Section 4 Bathing and watersport platforms and shell openings
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 - Part 4 Additional Requirements for Yachts - Chapter 2 All Yachts - Section 4 Bathing and watersport platforms and shell openings

Section 4 Bathing and watersport platforms and shell openings

4.1 General

4.1.1 Shell doors including bathing and watersport platforms, are generally to be fitted with a sill not less than 600 mm above the design waterline. All openings are to open into a watertight space with access into the yacht by watertight doors capable of being operated from both sides. The outer shell doors may be of a single or double leaf type with either hand or hand and hydraulic operated door clips to ensure watertightness when at sea. Any locking devices fitted are to `fail safe' in the event of hydraulic failure. Provision is to be made for doors to be closed and locked by hand in the event of hydraulic failure, see Pt 3, Ch 4 Closing Arrangements and Outfit.

4.1.2 Watertight boundaries behind shell openings with a sill height below, or less than 600 mm above, the design waterline are to have stress and deflection criteria required for watertight bulkheads by Pt 6 Hull Construction in Steel, Pt 7 Hull Construction in Aluminium and Pt 8 Hull Construction in Composite of the rules for steel, aluminium alloy and composite respectively with a design load according to side shell pressure, Ps as defined in Pt 5, Ch 2, 4.2 Combined hydrostatic and hydrodynamic pressure on the shell plating. Doors from this space providing internal access are to have a sill height at least 600 mm above the design waterline. The effect of flooding on stability and operational controls, and limitations on when and where opening may be used, are to be considered. Provision is to be made for hydraulic doors to be closed and locked by hand in the event of hydraulic failure, see Pt 3, Ch 4 Closing Arrangements and Outfit.

4.1.3 Drainage systems for the above shell openings are to be fitted with non-return valves.

4.1.4 Transom platforms are to be integral with the hull or be separate mechanically secured components.

4.1.5 Integral components are to have scantlings equivalent to the adjacent structure with care taken to ensure continuity of strength with no hard spots.

4.1.6 Separate mechanically secured components are to be of substantial construction and securely fastened to the main structure ensuring bolting and sealing arrangements are satisfactory with no hard spots.

4.1.7 Recesses for passerelles, windlasses, platforms, cockpits etc. are to be watertight and of equivalent strength to that of the surrounding hull and deck structure with care being taken to ensure continuity of strength. Electrical and hydraulic penetrations (where fitted) are to be through watertight glands. Direct overboard discharges are to be fitted to prevent any accumulation of water in the recess.


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