§ Mr. Prescottasked the Secretary of State for Trade what manning and certification requirements are applicable to the British vessel "Blackthorne"; and what are those required for British coastal vessels of 200 and 250 tons, respectively.
§ Mr. EyreThe recommended safe deck manning applicable to the mv "Blackthorne"—formerly "Eden 243W Fisher"—as set out in a safe deck manning certificate issued in accordance with Merchant Shipping Notice No. M.798, is 6—master, 2 mates and 3 ratings—when operating in the home trade area. A fourth rating is required for voyages beyond that area. In addition, two engineers and a cook would be expected to be carried. There are at present no certification requirements for home trade cargo ships, but for voyages beyond home trade limits the master, both mates, chief engineer and second engineer are required to be duly certificated in accordance with section 92 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894. New regulations coming into operation on 1 September introduce certification requirements for all seagoing United Kingdom ships.
The recommended minimum safe manning for home trade cargo ships of up to 350 gross tons registered in the United Kingdom is set out in Merchant Shipping Notice No. M.794.