Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 2001

S. I. No. 424 of 2001

ARRANGEMENT OF RULES

PART I

Preliminary and General

1. Short Title and commencement

2. Interpretation

3. Repeals and Revocations

4. Application

PART II

Surveys and Certificates

5. Assignment of Freeboards

6. Initial, renewal and annual surveys

7. Issue of appropriate certificates

8. Duration and extension of certificates

9. Certificates ceasing to be valid, and surrender and cancellation of certificates

10. Issue of exemption certificates

11. Non -Irish Ships

PART III

Load Lines and Marks

12. Marking

13. Deck-line

14. Load line mark

15. Load lines

16. Timber load lines

17. Appropriate load line

18. Position of load lines

19. Method of marking

20. Authorisation of removal, etc., of appropriate marks

21. Mark of Assigning Authority

PART IV

Conditions of Assignment

22. Requirements relevant to the assignment of freeboards

23. Compliance with conditions of assignment

24. Record of particulars

PART V

Freeboards

25. Types of freeboard

26. Determination of freeboards

27. Greater than minimum freeboards

28. Special position of deck-line: correction of freeboards

PART VI

Information for the Master

29. Information as to stability of ships

30. Information as to loading and ballasting of ships

PART VII

Equivalents

31. Equivalents

List of Schedules

S.I. No. 424 of 2001

Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 2001

I, Frank Fahey, Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by Sections 3 and 29 of the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1968 (No. 17 of 1968) and the Communications (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order, 1987 ( S.I. No. 91 of 1987 ) as adapted by the Marine (Alteration of Name of Department and Title of Minister) Order, 1997 ( S.I. No. 301 of 1997 ) and having had regard to the Convention of 1966, as amended by the Protocol of 1988, hereby make the following Rules;-

PART I

PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL

1.       These Rules may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 2001.

2. -     (1)     In these Rules -

“the 1966 Convention” means the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966

“the 1988 Protocol” means the Protocol of 1988 relating to the 1966 Convention;

“alteration” includes deterioration;

“amidships” in relation to a ship means the middle of the ship's length (L);

“anniversary date” in relation to a certificate means the day and the month of each year which corresponds to the date of expiry of the certificate;

“appropriate certificate” means

(a)    in the case of a Convention-size ship, an International Load Line Certificate or an International Load Line Certificate (1966), and

(b)    in the case of any other ship, an Irish Load Line Certificate;

“appropriate load line” means the load line directed to be marked on a ship pursuant to rule 5(2)(b), or in the case of a ship not surveyed under these Rules, pursuant to an International Load Line Certificate or International Load Line Certificate (1966) which is in force, indicating the maximum depth to which the ship may be loaded in salt water in a particular zone or area and seasonal period;

“appropriate marks” means the appropriate load lines, the deck-line and load line mark;

“Assigning Authority” means the Minister or any person or organisation authorised by the Minister for the purposes of these Rules;

“clearance” includes transire;

“Conditions of assignment” means the conditions relating to construction, arrangement and stability with which a ship must comply in order to be assigned freeboards;

“Convention-size” in relation to a ship, means in the case of an existing ship, of not less than 150 gross tons and in the case of a new ship, of not less than 24 metres in length;

“exclusive surveyor” means a surveyor appointed by and working exclusively for an Assigning Authority;

“Exemption Certificate” means an International Load Line Exemption Certificate or an Irish Load Line Exemption Certificate;

“existing ship” means a ship which is not a new ship;

“freeboard” means the distance measured vertically downwards at amidships from the upper edge of the deck-line described in rule 13 to the position at which the upper edge of the load line appropriate to the freeboard is to be marked;

“freeboard deck” means the deck from which the freeboards assigned to the ship are calculated, being -

(a)    the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, which has permanent means of closing all openings open to the weather, and below which all openings in the sides of the ship are fitted with permanent means of watertight closing; or

(b)    at the request of the owner and subject to the approval of the Minister, a deck lower than that described in subparagraph (a) above, it being a complete and permanent deck which is continuous both in a fore and aft direction at least between the machinery space and peak bulkheads of the ship, and athwartships,

a deck which is stepped being taken to consist for this purpose of the lowest line of the deck and the continuation of that line parallel to the upper part of the deck;

“International Loadline Certificate” means an International Load Line Certificate issued under the 1966 Convention as amended by the 1988 Protocol;

“International Loadline Certificate (1966)” means an International Loadline Certificate issued under the 1966 Convention before the relevant entry into force date (if any);

“International Load Line Exemption Certificate” means an International Load Line Certificate issued under the 1966 Convention as amended by the 1988 Protocol;

“International Load Line Exemption Certificate (1966)” means an International Load Line Exemption Certificate issued under the 1966 Convention before the relevant entry into force date (if any)”,

“International voyage” means a voyage between -

(a)    a port in the State and a port outside the State; or

(b)    a port in a Convention country (other than the State) and a port in any other country or territory (whether a Convention country or not) which is outside the State;

“Irish Load Line Certificate” means a certificate issued under rule 7(1) other than an International Load Line Certificate;

“Irish Load Line Exemption Certificate” means a certificate issued under rule 10(2);

“Length” means 96% of the total length on a waterline at 85% of the least moulded depth measured from the top of the keel, or as the length from the fore-side of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock on that waterline, if that be greater. Where the stem contour is concave above the waterline at 85% of the least moulded depth, both the forward terminal of the total length and the fore-side of the stem respectively shall be taken at the vertical projection to that waterline of the aftermost point of the stem contour (above that waterline). In ships designed with a rake of keel the waterline on which this length is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline;

“load line” means a mark on the ship indicating the maximum depth to which a ship may be loaded;

“Marine Notice” means a Notice described as such issued by the Department of the Marine and Natural Resources and which may be amended or replaced from time to time;

“material date” for the purposes of the definitions of a new and existing ship is -

(a)    in relation to a ship whose parent country is a Convention country other than Ireland, the date on which the 1966 Convention entered into force for that country; and

(b)    in relation to any other ship, the 4th October 1968;

“mean freeboard” means the arithmetic mean of the freeboard measured on each side of the ship;

“mean draught” means the mean of the draughts shown on the scales of measurement on the stem and on the stem post of the ship, and

“Minister” means the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources;

“moulded depth” in relation to a ship means the vertical distance measured from the top of the keel to the top of the freeboard deck beam at side, except that -

(a)    in the case of a wood or composite ship, it shall be measured from the lower edge of the keel rabbet;

(b)    if the form at the lower part of the midship section of the ship is of a hollow character or if thick garboards are fitted, it shall be measured from the point where the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards cuts the side of the keel;

(c)    in the case of a ship having rounded gunwales it shall be measured to the point of intersection of the moulded lines of the deck and side shell plating, the lines extending as though the gunwale were of angular design; and

(d)    if the freeboard deck is stepped and the raised part of the deck extends over the point at which the moulded depth is to be determined, it shall be measured to a line of reference extending from the lower part of the deck along a line parallel to the raised part of the deck;

“near-coastal voyage” means any voyage which is not an international voyage;

“new ship” means a ship whose keel was laid, or which was at a similar stage of construction, on or after the material date.

“non-Irish ship” means any ship other than an Irish ship within the meaning of section (9) of the Mercantile Marine Act, 1955 ;

“parent country”, in relation to a ship, means the country or territory in which the ship is registered or, if the ship is not registered anywhere, it means the country or territory whose flag the ship flies;

“Principal Act” means the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1968 (No. 17 of 1968) ;

“rake of keel” means the inclination of the keel to a horizontal baseline;

“relevant entry into force date” means the date when the 1988 Protocol enters into force in respect of the Government of the parent country of the ship in question;

“sailing ship” means a ship designed to carry sail, whether as the sole means of propulsion, or as a supplementary means;

“sea” does not include smooth or partially smooth waters;

“smooth or partially smooth waters” means waters which are defined as such in schedule 14 of S.I. 380 of 1993;

“surveyor” means a surveyor of ships appointed by the Minister or an exclusive surveyor of any other Assigning Authority;

“valid Convention certificate” means -

(a)    an International Load Line Certificate (1966) or an International Load Line exemption Certificate (1966), which is in force, or

(b)    an International Load Line Certificate or an International Load Line Exemption Certificate, which is in force;

“watertight” in relation to any part of the ship, means capable of preventing the passage of water in any direction.

(2)     In these Rules -

(a) a reference to a numbered Part is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the Part of that number in these Rules;

(b) a reference to a numbered rule is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the rule of that number in these Rules; and

(c) a reference in a rule to a numbered paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the paragraph of that number in that rule.

(3)     Any approval given pursuant to these Rules shall be given in writing and shall specify the date on which it takes effect and the conditions (if any) on which it is given.

Repeals and revocations

3.       The following Statutory Instruments are hereby revoked

Application

4.       (1)     These Rules apply to Irish ships wherever they may be and to other ships while they are within the State except -

(a)    ships of war;

(b)    ships solely engaged in fishing;

(c)    pleasure yachts not engaged in trade, and

(d)    ships which do not go to sea.

PART II

SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATES

Assignment of freeboards

5.       (1)     The Assigning Authority shall assign freeboards to an Irish ship in accordance with the requirements of these Rules.

(2)     The Assigning Authority shall -

(a)    determine the particulars of the freeboards to be assigned;

(b)    determine which of the load lines described in Part III are to be marked on the sides of the ship in accordance with the requirements of that Part;

(c)    determine the position where the load lines, the deck-line and the load line mark are to be so marked; and

(d)    complete a copy of the record of particulars relating to the conditions of assignment.

(3)     Where a passenger ship is marked with subdivision load lines, and the lowest of those lines is lower than the line which is the appropriate load line then that subdivision load line shall have effect as if it is the appropriate load line for the purposes of these Rules.

Initial, renewal and annual surveys

6.       (1)     An Irish ship shall be subject to the surveys specified below:

(a)    An initial survey before the ship is put into service, which shall include a complete inspection of its structure and equipment as required by these Rules. This survey shall be such as to ensure that the arrangements, materials and scantlings comply fully with the requirements of these Rules.

(b)    A renewal survey at intervals not exceeding five years, except where paragraph (2)(a), (5),(6) of Rule 8 is applicable, which shall be such as to ensure that the structure, equipment, arrangements, materials and scantlings comply fully with the requirements of these Rules.

(c)    An annual survey within the period of three months before or after each anniversary date of the appropriate certificate to ensure that -

(i)    alterations have not been made to the hull or superstructures which would affect the calculations determining the position of the load line;

(ii)    the fittings and appliances for the protection of openings, guard rails, freeing ports and means of access to crew's quarters are maintained in an effective condition;

(iii)   the appropriate marks are correctly and permanently indicated; and

(iv)   information is provided in accordance with Rules 29 and 30.

(2)     The owner and master shall ensure that after any of the surveys referred to in paragraph (1) has been completed, no material alteration is made to the ship, its structure and equipment, without the approval of the Assigning Authority.

(3)     After a satisfactory annual survey referred to in paragraph (1)(c), the surveyor shall endorse the International Load Line Certificate, the International Load Line Certificate (1966) or, as the case may be, the Irish Load Line Certificate, accordingly.

Issue of appropriate certificates

7.       (1)     Subject to the provisions of rule 8, the Assigning Authority shall issue an International Load Line Certificate in the case of a Convention-size ship, or an Irish Load Line Certificate in the case of any other ship, which has been surveyed in accordance with these rules.

(2)     If the certificate is an International Load Line Certificate it shall be in the form prescribed by Annex III to the 1988 Protocol.

(3)     If the certificate is an Irish Load Line Certificate it shall be in the form prescribed in Schedule 8.

(4)     In the case of a ship that has transferred from the registry of the Government of another country to the Irish registry, the Assigning Authority, subject to such survey requirements it considers to be necessary may, and in the case of a ship to which Council Regulation EEC No. 613/91 applies shall, issue an International Load Line Certificate for a period to be determined by the Assigning Authority, but for not longer than the period of validity of the certificate issued by or on behalf of the Government of that other country if satisfied that -

(a)    the ship has already been subjected to satisfactory initial, renewal and annual surveys, as appropriate;

(b)    the condition of the ship, including its structure and equipment, has been maintained so as to comply with the requirements of the 1966 Convention applicable to the ship;

(c)    after any of the surveys referred to in subparagraph (a) above have been completed, no material change has been made to the ship, including its structure and equipment, subject to such surveys, without the approval of the administration of that State; and

(d)    that in the case of a ship to which Council Regulation EEC No. 613/91 applies, the intact stability information approved by or on behalf of the Government of that other country is in English and complies with the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation's Resolution A.167(ES.1 V).

Duration and extension of certificates

8.     (1)       Subject to paragraphs (2), (4), (5) and (6), the duration of any certificate issued under these Rules shall not exceed a period of five years beginning with the date of completion of the initial or renewal survey referred to in rule 6 (1)(a) or (b) respectively.

