Similarly there is no fixed relation between the tonnage of vessels and the deck space available for the carrying of lifeboats under davits. Increase in the length of a vessel is only one of the factors, and often not the most material factor contributing to the increase in its tonnage, and it should also be remembered, in estimating the space available for the launching of lifeboats, that it is impossible to place davits forward of the bridge, and very undesirable to have them on the quarters of the vessel. We are strongly of opinion that every encouragement should be given to secure the provision of vessels which by their construction have been rendered as unsinkable as possible, and which are provided with efficient means for communicating with the shore or with other vessels in case of disaster. In view of these considerations, we have agreed upon the following recommendations: 1. That it is questionable whether it is practicable to increase the number of davits. 2. That any increase in the number of lifeboats to be carried can probably be best effected by providing for the launching of further boats from the existing davits. 3. That the table should be extended in the manner indicated below, viz.: -------------------------+-------------+---------------+---------------- | | Minimum | | | number of | Total minimum | Minimum | additional | cubic | number of | boats to be | contents of Gross tonnage. | boats to be | readily | boats required | placed under| available | by | davits. | for attachment| columns | | to davits. | 2 and 3. -------------------------+-------------+---------------+---------------- | | | _Cubic feet._ 10,000 and under 12,000 | 16 | ---- | 5,500 12,000 and under 20,000 | 16 | 2 | 6,200 20,000 and under 35,000 | 16 | 4 | 6,900 35,000 and under 45,000 | 16 | 6 | 7,600 45,000 and upward | 16 | 8 | 8,300 -------------------------+-------------+---------------+---------------- It is further recommended that all passenger vessels of 10,000 tons gross tonnage and upward should be required to be fitted with wireless telegraphy apparatus. 4. That the rules should be amended so as to admit of decked lifeboats of an approved type being stowed on top of one another or under an open lifeboat, subject to suitable arrangements being made for launching promptly the boats so stowed.