immediately took steps to rectify this condition by making a regular stewards' mess in the tourist class dining room before the regular passenger meal hours, with a regular crew menu. This went on for several days, then several of the stewards came to me and stated that they would rather eat in the pantries as they had done previously, so we changed it back to the old routine, the crew eating in the pantry at their own leisure; I also had the same complaint on the last voyage of this vessel and I again made a mess in the tourist class dining room. After two days of this, the men again came to me and told me they would rather eat in the pantries. I then instructed Mr. Jones, the asst. 2nd steward to go down to the mess and take a vote from the men that wanted to carry on with the mess. Out of 120 men there were only 8 who wanted the mess; all the rest of the men wanted to go back to the old routine of eating in the pantries. So I discontinued the mess in the tourist class dining room.

In reference to serving late passengers and having to cat in the pantry when it was in the process of being washed down, it is not necessary for the men to eat in the pantry when they are washing down, because they can carry the food into the dining room and sit down and have their meals there.

Yours respectfully,

(Signed) CHIEF STEWARD, S. S. "CALIFORNIA." Signed and sworn to before me this 15th day of Oct. 1936.

Notary Public, Kings County.

NO. 88. S. S. "SCHODACK"

Seaman complains that during a fire and boat drill on the above vessel it was found impossible to swing out any of the boats due to the fact that the davits were in such rusty condition that the bearings were frozen with iron rust.

Investigation by inspectors of the New York office reveals that extensive repairs were made to the boat davits of this vessel in June 1936. However, the inspectors secured a signed statement from Mr. E. Riis, chief officer of the vessel, to the effect that at no time since November 1, 1935, i. e., the time he has been aboard the vessel, has anything been wrong with the boats or davits. Evidently the occurrence of which the seaman complains happened sometime late in 1935 or early in 1936.

This vessel was inspected by the Baltimore inspectors on April 17, 1935, but inasmuch as she is a cargo vessel no real inspection was held except a drydock examination between that date and her next examination, April 15, 1936, in New York. During that period it is perfectly plausible that neglected davit bearings might become inoperative.

Investigation, therefore, discloses no violation of the Bureau's regulations by the inspectors, but would seem to indicate that certain negligence in maintenance existed on the part of the operators.

NO. 89. S. S. "PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT"

Seaman complains of size, inadequacy of ventilation, and unsanitary conditions. of crew's quarters. He also mentions that a large percentage of aliens, mostly of German extraction, are carried on this ship.

Investigation of this complaint indicates that the crew's quarters comply with the law in regard to volume and deck area.

Provisions of Public, 808, and preparation of instructions in regard to minimum requirements of crew accommodation should correct this situation complained of. Requirements of the law in regard to continuous discharge books and citizenship which are now in force will cut down the number of aliens employed on American vessels.

NO. 90 AND 91. 8. 8. "MANHATTAN"

Seaman complains of working hours in stewards' department on the above ship, the number of aliens employed, and the inadequacy of ventilation of crew's quarters.

No provisions of the law or the Bureau regulations apply to working hours of the members of the steward's department. The provisions of Public, 808, and the Ship Subsidy Act requiring at least 75% of the crew to be American citizens will go far toward correcting the condition complained of.

In regard to adequacy of crew's quarters, a traveling inspector of this Bureau made a trip on this steamer last summer and found quarters in compliance with the law. Several changes which he recommended in regard to ventilation were carried out.

NOS. 92 AND 93. M. S. "WICHITA," M. S. "CITY OF DALHART" Seaman complains of the condition of the following equipment aboard the above ships: Lifeboats are not kept in repair and releasing gear unreliable; lifebuoys have insufficient buoyancy; rubber gaskets on deadlights missing, broken. or covered with paint; rusty and unsafe condition of blocks of the boom guys; complains in general that the annual inspections conducted by inspectors of the Bureau are neither thorough nor adequate. He also complains of the quality of the food. He further states that a great amount of overtime is worked, and that the crew is not divided into watches at sea.

Investigation of this complaint was made by an assistant inspector at New York. A copy of this investigation is quoted below:

"On investigating found hardly a single item of complaint worth considering. One cork ring buoy, life line, was found in bad condition. Tested worst buoy by attaching a 30-pound weight to same, then threw it from deck to water, a distance of approximately 20 feet, with no bad results. Crew's quarters were found clean, despite the fact that vessel had just completed discharge of dirty manganese ore.

