This distress EPIRB unit (Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon) was found on the beach at Levy's Point, Warrnambool, in December 2000 by a Warrnambool resident. Local police were alerted at the time. This distress signal unit is a world-wide COSPAS/SARSAT, satellite assisted, SAR (Search and Rescue) system for location of distress transmissions emitted by an EPIRB. Offshore cruising vessels must have such a unit as part of its essential safety equipment. This model EPIRB relies on four satellites with orbit times of approximately 100 minutes. Earlier units relied solely on aircraft flying overhead to detect and forward on the EPIRB’s location to Search And Rescue authorities, whereas this new system utilises satellites. An employee from the Lokata firm provided additional information about the Lokata EPIRB units. They had a machined aluminium case with labels that were also made on site. The units could be activated manually or automatically released when a magnetic switch in the case casing was activated. This later model, circa 1983, would have been mounted externally on a vessel's bulkhead in a spring-loaded, stainless-steel protective 'skeleton' mounting, The unit released when the water pressure sensor detected a set time it was under the water, in a similar way that life crafts were released. Each unit was registered to a particular vessel - the vessel's details on this unit are indecipherable. The Lokata Company was established in 1970, designing and manufacturing marine products including communications. The company no longer makes products with the “Lokata” brand. In 2001 Sartech Engineering Ltd. took over the support for the Lokata EPIRB beacons. This emergency location device is a late 20th century invention to help save lives at sea. It adds to the history of maritime life, its risks, the lives lost as sea, and the many inventions aimed as rescuing and saving lives. The local area is notorious for the number of lives lost through shipwreck. It also carries stories of heroic efforts to save lives, and other inventions to help reduce the chance of accidents at sea.EPIRB unit; “Emergency Position Indication Radio Beacon”. A distress communication unit for sending a distress location transmission in an emergency at sea. The EPIRB is a yellow, rectangular box with dials, buttons, indicator lights and instruction. An antenna protrudes from the top of the unit. The EPIRB unit sends a 406P (X) EPIRB, with 406M-Hz frequency, 48-hour duration signal. The maker was LOKATA Ltd in England. Remnants of a white label remain on the side. Circa 1980s."NAME OF VESSEL 'SERVICE IF SELF TEST FAILS' " “LO-KATA” moulded into the body. "406P (X) EPIRB" “Model 406” "Lokata Type No 92408" "UK Type approved to MPT 1278" "Class 2" "Made by Lokata Ltd, Falmouth Cornwall England TR10 8AE"" "LOKATE LTD. New North Road Hainault, Ilford Essex IG6 2UR" "ARMED / SAFE / TRANSMIT / CODE / DISPLAY / SET / wait / pass / fail / TEST" "IDENTIFIER / 1349:24034234N" [some characters may be different] "COUNTRY / DENMARK" "VESSEL IDENTITY / 124 [the rest is indecipherable]flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked-coast, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, emergency position indicating radio beacon, epirb, lokata ltd, marine safety equipment, satellite transmitting beacon, safety equipment, distress signal, life saving, safety at sea, shipwreck location, lo-kata, falmouth, emergency, beacon, radio signal, communication, marine equipment

This three-dimensional Distant Signal is part of a Flagstaff Signal set of ball, cone and drum shapes. It has been woven and then fabricated with strong metal swivel fittings and loops for suspending from a high point on a flagstaff at a signal station or on a ship’s masthead. The cane signal was constructed to withstand all weather and to be visible from a long distance. The gaps between the woven cane allow air to pass through, minimising possible swaying. Similar sets were made from rope or fabric. Warrnambool's Flagstaff was erected in 1854. Its primary use was to display visual signals that could convey messages between land and sea. It was also used to notify the local population of the approach of ships. One of the popular signalling codes in use in the early-to-mid 1800s was the Marryat’s Code but there were others in use as well; there was no one standard code. In 1857 the International Marine Conference adopted an International Code of Signals as a standard communications system for all vessels that could be understood in many different languages. The Normanby Advertiser reported on June 5th 1857 a query from the Post Master General as to whether the request of the Chief Harbour Master would be carried out, in that Warrnambool would receive a new flagstaff and a set of Marryatt’s signal flags. The Table of Codes was published, showing how to use combinations of these flags to send messages. The Code was revised in 1887 to cover situations where distance, light, wind and weather conditions affected the visibility of the flags and prevented clear communication. The first report of the International Code of Signals Committee of 1897 warned signalmen not to rely on ordinary semaphore flags and introduced a Distant Signal Code using either particular semaphore flags or the three-dimensional shapes of a ball, cone and drum that aligned with the semaphore flag shapes of a circle, pennant and square. International Code of Signals In 1931, after World War I’s experiences in using signal codes, the International Code of Signals conference in Washington revised and published the rules for the conduct of signalling. One of the changes was that “the use of the Distant Signals and of fixed semaphore was abandoned”. It is of interest to know that modern marine law in many countries insists that a set of Day Shapes must be carried onboard vessels of a certain size. These highly visible geometric shapes are used at sea in daylight to communicate messages between vessels. They are used in a similar way to the Distant Signals, in that different combinations of shapes represent different messages. The set of shapes includes a ball, cylinder, cone and diamond. The shapes are hung between the top of the vessel’s foremast and the front of the vessel. They are only coloured black and are about 1.5 metres high. The vertical line of shapes can mean messages such as Boat not under command, Fishing, and Under sail and power.Distant Signals were an important means of marine communication from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, including during World War I. They were an advancement to the International Shipping Codes and safety. The cane signals’ shapes appear to be the same from whatever direction they are viewed, removing confusion about the message they convey. The same shapes continue to be used today for the sets of Day Shapes used as marine navigational signals that are mandatory on certain-sized vessels.Distant Signal Cone, part of a Flagstaff signal set. A woven cane cone, painted black, with a metal rod passing through the centre and two crossed metal bars at the base. The central rod has a loop at the top and passes through the bars at the base, finishing in a metal loop. The rod has swivels at each end.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, marine navigation, marine communications, communication signal, lifesaving, ship at sea, day shape, masthead signal, day signal, day mark signals, marine technology, safety equipment, navigation equipment, marine day shape, day marker, cane day shape, signal cone, day signal cone, cone signal, cone day shape, distant signal, flagstaff signal, signal station, communications, signals, marine signals, flaghoists, international marine conference, international code of signals, signal codes, marine safety, signal flags, daymark, day symbol, navigation, warrnambool flagstaff, 1854, 1857 1931, 1887, 1897

