International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1948

Introduction

THE GOVERNMENTS of the Argentine Republic, the Commonwealth of Australia, Belgium, the Republic of the United States of Brazil, Canada, the Republic of Chile, the Republic of China, Denmark, Egypt, the Republic of Finland, the French Republic, Greece, the Republic of Iceland, India, Ireland, the Italian Republic, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Pakistan, the Republic of Panama, the Republic of the Philippines, the Republic of Poland, the Portuguese Republic, the Union of South Africa, Sweden, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and the Federative People's Republic of Yugoslavia, being desirous of promoting safety of life at sea by establishing in common agreement uniform principles and rules directed thereto:

CONSIDERING that this end may best be achieved by the conclusion of a Convention to replace the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929:

Have appointed their Plenipotentiaries, namely:

[Signatories not listed here.]

Who, having communicated their full powers, found in good and due form, have agreed as follows:

Article 1

(a) The Contracting Governments undertake to give effect to the provisions of the present Convention and of the Regulations annexed thereto, which shall be deemed to constitute an integral part of the present Convention. Every reference to the present Convention implies at the same time a reference to these Regulations.

(b) The Contracting Governments undertake to promulgate all laws, decrees, orders and regulations and to take all other steps which may be necessary to give the present Convention full and complete effect, so as to ensure that, from the point of view of safety of life, a ship is fit for the service for which it is intended.

Article 2

The ships to which the present Convention applies are ships registered in countries the Governments of which are Contracting Governments, and ships registered in territories to which the present Convention is extended under Article XIII.

Article 3 Laws, regulations, reports

The Contracting Governments undertake to communicate to the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation (hereinafter called the Organisation)-

(a) the text of laws, decrees, orders and regulations which shall have been promulgated on the various matters within the scope of the present Convention;

(b) all available official reports or official summaries of reports in so far as they show the results of the provisions of the present Convention, provided always that such reports or summaries are not of a confidential nature; and

(c) a sufficient number of specimens of their Certificates issued under the provisions of the present Convention for circulation to the Contracting Governments for the information of their officers.

Article 4 Cases of force majeure

(a) No ship, which is not subject to the provisions of the present Convention at the time of its departure on any voyage, shall become subject to the provisions of the present Convention on account of any deviation from its intended voyage due to stress of weather or any other cause of force majeure.

(b) Persons who are on board a ship by reason of force majeure or in consequence of the obligation laid upon the master to carry shipwrecked or other persons shall not be taken into account for the purpose of ascertaining the application to a ship of any provisions of the present Convention.

Article 5 Carriage of persons in emergency

(a) For the purpose of moving persons from any territory in order to avoid a threat to the security of their lives a Contracting Government may permit the carriage of a larger number of persons in its ships than is otherwise permissible under the present Convention.

(b) Such permission shall not deprive other Contracting Governments of any right of control under the present Convention over such ships which come within their ports.

(c) Notice of any such permission, together with a statement of the circumstances, shall be sent to the Organisation by the Contracting Government granting such permission.

Article 6 Suspension in case of war

(a) In case of war, Contracting Governments which consider that they are affected, whether as belligerents or as neutrals, may suspend the whole or any part of the Regulations annexed hereto. The suspending Government shall immediately give notice of such suspension to the Organisation.

(b) Such suspension shall not deprive other Contracting Governments of any right of control under the present Convention over the ships of the suspending Government when such ships are within their ports.

(c) The suspending Government may at any time terminate such suspension and shall immediately give notice of such termination to the Organisation.

(d) The Organisation shall notify all Contracting Governments of any suspension or termination of suspension under this Article.

Article 7 Prior treaties and conventions

(a) As between the Contracting Governments the present Convention replaces and abrogates the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea which was signed in London on 31 May 1929.

(b) All other treaties, conventions and arrangements relating to safety of life at sea, or matters appertaining thereto, at present in force between Governments parties to the present Convention, shall continue to have full and complete effect during the terms thereof as regards:

(i) ships to which the present Convention does not apply;

(ii) ships to which the present Convention applies, in respect of matters for which it has not expressly provided.

(c) To the extent, however, that such treaties, conventions or arrangements conflict with the provisions of the present Convention, the provisions of the present Convention shall prevail.

(d) All matters which are not expressly provided for in the present Convention remain subject to the legislation of the Contracting Governments.

Article 8 Special rules drawn up by agreement

When in accordance with the present Convention special rules are drawn up by agreement between all or some of the Contracting Governments, such rules shall be communicated to the Organisation for circulation to all Contracting Governments.

Article 9 Amendments

(a) (i) The present Convention may be amended by unanimous agreement between the Contracting Governments.

(ii) Upon the request of any Contracting Government a proposed amendment shall be communicated by the Organisation to all Contracting Governments for consideration and acceptance under this paragraph.

(b) (i) An amendment to the present Convention may be proposed to the Organisation at any time by any Contracting Government, and such proposal if adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Assembly of the Organisation (hereinafter called the Assembly), upon recommendation adopted by a two-thirds majority of the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organisation (hereinafter called the Maritime Safety Committee), shall be communicated by the Organisation to all Contracting Governments for their acceptance.

(ii) Any such recommendation by the Maritime Safety Committee shall be communicated by the Organisation to all Contracting Governments for their consideration at least six months before it is considered by the Assembly.

(c) (i) A conference of Governments to consider amendments to the present Convention proposed by any Contracting Government shall at any time be convened by the Organisation upon the request of one-third of the Contracting Governments.

(ii) Every amendment adopted by such conference by a two-thirds majority of the Contracting Governments shall be communicated by the Organisation to all Contracting Governments for their acceptance.

(d) Any amendment communicated to Contracting Governments for their acceptance under paragraph (b) or (c) of this Article shall come into force for all Contracting Governments, except those which before it comes into force make a declaration that they do not accept the amendment, twelve months after the date on which the amendment is accepted by two-thirds of the Contracting Governments, including two-thirds of the Governments represented on the Maritime Safety Committee.

(e) The Assembly, by a two-thirds majority vote, including two-thirds of the Governments represented on the Maritime Safety Committee, and subject to the concurrence of two-thirds of the Contracting Governments to the present Convention, or a conference convened under paragraph (c) of this Article by a two-thirds majority vote, may determine at the time of its adoption that the amendment is of such an important nature that any Contracting Government which makes a declaration under paragraph (d) of this Article and which does not accept the amendment within a period of twelve months after the amendment comes into force, shall, upon the expiry of this period, cease to be a party to the present Convention.

(f) Any amendment to the present Convention made under this Article which relates to the structure of a ship shall apply only to ships the keels of which are laid after the date on which the amendment comes into force.

(g) The Organisation shall inform all Contracting Governments of any amendments which come into force under this Article, together with the date on which such amendments shall come into force.

(h) Any acceptance or declaration under this Article shall be made by a notification in writing to the Organisation, which shall notify all Contracting Governments of the receipt of the acceptance or declaration.

Article 10 Signature and acceptance

(a) The present Convention shall remain open for signature for one month from this day's date and shall thereafter remain open for acceptance. Governments of States may become parties to the Convention by:

(i) signature without reservation as to acceptance;

(ii) signature subject to acceptance followed by acceptance; or

(iii) acceptance.

(b) Acceptance shall be effected by the deposit of an instrument with the Organisation, which shall inform all Governments that have already accepted the Convention of each acceptance received and of the date of its receipt.