"Chief steward was not on board. Ascertained from certain members of crew that fresh vegetables and fruit were frequently served. Sample menu is attached. Tested No. 2 lifeboat releasing device and found same operated satisfactorily under least expected conditions. Cargo gear very good, with exception of couple of guy blocks which could stand renewing. Second officer asserts that crew is divided into three watches while at sea.

"Port gaskets are mainly good. Mostly all are painted-something almost impossible to prevent, due to crew's tendency to paint everything. A few gaskets could stand renewing, but nothing to worry about.

"From all appearances, it is the opinion of this inspector that complaint is practically without foundation.

(Signed) "NAthan Levy."

"From chief engineer's statement, there has been no grievance in his department. Examined crew's quarters and found them clean and sanitary. From my observations, other departments seem harmonious. Examined machinery and equipment and consider them in a safe operating condition, with one requirement.

(Signed) "CHAS. MARTIN."

It will be noted that boom guy blocks were in bad condition and that some of the port gaskets needed renewing. Neither of these items are in this particular vessel covered by the provisions of law or the Bureau regulations. Port lights near the water line are vital to the safety of the ship. In case of the Wichita these port lights are in the house above the bulkhead deck.

Previous to the enactment of Public Law 722, approved June 20, 1936, the Bureau was without jurisdiction over motor ships of this type, except insofar as the inspection of the hull and boilers and requiring licensed pilots and engineers. Sec. 4426, R. S., specifically exempted motor ships from all other requirements of title 52.

NO. 94. GENERAL (U. S. LINES, AMERICAN MERCHANT LINES, PANAMA-PACIFIC) Steward complains of over-work in stewards' department on American ships on the above lines and the inadequate ventilation in crews' quarters. This complaint is identical with others already covered in this report. See #90 and #91.

NO. 95. S. S. "PENNSYLVANIA"

Seaman complains of the crew's quarters on the above steamer, stating that they are inadequately ventilated and that they are not provided with sufficient toilet facilities, also that ventilation is particularly bad during bad weather when the ventilators and ports must of necessity be closed.

Investigation of this complaint includes an affidavit by the chief officer of the above steamer, who states that the crew's quarters are inspected daily by the master and deck officers; that the quarters are supplied with hot and cold running water at all times and are ventilated by two large port holes and four cowl type ventilators.

Examination of the quarters by inspectors of the Bureau reveals that ventilation is somewhat inadequate during bad weather when ventilators must of necessity be closed. The statements previously made in this report concerning monthly inspection of crews' quarters and the necessity for establishing minimum requirements also apply in this case.

NO. 96. S. S. "DELECTO" (NOW "GOLDEN SWORD")

Seaman complains that the above steamer was, in his opinion, unseaworthy due to condition of the boilers, i. e., large number of defective tubes which leaked, requiring plugging and renewal.

Investigation of the complaint by inspectors of the New York office reveals that the ship's log bears out the seamen's statement that the boiler tubes were in a leaky condition on June 4, 1934. The ship was, however, granted a certificate of inspection by inspectors at the port of Boston on January 1934, at which time inspection records show that the boilers were submitted to tests and were found to be in a fit condition after the following orders relative to boiler repairs were complied with:

(1) Renew six staybolts in port boiler. Clean and scale port boiler internally.

Renew thirty-two rivets in port boiler.

(2) Renew six staybolts in starboard boiler. Renew 5 boiler tubes in starboard boiler. Clean and scale starboard boiler.

The boilers were operated approximately five months from the time the vessel was certificated at Boston, Massachusetts, January 20, 1934, until the date of the complaint, June 25, 1934. If, during this time, salt water, oil, or grease, or a combination of each, entered the boiler, the tubes would become leaky and fail, and neither the Bureau or the Department can be held responsible, there being no apparent violation of the law, or the rules and regulations.

NO. 97. M. V. "WICHITA"

Seaman alleges he was placed on day work during voyage of the above vessel from San Pedro to Philadelphia, even though he was assigned to the 12 to 4 watch.

