Section 8 Scuppers and sanitary discharges
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Naval Ships, January 2023 - Volume 1 Ship Structures - Part 3 Design Principles and Constructional Arrangements - Chapter 4 Closing Arrangements and Outfit - Section 8 Scuppers and sanitary discharges

Section 8 Scuppers and sanitary discharges

8.1 General

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

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

8.1.3 Where the freeboard is such that the deck edge forming the vertical limit of watertight integrity is immersed when the ship heels 5° or less, scuppers and discharges which drain spaces below this deck, or spaces within intact superstructures or deckhouses on this 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 deck edge forming the vertical limit of watertight integrity 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 Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.2 Closing appliances.

8.1.4 In ships where an approved fixed pressure water spray fire-extinguishing system is fitted in vehicle, magazines or hangar spaces, deck scuppers of not less than 150 mm diameter are to be provided port and starboard, spaced about 9,0 m apart. Where the design capacity of the drencher system exceeds an application of water at a rate 5 litres per square metre of deck area by 10 per cent or more, the scupper area will require to be increased accordingly. 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. The mouth of the scupper is to be protected by bars.

8.1.5 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 Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.2 Closing appliances.

8.1.6 The minimum wall thickness of pipes not indicated in Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.2 Closing appliances 8.2.6 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.

8.1.7 For the use of non-metallic pipe, see Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 1, 11 Plastic pipes

8.1.8 Scuppers and discharge pipes should not normally pass through fuel oil tanks. Where scuppers and discharge pipes pass, unavoidably, through fuel 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.

8.1.9 Piping within tanks is to be tested in accordance with Naval Survey Guidance for Steel Ships, or an otherwise specified and agreed standard.

8.1.10 All piping is to be adequately supported.

8.2 Closing appliances

8.2.1 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 damage control 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. Spaces with access only by bolted manholes are not considered accessible.

8.2.2 Where an approved fire pressure waterspray fire-extinguishing system is provided in an enclosed vehicle space, magazines or hangar spaces, the scupper controls are to be operated from a position above the damage control deck, and outside the space protected by the fire-extinguishing system, and are to be protected from mechanical damage.

8.2.3 Where the vertical distance from the design draught to the inboard end of the discharge pipe exceeds 0,01L R 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.

8.2.4 Where the vertical distance from the design waterline to the inboard end of the discharge pipe exceeds 0,02L R, a single automatic non-return valve without positive means of closing may be fitted, see Figure 4.8.1 Diagrammatic arrangement of discharge valves

Figure 4.8.1 Diagrammatic arrangement of discharge valves

8.2.5 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, a single screw-down valve operated from the weather deck is considered to provide sufficient protection.

8.2.6 Scuppers and discharge pipes originating at any level which penetrate the shell either more than 450 mm below the deck forming the vertical limit of watertight integrity or less than 600 mm above the design draught waterline, are to be fitted with an automatic non-return valve at the shell. This valve, unless required by Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.1 General 8.1.3, 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 Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.1 General 8.1.8, the maximum thickness need not exceed 12,5 mm.

8.2.7 The outboard valve is to be mounted directly on the shell and secured in accordance with Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 1 Piping Design Requirements. If this is impracticable, a short distance piece of rigid construction may be introduced between the valve and the shell.

8.2.8 If a valve is required by Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.1 General 8.1.3, 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 weather deck, the valve is to be capable of being controlled from an easily accessible position above the weather 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.

8.2.9 Valves for maintaining watertight integrity such as ship side valves and fittings (other than those on scuppers and sanitary discharges), are to comply with the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 1 Piping Design Requirements and Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 2 Ship Piping Systems.

8.3 Rubbish chutes and similar discharges

8.3.1 Rubbish chutes 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.

8.3.2 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.

8.3.3 Where the inboard end of the hopper is less than 0,01L R above the design draught, 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 design draught. 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.

8.4 Materials for valves, fittings and pipes

8.4.1 All shell fittings and valves required by Vol 1, Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.2 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.

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

8.4.3 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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