Develop simple methods for bridging shafts in passenger compartments

While suggestions have been made as to the desirability of finding some means of bridging these shafts, it is the view of the Department of Transport that this is not really practicable. the Court is not convinced by this. It considers that simple methods of bridging should be developed. For example, split deckhead panels hinged in way of the sides of a longitudinal passage could be arranged so that with the ship on her beam ends one of these panels could be brought down and made to bridge the gap. It would be self-supporting if it extended fore and aft beyond the sides of the transverse alley way. There may well be better methods, but some such simple device should be developed and made a requirement.