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This section applies to:
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(1) vessels constructed before the date the Maritime
Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC) came into force in the UK, which is a year
after the UK ratified the MLC. The MLC came into force internationally on
20th August 2013. To minimise operational difficulties when
operating overseas it is most strongly recommended that this section is only
applied to vessels constructed before 20th August 2013; and
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(2) vessels restricted to operating on domestic voyages within 60 miles of a UK
safe haven which are constructed at any time. Such vessels are not permitted to go
on international voyages.
21.1 General
21.1.1 Accommodation should provide decent living conditions and recreational facilities
for those persons employed or engaged in any work capacity on board. The accommodation
should also be adequate for others on board the vessel.
21.1.2 In order to provide decent living conditions and recreational facilities the
following requirements are provided as minimum standards.
21.1.3 The materials used to construct internal bulkheads, panelling and sheeting,
floors and joints shall be suitable for the purpose and conducive to ensuring a healthy
environment.
21.1.4 Excessive noise and vibration should be limited within accommodation spaces, and
as far as practicable in accordance with relevant international standards. Where the
seafarers’ exposure to noise and vibration is very limited in accommodation spaces,
alternative arrangements may be accepted. Further guidance on noise and vibration
standards can be found in section 22.
21.2 All Vessels
21.2.1 All vessels, should as a minimum, comply with the requirements of 21.2, but may
also be required to comply with further requirements in 21.3 and 21.4.
21.2.2 Escape Arrangements
21.2.2.1 Means of escape from accommodation spaces should satisfy the requirements of
section 5.2.1, 5.4.3 and 14.8.
21.2.3 Securing of Heavy Equipment
21.2.3.1 Heavy items of equipment such as batteries, cooking appliances etc. should be
securely fastened in place to prevent movement due to severe motions of the vessel.
21.2.3.2 Stowage lockers containing heavy items should have lids or doors with secure
fastenings.
21.2.4 Hand Holds and Grab-Rails
21.2.4.1 There should be sufficient hand holds and grab-rails within the accommodation
to allow safe movement when the vessel is in a seaway.
21.2.5 Ventilation
21.2.5.1 There should be adequate ventilation in all accommodation spaces.
21.2.5.2 Where air conditioning systems are not fitted, mechanical ventilation should be
provided to accommodation spaces which are situated completely below the level of the
weather deck on vessels making long international voyages or operating in tropical
waters, and which carry 9 or more berthed persons below deck. As far as practicable,
such ventilation arrangements should be designed to provide at least 6 changes of air
per hour when the access openings to the spaces are closed.
21.2.6 Hot Water Systems
21.2.6.1 Hot water supply systems should be designed, installed and maintained for the
pressure and temperature at which they are to operate.
21.3 Vessels Which are at Sea for More than 24 Hours
All vessels which are at sea for more than 24 hours should comply with the requirements
of this section in addition to those in section 21.2.
When a vessel is intended to be at sea for more than 24 hours, an adequate standard of
accommodation for all on board should be provided. In considering such accommodation,
primary concern should be directed towards ensuring the health and safety aspects of
persons, e.g. the ventilation, lighting, water services, galley services and the
access/escape arrangements.
21.3.1 Ventilation
21.3.1.1 Where air conditioning systems are not fitted, mechanical ventilation should be
provided to accommodation spaces which are situated completely below the level of the
weather deck on vessels making long international voyages or operating in tropical
waters, and which carry 9 or more berthed persons below deck. As far as practicable,
such ventilation arrangements should be designed to provide at least 6 changes of air
per hour when the access openings to the spaces are closed.
21.3.2 Lighting
21.3.2.1 An electric lighting system should be installed which is capable of supplying
adequate light to all enclosed accommodation and working spaces.
21.3.3 Water Services
21.3.3.1 An adequate supply of fresh drinking water should be provided and piped to
convenient positions throughout the accommodation spaces.
21.3.3.2 In addition to 21.3.3.1, an emergency (dedicated reserve) supply of drinking
water should be carried at the rate of 2 litres per person on board.
21.3.4 Sleeping Accommodation
21.3.4.1 A separate bunk or cot should be provided for each person on board and at least
50% of those provided should be fitted with lee boards or lee cloths.
21.3.5 Galley
21.3.5.1 A galley should be fitted with a means for cooking and a sink and have adequate
working surface for the preparation of food.
21.3.5.2 When a cooking appliance is gimballed it should be protected by a crash bar or
other means to prevent it being tilted when it is free to swing. A means should be
provided to lock the gimbal mechanism to prevent movement.
21.3.5.3 A means should be provided to lock the gimbal mechanism to prevent movement.
21.3.5.4 There should be secure storage for food in the vicinity of the galley.
21.3.6 Toilet Facilities
21.3.6.1 Adequate toilet facilities, separated from the rest of the accommodation,
should be provided for persons on board.
21.3.6.2 In general, there should be at least one flushing marine toilet and one wash
hand basin for every 12 persons.
21.3.6.3 Due consideration should be given to the requirements of Section 28 Pollution
Prevention.
21.3.7 Stowage Facilities for Personal Effects
21.3.7.1 Adequate stowage facilities for clothing and personal effects should be
provided for each person on board.