Section 75
( 1)
of Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations, 2003
All external openings leading to compartments assumed intact in the damage analysis, which are below the final damage water-line, are required to be watertight.
!2)
External openings required to be watertight in accordance with sub-regulation (1) shall be of sufficient strength and, except for cargo hatch covers, shall be fitted with indicators on the bridge.
(3)
Openings in the shell plating below the deck limiting the vertical extent of damage shall be kept permanently closed while at sea. Should any of these openings be accessible during the voyage, they shall be fitted with a device which prevents unauthorised opening.
(4)
Notwithstanding the requirements of sub-regulation (3), the Director may authorise that particular doors may be opened at the discretion of the master, if necessary for the operation of the ship and provided that the safety of the ship is not impaired.
(5)
Other closing appliances which are kept permanently closed at sea to ensure the watertight integrity of external openings shall be provided with a notice affixed to each appliance to the effect that it is to be kept closed. Manholes fitted with closely bolted covers need not be so marked.