In a ship in which the lower deck has been designated as
the freeboard deck, the means of closing openings in the shell plating
below the weather deck but above the freeboard deck should be so designed
as to ensure integrity against the sea commensurate with the surrounding
shell plating, having regard to the position of the opening in relation
to the water-line. In such a ship the following principles apply:
-
.1 the effectiveness of closing appliances fitted
at cargo ports and other similar openings in the shell of a ship depends
on regular observations and maintenance;
-
.2 hose tests are a practical means of verifying
the weathertightness or watertightness of such closing appliances;
and
-
.3 consideration should be given to the fitting
of alarms giving warning of leakage in way of doors in exposed positions.