3.1 Strength and
Construction of Ship
(1) The Administration shall satisfy itself that the general structural strength of
the ship is adequate for the draft corresponding to the freeboard assigned.
(2) In addition to the requirements contained elsewhere in this Code, a ship to which
the Code applies shall be designed, constructed, maintained and assigned a Class
Notation as a passenger ship in compliance with the structural, mechanical and
electrical requirements of a Recognised Organisation
(3) Ships to which this Code applies shall comply with an intact stability standard
acceptable to the Administration.
(4) All vessels shall be assigned a freeboard in accordance with the requirements of
the ILLC.
(5) A weather deck shall be fitted throughout the length of the vessel and be of
adequate strength to withstand the sea and weather conditions likely to be
encountered.
3.2 Application
(1) Subject to meeting the requirements of section 3.16 (Protection of the Crew),
relaxations from these requirements may be granted to a ship to which a greater than
minimum freeboard is assigned on condition that the Administration is satisfied with
the safety conditions provided.
(2) Where the assigned summer freeboard is increased such that the resulting draft is
not more than that corresponding to a minimum summer freeboard for the same ship,
but with an assumed freeboard deck located a distance below the actual freeboard
deck at least equal to the standard superstructure height, the conditions of
assignment in accordance with the ILLC, as applicable, to the actual freeboard deck
may be as required for a superstructure deck.
3.3 Subdivision and Load Line Mark
(1) The line
which indicates the subdivision and load line assigned in accordance with
Chapter 4 and this Chapter shall be the horizontal line which passes through the
centre of the ring shown in figure 3.1. (See also section 4.20 of Chapter 4 of
the Code)
Figure 3.1 - Illustration of minimum freeboard mark and
not the actual markings required
Note: Distance measured from the top edge of the deck line to the top
edge of the line bisecting the ring.
(2) The Subdivision and load
line mark shall consist of a ring 300 millimetres in outside diameter and 25
millimetres wide which is intersected by a horizontal line 450 millimetres in length
and 25 millimetres in breadth, the upper edge of which passes through the centre of
the ring; the centre of the ring shall be placed amidships and at a distance
measured vertically below the upper edge of the deck line equal to the assigned
freeboard measured vertically below the upper edge of the deck as illustrated in
Figure 3.1.
(3) Subject to Sections (4) and (5), the deck line is a
horizontal line 300 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in breadth which
shall be marked amidships on each side of the ship with its upper edge normally
passing through the point where the continuation outwards of the upper surface
of the freeboard deck intersects the outer surface of the shell, provided that
the deck line may be placed with reference to another fixed point on the ship on
condition that the freeboard is correspondingly corrected;
(4)
Where the upper edge of the deck line coincides with a readily identifiable
structural feature such as the actual deck at the side amidships, that
structural feature may be utilised as the deck line providing it is clearly
identified as such in the International Load Line Certificate;
(5)
Any other readily identifiable line if structure at the side amidships above or
below the deck line position may be similarly utilised as the deck line
providing it is clearly identified as such in the International Load Line
Certificate and the freeboard is correspondingly corrected.
(6) The
location of the reference point and the identification of the freeboard deck shall
in all cases be indicated on the International Load Line Certificate.
(7) In
no case shall any subdivision load line mark be placed above the deepest load line
in salt water as determined by the strength of the ship or this Chapter.
(8) The ring, lines and letters shall-
-
(a) be painted or otherwise permanently affixed to the hull;
-
(b) be of a contrasting colour to the hull; and
-
(c) where the marks are bonded to the hull provision shall be made to
replace the marks, in the event of bond line failure, with the vessel
afloat.
(9) The subdivision and load line assigned and marked shall be recorded in the
Passenger Yacht Safety Certificate.
(10) A ship shall in no case be so loaded
that when it is in salt water the subdivision and load line mark is submerged.
(11) In applying this section due regard shall also be had to the
requirement for draft marks as set out in section 4.29(17).
3.4 Mark of Assigning Authority
(1) The mark of the Authority by whom the load lines are assigned may be indicated
alongside the load line ring above the horizontal line which passes through the
centre of the ring, or above and below it and the mark shall consist of not more
than four initials to identify the Authority’s name, each measuring approximately
115 millimetres in height and 75 millimetres in width.
