Section 4 Scuppers and sanitary discharges
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Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022 - Part 3 Ship Structures (General) - Chapter 12 Ventilators, Air Pipes and Discharges - Section 4 Scuppers and sanitary discharges

Section 4 Scuppers and sanitary discharges

4.1 General

4.1.1 Scuppers sufficient in number and size to provide effective drainage are to be fitted in all decks.

4.1.2 Scuppers draining weather decks and spaces within superstructures or deckhouses not fitted with efficient weathertight doors are to be led overboard.

4.1.3 Where the freeboard is such that the freeboard deck edge is immersed when the ship heels 5° or less, scuppers and discharges which drain spaces below the freeboard deck, or spaces within intact superstructures or deckhouses on the freeboard deck fitted with efficient weathertight doors, are to be led to the bilges in the case of scuppers or to suitable sanitary tanks in the case of sanitary discharges. Where the freeboard is such that the freeboard deck edge is immersed when the ship heels greater than 5° then they may be led overboard and fitted with means of preventing water from passing inboard in accordance with Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.2 Closing appliances.

4.1.4 In ships where an approved fixed pressure water spray fire−extinguishing system is fitted in vehicle or cargo spaces, deck scuppers of not less than 150 mm diameter are to be provided port and starboard, spaced about 9,0 m apart. The scupper area will require to be increased if the design capacity of the drencher system exceeds the Rule required capacity by 10 per cent or more. After installation, the two adjacent sections with the greatest aggregate drencher capacity are to be tested in operation to ensure that there is no build up of water on the deck, see also Pt 4, Ch 2, 10.2 Openings in main vehicle deck 10.2.2. The mouth of the scupper is to be protected by bars.

4.1.5 Where a sewage system is fitted, the shipside valves on the discharge pipe from the effluent tank(s) and the by-pass system are to comply with Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.2 Closing appliances.

4.1.6 The minimum wall thickness of pipes not indicated in Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.2 Closing appliances 4.2.6 is to be:

  • 4,5 mm for pipes of 155 mm external diameter or smaller.
  • 6,0 mm for pipes of 230 mm external diameter or greater.

Intermediate minimum thicknesses are to be determined by linear interpolation.

4.1.7 For the use of non-metallic pipe, see Pt 5, Ch 12, 5 Plastic pipes.

4.1.8 Scuppers and discharge pipes should not normally pass through fuel oil or cargo oil tanks. Where scuppers and discharge pipes pass, unavoidably, through fuel oil or cargo oil tanks, and are led through the shell within the tanks, the thickness of the piping should be at least the same thickness as Rule shell plating in way, derived from the appropriate Chapters, but need not exceed 19 mm.

4.1.9 Piping within tanks is to be tested in accordance with Pt 3, Ch 1, 8 Inspection and workmanship.

4.1.10 All piping is to be adequately supported.

4.1.12 For additional requirements for scuppers and sanitary discharges on dredging and reclamation craft, see Pt 4, Ch 12, 15 Spoil space weirs and overflows.

4.2 Closing appliances

4.2.1 In general, each separate overboard discharge is to be fitted with a screw-down non-return valve capable of being operated from a position always accessible and above the freeboard deck. An indicator is to be fitted at the control position showing whether the valve is open or closed. A machinery space, whether manned or unattended (i.e. with UMS notation), is considered accessible. Cargo holds or spaces with access only by hatches or bolted manholes are not considered accessible.

4.2.2 Where a drencher fire-extinguishing system is provided in an enclosed vehicle space of a ferry, the scupper controls are to be operated from a position above the bulkhead deck, and outside the vehicle space protected by the drencher system, and are to be protected from mechanical damage.

4.2.3 Where the vertical distance from the summer load waterline to the inboard end of the discharge pipe exceeds 0,01L L the discharge may be fitted with two automatic non-return valves without positive means of closing, instead of the screw-down non-return valve, provided that the inboard valve is always accessible for examination under service conditions.

4.2.4 Where the vertical distance from the summer load waterline to the inboard end of the discharge pipe exceeds 0,02L L, a single automatic non-return valve without positive means of closing may be fitted, see Figure 12.4.1 Diagrammatic arrangement of discharge valves.