Inasmuch as this affidavit was made on April 23, 1936, the allegations of the seaman, even though true, do not constitute a violation of any statute or regulation administered by the Bureau. The provisions of Public, 808, now require that the sailors be divided into three watches; that licensed officers, sailors, coal passers, firemen, oilers, and water tenders shall, while at sea, be divided into three watches as nearly equal as possible, which watches shall be kept on duty successively.

Therefore, under the provision of law, no similar complaints should be received unless reported as violation by enforcement officers of the Bureau.

The Seaman's Act of March 4, 1915, required that sailors be divided into at least two watches to be kept on duty successively. The only remedy for violation of this act was that the seaman might demand his discharge. However, this has been remedied by the act of June 25, 1936, Public, 808, which assesses a monetary penalty against the master.

NO. 98. S. 8. "PRESIDENT HARDING"

Seaman complains of sounding valve in the firemen's quarters which leaks gas from the fuel oil tanks.

A traveling inspector from this Bureau reported this matter on August 1936 and the valve was removed from the quarters, the sounding pipe being extended up through the next deck.

NO. 99. S. S. "AMERICAN MERCHANT"

Seaman complains that on the above ship lifeboats were repaired and painted inside while the ship was in London, and that the gear was not properly stowed inside the lifeboat when the ship sailed. He also complains about the food, the crowded crew's quarters, and the ventilation of the forecastle.

In regards to the repairs of lifeboats, the Bureau finds no violation of the regulations in making such repairs while the ship was in port. In regard to the crowded conditions of the crew's quarters, the ventilation, etc., previous statements in this regard, in this report, apply also to this complaint.

In regard to complaint about the food, statements made in response to complaint No. 86, President Polk, apply equally to this case.

NO. 101. "MANHATTAN"

Seaman complains about the method of conducting lifeboat drills on the above steamer; of the fact that the steward's department must eat in a hurry and many times standing up; and of the crowded conditions of the crew's quarters and ventilation of same.

See response to complaints concerning the S. S. Washington which is identical with the above. The Washington is a sister ship of the S. S. Manhattan. responses are contained in complaints Nos. 66, 67, 76, 77, and 80.

NO. 102. S. S. "WASHINGTON"

These

Seaman complains of the crew's quarters, the food, and the inadequacy of the boat drill.

In regard to the boat drill he states that during four trips he has never seen the boats lowered to the water's edge.

See responses to similar complaints concerning the S. S. Manhattan, sister ship, in regard to failure to lower boats to the water's edge. The Bureau's regulations do not require that this be done except at annual inspection. During the regular fire and boat drill the boats must be swung out and made ready for lowering.

NO. 100. S. S. "EXETER"

Seaman complains of cramped quarters in the forecastle and that, due to improper ventilation, installation, and arrangement, the seamen cannot sleep in summer because of the heat, nor can they sleep in winter because of the condensation on the underside of the steel deck overhead.

An examination by an inspector of the New York office on January 21, 1937, indicates that so far as cubic capacity is concerned, the quarters of the crew of the Exeter are well within the requirements of the law. Insofar as the total deck area is concerned, it is adequate and in compliance with the law. Much of this area, however, is obstructed by lockers for seamen's clothing, etc. Report of the inspectors does show that insofar as deck area is concerned in some rooms, although the total floor area of the room is in strict compliance with the law, i. e., obstructed area plus open area, etc., the floor space available is insufficient for the comfort of the number of men berthed there.

Investigation of adequacy of crews' quarters is being conducted by the Bureau, and in the case of existing ships alterations are being ordered to correct these conditions.

As far as ventilation and heat are concerned, investigation indicated that these requirements are at a bare minimum. Investigation indicated that there was some leakage of the deck overhead and the inspector states that these matters were corrected. Insofar as condensation is concerned, this should be at a minimum as the steel inside the quarters is insulated with ground cork insulation.

The Bureau finds no violation of law and regulations in regard to crew's quarters on this ship.

NOS. 100, 103, AND 110. S. S. "EXETER"

An examination made by a traveling inspector of the steamship Exochorda, sister ship of the steamship Exeter, was made for the purpose of examining the crew's quarters. Members of the crew who are now present on the vessel were questioned and stated that they had no complaint to make with conditions. The bulkheads in the quarters are steel and those on the outboard side and the under side of the deck were sprayed with cork paint to prevent sweating. There was no evidence of leaks or moisture in the quarters. Ventilation appeared to be ample through port holes, ventilators, and electric fans.

