Regulation 7-2 — Calculation of the factor s_i

  1 The case of instantaneous flooding in unrestricted spaces in way of the damage zone does not require intermediate stage flooding calculations. Where intermediate stages of flooding calculations are necessary in connection with progressive flooding, they should reflect the sequence of filling as well as filling level phases. Calculations for intermediate stages of flooding should be performed whenever equalization is not instantaneous, i.e. equalization is of a duration greater than 60 s. Such calculations consider the progress through one or more floodable (non-watertight) spaces. Bulkheads surrounding refrigerated spaces, incinerator rooms and longitudinal bulkheads fitted with non-watertight doors are typical examples of structures that may significantly slow down the equalization of main compartments.

  2 If a compartment contains decks, inner bulkheads, structural elements and doors of sufficient tightness and strength to seriously restrict the flow of water, for intermediate stage flooding calculation purposes it should be divided into corresponding non-watertight spaces. It is assumed that the non-watertight divisions considered in the calculations are limited to “ A” class fire-rated bulkheads and do not apply to “B” class fire-rated bulkheads normally used in accommodation areas (e.g., cabins and corridors). This guidance also relates to regulation 4.4.

  3 For each damage scenario, the damage extent and location determine the initial stage of flooding. Calculations should be performed in stages, each stage comprising of at least two intermediate filling phases in addition to the full phase per flooded space. Unrestricted spaces in way of damage should be considered as flooded immediately. Every subsequent stage involves all connected spaces being flooded simultaneously until an impermeable boundary or final equilibrium is reached. If due to the configuration of the subdivision in the ship it is expected that other intermediate stages of flooding are more onerous, then those should be investigated.

  4 In general, cross-flooding is meant as a flooding of an undamaged space on the other side of the ship to reduce the heel in the final equilibrium condition.

  5 The cross-flooding time should be calculated in accordance with the Recommendation on a standard method for evaluating cross-flooding arrangements (resolution MSC.245(83)). If complete fluid equalization occurs in 60 s or less, it should be treated as instantaneous and no further calculations need to be carried out. Additionally, in cases where s _final = 1 is achieved in 60 s or less, but equalization is not complete, instantaneous flooding may also be assumed if s _final will not become reduced. In any cases where complete fluid equalization exceeds 60 s, the value of sintermediate after 60 s is the first intermediate stage to be considered. Only passive open cross-flooding arrangements without valves should be considered effective for instantaneous flooding cases.

  6 If complete fluid equalization can be finalized in 10 min or less, the assessment of survivability can be carried out for passenger ships as the smallest values of s_intermediate or s_final .

  7 In case the equalization time is longer than 10 min, s_final is calculated for the floating position achieved after 10 min of equalization. This floating position is computed by calculating the amount of flood water according to resolution MSC.245(83) using interpolation, where the equalization time is set to 10 min, i.e. the interpolation of the flood water volume is made between the case before equalization (T = 0) and the total calculated equalization time.

  8 In any cases where complete fluid equalization exceeds 10 min, the value of s_final used in the formula in regulation 7-2.1.1 should be the minimum of s_final at 10 min or at final equalization.

  9 If the Administration considers that the stability in intermediate stages of flooding in a cargo ship may be insufficient, it may require further investigation thereof.

  1 The flooding angle will be limited by immersion of such an opening. It is not necessary to define a criterion for non-immersion of unprotected openings at equilibrium, because if it is immersed, the range of positive GZ limited to flooding angle will be zero so “s” will be equal to zero.

  2 An unprotected opening connects two rooms or one room and the outside. An unprotected opening will not be taken into account if the two connected rooms are flooded or none of these rooms are flooded. If the opening is connected to the outside, it will not be taken into account if the connected compartment is flooded. An unprotected opening does not need to be taken into account if it connects a flooded room or the outside to an undamaged room, if this room will be considered as flooded in a subsequent stage.

  3 The survival “s” factor will be ”0” if any such point is submerged at a stage which is considered as “final”. Such points may be submerged during a stage or phase which is considered as “intermediate”, or within the range beyond equilibrium.

  4 If an opening fitted with a weathertight means of closure is submerged at equilibrium during a stage considered as intermediate, it should be demonstrated that this weathertight means of closure can sustain the corresponding head of water and that the leakage rate is negligible.

  5 These points are also defined as connecting two rooms or one room and the outside, and the same principle as for unprotected openings is applied to take them into account or not. If several stages have to be considered as “final”, a “weathertight opening” does not need to be taken into account if it connects a flooded room or the outside to an undamaged room if this room will be considered as flooded in a successive “final” stage.