(2) The International Load Line Certificate shall not be delivered to the ship until
the officer or surveyor acting under the provisions of Article 13 of the ILLC has
certified that the marks are correctly and permanently indicated on the ship’s
sides.
3.5 Doors and Openings above the Weather Deck
(1) All access openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures shall be
fitted with weathertight doors of steel or other equivalent material, permanently
and strongly attached to the bulkhead, and framed, stiffened and fitted so that the
whole structure is of equivalent strength to the un-pierced bulkhead; the means for
securing these doors weathertight shall consist of gaskets and clamping devices or
other equivalent means which shall be permanently attached to the bulkhead or to the
doors themselves, and the doors shall be so arranged that they can be operated from
both sides of the bulkhead.
(2) Unless otherwise permitted by the Administration, doors shall be hinged at the
forward edge and open outwards to provide additional security against the impact of
the sea; alternative closing arrangements shall be considered providing it can be
demonstrated that the efficiency of the closing arrangements and their ability
to prevent the ingress of water shall not impair the safety of the vessel.
(3) Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, the height of sills of access
openings in bulkheads at ends of enclosed superstructures shall be at least 380
millimetres above the deck.
(4) Portable sills shall generally be avoided provided that where the fitting of a
sill in accordance with Section (3) proves impracticable, portable sills may be
fitted on the following conditions-
(5) Where the requirements of section 3.2(2) are applicable further reductions in
sill heights may be permitted provided that the Administration is satisfied that the
safety of the ship is not impaired in any sea conditions and the safety of the ship
shall be assumed not to be impaired if the vessel can comply with the enhanced
survivability standard as defined in section 4.30 with the watertight compartment to
which the door leads flooded.
(6) Machinery space openings in Position 1 or 2 shall be properly framed and
efficiently enclosed by steel or equivalent casings of ample strength and where
machinery casings are not protected by other structures, their strength and
protection arrangements shall be specially considered.
(7) Access openings in the casings referred to in Section (6)-
-
(a) shall be fitted with doors complying with the requirements of Section
(1), the sills of which shall be at least 600 millimetres above the deck if
in Position 1, and at least 380 millimetres above the deck if in Position 2;
-
(b) other openings in such casings shall be fitted with equivalent covers,
permanently attached in their proper positions; and
-
(c) where the provision of fixed sills as required in this section proves
impracticable, consideration may be given to the provision of portable
sills, subject to the requirements of Section (4).
(8) Coamings of any fiddley, funnel or machinery space ventilator in an exposed
position on the freeboard deck or superstructure deck shall be as high above the
deck as reasonable and practicable provided that, subject to section 3.5(9),
ventilators necessary to continuously supply the machinery space shall have coamings
of sufficient height to comply with section 3.9(5), without having to fit
weathertight closing appliances.
(9) Where due to size of vessel or nature of the design compliance with the coaming
heights required by Section (8) for ventilators necessary to continuously supply the
machinery space proves impracticable, reduced coaming heights may be accepted
subject to the following:
-
(a) the ventilators are:
-
(b) the ventilators and supply system is so designed to
ensure that an adequate uninterrupted supply of ventilation can be
maintained with the weather side closed off.
-
(c) the vessel can comply with the enhanced survivability standard as
specified in section 4(30), with the machinery space flooded.
(10) Fiddley openings shall be fitted with strong covers of steel or other equivalent
material permanently attached in their proper positions and capable of being secured
weathertight.
3.6 Shell Openings Below the bulkhead Deck
(1) Garages and other compartment(s) below the bulkhead deck, provided for
recreational, storing or other purposes (for Pilot Doors, see also Annex K) to
do with the business of the vessel and having access openings in the hull, shall
be bounded by watertight divisions without any opening (i.e. doors, manholes,
ventilation ducts or any other opening) up to 600mm above the deck, other than
sliding watertight doors complying with Chapter 4.
(2) Access openings in the sides of ships below the freeboard deck shall be fitted
with doors so designed as to ensure the same watertightness and structural integrity
as the surrounding shell plating and
-
(a) unless otherwise approved by the Administration, these openings shall
open outwards; and
-
(b) Provision shall be made to ensure that doors may be manually
closed and locked in the event of power or hydraulic failure
-
(c) the number of such openings shall be the minimum compatible
with the design and proper working of the ship.