(2)               (a)    When the renewal survey referred to in rule 6(1) (b) is completed within three months before the expiry of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid for a period beginning with the date of completion of the renewal survey and ending on a date which does not exceed five years from the expiry of the existing certificate.

(b)    When the renewal survey referred to in rule 6(1)(b) is completed after the expiry of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid for a period beginning with the date of completion of the renewal survey and ending on a date which does not exceed five years from the expiry of the previous certificate.

(c)    When the renewal survey referred to in rule 6(1)(b) is completed more than three months before the expiry of the existing certificate, the new certificate shall be valid for a period beginning with the date of completion of the renewal survey and ending on a date which does not exceed five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.

(3)     If a certificate is issued for a period of less than five years, the Assigning Authority may extend the validity of the certificate beyond the expiry date to the maximum period specified in paragraph (1), provided that the annual surveys applicable when a certificate is issued for a period of five years are carried out as appropriate.

(4)     If, after the renewal survey, a new certificate cannot be issued to the ship before the expiry of the existing certificate, the Assigning Authority may extend the validity of the existing certificate for a period which shall not exceed five months. This extension shall be endorsed on the certificate, and shall be granted only where there have been no alterations in the structure, equipment, arrangements, materials or scantlings which affect the ship's freeboard.

(5)     If, at the time when a certificate expires, a ship is not in a port in which it is to be surveyed, the Assigning Authority may extend the validity of the certificate but this extension shall be granted only where it appears proper and reasonable to the Assigning Authority to do so for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete its voyage to the port in which it is to be surveyed. No certificate shall be extended for a period longer than three months beginning with the date of expiry, and a ship to which an extension is granted shall not, on its arrival in the port in which it is to be surveyed, be entitled by virtue of such extension to leave that port without having a new certificate. When the renewal survey is completed, the new certificate shall be valid for a period ending on a date which does not exceed five years from the expiry of the previous certificate before the extension was granted.

(6)     A certificate issued to a ship engaged on short voyages which has not been extended under paragraph (3), (4), or (5) of this rule may be extended by the Assigning Authority for a period of not more than one month beginning with the date of its expiry. When the renewal survey is completed the new certificate shall be valid for a period ending on a date which does not exceed five years from the expiry of the previous certificate before the extension is granted.

(7)     In special circumstances, as determined by the Assigning Authority, a new certificate need not be dated from the expiry of the previous certificate before the extension was granted, as required by paragraphs (2), (5) and (6). In these special circumstances, the new certificate shall be valid for a period ending on a date which is not more than five years from the date of completion of the renewal survey.

(8)     If an annual survey is completed before the period specified in rule 6(1)(c) then:

(a)    a new anniversary date shall be endorsed on a certificate which shall not be more than three months later than the date on which the annual survey was completed;

(b)    the subsequent annual survey required by rule 6(1)(c) shall be completed at the intervals prescribed by that rule using the new anniversary date;

(c)    the expiry date of the certificate may remain unchanged provided one or more annual surveys are carried out so that the maximum intervals between the surveys prescribed by rule 6(1)(c) are not exceeded.

Certificates ceasing to be valid, and surrender and cancellation of certificates

9.       (1)     An appropriate certificate issued in respect of an Irish ship shall cease to be valid where-

(a)    material alterations have taken place in the hull or superstructures of the ship such as would necessitate the assignment of an increased freeboard;

(b)    the fittings and appliances mentioned in rule 6(1)(c)(ii) are not maintained in an effective condition;

(c)    the certificate is not endorsed in accordance with rule 6(3) to show the ship has been surveyed in accordance with rule 6(1)(c);

(d)    the structural strength of the ship is lowered to such an extent that the ship is unsafe;

(e)    a new certificate is issued in respect of the ship; or

(f)    the ship ceases to be an Irish ship.

(2)     The Minister may cancel an appropriate certificate issued in respect of an Irish ship if he is satisfied that -

(a)    the certificate was issued on false or erroneous information;

(b)    information on the basis of which freeboards were assigned to the ship was incorrect in a material particular; or

(c)    the ship ceases to comply with the conditions of assignment relating to it.

(3)     Where the Minister proposes to cancel a certificate, he shall first notify the owner in writing, specifying the grounds for the proposed cancellation.

(4)     Subject to paragraph (5) the Minister shall not cancel the certificate until the owner has been given a reasonable opportunity to make representations, and the Minister has considered any such representation made.

(5)     Paragraph (4) shall not apply where the Minister considers that urgent safety considerations may so require.

(6)     The Minister may require any certificate issued under these Rules which has expired, ceased to be valid, or been cancelled, to be surrendered as he directs.

(7)     The requirement that the notification referred to in paragraph (3) should be in writing is satisfied where the text of the notification -

(a)    is transmitted by electronic means,

(b)    is received in legible form, and

(c)    is capable of being used for subsequent reference.

Issue of exemption certificates

10.     (1)     Where a ship is exempted under subsections(2) or (4) of Section 20 of the Principal Act an International Load Line Exemption Certificate in the form prescribed by Annex III to the 1988 Protocol shall be issued in respect of the ship by the Minister.

(2)     Where a ship is exempted under subsection 3 of such Section an Irish Load Line Exemption Certificate shall be issued in respect of the ship by the Minister which shall state the conditions with which the ship is to comply and shall be in the form prescribed in Schedule 8.

(3)     Except in so far as the nature or terms of any such exemption require the contrary:

(a)    the ship shall be assigned freeboards in accordance with rule 5;

(b)    shall be subject to surveys in accordance with rule 6; and

(c)    rules 6 to 9 apply in relation to the Exemption Certificate as they apply in relation to loadline line certificate,

subject to the substitution, for references in the said rules to an Assigning Authority, of references to the Minister.

Non-Irish Ships

11.     (1)     The Minister may, at the request of a Government of a Convention country survey a ship registered in that country and if satisfied that the requirements of the 1966 Convention, as amended by the 1988 Protocol, are complied with and that a survey has been satisfactorily completed in accordance with these Rules, issue to the ship an International Load Line Certificate and, where appropriate, endorse such certificates in accordance with the requirements of the 1966 Convention, as amended by the 1988 Protocol. A certificate issued in accordance with such a request shall contain a statement that it has been so issued and shall have the same effect as if it was issued by that Government and not by the Minister.

(2)     An Irish Load Line Certificate may be issued to a non-Irish ship which has been surveyed and marked in accordance with these Rules.

(3)     Subject to paragraph(4), a certificate issued under paragraph(2) shall be subject to the same conditions and have the same effect as a similar certificate issued to an Irish ship.

(4)            Any certificate issued under paragraph(2) in respect of a ship registered in a convention country shall be valid only so long as the ship is not plying on international voyages, and shall be cancelled by the Minister if he has reason to believe that the ship is plying on international voyages.

PART III

LOAD LINES AND MARKS

Marking

12.     (1)     The load line directed to be marked on the ship pursuant to rule 5(2)(b), the deckline and the load line mark shall be marked by the owner on each side of the ship in accordance with the directions of the Assigning Authority and the requirements of this Part.

(2)     Where an Exemption Certificate is issued in association with the assignment of special freeboards which are less than those required by rule 26, the ship shall be marked by the owner in accordance with rule 19(4).

Deck-line

13.     (1)     The deck-line shall consist of a horizontal line 300 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width and shall be marked amidships on each side of the ship so as to indicate the position of the freeboard deck.

(2)     Subject to paragraph (3), the deck-line shall be marked in such a position on the side of the ship that its upper edge passes through the point amidships where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck, or of any sheathing of that deck, intersects the outer surface of the shell of the ship as shown in Figure 1.

(3)     Where the design of the ship, or other circumstances, render it impracticable to mark the deck-line in accordance with paragraph (2) the Assigning Authority may direct that it be marked by reference to another fixed point as near as practicable to the position described in paragraph (2).

Load line mark

14.     The load line mark as shown in Figure 2 shall consist of a ring 300 millimetres in outside diameter and 25 millimetres wide, intersected by a horizontal line 450 millimetres long and 25 millimetres wide the upper edge of which passes through the centre of the ring. The centre of the ring shall be marked amidships vertically below the deck-line so that, except as otherwise provided in rule 28, the distance from the centre of the ring to the upper edge of the deck-line is equal to the Summer freeboard assigned to the ship.

Load lines

15.     (1)     Except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (3), the load lines shown in Figure 2 shall consist of horizontal lines of 230 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width extending forward or abaft of a vertical line 25 millimetres in width marked 540 millimetres forward of the centre of the ring of the load line mark and at right angles to that line. The individual load lines shall be as follows -

(a)    the Summer load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line, and shall correspond horizontally with the line passing through the centre of the ring of the load line mark, and shall be marked S;

(b)    the Winter load line, which shall extend forward of the vertical line, and be marked W;

(c)    the Winter North Atlantic load line, which shall extend forward of the vertical line, and be marked WNA;

(d)    the Tropical load line, which shall extend forward of the vertical line, and be marked T;

(e)    the Fresh Water load line, which shall extend abaft the vertical line, and be marked F; and

(f)    the Tropical Fresh Water load line, which shall extend abaft the vertical line and be marked TF.

(2)     The maximum depth to which a ship may be loaded in relation to a load line referred to in paragraph (1) shall be the depth indicated by the upper edge of the appropriate load line.

(3)     In the case of a sailing ship -

(a)    the Summer load line shall consist of the line passing through the centre of the ring of the load line mark; and

(b)    the Winter North Atlantic load line and Fresh Water load line only shall be marked on the ship as shown in Figure 3.

Figure 2: Load Line Mark and Lines to be used with this mark

Figure 2: Load Line Mark and Lines for Sailing Ships

Timber load lines

16.     (1)     Timber load lines shall consist of horizontal lines of the dimensions specified in respect of such lines in rule 15(1), extending abaft or forward of a vertical line 25 millimetres in width and marked 540 millimetres abaft the centre of the ring of the load line mark and at right angles to that line as shown in Figure 4 and individual Timber load lines shall be as follows -

(a)    the Summer Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked LS;

(b)    the Winter Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the vertical line and be marked LW;

(c)    the Winter North Atlantic Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the vertical line and be marked LWNA;

(d)    the Tropical Timber load line, which shall extend abaft of the vertical line and be marked LT;

(e)    the Fresh Water Timber load line, which shall extend forward of the vertical line and be marked LF; and

(f)    the Tropical Fresh Water Timber load line, which shall extend forward of the vertical line and be marked LTF.

(2)     The maximum depth to which a ship may be loaded in relation to a Timber load line referred to in paragraph (1) shall be the depth indicated by the upper edge of the appropriate Timber load line.

Appropriate load line

17.     The appropriate load line in respect of a ship at any particular zone or area and seasonal period shall be ascertained in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 1.

Position of load lines

18.     Each load line shall be marked in such a position on each side of the ship that the distance measured vertically downwards from the upper edge of the deck-line to the upper edge of the load line is equal to the freeboard assigned to the ship which is appropriate to that load line.

Method of marking

19.     (1)     The appropriate marks shall be marked in such a manner as to be plainly visible.

(2)     If the sides of the ship are of metal the appropriate marks shall be cut in, centre punched or welded; if the sides of the ship are of wood the marks shall be cut into the planking to a depth of not less than 3 millimetres; if the sides are of other materials to which the foregoing methods of marking cannot effectively be applied the marks shall be permanently affixed by bonding or some other effective method.

(3)     The appropriate marks shall be painted in white or yellow if the background is dark, and in black if the background is light.

(4)     Where an Exemption Certificate is issued in association with the assignment of special freeboards which are less than those required by rule 26, the load lines and the load line mark shall be marked on the ship by being painted in red on a contrasting background and shall comply with paragraph (2) above.

Authorisation of removal, etc., of appropriate marks

20.     After the appropriate marks have been made on a ship,

(a)    it shall be the duty of the owner and master to keep the ship so marked; and

(b)    the marks shall not be concealed, removed, altered, defaced or obliterated except with the authority of the Assigning Authority.

Mark of Assigning Authority

21.     (1)     The identity of the Assigning Authority may be marked alongside the load line ring either above the horizontal line which passes through the centre of the ring, or above and below it.

(2)     Such a mark shall consist of not more than four initials each measuring approximately 115 millimetres in height and 75 millimetres in width.

PART IV

RULES AS TO CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT

Requirements relevant to the assignment of freeboards

22.     (1)     Subject to paragraph (2), every ship to which freeboards are assigned under these Rules shall comply with the conditions of assignment applicable to that ship and set out in Schedule 2.

(2)     An existing ship may, instead of complying with the conditions of assignment referred to in paragraph (1), comply with such of the requirements relevant to the assignment of freeboards to ships as were applicable to her under the law in force immediately before the material date.

