Section 12 Air and sounding pipes
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 - Part 3 General Requirements and Constructional Arrangements - Chapter 4 Closing Arrangements and Outfit - Section 12 Air and sounding pipes

Section 12 Air and sounding pipes

12.1 General

12.1.1 Air and sounding pipes are to comply with the requirements of Pt 15, Ch 2, 11 Air, overflow and sounding pipes.

12.1.2 The minimum wall thickness of steel and aluminium alloy air pipes in positions indicated in Pt 3, Ch 4, 12.2 Height of air pipes 12.2.1 is to be taken as:

t p = 0,03 d p + 3,6 mm with a maximum of 8,5 mm
where
t p = wall thickness of air pipe, in mm
d p = external diameter of air pipe, in mm

12.1.3 The pipe material is to be compatible with the craft construction material.

12.1.4 Striking plates of suitable thickness, or their equivalent, are to be fitted under all sounding pipes.

12.1.5 For the requirements for yachts, see also Pt 4 Additional Requirements for Yachts.

12.2 Height of air pipes

12.2.1 The height of air pipes from the upper surface of decks exposed to the weather, to the point where water may have access below is normally to be not less than:

  • 450 mm on the freeboard deck;
  • 300 mm on the superstructure deck;
  • these heights being measured above deck sheathing, where fitted.

12.2.2 Lower heights may be approved in cases where these are essential for the working of the craft, provided that the design and arrangements are otherwise satisfactory.

12.2.3 An increase in the height of air pipes may be required or recommended by individual Administrations when air pipes to fuel oil and settling tanks are situated in positions where sea water could be temporarily entrapped, e.g. in recesses in the sides and ends of superstructures or deckhouses, between hatch ends, behind high sections of bulwark, etc. This may entail an increase in tank scantlings and will be specially considered.

12.2.4 Air pipes are generally to be led to an exposed deck. Alternatively, air pipes from cofferdams or void spaces may terminate in the enclosed 'tween deck space on main vehicle decks, provided the space is adequately ventilated and the air pipes are provided with weathertight closing appliances.

12.2.5 Where air pipes are led through the side of superstructures, the opening is to be at least 2,3 m above the summer load waterline.

12.3 Closing appliances

12.3.1 All openings of air and sounding pipes are to be provided with permanently attached, satisfactory means of closing to prevent the free entry of water (see also Pt 3, Ch 4, 12.2 Height of air pipes 12.2.2).

12.3.2 Exposed air pipes in positions 1 and 2 are to be provided with approved automatic closing appliances.


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