(3) UAll reasonable and practicable measures shall be taken to limit the
entry and spread of water. Openings in the hull shell with a sill height less than
600 millimetres above the Design Waterline may be specially considered by the
Administration. This consideration shall include but is not limited to:
-
(a) doors from the space providing internal access are to have a
sill height at least 600 millimetres above the Design Waterline;
-
(b) the effect of flooding on stability is considered;
-
(c) operational controls and limitations on when and where
opening may be used.
(4) Where a shell door provided in accordance with the provisions of this section
cannot be tested watertight under a head of water in accordance with section
4.12(1) then the requirements applicable to flush hatches in section 3.7(4)
shall apply.
(5) Means shall be provided to prevent the unauthorised use of the
doors locally through provision of secondary or remote control at a continuously
manned station, through an interlock, dual control process or procedure.
(6) Critical equipment such as for the system for securing of the hull
opening and any provided in accordance with Chapter 14, shall have a Liquid
ingress protection of level 5 (e.g. IP 65) in accordance with the International
Protection Marking, IEC standard 60529 or equivalent.
3.7 Hatchways and Coamings
(1) All hatchways in Positions 1 and 2 shall-
-
(a) be fitted with hatch covers of steel or other equivalent material;
-
(b) have hatch covers which shall be weathertight and fitted with gaskets and
clamping devices;
-
(c) have means for securing and maintaining weathertightness which shall be
to the satisfaction of the Administration;
-
(d) have arrangements which ensure that the weathertightness can be
maintained in any sea conditions, and for this purpose tests for
weathertightness shall be required at the initial survey and may be required
at renewal and annual surveys or at more frequent intervals; and
-
(e) shall be so designed to comply with strength and securing requirements as
defined in Regulation 16 of the ILLC.
(2) The coamings of hatchways shall be of substantial construction in accordance with
their position, and their height above the deck shall be at least as follows-
(3) In the case of hatchways which comply with regulation 16 of the ILLC, the height
of these coamings may be reduced, or the coamings omitted entirely, on condition
that the Administration is satisfied that the safety of the ship is not thereby
impaired in any sea conditions.
(4) Where flush deck hatches or hatches without any coamings are provided the
arrangements shall comply with the following functional requirements-
-
(a) the hatch cover shall be watertight and meet the strength requirements
of Regulation 16 of the ILLC;
-
(b) the local deck strength shall be locally increased to avoid
deformation;
-
(c) the hatch shall be closed at sea and marked accordingly and shall be
provided with open/close indication at the navigating position;
-
(d) the means of securing shall be designed so as to maintain watertight
integrity;
-
(e) the space to which the hatch leads shall be provided with low and high
level bilge alarms; and
-
(f) the vessel can comply with the enhanced survivability
standard as defined in 3.17 (4) with the watertight compartment to which
the hatch leads flooded.
-
(g) where the hatch is provided for infrequent or emergency use only and
is not used when at sea, Section (f) need not be complied with
(5) Hatches which are designated for escape purposes shall comply with the
following requirements:
-
(a) they shall be provided with covers which can be opened from either
side and in the direction of escape they are able to be opened without a
key;
-
(b) all handles on the inside shall be non removable; and
-
(c) an escape hatch shall be readily identified and easy and safe to use,
having due regard to its position.
3.8 Miscellaneous Openings in Freeboard and Superstructure Decks
(1) Openings in freeboard and superstructure decks shall be designed to comply
with Regulation 18 of the ILLC.
(2) Where compliance with subsection (1) proves impracticable
alternative arrangements for closure and coaming heights may be considered
subject to the vessel being able to comply with the enhanced survivability
standard in 3.17 (4) with the watertight compartment to which the opening leads
flooded.
3.9 Ventilators
(1) Ventilators in Position 1 and Position 2 to spaces below the freeboard deck or
decks of enclosed superstructures shall be of substantial construction of steel or
equivalent material and-
-
(a) ventilators in Position 1 shall have coamings of a height of at least 900
millimetres above the deck;
-
(b) ventilators in Position 2 shall have coamings of a height of at least 760
millimetres above the deck; and
-
(c) where the coaming of any ventilator exceeds 900 millimetres in height it
shall be specially supported.