Compliance with conditions of assignment

23.     (1)     Except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (2), a ship will cease to comply with the conditions of assignment -

(a)    if at any time after the assignment of freeboards there has been any alteration of the hull, superstructures, fittings or appliances of the ship such that

(i)    a requirement applicable to the ship under rule 22 is not complied with; or

(ii)    it differs in a material respect from the record of particulars provided in accordance with rule 24; or

(b)    if the record of particulars is not on board in accordance with rule 24(2).

(2)     A ship shall be taken to comply with the conditions of assignment notwithstanding an alteration referred to in paragraph (1)(a) if -

(a)    amended freeboards appropriate to the condition of the ship have been assigned, the ship has been marked with these load lines and a new certificate issued to the owner of the ship accordingly; or

(b)    the alteration has been inspected by a surveyor on behalf of the Assigning Authority and that Authority is satisfied that the alteration is not such as to require any change in the freeboards assigned to the ship, and full particulars of the alteration together with the date and place of his inspection have been endorsed by the surveyor on the record referred to in rule 24(1).

Record of particulars

24.     (1)     The record of particulars shall be provided on the ship in a form given in Schedule 3.

(2)     The record shall be furnished by the Assigning Authority and be retained on board at all times.

PART V

FREEBOARDS

Types of freeboards

25.      The freeboards that can be assigned to a ship under these Rules are the Summer freeboard; Tropical freeboard; Winter freeboard; Winter North Atlantic freeboard; Fresh Water freeboard and Tropical Fresh Water freeboard. In the case of ships carrying Timber the freeboards that may be assigned are Summer Timber freeboard; Winter Timber freeboard; Winter North Atlantic Timber freeboard; Tropical Timber freeboard; Fresh Water Timber freeboard and Tropical Fresh Water Timber freeboard.

Determination of freeboards

26.     (1)     Except as otherwise provided for in rule 27 the freeboards assigned to a new ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Schedule 4.

(2)     The freeboards assigned to an existing ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions applicable to the ship under the law in force immediately before the material date.

Provided that if an existing ship has been so constructed or modified as to comply with all the conditions of assignment set out in Schedule 2 applicable to a new ship of her type, and application is made for the assignment to her of freeboards determined in accordance with Schedule 4 such freeboards shall be assigned to her.

Greater than minimum freeboards

27.       (1)   A freeboard determined in accordance with rule 26 is the minimum freeboard that may be assigned to the ship.

(2)               (a)    Subject to subparagraph (b) below the Assigning Authority may, however, if it is satisfied that the ship complies with the requirements of these Rules, assign freeboards (other than Timber freeboards) which exceed the minimum freeboards by such an amount as it may determine.

(b)    Timber freeboards shall not be assigned to a ship to which greater than minimum freeboards have been assigned.

(3)     Where a freeboard greater than the minimum is assigned to a ship and the load line appropriate to that freeboard corresponds to, or is lower than, the position at which the lowest of the load lines appropriate to minimum freeboards would be marked then -

(a)    load lines only appropriate to the greater than minimum Summer freeboard and Fresh Water freeboard shall be marked on the sides of the ship;

(b)    the load line appropriate to the greater than minimum Summer freeboard shall be known as the “All Seasons load line” and shall consist of the horizontal line intersecting the load line mark;

(c)    the vertical line described in Rule 18 shall be omitted;

(d)    subject to the provisions of subparagraph (c) above, the Fresh Water load line shall be as described in Rule 18(1) and be marked accordingly.

Special position of deck-line: correction of freeboards

28.     In any ship where the deck line is marked in accordance with Rule 13(3), the freeboards assigned to the ship shall be corrected to allow for the vertical distance by which the position of the deck-line is altered by virtue of that paragraph. The reference point to which the deck-line has been so marked, and the identity of the deck which has been taken as the freeboard deck, shall be specified in the appropriate certificate issued in respect of the ship.

PART VI

INFORMATION FOR THE MASTER

Information as to stability of ships

29.     (1)     The owner of every ship to which these Rules apply shall provide, for the guidance of the master, information relating to the stability of the ship in accordance with this Rule. The information shall be in the form of a book which shall be kept on the ship at all times in the custody of the master.

(2)     In the case of an Irish ship this information shall include all matters specified in Schedule 6 to these Rules and be in the form required by that Schedule. This information shall also be in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (3), (4) and (5).

(3)     Subject to paragraph (4), this information shall be based on the determination of stability taken from an inclining test carried out in the presence of a surveyor appointed by the Minister in the case of a ship listed in Part II of Schedule 6 or, ships listed in paragraph (5), by the Assigning Authority. This information shall be amended whenever any alterations are made to the ship or changes occur to it which will materially affect this information and, if necessary, the ship shall be re-inclined.

(4)     The inclining test may be dispensed with if -

(a)    in the case of any ship basic stability data is available from the inclining test of a sister ship and the Minister or, it is known that in the case of a ship listed in Part II of Schedule 6 the Assigning Authority is satisfied that reliable information can be obtained from such data; and

(b)    in the case of

(i)    a ship specially designed for the carriage of liquids or ore in bulk, or

(ii)    of any class of such ships,

the information available in respect of similar ships shows that the ship's proportions and arrangements will ensure more than sufficient stability in all probable loading conditions.

(5)     Before this information is issued to the master -

(a)    if it relates to a ship which is listed in Part II of Schedule 6; it shall be approved either by the Minister or the Assigning Authority which assigned freeboards to the ship; and

(b)    if it relates to any other ship, it shall be approved by the Minister.

Information as to loading and ballasting of ships

30.     (1)     The owner of any ship of more than 150 metres in length specially designed for the carriage of liquids or ore in bulk shall provide, for the guidance of the master, information relating to the loading and ballasting of the ship.

(2)     This information shall indicate the maximum stresses permissible for the ship and specify the manner in which the ship is to be loaded and ballasted to avoid the creation of unacceptable stresses in its structure.

(3)     In the case of an Irish ship the provisions of rule 29(5) shall have effect in respect of information required under this rule and the information so approved shall be included in the book referred in rule 29(1).

PART VII

EQUIVALENTS

Equivalents

31.     The Assigning Authority may, with the approval of the Minister -

(a)    allow any fitting, material, appliance or apparatus to be fitted in a ship, or allow other provisions to be made in a ship, in the place of any fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or provision respectively which is required under any of the provisions of these Rules, if satisfied by trial or otherwise that it is at least as effective as that so required; or

(b)    allow in an exceptional case departure from the requirements of any of the said provisions on condition that the freeboards to be assigned to the ship are increased to such an extent as to satisfy the Minister that the safety of the ship and protection afforded to the crew will be no less effective than would be the case if the ship fully complied with those requirements and there were no such increase of freeboards.

SCHEDULE 1

Rule 17

APPROPRIATE LOAD LINES AND SEASONAL ZONES, AREAS AND PERIODS

Appropriate Load Lines

1.       The seasonal zones, areas and periods which determine the appropriate load line in a particular sea area at a given time are set out in this Schedule and shown by way of illustration on the British Admiralty Chart No. D.6083 “Load Line Rules: Zones, Areas & Seasonal Periods, Edition No. 2”;

2.       Subject to subparagraphs (d) to (g) below the load line appropriate to a ship shall be-

(a)      the Summer load line, when the ship is in a Summer Zone (excluding any part of such a zone which is a seasonal area in relation to the ship);

(b)      the Tropical load line, when the ship is in a Tropical Zone;

(c)      the Summer load line, the Winter load line or the Tropical load line, according to the season when the ship is in a seasonal zone or area (including any part of a Summer Zone which is a seasonal area in relation to the ship);

(d)      the Winter North Atlantic load line, in the case of a ship of 100 metres or less in length, when it is in the following zones during the Winter seasonal periods applicable to them -

(i)    North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, as set out in paragraph 4(a)

(ii)    North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, as set out in paragraph 4(b) as lies between the meridians of longitude 15°W and 50°W;

during the Winter seasonal periods applicable in those zones;

(e)      the Summer load line, in the case of a sailing ship, except in circumstances in which subparagraph (d) above applies;

(f)      an All Season load line, in the case of a ship marked in accordance with rule 27;

(g)      the Timber load line, corresponding to the seasons and zones, in the case of a ship marked with Timber load lines and carrying timber deck cargo in accordance with Part IV of Schedule 2.

Ports on Boundary Lines

3.       For the purpose of applying the provisions of this Schedule to a ship at a port which stands on the boundary line between two zones or areas or between a zone and an area, or which is required by this Schedule to be considered as being on such a boundary line, the port shall be deemed to be within the zone or area into which the ship is about to proceed from which she has arrived as the case may be.

Zones, Areas and Seasonal Periods

NORTHERN WINTER SEASONAL ZONES AND AREA

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zones I and II

4.       (a)      The North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I lies within the meridian of longitude 50°W from the coast of Greenland to latitude 45°N, thence the parallel of latitude 45°N to longitude 15°W, thence the meridian of longitude 15°W to latitude 60°N, thence the parallel of latitude 60°N to the Greenwich Meridian, thence this meridian northwards.

Seasonal periods:

(b)      The North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II lies within the meridian of longitude 68°30'W from the coast of the United States to latitude 40°N, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 36°N longitude 73°W thence the parallel of latitude 36°N to longitude 25°W and thence the rhumb line to Cape Torinana.

Excluded from this zone are the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area and the Baltic Sea bounded by the parallel of latitude of The Skaw in the Skagerrak.

The Shetland Islands are to be considered as being on the boundary line between the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zones I and II.

Seasonal periods:

North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area

5.       The boundary of the North Atlantic winter Seasonal Area is -

the meridian of longitude 68°30'W from the coast of the United States to latitude 40°N, thence the rhumb line to the southernmost intersection of the meridian of longitude 61°W with the coast of Canada and thence the east coasts of Canada and the United States.

Seasonal periods:

For ships over 100 metres in length:

For ships of 100 metres or less in length:

North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone

6.       The southern boundary of the North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone is -

the parallel of latitude 50°N from the east coast of the Russian Federation to the west coast of Sakhalin, thence the west coast of Sakhalin to the southern extremity of Cape Krilon, thence the rhumb line to Wakkanai, Hokkaido, Japan, thence the east and south coasts of Hokkaido to longitude 145°E, thence the meridian of longitude 145°E to latitude 35°N, thence the parallel of latitude 35°N to longitude 150°W and thence the rhumb line to the southern extremity of Dall Island, Alaska.

Seasonal periods:

SOUTHERN WINTER SEASONAL ZONE

Southern Winter Seasonal Zone

7.       The northern boundary of the Southern Winter Seasonal Zone is -

the rhumb line from the east coast of the American continent at Cape Tres Puntas to the point latitude 34°S, longitude 50°W, thence the parallel of latitude 34°S to longitude 17°, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 35° 10'S, longitude 20°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 34°S, longitude 28°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 35°30'S, longitude 118°E, and thence the rhumb line to Cape Grim on the Northwest coast of Tasmania; thence along the north and east coasts of Tasmania to the southernmost point of Bruny Island, thence the rhumb line to Black Rock Point on Stewart Island, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 47°S, longitude 170°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 33°S, longitude 170°W, and thence the parallel of latitude 33°S to the point latitude 33°S to the point latitude 33°S, longitude 79°W, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 41°S, longitude 75°W, thence the rhumb line to Punta Corona lighthouse on Chiloe Island, latitude 41° 47'S longitude 73°53'W, thence along the north, east and south coasts of Chiloe Island to the point latitude 43°20'S, longitude 74°20'W, and thence the meridian of longitude 74°20'W, to the parallel of latitude 45°45'S, including the inner zone of Chiloe channels from the meridian 74°20'W to the east.

Valparaiso is to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Summer and Winter Seasonal Zones.

Seasonal Periods:

TROPICAL ZONE

Northern Boundary of the Tropical Zone

8.       The northern boundary of the Tropical Zone is -

the parallel of latitude 13°N from the east coast of the American continent to longitude 60°W, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 10°N, longitude 58°W, thence the parallel of latitude 10°N to longitude 20°W, thence the meridian of longitude 20°W to latitude 30°N and thence the parallel of latitude 30°N to the west coast of Africa; from the east coast of Africa the parallel of latitude 8°N to longitude 70°E, thence the meridian of longitude 70°E to latitude 13°N, thence the parallel of latitude 13°N to the west coast of India; thence the south coast of India to latitude 10°30'N on the east coast of India, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 9°N, longitude 82°E, thence the meridian of longitude 82°E to latitude 8°N, thence the parallel of latitude 8°N to the west coast of Malaysia, thence the coast of South-East Asia to the east coast of Vietnam at latitude 10°N, thence the parallel of latitude 10°N to longitude 145°E, to latitude 13°N and thence the parallel of latitude 13°N to the west coast of the American continent.

Saigon is to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Tropical Zone and the Seasonal Tropical Area.