Article 11 Coming into force

(a) The present Convention shall come into force on 1 January 1951, provided that, at least 12 months before that date, not less than 15 acceptances, including 7 by countries each with not less than one million gross tons of shipping, have been deposited in accordance with Articles X and XV.

(b) Should 15 acceptances in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Article not have been deposited 12 months before 1 January 1951, the present Convention shall come into force 12 months after the date on which the last of such acceptances is deposited.[3] The Organisation shall inform all Governments which have signed or accepted the present Convention of the date on which it comes into force.

(c) Acceptances deposited after the date on which the present Convention comes into force shall take effect three months after the date of their deposit.[4]

Article 12 Denunciation

(a) The present Convention may be denounced by any Contracting Government at any time after the expiry of five years from the date on which the Convention comes into force for that Government.

(b) Denunciation shall be effected by a notification in writing addressed to the Organisation which shall notify all the other Contracting Governments of any denunciation received and of the date of its receipt.

(c) A denunciation shall take effect one year, or such longer period as may be specified in the notification, after its receipt by the Organisation.

Article 13 Territories

(a) (i) The United Nations in cases where they are the administering authority for a territory, or any Contracting Government responsible for the international relations of a territory, may at any time by notification in writing given to the Organisation declare that the present Convention shall extend to such territory.

(ii) The present Convention shall from the date of the receipt of the notification or from such other date as may be specified in the notification extend to the territory named therein.

(b) (i) The United Nations or any Contracting Government which has made a declaration under paragraph (a) of this Article, at any time after the expiry of a period of five years from the date on which the Convention has been so extended to any territory, may by a notification in writing given to the Organisation declare that the present Convention shall cease to extend to any such territory named in the notification.

(ii) The present Convention shall cease to extend to any territory mentioned in such notification one year, or such longer period as may be specified therein, after the date of receipt of the notification by the Organisation.

(c) The Organisation shall inform all the Contracting Governments of the extension of the present Convention to any territories under paragraph (a) of this Article, and of the termination of any such extension under the provisions of paragraph (b), stating in each case the date from which the present Convention has been or will cease to be so extended.

Article 14 Registration

As soon as the present Convention comes into force it shall be registered by the Organisation with the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Article 15 Interim arrangements

(a) Unless and until the Organisation, in accordance with the Convention on the Intergovernmental Maritime Consultative Organisation signed at Geneva on 6 March 1948,[5] takes over the duties assigned to it under the present Convention, the following provisions shall apply:

(i) All duties which are assigned to the Organisation, other than those set forth in Article IX, shall be carried out by the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (hereinafter called the Government of the United Kingdom).

(ii) Amendments to the present Convention may be proposed at any time by any Contracting Government to the Government of the United Kingdom and such proposals shall be communicated by the latter to the other Contracting Governments for their consideration and acceptance. If any such amendment is unanimously accepted by the Contracting Governments, the present Convention shall be amended accordingly.

(iii) A Conference for the purpose of revising the present Convention shall be convened by the Government of the United Kingdom whenever, after the present Convention has been in force for five years, one-third of the Contracting Governments express a desire to that effect.

(iv) The present Convention shall be deposited in the archives of the Government of the United Kingdom, which shall transmit certified true copies thereof to all Signatory Governments.

(b) When the Organisation takes over the duties assigned to it under the present Convention, the Government of the United Kingdom will transmit to the Organisation any documents which have been deposited with or received by the Government of the United Kingdom under the present Convention.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned Plenipotentiaries have signed the present Convention.

DONE in London this tenth day of June, 1948, in a single copy in English and French, each text being equally authoritative.

Annex No. 1 APPENDIX

Form of Safety Certificate for Passenger Ships

SAFETY CERTIFICATE

(Official seal) (Country)

for an international voyage.

a short

Issued under the provisions of the

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1948

Name of shipDistinctive number or lettersPort of registryGross tonnageParticulars of voyages, if any, sanctioned under Regulation 22(c) of Chapter III

The (Name) Government certifies

I, the undersigned (Name) certify

I. That the above-mentioned ship has been duly surveyed in accordance with the provisions of the Convention referred to above.

II. That the survey showed that the ship complied with the requirements of the Regulations annexed to the said Convention as regards:

(1) the structure, main and auxiliary boilers and machinery;

(2) the watertight subdivision arrangements and details;

(3) the following subdivision loadlines:

Subdivision loadlines assigned and marked on the ship's side at amidships (Regulation 10 of Chapter II)FreeboardTo apply when the spaces in which passengers are carried include the following alternative spacesC.1C.2 C.3

III. That the life-saving appliances provide for a total number of .......... persons and no more, viz.:

........ lifeboats (including .......... motor lifeboats or mechanically-propelled lifeboats) capable of accommodating .......... persons, and .......... motor lifeboats fitted with radiotelegraph installation and searchlight (included in the total lifeboats shown above), requiring .......... certificated lifeboatmen;

........ liferafts capable of accommodating .......... persons;

........ buoyant apparatus capable of supporting .......... persons;

........ lifebuoys;

........ lifejackets.

IV. That the lifeboats were equipped in accordance with provisions of the Regulations.

V. That the ship was provided with a line-throwing appliance and lifeboat portable radio apparatus in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations.

VI. That the ship complied with the requirements of the Regulations as regards radiotelegraph installations, viz:

Requirements of Regulations
Actual provision
Hours of listening by operator
Number of operators
Whether auto-alarm fitted
Whether main installation fitted
Whether emergency installation fitted
Whether main and emergency transmitters electrically separated or combined
Whether direction-finder fitted
Number of passengers for which certificated

VII. That the ship complied with the requirements of the Regulations as regards fire-detecting and fire-extinguishing appliances and was provided with navigation lights and shapes, and means of making sound signals and distress signals, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations and also the International Collision Regulations.

VIII. That in all other respects the ship complied with the requirements of the Regulations, so far as these requirements apply thereto.

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at the day of 19 .

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue the certificate.

(Seal)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Government to issue this Certificate.

(Signature)

Form of Certificate for Cargo Ships

SAFETY EQUIPMENT CERTIFICATE

(Official seal) (Country)

Issued under the provisions of the

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1948

Name of shipDistinctive number or lettersPort of registryGross tonnage

The (Name) Government certifies

I, the undersigned (Name) certify

I. That the above-mentioned ship has been duly inspected in accordance with the provisions of the Convention referred to above.

II. That the inspection showed that the life-saving appliances provide for a total number of .......... persons and no more viz:

........ lifeboats on port side capable of accommodating .......... persons;

........ lifeboats on starboard side capable of accommodating .......... persons;

........ motor lifeboats and/or mechanically-propelled lifeboats (included in the total lifeboats shown above);

........ lifebuoys;

........ lifejackets.

III. That the lifeboats were equipped in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations annexed to the Convention.

IV. That the ship was provided with a line-throwing apparatus and lifeboat portable radio apparatus in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations.

V. That the inspection showed that the ship complied with the requirements of the said Convention as regards fire-extinguishing appliances and was provided with navigation lights and shapes and means of making sound signals and distress signals, in accordance with the provisions of the Regulations and the International Collision Regulations.

VI. That in all other respects the ship complied with the requirements of the Regulations so far as these requirements apply thereto.

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at the day of 19 .

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue the certificate.

(Seal)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature)

Form of Safety Radiotelephony Certificate

SAFETY RADIOTELEPHONY CERTIFICATE

(Official seal) (Country)

Issued under the provisions of the

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1948

Name of shipDistinctive number or lettersPort of registryGross tonnage

The (Name) Government certifies

I, the undersigned (Name) certify

That the above-mentioned ship complies with the provisions of the Regulations annexed to the Convention referred to above as regards Radiotelephony:

Requirements of RegulationsActual provisionHours of listening by operatorNumber of operators

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at the day of 19 .

