Page 96 - British Inquiry into Loss of RMS Titanic Day 23 - 26

according to my recollection of it. He did say in the ice region. He would put a man on the stem head. The Commissioner: Is Captain Jones here, or has he gone away? The Attorney-General: It is on the Note, my Lord. The Commissioner: What did he say, Sir Robert, according to you? Sir Robert Finlay: I rather think that he said that he doubled the look-out, but I am not quite positive as to whether he said he did that in clear weather. Mr. Scanlan: I have a very distinct recollection of his saying that. The Commissioner: My colleagues seem to think you are right. The Attorney-General: When he gets to the ice region. 23773. (Mr. Scanlan - To the Witness.) I wish you to understand what I am putting to you. The time I am speaking of - night, no moon, but stars - it is reported to be more difficult to see than in ordinary circumstances, and yet it is said to be clear. Would you, in those circumstances, put a look-out man on the stem head? - If there were the slightest haze or any indication of any other different weather than the clear weather, the look-out would be immediately increased. 23774. When you speak of increasing the look-out, what you refer to is putting a man on the stem head? - Yes. 23775. You carry one man in the crow’s-nest, do you? - Yes. 23776. And one man on the stem head? - No. 23777. I mean when you double the look-out? - Yes. The Commissioner: He would, when he doubles the look-out. 23778. (Mr. Scanlan.) That is what I mean. (To the Witness.) Is it considered that the position of the stem head is a good commanding position from which to see low-lying ice? - Yes, it is a position of advantage. Mr. Scanlan: It is a position of advantage. Examined by Mr. CLEMENT EDWARDS. 23779. Is your company owned and controlled by the International Mercantile Marine? - Yes. 23780. You have heard the sailing directions read out by Sir Robert Finlay when in the ice region. Are those similar sailing directions? Sir Robert Finlay: These were the Canadian directions. This gentleman is not in the Canadian service. Mr. Edwards: I misunderstood you. Sir Robert Finlay: The last Witness was on the Canadian route, and the directions relate to that. 23781. (Mr. Clement Edwards.) Very well. Thank you, Sir Robert. (To the Witness.) You have sailing directions from your company? - Yes. 23782. Does your book of sailing directions make any mention at all of what you are to do in the ice region? - I have not the book with me. I could not exactly say now. Mr. Edwards: May I ask here quite formally, my Lord, if those representing the International Company will please produce the sailing directions for the different lines controlled by that company? The Commissioner: I do not know that there is anybody here that does represent that line. Sir Robert Finlay: As far as I know, my Lord, there is nothing except what is already in evidence, and it has been stated that there are no specific directions as to ice. The Attorney-General: I do not think my friend Mr. Edwards had in mind that the Rules we have produced are the International Marine Company’s. Mr. Edwards: I quite understand, but you will remember there is no mention here at all of ice.