This three-dimensional Distant Signal is part of a Flagstaff Signal set of ball, cone and drum shapes. It has been woven and then fabricated with strong metal swivel fittings and loops for suspending from a high point on a flagstaff at a signal station or on a ship’s masthead. The cane signal was constructed to withstand all weather and to be visible from a long distance. The gaps between the woven cane allow air to pass through, minimising possible swaying. Similar sets were made from rope or fabric. Warrnambool's Flagstaff was erected in 1854. Its primary use was to display visual signals that could convey messages between land and sea. It was also used to notify the local population of the approach of ships. One of the popular signalling codes in use in the early-to-mid 1800s was the Marryat’s Code but there were others in use as well; there was no one standard code. In 1857 the International Marine Conference adopted an International Code of Signals as a standard communications system for all vessels that could be understood in many different languages. The Normanby Advertiser reported on June 5th 1857 a query from the Post Master General as to whether the request of the Chief Harbour Master would be carried out, in that Warrnambool would receive a new flagstaff and a set of Marryatt’s signal flags. The Table of Codes was published, showing how to use combinations of these flags to send messages. The Code was revised in 1887 to cover situations where distance, light, wind and weather conditions affected the visibility of the flags and prevented clear communication. The first report of the International Code of Signals Committee of 1897 warned signalmen not to rely on ordinary semaphore flags and introduced a Distant Signal Code using either particular semaphore flags or the three-dimensional shapes of a ball, cone and drum that aligned with the semaphore flag shapes of a circle, pennant and square. International Code of Signals In 1931, after World War I’s experiences in using signal codes, the International Code of Signals conference in Washington revised and published the rules for the conduct of signalling. One of the changes was that “the use of the Distant Signals and of fixed semaphore was abandoned”. It is of interest to know that modern marine law in many countries insists that a set of Day Shapes must be carried onboard vessels of a certain size. These highly visible geometric shapes are used at sea in daylight to communicate messages between vessels. They are used in a similar way to the Distant Signals, in that different combinations of shapes represent different messages. The set of shapes includes a ball, cylinder, cone and diamond. The shapes are hung between the top of the vessel’s foremast and the front of the vessel. They are only coloured black and are about 1.5 metres high. The vertical line of shapes can mean messages such as Boat not under command, Fishing, and Under sail and power.Distant Signals were an important means of marine communication from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, including during World War I. They were an advancement to the International Shipping Codes and safety. The cane signals’ shapes appear to be the same from whatever direction they are viewed, removing confusion about the message they convey. The same shapes continue to be used today for the sets of Day Shapes used as marine navigational signals that are mandatory on certain-sized vessels.Distant Signal Cone, part of a Flagstaff signal set. A woven cane cone, painted black, with a metal rod passing through the centre and two crossed metal bars at the base. The central rod has a loop at the top and passes through the bars at the base, finishing in a metal loop. The rod has swivels at each end.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, marine navigation, marine communications, communication signal, lifesaving, ship at sea, day shape, masthead signal, day signal, day mark signals, marine technology, safety equipment, navigation equipment, marine day shape, day marker, cane day shape, signal cone, day signal cone, cone signal, cone day shape, distant signal, flagstaff signal, signal station, communications, signals, marine signals, flaghoists, international marine conference, international code of signals, signal codes, marine safety, signal flags, daymark, day symbol, navigation, warrnambool flagstaff, 1854, 1857 1931, 1887, 1897

This three-dimensional Distant Signal is part of a Flagstaff Signal set of ball, cone and drum shapes. It has been woven and then fabricated with strong metal swivel fittings and loops for suspending from a high point on a flagstaff at a signal station or on a ship’s masthead. The cane signal was constructed to withstand all weather and to be visible from a long distance. The gaps between the woven cane allow air to pass through, minimising possible swaying. Similar sets were made from rope or fabric. Warrnambool's Flagstaff was erected in 1854. Its primary use was to display visual signals that could convey messages between land and sea. It was also used to notify the local population of the approach of ships. One of the popular signalling codes in use in the early-to-mid 1800s was the Marryat’s Code but there were others in use as well; there was no one standard code. In 1857 the International Marine Conference adopted an International Code of Signals as a standard communications system for all vessels that could be understood in many different languages. The Normanby Advertiser reported on June 5th 1857 a query from the Post Master General as to whether the request of the Chief Harbour Master would be carried out, in that Warrnambool would receive a new flagstaff and a set of Marryatt’s signal flags. The Table of Codes was published, showing how to use combinations of these flags to send messages. The Code was revised in 1887 to cover situations where distance, light, wind and weather conditions affected the visibility of the flags and prevented clear communication. The first report of the International Code of Signals Committee of 1897 warned signalmen not to rely on ordinary semaphore flags and introduced a Distant Signal Code using either particular semaphore flags or the three-dimensional shapes of a ball, cone and drum that aligned with the semaphore flag shapes of a circle, pennant and square. International Code of Signals In 1931, after World War I’s experiences in using signal codes, the International Code of Signals conference in Washington revised and published the rules for the conduct of signalling. One of the changes was that “the use of the Distant Signals and of fixed semaphore was abandoned”. It is of interest to know that modern marine law in many countries insists that a set of Day Shapes must be carried onboard vessels of a certain size. These highly visible geometric shapes are used at sea in daylight to communicate messages between vessels. They are used in a similar way to the Distant Signals, in that different combinations of shapes represent different messages. The set of shapes includes a ball, cylinder, cone and diamond. The shapes are hung between the top of the vessel’s foremast and the front of the vessel. They are only coloured black and are about 1.5 metres high. The vertical line of shapes can mean messages such as Boat not under command, Fishing, and Under sail and power.Distant Signals were an important means of marine communication from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, including during World War I. They were an advancement to the International Shipping Codes and safety. The cane signals’ shapes appear to be the same from whatever direction they are viewed, removing confusion about the message they convey. The same shapes continue to be used today for the sets of Day Shapes used as marine navigational signals that are mandatory on certain-sized vessels.Distant Signal Ball, part of a Flagstaff signal set. A round woven cane ball, painted black, with a metal rod passing through the centre. The rod has a loop at each end, then a concave, octagonal metal plate that rests on the outside surface of the ball, serving as a washer. The rod has swivels at each end.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, shipwreck coast, marine navigation, marine communications, communication signal, lifesaving, ship at sea, day shape, masthead signal, day signal, day mark signals, marine technology, safety equipment, navigation equipment, marine day shape, day marker, cane day shape, signal ball, day signal ball, ball signal, ball day shape, distant signal, flagstaff signal, signal station, communications, signals, marine signals, flaghoists, international marine conference, international code of signals, signal codes, marine safety, signal flags, daymark, day symbol, navigation, warrnambool flagstaff, 1854, 1857 1931, 1887, 1897

The Marine Safety Act, Victoria requires that lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise and in times of restricted visibility during daylight hours. A vessel's lights should indicate: what type of vessel it is, what the vessel is doing, the direction that the vessel is travelling in. E.G. For vessels under 50 m in length, a second masthead light is optional. For vessels under 12 m in length, sidelights may be a combined lantern on fore and aft centreline. Every vessel at sea must show light to indicate type of vessel, directionof travel and speed.Three metal navigational lights; red port, green starboad and clear head light. S/N Side Light (red) Elect. S/N 432 Side Light (Green) Elect. S/N 433 Head Light Elect.navigation light, marine safety, navigation, safety equipment

Unknown use but presumed to be an early Australian made marine personal safety light.Assumed to be an early marine personal safety light manufactured in Australia. Unable to find reference to confirm usage.a black metal floatation canister with lightBGE Life-Light Pat No. 116271, made in Australia, Cat No L606marine rescue, safety light

