Public Law 74–618

That section 4471 of the Revised Statutes of the United States, as amended (U. S. C., title 46, sec. 464), be, and the same is hereby, amended by adding thereto the following new paragraph:

Passenger vessels.

Automatic sprinkler system required on certain.

“On and after July 1, 1937, every passenger vessel with berthed or stateroom accommodation for fifty or more passengers shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler system, which shall be in addition to any other device or devices for fire protection, of a type prescribed by the Board of Supervising Inspectors and approved by the Secretary of Commerce. All enclosed portions of such vessels accessible to passengers or crew (except cargo holds, machinery spaces, and, when of fire-resisting construction, toilets, bathrooms, and spaces of similar construction) shall be protected by an automatic

Proviso.

Exceptions.

sprinkler system: Provided, That if after investigation the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection finds in the case of a particular vessel the application of this Act is unnecessary properly to

Tests to insure efficiency.

protect life on such vessel, an exception may be made. The Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection shall cause to be made suitable tests and inspections as will insure the proper working

Types to be prescribed; term defined.

of such systems. In carrying out the provisions of this paragraph the Bureau of Navigation and Steamboat Inspection is hereby authorized and directed to prescribe the particular approved type, character, and manner of installation of systems to be fitted. The term ‘type’ as herein used shall be considered to mean any system which will give a prescribed or required efficiency and shall not mean some peculiar shape or design and shall not be confined to some certain brand or make.”