Southern Boundary of the Tropical Zone

9.       The southern boundary of the Tropical Zone is -

the rhumb line from the Port of Santos, Brazil, to the point where the meridian of longitude 40°W intersects the Tropic of Capricorn; thence the Tropic of Capricorn to the west coast of Africa; from the east coast of Africa the parallel of latitude 20°S to the west coast of Madagascar, thence the west and north coasts of Madagascar to longitude 50°E, thence the meridian of longitude 50°E to latitude 10°S, thence the parallel of latitude 10°S to longitude 98°E, thence the rhumb line to Port Darwin, Australia, thence the coasts of Australia and Wessel Island eastwards to Cape Wessel, thence the parallel of latitude 11°S to the west side of Cape York; from the east side of Cape York the parallel of latitude 11°S to longitude 150°W, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 26°S, longitude 75° W, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 32° 47'W, and thence to the parallel of latitude 32° 47'S to the west coast of South America.

Coquimbo and Santos are to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Tropical and Summer Zones.

Areas to be included in the Tropical Zone

10.     The following are to be considered as being included in the Tropical Zone -

(a)      the Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, from Port Said to the meridian of longitude 45°E;

Aden and Berbera are to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Tropical Zone and the Seasonal tropical Area;

(b)      the Persian Gulf to the meridian of longitude 59°E; and

(c)      the area bounded by the parallel of latitude 22°S from the east coast of Australia to the Great Barrier Reef, thence the Great Barrier Reef to latitude 11°S. The northern boundary of the area is the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone.

SEASONAL TROPICAL AREAS

11.     The following are Seasonal Tropical Areas.

(a)      In the North Atlantic

An area bounded

on the north by the rhumb line from Cape Catoche, Yucantan, to Cape San Antonio, Cuba, the north Coast of Cuba to latitude 20°N and thence the parallel of latitude 20° N to longitude 20°W;

on the west by the coast of the American continent;

on the south and east by the northern boundary of the Tropical Zone.

Seasonal Periods:

(b)      In the Bay of Bengal

The Bay of Bengal north of the northern boundary of the Tropical Zone.

Seasonal Periods:

(c)      In the South Indian Ocean

(i)    An area bounded

on the north and west by the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone and the east coast of Madagascar;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 20°S;

on the east by the rhumb line from the point latitude 20°S; longitude 50°E, to the point latitude 15°S, longitude 51° 30'E, and thence by the meridian of longitude 51°30'E to latitude 10°S.

Seasonal periods:

(ii)    An area bounded

on the north by the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone;

on the east by the cost of Australia;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 15°S from longitude 51°30'E, to longitude 114°E and thence the meridian of longitude 114°E to the cost of Australia;

on the west by the meridian of longitude 51°30'E.

Seasonal periods:

(d)      In the China Sea

An area bounded

on the west and north by the coasts of Vietnam and China from latitude 10°N to Hong Kong;

on the east by the rhumb line from Hong Kong to the Port of Sual (Luzon Island) and the west coasts of the Islands of Luzon, Samar and Leyte to latitude 10°N;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 10°N.

Hong Kong and Sual are to be considered as being on the boundary of the Seasonal Tropical Area and Summer Zone.

Seasonal periods:

(e)      In the North Pacific

(i)    An area bounded

on the north by the parallel of latitude 25°N;

on the west by the meridian of longitude 160°E;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 13°N;

on the east by the meridian of longitude 13°W;

Seasonal Periods:

(ii)    An area bounded

on the north and east by the west coast of the American Continent;

on the west by the meridian of longitude 123°W from the coast of the American continent to latitude 33°N and by the rhumb line from the point latitude 33°N, longitude 123°W to the point latitude 13°N, longitude 105°W;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 13°N.

Seasonal periods:

(f)      In the South Pacific

(i)    The Gulf of Carpentaria south of latitude 11°S

Seasonal periods:

(ii)    An area bounded

on the north and east by the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone;

on the south by the parallel of latitude of 24°S to longitudinal 154°E, thence by the meridian of longitude 154°E to the Tropic of Capricorn and thence by the tropic of Capricorn to longitude 150°W, thence by the meridian of longitude 150°W to latitude 20°S and thence by the parallel of latitude 20°S to the point where it intersects the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone;

on the west by the boundaries of the area within the Great Barrier Reef included in the Tropical Zone and by the east coast of Australia.

Seasonal periods:

SUMMER ZONES

12.     The remaining sea areas constitute the Summer Zones.

However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area bounded on the north and west by the east coast of the United States;

on the east by the meridian of longitude 68°30'S from the coast of the United States to latitude 40°N and thence by the rhumb line to the point latitude 36°N longitude 73°W;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 36°N;

is a Winter Seasonal Area.

Seasonal periods:

ENCLOSED SEAS

13.     Baltic Sea

This sea bounded by the parallel of latitude of The Skaw in the Skagerrak is included in the Summer Zones.

However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, it is a Winter Seasonal Area.

Seasonal periods:

14.     Black Sea

This sea is included in the Summer Zones.

However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area north of latitude 44°N is a Winter Seasonal Area.

Seasonal periods:

15.     Mediterranean

This sea is included in the Summer Zones.

However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area bounded

on the north and west by the coasts of France and Spain and the meridian of longitude 3°E from the coast of Spain to latitude 40°N;

on the south by the parallel of latitude 40°N from longitude 3°E to the west coast of Sardinia; on the east by the west and north coasts of Sardinia from latitude 40°N to latitude 9°E to the south coast of Corsica, hence by the west and north coasts of Corsica to longitude 9°E and thence by the rhumb line to Cape Sicié is a Winter Seasonal Area.

Seasonal periods:

16.     Sea of Japan

This sea south of latitude 50°N is included in the Summer Zones.

However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area between the parallel of latitude 50°N and the rhumb line from the east coast of Korea at latitude 38°N to the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan, at latitude 43°12'N is a Winter Seasonal Area.

Seasonal periods:

SCHEDULE 2

Rule 22

CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT

Interpretation

1.       In this Schedule, except where the context otherwise requires

“breadth (B)” means the maximum breadth of the ship measured amidships to the moulded line of the frame in the case of a ship having a metal shell, or to the outer surface of the hull in the case of a ship having a shell of any other material;

“enclosed superstructure” means a superstructure -

(a)      which has enclosing bulkheads of efficient construction in which all access openings are fitted with sills and weathertight doors; and

(b)      in which all other openings in sides or ends are fitted with efficient weathertight means of closing;

but shall not include a bridge or poop fulfilling these requirements unless access to machinery and other working spaces within the bridge or poop is provided by alternative means which are available at all times when access openings in the bulkheads of the bridge or poop are closed;

“exposed position” means a position which is either -

(a)      exposed to weather and sea; or

(b)      within a structure so exposed other than an enclosed superstructure;

“forward perpendicular” means the perpendicular taken at the forward end of the ship's length (L), coinciding with the foreside of the stem on the waterline on which such length is measured; and “after perpendicular” means the perpendicular taken at the after end of such length;

“freeing port area (A)” means the sum of the areas of the openings of freeing ports on each side of the ship for each well;

“height” in relation to a superstructure means the least vertical height measured at side from the top of the superstructure deck beams to the top of the freeboard deck beams; and the “standard height” of a superstructure means the height ascertained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of Schedule 4;

“Moulded depth” and “(D)” mean the vertical distance measured from the top of the keel to the top of the freeboard deck beam at side, except that -

(a)      in the case of a wood or composite ship, it shall be measured from the lower edge of the keel rabbet;

(b)      if the form at the lower part of the midship section of the ship is of a hollow character or if thick garboards are fitted, it shall be measured from the point where the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards cuts the side of the keel;

(c)      in the case of a ship having rounded gunwales it shall be measured to the point of intersection of the moulded lines of the deck and sides, the lines extending as though the gunwale were of angular design; and

(d)      if the freeboard deck is stepped and the raised part of the deck extends over the point at which the moulded depth is determined, it shall be measured to a line of reference extending from the lower part of the deck along a line parallel to the raised part of the deck;

“Position 1” or “Position 2” means those positions in which structure, openings or fittings are situated -

(a)      in the case of Position 1, upon exposed freeboard and raised quarter decks, and upon exposed superstructure decks situated forward of a point located a quarter of the ship's length from the forward perpendicular; and

(b)      in the case of Position 2, upon exposed superstructure decks situated abaft a quarter of the ship's length from the forward perpendicular;

“Summer load waterline” means the waterline which corresponds to the Summer load line of the ship;

“superstructure” means a decked structure (including a raised quarter deck) situated on the freeboard deck which either extends from side to side of the ship or is such that its side plating is not inboard of the shell plating by more than 4 per cent of the breadth of the ship; and where the freeboard deck consists of a lower deck as described in subparagraph (b) of the definition of “freeboard deck”, includes that part of the hull which extends above the freeboard deck;

“superstructure deck” means a deck forming the top of a superstructure;

“Type “A” ship” means a ship which is designed to carry only liquid cargoes in bulk and has the characteristics set out below -

(a)      the cargo tanks of the ship have only small access openings closed by watertight gasketed covers of steel or equivalent material;

(b)      the ship has high integrity of the exposed deck and has a high degree of safety against flooding in consequence of the low permeability of loaded cargo spaces and the degree of subdivision provided;

(c)      if over 150 metres in length and designed to have empty compartments when loaded to the Summer load waterline, the ship shall be capable of remaining afloat after the flooding of any one of these empty compartments, at an assumed permeability of 0.95 in a condition of equilibrium; if over 225 metres in length its machinery space shall be treated as floodable compartment, but with an assumed permeability of 0.85;

(d)      the condition of equilibrium referred to in subparagraph (c) above is as follows:-

(i)    the final water line after the flooding is below the top of any ventilator coaming, the lower edge of any air pipe opening, the upper edge of the sill of any access opening fitted with a weathertight door, and the lower edge of any other opening through which progressive flooding may take place;

(ii)    the angle of heel due to unsymmetrical flooding does not exceed 15 degrees or, if no part of the deck is immersed, an angle of heel up to 17 degrees may be accepted;

(iii)   the metacentric height calculated using the constant displacement method has a positive value in the upright condition after the flooding;

(iv)   the ship has adequate residual stability; and

(v)    the ship has sufficient stability during intermediate stages of flooding to the satisfaction of the Assigning Authority;

“Type “B” ship” means a ship other than a Type “A” ship;

“unattended machinery space” means a machinery space which during the normal operation of the ship at sea is unattended for any period, and “attended machinery space” means a machinery space other than an unattended machinery space;

“watertight” in relation to any part of a ship means capable of preventing the passage of water in any direction;

“weathertight” in relation to any part of a ship other than a door in a bulkhead means that water will not penetrate it and so enter the hull of the ship in the worst sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service; and in relation to a door in a bulkhead it means a door which -

(a)      is constructed of steel or other equivalent material, is permanently and strongly attached to the bulkhead, and is framed, stiffened and fitted so that the whole structure in which it is set is of equivalent strength to the unpierced bulkhead;

(b)      is closed by means of gaskets, clamping devices or other equivalent means permanently attached to the bulkhead or to the door itself;

(c)      when closed, is weathertight as above defined; and

(d)      it can be operated from either side of the bulkhead.

PART 1 - SHIPS IN GENERAL

Structural strength and stability

2.       (1)     The construction of the ship shall be such that its general structural strength is sufficient for the freeboards assigned

(2)     The design and construction of the ship will be such as to ensure that its stability in all probable loading conditions shall be sufficient for the freeboards assigned, and for this purpose due consideration shall be given to the intended service of the ship and to the following criteria:

(a)    The area under the curve of righting levers (GZ curve) shall not be less than -

(i)    0.055 metre-radians up to an angle of 30 degrees;

(ii)    0.09 metre-radians up to an angle of 40 degrees or the angle at which the lower edge of any openings in the hull, superstructures or deckhouses which cannot be closed weathertight, are immersed if that angle is less; and

(iii)   0.03 metre-radians between the angles of heel of 30 degrees and 40 degrees or such lesser angle as is referred to in subparagraph (ii) above.

(b)    The righting lever (GZ) shall be at least 0.20 metres at an angle of heel equal to or greater than 30 degrees.

(c)    The maximum righting lever shall occur at an angle of heel not less than 30 degrees.

(d)    The initial transverse metacentric height shall not be less than 0.15 metres. In the case of a ship carrying a timber deck cargo which complies with subparagraph (a) above by taking into account the volume of timber deck cargo, the initial transverse metacentric height shall not be less than 0.05 metres.

(3)     To determine whether the ship complies with the requirements of subparagraph (2) the ship shall, unless otherwise permitted, be subject to an inclining test which shall be carried out in the presence of a survey or appointed by the Minister, for the ships listed in rule 32(5), a surveyor appointed by the Assigning Authority.

Superstructure end bulkheads

3.       Bulkheads at exposed ends of enclosed superstructures shall be of efficient construction. The height of any sill in an excess opening in such a bulkhead shall, except where otherwise stated, be at least 380 millimetres above the deck.

