Thomas Andrews' Olympic Notes 1911

Purpose of Notes:

• Thomas Andrews recorded notes for potential improvements during the Olympic’s maiden voyage.
• These notes were intended to enhance the Olympic and be incorporated into the Titanic and Britannic.

Docking and Propeller Notices:

• Andrews suggested that the pilot should be on the docking bridge aft when docking or undocking stern first in Southampton.
• He recommended permanently fitting propeller notice boards to avoid damage from frequent handling.

Officer and Crew Accommodations:

• Proposed acquiring additional accommodations for officers and converting existing spaces into staterooms.
• Suggested changes to the Chief Steward’s position and enlarging the Assistant Doctor’s room.

First Class Areas:

• Recommended converting underused spaces like the hat and cloak room into staterooms.
• Proposed adding more tables in the first-class restaurant and making structural changes to improve service and seating capacity.
• Noted the popularity of the first-class reception room and suggested adding more permanent cane furniture and installing an exhaust fan.

Structural and Safety Improvements:

• Suggested protective windows with round bullseye lights for the navigating bridge.
• Recommended installing a bulkhead with sliding doors to prevent drafts in the steward’s stairway.

Miscellaneous Recommendations:

• Proposed changes to the numbering of promenade deck chairs and the installation of sponge holders in private bathrooms.
• Suggested removing mirrors from wardrobe doors in inside staterooms for privacy and adding back plates for electric reading lamps.

Implementation and Impact:

• Many of Andrews’ recommendations were implemented quickly, such as increasing seating capacity in the dining saloon and enlarging the reception room.
• These changes were aimed at improving passenger comfort and operational efficiency.

Titanic’s Performance:

• Andrews made similar notes for the Titanic, noting that the new ship performed even better than the Olympic.