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue this certificate.

(Seal)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature)

Form of Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate

SAFETY RADIOTELEGRAPHY CERTIFICATE

(Official seal) (Country)

Issued under the provisions of the

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1948

Name of shipDistinctive number or lettersPort of registryGross tonnage

The (Name) Government certifies

I, the undersigned (Name) certify

That the above-mentioned ship complies with the provisions of the Regulations annexed to the Convention referred to above as regards Radiotelegraphy:

Requirements of Regulations
Actual provision
Hours of listening by operator
Number of operators
Whether auto-alarm fitted
Whether main installation fitted
Whether emergency installation fitted
Whether main and emergency transmitters electrically separated or combined
Whether direction-finder fitted

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at the day of 19 .

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue this certificate.

(Seal)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature)

Form of Exemption Certificate

EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE

(Official seal) (Country)

Issued under the provisions of the

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION FOR THE SAFETY OF LIFE AT SEA, 1948

Name of shipDistinctive number or lettersPort of registryGross tonnage

The (Name) Government certifies

I, the undersigned (Name) certify

That the above-mentioned ship is, under the authority conferred by Regulation .......... of Chapter .......... of the Regulations annexed to the Convention referred to above, exempted from the requirements of .................................................. of the Convention on the voyages ........................................................... to ............................................

* Insert here the } *

conditions, if any, on }

which the exemption }

certificate is granted. }

This certificate is issued under the authority of the Government. It will remain in force until

Issued at the day of 19 .

Here follows the seal or signature of the authority entitled to issue this certificate.

(Seal)

If signed, the following paragraph is to be added:

The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Government to issue this certificate.

(Signature)

Insert here references to Chapters and Regulations, specifying particular paragraphs. [Footnote appeared in original text.]

Miscellaneous No. 1 REGULATIONS

CHAPTER I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

PART A

APPLICATION, DEFINITIONS, &c.

Regulation 1

Application

(a) Unless expressly provided otherwise, the present Regulations apply only to ships engaged on international voyages.

(b) The classes of ships to which each Chapter applies are more precisely defined, and the extent of the application is shown, in each Chapter.

Regulation 2

Definitions

For the purpose of the present Regulations, unless expressly provided otherwise:

(a) "Regulations" means the Regulations referred to in Article I(a) of the present Convention.

(b) "Administration" means the Government of the country in which the ship is registered.

(c) "Approved" means approved by an Administration.

(d) "International voyage" means a voyage from a country to which the present Convention applies to a port outside such country, or conversely; and for this purpose every territory for the international relations of which a Contracting Government is responsible or for which the United Nations are the administering authority is regarded as a separate country.

(e) A passenger is every person other than:

(i) the master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship; and

(ii) a child under one year of age.

(f) A passenger ship is a ship which carries more than 12 passengers.

(g) A cargo ship is any ship which is not a passenger ship.

(h) A tanker is a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes of an inflammable nature.

(i) "New ship" means a ship the keel of which is laid on or after the date of coming into force of the present Convention.

(j) "Existing ship" means a ship which is not a new ship.

(k) A mile is 6,080 feet or 1,852 metres.

Regulation 3

Exceptions

(a) The present Regulations, unless expressly provided otherwise, do not apply to:

(i) Ships of war and troopships.

(ii) Cargo ships of less than 500 tons gross tonnage.

(iii) Ships not propelled by mechanical means.

(iv) Wooden ships of primitive build, such as dhows, junks, &c.

(v) Pleasure yachts not engaged in trade.

(vi) Fishing vessels.

(b) Notwithstanding any provisions of the present Regulations, nothing herein shall apply to ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and their connecting and tributary waters as far east as the lower exit of the Lachine Canal at Montreal in the Province of Quebec, Canada.

Regulation 4

Exemptions

(a) A ship which is not normally engaged on international voyages but which, in exceptional circumstances, is required to undertake a single international voyage may be exempted by the Administration from any of the requirements of the present Regulations provided that it complies with safety requirements which are adequate in the opinion of the Administration for the voyage which is to be undertaken by the ship.

(b) Each Administration shall submit to the Organisation as soon as possible after 1 January each year a report showing the number of voyages of this nature for which exemptions have been granted in the previous calendar year.

Regulation 5

Equivalents

(a) Where in the present Regulations it is provided that a particular fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular arrangement shall be adopted, an Administration may accept in substitution therefor any other fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or any other arrangement, provided that the Administration shall have been satisfied by suitable trials that the fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or the arrangement substituted is at least as effective as that specified in the present Regulations.

(b) Any Administration which so accepts, in substitution, a fitting, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or other arrangement, shall inform the Organization, and, upon request, shall communicate to the Organisation particulars thereof together with a report on the trials made.

PART B

SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATES

Regulation 6

Inspection and survey

The inspection and survey of ships, so far as regards the enforcement of the provisions of the present Regulations and the granting of exemptions therefrom, shall be carried out by officers of the country in which the ship is registered, provided that the Government of each country may entrust the inspection and survey either to surveyors nominated for the purpose or to organisations recognised by it. In every case the Government concerned fully guarantees the completeness and efficiency of the inspection and survey.

Regulation 7

Initial and subsequent surveys of passenger ships

(a) A passenger ship shall be subjected to the surveys specified below:

(i) A survey before the ship is put in service.

(ii) A periodical survey once every 12 months.

(iii) Additional surveys, as occasion arises.

(b) The surveys referred to above shall be carried out as follows:

(i) The survey before the ship is put in service shall include a complete inspection of its structure, machinery and equipments, including the outside of the ship's bottom and the inside and outside of the boilers. This survey shall be such as to ensure that the arrangements, material, and scantlings of the structure, boilers and their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installation, radio installation, life saving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing appliances, and other equipments, fully comply with the requirements of the present Convention, and of the laws, decrees, orders and regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Administration for ships of the service for which it is intended. The survey shall also be such as to ensure that the workmanship of all parts of the ship and its equipments is in all respects satisfactory.

(ii) The periodical survey shall include an inspection of the structure, boilers, machinery and equipments, including the outside of the ship's bottom. The survey shall be such as to ensure that the ship, as regards the structure, boilers and their appurtenances, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installation, radio installation, life saving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing appliances, and other equipments, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the requirements of the present Convention, and of the laws, decrees, orders and regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Administration.

(iii) A survey either general or partial, according to the circumstances, shall be made every time an accident occurs or a defect is discovered which affects the safety of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its life saving appliances or other equipments, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made. The survey shall be such as to ensure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the material and workmanship of such repairs or renewals are in all respects satisfactory, and that the ship complies in all respects with the provisions of the present Convention and of the laws, decrees, orders and regulations promulgated as a result thereof by the Administration.

(c) (i) The laws, decrees, orders and regulations referred to in paragraph (b) shall be in all respects such as to ensure that, from the point of view of safety of life, the ship is fit for the service for which it is intended.

(ii) They shall among other things prescribe the requirements to be observed as to the initial and subsequent hydraulic tests to which the main and auxiliary boilers, connections, steam pipes, high pressure receivers, and fuel tanks for internal combustion engines are to be submitted, including the test pressure to be applied and the intervals between two consecutive tests.

