What is Plimsoll Day?
Samuel Plimsoll is the Plimsoll Day in the United States every year on February 10th. The Englishman was a politician and social reformer who is credited with making ships safer.
Samuel Plimsoll was born in Bristol, England, on February 10th, 1824. Plimsoll, a young adult who lived in poverty at one time, dedicated his life to helping the homeless. He became a Member of Parliament in 1867, becoming a Member of Parliament (MP). He dedicated himself to making ships safer for their crews. Shipping was the most common way to transport products at this time. It was also very risky. Shipowners often put the crews in risk by overloading the ships, putting them in jeopardy. These ships were named coffin ships because they claimed the lives of so many sailors.
Members of wealthy ship merchants often stifled Plimsoll's bills in Parliament. He published Our Seaman: An Appeal in 1872, which was published in 1872. Plimsoll achieved his target when Parliament passed the Unseaworthy Ships Bill two years ago. Ship owners were required to place a special mark on the side of the ships under this bill. When this line fell below the waterline, it meant the ship was overloaded. This mark was first identified as the Plimsoll line. This simple device is said to save 22 lives every day.
Plimsoll served as honorary president of the National Sailors' and Fireman's Union during his time in Parliament. He drew attention to the horrors of cattle ships as an honorary president. The animals were carried on these ships in overcrowded conditions.
How to celebrate #plimsolday on #plimsollday
