126 EFFICIENCY IN THE OPERATION OF STEAMSHIPS. 
Much could be written about the subject of insurance—all classes—but it would not in- 
fluence the prevailing opinion of those who should know the subject fairly well. Any dis- 
cussion on this subject can be summed up by saying that when loss and damage are high the 
rate is high and when loss and damage are low the rate is low. This cost could be reduced 
by bonus to ships’ officers and self-insurance. 
The remaining items which enter into the cost of operation are either unavoidable or 
under the supervision of the personnel afloat, and if care has been exercised to select only 
efficient officers it naturally follows that they will produce efficient results. 
The question of subsistence, while not very large in total cost, is most important in hav- 
ing satisfied personnel afloat, and sufficient care should be exercised to see that food is prop- 
erly prepared and made appetizing instead of the all too common practice of serving im- 
properly prepared and unpalatable food. 
The Shipping Board has recently placed a limit on the cost of feeding of 65 cents per 
man per day. My experience is that this is a generous allowance, provided that it is judi- 
ciously expended. 
In the matter of deck and engine stores it would be well to work out an annual sched- 
ule of allowances and requirements. In discussing this subject with one of the profession, 
I found that he had worked up data for a company covering its fleet of quite a number of 
vessels, and on an average the figures of cost allowance check very close for requirements. 
For example, a vessel of the 7,500 to 9,000 deadweight ton class was allowed: 
IDYaele Glejpewnmmsits Coacgadsnecasecagogssouusdpousede $17.30 per day 
Engine depantmenty yee rsse rte ieee eine 19.15 per day 
Siiswenadl SwmMGlaes osooscacogeesoucondooccoguasences 5.25 per day 
In comparing these figures with those of actual operation, they were found to be rather 
generous, and it only confirms the opinion that in these departments, with a fixed schedule, 
the former excessive cost can be reduced to a minimum. 
Taken as a whole, one is impressed with the manner in which shipping is handled 
since the days of the World War, and while in many cases there is too much misdirected 
energy, the members of the profession realize that the time has arrived to establish the Amer- 
ican merchant marine on a clean, efficient business basis, and to regulate the operating cost 
so that it will be on a par with international competition. 
From a study of the data available, the writer is of the opinion that American ships can 
be made efficient, and excepting the excessive first cost, depreciation and overhead expense, 
can hold their own against any competition. To accomplish this result there should be closer 
relations between the executives of companies and the masters of their vessels. Masters 
should be selected for their efficiency and given absolute authority over the operation of 
their vessels. Chief engineers should be selected likewise and given absolute authority over 
their own department. The master should be furnished with complete cost data so that he 
can remedy high cost over which he has control and show the owner the excessive cost 
over which he has no control. 
Managers and marine superintendents should be men who have served as master of a 
vessel. Superintending engineers should be men who have served as chief engineer of a ves- 
sel. Everything concerning the handling and stowage of cargo should be subject to the 
approval of the master of the vessel. If the master is to be held responsible, he should be 
given full authority regarding all details. 