The line throwing apparatus has been in use for several centuries, in a wide variety of forms. It initially started off as manually launched lines that had shorter ranges and were not very accurate. They faced problems on wind-powered boats and ships since they were dependent on wind speed, wind direction, and the operator accuracy.Modern-day line throwing apparatus are powered using rockets, pneumatic systems, or slingshot mechanisms. They fall under two main categories of propulsion- pyrotechnic, and pneumatic. Pyrotechnic systems make use of an ignition that is used to launch the line, whereas pneumatic systems make use of built-up pressure. Pyrotechnic systems are volatile and can be extremely dangerous due to accidental ignition. In response to growing concerns about the safety of pyrotechnic systems, pneumatic based launchers were invented and widely implemented in the late 20th century.Yellow line throwing device consisting of a canaster containing rolled rope and a firing mechanismPains-Wessex Speedline International. Pt No 5151-01/02speed line, line throwing, marine rescue, pyrotechnics

White paper catalogue with green printing for a sale on account of Parks Victoria, on 12th February 1997 at Rosebud. For sale were vehicles, marine equipment, boats & trailers, metal and wood working machinery, steel and scrap, office furniture and equipment and various tools. Announcement printed in the front of catalogue mentions that J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Are combining their name with the Dyett family and trading as Curnow Dyett, Real Estate Agents, Auctioneers and Qualified Valuers.business, auctioneers, curnow dyett, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - parks victoria, ian dyett, curnow dyett, j h curnow & son pty ltd, occupational health and safety act 1985, noel dyett, ian dyett, fred dyett

White paper catalogue with blue printing for a sale on account of Parks Victoria, AH Plant & Others on 6th February 1997 at Queenscliff. For sale were vehicles, marine equipment, boat, metal and wood working machinery, trailers, steel and scrap, office furniture and equipment, fuel tanks, concrete pipes and piles. Announcement printed in the front of catalogue mentions that J. H. Curnow & Son Pty. Ltd. Are combining their name with the Dyett family and trading as Curnow Dyett, Real Estate Agents, Auctioneers and Qualified Valuers.business, auctioneers, curnow dyett, ian dyett collection - auction catalogue - parks victoria - ah plant & others, j h curnow & son pty ltd, curnow, dyett, curnow dyett, noel dyett, ian dyett, fred dyett, occupational health and safety act 1985

This cast brass deck inspection cover with housing is made for the marine environment. Inspection plates have been incorporated into the ship's design since at least the late 19th century. Modern deck inspection posts have a similar design and can be made from stainless steel, aluminium or plastic. The deck inspection plate gives marine vessel owners and inspectors easy access to the areas below the deck to check for signs of damage, wear or corrosion.This mid-20th-century inspection plate with housing shows the importance of marine safety. Inspections on marine vessels today are still carried out via inspection ports made from modern materials.Inspection plate; a round brass marine inspection screw-out cover and housing with a slotted recess in the lid.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, brass marine inspection plate, marine equipment, inspection housing, boat plate, inspection port, marine plate, deck plate, marine safety

This grappling hook is constructed from two U-shaped lengths of steel pipe, each pinched together in the centre of its arm then the ends spread apart and formed into points. The two pieces are joined with a length of heavy chain, with the end links closed to make the chain into a circle. the hook is usually attached to a rope, chain or pole of suitable length for the job undertaken. Another name for a grappling hook is a grapnel hook. Grappling hooks come in many shapes and sizes and have numerous uses. Some are carried on board vessels and used for pulling things on board or out of the sea, rescuing people from the sea, pulling other vessels closer and moving cargo. They may be used for dredging the seabed for submerged objects. A grapnel anchor can be used to moor or stabilise a vessel. The hook can be thrown out to catch on something, such as a clifftop, and then used for climbing. A form of a grappling hook, a grapnel, can be used for military purposes and is fired from a purpose-built gun or launcher. This grappling hook is an example of equipment used onboard a vessel for safety and functional purposes. Grappling hooks have been used through the centuries and their design has remained basically the same. Grappling hook with four pointed arms. The hook comprises two double-pronged grappling hooks on a chain joined to form a circle. Hooks are made from strong steel.flagstaff hill, maritime village, maritime museum, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, grappling hook, grapple, grapple anchor, marine tool, marine equipment

