When a grain shift occurs in a “filled" compartment,
structural members such as longitudinal girders and hatch side girders
impede the transverse movement of the grain and, therefore, reduce
the grain heeling moment attributable to the transverse shift. Regulations 5(b)(i) and (b)(ii), and part B, section II, address this effect,
but experience indicates that these rules have been interpreted in
significantly different ways. It is evident that there is confusion
as to their intent. For example, is there a difference in effect when
one of these barriers is installed as part of the structural support
system of the ship as opposed to being provided for the express purpose
of impeding the transverse movement of the grain? Or, whether the
member is ineffective if it is installed on a location other than
the centreline? A generally accepted interpretation, in effect authorized
by regulation 9, has developed over
time and is set forth in the following guideline.