How Did Rats Get on Ships?
WouterRats were a common problem on oceangoing vessels. In the 1950s, the World Health Organization issued International Sanitary Regulations, which set out official procedures to contain the spread of rats on oceangoing ships. Under these regulations, ships destined for international voyages were issued a “Deratting Certificate” that was good for six months, and they were required to undergo a health inspection by government authorities. In some cases, ships were detained and quarantined if they did not have a valid certificate.
In addition to posing as sailors, rats can be spotted on ships, too. There is an abandoned ship in Newfoundland that is infested with hundreds of rats. Some of the rats have turned on each other. The ship may be due to make landfall in a monster storm, and the scrap haulers will have to get into the ship and deal with the rats there.
Rats are known to carry diseases that are dangerous to human health. Because of this, most governments have strict rules for vessels visiting port facilities. The rat guards on these ships are meant to prevent them from climbing on board and ashore. However, it is not always possible to prevent rats from getting on board.
Rats have long been associated with ships. During the 18th century, rats were found on ships and abandoned houses. They were believed to know when structures were about to collapse. The metaphor has evolved over the centuries and was first used to describe political scandals.