Figure 12.4.1 Diagrammatic arrangement of discharge valves

4.2.5 The requirements for non-return valves are applicable only to those discharges which remain open during the normal operation of the ship. For discharges which are closed at sea, such as gravity drains from topside ballast tanks, a single screw down valve operated from the freeboard deck is considered to provide sufficient protection.

4.2.6 Scuppers and discharge pipes originating at any level which penetrate the shell either more than 450 mm below the freeboard deck or less than 600 mm above the summer load waterline, are to be fitted with an automatic non-return valve at the shell. This valve, unless required by Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.1 General 4.1.3, may be omitted provided the piping has a minimum wall thickness of:

  • 7,0 mm for pipes of 80 mm external diameter or smaller;
  • 10,0 mm for pipes of 180 mm external diameter;
  • 12,5 mm for pipes of 220 mm external diameter or greater.

Intermediate minimum thicknesses are to be determined by linear interpolation. Unless required by Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.1 General 4.1.8, the maximum thickness need not exceed 12,5 mm.

4.2.7 The outboard valve is to be mounted directly on the shell and secured in accordance with Pt 5, Ch 13, 2.5 Ship-side valves and fittings (other than those on scuppers and sanitary discharges) 2.5.1. If this is impracticable, a short distance piece of rigid construction may be introduced between the valve and the shell. Valves should not be fitted in cargo tanks.

4.2.8 If a valve is required by Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.1 General 4.1.3, this valve should preferably be fitted as close as possible to the point of entry of the pipe into the tank. If fitted below the freeboard deck, the valve is to be capable of being controlled from an easily accessible position above the freeboard deck. Local control is also to be arranged, unless the valve is inaccessible. An indicator is to be fitted at the control position showing whether the valve is open or closed.

4.2.9 In a ship to which timber freeboards are assigned, the summer load waterline is to be regarded as that corresponding to the timber summer freeboard.

4.2.10 For ship side valves and fittings (other than those on scuppers and sanitary discharges), see Pt 5, Ch 13, 2 Construction and installation and Pt 6, Ch 1, 2 Essential features for control, alarm, monitoring and safety systems .

4.3 Rubbish chutes, offal and similar discharges

4.3.1 Rubbish chutes, offal and similar discharges should be constructed of mild steel piping or plating of shell thickness. Other materials will be specially considered. Openings are to be kept clear of the sheerstrake and areas of high stress concentration.

4.3.2 Rubbish chute hoppers are to be provided with a hinged weathertight cover at the inboard end with an interlock so that the discharge flap and hopper cover cannot be open at the same time. The hopper cover is to be secured closed when not in use, and a suitable notice displayed at the control position.

4.3.3 Where the inboard end of the hopper is less than 0,01L L above the summer load waterline, a suitable valve with positive means for closing is to be provided in addition to the cover and flap in an easily accessible position above the deepest seasonal waterline. The valve is to be controlled from a position adjacent to the hopper and provided with an open/shut indicator. The valve is to be kept closed when not in use, and a suitable notice displayed at the valve operating position.

4.3.4 Where damage stability requirements apply and the inboard end of the chute is below the equilibrium waterlines, or in passenger ships, where the inboard end of a rubbish chute is below the margin line; see Pt 3, Ch 11, 8.2 General 8.2.8.(b).

4.3.5 In trawlers or fish factory ships, offal discharges in the fish working spaces are to be provided with either a non-return flap, preferably fitted at the shell which can be positively secured weathertight, or a separate positively controlled valve kept closed when not in use. A suitable notice is to be displayed at the flap or valve operating position.

4.4 Materials for valves, fittings and pipes

4.4.1 All shell fittings and valves required by Pt 3, Ch 12, 4.2 Closing appliances are to be of steel, bronze or other approved ductile material; ordinary cast iron or similar material is not acceptable. Materials are to satisfy the requirements of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, July 2022.

4.4.2 All these items, if made of steel or other approved material with low corrosion resistance, are to be suitably protected against wastage.

4.4.3 The lengths of pipe attached to the shell fittings, elbow pieces or valves are to be of galvanised steel or other equivalent approved material.


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