An urgent meeting is to be called with a cruise ship's agents after tests proved levels of a noxious gas exceeded guidelines by up to 100 percent.

The Environment Ministry carried out pollution checks for two weeks near the Meridian following complaints from boatowners that soot was sweeping down from the ship's stack.

Results released yesterday showed that levels of sulphur dioxide regularly breached permitted levels - at one point reaching exactly twice the amount allowed.

All the breaches occurred when onshore winds were blowing and sulphur levels were negligible during an offshore breeze. No other chemicals were found.

Three weeks ago Mr. Terry Tucker complained that soot from the ship had smothered his boat, berthed at the Dockyard Marina. A restaurant also complained that smoke had ruined food and drinks.

Dr. Tom Sleeter, an environment engineer, was informed and brought in the Marine Police to investigate reports that oily soot had polluted the water.

Pollution monitoring equipment was also brought in.

Yesterday, Dr. Sleeter said the Clean Air Act laid down standards covering 24-hour and one-hour periods plus averages not to be exceeded. Regulations are breached when pollutants exceed 150 micrograms in the sample taken.

"For much of the time the instruments were taking measurements way below regulations, at about 20 or 25 micrograms.

"Then when the wind shifted we had several days where we had periods of two or three hours where levels were exceeded. We had some periods where levels were twice the regulations,'' said Dr. Sleeter.

He added that a sample of the polluted water collected by the Marine Police at the time of the complaints three weeks ago was still to be tested for hyrdocarbons, which are found in petrol or coal.

Sulphur dioxide can be an irritant that affects the eyes, nose and throat especially among the elderly, the young, or people with respiratory problems.

Levels found near the Meridian would only be harmful to people with severe breathing problems.

"We now have to get all the data together and sit down and meet with the ship's Captain and agents. We try and work things out with the polluter before any possible prosecution is launched, but there is a definite problem there,'' said Dr. Sleeter.

The Meridian is a steam ship with three boilers, two of which are shut down while in port and restarted when she is due to sail. Soot is blown from the stack when the boilers are relit.

Because of her design it is almost impossible to eradicate smoke from the ship while she is berthed.

Meyer Agencies, the Meridian's Bermuda agents, say problems with smoke have only existed in 1994 and this year because the prevailing winds have been onshore.

Mr. Henry Hayward, Meyer's president, said yesterday that he would welcome a meeting with Dr. Sleeter to discuss the problem.

"The captain and chief engineer are aware of the problem. For a steam ship it's an on-going concern,'' said Mr. Hayward. "They are doing the best they can under the circumstances.'' "Every action regarding fuel and temperature is being followed, but the wind is blowing more and more onshore.'' Police are still continuing their investigations into the incident at the Marina and are still considering launching a prosecution.