(2) Ventilator openings shall be provided with weathertight closing appliances of
steel or equivalent or have equivalent means of preventing ingress of water and the
means of closing shall-
-
(a) in ships of less than 100 metres in length, be permanently attached to
each of the ventilators; and
-
(b) in ships of 100 metres or more in length, if not permanently attached to
the ventilator the means of closing shall conveniently stowed near the
ventilators to which they shall be fitted.
(3) Where due to ship design and arrangements compliance with Sections (1) and (2) is
not practicable, lesser heights for ventilator coamings, fitted with weathertight
closing appliances, may be permitted by the Administration in combination with other
suitable arrangements to ensure an uninterrupted, adequate supply of ventilation to
the spaces.
(4) In exposed locations, the height of coamings shall be increased as required to
the satisfaction of the Administration.
(5) Subject to the meeting the requirements for fire protection contained in Chapter
6, ventilators-
-
(a) in Position 1, the coamings of which extend to more than 4.5 metres above
the deck; and
-
(b) in Position 2, the coamings of which extend to more than 2.3 metres above
the deck, need not be fitted with closing arrangements unless specifically
required by the Administration.
(6) Permanently attached means of weathertight closure required by (2) and (3) may
be omitted if it can be shown that the open end of a ventilator is afforded
adequate protection by other structure(s) which shall prevent the ingress of
waterfootnote.
3.10 Air Pipes
(1) Subject to the provisions of section 4.19(3), where air pipes to ballast and
other tanks extend above the freeboard or superstructure decks, the exposed parts of
the pipes shall be of substantial construction and the height of the air pipe from
the deck to the point where water may have access to the space below shall be at
least 760 millimetres on the freeboard deck and 450 millimetres on the
superstructure deck.
(2) Where these heights may interfere with the working of the ship, a lower height
may be approved, provided that the Administration is satisfied that the closing
arrangements and other circumstances justify a lower height.
(3) Air pipes shall be provided with automatic closing devices.
(4) In applying this section due regard shall be had to section 4.19(3) of the Code.
3.11 Scuppers, Inlets and Discharges
(1) Subject to Section (2), scuppers, inlets and discharges are to comply with the
requirements of the ILLC and with section 4.16 of the Code.
(2) Where the provision of an automatic non return valve for an underwater exhaust
is impracticable, this may be omitted subject to the following requirements-
-
(a) the discharge pipe shall be-
-
(i) of substantial thickness as defined in Recognised Organisation
Rules; and in no case shall the thickness of the pipe be less
than that required for the shell plating in this location; and
-
(ii) provided with a positive means of closure, fitted as close to
the shell outlet as practicable and operable from an accessible
location above the bulkhead deck,
-
(b) the substantial thickness portion of the discharge shall extend from
the shell outlet to a height of not less than 1000 millimetres above the
deepest waterline from the valve location;
-
(c) the positive means of closure required in Section 3.11(2)(a)(ii) shall
be designed and installed so as to be readily accessible for routine
inspection and maintenance. and
-
(d) low and high level bilge alarms shall be fitted in way of the exhaust
discharge to provide early warning of water ingress into the hull.
3.12 Glazed Openings
General
(1) Glazed openings & Skylights shall:
-
(a) be made from toughened safety glass. In case of chemically toughened
glass, it shall be qualified by testing in accordance with EN 1288-3, based
on the requirements given in ISO 11336-1. Regular inspections of the glazed
openings, with particular reference to the surface condition, shall form
part of the operational procedures and annual surveys;
-
(b) not be fitted in such a position that their sills are below a line drawn
parallel to the freeboard deck at side and having its lowest point 2.5% of
the breadth (B), or 500 millimetres, whichever is the greatest distance,
above the design waterline;
-
(c) be attached to the ship in such a manner, that they are capable of
fulfilling their role in the application of ICLL requirements;
-
(d) follow the requirements of Chapter 8 where they are for glazed openings
in the navigating position;
-
(e) not be fitted in the hull in the way of the machinery space; and
-
(f) be of the non-readily opening type which shall be securely closed when
the vessel is in navigation and indication provided on the bridge that they
are closed.
(2) When glazed openings are fitted by bonding the following provisions shall be
observed:
-
(a) proposals shall include measures to ensure the integrity of the bond line
taking into account environmental and ageing effects;
-
(b) arrangements shall be such that glazed openings and doors
cannot fall from their mounting should the bond line fail due to the effects
of fire when required to be fire rated. However, mechanical retention is not
required for glazed openings with bonded connections, which have
successfully passed the standard fire test
(3) Where glazed openings protect buoyant volumes, they shall be designed using the
pressure heads derived from a recognised International Standard such as ISO 5780 or
ISO 11336-1.