This safety razor belonged to Dr.William Roy Angus, Surgeon and Oculist. It was donated to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village by his daughter, Bernice McDade. It is part of the “W.R. Angus Collection” that includes historical medical equipment, surgical instruments and material once belonging to Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Thomas Francis Ryan, (both of Nhill, Victoria) as well as Dr Angus’ own belongings. The Collection’s history spans the medical practices of the two Doctors Ryan, from 1885-1926 plus that of Dr Angus, up until 1969. ABOUT THE “W.R.ANGUS COLLECTION” Doctor William Roy Angus M.B., B.S., Adel., 1923, F.R.C.S. Edin.,1928 (also known as Dr Roy Angus) was born in Murrumbeena, Victoria in 1901 and lived until 1970. He qualified as a doctor in 1923 at University of Adelaide, was Resident Medical Officer at the Royal Adelaide Hospital in 1924 and for a period was house surgeon to Sir (then Mr.) Henry Simpson Newland. Dr Angus was briefly an Assistant to Dr Riddell of Kapunda, then commenced private practice at Curramulka, Yorke Peninsula, SA, where he was physician, surgeon and chemist. In 1926, he was appointed as new Medical Assistant to Dr Thomas Francis Ryan (T.F. Ryan, or Tom), in Nhill, Victoria, where his experiences included radiology and pharmacy. In 1927 he was Acting House Surgeon in Dr Tom Ryan’s absence. Dr Angus had become engaged to Gladys Forsyth and they decided he would take time to further his studies overseas in the UK in 1927. He studied at London University College Hospital and at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary and in 1928, was awarded FRCS (Fellow from the Royal College of Surgeons), Edinburgh. He worked his passage back to Australia as a Ship’s Surgeon on the on the Australian Commonwealth Line’s T.S.S. Largs Bay. Dr Angus married Gladys in 1929, in Ballarat. (They went on to have one son (Graham 1932, born in SA) and two daughters (Helen (died 12/07/1996) and Berenice (Berry), both born at Mira, Nhill ) Dr Angus was a ‘flying doctor’ for the A.I.M. (Australian Inland Ministry) Aerial Medical Service in 1928 . The organisation began in South Australia through the Presbyterian Church in that year, with its first station being in the remote town of Oodnadatta, where Dr Angus was stationed. He was locum tenens there on North-South Railway at 21 Mile Camp. He took up this ‘flying doctor’ position in response to a call from Dr John Flynn; the organisation was later known as the Flying Doctor Service, then the Royal Flying Doctor Service. A lot of his work during this time involved dental surgery also. Between 1928-1932 he was surgeon at the Curramulka Hospital, Yorke Peninsula, South Australia. In 1933 Dr Angus returned to Nhill where he’d previously worked as Medical Assistant and purchased a share of the Nelson Street practice and Mira hospital from Dr Les Middleton one of the Middleton Brothers, the current owners of what was once Dr Tom Ryan’s practice. Dr L Middleton was House Surgeon to the Nhill Hospital 1926-1933, when he resigned. [Dr Tom Ryan’s practice had originally belonged to his older brother Dr Edward Ryan, who came to Nhill in 1885. Dr Edward saw patients at his rooms, firstly in Victoria Street and in 1886 in Nelson Street, until 1901. The Nelson Street practice also had a 2 bed ward, called Mira Private Hospital ). Dr Edward Ryan was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1884-1902 . He also had occasions where he successfully performed veterinary surgery for the local farmers too. Dr Tom Ryan then purchased the practice from his brother in 1901. Both Dr Edward and Dr Tom Ryan work as surgeons included eye surgery. Dr Tom Ryan performed many of his operations in the Mira private hospital on his premises. He too was House Surgeon at the Nhill Hospital 1902-1926. Dr Tom Ryan had one of the only two pieces of radiology equipment in Victoria during his practicing years – The Royal Melbourne Hospital had the other one. Over the years Dr Tom Ryan gradually set up what was effectively a training school for country general-practitioner-surgeons. Each patient was carefully examined, including using the X-ray machine, and any surgery was discussed and planned with Dr Ryan’s assistants several days in advance. Dr Angus gained experience in using the X-ray machine there during his time as assistant to Dr Ryan. Dr Tom Ryan moved from Nhill in 1926. He became a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1927, soon after its formation, a rare accolade for a doctor outside any of the major cities. He remained a bachelor and died suddenly on 7th Dec 1955, aged 91, at his home in Ararat. Scholarships and prizes are still awarded to medical students in the honour of Dr T.F. Ryan and his father, Dr Michael Ryan, and brother, John Patrick Ryan. ] When Dr Angus bought into the Nelson Street premises in Nhill he was also appointed as the Nhill Hospital’s Honorary House Surgeon 1933-1938. His practitioner’s plate from his Nhill surgery states “HOURS Daily, except Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday afternoons, 9-10am, 2-4pm, 7-8pm. Sundays by appointment”. This plate is now mounted on the doorway to the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, Warrnambool. Dr Edward Ryan and Dr Tom Ryan had an extensive collection of historical medical equipment and materials spanning 1884-1926 and when Dr Angus took up practice in their old premises he obtained this collection, a large part of which is now on display at the Port Medical Office at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village in Warrnambool. During his time in Nhill Dr Angus was involved in the merging of the Mira Hospital and Nhill Public Hospital into one public hospital and the property titles passed on to Nhill Hospital in 1939. In 1939 Dr Angus and his family moved to Warrnambool where he purchased “Birchwood,” the 1852 home and medical practice of Dr John Hunter Henderson, at 214 Koroit Street. (This property was sold in1965 to the State Government and is now the site of the Warrnambool Police Station. ). The Angus family was able to afford gardeners, cooks and maids; their home was a popular place for visiting dignitaries to stay whilst visiting Warrnambool. Dr Angus had his own silk worm farm at home in a Mulberry tree. His young daughter used his centrifuge for spinning the silk. Dr Angus was appointed on a part-time basis as Port Medical Officer (Health Officer) in Warrnambool and held this position until the 1940’s when the government no longer required the service of a Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool; he was thus Warrnambool’s last serving Port Medical Officer. (The duties of a Port Medical Officer were outlined by the Colonial Secretary on 21st June, 1839 under the terms of the Quarantine Act. Masters of immigrant ships arriving in port reported incidents of diseases, illness and death and the Port Medical Officer made a decision on whether the ship required Quarantine and for how long, in this way preventing contagious illness from spreading from new immigrants to the residents already in the colony.) Dr Angus was a member of the Australian Medical Association, for 35 years and surgeon at the Warrnambool Base Hospital 1939-1942, He served as a Surgeon Captain during WWII1942-45, in Ballarat, Victoria, and in Bonegilla, N.S.W., completing his service just before the end of the war due to suffering from a heart attack. During his convalescence he carved an intricate and ‘most artistic’ chess set from the material that dentures were made from. He then studied ophthalmology at the Royal Melbourne Eye and Ear Hospital and created cosmetically superior artificial eyes by pioneering using the intrascleral cartilage. Angus received accolades from the Ophthalmological Society of Australasia for this work. He returned to Warrnambool to commence practice as an ophthalmologist, pioneering in artificial eye improvements. He was Honorary Consultant Ophthalmologist to Warrnambool Base Hospital for 31 years. He made monthly visits to Portland as a visiting surgeon, to perform eye surgery. He represented the Victorian South-West subdivision of the Australian Medical Association as its secretary between 1949 and 1956 and as chairman from 1956 to 1958. In 1968 Dr Angus was elected member of Spain’s Barraquer Institute of Barcelona after his research work in Intrasclearal cartilage grafting, becoming one of the few Australian ophthalmologists to receive this honour, and in the following year presented his final paper on Living Intrasclearal Cartilage Implants at the Inaugural Meeting of the Australian College of Ophthalmologists in Melbourne In his personal life Dr Angus was a Presbyterian and treated Sunday as a Sabbath, a day of rest. He would visit 3 or 4 country patients on a Sunday, taking his children along ‘for the ride’ and to visit with him. Sunday evenings he would play the pianola and sing Scottish songs to his family. One of Dr Angus’ patients was Margaret MacKenzie, author of a book on local shipwrecks that she’d seen as an eye witness from the late 1880’s in Peterborough, Victoria. In the early 1950’s Dr Angus, painted a picture of a shipwreck for the cover jacket of Margaret’s book, Shipwrecks and More Shipwrecks. She was blind in later life and her daughter wrote the actual book for her. Dr Angus and his wife Gladys were very involved in Warrnambool’s society with a strong interest in civic affairs. Their interests included organisations such as Red Cross, Rostrum, Warrnambool and District Historical Society (founding members), Wine and Food Society, Steering Committee for Tertiary Education in Warrnambool, Local National Trust, Good Neighbour Council, Housing Commission Advisory Board, United Services Institute, Legion of Ex-Servicemen, Olympic Pool Committee, Food for Britain Organisation, Warrnambool Hospital, Anti-Cancer Council, Boys’ Club, Charitable Council, National Fitness Council and Air Raid Precautions Group. He was also a member of the Steam Preservation Society and derived much pleasure from a steam traction engine on his farm. He had an interest in people and the community He and his wife Gladys were both involved in the creation of Flagstaff Hill, including the layout of the gardens. After his death (28th March 1970) his family requested his practitioner’s plate, medical instruments and some personal belongings be displayed in the Port Medical Office surgery at Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, and be called the “W. R. Angus Collection”.The W.R. Angus Collection is significant for still being located at the site it is connected with, Doctor Angus being the last Port Medical Officer in Warrnambool. The collection of medical instruments and other items and equipment is culturally significant, being an historical example of medicine from late 19th to mid-20th century. Dr Angus assisted Dr Tom Ryan, a pioneer in the use of X-rays and in ocular surgery.Shaving razor disassembled in its case including packet containing one razor blade.'Gargoyle Marine Oils. A grade for each type of service (on the top of the case). 'Made in USA. Vacuum Oil Company, New York, USA. Known the World Over' (on inside of case). 'Valet Auto Strop Blade. Brit Pat 286057' (on razor blade wrapperfront). & 'Made by the Maunfacturers of the Valet Auto Strop Safety Razor, London England' & 'Valet Auto Strop Blade. Insert blade in to holder before wiping off grease (on razor blade wrapper back). 'Vacuum Oil Co. Made in USA' & company logo (on razor).flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, safety razor, razor

