Steam Navigation - There is a Government Bill in the House of Commons, for the regulation of steam navigation, and for requiring sea going vessels to carry boats. It contains thirty-one provisions, founded on the preamble, which declares it to be expedient to make further provision for regulating the construction of sea-going steam-vessels, and for preventing the occurrence of accidents, (as far as may be possible,) in steam-navigation.

From the 1st of January, sea-going vessels are to carry boats, the tonnage being 200 tons or more ; and from that day sea-going vessels, the building of which was commenced after the passing of the present measure, are to be divided by transverse water-tight partitions, so that the fore part of the vessel, as well as the after part, may be separated from the engine-room. The Board of Trade is to grant certificates of the sufficiency and good condition of steam vessels, and all accidents are to be reported to the Board, and the department may appoint inspectors to report thereon. It is provided by one of the provisions, that offences on the high seas are to be deemed to have been committed at the place where the offender is found, or into which he may be brought. The Bill is not to extend to Her Majesty's ships of war, nor to any vessel not being a British registered vessel. Nautical Magazine for July, 1846.

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