(d) The main and auxiliary boilers, connections, tanks and receivers, also steam-piping of more than 3 inches (or 76 millimetres) internal diameter shall be satisfactorily tested by hydraulic pressure when new. Steam pipes of more than 3 inches (or 76 millimetres) internal diameter shall be tested by hydraulic pressure periodically.

Regulation 8

Surveys of life saving appliances and other equipments of cargo ships

The life saving and fire extinguishing appliances of cargo ships to which Chapters II and III of the present Regulations apply shall be subject to initial and subsequent surveys as provided for passenger ships in paragraph (a) of Regulation 7 with the substitution of 24 months for 12 months in subparagraph (a)(ii), and in paragraph (b) of that Regulation so far as it relates to life saving and fire extinguishing appliances. The lights and means of making sound signals and distress signals carried by the ship shall also be included in the surveys for the purpose of ensuring that they comply fully with the requirements of the present Convention and the International Collision Regulations.

Regulation 9

Surveys of radio installations of cargo ships

The radio installations of cargo ships to which Chapter IV of the present Regulations applies shall be subject to initial and subsequent surveys as provided for passenger ships in paragraph (a) of Regulation 7 and in paragraph (b) of that Regulation so far as it relates to radio installations.

Regulation 10

Maintenance of conditions after survey

After any survey of the ship under Regulation 7, 8 or 9 has been completed, no change shall be made in the structural arrangements, machinery, equipments, &c., covered by the survey, without the sanction of the Administration.

Regulation 11

Issue of certificates

(a) (i) A certificate called a Safety Certificate shall be issued after inspection and survey to a passenger ship which complies in an efficient manner with the requirements of Chapters II, III, and IV and any other relevant requirements of the present Regulations.

(ii) A certificate called a Safety Equipment Certificate shall be issued after inspection to a cargo ship which complies in an efficient manner with the relevant requirements of Chapters II and III and other relevant requirements of the present Regulations.

(iii) A certificate called a Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificate shall be issued after inspection to a cargo ship, fitted with a radiotelegraph installation, which complies in an efficient manner with the requirements of Chapter IV and any other relevant requirements of the present Regulations.

(iv) A certificate called a Safety Radiotelephony Certificate shall be issued after inspection to a cargo ship, fitted with a radiotelephone installation, which complies in an efficient manner with the requirements of Chapter IV and any other relevant requirements of the present Regulations.

(v) A certificate called an Exemption Certificate shall be issued to every ship to which exemption is granted by a Contracting Government under, and in accordance with, any of the provisions of the present Regulations.

(vi) Safety Certificates, Safety Equipment Certificates, Safety Radiotelegraphy Certificates, Safety Radiotelephony Certificates and Exemption Certificates shall be issued either by the Government of the country in which the ship is registered or by any person or organisation duly authorised by that Government. In every case that Government assumes full responsibility for the certificate.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of the present Convention, any certificate issued under, and in accordance with, the provisions of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1929, which is current when the present Convention comes into force in respect of the Administration by which the certificate is issued, shall remain valid until it expires under the terms of Article 52 of the Convention of 1929.

Regulation 12

Issue of certificate by another Government

A Contracting Government may, at the request of the Administration, cause a ship to be surveyed, and, if satisfied that the requirements of the present Regulations are complied with, issue certificates to the ship in accordance with the present Regulations. Any certificate so issued must contain a statement to the effect that it has been issued at the request of the Government of the country in which the ship is registered, and it shall have the same force and receive the same recognition as a certificate issued under Regulation 11.

Regulation 13

Duration of certificates

(a) Certificates shall be issued for a period of not more than 12 months, except Safety Equipment Certificates which shall be issued for a period of not more than 24 months.

(b) If a ship at the time when its certificate expires is not in a port of the country in which it is registered, the certificate may be extended by a duly authorised officer of that country; but such extension shall be granted only for the purpose of allowing the ship to complete its return voyage to the country in which it is registered, and then only in cases where it appears proper and reasonable so to do.

(c) No certificate shall be thus extended for a longer period than five months, and a ship to which such extension is granted shall not, on returning to the country in which it is registered, be entitled by virtue of such extension to leave that country again without having obtained a new certificate.

(d) A certificate which has not been extended under the foregoing provisions of this Regulation may be extended by the Administration for a period of grace of up to one month from the date of expiry stated on it.

Regulation 14

Form of certificates

(a) All certificates shall be drawn up in the official language or languages of the country by which they are issued.

(b) The form of the certificates shall be that of the models given in the Appendix to the present Regulations. The arrangement of the printed part of the model certificates shall be exactly reproduced in the certificates issued, or in certified copies thereof, and the particulars inserted in the certificates issued, or in certified copies thereof, shall be in Roman characters and Arabic figures.

Regulation 15

Posting up of certificates

All certificates or certified copies thereof issued under the present Regulations, except Exemption Certificates or certified copies thereof, shall be posted up in a prominent and accessible place in the ship.

Regulation 16

Acceptance of certificates

Certificates issued under the authority of a Contracting Government shall be accepted by the other Contracting Governments for all purposes covered by the present Convention. They shall be regarded by the other Contracting Governments as having the same force as the certificates issued by them to their own ships.

Regulation 17

Qualification of certificates

(a) If in the course of a particular voyage a ship has on board a number of persons less than the total number stated in the Safety Certificate and is in consequence, in accordance with the provisions of the present Regulations, free to carry a smaller number of lifeboats and other life saving appliances than that stated in the certificate, a memorandum may be issued by the Government, officer, person, or organisation referred to in Regulation 11 and Regulation 13.

(b) This memorandum shall state that in the circumstances there is no infringement of the provisions of the present Regulations. It shall be annexed to the certificate and shall be substituted for it in so far as the life saving appliances are concerned. It shall be valid only for the particular voyage for which it is issued.

Regulation 18

Control

Every ship holding a certificate issued under Regulation 11 or Regulation 12 is subject in the ports of the other Contracting Governments to control by officers duly authorised by such Governments in so far as this control is directed towards verifying that there is on board a valid certificate and, if necessary, that the conditions of the ship's seaworthiness correspond substantially with the particulars of that certificate. Such certificate shall be accepted unless, in the opinion of the officer carrying out the control, the conditions of the ship's seaworthiness do not correspond substantially with the particulars of that certificate and the ship cannot proceed to sea without danger to the passengers or the crew, when he shall take such steps as will ensure that the ship shall not sail until it can proceed to sea without danger to the passengers or the crew. In the event of this control giving rise to intervention of any kind, the officer carrying out the control shall inform the Consul of the country in which the ship is registered in writing forthwith of all the circumstances in which intervention was deemed to be necessary, and the facts shall be reported to the Organisation.

Regulation 19

Privileges

The privileges of the present Convention may not be claimed in favour of any ship unless it holds appropriate valid certificates.

PART C

CASUALTIES

Regulation 20

Casualties

(a) Each Administration undertakes to conduct an investigation of any major marine casualty occurring to any of its ships subject to the provisions of the present Convention. Such investigation, in addition to any other purpose, shall have the object of determining whether any changes in the present Regulations are desirable.

(b) Each Contracting Government undertakes to supply the Organisation with pertinent information concerning such casualties. No reports or recommendations of the Organisation based upon such information shall disclose the identity or nationality of the ships concerned or in any manner fix or imply responsibility upon any ship or person.

CHAPTER II

CONSTRUCTION

PART A

GENERAL

Regulation 1

Application

(a) (i) Unless expressly provided otherwise, this Chapter applies to new ships.

