10.1 A portlight or window shall be fitted in
a position so that its sill is not less than 610mm (24 inches) above
the load waterline.
10.2 A portlight or window to a space below the
weather deck or in a step, recess, raised deck structure, deckhouse
or superstructure protecting openings leading below the weather deck
shall be constructed to provide weathertight integrity, and be of
strength compatible with size of the portlight or window, and the
intended area of operation of the vessel. Glass and other glazing
material used in windows shall be of a material that will not break
into dangerous fragments if fractured.
10.3 Each window, port hole and its means of attachment
to the hull or deck house shall be capable of withstanding the maximum
load from wave and wind conditions expected due to its location on
the vessel and the authorised operating area of the vessel.
10.4 In a new vessel, a portlight or window shall
not be fitted in the main hull below the weather deck, unless the
glazing material and its method of fixing in the frame are equivalent
in strength to that required for the structure in which it is fitted.
10.5 In a new vessel, an opening portlight shall
not be provided to a space situated below the weather deck.
10.6 In a new vessel or in an existing vessel
where a portlight or window is replaced, portlights, windows and their
frames shall meet the requirements of ISO 12216 - Windows, portlights,
hatches, deadlights and doors - strength and tightness requirements,
or equivalent standard. This standard is recommended for existing
vessels.
10.7 In an existing vessel certified for operation
in exposed waters, a portlight, fitted below the weather deck and
not provided with an attached deadlight shall be provided with a “blank”, the number of blanks, shall be sufficient for
at least half of the number of such portlights of each different size
in the vessel, which can be efficiently secured in place in the event
of breakage of the portlight. The blank shall be of suitable material
and strength to the satisfaction of the Administration. Such a “blank”
is not required for a non-opening portlight, which satisfies the requirements
of II/10.3.
10.8 An opening portlight shall not exceed 250mm
(10 inches) in diameter or equivalent area.
10.9 In an existing vessel classed for operation
in exposed waters, a window fitted in the main hull below the weather
deck ,shall meet the requirements of II/10.3, or be provided
with a blank meeting the requirements of II/10.7.
10.10 For the wheelhouse:-
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.1 Windows and other openings at the operating
station shall be of sufficient size and properly located to provide
an adequate view for safe navigation in all operating conditions;
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.2 windows and their frames shall meet the requirements
of ISO 12216 (see II/10.6) or equivalent standard, having
due regard to the increased thickness of windows comprising one or
more laminations in order to achieve equivalent strength;
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.3 polarised or tinted glass shall not be used
in windows provided for navigational visibility, although portable
tinted screens may be provided for these windows; and
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.4 when a vessel is expected to operate in severe
weather, relative to the size of the vessel, efficient storm shutters
shall be provided for all front and side facing windows.