7.5 Sidescuttles, window scuppers, inlets and discharges
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 2008 IS Code – International Code on Intact Stability, 2008 - Part B – Recommendations for ships engaged in certain types of operations, certain types of ships and additional guidelines - Chapter 7 – Considerations for watertight and weathertight integrity - 7.5 Sidescuttles, window scuppers, inlets and discharges

7.5 Sidescuttles, window scuppers, inlets and discharges

  7.5.1 In passenger ships to which the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 applies, openings in shell plating below the bulkhead deck should comply with regulation II-1/15 of this Convention.

 Watertight integrity above the bulkhead deck should comply with regulation II-1/17 of this Convention.

 In addition, in ro-ro passenger ships, watertight integrity below the bulkhead deck should comply with regulation II-1/23 and integrity of the hull and superstructure should comply with regulation II-1/17-1 of this Convention.

  7.5.2 In ships to which the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966 or the Protocol of 1988 relating thereto, as amended, as applicable, applies, scuppers, inlets and discharges should comply with regulation 22 and sidescuttles should comply with regulation 23 of this Convention.

  7.5.3 In fishing vessels to which the 1993 Torremolinos Protocol applies, sidescuttles and windows should comply with regulation II/12 and inlets and discharges should comply with regulation II/13 of this Protocol.

  7.5.4 In decked fishing vessels of 12 m in length and over but less than 24 m in length, sidescuttles, windows and other openings and inlets and discharges should comply with the following:

  • .1 sidescuttles to spaces below the working deck and to enclosed spaces on the working deck should be fitted with hinged deadlights capable of being closed watertight;

  • .2 sidescuttles should be fitted in a position such that their sills are above a line drawn parallel to the working deck at side having its lowest point 500 mm above the deepest operating waterline;

  • .3 sidescuttles, together with their glasses and deadlights, should be of substantial construction to the satisfaction of the competent authority;

  • .4 skylights leading to spaces below the working deck should be of substantial construction and capable of being closed and secured weathertight, and with provision for adequate means of closing in the event of damage to the inserts. Skylights leading to machinery spaces should be avoided as far as practicable;

  • .5 toughened safety glass or suitable permanently transparent material of equivalent strength should be fitted in all wheelhouse windows exposed to the weather. The means of securing windows and the width of the bearing surfaces should be adequate, having regard to the window material used. Openings leading to spaces below deck from a wheelhouse whose windows are not provided with the protection required by 0 should be fitted with a weathertight closing appliance;

  • .6 deadlights or a suitable number of storm shutters should be provided where there is no other method of preventing water from entering the hull through a broken window or sidescuttle;

  • .7 the competent authority may accept sidescuttles and windows without deadlights in side or aft bulkheads of deck erections located on or above the working deck if satisfied that the safety of the vessel will not be impaired;

  • .8 the number of openings in the sides of the vessel below the working deck should be the minimum compatible with the design and proper working of the vessel and such openings should be provided with closing arrangements of adequate strength to ensure watertightness and the structural integrity of the surrounding structure;

  • .9 discharges led through the shell either from spaces below the working deck or from spaces within deck erections should be fitted with efficient and accessible means for preventing water from passing inboard. Normally each separate discharge should have an automatic non-return valve with a positive means of closing it from a readily accessible position. Such a valve is not required if the competent authority considers that the entry of water into the vessel through the opening is not likely to lead to dangerous flooding and that the thickness of the pipe is sufficient. The means for operating the valve with a positive means of closing should be provided with an indicator showing whether the valve is open or closed. The open inboard end of any discharge system should be above the deepest operating waterline at an angle of heel satisfactory to the competent authority;

  • .10 in machinery spaces main and auxiliary sea inlets and discharges essential for the operation of machinery should be controlled locally. Controls should be readily accessible and should be provided with indicators showing whether the valves are open or closed. Suitable warning devices should be incorporated to indicate leakage of water into the space; and

  • .11 fittings attached to the shell and all valves should be of steel, bronze or other ductile material. All pipes between the shell and valves should be of steel, except that in vessels constructed of material other than steel, other suitable materials may be used.

  7.5.5 In cargo ships to which the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 applies, external openings should comply with regulation II-1/15-1 of this Convention.

Parent topic: Chapter 7 – Considerations for watertight and weathertight integrity
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