Page 263 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 14 - 18

20069. How do you keep the corrosion in check there? - In the first place, they are much larger; and, of course, in the second place, it is much easier to walk about in a space which is flat than in a high narrow space. 20070. There is more room for a man to walk about there? - Yes; you can walk through the double bottom of the “Titanic” almost without stooping. 20071. Now you say at that point, that is to say where the double bottom extends to the bilges, the bilge plating was double? - Yes. 20072. What do you mean by that? - Taking the strake of plating, the skin plating of the ship in the way of the bilge, there were two thicknesses put together. The reason for that is that the bilge is one of the corners of the girders of the ship, and consequently it was desirable to strengthen it. 20073. That is just on the turn of the bilge, all along there, there is double plating? - That is right; two thicknesses closely riveted together. Mr. Rowlatt: I do not know how much longer your Lordship desires to sit. I am now about to enter upon a thing which will take a few minutes, perhaps a quarter of an hour, or something of that sort. The Commissioner: I intended to sit till a quarter to four. We will use now if you like, Mr. Rowlatt? Mr. Rowlatt: If your Lordship pleases. (The Witness withdrew.) (Adjourned to tomorrow at 10.30 o’clock.)