CORROSION OF SHIPS

Steel—one of the most commonly used metals, especially in ship construction—is unfortunately one of the most corrodible. Moreover, conditions favourable to corrosion are ever‐present in a floating structure and, because of long voyages away from a home port and conditions of service, a ship can receive thorough examination and maintenance only at long intervals. Intelligent maintenance requires a knowledge of the causes of corrosion and of the methods of combating it and is of primary importance, but much can be done by designers and constructors in their respective spheres to minimise the tendency to corrode by eliminating, as far as possible, bad features in design and workmanship with a view to rendering maintenance easier.