(4) Where glazed openings with an area exceeding 0.16 metre2
are fitted in the buoyant part of the hull within Level 1, the vessel shall meet the
enhanced survivability standard as defined in 3.17 (4) of the Code, with the
watertight compartment behind the glazed opening assumed flooded and in all such
cases the arrangements should comply with all other applicable provisions of this
section
(5) Where glazed openings do not protect buoyant volumes, they shall be designed
using the pressure heads rules of a Recognised Organisation or a recognised
International Standard such as ISO 11336-1.
Deadlights
(6) In all cases, it shall be ensured that any limitations (i.e. aspect ratio, maximum
window size, etc) included in the Rules of the Recognised Organisation or
International Standard being used are observed and complied with.
(7) Glazed openings within the buoyant part of the hull shall be
provided with deadlights so arranged that they can be easily and effectively closed
and secured watertight.
(8) Deadlights may be portable provided these are stored in an easily
accessible location and are readily mountable in a seaway. Instructions to the
Master as to when deadlights shall be applied to portlights shall be provided.
Storm Covers
(8) Storm covers shall be required in the following locations, where deadlights are
not already required by Section (6):
-
(a) glazed openings in the front and sides of Level 1;
-
(b) glazed openings in the front of Level 2; and
-
(c) where storm covers are interchangeable between port and starboard, a
minimum of 50% of each size shall be provided;
(9) Where required by Section (8), if the glazed openings meet an enhanced structural
standard, in accordance with Recognised Organisation rules, a recognized
International Standard, or a factor of 1.5 applied to the design pressure of the
glazed opening, then storm covers are not required.
(10) A- and B-Class cabin bulkheads and doors are accepted in place of deadlights or
storm covers fitted to glazed openings in the following locations:
-
(a) in Levels 1 and 2 when above the buoyant part of the hull and separating
side glazed openings from a direct access leading below; and
-
(b) in Level 2 when considered buoyant in the stability calculations.
Skylights
(11) Fixed or opening skylights shall-
-
(a) have a glazing thickness appropriate to their size and position as
required for glazed openings;
-
(b) be provided with protection from mechanical damage to the skylight
load-bearing glazing in any position;
-
(c) except where the arrangements comply with (12), when fitted in Level 1 or
2, be provided with deadlights or storm covers that can be easily and safely
mounted in a seaway; and
-
(d) if designated for escape purposes, be provided with a means of opening
from either side of the skylight provided that in the direction of escape
they are able to be opened without a key.
(12) the Administration may permit the storm covers specified in Sections (11)(c) to
be omitted provided the glazing meets Section (9)
Strength
(13) Glazed openings, together with their frames, deadlights and storm covers, if
fitted, shall meet an appropriate national or international standard or the rules
regarding side scuttles and windows of a Recognised Organisationfootnote.
(14) Where the glazing material, glazing thickness, or fixing of the glazed opening
do not meet the requirements of a recognised standardfootnote they may be testedfootnote, to the satisfaction of the Administration, in
accordance with the following provisions:
-
(a) the glazed opening shall be tested to a minimum test pressure of 4 times
the required design pressure derived from an appropriate national or
international standard, provided that as a minimum, the calculated
thicknesses shall meet the Recognised Organisation requirements; and
-
(b) the testing shall be witnessed by an Recognised Organisation.
3.13 Garbage Chutes etc.
(1) Where a garbage chute is fitted two gate valves controlled from the working deck
of the chute instead of the non-return valve with a positive means of closing from a
position above the freeboard deck are acceptable provided they comply with the
following requirements-
-
(a) the lower gate valve shall be controlled from a position above the
freeboard deck and an interlock system between the two valves shall be
arranged;
-
(b) subject to Section (c), the inboard end shall be located above the
waterline formed by an 8.5° heel to port or starboard at a draft
corresponding to the lowest operational freeboard, but not less than 1,000
millimetres above that waterline;
-
(c) where the inboard end exceeds 0.01L above the waterline defined in
Section (b), valve control from the freeboard deck is not required, provided
the inboard gate valve is always accessible under service conditions; and
-
(d) alternatively, the upper and lower gate valves may be replaced by a
hinged weathertight cover at the inboard end of the chute together with a
discharge flap, arranged with an interlock so that the discharge flap cannot
be operated until the hopper cover is closed.
