The Silvia, 171 U.S. 462 (1898)
U.S. Supreme Court
The Silvia, 171 U.S. 462 (1898)
The Silvia
No. 5
Argued March 8, 1898
Decided October 17, 1898
171 U.S. 462
Syllabus
A ship whose port holes between decks are fitted with the usual glass covers and the usual iron shutters, and have no cargo stowed against them, is not unseaworthy by reason of beginning a voyage in fair weather with the glass covers tightly closed and the iron shutters left open for the admission of light, but capable of being speedily got at and closed if occasion should require, and any subsequent neglect in not closing the iron covers is a "fault or error in navigation or in the management
of the vessel," within the meaning of section 3 of the Act of Congress of February 13, 1893, c. 105, known as the Harter Act.
Section 3 of the Harter Act applies to foreign vessels.
The case is stated in the opinion.