Hatchways: general

4.       (1)     The provisions of this paragraph and of paragraph 5 and 6 apply to all hatchways in Position 1 or in Position 2 except where otherwise stated.

(2)     Subject to subparagraph (3), the construction and the means for securing the weathertightness of a hatchway shall -

(a)    in the case of a hatchway closed by a portable cover and secured weathertight by tarpaulins and battening devices, comply with the requirements of paragraph 5; and

(b)    in the case of a hatchway closed by a weathertight cover of steel or other equivalent material fitted with gaskets and clamping devices, comply with the requirements of paragraph 6.

(3)     Every hatchway located in an exposed position on a deck above a superstructure deck and leading to a space below shall be of such a construction and be fitted with such means as will secure the weathertightness of the hatchway, having regard to its position.

Hatchways closed by portable covers and secured weathertight by tarpaulins and battening devices

Coamings

5.       (1)     Every hatchway shall have a coaming of substantial construction. The coaming shall be constructed of mild steel but may be constructed of other material provided that the strength and stiffness of the coaming are equivalent to those of a coaming of mild steel. The height of the coaming above the deck shall be at least -

(a)    600 millimetres, if the hatchway is in Position 1;

(b)    450 millimetres, if the hatchway is in Position 2;

Covers

(2)     (a)    The width of every bearing surface for a hatchway cover shall be at least 65 millimetres.

(b)    In the case of a cover made of wood -

(i)    the finished thickness of the cover shall be at least 60 millimetres in association with a span of not more than 1.5 metres, and the thickness of covers for larger spans shall be increased by 4 millimetres for each 100 millimetres above the span of 1.5 metres;

(ii)    the end of the cover shall be protected by galvanised steel bands efficiently secured.

(c)    In the case of a cover made of mild steel -

(i)    the strength of the cover shall withstand the assumed load given in Table 1, and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 4.25 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material;

TABLE 1

(ii)    the cover shall be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0028 times the span under the assumed load in Table 1 appropriate to the hatchway cover.

(d)    In the case of a cover made neither of mild steel nor wood the strength and stiffness of the cover shall be equivalent to those of a cover of mild steel.

Portable Beams

(3)     (a)    Where portable beams for supporting hatchway covers are made of mild steel, their strength shall be such as to withstand the assumed load given in Table 1, and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 5 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material.

(b)    Such beams shall be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0022 times the span under the assumed load in Table 1 appropriate to the beam.

(c)   In the case of portable beams not made of mild steel, the strength and stiffness of the beams shall be equivalent to those of beams of mild steel.

Pontoon covers

(4)     (a)    Where pontoon covers of mild steel are used in place of portable beams and covers, their strength shall be such as to withstand the assumed load given in Table 1, and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 5 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material.

(b)    Such pontoon covers shall be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0022 times the span under the assumed load in Table 1 appropriate to the pontoon cover.

(c)    Mild steel plating forming the tops of such covers shall not be less in thickness that 1 per cent of the spacing of the stiffeners or 6 millimetres, whichever is the greater.

(d)    In the case of pontoon covers not made of mild steel, the strength and stiffness of the cover shall be equivalent to those of a cover of mild steel.

Carriers or sockets

(5)     Carriers or sockets for portable beams shall be of substantial construction and provide efficient means for the fitting and securing of the beams. Where rolling types of beams are used the arrangements shall ensure that the beams remain properly in position when the hatchway is closed.

Cleats

(6)     Cleats shall be set to fit the taper of the wedges. They shall be at least 65 millimetres wide and spaced not more than 600 millimetres, centre to centre. The end cleats along each side or end of the hatchway shall not be more than 150 millimetres from the hatch corners.

Battens and wedges

(7)     Battens and wedges shall be efficient for their purpose and in good condition. Wedges shall be of tough wood or equivalent material cut to a taper of not more than 1 in 6 and shall not be less than 13 millimetres thick at the toes.

Tarpaulins

(8)     At least two layers of tarpaulins shall be provided for every hatchway. They shall be waterproof, in good condition, and have satisfactory strength and equality.

Security of hatchway covers

(9)     (a)    Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (b), steel bars shall be provided for every hatchway to ensure that each section of hatchway covers can be efficiently and independently secured after the tarpaulins have been battened down and that hatchway covers of more than 1.5 metres in length are secured by at least two such bars.

(b)    Bars of material other than steel, or means of securing hatchway covers otherwise than by bars, may be used provided -

(i)    in the case of the former the strength and stiffness of the bars used are equivalent to those of steel bars;

(ii)    in either case the degree of security so achieved is not less than that which would be achieved by the use of steel bars.

Hatchways closed by weathertight covers of steel or equivalent material fitted with gaskets and clamping devices

Coamings

6.       (1)     (a)      Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (b), every hatchway shall have a coaming of substantial construction the height of which above the deck shall be at least -

(i)    600 millimetres, if the hatchway is in Position 1;

(ii)    450 millimetres, if the hatchway is in Position 2;

(b)    A hatchway may have a coaming of less than the height applicable under the provisions of subparagraph (a), or in exceptional circumstances a coaming may be dispensed with altogether, provided that -

(i)    the safety of the ship will not be impaired in the worst sea or weather conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service;

(ii)    when any coaming is fitted it shall be of substantial construction.

Weathertight covers

(2)     (a)    The strength of every cover of mild steel shall be such as to withstand the assumed load given in Table 1, and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 4.25 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material. Every such cover shall be so designed as to limit the deflection under such a load to not more than 0.0028 times the span.

(b)    Every such cover made of material other than mild steel shall have a strength and stiffness equivalent to that required for a cover of mild steel.

(c)    Every cover shall be fitted with efficient means by which it can be secured and made weathertight.

(d)    Mild steel plating forming the top of any cover shall be not less in thickness than one per cent of the spacing of the stiffeners of 6 millimetres whichever is the greater.

Machinery space openings

7.       (1)     Every machinery space opening situated in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be efficiently framed and enclosed by a steel casing of substantial strength, account being taken of the extent, if any, to which the casing is protected by other structures.

(2)     Every doorway in a casing referred to in subparagraph (1) shall be fitted with a steel weathertight door having a sill the height of which shall be at least -

(a)    600 millimetres above the deck, if the opening is in Position 1;

(b)    380 millimetres above the deck, if the opening is in Position 2;

(3)     Every opening in such a casing other than a doorway shall be provided with a permanently attached cover of steel fitted with efficient means by which it can be secured and maintained weathertight and, except in the case of a cover consisting of a plate secured by bolts, is capable of being operated from either side of the opening.

(4)     Every fiddley, funnel or machinery space ventilator situated in an exposed position on the freeboard deck or on a superstructure deck shall have a coaming of such a height above the deck as will provide adequate protection having regard to its position.

Miscellaneous openings in freeboard and superstructure decks

8.       (1)     Every manhole and flush scuttle in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be provided with a substantial cover fitted with efficient means to secure and maintain it watertight. Unless secured by closely spaced bolts, every such cover shall be permanently attached by a chain or equivalent means so as to be available for immediate use at all times.

(2)     Every opening in a deck other than a hatchway, machinery space opening, manhole or flush scuttle shall -

(a)    if situated in the freeboard deck, be protected either by an enclosed superstructure or by a deckhouse or companionway equivalent in strength and weathertightness to an enclosed superstructure;

(b)    if situated in an exposed position -

(i)    in a deck over an enclosed superstructure and giving access to space within the superstructure; or

(ii)    on top of a deckhouse on the freeboard deck and giving access to space below the deck;

be protected by an efficient deckhouse or companionway fitted with weathertight doors;

(c)    if situated in an exposed position in a deck above the deck over an enclosed superstructure and giving access to space within that superstructure, be protected either in accordance with the requirements of subparagraph (b) or to such lesser extent as may be adequate having regard to its position.

(3)     Every door in a companionway, deckhouse or enclosed superstructure referred to in subparagraph (2)(a) or (b) shall have a sill the height of which shall be at least -

(a)    600 millimetres, if the structure is in Position 1;

(b)    380 millimetres, if the structure is in Position 2;

Ventilators

9.       (1)     (a)      Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (b) below, every ventilator in Position 1 or Position 2 leading to spaces below the freeboard deck or below the deck of an enclosed superstructure shall have a coaming of steel or equivalent material, substantially constructed and efficiently connected to the deck. The height of such coamings shall be at least -

(i)    900 millimetres above the deck, if the ventilator is in Position 1;

(ii)    760 millimetres above the deck, if the ventilator is in Position 2;

(b)    Where the coaming for any ventilator referred to in subparagraph (a) above is situated in a position in which it will be especially exposed to weather and sea the height of the coaming shall be increased by such an amount as is necessary to provide adequate protection having regard to its position.

(2)     If the coaming of any ventilator referred to in the subparagraph (1) exceeds 900 millimetres in height above the deck it shall be efficiently supported by stays, brackets or other means.

(3)     Every ventilator in Position 1 or Position 2 which passes through a superstructure, other than an enclosed superstructure, shall have a coaming of steel or equivalent material at the freeboard deck substantially constructed and efficiently connected to that deck and at least 900 millimetres in height above that deck.

(4)     Subject to subparagraph (5), every ventilator opening in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be provided with an efficient appliance by which it can be closed and secured weathertight. Every such closing appliance provided on board a ship of not more than 100 metres in length shall be permanently attached and, in the case of any other ship, shall either be so attached or be conveniently stowed near to the ventilator for which it is provided.

(5)     (a)    A ventilator in Position 1 the coaming of which exceeds 4.5 metres in height above the deck and a ventilator in Position 2 of the coaming of which exceeds 2.3 metres in height above the deck, need not be fitted with a closing appliance unless the fitting of such an appliance is considered necessary by the Assigning Authority in order to provide adequate protection.

(b)    A ventilator leading to a battery room shall not be fitted with a closing appliance.

Air Pipes

10.     (1)     The exposed parts of any air pipe leading to a ballast or other tank and extending above the freeboard deck or a superstructure deck shall be of substantial construction.

(2)     The exposed opening of any such air pipe shall be fitted with efficient means of closing the opening weathertight, which shall be permanently attached so as to be ready for immediate use.

(3)     Subject to subparagraph (4), the height above the deck of the exposed opening of any such airpipe shall be -

(a)    at least 760 millimetres, if that deck is the freeboard deck;

(b)    at least 450 millimetres, if that deck is a superstructure deck or, if the superstructure is of less than standard height, such height as is necessary to adequately compensate for the lower height of the superstructure.

(4)     The heights given in subparagraph (3) may be reduced if -

(a)    the working of the ship would be unreasonably impaired if those heights were adhered to; and

(b)    the closing arrangements will ensure that the lower height is adequately compensated for.

Cargo ports and similar openings

11.     (1)     Cargo ports and similar openings in the ship's side below the freeboard deck or in the sides or ends of superstructures which form part of the shell of the ship shall be compatible with the design of the ship and shall not exceed in number those necessary for the proper working of the ship.

(2)     Every such cargo port and opening shall be provided with a door or doors so fitted and designed as to ensure watertightness and structural integrity commensurate with the surrounding shell plating.

(3)     Unless the Assigning Authority permits, the lower edge of any such cargo port or opening shall not be so situated that it is below a line drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side having as its lowest point the upper edge of the uppermost load line.

Scuppers, inlets and discharges

12.     (1)     Subject to subparagraph (4), every discharge led through the shell of a ship either-

(a)    from spaces below the freeboard deck; or

(b)    from within any enclosed superstructure, or from within any deckhouse on the freeboard deck which is fitted with weathertight doors;

shall be fitted in accordance with subparagraphs (2) and (3) with the means for preventing water from passing inboard.

(2)     Subject to subparagraph (3), this shall consist of a single automatic non-return valve fitted at the shell of the ship and having positive means of closure from a position or positions above the freeboard deck. Such positions shall be readily accessible at all times under service conditions and shall be provided with an indicator showing whether the valve is open or closed.

(3)     (a)    If the vertical distance from the Summer load waterline to the inboard end of a discharge pipe exceeds 0.01 (L) two automatic non-return valves having no positive means of closure may be fitted. One valve shall be situated as close to the ship's shell as practicable and be substantially connected to it and the inboard valve shall be so situated that at all times under service conditions it will be readily accessible for examination.

(b)    If the vertical distance referred to in subparagraph (a) above exceeds 0.02(L) the Assigning Authority may permit a single automatic non-return valve having no positive means of closure to be fitted. This valve shall be situated as close to the ship's shell as practicable and be substantially connected to it.

(4)     (a)    The controls of any valve in an attended machinery space and serving a main or auxiliary sea inlet or discharge or bilge injection system shall be so sited as to be readily accessible for examination at all times under service conditions.

