§ Mr. KINGasked what tests are applied to collapsible lifeboats before they are authorised for life-saving purposes to be carried on passenger vessels, and especially whether they are tested as to capability of rapid expansion and easy launching under conditions of bad weather?
Mr. BUXTONThe designs of collapsible boats are submitted by the makers to the Board of Trade before they are authorised as approved life-saving appliances. An experimental boat is constructed and tested both in the water and out, and if considered satisfactory such design is approved for general use. Such boats are subjected to the same periodical surveys as other ordinary boats for passenger vessels, and practically tested for rapid expansion and for easy launching similarly to the other boats.
§ Mr. KINGWhen the collapsible boat is once approved does the approval continue for an indefinite time or are there periodical inspections more frequent than in the case of a lifeboat?