(2) The entire chute, including the cover, shall be constructed of material of
substantial thickness.
(3) The controls for the gate valves and/or hinged covers shall be clearly marked:
"Keep closed when not in use".
(4) Where the inboard end of the chute is below the freeboard deck then-
-
(a) the inboard end hinged cover/valve shall be watertight;
-
(b)the valve shall be a screw-down non-return valve fitted in an easily
accessible position above the deepest load line; and
-
(c) The screw-down non-return valve shall be controlled from a position above
the bulkhead deck and provided with open/closed indicators and the valve
control shall be clearly marked: "Keep closed when not in use".
3.14 Spurling Pipes and Cable Lockers
(1) Spurling pipes and cable lockers shall be watertight up to the deck exposed to
weather.
(2) Where means of access are provided, they shall be closed by a substantial cover
and secured by closely spaced bolts.
(3) Spurling pipes through which anchor cables are led shall be provided with
permanently attached closing appliances to minimise water ingress.
3.15 Freeing Ports and Recesses
Freeing Ports
(1) The standards for water freeing arrangements shall comply with the ILLC as far
as it is reasonable and practicable to do so on any weather decks in the forward
quarter, and up to position 2 elsewhere and in any case the intention shall be
to achieve a standard of safety which is at least equivalent to the standard of
the ILLC to the satisfaction of the Administration given the design and use of
the vessel.
(2) Where a well is created on each side of the vessel between a superstructure or
deckhouse, and the bulwark in way of that superstructure or deck house, the
following formula may be used, in accordance with Figure 3.2, to determine the
required freeing port areas on each side of the vessel for the well concerned-
|
| Figure
3.2
|
|
| Where-
|
FPREQ
|
= Required Minimum Freeing Port Area;
|
|
|
Aw
|
= Area of well in way of superstructure;
and
|
|
|
B
|
= Maximum beam at deck in way of the
well.
|
(3) In individual cases, when the Administration considers that the requirements
of the ILLC with respect to freeing port areas cannot be met, the Administration
may consider and approve alternative arrangements to achieve adequate safety
standards which may take account of a reduced permeability and volume of a well.
(4) For a Passenger Yacht 2 (PY-2) the requirement for the minimum freeing port
area for a forward or after well as determined in accordance with Section
(2) may be reduced by a form factor equal to the ratio of 
where-
-
-
-
AW = Actual area of the well;
-
LW = Overall length of the well;
-
BW = Maximum breadth of the well; and
-
Dimensions are measured at half the height of the bulwark
above the deck of the well,
-
provided that
-
(a) the maximum reduction shall not exceed 50%;
-
(b) the stability requirements for the yacht are maintained with all the
wells flooded to any level up to the height of the bulwark; and
-
(c) the freeing port area provided is sufficient to allow
the well to drain in less than three minutes.
Recesses
(5) Any recess in the weather deck shall be of weathertight construction and shall be
self draining under all normal conditions of heel and trim of the vessel; a swimming
pool or spa bath, open to the elements, shall be treated as a recess.
(6) The means of drainage provided shall be capable of efficient
operation when the vessel is heeled to an angle of 10o.
(7) The drainage arrangements shall have the capability of draining the recess
(when fully charged with water) within 3 minutes when the vessel is upright and
at the load line draft and means shall be provided to prevent the backflow of
sea water into the recess.
(8) Where it is not practical to provide drainage which meets the requirements of
Sections (6) and (7), alternative safety measures may be proposed for approval
by the Administration, provided that where the above requirements for quick
drainage cannot be met, the effect on intact and damage stability shall be
considered taking into account the mass of water and its free surface effect.
3.16 Protection of the Crew
and Passengers
(1) The deckhouses used for the accommodation of the crew and passengers
shall be constructed to an acceptable level of strength
(2) Guard rails or bulwarks shall be fitted around all exposed decks and the height
of the bulwarks or guard rails shall be at least 1 metre from the deck, provided
that where this height would interfere with the normal operation of the ship, a
lesser height may be approved provided that the Administration is satisfied that
adequate protection is provided;
(3) Guard rails fitted on superstructure and freeboard decks shall have at least
three courses such that the opening below the lowest course of the guard rails shall
not exceed 230 millimetres and the other courses shall be not more than 380
millimetres apart;
(4) In the case of ships with rounded gunwales the guard rail supports shall be
placed on the flat of the deck.
