Medical Officers Cutter

The original main engine is the five cylinder Ruston ATXM rated at 655 SHP at 400rpm. This engine has completed 12,800 hours since new and is generally operated at a maximum of 310rpm. This engine is direct injection air start.

A Gardner marine engine (not a converted vehicle engine) with extended crankshaft, iron sump, model 6LXB is fitted as a wing engine to port, with the Gardner mechanical gearbox. This engine is at present set to the continuous marine rating of 125shp at 1500rpm. In addition it provides 24v DC power bilge, fire and salvage pump services. The mechanical gearbox is fitted to permit the wing engine propellor to be locked in position when this is required.
The diesel fuel capacity is eleven tons, in the existing double bottom tanks, settling and gravity day tank. Fresh water capacity is some 15 tons. Space is available for the carriage of considerable extra fuel and water. An early model water maker is aboard but now remains unused.

Extreme range, at economical speed, is 3500 n. miles. Fuel consumption at the most economical speed, 7 knots, is found to be 5 to 7 imp. gallons per hour. At 11 knots double this.

The ship is rigged for and carries a Bermudian mizzen sail, a mizzen staysail and foresail. These purely auxiliary sails both steady the ship and considerably reduce fuel consumption. Salis are not effective “to windward”.

The hull is in low carbon steel, five strakes per side, 0.38”, 0.26”, 0.26”, 0.26” and 0.30”, and is fastened with 5/8” mild steel rivets. A 6” x 1” bar keelson extends the length of the ship, protects the propeller and forms the lower rudder support. The ship regularly takes the ground. The hull scantlings will be recognised as heavy. Recent ultrasonic testing indicates minimal erosion.

There are four watertight transverse bulkheads, with watertight doors. The diesel fuel capacity is eleven tons, in the existing double bottom tanks, settling and gravity day tank. Fresh water capacity is some 15 tons. Space is available for the carriage of considerable extra fuel and water. An early model water maker is aboard but now remains unused.

Saloon (originally the Medical Officer’s consulting room). Re-furnished in 1998. Including:- Two nine foot settee/berths, dining table to seat ten people, an anthracite burning stove and sideboard.

“Medical Officer’s cabin”, with berth, desk, drawers and with a large compartment with sliding doors now used for major food stores.

“Master’s cabin”, single berth, desk and wardrobe.

“Officers” WC with shower and washbasin.

Galley includes:- Butane gas stove, oven, sink with fresh and salt water supply and refrigerator.

Deck cabin to starboard with two berths.

After cabins, originally the “hospital”. Three berths in two compartments, separate WC.

A bar, with basin, running water, liquor stowage and cabinet serves the awning covered after deck hospitality area.

Portside is a WC with washbasin and shower. Portside is a general storeroom for tools and deck gear.

Below, forward, is a crew mess fitted out with three berths plus two settee/berths, table, and two large stowage cabinets.

Astern of the crew mess are two smaller cabins, one with two berths, one with three.

A storeroom, used for food stores, is equipped with a large well-insulated icebox.

Aft, two double berth cabins are either side of a wide passageway with an accommodation ladder to the after deck. Each has a cupboard and hanging wardrobe.

1 off Single phase arc welding set, 150 amp
2 off Wheel bench grinder
1 off Small bench lathe
1 off Bench drill press
1 off Propane gas cooker, with oven
1 off Rechargeable 12v electric portable drill
1 off Double insulated 230v deep freeze – requiring some eight hours AC supply
only, per day
1 off Gas/electric refrigerator
2 off Boats with outboard motors.
1 off 230v electric portable high pressure washer/cleaner
A comprehensive set of hand tools
Portable electric tools, grinder, drills and a jigsaw
Liferaft and lifejackets