Section 1 General

1.1.1 This Chapter applies to all types of ship covered by Pt 4 Ship Structures (Ship Types), except where specifically stated otherwise.

1.1.2 The requirements given are those specific to aft ends and relate to structure situated in the region aft of 0,3L from the after perpendicular.

1.1.3 Requirements for cargo space structure within this region not dealt with in this Chapter are to be as detailed in the relevant Chapter of Pt 4 Ship Structures (Ship Types) for the particular ship type.

1.1.4 The requirements in this Chapter are not applicable to Double Hull Oil Tankers or Bulk Carriers with a CSR notation. See Pt 1, Ch 2, 2.3 Class notations (hull).

1.2.1 The Rules provide for both longitudinal and transverse framing systems.

1.2.2 In the case of container ships and open type ships additional requirements may apply as detailed in Pt 4, Ch 8 Container Ships.

1.3.1 Suitable scarfing arrangements are to be made to ensure continuity of strength and the avoidance of abrupt structural changes.

1.3.2 Where longitudinal framing terminates and is replaced by a transverse system, adequate arrangements are to be made to avoid an abrupt changeover. Where a poop is fitted extending forward of 0,15L from the A.P., longitudinal framing at the upper deck and topsides is generally to be continued aft of the forward bulkhead of this superstructure. In bulk carriers and oil tankers (see Pt 3, Ch 6, 1.1 Application 1.1.4) the longitudinal framing at the upper deck is to be maintained over the cargo space region and continued over the aft end region.

1.3.3 In oil tankers (see Pt 3, Ch 6, 1.1 Application 1.1.4) with machinery aft, continuity of the longitudinal bulkheads is to be maintained as far as is practicable into the machinery space, and suitable taper brackets are to be fitted at their ends.

1.3.4 In bulk carriers (see Pt 3, Ch 6, 1.1 Application 1.1.4) with machinery aft, continuity of the topside tank and double bottom hopper tank structure is to be maintained over the cargo space region and as far as is practicable continued into the machinery space, and suitable taper brackets are to be arranged at their ends. Also a vertical taper bracket in line with the vertical strake of the topside tank is to be fitted at the forward side of the aft bulkhead of the cargo space region. Where the topside tank and double bottom hopper tank structures terminate at the cargo space aft bulkhead, the vertical strake of the topside tank is to be arranged with an integral taper bracket and continued through the bulkhead into the machinery space for a distance of 0,2B, and the ends of the hopper and topside structures are to be arranged with suitable taper brackets. In addition, in way of the cargo space aft bulkhead, a girder or intercostal bulb plate stiffeners (fitted between and connected to the bulkhead vertical stiffeners), are to be arranged on the aft side in line with the sloped bulkheads of the topside and hopper tanks clear of the taper brackets.

1.3.5 In container or similar ships having continuous side tanks or double skin construction in way of the cargo spaces, the longitudinal bulkheads are to be continued as far aft as is practicable and are to be suitably tapered at their ends. Where, due to the ship's form, such bulkheads are stepped, suitable scarfing is to be arranged.

1.4.1 The following symbols and definitions are applicable to this Chapter unless otherwise stated:

1.4.2 For the purpose of this Chapter, the after perpendicular, A.P., is defined as the after limit of the Rule length L.