Clasification Society Rulefinder 2020 - Version 9.33 - Fix
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - PYC - A Code of Practice for Yachts Carrying 13 to 36 Passengers (The Passenger Yacht Code) - Chapter 2 - Load Lines - 2.7 Hatchways and Coamings:

2.7 Hatchways and Coamings:

(1) All hatchways in Positions 1 and 2 shall-

  • (a) be fitted with hatch covers of steel or other equivalent material;

  • (b) have hatch covers which shall be weathertight and fitted with gaskets and clamping devices;

  • (c) have means for securing and maintaining weathertightness which shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration;

  • (d) have arrangements which ensure that the weathertightness can be maintained in any sea conditions, and for this purpose tests for weathertightness shall be required at the initial survey and may be required at renewal and annual surveys or at more frequent intervals; and

  • (e) shall be so designed to comply with strength and securing requirements as defined in Regulation 16 of the Load Line Convention.

(2) The coamings of hatchways shall be of substantial construction in accordance with their position, and their height above the deck shall be at least as follows-

  • (a) 600 millimetres if in position 1; and

  • (b) 450 millimetres if in position 2.

(3) In the case of hatchways which comply with regulation 16 of the Load Line Convention, as amended, the height of these coamings may be reduced, or the coamings omitted entirely, on condition that the Administration is satisfied that the safety of the ship is not thereby impaired in any sea conditions.

(4) Where flush deck hatches or hatches without any coamings are provided the arrangements shall comply with the following functional requirements-

  • (a) the hatch cover shall be watertight and meet the strength requirements of Regulation 16 of the Load Line Convention;

  • (b) the local deck strength is to be locally increased to avoid deformation;

  • (c) the hatch is to be closed at sea and marked accordingly and shall be provided with open/close indication at the navigating position;

  • (d) the means of securing is to be designed so as to maintain watertight integrity;

  • (e) the space to which the hatch leads is to be provided with low and high level bilge alarms; and

  • (f) the vessel can comply with the enhanced survivability standard as defined in Section 4.30 with the space or spaces to which the hatch leads flooded.

  • (g) where the hatch is provided for infrequent or emergency use only and is not used when at sea, paragraph (f) need not be complied with

(5) Hatches which are designated for escape purposes shall comply with the following requirements-

  • (a) they shall be provided with covers which can be opened from either side and in the direction of escape they are able to be opened without a key;

  • (b) all handles on the inside are to be non removable; and

  • (c) an escape hatch shall be readily identified and easy and safe to use, having due regard to its position.

Parent topic: Chapter 2 - Load Lines
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