The donor recovered this navigation lamp before the 1980s from an old storage area in a South Melbourne factory where he worked. He asked about the lamp, but nobody there knew anything about its origin, and he was told that he could have it. This is a complete ship navigation lamp with its original oil burner. The internal red colour and shape indicate that the lamp was used for the port side of a vessel. The burner assembly is fixed to a removable tray, and the burner disconnects from the tank to allow fuel to be added. Light showing from the lamp is magnified by the polished brass reflector behind it, and the painted internal surfaces give the light its red colour. The lid on the chimney unclips for inspection purposes. The wedge shape of the lamp is intentional. It allows the light to be visible horizontally from up to a 112.5-degree angle, and to be invisible past that angle. The light's colour and position are part of the code of signals that inform viewers of the vessel’s position, direction of travel and status. The red lights indicate the port side of a vessel, green lights indicate the starboard side, and white lights are used on the masthead. From 1972, lights and signals on marine vessels are required to be fitted according to the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. SEAHORSE lamp, made in Britain: The firm Bocock & Wilkinson was established in Birmingham in 1890 as an electroplate manufacturer. In 1900, Kelly’s Directory lists the firm as a ship lamp manufacturer. In 1910, the firm was listed Trading As “Seahorse” at 17 & 18 Mott Street, Birmingham. The firm later became Bocock & Son, and in 1932 was listed as George Bocock & Co. Ltd, and in 1973, it was still at that address. Ship’s navigation lamp: an original, galvanised metal, Port bow-side lamp. The wedge-shaped case has an arc front and two flat side panels that meet at the back, with a metal chimney and a swinging ‘C’ shaped handle on top. The curved, clear glass Fresnel has moulded ribs, top and bottom. The chimney has a hinged cap with a clip closure. One flat panel has a firmly attached, hollow rectangular channel for mounting onto a post or bracket. The other flat panel has a ‘D’ shaped, swinging handle, and slides upwards to access the burner assembly with its original brass burner. Concentric rings of ventilation holes are in the base. A removable tray, with ventilation holes on two edges, holds the round fuel tank and burner and the short post with the curved brass reflector. All internal metal surfaces, apart from the brass burner and reflector, were painted red sometime after the lamp’s manufacture. Inscriptions are embossed on the three brass plaques on the front; one has a rope design border and a seahorse emblem. Branded Seahorse, made in Great Britain, Ca. 1930s. Plaque on top, crescent shape: “PORT” Plaque in centre, square logo: “[rope design border] [Seahorse logo] “SEAHORSE / G B / TRADE / MARK / P55933” Plaque on base, rectangular: “PATENT NO. 546575 / AND OTHERS PENDING” flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ship lamp, navigation lamp, masthead light, masthead lamp, port lamp, port light, bow side lamp, lighting device, navigation, marine light, marine lamp, marine equipment, marine technology, marine safety, running light, position light, code of lights, international regulations for preventing collisions at sea, antique, galvanised, seahorse, great britain, gb, patent 546575, seahorse logo, trade mark p55933, oil burner, bocock & wilkinson, bocock & sons, george bocock & co. ltd

This item appears to be a 20th-century lamp, modelled after an earlier version of a wall-mounted kerosene lamp. Authentic kerosene lamps were typically crafted from copper or brass, renowned for their durability and traditional aesthetic. In contrast, contemporary reproductions are often manufactured using alternative materials and processes, reflecting changes in production methods and cost considerations.The lamp is modelled after marine kerosene navigation lamps that were widely used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. These lamps played a significant role in maritime history, providing essential lighting for navigation on vessels during this era. As a representation of this period’s maritime lighting technology, the lamp serves as an example of the type of equipment that would have been commonplace aboard ships of the time.Navigation lamp; Starboard side. Metal kerosene lamp with two flat sides and a curved front with a rippled, green glass window. The chimney on top has a catch and an opening lid. and the name "Starboard" is inscribed on a fixed brass plaque. The fuel tank and wick can be removed through the base. Engraved on plaque: “STARBOARD“flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ship's lamp, kerosene lamp, navigation lamp, starboard lamp, ship's equipment, safety equipment

These marine diver's boots are made to weigh down the diver's feet to the bottom of the seabed, at the same time protecting his feet. The different pieces are joined with nuts, bots and washers. The boots are part of the protective clothing worn by marine divers to enable them to go to depths where others had not been. The Great Ocean Road along the southwest coast of Victoria is renown for its treacherous seas and tragic shipwrecks. Decades after the occurred divers began to explore the wreck sites and discovered hundreds of lost ships. The ships' skeletons and sprawled wreckage tell many stories of the type of ships used, the cargo and luggage carried onboard. They are valuable source of primary history. Many artefacts were recovered from local shipwrecks by the Flagstaff Hill divers and they have been preserved for historical records. Since that time many historic shipwrecks have become protected by Australian law. However, divers are able to still visit the sites.The boots are an example of diver's apparel in the 20th century and show the process of evolving protective and safety wear for underwater divers today.A pair of marine diver's boots. Boots are made of brass alloy and leather. The toes are metal and the metal soles are rippled. The sides have a short bar along the inner and outer sides of the foot, designed to fit a leather strap across the boot to hold it in place. A leather piece is attached to the back of each boot and extends around the ankle area to fasten with a buckle. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, diver's boots, marine diving, underwater diving, deep sea diving, diving equipment, diving accessory, shipwreck exploring

This boat hook head is in very good condition and has been manufactured. It would be attached to a pole or handle to give it a long reach. A boat hook is a common piece of marine equipment and many have been made by boat owners to suit their own purpose. They would also have been forged byblacksmiths and shipsmiths and have been available from ship's chandlers over the centuries. A boat hook can be used for many situations such as catching mooring ropes and chains, reaching rigging, pulling things or people out of the water, and a variety of fishing applications.This boat hook head is an example of equipment carried on vessels over hundreds of years for safety purposes and for general applications. Marine boat hook head, all brass. The body is a conical shape with a pointed end and curved, horn-shaped hook moulded into the side. The body is hollow until it reaches the hook's height. A screw hole is close to the base, in line with the hook.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, boat hook, marine, fishing, boating, equipment, boat hook head, rigging, safety equipment

This item appears to be a 20th-century lamp, modelled after an earlier version of a wall-mounted kerosene lamp. Authentic kerosene lamps were typically crafted from copper or brass, renowned for their durability and traditional aesthetic. In contrast, contemporary reproductions are often manufactured using alternative materials and processes, reflecting changes in production methods and cost considerations.The lamp is modelled after marine kerosene navigation lamps that were widely used throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. These lamps played a significant role in maritime history, providing essential lighting for navigation on vessels during this era. As a representation of this period’s maritime lighting technology, the lamp serves as an example of the type of equipment that would have been commonplace aboard ships of the time. Marine lamp: navigation lamp, portside. Metal Kerosene lamp with two flat sides and a curved, rippled red glass front window. The name "port" is inscribed on a fixed brass plaque. A round chimney is on top of the lid opens with a catch. The fuel tank and wick can be removed through the base. The metal appears to be electroplated.Inscribed on the plaque; "PORT"flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, ship's lamp, kerosene lamp, navigation lamp, ship's equipment, safety equipment, port lamp

