3052
THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.
[No. 107

wherever the word “lifebelt” occurs in the last-mentioned regulations, of the 27th day of July, 1914, it shall be taken to mean a “life-jacket” as referred to in these regulations.

2. Inspection of Life-jackets.—No life-jacket inspected on or after 1st July, 1917, may be passed (except as specified in paragraph 3) as part of the statutory equipment of a vessel, unless—

(a.) It is of a type approved by a certificate of approval issued on or after 1st January, 1915, by the Imperial Board of Trade or by the Marine Department of New Zealand;

(b.) It complies with the specification annexed to the certificate; and

(c.) It is in good condition and generally fit for the service intended.

Makers of life-jackets who wish to obtain approval for their life-jackets should make application as indicated in paragraph 10. On 1st January, 1917, all certificates of approval dated earlier than 1st January, 1915, will be cancelled.

3. Life-jackets previously passed.—Until 1st July, 1918, any life-jacket which has been previously passed by a Marine Department Surveyor as part of the statutory equipment of a vessel may be accepted as part of the statutory equipment of the same vessel so long as it remains in good condition. On and after that date no life-jacket should be passed unless it complies with the conditions stated in paragraph 2.

4. General.—Life-jackets intended to form part of the statutory equipment of a vessel must be of approved material and construction, and those intended for use by adults must be capable of supporting 15 lb. of iron in fresh water for twenty-four hours. Life-jackets intended only for use by children must in general be capable of supporting 12 lb. of

(b.) The buoyancy of the jacket should be so arranged that it will keep the wearer’s head clear of the water when floating in the inert position.

(c.) In the event of the wearer through any cause being rendered unconscious the head should be so supported that it would not fall forward and the face become submerged.

The “adult’s” jacket should satisfy these conditions when worn by a man of average size, weighing 10½ to 11 stone, and the “child’s” when worn by an average-sized boy about eight years of age.

10. Approval of Life-jackets.—Application for test and approval of life-jackets should be made to the Secretary, Marine Department, Wellington, New Zealand, by ship-owners desirous of adopting any special type of life-jacket, or by makers; a sample jacket should be forwarded for a test, arrangements for which may then be made, the makers or their representatives usually being notified so that they may be present.

When the test is completed a specification form will be supplied by the Marine Department, which must be correctly filled in and duly signed by the maker, who must also submit sample photographs in various positions of adjustment, with instructions for adjustment.

The specification and photographs, and report on the test by the Department’s Surveyors will then be submitted for the consideration of the Department, the result of which will be communicated to the makers, and if the jacket is approved they will be requested to supply a number of copies of the specification and photographs for distribution amongst the Department’s Surveyors, and to undertake to provide with all jackets supplied a minimum number of photographs showing adjustment.