Section 2 Bulkhead openings

2.1.1 In addition to the requirements of this Section, where compliance with Pt 4, Ch 2, 1 General and Chapter X - Safety measures for high-speed craft of SOLAS 1974, as amended (High Speed Craft Code), is required, the number and construction of the watertight doors in bulkheads will be considered in accordance with these requirements. Each watertight door is to be subjected to a pressure test, see Table 1.7.1 Testing requirements in Chapter 1. The test may be carried out either before or after the door is fitted. Regulations regarding openings in watertight bulkheads relevant to passenger or cargo craft, as appropriate, contained in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and applicable amendments, and Pt 4, Ch 2, 1 General are also to be complied with.

2.2.1 Certain openings below the freeboard deck are permitted, but these must be kept to a minimum and provided with means of closing to watertight standards. All such openings are to be to the satisfaction of the Surveyor.

2.3.1 Watertight doors are to be efficiently constructed and fitted, and are to be capable of being operated when the craft is listed up to 15^o either way. They are to be operated under working conditions and hose tested in place. See Pt 3, Ch 1, 7.3 Testing procedures.

2.3.2 Where the doors are fitted in watertight bulkheads they are to be of equivalent strength to the unpierced bulkhead and capable of being closed watertight. Watertight doors are to be of a type, approved and pressure tested, see Table 1.7.1 Testing requirements in Chapter 1, from both sides for the maximum head of water indicated by any required damage stability calculations or up to the bulkhead deck whichever is the greater.

2.3.3 Indicators are to be provided on the bridge showing whether the doors are open or closed.

2.3.4 Doors are to be capable of being operated from both sides of the bulkhead. Power operated sliding doors are to be capable of being opened and closed locally by both power and efficient hand operated mechanisms.

2.3.5 Doors not required to be used at sea may be of the hinged or sliding type. A notice is to be fixed on the closing appliance saying it should be kept closed at all times while the craft is at sea.

2.3.6 Watertight doors which are intended to be used while at sea are to be of the sliding type capable of being remotely closed from the bridge. An audible alarm is to be provided at the door closure. The power, control and indicators are to be operable in the event of main power failure. Particular care is to be paid to minimising the effect of control system failure.

2.3.7 As an alternative to the sliding doors required by Pt 3, Ch 4, 2.3 Watertight doors 2.3.6, special consideration will be given to the fitting of hinged watertight doors where it can be shown that they are as effective as the sliding type. A suitable log-book system is to be operated to ensure that such doors remain closed except when in use for access.

2.3.8 Subject to the requirements of Pt 3, Ch 4, 2.3 Watertight doors 2.3.6 and Pt 3, Ch 4, 2.3 Watertight doors 2.3.7, hinged watertight doors of approved pattern may be fitted in 'tween decks in approved positions. The hinges of these doors are to be fitted with a pin or bush of a suitable copper alloy in accordance with the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials, or of an equivalent material acceptable to Clasifications Register (hereinafter referred to as 'LR').

2.3.9 No accesses are to be fitted in collision bulkheads. In particular designs where it would be impracticable to arrange access to the fore peak other than through the collision bulkhead, access may be permitted subject to special consideration. Where accesses are provided, the openings are to be as small as practicable and positioned as far above the design waterline as possible. The closing appliances are to be watertight, open into the fore peak compartment and consideration will be given to operation from one side only.

2.4.1 Where subdivision and damage stability requirements apply and where penetration of watertight divisions by pipes, ducts, trunks or other penetrations is necessary, arrangements are to be made to maintain the watertight integrity.

2.4.2 Ventilators from deep tanks and tunnels passing through 'tween decks are to have scantlings suitable for withstanding pressures to which they may be subjected, and are to be made watertight.