Regulation 21 - Cargo ports and other similar openings
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Conventions - Load Lines, 1966/1988 - International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as Amended by the Protocol of 1988 - Annex I - Regulations for Determining Load Lines - Chapter II - Conditions of Assignment of Freeboard - Regulation 21 - Cargo ports and other similar openings

Regulation 21 - Cargo ports and other similar openings

  (1) Cargo ports and other similar 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. Unless otherwise granted by the Administration, these opening shall open outwards. The number of such openings shall be the minimum compatible with the design and proper working of the ship.

  (2) Unless otherwise permitted by the Administration, the lower edge of openings referred to in paragraph (1) shall not be below a line drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side, which is at its lowest point at least 230 mm above the upper edge of the uppermost load line.

  (3) Where it is permitted to arrange cargo ports and other similar openings with their lower edge below the line specified in paragraph (2), additional features shall be fitted to maintain the watertight integrity.

  (4) The fitting of a second door of equivalent strength and watertightness is one acceptable arrangement. A leakage detection device shall be provided in the compartment between the two doors. Drainage of this compartment to the bilges, controlled by a readily accessible screw down valve, shall be arranged. The outer door shall open outwards.

  (5) Arrangements for bow doors and their inner doors, side doors and stern doors and their securings shall be in compliance with the requirements of a recognised organization, or with the applicable national standards of the Administration which provide an equivalent level of safety.

Parent topic: Chapter II - Conditions of Assignment of Freeboard
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