This Engine Room section of a ship's telegraph system was part of the equipment of the Ports and Harbour ship the SS Rip. The vessel serviced and maintained the lights and buoys at Port Phillip Bay and Queenscliffe. The SS Rip was possibly the former gunboat "Albert". The ship’s communication system that was used from the late 19th century to early-to-mid-20th-century is called an Engine Order Telegraph (E.O.T.) or ship’s telegraph. The system has two parts, the Bridge Section and the Engine Room Section. The Bridge Section is usually mounted on top of a pedestal, and the Engine Room Section is often attached to a vertical surface. The standard commands printed or stamped onto the dial are the directions of AHEAD and ASTERN, and the speeds of STOP, FULL, EASY, STD. BY. and FIN. ENG. The ship’s pilot on the Bridge of a vessel sends his Orders for speed and direction to the to the Engine Room with the E.O.T. He moves the lever or levers, depending on the number of engines the ship has, to change the indicator on the Bridge Section’s dial to point in the new direction and speed of travel. This change causes the Orders to be duplicated on the Engine Room Section’s dial and a bell to signal the change simultaneously. The engineer then adjusts the ship’s engines and steering equipment to follow the pilot’s Order. The manufacturer, Mulne Bros., was a copper and brass works at 166 Sussex Street Sydney, in December 1892, and previously from 1870 at 128 to 130 Sussex Street. The company made and sold a wide range of equipment including machinery and gauges for the Railways.The Engine Room section is significant for being part of the communications system on the ship SS Rip, owned by Melbourne's Ports & Harbours department and used to service and maintain the navigation signals of Port Phillip Bay and at Queenscliffe in the mid-20th century. The dial is an example of marine equipment made in Australia and used for the safety of Victorian vessels. It is also significant for being made by an early Australian manufacturer, Milne Brothers of Sydney.Engine Room Section of a ship’s telegraph or Engine Order Telegraph (E.O.T.). The round metal dial has inscriptions stamped around the edges. The inscriptions are nautical terms for direction and speed and include the maker’s details. The dial was made by Milne Bros. of Sydney. It was part of the equipment on the "SS Rip" in Victoria.Black paint around dial: "MILNE BROS. / MAKERS / SYDNEY" "FULL EASY STD. BY " "FIN ENG. EASY FULL" ""ASTERN" "STOP" "AHEAD"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, marine technology, marine communications, engine order telegraph, e.o.t., ship’s telegraph, bridge section, engine room section, ship’s engine telegraph section, marine telegraph, milne bros., milne brothers, sydney, copper and brass works, ports & harbours ship, ss rip, gunboat albert, service ship, maintenance ship

This three-dimensional Distant Signal is part of a Flagstaff Signal set of ball, cone and drum shapes. It has been woven and then fabricated with strong metal swivel fittings and loops for suspending from a high point on a flagstaff at a signal station or on a ship’s masthead. The cane signal was constructed to withstand all weather and to be visible from a long distance. The gaps between the woven cane allow air to pass through, minimising possible swaying. Similar sets were made from rope or fabric. Warrnambool's Flagstaff was erected in 1854. Its primary use was to display visual signals that could convey messages between land and sea. It was also used to notify the local population of the approach of ships. One of the popular signalling codes in use in the early-to-mid 1800s was the Marryat’s Code but there were others in use as well; there was no one standard code. In 1857 the International Marine Conference adopted an International Code of Signals as a standard communications system for all vessels that could be understood in many different languages. The Normanby Advertiser reported on June 5th 1857 a query from the Post Master General as to whether the request of the Chief Harbour Master would be carried out, in that Warrnambool would receive a new flagstaff and a set of Marryatt’s signal flags. The Table of Codes was published, showing how to use combinations of these flags to send messages. The Code was revised in 1887 to cover situations where distance, light, wind and weather conditions affected the visibility of the flags and prevented clear communication. The first report of the International Code of Signals Committee of 1897 warned signalmen not to rely on ordinary semaphore flags and introduced a Distant Signal Code using either particular semaphore flags or the three-dimensional shapes of a ball, cone and drum that aligned with the semaphore flag shapes of a circle, pennant and square. International Code of Signals In 1931, after World War I’s experiences in using signal codes, the International Code of Signals conference in Washington revised and published the rules for the conduct of signalling. One of the changes was that “the use of the Distant Signals and of fixed semaphore was abandoned”. It is of interest to know that modern marine law in many countries insists that a set of Day Shapes must be carried onboard vessels of a certain size. These highly visible geometric shapes are used at sea in daylight to communicate messages between vessels. They are used in a similar way to the Distant Signals, in that different combinations of shapes represent different messages. The set of shapes includes a ball, cylinder, cone and diamond. The shapes are hung between the top of the vessel’s foremast and the front of the vessel. They are only coloured black and are about 1.5 metres high. The vertical line of shapes can mean messages such as Boat not under command, Fishing, and Under sail and power.Distant Signals were an important means of marine communication from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, including during World War I. They were an advancement to the International Shipping Codes and safety. The cane signals’ shapes appear to be the same from whatever direction they are viewed, removing confusion about the message they convey. The same shapes continue to be used today for the sets of Day Shapes used as marine navigational signals that are mandatory on certain-sized vessels.Distant Signal Ball, part of a Flagstaff signal set. A round woven cane ball, painted black, with a metal rod passing through the centre. The rod has a loop at each end, then a concave, octagonal metal plate that rests on the outside surface of the ball, serving as a washer. The rod has swivels at each end.distant signal, flagstaff signal, signal station, masthead signal, communications, marine technology, signals, marine signals, flaghoists, international marine conference, international code of signals, signal codes, marine safety, signal flags, day shape, daymark, day symbol, navigation, warrnambool flagstaff, 1854, 1857 1931, 1887, 1897

This cast brass deck inspection cover with housing is made for the marine environment. Inspection plates have been incorporated into the ship's design since at least the late 19th century. Modern deck inspection posts have a similar design and can be made from stainless steel, aluminium or plastic. The deck inspection plate gives marine vessel owners and inspectors easy access to the areas below the deck to check for signs of damage, wear or corrosion. This mid-20th-century inspection plate with housing shows the importance of marine safety. Inspections on marine vessels today are still carried out via inspection ports made from modern materials. Inspection plate; a round brass marine inspection screw-out cover and housing with a slotted recess in the lid.warrnambool, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime village, brass marine inspection plate, marine equipment, inspection housing, boat plate, inspection port, marine plate, deck plate, marine safety

