Page 202 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 19 - 22

Examined by Mr. SCANLAN. 22538. Without going into the history of the Board of Trade Regulations, may I take it from you that the “Titanic” had a supply of lifeboats and other life-saving appliances considerably in excess of the requirements of the Board of Trade? - She certainly had more boats than were required by the Board of Trade. 22539. Now, I want to put to you another question with regard to the provision of bulkheads, and watertight compartments. Is it the case that in order to qualify a ship for exemption from some part of the requirements of lifeboats, all that the Board of Trade require in a ship like the “Titanic” would be four watertight bulkheads? - Before she has any relaxation from the Rules she has to prove to the Board of Trade that she is an efficiently subdivided ship to their satisfaction. 22540. (The Commissioner.) You must bear in mind that I suffer from the infirmity of deafness. You do not speak so that I can hear you. Do not whisper into the ear of Mr. Scanlan. Let me know what you are saying - Yes, my Lord, I am very sorry. 22541. (Mr. Scanlan.) In order to qualify for exemption, I submit to you that what the Board of Trade instruct their superintending officers to require in a ship like the “Titanic” would be four watertight compartments. Is that so? - No, certainly not. The Commissioner: Where did you get that from, Mr. Scanlan? Mr. Scanlan: I have just got information from one of those instructing me that that is so. The Commissioner: It must be in some printed document. I have not heard of it so far. Mr. Scanlan - To the Witness: Do your Instructions for the Regulation of surveys of ships apply to this point? The Commissioner: Apply to what point? Mr. Scanlan: The point of the division of ships efficiently into bulkheads and watertight compartments. The Commissioner: “Efficiently” is one thing, and “Into four separate compartments” may be quite another thing. Mr. Scanlan: It is No 16 of those Rules. The Commissioner: Do not you be misled by bad examples and found your questions upon mere hearsay information. Mr. Scanlan: This is a point I was instructed to put, my Lord, on the responsibility of those who are advising me. The Commissioner: Where is the gentleman who is advising you? Mr. Scanlan: Here, my Lord. (Pointing.) The Commissioner: Sit down for a moment or two and ask him what he means and then get up again. Mr. Scanlan: If your Lordship pleases I will pass from that point and go to another. The Commissioner: But you have not elucidated it. You have left me in a fog. Mr. Scanlan: I think the Witness is able to take you out of the fog, my Lord. The Commissioner: Then get him to do it. 22542. (Mr. Scanlan - To the Witness.) Can you explain, Sir Walter, what is the provision in your Regulations in regard to watertight compartments? - With reference to emigrant ships like the “Titanic”? 22543. Yes? - It is that in order to get any exemption from the requirements as to boats, they must comply with the requirements laid down in the Reports of the Bulkheads Committee, which have been adopted by the Board of Trade as the standard for bulkheads. The Commissioner: Now ask him what that is? Mr. Scanlan: Do you mean the requirements of the Bulkheads Committee as applied to a ship