(ii) In the case of existing passenger ships and cargo ships which do not already comply with the provisions of this Chapter relating to new ships, the arrangements on each ship shall be considered by the Administration, with a view to improvements being made to provide increased safety where practicable and reasonable.

(b) For the purpose of this Chapter:

(i) A new passenger ship is a passenger ship the keel of which is laid on or after the date of coming into force of the present Convention, or a cargo ship which is converted to a passenger ship on or after that date, all other passenger ships being described as existing passenger ships.

(ii) A new cargo ship is a cargo ship the keel of which is laid on or after the date of coming into force of the present Convention.

(c) Each Administration may, if it considers that the sheltered nature and conditions of the voyage are such as to render the application of any specific requirements of this Chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, exempt from those requirements individual ships or classes of ships belonging to its country which, in the course of their voyage, do not proceed more than 20 miles from the nearest land.

(d) In the case of a passenger ship which is permitted under Regulation 22 of Chapter III to carry a number of persons or board in excess of the lifeboat capacity provided, it shall comply with the special standards of subdivision set out in Regulation 5(e), and the associated special provisions regarding permeability in Regulation 4(d), unless the Administration is satisfied that, having regard to the nature and conditions of the voyage, compliance with the other provisions of the Regulations of this Chapter is sufficient.

(e) In the case of passenger ships which are employed in the carriage of large numbers of unberthed passengers in special trades, such, for example, as the pilgrim trade, the Administration, if satisfied that it is impracticable to enforce compliance with the requirements of this Chapter, may exempt such ships, when they belong to its country, from those requirements on the following conditions:

(i) That the fullest provision which the circumstances of the trade will permit shall be made in the matter of construction.

(ii) That steps shall be taken to formulate general rules which shall be applicable to the particular circumstances of these trades. Such rules shall be formulated in concert with such other Contracting Governments, if any, as may be directly interested in the carriage of such passengers in such trades.

Notwithstanding any provisions of the present Convention, the Simla Rules, 1931, shall continue in force as between the parties to those Rules until the rules formulated under subparagraph (e)(ii) of this Regulation shall come into force.

Regulation 2

Definitions

For the purpose of this Chapter, unless expressly provided otherwise-

(a) (i) The subdivision loadline is the waterline used in determining the subdivision of the ship.

(ii) The deepest subdivision loadline is the waterline which corresponds to the greatest draught.

(b) The length of the ship is the length measured between perpendiculars taken at the extremities of the deepest subdivision loadline.

(c) The breadth of the ship is the extreme width from outside of frame to outside of frame at or below the deepest subdivision loadline.

(d) The bulkhead deck is the uppermost deck up to which the transverse watertight bulkheads are carried.

(e) The margin line is a line drawn at least 3 inches (or 76 millimetres) below the upper surface of the bulkhead deck at side.

(f) The draught is the vertical distance from the moulded base line amidships to the subdivision loadline in question.

(g) The permeability of a space is the percentage of that space which can be occupied by water.

The volume of a space which extends above the margin line shall be measured only to the height of that line.

(h) The machinery space is to be taken as extending from the moulded base line to the margin line and between the extreme main transverse watertight bulkheads bounding the spaces devoted to the main and auxiliary propelling machinery, boilers when installed, and all permanent coal bunkers.

In the case of unusual arrangements, the Administration may define the limits of the machinery spaces.

(i) Passenger spaces are those which are provided for the accommodation and use of passengers, excluding baggage, store, provision and mail rooms.

For the purposes of Regulations 4 and 5, spaces provided below the margin line for the accommodation and use of the crew shall be regarded as passenger spaces.

(j) In all cases volumes shall be calculated to moulded lines.

PART B

SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY

(Part B applies to passenger ships only except that Regulation 18 also applies to cargo ships)

Regulation 3

Floodable length

(a) The floodable length at any point of the length of a ship shall be determined by a method of calculation which takes into consideration the form, draught and other characteristics of the ship in question.

(b) In a ship with a continuous bulkhead deck, the floodable length at a given point is the maximum portion of the length of the ship, having its centre at the point in question, which can be flooded under the definite assumptions hereafter set forth in Regulation 4 without the ship being submerged beyond the margin line.

(c) (i) In the case of a ship not having a continuous bulkhead deck, the floodable length at any point may be determined to an assumed continuous margin line which at no point is less than 3 inches (or 76 millimetres) below the top of the deck (at side) to which the bulkheads concerned and the shell are carried watertight.

(ii) Where a portion of an assumed margin line is appreciably below the deck to which bulkheads are carried, the Administration may permit a limited relaxation in the watertightness of those portions of the bulkheads which are above the margin line and immediately under the higher deck.

Regulation 4

Permeability

(a) The definite assumptions referred to in Regulation 3 relate to the permeabilities of the spaces below the margin line.

In determining the floodable length, a uniform average permeability shall be used throughout the whole length of each of the following portions of the ship below the margin line:

(i) the machinery space as defined in Regulation 2;

(ii) the portion forward of the machinery space; and

(iii) the portion abaft the machinery space.

(b) (i) For steamships the uniform average permeability throughout the machinery space shall be determined from the formula-

80 + 125 ((a-c)/v), where

a = volume of the passenger spaces, as defined in Regulation 2, which are situated below the margin line within the limits of the machinery space.

c = volume of between deck spaces below the margin line within the limits of the machinery space which are appropriated to cargo, coal or stores.

v = whole volume of the machinery space below the margin line.

(ii) For ships propelled by internal combustion engines, the uniform average permeability shall be taken as 5 greater than that given by the above formula.

(iii) Where it is shown, to the satisfaction of the Administration that the average permeablility as determined by detailed calculation, is less than that given by the formula, the detailed calculated value may be used. For the purpose of such calculation, the permeabilities of passenger spaces, as defined in Regulation 2, shall be taken as 95, that of all cargo, coal and store spaces as 60, and that of double bottom, oil fuel and other tanks at such values as may be approved in each case by the Administration.

(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d) below, the uniform average permeability throughout the portion of the ship before (or abaft) the machinery space shall be determined from the formula-

63 + 35 a/v

where:

a = volume of the passenger spaces, as defined in Regulation 2, which are situated below the margin line, before (or abaft) the machinery space, and

v = whole volume of the portion of the ship below the margin line before (or abaft) the machinery space.

(d) In the case of a ship which is permitted under Regulation 22 of Chapter III to carry a number of persons on board in excess of the lifeboat capacity provided, and is required under paragraph (d) of Regulation 1 in this Chapter to comply with special provisions, the uniform average permeability throughout the portion of the ship before (or abaft) the machinery space shall be determined from the formula-

95 - 35 b/v

where:

b = the volume of the spaces below the margin line and above the tops of floors, inner bottom, or peak tanks, as the case may be, which are appropriated to and used as cargo spaces, coal or oil fuel bunkers, store rooms, baggage and mail rooms, chain lockers and fresh water tanks, before (or abaft) the machinery space; and

v = whole volume of the portion of the ship below the margin line before (or abaft) the machinery space.

In the case of ships engaged on services where the cargo holds are not generally occupied by any substantial quantities of cargo, no part of the cargo spaces is to be included in calculating "b".

(e) In the case of unusual arrangements the Administration may allow, or require, a detailed calculation of average permeability for the portions before or abaft the machinery spaces. For the purpose of such calculation the permeability of passenger spaces as defined in Regulation 2 shall be taken as 95, that of spaces containing machinery as 80, that of all cargo, coal and store spaces as 60, and that of double bottom, oil fuel and other tanks at such value as may be approved in each case by the Administration.