(b)    The controls of any valve in an unattended machinery space and serving a sea inlet or discharge or bilge injection system shall be so cited as to be readily accessible at all times under service conditions, particular attention being paid in this regard to possible delay in reaching or operating the controls. In addition, the machinery space in which the valve is situated shall be equipped within efficient warning device to give warning at suitable control positions of any entry of water into the machinery space other than water resulting from the normal operation of machinery.

(c)    Valves referred to in subparagraph (a) and (b) above shall be equipped with an indicator showing whether the valve is open or closed.

(5)     Subject to subparagraph (6) every scupper and discharge pipe originating at any level and penetrating the shell of the ship either -

(a)    more than 450 millimetres below the freeboard deck; or

(b)    less than 600 millimetres above the Summer load waterline;

shall be equipped with an automatic non-return valve situated as close to the ship's shell as practicable and substantially connected thereto.

(6)     Subparagraph (5) shall not apply -

(a)    where the scupper or discharge pipe is fitted with the means for preventing water from passing inboard in accordance with the provisions of subparagraphs(1) to (3); or

(b)    where the piping of the scupper or discharge pipe is of substantial thickness.

(7)     Every scupper leading from superstructure other than an enclosed superstructure or from a deckhouse not fitted with weathertight doors shall be led overboard.

(8)     All shell fittings, and the valves required by this paragraph, shall be of steel, bronze or other suitable ductile material, and all pipes referred to in this paragraph shall be of steel or equivalent material.

Side Scuttles

13.     (1)     Every side scuttle to a space below the freeboard deck or to a space within an enclosed superstructure shall be fitted with a hinged inside deadlight so that it can be effectively closed and secured watertight.

(2)     No side scuttle shall be fitted in a position such that its sill will be below a line drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side and having its lowest point -

(a)    2.5 per cent of the breadth of the ship above the Summer load waterline (or Summer Timber load waterline, if assigned); or

(b)    500 millimetres above the Summer load waterline (or Summer Timber load waterline, if assigned);

whichever is the greater distance.

(3)     Every side scuttle, deadlight and glass (if fitted) shall be of substantial construction and be efficiently fitted.

Freeing ports and arrangements

14.     (1)     Where bulwarks on the weather portions of the freeboard deck, a raised quarter deck or a superstructure deck form wells, efficient provision shall be made for rapidly freeing the decks of water in bulk and for draining them, and in particular the requirements set out in subparagraphs (2) to (9) shall be complied with.

(2)     Except as otherwise provided in subparagraphs (4) and (5), the freeing port area (A) for each well shall -

(a)    if the well is on the freeboard deck or on a raised quarter-deck, be not less than the area ascertained in accordance with subparagraph (3); and

(b)    if the well is on a superstructure deck, other than a raised quarter-deck be not less than one half of the area given by subparagraph (3).

(3)     (a)    Subject to subparagraph (c) below, where the length (1) of a bulwark in the well is 20 metres or less -

(A) =0.7+0.035 (1) (square metres); and

(b)    Subject to subparagraph (c) below, where (1) exceeds 20 metres,

(A)=0.07 (1) (square metres).

The length (1) need in no case be greater than 0.7(L).

(c)    If the bulwark is more than 1.2 metres in average height the required area shall be increased by 0.004 square metres per metre of length of well for each 0.1 metre difference in height. If the bulwark is less than 0.9 metre in average height, the required area may be deceased by 0.004 square metre per metre of length of well for each 0.1 metre difference in height.

(4)     (a)    If the deck on which the well is situated has no sheer, the freeing port area shall be the area ascertained in accordance with subparagraph (3) increased by 50 per cent.

(b)    If the deck on which the well is situated has sheer less than standard sheer, the freeing port area shall be the area ascertained in accordance with subparagraph (3) increased by a percentage to be obtained by linear interpolation.

(c)    If the deck on which the well is situated has sheer, two thirds of the freeing port area shall be situated in the half of the well which is nearest to the lowest point of the sheer.

(5)     The lower edge of every freeing port shall be as near to the deck as practicable.

(6)     Every freeing port more than 230 millimetres in depth shall be protected by rails or bars so fixed that the distance between the lowest rail or bar and the lower edge of the freeing port does not exceed 230 millimetres.

(7)     Every freeing port fitted with a shutter shall have sufficient clearance to prevent jamming of the shutter, and the shutter hinges shall have pins or bearings of efficient non-corrodible material.

(8)     Efficient provision shall be made for freeing water from any superstructure other than enclosed superstructure.

(9)     Where a ship fitted with a trunk does not comply with the requirements of paragraph 10(2)(b)(vi) of Schedule 4, “Freeboards”, or where continuous or substantially continuous hatchway side coamings are fitted between detached superstructures, the minimum area of the freeing port openings shall be calculated from the following table:

The area of freeing ports at intermediate breadths shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

Protection of the crew

15.     (1)     Every deckhouse used for the accommodation of members of the crew shall be of efficient construction.

(2)     Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (3), all exposed parts of the freeboard deck and of every superstructure deck shall be fitted at their perimeter with efficient guard rails or guard wires and stanchions complying with the requirements of subparagraph (4), or with bulwarks. In either case this protection shall be at least 1 metre in height from the deck.

(3)     The height specified in subparagraph (2) may be reduced at a particular point if -

(a)    the normal working of the ship would be unreasonably impeded; and

(b)    adequate protection is provided at that point.

(4)     Guard rails or guard wires fitted in accordance with subparagraph (2) shall consist of courses of rails or wires supported by stanchions efficiently secured to the deck. The opening between the lowest course of the rails or wires and the deck shall not exceed 230 millimetres in height and no opening above that course of rails or wires shall exceed 380mm in height. Where the ship has rounded gunwales the stanchions shall be secured at the perimeter of the flat of the deck.

(5)     Gangways, underdeck passages and all other means of access used by members of the crew to pass between their quarters, the machinery space and any other space in the ship in the course of their necessary work shall be so designed and constructed, and be fitted, where necessary, with life lines, access ladders guard rails, guard wires, hand rails or other safety fittings, as to afford effective protection for the crew.

(6)     Deck cargo carried on any ship shall be so stowed that any opening which is in way of the cargo and which gives access to and from the crew's quarters, the machinery space and all other parts used in the necessary work of the ship, can be properly closed and secured against the admission of water. Effective protection for the crew in the form of guard rails or life lines shall be provided above the deck cargo if there is no convenient passage on or below the deck of the ship.

(7)     The requirements of this paragraph shall not apply in the case of unmanned barges.

PART II - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO TYPE “A” SHIPS

Application

16.     The requirements of paragraphs 17 to 20 apply only to Type “A” ships.

Machinery casings

17.     (1)     Subject to subparagraph (2), every casing enclosing a machinery space opening in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be protected by either -

(a)    an enclosed poop or bridge of at least standard height; or

(b)    a deckhouse of equal height and equivalent strength and weathertightness.

(2)     Subparagraph (1) shall not apply and the casing need not be protected if -

(a)    there is no opening in the casing which gives direct access from the freeboard deck to the machinery space; or

(b)    the only opening in the casing has a steel weathertight door and leads to a space or passage way which is as strongly constructed as the casing and is separated from the stairway to the machinery space by a second steel weathertight door.

Gangway and access

18.     (1)     References in this paragraph to a poop or detached bridge apply also to a deckhouse fitted in lieu of and serving the purpose of a poop or detached bridge.

(2)     Access between the poop and the detached bridge shall be by means of either -

(a)    a permanent and efficiently constructed gangway of substantial strength. The gangway shall be at the level of the superstructure deck and have a platform at least 1 metre in width and of non-slip material. Efficient means of access from gangway level to the deck shall be provided at each terminal point. The platform shall be fitted on each side throughout its length with guard rails or guard wires supported by stanchions. Such rails or wires shall consist of not less than 3 courses, the lowest being not more that 230 millimetres, and the uppermost being at least 1 metre above the platform, and no intermediate opening being more than 3280 millimetres in height. Stanchions shall be at intervals of not more that 1.5 metres; or

(b)    an underdeck passage connecting and providing unobstructed access between those structures and complying with the following requirements -

(i)    the passage and all its fittings shall be oil and gas tight;

(ii)    the passage shall be well lighted, and be fitted with efficient gas detection and ventilation systems;

(iii)   it shall be situated immediately below the freeboard deck;

(iv)   its distance from the shell plating shall at no point throughout its length be less than one fifth of the breadth of the ship. Alternatively two underdeck passages may be provided one to port and one to starboard each of which shall comply with the requirements of subparagraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) above;

(v)    means of exit from the passage to the freeboard deck shall be -

(aa)  so arranged as to be as near as practicable to the working areas to be used by the crew;

(bb)  in no case be more than 90 metres apart; and

(cc)  fitted with efficient means of closing which are capable of quick release and operable from either side;

(vi)   openings in the freeboard deck corresponding to the means of exit referred to in subparagraph (v) above shall be protected in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 8(2)(a).

(3)     In adverse weather conditions, where the crew in the course of their duties may be required to go to working areas forward of the detached bridge, or forward of the poop in cases where there is no detached bridge, access shall be by means of -

(a)    a gangway complying with the requirements of subparagraph (2)(a);

(b)    an underdeck passage complying with the requirements of subparagraph (2)(b); or

(c)    a walkway complying with the following requirements -

(i)    be not less than 1 metre in width and be situated on or as near as practicable to the centre line of the ship;

(ii)    if obstructed by pipes or other fittings of a permanent nature, be provided with efficient means of passage over such obstruction;

(iii)   be fitted on each side and throughout its length with guardrails or guard wires complying with the requirements in subparagraph (2)(a);

(iv)   have openings in these guard rails or guard wires which give access to and from the freeboard deck to the working areas used by the crew. These openings shall be on alternate sides of the walkway and be situated not more than 90 metres apart on either side;

(v)    if the length of exposed deck to be traversed by the crew exceeds 70 metres, shelters of substantial construction shall be set in way of the walkway at intervals not exceeding 45 metres, every such shelter being capable of accommodating at least one person and be so constructed as to afford weather protection on the forward, port and starboard sides.

(4)     The requirements of this paragraph shall not apply in the case of unmanned barges.

Hatchway covers

19.     The covers of hatchways in exposed positions on the freeboard deck, on a forecastle deck or on the top of an expansion trunk shall be of steel, of efficient construction, and watertight when secured.

Freeing arrangements

20.     (1)     All exposed parts of the freeboard deck and superstructure decks shall be fitted at their perimeter for at least half of their length with guard rails or guard wires in lieu of bulwarks or with other equally effective freeing arrangements. Such guard rails or guard wires shall comply with the requirements set out in relation to such rails or wires in paragraph 18(2)(a).

(2)     The upper edge of the sheer strake shall be as low as practicable.

(3)     If superstructures of the ship are connected by a trunk, the exposed parts of the freedom deck in way of the trunk shall be fitted at their perimeter throughout their length with guard rails or guard wires complying with the requirements set out in paragraph 18(2)(a).

(4)     If the ship is so constructed that, notwithstanding the provision of freeing ports and arrangements, it will be particularly subjected under service conditions to the building up of quantities of water on the freeboard deck efficient breakwaters shall be fitted in suitable positions on that deck.

PART III - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN TYPE “B” SHIPS

Application

21.     The requirements of paragraphs 22 to 25 apply only to Type “B” ships assigned a reduced freeboard under the provisions of paragraph 5(3) of Schedule 4.

Gangway and access

22.     The ship shall comply with the requirements of either -

(1)     paragraph 18 as if it were a Type “A” ship; or

(2)     paragraph 23 and 24.

23.     (1)     References in this paragraph to a poop or detached bridge apply also to a deckhouse fitted in lieu of and serving the purpose of a poop or detached bridge.

(2)     Access between the poop and the detached bridge shall be by means of an efficiently constructed gangway of substantial strength fitted on or near the centre line of the ship. The gangway shall be at least 1 metre in width and shall be fitted on each side and throughout its length with guard rails or guard wires complying with the requirements as set out in paragraph 18(2)(a). If the length of the gangway exceeds 70 metres, shelters complying with the requirements set out in paragraph 18(3)(v) shall be provided in way of the gangway.

24.     (1)     In adverse weather conditions, where the crew in the course of their duties may be required to go to working areas forward of the detached bridge, or forward of the poop in cases where there is no detached bridge, access shall be by -

(a)  the means described in paragraph 18(3);

(b)  the means described in paragraph 23(2); or

(c)  equivalent means of access.

(2)     Where hatchway coamings are 600 millimetres or more in height, two walkways complying with the following requirements may be provided in lieu of subparagraph (1) -

(a)    the walkways shall be efficiently constructed and of satisfactory strength;

(b)    the walkways shall each be at least 1 metre in width and be fitted on the freeboard deck alongside the outboard structure of the hatchway coamings, one to port and the other to starboard of the hatchways;

(c)    on the side outboard of the hatchways each walkway shall be fitted with guard rails or guard wire complying with the requirements set out in paragraph 18(2)(a).

