ملف ٥٠/ ١٩١٤، الجزء ١٠، "الخليج الفارسي: الإضاءة والطافيات؛ توريد سفينة حفيظة على المنارة؛ السفينة نيارخوس" [ظ‎‎١‎٦‎٥] (٤٧٠/٣٣٥)

6. Derricks .—The provision of a winch and derrick capable of dealing with
weights up to 8 tons and the necessary facilities for stowing 8-ton buoys on deck
without risk, are mentioned in the note by the Director-in-Chief of the Indo-
* Received with Foreign Department No. 2389-E.A., European Telegraph Department, dated
dated27th December 1911. 16th October* 191 1, and in Mr. Hood’s
Report of 28th June 1909, but do not appear in the specification, which only
provides for a derrick capable of dealing with two tons.
7. Compressed air plant ,—I understand that this is necessary for testing
the float chamber of gas buoys ; Mr. Hood appears to contemplate some such
provision in his Report above quoted.
8. Deck accommodation for buoys .—It is understood that all work on buoys
will be done on the forecastle deck, which should be made sufficiently spacious
for the purpose, with facilities for stowing buoys in transport from depot to
stations and vice versd.
9. There remains one point which I mention with great diffidence, it being
one on which I am in no w’ay qualified to express an opinion. It has been
pointed out to me that the Royal Indian Marine Steamer “ Lawrence ” is
undoubtedly the most suitable vessel in the Gulf as regards accommodation for
officers, passengers and crew, and I would suggest for consideration the advisa
bility of constructing the new tender on the same lines as far as is possible,
though fitted, as suggested, with twin screws and all the latest modern improve
ments. Should this be found feasible, all the officers’ and passengers’ cabins
and the saloon would be aft, whilst warrant officers, 2nd and 3rd class
passengers and crew would be berthed forward. Amidships, that is to say, in
the erection forming the bridge, would be crews’ and coolies’ galleys, latrines,
wash places, lamp locker, boatswain’s locker, and armoury, on the port side ;-and
on the starboard side officers’ galley, bathrooms, water closets for officers
and warrant officers, and locker for buoyage gear. On the main deck forward
and aft would be accommodated coolies, lighth<*use crews etc.
I am further advised that it is probable that telemotor steering gear, on
account of the exceptional climatic conditions ruling in the Gulf, would prove
unreliable, and I venture to suggest that the usual hand controlled steam
steering gear be supplied, the engine being situated on deck if possible.
I am sending a copy of this letter to the Director, Royal Indian Marine.
G. C. B. R, Simla.,— No. C. 53 F- D.—31.8.12.44.-C. G. S