(f) If a between deck compartment between two watertight transverse bulkheads contains any passenger or crew space, the whole of that compartment, less any space completely enclosed within permanent steel bulkheads and appropriated to other purposes, shall be regarded as passenger space. If, however, the passenger or crew space in question is completely enclosed within permanent steel bulkheads, only the space so enclosed need be considered as passenger space.

Regulation 5

Permissible length of compartments

(a) Ships shall be as efficiently subdivided as is possible having regard to the nature of the service for which they are intended. The degree of subdivision shall vary with the length of the ship and with the service, in such manner that the highest degree of subdivision corresponds with the ships of greatest length, primarily engaged in the carriage of passengers.

(b) Factor of subdivision - The maximum permissible length of a compartment having its centre at any point in the ship's length is obtained from the floodable length by multiplying the latter by an appropriate factor called the factor of subdivision.

The factor of subdivision shall depend on the length of the ship, and for a given length shall vary according to the nature of the service for which the ship is intended. It shall decrease in a regular and continuous manner-

(i) as the length of the ship increases, and

(ii) from a factor A, applicable to ships primarily engaged in the carriage of cargo, to a factor B, applicable to ships primarily engaged in the carriage of passengers.

The variations of the factors A and B shall be expressed by the following formulae (I) and (II) where L is the length of the ship as defined in Regulation 2:

L in feet

A=190/L-198 + .18 (L = 430 and upwards)

L in metres

A=58.2/L-60 + .18 (L = 131 and upwards) .......... (I)

L in feet

B =100/L-138 + .18 (L = 260 and upwards)

L in metres

B=30.3/L-42 + .18 (L = 79 and upwards) .......... (II)

(c) Criterion of service - For a ship of given length the appropriate factor of subdivision shall be determined by the Criterion of Service Numeral (hereinafter called the Criterion Numeral) as given by the following formulae (III) and (IV) where:

Cs = the Criterion Numeral;

L = length of the ship, as defined in Regulation 2;

M = the volume of the machinery space, as defined in Regulation 2; with the addition thereto of the volume of any permanent oil fuel bunkers which may be situated above the inner bottom and before or abaft the machinery space;

P = the whole volume of the passenger spaces below the margin line, as defined in Regulation 2;

V = the whole volume of the ship below the margin line;

Pl = KN where:

N = number of passengers for which the ship is to be certified, and

K has the following values:

Value of K

Length in feet and volumes in cubic feet .6L

Length in metres and volumes in cubic metres .056L

Where the value of KN is greater than the sum of P and the whole volume of the actual passenger spaces above the margin line, the figure to be taken as P1 is that sum or 2/3 KN, whichever is the greater.

When Pl is greater than P-

C5 = 72( M+2P)/(V+P1-P) ..... (III)

and in other cases-

C5 = 72 (M+2P)/V ..... (IV)

For ships not having a continuous bulkhead deck the volumes are to be taken up to the actual margin lines used in determining the floodable lengths.

(d) Rules for subdivision of ships other than those covered by paragraph (e) of this Regulation.

(i) The subdivision abaft the forepeak of ships 430 feet (or 131 metres) in length and upwards having a criterion numeral of 23 or less shall be governed by the factor A given by formula (I); of those having a criterion numeral of 123 or more by the factor B given by formula (II); and of those having a criterion numeral between 23 and 123 by the factor F obtained by linear interpolation between the factors A and B, using the formula:

F = A - (A - B) (Cs - 23)/100 .................... (V)

Where the factor F is less than .40 and it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration to be impracticable to comply with the factor F in a machinery compartment of the ship, the subdivision of such compartment may be governed by an increased factor, which, however, shall not exceed .40.

(ii) The subdivision abaft the forepeak of ships less than 430 feet (or 131 metres) but not less than 260 feet (or 79 metres) in length having a criterion numeral equal to S, where-

S = (9,382-20L)/34 (L in feet) = S = (3,574-25L)/13.S = (3,574 - 25L)/13 (L in metres)

shall be governed by the factor unity; of those having a criterion numeral of 123 or more by the factor B given by the formula (II); of those having a criterion numeral between S and 123 by the factor F obtained by linear interpolation between unity and the factor B using the formula:

F = 1- (1-B)(C5-S)/(123-S) ................(VI)

(iii) The subdivision abaft the forepeak of ships less than 430 feet (or 131 metres) but not less than 260 feet (or 79 metres) in length and having a criterion numeral less than S, and of all ships less than 260 feet (or 79 metres) in length shall be governed by the factor unity, unless, in either case, it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration to be impracticable to comply with this factor in any part of the ship, in which case the Administration may allow such relaxation as may appear to be justified, having regard to all the circumstances.

(iv) The provisions of sub-paragraph (d)(iii) shall apply also to ships of whatever length, which are to be certified to carry a number of passengers exceeding 12 but not exceeding: [next symbol is a dash, not a minus sign]

n L2/7,000 (in feet) = L2/650 (in metres) or 50, whichever is the less.

n

(e) Special standards of subdivision for ships which are permitted under Regulation 22 of Chapter III to carry a number of persons on board in excess of the lifeboat capacity provided and are required under paragraph (d) of Regulation 1 in this Chapter to comply with special provisions.

(i) (a) In the case of ships primarily engaged in the carriage of passengers, the subdivision abaft the forepeak shall be governed by a factor of .50 or by the factor determined according to paragraphs (c) and (d) of this Regulation, if less than .50.

(b) In the case of such ships less than 300 feet (or 91.5 metres) in length, if the Administration is satisfied that compliance with such factor would be impracticable in a compartment, it may allow the length of that compartment to be governed by a higher factor provided the factor used is the lowest that is practicable and reasonable in the circumstances.

(ii) If, in the case of any ship whether less than 300 feet (or 91.5 metres) or not, the necessity of carrying appreciable quantities of cargo makes it impracticable to require the subdivision abaft the forepeak to be governed by a factor not exceeding .50, the standard of subdivision to be applied shall be determined in accordance with the following sub-paragraphs (a) to (e), subject to the condition that where the Administration is satisfied that insistence on strict compliance in any respect would be unreasonable, it may allow such alternative arrangement of the watertight bulkheads as appears to be justified on merits and will not diminish the general effectiveness of the subdivision.

(a) The provisions of paragraph (c) of this Regulation relating to the criterion numeral shall apply with the exception that in calculating the value of Pl for berthed passengers K is to have the value defined in paragraph (c) of this Regulation or 125 cubic feet (or 3.55 cubic metres), whichever is the greater, and for unberthed passengers K is to have the value 125 cubic feet (or 3.55 cubic metres).

(b) The factor B in paragraph (b) of this Regulation shall be replaced by the factor BB determined by the following formula:

L in feet

BB = 57.6/(L-108) + 20 (L=180 and upwards)

L in metres

BB = 17.6 /(L-33) + 20 (L=55 and upwards)

(c) The subdivision abaft the forepeak of ships 430 feet (or 131 metres) in length and upwards having a criterion numeral of 23 or less shall be governed by the factor A given by formula (I) in paragraph (b) of this Regulation; of those having a criterion numeral of 123 or more by the factor BB given by the formula in subparagraph (ii)(b) of this paragraph; and of those having a criterion numeral between 23 and 123 by the factor F obtained by linear interpolation between the factors A and BB, using the formula:

F = A - (A-BB)(C5-23)/100

except that if the factor F so obtained is less than .50 the factor to be used shall be either .50 or the factor calculated according to the provisions of paragraph (d)(i) of this Regulation, whichever is the smaller.