Freeing arrangements

25.     The ship shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 20(4).

PART IV - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SHIPS ASSIGNED TIMBER FREEBOARDS

Application and interpretation

26.     (1)     The requirements of paragraphs 27 to 29 apply only to ships assigned timber freeboards. The requirements of paragraph 30 shall apply in respect of timber deck cargo carried by a ship which is marked with timber load lines and is loaded to a depth greater than that indicated by the load line which, if timber load lines were not marked, would be appropriate in the circumstances.

(2)     In this Part except where the context otherwise requires -

“deck cargo” means cargo carried in any uncovered space on the deck of a ship;

“timber deck cargo” means deck cargo consisting of timber;

“weather deck” means the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, a deck which is stepped being taken to consist for this purpose of the lowest line of the deck and the continuation of that line parallel to the upper part of the deck.

Superstructures

27.     (1)     The ship shall have a forecastle of not less that the standard height of an enclosed superstructure and not less in length than 0.07(L).

(2)     If the ship is less than 100 metres in length it shall be fitted aft with either -

(a)    a poop of not less than standard height; or

(b)    a raised quarter-deck having either a deck house or a strong steel hood, so that the total height is not less than the standard height of an enclosed superstructure.

Double bottom tanks

28.     Double bottom tanks fitted within the midship half length of the ship shall have satisfactory watertight longitudinal subdivision.

Bulwarks, guard rails and stanchions

29.     The ship shall be fitted with -

(1)     permanent bulwarks at least 1 metre in height which are specially stiffened on the upper edge and supported by strong bulwark stays attached to the deck and provided with freeing ports complying with the requirements of paragraph 14(1) to (7).

(2)     efficient guard rails and stanchions at least 1 metre in height, of specially strong construction, and complying with the requirements of paragraph 15(4).

Stowage

Siting, distribution and stowage of timber deck cargo

30.     (1)     The cargo shall be distributed and stowed so -

(a)    as to avoid excessive loading having regard to the strength of the deck and the supporting structure of the ship;

(b)    as to ensure that the ship will retain adequate stability at all stages of the voyage having regard in particular to -

(i)    the vertical distribution of the deck cargo;

(ii)    the wind moments which can be expected on the voyage;

(iii)   the losses of weight in the ship, including those due to the consumption of fuel and stores; and

(iv)   possible increases of weight of the ship or deck cargo, including those due to the absorption of water and to icing;

(c)    as not to impair the weathertight or watertight integrity of any part of the ship or its fittings or appliances, and to ensure the proper protection of ventilators and air pipes;

(d)    that its height above the deck, or any part of the ship on which it stands will not interfere with the navigation or working of the ship;

(e)    that it will not interfere with, or obstruct access to, the ship's steering arrangements, including emergency steering arrangements;

(f)    that it is in accordance with paragraph 15(6).

Securing of deck cargo

(2)     Deck cargo shall be so secured as to ensure, as far as practicable, that there will be no movements of that cargo relative to the ship in the worst sea and weather conditions which may normally be expected on the voyage, and lashings and all fittings used for their attachment shall be of adequate strength for that purpose.

Maximum height of timber deck cargo

(3)     Timber deck cargo carried by a ship within a Winter seasonal area during the period specified as the Winter period in relation to that ship shall be so stowed that at no point throughout its length does the height of the deck cargo above the level of the weather deck at side exceed one third of the extreme breadth of the ship.

Access

(4)     Where timber deck cargo occupies the whole or substantially the whole of the uncovered space on the deck of a ship, means of access for the crew between their quarters and the machinery spaces and other parts of the ship used in the working of the ship shall be provided in the form of a walkway fitted over the timber deck cargo and complying with the requirements of paragraph 15(6). In addition guard rails or life lines spaced not more than 330 millimetres apart vertically shall be provided on each side of the deck cargo to a height of at least 1 metre above the cargo.

Uprights

(5)     If the nature of the timber is such that uprights are necessary in order to comply with subparagraphs (6) and (7), uprights shall be fitted which are of sufficient strength for the purpose. They shall be secured in position by angles or metal sockets of sufficient strength for the purpose or by equivalent means and shall be so spaced as to provide efficient support taking into account the nature and length of the timber, so however that the space between any two uprights fore and aft shall not exceed 3 metres.

Stowage of timber deck cargo in relation to superstructures

(6)     (a)    Timber deck cargo stowed in any well between superstructures shall be stowed as solidly as possible so as to extend over the entire available length of the well to a height not less than the standard height of a superstructure other than a raised quarter deck.

(b)    Timber deck cargo stowed in a position having a limiting superstructure at the forward end but no such superstructure at the after end shall be stowed so as to extend over the entire available length between the superstructure and the after end of the aftermost hatchway, to the height and in the manner specified in subparagraph (a) above.

Securing of timber deck cargo

(7)     (a)    Timber deck cargo shall be efficiently secured throughout its length by independent overall lashings spaced not more than 3 metres apart. Eye plates for these lashings shall be efficiently attached to the sheer strake or to the deck stringer plate at intervals of not more than 3 metres. The distance from an end bulkhead of a superstructure to the first eye plate shall be not more than 2 metres. When there is no bulkhead, eye plates and lashings shall be provided at distances of 0.6 metres and 1.5 metres from the ends of the timber deck cargo.

(b)    Lashings shall be of not less than 19 millimetres close link chain or of flexible wire rope of equivalent strength, fitted with sliphooks and turnbuckles so positioned as to be accessible at all times. Wire rope lashings shall have a length of long link chain sufficient to permit the length of lashings to be regulated.

(c)    When timber is less than 3.6 metres in length the spacing of the lashings shall be reduced or suitable provision made to suit the length of timber.

PART V - GENERAL

Equivalence

31.     The Assigning Authority may, with the approval of the Minister -

(a)      allow any fitting, material, appliance or apparatus to be fitted in a ship, or allow other provisions to be made in a ship, in the place of any fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or provision respectively which is required under any of the provisions of this Schedule if satisfied by trial or otherwise that it is at least as effective as that so required; or

(b)      allow in any exceptional case departure from the requirements of any of the said provisions on condition that the freeboards to be assigned to the ship are increased to such an extent as to satisfy the Minister that the safety of the ship and protection afforded to the crew will be no less effective than would be the case if the ship fully complied with those requirements and there was no such increase of freeboards.

SCHEDULE 3

Rule 24

RECORD OF PARTICULARS

MERCHANT SHIPPING (LOAD LINE) RULES 2001

RECORD OF PARTICULARS RELATING TO CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT

In this record, reference to Rules are references to the Rules set out in Annex I to the Convention of 1966, and reference to paragraphs are references to paragraphs of Schedule 2 (Conditions of Assignment) to the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 2001.

Name of ship

Port of registry

Nationality

Distinctive number of letters

Shipbuilders

Yard Number

Date of Build/conversion

Freeboards assigned as a ship of Type

Classification

Date and place of initial survey

A plan of suitable size may be attached to this report in preference to the sketches on this page

Disposition and dimensions of superstructures, trunks, deckhouses, machinery casings; extent of bulwarks, guard rails and wood sheathing on exposed deck, to be inserted in the diagrams and tables following; together with positions of hatchways, gangways, and other means for the protection of the crew; cargo ports, bow and stern doors, side scuttles, scuppers, ventilators, air pipes, companionways, and other items that would affect the seaworthiness of the ship.

See Schedule 2 Paragraphs 7 and 8.

DOORWAYS IN SUPERSTRUCTURES, EXPOSED MACHINERY CASINGS AND DECKHOUSES PROTECTING OPENINGS IN FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS

HATCHWAYS AT POSITIONS 1 AND 2 CLOSED BY PORTABLE COVERS AND SECURED WEATHERTIGHT BY TARPAULINS AND BATTENING DEVICES (Para 15).

See Schedule 2 Paragraph 5.

Means of securing each section of covers ............................................................ .............................

Are wood covers fitted with galvanised bands ............................................................ ......................

See Schedule 2 Paragraphs 6 and 19.

HATCHWAYS AT POSITIONS 1 AND 2 CLOSED BY WEATHERTIGHT COVERS OF STEEL (OR OTHER EQUIVALENT MATERIAL) FITTED WITH GASKETS AND CLAMPING DEVICES (Para 16)?

See Schedule 2 Paragraphs 7 and 8.

MACHINERY SPACE OPENINGS AND MISCELLANEOUS OPENINGS IN FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS (Paras 17 and 18)

Particulars of spurling pipe closing arrangements

See Schedule 2 Paragraph 9.

VENTILATORS ON FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS (POSITIONS 1 AND 2) (Para 19)

See Schedule 2 Paragraph 10.

AIR PIPES ON FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS (Para 20)

See Schedule 2 Paragraph 11.

CARGO PORTS AND OTHER SIMILAR OPENINGS (Para 11)

See Schedule 2 Paragraph 12.

SCUPPERS, INLETS AND DISCHARGES (Rule 19)

NOTE: In Ro-ro ships, indicate how ready accessibility to scupper valves is ensured when vehicle space is filled ..............................................

Any other approved material to be designated.

See Schedule 2 Paragraph 12.

SIDE SCUTTLES (Rule 20)

Indicate the vertical distance between the freeboard deck and the lower still of the side scuttle positioned at the greatest vertical distance below the freeboard deck.

See Schedule 2 Paragraphs 14 and 20

FREEING PORTS (Rule 21)

Particulars of shutters, bars or rails fitted to freeing ports.

Height of lower edge of freeing port above deck.

(See Schedule 2 Paragraphs 15, 18, 22, 23 and 24)

PROTECTION OF THE CREW (Rules 22 and 23)

INITIAL SURVEY

The conditions of assignment shown on this form are a record of the arrangements and fittings provided on the ship and are in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Rules set out in Annex I to the Convention of 1966 and of Schedule 2 to the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 2001.

............................................................ ......................

(Surveyor's Signature)

............................................................ .......................

(Date)

SUBSEQUENT RENEWAL SURVEYS

I have completed the renewal survey and am satisfied that the fittings and appliances are in accordance with the particulars shown in this record and are in good condition and that approved stability information and, where applicable, information relating to loading and ballasting of the ship is on board.

SCHEDULE 4

Rule 26

FREEBOARDS

Interpretation

1.       Expressions in this Schedule have the same meanings as those assigned to them in Schedule 2 and -

“block coefficient (C_b)” means the product of-

where -

∇ is the volume of the moulded displacement of the ship (excluding bossing) if the ship has a metal shell, and of displacement to the outer surface of the hull if the ship has a shell of any other material, displacement being taken in each case at a moulded draught of d₁; and

d₁ is 85 per cent of the least moulded depth, provided that in no case shall the block coefficient

(C_b) be taken to be less than 0.68.

“depth for freeboard (D)” means -

(a)      except as otherwise stated in subparagraph (b) below, the moulded depth of the ship amidships plus the thickness of the freeboard deck stringer plate where fitted, plus if the exposed freeboard deck is sheathed, the product of -

where -

T is the mean thickness of the exposed sheathing clear of deck openings;

(b)      in a ship having a rounded gunwale with a radius greater than 4 per cent of the breadth of the ship or having topsides of unusual form, the depth calculated in accordance with subparagraph (a) above, would be the depth for freeboard purposes of a ship having a midship section with vertical topsides and with the same round of beam and the same area of topside section as that of the midship section of the actual ship;

“effective length (E)” in relation to a superstructure means the effective length of the superstructure determined in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9(3);

“flush deck ship” means a ship which has no superstructure on the freeboard deck;

“length (S)” in relation to a superstructure means the length of the superstructure determined in accordance with the provision of paragraph 9(2);

“salt water” means water having a relative density of 1.025;

“Summer draught” means the draught measured from -

(a)      in the case of a wood or composite ship, the lower edge of the keep rabbet;

(b)      if the form at the lowest part of the midship section is of a hollow character, or if thick garboards are fitted, the point where the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards cuts the side of the keel; and

(c)      in any other case, the top of the keel;

to the point which, when load lines and marks have been marked on the ship's side, will correspond to the centre of the ring of the load line mark;

“Summer Timber draught” means the draught measured from point (a), (b) or (c) described in the definition of the Summer draught to the point which when Timber load lines have been marked on the ship's side will correspond to the upper edge of the Summer Timber load line;

“tabular freeboard” means in the case of a Type “A” ship the freeboard appropriate to the ship's length under Freeboard Table A set out in Schedule 5 and, in the case of a Type “B” ship, the freeboard appropriate to the ship's length under Freeboard Table B.

Freeboards: general

2.       (1)     Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (2), the freeboards, other than Timber freeboards, to be assigned to a ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Part I, and Timber freeboards to be assigned to a ship shall be determined in accordance with Part II.

