"The conduct of the men is, as a rule most exemplary, & the officers have but little trouble with them, as they are thoroughly amenable to the discipline of the ship, & do their work in a willing and satisfactory manner.

Should however, any of them misbehave themselves, the vessel is provided with a dungeon deep in the fore compartment, where they can be confined pending inquiry when in port, or imprisoned when at sea. The prison has, however, been 'to let' up to the present, & may it long continue so." The Williamstown Chronicle March 1 1884

On 24 October 1873 the Cerberus logbook recorded "Put L. Phillips, Boy, in cell for 12 hours for using bad language."

The photo at left does not necessarily bear any resemblance to the cell in Cerberus. Its appearance is not known.