisted. 1755. Who takes part - only sailors? - Only sailors. 1756. The whole of the sailors? - Yes. 1757. And how many boats? - Two. 1758. Is the Board of Trade Inspector generally present? - Yes. 1759. And does he make a thorough examination of the boats? - Yes. 1760. Does he see that they are properly equipped? - Yes. 1761. Now with regard to the “Titanic,” I understand you went from your quarters? - Yes. 1762. How long did it take you to get from your quarters to the boat deck? - I should say about five minutes. 1763. No more? - No.