(a) Each watertight subdivision bulkhead whether
transverse or longitudinal shall be constructed in such a manner that
it shall be capable of supporting, with a proper margin of resistance,
the pressure due to the maximum head of water which it might have
to sustain in the event of damage to the ship, but at least the pressure
due to a head of water up to the immersion limit line. The construction
of these bulkheads shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
(b)
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(i) Steps and recesses in bulkheads shall be watertight
and as strong as the bulkhead at the place where each occurs.
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(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. When testing by filling with water is
not carried out, a hose test is compulsory; this test shall be carried
out in the most advanced stage of the fitting out of the ship. In
any case, a thorough inspection of the watertight bulkheads shall
be carried out.
(d) The forepeak, double bottoms (including duct
keels) and inner skins shall be tested with water to a head corresponding
to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this Regulation.
(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 the keel to the immersion limit 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 metre) above the top of the tank.
(f) The tests referred to in paragraphs (d) and
(e) of this Regulation are for the purpose of ensuring that the subdivision
structural arrangements are watertight and are not to be regarded
as a test of the fitness of any compartment for the storage of oil
fuel or for other special purposes for which a test of a superior
character may be required depending on the height to which the liquid
has access in the tank or its connections.