(5) In other locations, guardrails with at least two courses shall be fitted.
(6) Guard rails shall comply with the vessel’s Recognised Organisation construction
requirements or the following provisions-
-
(a) fixed, removable or hinged stanchions shall be fitted about 1.5 metres
apart and removable or hinged stanchions shall be capable of being locked in
the upright position;
-
(b) at least every third stanchion shall be supported by a bracket or stay;
-
(c) where necessary for the normal operation of the ship, steel wire ropes
may be accepted in lieu of guard rails and such wires shall be made taut by
means of turnbuckles; and
-
(d) where necessary for the normal operation of the ship, chains fitted
between two fixed stanchions and/or bulwarks are acceptable in lieu of guard
rails.
-
(e) a combination of bulwarks and guardrails shall be permitted providing
that bulwarks comply with applicable freeing port area requirements.
(7) Satisfactory means for safe passage (in the form of guard rails, lifelines,
gangways or underdeck passages, etc.) shall be provided for the protection of the
crew in getting to and from their quarters, the machinery space and any other spaces
used in the essential operation of the ship.
(8) Where the function of the vessel would be impeded by the provision
of bulwarks and/or guard rails complying with Sections (2) to (6), alternative
proposals detailed to provide equivalent safety for persons on deck shall be
submitted to the Administration for approval where recognised national or
international standards may be accepted as equivalence.
(9) The structural strength of any bulwarks or guardrails shall comply with the
requirements of a Recognised Organisation or recognised international standard
as appropriate to the vessel and its areas of operation.
(10) Where Sun Pads are located within 600mm of any Bulwarks and / or
Guardrails, the minimum height of the Bulwark and / or Guardrails shall be at
least 1m above the surface of the Sun Pad. This requirement does not apply to
bench seating or any other horizontal surfaces, which persons would not
reasonably be expected to step or stand on
3.17 Reduced Sill Heights and Coaming
(summary of requirements from earlier sections)
(1) A reduction in door sill height is allowed to the satisfaction of
the Administration in accordance with section 3.5(5), provided that the vessel
has increased freeboard in accordance section 3.2(2), and can comply with the
enhanced survivability standard as defined in section 4.30 (1) (a) (i) to (iii)
inclusive, with the watertight compartment to which the door leads flooded in
accordance with 3.17(4).
(2) Flush hatches are allowed in accordance with section 3.7(4),
including, subject to the vessel being compliant with the enhanced survivability
standard as defined in Section 4.30, (1) (a) (i) to (iii) inclusive with the
watertight compartment to which the opening leads flooded in accordance with
3.17(4).
(3) Flush hatches are allowed in accordance with section 3.7(4),
including, but not limited to, that the vessel can comply with the enhanced
survivability standard as defined in Section 4.30, (1) (a) (i) to (iii)
inclusive with the watertight compartment to which the hatch leads flooded in
accordance with 3.17(4).
(4) Where compliance with the enhanced survivability standard in
section 4.30, with the watertight compartment to which the opening leads flooded
is required for the purpose of accepting reduced sill and coaming heights, the
compartment supplied by the opening is to be assumed flooded to the outside
waterline. In this condition, the compartment must be shown to meet the criteria
set out in Section 4.30. (1) (a) (i) to (iii) inclusive. However, in such cases,
the flooding of any adjacent compartment need not be assumed for the
purpose of the calculation.
3.18 Additional Equivalence Considerations
(1) Openings to be kept closed at sea
(2) Enhanced Bilge Pumping capacity and additional bilge alarms
(3) Compliance with enhanced stability if not already a requirement (see Section
4.30)
(4) Provision of dorade boxes or baffle systems to prevent direct ingress of water
(5) Alternative ventilation for use in bad weather
(6) Consideration of downflooding angle and reduced risk of green sea loads, i.e.
protected position
(7) Enhanced survey inspection regime
(8) Operational Limitations
(9) Consideration shall be given to the provision of operational instructions to
the Master as to when deadlights shall be applied to portlights.