Historical information

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.

Significance

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.

Physical description

Inspection plate; a round brass marine inspection screw-out cover and housing with a slotted recess in the lid.