The kerosene lamp was one of the most common oil lamps used and was manufactured until the 1980s. An anchor lamp like the lamps in this pair would be raised on the highest ship mast at night to signal other seafarers that the ship was at anchor or sailing at night. The metal loops on opposing sides of the lamp could hold a pair of rods or ropes. and be used to raise the lamp.The lamp is made to the design of a 19th and early 20th-century kerosene anchor lamp carried as essential marine equipment and used as a signal lamp on sailing ships. Lamps; a pair of cylindrical kerosene anchor lamps. Each has a flat back, a hinged door, a metal handle and two metal loops or guides fixed on each side. The glass window is convex and inside the lamp is a wick in an enamel wick holder.brass lamp, lamp, anchor kerosene lamp, kerosene lamp, marine equipment, marine lamp, navigation, light, ship light, ship lamp, lantern, maritime, nautical, safety lamp

This megaphone's conical shape amplifies the sound from the narrow end and would have been used to signal a warning or give instructions. Its design is similar to an earlier brass fog horn used on a marine vessel, as it has a wide brim that allows it to be free-standing, and a shoulder rope makes it portable and frees up the user's hands. The narrow end is shaped into a mouthpiece. The megaphone may have been used at sea foghorn on a vessel, although it has no reeds for the sound, or used by a leader of a band or a fireman or other similar uses. This megaphone's conical shape is based on the centuries-old ram's horn or horn from other animals, used to amplify sound to make it travel a long distance or be heard above other sounds. It represents a similar instrument made in the 19th century and used as a signal or to give instructions, such as on a vessel at sea, to a lifesaving team, or in a marching band. Megaphone; brass conical shape with an opening at both ends and a join near the wide end. The wide opening has a broad brim and is painted red inside. A brass ring is attached near each opening and a narrow rope is attached to each ring. warrnambool, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, fog horn, marine equipment, navigation, warning signal, maritime, nautical, fireman, captain, shoulder rope, signal, safety equipment

This flare pictured is one of three lighting or signal flares. These are pyrotechnic devices used at sea, mainly as a distress signal. However, they have other meanings when used for naval purposes, such as the executive order to start a particular manoeuvre. These are usually packaged as part of a distress pack containing all necessary rockets or flares for immediate use, in any emergency, by ships and off-shore yachts. The inscribed numbers could possibly be the date packaged or the date of useful life i.e. 27-11-1955.This set of three flares is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Flare (three), ; metal base, black cylinder, removeable wooden end cap that has a wooden key attached by string at centre. Inscribed "R↑L" on the cap and metal base. Inscribed: "R↑L", "27, 11, 55", "Long Lights"flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket rescue method, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, mortar, life jacket, rocket machine, rocket line, rocket set, schermuly, harbour board, government of victoria, harbour master, armband, l.s.r.c., lsrc, flare, light, safety equipment, distress signal, safety at sea, emergency signal, broad arrow, communication signal, vingage, pyrotechnic flare

This flare pictured is one of three lighting or signal flares. These are pyrotechnic devices used at sea, mainly as a distress signal. However, they have other meanings when used for naval purposes, such as the executive order to start a particular manoeuvre. These are usually packaged as part of a distress pack containing all necessary rockets or flares for immediate use, in any emergency, by ships and off-shore yachts.This set of three flares is significant for its connection with local history, maritime history and marine technology. Lifesaving has been an important part of the services performed from Warrnambool's very early days, supported by State and Local Government, and based on the methods and experience of Great Britain. Hundreds of shipwrecks along the coast are evidence of the rough weather and rugged coastline. Ordinary citizens, the Harbour employees, and the volunteer boat and rescue crew, saved lives in adverse circumstances. Some were recognised as heroes, others went unrecognised. In Lady Bay, Warrnambool, there were around 16 known shipwrecks between 1850 and 1905. Many lives were saved but tragically, eight lives were lost.Flare; mushroom coloured cylinder, metal base with wooden top joined to it. Base has removable cap with metal encased wooden fuse attached, which holds seven removeable pegs and rings. String threaded through top holes has a wooden peg attached. Top also has holes drilled on opposing sides through which the peg would fit. Inscriptions stamped in black on base, and impressed into cap. Stamped black: "I" Impressed into cap: ""I", "R↑L" (inside oval).flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, flagstaff hill, maritime museum, maritime village, warrnambool, great ocean road, lady bay, warrnambool harbour, port of warrnambool, shipwreck, life-saving, lifesaving, rescue crew, rescue, rocket rescue, rocket crew, lifeboat men, beach rescue, line rescue, rescue equipment, rocket firing equipment, rocket rescue equipment, maritime accidents, shipwreck victim, rocket equipment, marine technology, rescue boat, lifeboat, life saving rescue crew, lifesaving rescue crew, rocket rescue method, rocket apparatus rescue, stranded vessel, mortar, life jacket, rocket machine, rocket line, rocket set, schermuly, harbour board, government of victoria, harbour master, armband, l.s.r.c., lsrc, flare, light, safety equipment, distress signal, safety at sea, emergency signal, broad arrow, communication signal, vingage, pyrotechnic flare

This three-dimensional Distant Signal is part of a Flagstaff Signal set of ball, cone and drum shapes. It has been woven and then fabricated with strong metal swivel fittings and loops for suspending from a high point on a flagstaff at a signal station or on a ship’s masthead. The cane signal was constructed to withstand all weather and to be visible from a long distance. The gaps between the woven cane allow air to pass through, minimising possible swaying. Similar sets were made from rope or fabric. Warrnambool's Flagstaff was erected in 1854. Its primary use was to display visual signals that could convey messages between land and sea. It was also used to notify the local population of the approach of ships. One of the popular signalling codes in use in the early-to-mid 1800s was the Marryat’s Code but there were others in use as well; there was no one standard code. In 1857 the International Marine Conference adopted an International Code of Signals as a standard communications system for all vessels that could be understood in many different languages. The Normanby Advertiser reported on June 5th 1857 a query from the Post Master General as to whether the request of the Chief Harbour Master would be carried out, in that Warrnambool would receive a new flagstaff and a set of Marryatt’s signal flags. The Table of Codes was published, showing how to use combinations of these flags to send messages. The Code was revised in 1887 to cover situations where distance, light, wind and weather conditions affected the visibility of the flags and prevented clear communication. The first report of the International Code of Signals Committee of 1897 warned signalmen not to rely on ordinary semaphore flags and introduced a Distant Signal Code using either particular semaphore flags or the three-dimensional shapes of a ball, cone and drum that aligned with the semaphore flag shapes of a circle, pennant and square. International Code of Signals In 1931, after World War I’s experiences in using signal codes, the International Code of Signals conference in Washington revised and published the rules for the conduct of signalling. One of the changes was that “the use of the Distant Signals and of fixed semaphore was abandoned”. It is of interest to know that modern marine law in many countries insists that a set of Day Shapes must be carried onboard vessels of a certain size. These highly visible geometric shapes are used at sea in daylight to communicate messages between vessels. They are used in a similar way to the Distant Signals, in that different combinations of shapes represent different messages. The set of shapes includes a ball, cylinder, cone and diamond. The shapes are hung between the top of the vessel’s foremast and the front of the vessel. They are only coloured black and are about 1.5 metres high. The vertical line of shapes can mean messages such as Boat not under command, Fishing, and Under sail and power.Distant Signals were an important means of marine communication from the late 1880s to the early 1930s, including during World War I. They were an advancement to the International Shipping Codes and safety. The cane signals’ shapes appear to be the same from whatever direction they are viewed, removing confusion about the message they convey. The same shapes continue to be used today for the sets of Day Shapes used as marine navigational signals that are mandatory on certain-sized vessels.Distant Signal Ball, part of a Flagstaff signal set. A round woven cane ball, painted black, with a metal rod passing through the centre. The rod has a loop at each end, then a concave, octagonal metal plate that rests on the outside surface of the ball, serving as a washer. The rod has swivels at each end.flagstaff hill, flagstaff hill maritime museum and village, warrnambool, maritime museum, maritime village, great ocean road, shipwreck coast, distant signal, signal, maritime signal, ball signal, signal shape, flagstaff signal, signal station, masthead signal, communications, marine technology, signals, marine signals, flaghoists, international marine conference, international code of signals, signal codes, marine safety, signal flags, day shape, daymark, day symbol, navigation, warrnambool flagstaff, 1854, 1857 1931, 1887, 1897