See complaint No. 100.

See complaint No. 100.

NO. 103. S. S. "EXETER"

NO. 110. S. S. "EXETER"

NO. 104. S. S. "PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT"

Seaman complains of crowded conditions in the quarters for the stewards and of the ventilation in same; also states that boat drills are not properly held, either in New York or in Hamburg. He further states that most of the crew are German. In investigation of this complaint, the Bureau secured an affidavit from the chief officer of the above ship which is quoted below, as is the investigation of Bureau's inspector at New York.

Affidavit

"In reply to complaint against this vessel of voyage covering December 25th, 1935-Jan. 19th, 1936. I was on this vessel as chief officer, in which capacity I have served on this vessel from August 1934 to the present date. In reference to

complaint regarding gloryhole mentioned the statement made is greatly exaggerated.

"In the meantime, about three months ago, this compartment has been discontinued for the use of the crew and is at present used as a storeroom for the steward's department. Members of the crew assigned to this room are now quartered in converted section of third class passenger accommodation.

"In reference to boat drills mentioned in this complaint at that particular time of year it is possible that the weather was so bad that swinging boats on davits at sea would be dangerous to the men and gear; under such conditions boats or davits would not be swung, but in all cases where weather permits boats and davits are swung out. Mention of the boats not being touched for one year is entirely false as the boats are inspected frequently by officers of the steamboat inspection service as well as every trip at Hamburg where boats and gear are inspected by representative of the German Board of Trade. At this time when weather permits one or two boats are lowered to water and crew exercised at oars. Besides this I have all boats and gear examined and checked every voyage, and I personally see to it that boats and gear are kept up to the highest standard.

"In reference to the crew not being present at drill in Hamburg this is false as the German Board of Trade demands that all members be present except those absolutely necessary for safe operation of ship. In addition to this boats' crews are always checked from boat cards and missing members punished according to regulations.

"The statement saying that steward's department is 100% German is false. The majority of this dept. are German born but naturalized U. S. citizens and meet with requirements of the shipping commissioners.

"Respectfully,

[SEAL]

Investigation

WM. DOUGHERTY, Chief Officer."

"Complaint #104 against S. S. President Roosevelt has been investigated and sworn statement of Wm. Dougherty, chief officer is attached. The steward's quarters mentioned have been discontinued and outside rooms are now provided in another part of the vessel, said change being to provide more suitable quarters. Examination of records show that fire and boat drills were held regularly and that those conducted by inspectors of this service were satisfactory. The complainant made a voyage in the winter, at which time weather conditions often make it impractical to swing lifeboats on account of danger of damaging equipment and injury to the crew.

"(Signed) J. T. DRAKE,
"Asst. Inspector Hulls."

NO. 105. S. S. "CARPLAKA"

Seaman complains that crew's quarters are uninhabitable and unsanitary in that the crew's toilets are in such close proximity to the quarters that the stench is intolerable. He further alleges that boat drills were not properly held.

Investigation by inspectors at Philadelphia indicates that toilets are in close proximity to the mess room and quarters. However, the toilets were found to be clean. Stench, according to the inspectors at Philadelphia, is due to the fact that the toilets are continually flushed with water in which the vessel is floating, in Philadelphia this being river water which contains considerable amount of sewage. The inspectors state that when the vessel is at sea, no odor should be noticeable.

Under the provisions of Public 868, crew's quarters must be inspected periodically, and if possible, at least once each month. The Bureau is making every effort to correct conditions such as described aboard the Carplaka.

In regard to the allegation of fire and boat drills not being held properly, investigation shows that the master did miss two periodical drills, and for this reason he was reprimanded by the local inspectors conducting the investigation.

NO. 106. S. S. "HAITI"

Seaman complains that the space assigned for hospital accommodation as required by law was regularly used by messmen and others of the steward's department as quarters. The seaman further alleges that although he has been going to sea since 1931 he has never taken part in an actual boat drill where boats were placed on the water and the crew exercised in their use.

The investigation including a sworn statement by Captain Long, the master, reveals that on the voyage from New York on August 20, 1935, to the West

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