(2)     The freeboards to be assigned to -

(a)    sailing ships;

(b)    tugs;

(c)    ships of wood or of composite construction or of other materials;

(d)    ships with constructional features such as to render freeboards determined in accordance with subparagraph (1) unreasonable or impracticable; and

(e)    unmanned barges having on the freeboard deck only small access openings closed by watertight gasket covers of steel;

shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Part III of this Schedule.

PART 1 - FREEBOARDS OTHER THAN TIMBER FREEBOARDS

Determination of freeboards

3.       (1)     Subject to subparagraph (3), the Summer freeboard shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 4 to 16.

(2)     Subject to subparagraph (3), the Tropical freeboard shall be obtained by deducting from the Summer freeboard one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Summer draught of the ship.

(3)     The freeboard so obtained in subparagraphs (1) and (2), but omitting any correction made in paragraph 8 for deck-line, shall be not less than 50 millimetres except in the case of a ship with hatchways in Position 1 to which paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 applies but which do not have pontoon covers, in which case it shall be not less than 150 millimetres.

(4)     The Winter freeboard shall be obtained by adding to the Summer freeboard one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Summer draught of the ship.

(5)     The Winter North Atlantic freeboard shall be obtained by adding to the Winter freeboard a distance of 50 millimetres.

(6)     (a)    Subject to subparagraph (b) below, the fresh water freeboard shall be obtained by deducting from the Summer freeboard the quantity -

where -

▴ is the displacement in salt water in tonnes at the Summer load waterline, and

T represents tonnes per centimetre immersion in salt water at that waterline.

(b)    In any case in which the displacement at that waterline cannot be ascertained the deduction shall be one forty-eighth (1/48th) of the Summer draught of the ship.

Summer freeboard: Type “A” ships

4.       The Summer freeboard assigned to a Type “A” ship shall be determined as follows.

(1)     There shall first be ascertained the ship's tabular freeboard from Table A in Schedule 5.

(2)     If the block coefficient (C_b) of the ship exceeds 0.68 the tabular freeboard shall be multiplied by the factor

(3)     Corrections in accordance with paragraphs 6 to 16 shall be applied to the freeboard obtained in accordance with subparagraphs (1) and (2).

(4)     Subject to paragraph 3(3), the freeboard so corrected shall be the Summer freeboard assigned to the ship.

Summer freeboard: Type “B” ships

5.       The Summer freeboard to be assigned to a Type “B” ship shall be determined as follows.

(1)     There shall first be ascertained the ship's tabular freeboard from Table B in Schedule 5.

(2)     (a)    If the ship has hatchways in Position 1 the covers of which are either pontoon covers complying with the requirements of paragraph 5 (4) of Schedule 2 or covers which comply with paragraph 6(2) of that Schedule, the tabular freeboard may be corrected in accordance with such of the provisions of subparagraphs (3) to (7) as are applicable to the ship.

(b)    If the ship has hatchways in Position 1 the covers of which comply with the requirements of paragraph 5 of Schedule 2 except those of subparagraph (4) of that paragraph, the tabular freeboard shall be corrected in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (8).

(3)     The tabular freeboard of a ship to which subparagraph (2)(a) applies and which exceeds 100 metres in length may be reduced by an amount not exceeding the maximum applicable under subparagraphs (4) and (5) if the Assigning Authority is satisfied that -

(a)    the measures for the protection of the crew comply with the requirements of paragraph 15 of Schedule 2;

(b)    the freeing arrangements comply with the requirements of paragraph 14 of Schedule 2;

(c)    all covers of hatchways in Positions 1 and 2 comply with the requirements of paragraph 6 of Schedule 2;

(d)    the ship when loaded to the Summer load waterline will remain afloat, after the flooding of any single damaged compartment other than the machinery space at an assumed permeability of 0.95, in the condition of equilibrium described in subparagraph (6). If the length of the ship exceeds 225 metres the machinery space shall rank as floodable compartment for the purposes of this requirement having for the purpose an assumed permeability of 0.85.

(4)     Subject to subparagraph (5) no reduction of freeboard pursuant to subparagraph (3) shall exceed 60 per cent of the difference between the tabular freeboards under Freeboard Table A and Freeboard Table B.

(5)     The reduction of 60 per cent referred to in subparagraph (4) may be increased to 100 per cent if the Assigning Authority is satisfied that -

(a)    the ship complies with the requirements of paragraphs 17 and 20 of Schedule 2 as if it were a Type “A” ship and with those of paragraph 22 of that Schedule;

(b)    the ship complies with the requirements of subparagraphs (3)(a) to (c); and

(c)    the ship when loaded to the Summer load waterline will remain afloat in the condition of equilibrium described in subparagraph (6) after the flooding -

(i)    of any two compartments adjacent fore and aft, neither of which is the machinery space, at an assumed permeability of 0.95; and

(ii)    in the case of a ship exceeding 225 metres in length, of the machinery space alone, at an assumed permeability of 0.85.

(6)     The condition of equilibrium referred to in subparagraphs (3) and (5) above is as follows-

(a)    the final waterline after flooding is below the top of any ventilator coaming, the lower edge of any air pipe opening, the upper edge of the sill of any access opening fitted with a weathertight door, and the lower edge of any other opening through which progressive flooding may take place;

(b)    the angle of heel due to unsymmetrical flooding does not exceed 15 degrees, or if no part of the deck is immersed the angle of heel does not exceed 17 degrees;

(c)    the metacentric height calculated using the constant displacement method has a positive value of at least 50 millimetres in the upright condition after flooding;

(d)    the ship has adequate residual stability; and

(e)    the ship has sufficient stability during intermediate stages of flooding to the satisfaction of the Assigning Authority;

(7)     The following assumptions shall be made for the purposes of calculations pursuant to subparagraphs (3)(d) and (5)(c) -

(a)    the very extent of damage is equal to the depth of the ship at the point of damage, measured from and including the freeboard deck at side to the underside of the keel;

(b)    the transverse penetration of damage is not more than one fifth of the breadth of the ship (B), this distance being measured inboard from the ship's side at right angles to the centre line of the ship at the level of the Summer load waterline. The depth of transverse penetration damage assumed shall be that which results in the most severe conditions;

(c)    except in the case of compartments referred to in subparagraph (5)(c)(i), no transverse bulkhead is damaged;

(d)    the height of the centre of gravity above the base-line is assessed allowing for homogeneous loading of cargo holds and for 50 per cent of the designed capacity of consumable fluids and stores.

(8)     The tabular freeboard of a ship to which subparagraph (2)(b) applies shall be increased by the amount shown in Table 1 appropriate to the ship's length. Freeboards, at intermediate lengths of ship shall be obtained by linear interpolation. The increase in the case of ships of more than 200 metres in length shall be by an amount which the Minister determines in each particular case.

(9)     (a)    This subparagraph applies to every Type “B” ship of not more than 100 metres in length having enclosed superstructures the total effective length (E) of which does not exceed 35 per cent of the ship's length (L).

(b)    The freeboard calculated in respect of such a ship in accordance with subparagraphs (1),(2) and (8) shall be increased by the following amount -

(10)   In the case of a ship with a block coefficient (C) exceeding 0.68, the freeboard calculated in accordance with subparagraphs (1) to (9) shall be multiplied by the factor -

(11)   Corrections in accordance with paragraph 6 to 16 shall be applied to the freeboard calculated in accordance with subparagraphs (1) to (10) and, subject to paragraph 3(3), the freeboard so corrected shall be the Summer freeboard to be assigned to the ship.

TABLE 1

Basic freeboard

6.       In the following paragraphs “basic freeboard” means the Summer freeboard calculated in accordance with paragraph 4 or 5, whichever is applicable, but omitting, in the case of a Type “A” ship, the corrections referred to in paragraph 4(3), or in the case of a Type “B” ship, the corrections referred to in paragraph 5(11).

Correction for Depth

Where R is -

250 in the case of a ship of 120 metres or more in length.

if, but only if, the ship has, subject to subparagraph (3), either -

(a)    an enclosed superstructure covering at least 0.6 (L) amidships;

(b)    an efficient trunk extending for the ship's length; or

(c)    a combination of enclosed superstructures connected by efficient trunks, being a combination extending for the ship's length.

(3)     If the height of any such superstructure or trunk in subparagraph (2) is less than standard height the amount of reduction shall be reduced in the ratio of the actual to the standard height of the superstructure or trunk.

Correction for position of deck-line

8.       (1)     Subject to the provisions of subparagraph (2), if the actual depth to the upper edge of the deck-line is greater or less than the depth for freeboard, the difference if greater shall be added to, or if less shall be deducted from, the basic freeboard of the ship.

(2)     If the position of the deck-line has been fixed in accordance with the provisions of rule 16(3), the actual depth of the ship shall be taken to the point amidships where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck or on any sheathing on that deck intersects the outer surface of the shell of the ship.

Standard height, length and effective length of superstructures

9.       (1)     The standard height of a superstructure shall be determined in accordance with Table 2 -

TABLE 2

Standard heights for intermediate lengths of the ship shall be obtained by linear interpolation

(2)     (a)    Subject to subparagraph (b) below, the length of a superstructure (S) shall be the mean length of the parts of the superstructure which lie within the length of the ship.

(b)    In the case of an enclosed superstructure having an end bulkhead which extends in a fair convex curve beyond its intersection with the superstructure sides, the length of the superstructure (S) may be taken as its length determined in accordance with subparagraph (a), but increased by two-thirds of the fore and aft extent of the curvature to a maximum of one half the breadth of the superstructure at the point of intersection of the curved end of the superstructure with its side.

(3)     (a)    In the case of an enclosed superstructure of standard height, the effective length of a superstructure (E) shall be, subject to subparagraph (c) below, either -

(i)    its length; or

(ii)    if the superstructure is set in from the sides of the ship, its length modified in the ratio b/Bs, where -

(aa)         “b” is the breadth of the superstructure at the middle of its length; and

(bb)         “Bs” is the breadth of the ship at the middle of the length of the superstructure:

where the superstructure is only set in for part of its length, this modification shall be applied only to that part.

(b)    In the case of an enclosed superstructure of less than standard height the effective length of a superstructure, subject to subparagraphs (a) above and (c) below, shall be its length reduced in the ratio of the actual height of the superstructure to its standard height.

(c)    In the case of an enclosed superstructure consisting of a raised quarter deck the effective length of a superstructure shall, if the deck is fitted with an intact front bulkhead, be its length subject to a maximum of 0.6 of the ship's length and, if not so fitted, be determined by treating the raised quarter deck as a poop of less than standard height.

(d)    A superstructure which is not an enclosed superstructure as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 2 shall have no effective length.

Standard height and effective length of trunks

10.     (1)     The standard height of a trunk shall be that applicable to a superstructure other than a raised quarter deck in paragraph 9(1).

(2)     The effective length of a trunk shall be determined as follows -

(a)    a trunk which is not an efficient trunk as described in subparagraph (b) below shall have no effective length;

(b)    a trunk shall be treated as an efficient trunk provided -

(i)    it is at least as strong as a superstructure;

(ii)    the hatchways in way of the trunk are in the trunk deck, and the hatchway coamings and covers comply with the requirements of paragraphs 4 to 6 of Schedule 2, except that small access openings with watertight covers may be permitted in the freeboard deck;

(iii)   the width of the trunk deck stringer provides a satisfactory gangway and sufficient lateral stiffness;

(iv)   a permanent working platform fore and aft fitted with guard rails or guard wires complying with applicable requirements in paragraph 18(2)(a) of Schedule 2 is provided by the trunk deck, or by detached trunks connected to superstructures by efficient permanent gangways.

(v)    ventilators are protected by the trunk, by watertight covers or by equivalent means;

(vi)   open rails or wires are fitted on the weather parts of the freeboard deck in way of the trunk for at least half of their length;

(vii)  the machinery casings are protected by the trunk, or by an enclosed superstructure of at east standard height, or by a deckhouse of the same height, strength and weathertightness equivalent to such an enclosed superstructure;

(vii)  the breadth of the trunk is at least 60 per cent of the breadth of the ship;

(ix)   where there is no superstructure the length of the trunk is at least 0.6(L).

(c)    Except as otherwise provided in subparagraph (d) below, the effective length of an efficient trunk shall be its full length reduced in the ratio of its mean breadth to the breadth of the ship.

(d)    If the actual height of an efficient trunk is less than the standard height, its effective length shall be the length calculated in accordance with subparagraph (c) above reduced in the ratio of the actual to the standard height of the trunk. In addition, if the ship is a Type “B” ship and the height of hatchway coamings on the trunk deck is less than that required by paragraph 5(1) or 6(1) of Schedule 2 a reduction from the actual height of the trunk shall be made of an amount corresponding to the difference between the actual height and the required height of the hatchway coamings.

Deduction for effective length of superstructures and trunks

11.     (1)     Where the sum of the effective lengths of superstructures and trunks of a ship is 1.0(L), the basic freeboard of the ship shall be reduced by -