Section 42
( 1)
of Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations, 2003
For the purpose of this regulation, "freeboard deck", "length of ship"
and "forward perpendicular" have the meanings as defined in the International
Convention on Load Lines in force.
(2)
A collision bulkhead shall be fitted which shall be watertight up to the freeboard deck. This bulkhead shall be located at a distance from the forward perpendicular of not less than 5o/o of the length of the ship or 10 metres, which-ever is the less, and, except as may be permitted by the Director, not more than 8o/o of the length of the ship.
(3)
Where any part of the ship below the water-line extends forward of the forward perpendicular, for example, a bulbous bow, the distances stipulated in sub-regulation (2) shall be measured from a point either -
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{a) at the mid-length of such extension;
{b) at a distance 1.5% of the length of the ship forward of the forward perpendicular; or
{c) at a distance 3 metres forward of the forward perpendicular, whichever gives the smallest measurement.
(4)
The bulkhead may have steps or recesses, provided they are within the limits prescribed in sub-regulation (2) or (3). Pipes piercing the collision bulkhead shall be fitted with suitable valves operable from above the freeboard deck and the valve chest shall be secured at the bulkhead inside the forepeak. The valves may be fitted on the after side of the collision bulkhead, provided that the valves are readily accessible under all service conditions and the space in which they are located is not a cargo space. All valves shall be of steel, bronze or other approved ductile material. Valves of ordinary cast iron or similar material are not accept-able. No door, manhole, ventilation duct or any other opening shall be fitted in this bulkhead.
(5)
Where a long forward superstructure is fitted, the collisions bulkhead shall be extended weathertight to the deck next above the freeboard deck. The extension need not be fitted directly above the bulkhead below, provided it is located within the limits prescribed in sub-regulation (2) or (3) with the exemption permitted by sub-regulation (6) and the part of the deck which forms the step is made effectively weathertight.
(6)
Where bow doors are fitted and a sloping loading ramp forms part of the extension of the collision bulkhead above the freeboard deck, the part of the ramp which is more than 2.3 metres above the freeboard deck may extend forward of the limit specified in sub-regulation (2) or (3). The ramp shall be weathertight over its compfete length.
(7)
The number of openings in the extension of the collision bulkhead above the freeboard deck shall be restricted to the minimum compatible with the design and normal operation of the ship. All such openings shall be capable of being closed weathertight.
(8)
Bulkheads shall be fitted separating the machinery space from cargo and passenger spaces forward and aft and made watertight up to the freeboard deck.
(9)
Stern tubes shall be enclosed in a watertight space or spaces of moderate volume. Other measures to minimise the danger of water penetrating into the ship in case of damage to stern tube arrangements may be taken at the discretion of the Director.
(10)
Sub-regulations (8) and (9) apply to ships constructed on or after 1st. February, 1992.
Double bottoms in passenger ships.