Speaking Tubes and Telegraphs: The Bridge Technology of SS Explorer

The wheelhouse or bridge of the SS Explorer photographed in its last operational cruise. 

The helmsman of the Explorer would communicate the desired speed for the ship to the engine room. This was done using the speaking tubes, a sound powered telephone (of which there are several on the ship), and the bridge telegraph. 

A bell was also found inside the fuse board cabinet, used by a patient in sick bay to ring the captain, who could then send over a medic. 

Originally shared on our Facebook page by Filip.