Handrails are used as a support feature for access ramps and stairs, a handrail helps prevent people from falling off and helps them keep their balance. This feature of handrails is very important, especially for young children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. These individuals, who usually have mobility issues, benefit from handrails as these objects allow them to get to their destination safely. Handrails are also important equipment to have installed on vessels at sea where a safe footing cannot always be found., Handrails are an important piece of equipment to be fitted on sea vessels. This pair is an example of safety equipment used in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Similar rails continue to be fitted for safety.Handrails; marine safety rails. Two wooden rods painted grey, each with two alloy brackets for screwing to a flat surface. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, flagstaff-hill, flagstaff-hill-maritime-museum, maritime-museum, shipwreck-coast, flagstaff-hill-maritime-village, handrails, safety equipment, marine equipment, marine technology, ship fitting

The bosun’s chair is a typical piece of equipment included on board a vessel in the late 19th and early 20th century. The nautical word 'bosun' is an abbreviation of the word 'boatswain' who is the person responsible for the repair and maintenance of the vessel. It could be used when rigging the sails and for rescue at sea, along with a thick rope anchored on shore or a rope between ships. It could also be used to move passengers to and from a ship as well as cargo on, to and from the vessel. A bosun's chair is a simple piece of equipment made from a short plank of wood and a sturdy piece of rope. It looks a little like a child's swing but usually has a pulley system that allows the user to adjust the length of the hanging piece of rope, and in so-doing adjusts the height above the floor or ground or sea. In modern times a harness would also be worn by the bosun’s chair user for safety reasons. Bosun's chairs are also used by window cleaners, construction workers and painters. The bosun’s chair is sometimes just a short plank, or even a canvas sling. The bosun's chair is significant for its association with maritime equipment carried on board a vessel in the late 19th and early 20th century for maintenance and safety purposes. It was occasionally used to save lives. The bosun's chair is also significant as an early version of equipment still used today. Since its invention there have been many safety features added in certain industries such as window cleaning and painting.Bosuns chair; flat smooth rectangular piece of wood, with rope passing through two holes at each end of plank and looped together above plank to form a suspended seat swing. Loops a are joined with knot work and ends are spliced together under the seat.flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, bosun's chair, bosuns chair, boatswains chair, rigging, maritime equipment, bosun's seat, life saving, marine technology, ship rigging

The bosun’s chair is a typical piece of equipment included on board a vessel in the late 19th and early 20th century. The nautical word 'bosun' is an abbreviation of the word 'boatswain' who is the person responsible for the repair and maintenance of the vessel. It could be used when rigging the sails and for rescue at sea, along with a thick rope anchored on shore or a rope between ships. It could also be used to move passengers to and from a ship as well as cargo on, to and from the vessel. A bosun's chair is a simple piece of equipment made from a short plank of wood and a sturdy piece of rope. It looks a little like a child's swing but usually has a pulley system that allows the user to adjust the length of the hanging piece of rope, and in so-doing adjusts the height above the floor or ground or sea. In modern times a harness would also be worn by the bosun’s chair user for safety reasons. Bosun's chairs are also used by window cleaners, construction workers and painters. The bosun’s chair is sometimes just a short plank, or even a canvas sling. The bosun's chair is significant for its association with maritime equipment carried on board a vessel in the late 19th and early 20th century for maintenance and safety purposes. It was occasionally used to save lives. The bosun's chair is also significant as an early version of equipment still used today. Since its invention there have been many safety features added in certain industries such as window cleaning and painting.Bosuns chair, rectangular slab of wood with two holes at both ends through which rope ends are threaded for support and the loops above the seat are tied with sailor's knotting to form a triangle. flagstaff hill, warrnambool, maritime village, maritime museum, flagstaff hill maritime museum & village, shipwreck coast, great ocean road, bosun's chair, bosuns chair, boatswains chair, rigging, maritime equipment, bosun's seat, life saving, marine technology, ship rigging

A marine foghorn gives an audible navigational signal to warn vessels of dangers, hazards and the presence of other vessels in fog conditions. The foghorn signal is a series of long and short sounds with short or long pauses between them. These common signals conform to a code called the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea and provide such information as whether the vessel is under sail or motor, large or small, aground or at anchor. The designs of foghorns vary but they all use a column of air to make a loud sound. Some use vibrating plates or metal reeds, others force air through holes in a revolving cylinder or disc, sounding like a siren, and some use a clockwork mechanism to open the valves that let the air into the horn. They are usually built to meet particular specifications e.g. U.S.C.G. (US Coast Guard). This Tyfon plunger foghorn has a horizontal handle attached to a vertical rod that moves up and down inside a cylinder. When the handle is plunged down, in a similar way to a bicycle pump, the air is forced out of the bottom of the cylinder into a pipe with a bell-shaped horn on the end, making a loud, low sound. The wider base of the cylinder helps to keep it stable. The original type Tyfon foghorns were manufactured in about 1910 by Kochums Mechanical Workshop (Kockums Mechanical Werkstad, Ltd.), Malmo, Sweden. The company was established in 1840, became a Limited company in 1866, and established a shipyard at the Port of Malmo, Sweden, in 1870. The civilian ship production in Malmo ceased in 1987. As well as building ships the company built large industrial and agricultural machinery and maritime goods.this replica foghorn represents the design of a Swedish, Tyfon model 1910. It is an example of the type of safety equipment used on marine vessels to signal other vessels and signal to land. Replica foghorn; portable marine, plunger operation. It has a brass cylinder and adjustable brass horn. The plunger handle and base are wooden. Inscriptions are on the plaque on the horn and moulded into the air intake. Facsimile of a Kockums of Malmo, Sweden, Tyfon model 1910 Fog Horn.Impressed into the attached plaque "KOCKUMS MLK. VERKSTAD / MALMO SWEDEN" and "TRADE TYFON MARK" Also added to the plaque individually "288938" Molded around the circumference of the air intake "TYFON PATENT"flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, foghorn, fog horn, tyfon foghorn, kockums mlk verkstad, malmo sweden, replica, warning signal, safety equipment, ship's equipment