In regard to the food, the Bureau's investigation includes an affidavit from the chief officer and the chief steward of the above ship together with a standard crew menu which would indicate that the food served is varied and sufficient in quantity. The Bureau finds no violation of the law, the shipping articles, or the regulations. NO. 125. S. S. "AMERICAN LEGION" Seaman in an affidavit April 25, 1936, complains of condition of crew's quarters on the above ship, also alleges that tanks in the way of the fireroom are leaking fuel oil, that the drinking water tank in the after peak leaks and is contaminated with river and sea water, that the ship is not properly and safely manned and operated. Investigation by inspectors of the New York office on April 10, 1937, revealed that the crew's quarters had undergone extensive alteration and that the quarters for the engine-room crew had been moved away from the fireroom on the E deck. The inspector says that the quarters at the present time are well ventilated and sanitary. The inspector examined the quality of the water in the after peak tank and stated that it was clear and palatable on that date. Complete examination was made of the fire pump and fire lines and they were found to be in good condition and in accordance with the law and regulations. In regard to the leakage of fuel oil in the fireroom, the inspector states that about 200 feet of seam and about 500 rivets in settling tanks were being cauled during the time he was aboard to stop the leak. In this connection, it should be stated that leakage of seams in fuel oil and settling tanks is not unusual. In this case the leakage was quite extensive, but evidently was not enough to adverse the effect of the seaworthiness of the vessel. Investigation reveals no violation of the law or the Bureau's rules and regula tions. NO. 126. "PRESIDENT HARDING" Seaman complains of fuel valve in firemen's quarters giving off gas. This complaint is identical with No. 98. quarters by order of the Bureau's inspectors. The valve has been removed from the NO. 127. S. 8. "SANTA ELENA" Seaman William Donnelly, who served aboard the above steamer as fireman from March to April 1936, complains of the firemen's quarters, stating they were damp and not fit for human habitation; that the port holes leaked, the gaskets being broken; also that the men were required to work day and night and holidays; and that the food was not fit to eat and no service given the men. An inspector for the Bureau reports as follows concerning the above complaint: "Examined port holes and gaskets and found all in good order. The washroom and toilet, opposite firemen's quarter, spacious and in a sanitary condition. Chief officer states no food complaint had been made to his knowledge. First assistant engineer states that the only day and night watches were the routine sea watches, also a mess boy is always assigned to the firemen's mess.' This inspector enclosed in his report an abstract of the engineer's log book. "The following are watches missed by Fireman Donnelly during the voyage, due to drunkenness : "March 7th: 12-4 a. m. It would appear under the circumstances that the charges were not substantiated by investigation. NO. 128. 8. 8. "EASTERN TEMPLE" Seaman complains that at an inspection and lifeboat drill, held aboard the above steamer in the port of Boston, the lifeboat equipment was in such condition that the water breakers fell apart, the provisions were useless, and that the lifeboats had holes in their hulls. While this complaint does not give any specific month or year, investigation of inspection records of this steamer indicate that in February 1935 she was inspected at Providence and her certificate withdrawn until repairs were made and all requirements of the inspectors complied with. The records indicate further that the local inspectors at New York investigated conditions aboard this steamer, and at the hearing it was brought out that espionage was the probable cause for some of the conditions existing. The ship has since been laid up at Norfolk, Virginia, and is not now certificated. NO. 129. M. V. "SANTA BARBARA" Seaman complains of conditions aboard this vessel in regard to the sanitation of the crew's quarters, that the food was such that it could not be eaten, and that men were fired for complaining about the food. Inspectors from the New York office investigated this complaint and secured a signed statement from the service director and the second steward, stating that the linen in the crew's quarters is changed once a week in cool weather and twice a week in hot climates. Inspectors found that the owners were making every effort to eliminate vermin by fumigation and spraying the crew's quarters by insecticides. A copy of the menu which the inspector secured, and a further examination of the food by the inspectors, shows the food is served in sufficient quantity and variety. X A BILL TO AMEND THE MERCHANT MARINE ACT OF 1936 32437 PART 6 JANUARY 11, 1938 Printed for the use of the Committee on UNITED STATES WASHINGTON: 1938 Statements of CONTENTS Page Ralph Emerson, legislative representative of the maritime unions 361 374 Patrick Whalen, port chairman, port of Baltimore, for the National 448 Joseph Smith, president, National Association of American Seamen, 463 Dr. B. M. Gancy, director of the Filipino League for Social Justice; national headquarters, Washington, D. C..-. 466 E. L. Oliver, vice president, Labor's Nonpartisan League. 473 |