Section 45

Access to cofferdams, ballast tanks, cargo tanks and other spaces in the cargo area shall be direct from the open deck and such as to ensure their complete inspection. Access to double bottom spaces may be through a cargo pump room, pump room, deep cofferdam, pipe tunnel or similar compartments, subject to consideration of ventilation aspects.

For access through horizontal openings, hatches or manholes, the dimensions shall be sufficient to allow a person wearing a self-contained air-breathing apparatus and protective equipment to ascend or descend any 562

ladder without obstruction and also to provide a clear opening to facilitate the hoisting of an injured person from the bottom of the space. The minimum clear opening shall not be less than 600 millimetres by 600 millimetres.

For access through vertical openings, or manholes providing passage through the length and breadth of the space, the minimum clear opening shall not be less than 600 millimetres by 800 millimetres at a height of not more than 600

millimetres from the bottom shell plating, unless gratings or other footholds are provided.

For oil tankers of less than 5,000 tonnes deadweight, smaller dimen-sions may be approved by the Director in special circumstances, if the ability to traverse such openings or to remove an injured person can be proved to the satisfaction of the Director.

Assigning, marking and recording of subdivision load lines for, passenger ships.