Was Passed by Victoria Officials on July 2nd, 1903
The certificate of inspection granted to the steamer 'Clallam' by Capt. R. Collister, inspector of
hands and equipment, and Capt. A. Thomson, inspector of boilers, was given to the lost steamer on
July 3rd. The inspection of the steamer was made on July 2nd by both inspectors. The certificate,
which was witnessed by a Colonist reporter yesterday, is signed by both officials. It certifies
that the steamer is a vessel of 365.78 tons, under deck tonnage. Her gross tonnage was 657 tons,
registered net tonnage of 415 tons. The tonnage of her houses on deck was 306.22 tons. The vessel
had one boat with a carrying capacity of 32 persons, and five lifeboats with a capacity of 155
persons. She had 530 life preservers, 25 fire buckets, 6 axes, 6 lanterns, 4 life buoys. She was
entitled to carry 250 passengers and freight, or 500 on excursions without freight. The boiler
inspector certified to the steamer being fully equipped. She had 66 nominal horsepower, and her
boiler was certified to carry 165 pounds of steam to the square inch.
Regarding inspection the Seattle Times says:
"The 'Clallam' was a new boat, having been in commission only six months. Presumably she
was duly examined by government inspectors and pronounced seaworthy. Presumably, also, her officials
were duly examined and properly licensed to operate such vessels. The fact that a new steamer
running between Seattle and Victoria springs a leak within the short space of six months makes
pertinent the query:
"Do inspectors really inspect? Are their examinations of applicants for positions on ships
as thorough as they should be for the proper protection of the traveling public?
"A few years ago the marine service on Puget Sound was scandalized by the putting of a
number of unseaworthy vessels on the Alaskan service. A few disasters and an indignant public
brought about a better inspection service. The unexpected disaster to the 'Clallam' suggests that
possibly more care should be exercised in the inspection of boats placed in commission."
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