(d) The subdivision abaft the forepeak of ships less than 430 feet (or 131 metres) but not less than 180 feet (or 55 metres) in length having a criterion numeral equal to Sl where-

(indecipherable)

shall be governed by the factor unity; of those having a criterion numeral of 123 or more by the factor BB given by the formula in subparagraph (ii)(b) of this paragraph; of those having a criterion numeral between Sl and 123 by the factor F obtained by linear interpolation between unity and the factor BB, using the formula:

F = 1 - (1-BB)(C5-S1)/(123-S1)

except that in either of the two latter cases if the factor so obtained is less than .50 the subdivision may be governed by a factor not exceeding .50.

(e) The subdivision abaft the fore peak of ships less than 430 feet (or 131 metres) but not less than 180 feet (or 55 metres) in length and having a criterion numeral less than Sl, and of all ships less than 180 feet (or 55 metres) in length shall be governed by the factor unity, unless it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration to be impracticable to comply with this factor in particular compartments, in which event the Administration may allow such relaxations in respect of those compartments as appear to be justified, having regard to all the circumstances, provided that the aftermost compartment and as many as possible of the forward compartments (between the forepeak and the after end of the machinery space) shall be kept within the floodable length.

Regulation 6

Special rules concerning subdivision

(a) Where in a portion or portions of a ship the watertight bulkheads are carried to a higher deck than in the remainder of the ship, and it is desired to take advantage of this higher extension of the bulkheads in calculating the floodable length, separate margin lines may be used for each such portion of the ship provided that-

(i) the sides of the ship are extended throughout the ship's length to the deck corresponding to the upper margin line and all openings in the shell plating below this deck throughout the length of the ship are treated as being below a margin line, for the purposes of Regulation 13; and

(ii) the two compartments adjacent to the "step" in the bulkhead deck are each within the permissible length corresponding to their respective margin lines and, in addition, their combined length does not exceed twice the permissible length based on the lower margin line.

(b) (i) A compartment may exceed the permissible length determined by the rules of Regulation 5 provided the combined length of each pair of adjacent compartments to which the compartment in question is common does not exceed either the floodable length or twice the permissible length, whichever is the less.

(ii) If one of the two adjacent compartments situated inside is the machinery space, and the second is situated outside the machinery space, and the average permeability of the portion of the ship in which the second is situated differs from that of the machinery space, the combined length of the two compartments shall be adjusted to the mean average permeability of the two portions of the ship in which the compartments are situated.

(iii) Where the two adjacent compartments have different factors of subdivision, the combined length of the two compartments shall be determined proportionately.

(c) In ships 430 feet (or 131 metres) in length and upwards, one of the main transverse bulkheads abaft the fore peak shall be fitted at a distance from the forward perpendicular which is not greater than the permissible length.

(d) A main transverse bulkhead may be recessed provided that all parts of the recess lie inboard of vertical surfaces on both sides of the ship, situated at a distance from the shell plating equal to one-fifth the breadth of the ship, as defined in Regulation 2, and measured at right angles to the centre line at the level of the deepest subdivision loadline.

Any part of a recess which lies outside these limits shall be dealt with as a step in accordance with the following paragraph.

(e) A main transverse bulkhead may be stepped provided that it meets one of the following conditions:

(i) The combined length of the two compartments, separated by the bulkhead in question, does not exceed either 90 percent of the floodable length or twice the permissible length, except that in ships having a factor of subdivision greater than .9, the combined length of the two compartments in question shall not exceed the permissible length.

(ii) Additional subdivision is provided in way of the step to maintain the same measure of safety as that secured by a plane bulkhead.

(iii) The compartment over which the step extends does not exceed the permissible length corresponding to a margin line taken 3 inches (or 76 millimetres) below the step.

(f) Where a main transverse bulkhead is recessed or stepped, an equivalent plane bulkhead shall be used in determining the subdivision.

(g) If the distance between two adjacent main transverse bulkheads, or their equivalent plane bulkheads, or the distance between the transverse planes passing through the nearest stepped portions of the bulkheads, is less than 10 feet (or 3.05 metres) plus 3 percent of the length of the ship, or 35 feet (or 10.67 metres) whichever is the less, only one of these bulkheads shall be regarded as forming part of the subdivision of the ship in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 5.

(h) Where a main transverse watertight compartment contains local subdivision and it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Administration that, after any assumed side damage extending over a length of 10 feet (or 3.05 metres) plus 3 percent of the length of the ship, or 35 feet (or 10.67 metres) whichever is the less, the whole volume of the main compartment will not be flooded, a proportionate allowance may be made in the permissible length otherwise required for such compartment. In such a case the volume of effective buoyancy assumed on the undamaged side shall not be greater than that assumed on the damaged side.

Regulation 7

Stability of ships in damaged condition

(a) Sufficient intact stability shall be provided in all service conditions so as to enable the ship to withstand the final stage of flooding of only one main compartment which is required to be within the floodable length.

Where two adjacent main compartments are separated by a bulkhead which is stepped under the conditions of subparagraph (e)(i) of Regulation 6, the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of those two adjacent main compartments.

Where the required factor of subdivision is .50 or less the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of any two adjacent main compartments.

(b) (i) The requirements of paragraph (a) of this Regulation shall be determined by calculations which are in accordance with paragraphs (c), (d) and (f), following, and which take into consideration the proportions and design characteristics of the ship and the arrangement and configuration of the damaged compartments. In making these calculations the ship is to be assumed in the worst anticipated service condition as regards stability.

(ii) Where it is proposed to fit decks, inner skins or longitudinal bulkheads of sufficient tightness to seriously restrict the flow of water, the Administration shall be satisfied that proper consideration is given to such restrictions in the calculations.

(c) For the purpose of making damage stability calculations the volume and surface permeabilities shall be as follows:

Spaces Permeability

Occupied by cargo, coal or stores 60

Occupied by accommodations 95

Occupied by machinery 85

Intended for liquids 0 or 95*

* Whichever results in the more severe requirements.

(d) Minimum assumed extent of damage shall be as follows:

(i) Longitudinal extent: 10 ft (or 3.05 metres) plus 3 percent of the length of the ship, or 35 feet (or 10.67 metres) whichever is the less.

(ii) Transverse extent: (measured inboard from the ship's side, at right angles to the centre line at the level of the deepest sub-division load line): a distance of one-fifth of the breadth of the ship, as defined in Regulation 2.

(iii) Vertical extent: From top of double bottom up to the margin line.

(iv) If any damage of lesser extent than that indicated in the foregoing sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii), would result in a more severe condition regarding heel or loss of metacentric height such damage shall be assumed in the calculations.

(e) Unsymmetrical flooding is to be kept to a minimum consistent with efficient arrangements. Where special cross-flooding fittings are provided these, together with the maximum heel before equalisation, shall be acceptable to the Administration. Suitable information concerning the use of such fittings shall be supplied to the master of the ship.

(f) The final conditions of the ship after damage and after equalisation measures have been taken shall be as follows:

(i) In the case of symmetrical flooding the residual metacentric height shall be positive, except that, in special cases, the Administration may accept a negative metacentric height (upright) provided the resulting heel is not more than seven degrees.

(ii) In the case of unsymmetrical flooding the total heel shall not exceed seven degrees, except that, in special cases, the Administration may allow additional heel due to the unsymmetrical moment, but in no case shall the final heel exceed fifteen degrees.

