-5from the berthing area (hold #2) was through one heavy water-tight hatch leading forward through a high hazard area, i.e., x-ray and laboratory areas
{containing flamable chemicals and high voltage), then up a ladder and aft onto the well deck.
A second hatch leading aft went through a cluttered
Machine shop, into a battery room with no egress.
There was no outside
ventilation into the berthing area that I could find.
The water-tight hatch
controlling access to the medical berthing area had no latch.
When trying
to pass through the hatch in high seas, the heavy hatch would swing violently.
A piece of cord was finally tied to the hatch to keep it open.
The outboard
passageways, both port and starboard on the main deck level required climbing
over a totally exposed fore and aft ladder with no safety lines.
Since our
passage was in heavy weather with severe rolling and pitching, we could easily
have lost one of our party over the side and never have missed him (see
pictures).
From the health standpoint, the berthing area was inadequate.
One
bunk was under an airconditioning unit and throughout the first night at sea
that bunk was drenched about every 30 minutes by 2-4 ounces of ice cold water.
In addition, Dr. Nicoloff complained repeatedly about the "stagnant air in the
berthing compartment."
The large air conditioning unit which was integral and
recirculating for the compartment rendered the area either too hot or too cold.
In our preliminary correspondence and in phone conversations with
a
za
a
Mr. Brown in Honolulu I stressed the importance of having an outer island pilot
for the survey and recommended Mr. Paul LaPoint who has had extensive experience
with previous medical surveys.
While in Honolulu, I was informed that a
Mr. deBrum was to serve as outer island pilot.
While we were in Kwajalein
we were informed that Mr. deBrum would not be available and Mr. Brown attempted to obtain the services of Mr. LaPoint, unsuccessfully.
Therefore,
the ship sailed for the outer islands without an outer islands pilot.
IOS) 155
5
Brgy
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+
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