"We placed ourselves in the hands of the Lord and his will, whether we should live or die"
By Børge Solem
Daily life for steerage passengers on board emigrant ships involved a variety of routines and duties. Weather permitting, passengers would usually spend time on deck. Some occupied themselves with cleaning, while others played games to pass the time. On the Sjofna in 1852, women were often busy cooking, sewing, and knitting. Many had to look after children or care for the sick. The captain typically held Sunday services on deck, and on ordinary weekdays, dancing was a common activity. While the weather influenced what could be done, musical instruments were often put to good use, even during bad weather. On one occasion, when a ship encountered heavy fog off the coast of Newfoundland, all the instruments on board were used to create as much noise as possible to alert other ships.
Passenger Regulations:
The fire in the fireplace (stove) will be lit each morning at 6:00 a.m. All passengers, unless hindered by illness or another valid reason, must rise no later than 7:00 a.m.
The fire shall be extinguished at 8:00 p.m., and passengers must retire to their bunks by 10:00 p.m.
The deck in the passengers' quarters and beneath the bunks must be swept each morning before breakfast, with the sweepings disposed of overboard. Once a week, the deck in the passengers' quarters shall be thoroughly scraped.
Each morning, prior to lighting the fire, necessary fuel and water will be distributed to passengers. This task, along with cleaning the deck and cabins on deck, will be performed daily by an assigned group of men on a rotational basis. This group is also responsible for ensuring passenger cleanliness and compliance with all regulations.
Lamps will be lit in the passengers' quarters after dark and will remain lit until 10:00 p.m.
Smoking tobacco is prohibited below deck, as is the use of open flames or the storage of hay or straw.
All cooking utensils must be cleaned after use and kept in a sanitary condition at all times.
Bedding must be brought on deck for airing once or twice a week, and bunks must be cleaned each time this is done.
Washing or drying clothing below deck is not permitted. A designated day for general washing will be announced weekly, weather permitting.
Passengers bringing spirits or other alcoholic beverages on board must surrender them to the crew upon embarking. A reasonable daily portion will be provided. Passengers are forbidden to possess gunpowder, firearms, or other weapons, all of which must be turned over to ship officers for safekeeping. These items will be returned at the journey's end.
Card games and dice are prohibited, as they may lead to quarrels and disputes. Passengers are expected to treat one another with courtesy and respect. Quarrelsome or argumentative behavior will not be tolerated.
Crew members are not allowed on the passenger deck unless carrying out specific duties. Likewise, passengers are strictly prohibited from entering crew cabins or the ship's galley under any circumstances. Damaging the ship's structure by drilling, cutting, pounding nails, or other acts is forbidden.
Passengers are expected to appear on deck each Sunday in clean clothing and to observe the Sabbath as far as circumstances allow.
All manner of games and entertainment are permitted and encouraged, as they contribute to maintaining good health during a long voyage. Personal cleanliness, which is vital for health, is also strongly recommended.
Passengers are not allowed to speak to the man at the helm.
All passengers are expected to obey the Captain's orders in all matters.
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