(iii) In no case shall the margin line be submerged in the final stage of flooding. If it is considered that the margin line may become submerged during an intermediate stage of flooding, the Administration may require such investigations and arrangements as it shall consider necessary for the safety of the ship.

(g) The master of the ship shall be supplied with the data necessary to maintain sufficient intact stability under service conditions to enable the ship to withstand the critical damage. In the case of ships requiring cross-flooding the master of the ship shall be informed of the conditions of stability on which the calculations of heel are based and be warned that excessive heeling might result should the ship sustain damage when in a less favourable condition.

(h) (i) No relaxation from the requirements for damage stability may be considered by an Administration unless it is shown that the intact metacentric height in any service condition necessary to meet these requirements is excessive for the service intended.

(ii) Relaxations from the requirements for damage stability shall be permitted only in exceptional cases and subject to the condition that the Administration is to be satisfied that the proportions, arrangements and other characteristics of the ship are the most favourable to stability after damage which can practically and reasonably be adopted in the particular circumstances.

Regulation 8

Peak and machinery space bulkheads, shaft tunnels, &c.

(a) (i) A ship shall have a forepeak or collision bulkhead, which shall be watertight up to the bulkhead deck. This bulkhead shall be fitted not less than 5 percent of the length of the ship, and not more than 10 feet (or 3.05 metres) plus 5 percent of the length of the ship from the forward perpendicular.

(ii) If the ship has a long forward superstructure, the forepeak bulkhead shall be extended weathertight to the deck next above the bulkhead deck. The extension need not be fitted directly over the bulkhead below, provided it is at least 5 percent of the length of the ship from the forward perpendicular, and the part of the bulkhead deck which forms the step is made effectively weathertight.

(b) An afterpeak bulkhead, and bulkheads dividing the machinery space, as defined in Regulation 2, from the cargo and passenger spaces forward and aft, shall also be fitted and made watertight up to the bulkhead deck. The afterpeak bulkhead may, however, be stopped below the bulkhead deck, provided the degree of safety of the ship as regards subdivision is not thereby diminished.

(c) In all cases stern tubes shall be enclosed in watertight spaces of moderate volume. The stern gland shall be situated in a watertight shaft tunnel or other watertight space separate from the stern tube compartment and of such volume that, if flooded by leakage through the stern gland, the margin line will not be submerged.

Regulation 9

Double bottoms

(a) A double bottom should be fitted extending from the forepeak bulkhead to the afterpeak bulkhead as far as this is practicable and compatible with the design and proper working of the ship.

(i) In ships 200 feet (or 61 metres) and under 249 feet (or 76 metres) in length a double bottom shall be fitted at least from the machinery space to the forepeak bulkhead, or as near thereto as practicable.

(ii) In ships 249 feet (or 76 metres) and under 330 feet (or l00 metres) in length a double bottom shall be fitted at least outside the machinery space, and shall extend to the fore and after peak bulkheads, or as near thereto as practicable.

(iii) In ships 330 feet (or 100 metres) in length and upwards a double bottom shall be fitted amidships, and shall extend to the fore and after peak bulkheads, or as near thereto as practicable.

(b) Where a double bottom is required to be fitted the inner bottom shall be continued out to the ship's sides in such a manner as to protect the bottom to the turn of the bilge. Such protection will be deemed satisfactory if the line of intersection of the outer edge of the margin plate with the bilge plating is not lower at any part than a horizontal plane passing through the point of intersection with the frame line amidships of a transverse diagonal line inclined at 25 degrees to the base line and cutting it at a point one-half the ship's moulded breadth from the middle line.

(c) Small wells constructed in the double bottom in connection with the drainage arrangements of holds, &c., shall not extend downwards more than necessary, nor shall they be less than 18 inches (or 457 millimetres) from the outer bottom or from the inner edge of the margin plate. A well extending to the outer bottom is, however, permitted at the after end of the shaft tunnel of screw ships. Other wells (eg, for lubricating oil under main engines) may be permitted by the Administration, if satisfied that the arrangements give protection equivalent to that afforded by a double bottom complying with this Regulation.

(d) A double bottom need not be fitted in way of watertight compartments of moderate size used exclusively for the carriage of liquids, provided the safety of the ship, in the event of bottom or side damage, is not, in the opinion of the Administration, thereby impaired.

(e) In the case of ships to which the provisions of paragraph (d) of Regulation 1 of this Chapter apply and which are engaged on regular service within the limits of a short international voyage as defined in Regulation 2 of Chapter III, the Administration may permit a double bottom to be dispensed with in any part of the ship which is subdivided by a factor not exceeding .50, if satisfied that the fitting of a double bottom in that part would not be compatible with the design and proper working of the ship.

Regulation 10

Assigning, marking and recording of subdivision load lines

(a) In order that the required degree of subdivision shall be maintained, a loadline corresponding to the approved subdivision draught shall be assigned and marked on the ship's sides. A ship having spaces which are specially adapted for the accommodation of passengers and the carriage of cargo alternatively may, if the owners desire, have one or more additional loadlines assigned and marked to correspond with the subdivision draughts which the Administration may approve for the alternative service conditions.

(b) The subdivision loadlines assigned and marked shall be recorded in the Safety Certificate, and shall be distinguished by the notation C.1 for the principal passenger condition, and C.2, C.3, &c., for the alternative conditions.

(c) The freeboard corresponding to each of these loadlines shall be measured at the same position and from the same deck line as the freeboards determined in accordance with the International Convention respecting Load Lines, 1930.[6]

(d) The freeboard corresponding to each approved subdivision loadline and the conditions of service for which it is approved, shall be clearly indicated on the Safety Certificate.

(e) In no case shall any subdivision loadline mark be placed above the deepest loadline in salt water as determined by the strength of the ship and/or the International Convention respecting Load Lines, 1930.

(f) Whatever may be the position of the subdivision loadline marks, a ship shall in no case be loaded so as to submerge the loadline mark appropriate to the season and locality as determined in accordance with the International Convention respecting Load Lines, 1930.

(g) A ship shall in no case be so loaded that when she is in salt water the subdivision loadline mark appropriate to the particular voyage and condition of service is submerged.

Regulation 11

Construction and initial testing of watertight bulkheads, &c.

(a) Watertight subdivision bulkheads, whether transverse or longitudinal, shall be constructed in such a manner that they shall be capable of supporting, with a proper margin of resistance, the pressure due to a head of water up to the margin line in way of each bulkhead. The construction of these bulkheads shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(b) (i) Steps and recesses in bulkheads shall be watertight and as strong as the bulkhead at the place where each occurs.

(ii) Where frames or beams pass through a watertight deck or bulkhead, such deck or bulkhead shall be made structurally watertight without the use of wood or cement.

(c) Testing main compartments by filling them with water is not compulsory. A complete examination of the bulkheads shall be made by a surveyor; and, in addition, a hose test shall be made in all cases.

(d) The forepeak, double bottoms (including duct keels) and inner skins shall be tested with water to a head up to the margin line.

(e) Tanks which are intended to hold liquids, and which form part of the subdivision of the ship, shall be tested for tightness with water to a head up to the deepest subdivision loadline or to a head corresponding to two-thirds of the depth from the top of keel to the margin line in way of the tanks, whichever is the greater; provided that in no case shall the test head be less than 3 feet (or 0.92 metres) above the top of the tank.

(f) The tests referred to in paragraphs (d) and (e) are for the purpose of ensuring that the subdivision structural arrangements are watertight and are n