The tiller flat is the after most watertight compartment on the Mersey. It is also, without doubt, the most unpleasant place in which I have ever had the misfortune to spend any time. Small, cramped, smelly and vomit inducing. And yet there are a number of situations when it might be necessary to enter it while at sea: the hydraulics for the steering are contained within, so is the equipment for rigging up emergency steering and there are also the 'freeing trunks'. As can be seen in the picture these are actually rather clever hatches above each shaft which give access to the shafts and rudders while at sea so that ropes and other debris can be cleared from them.
When you consider how many of our shouts each year are to boats with 'wrapped' props perhaps these should be standard items on all boats?
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