S.I. No. 205/1968 - Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968.

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s)or rangeBliain nó blianta nó raon TypeCineál All Legislation Acts Statutory Instruments Advanced SearchCuardach Casta HomeBaile Statutory InstrumentsIonstraimí Reachtúla 1968 S.I. No. 205/1968 - Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968. S.I. No. 205/1968 - Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968. AmendmentsLeasuithe S.I. No. 205 of 1968. MERCHANT SHIPPING (LOAD LINE) RULES, 1968. ARRANGEMENT OF RULES. PART I. PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL. Rule. 1. Short title and commencement. 2. Interpretation. 3. Ships to which Rules apply. PART II. SURVEYS AND CERTIFICATES 4. Application to Assigning Authority for the assignment of freeboards and issue of load line certificates. 5. Load line survey. 6. Surveyor's report. 7. Assignment of freeboards. 8. Issue and form of Load Line Certificates. 9. Duration. 10. Extension. 11. Cancellation. 12. Periodical inspection of ships. 13. Exemption and Exemption Certificates. PART III. LOAD LINES AND MARKS 14. Appropriate marks. 15. Marking. 16. Deck-line. 17. Load Line Mark. 18. Load Lines. 19. Timber Load Lines. 20. Appropriate Load Line. 21. Position of Load Lines. 22. Method of marking. 23. Authorisation of removal, etc., of appropriate marks. 24. Mark of Assigning Authority. PART IV. RULES AS TO CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT 25. Requirements relevant to the assignment of freeboards. 26. Compliance with conditions of assignment. 27. Record of particulars. PART V. FREEBOARDS 28. Types of freeboard. 29. Determination of freeboards. 30. Greater than minimum freeboards. 31. Special position of deck-line: correction of freeboards. PART VI. GENERAL 32. Information as to stability of ships. 33. Information as to loading and ballasting of ships. 34. Recognition of certificates issued by other Governments. FIRST SCHEDULE. Forms of Certificates. SECOND SCHEDULE. Appropriate Load Lines—Zones, Areas and Seasonal Periods. THIRD SCHEDULE. Record of Particulars. FOURTH SCHEDULE. Conditions of Assignment. FIFTH SCHEDULE. Freeboards. SIXTH SCHEDULE. Freeboard Tables. SEVENTH SCHEDULE. Information as to Stability of Ships. S.I. No. 205 of 1968. MERCHANT SHIPPING (LOAD LINE) RULES, 1968. I, ERSKINE H. CHILDERS, Minister for Transport and Power, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 3 and 29 of the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1968 (No. 17 of 1968), and having had regard in particular to the Convention of 1966, hereby make the following rules :— PART I.PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL 1 Short title and commencement. 1.—

(1)These Rules may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968.

(2)These Rules shall come into operation on the 4th day of October, 1968. 2 Interpretation. 2.—In these Rules— " the Act " means the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1968 (No. 17 of 1968); " amidships " means the middle of the ship's length (L); " deck cargo regulations " means the deck cargo regulations for the time being in force under section 25 of the Act; " freeboard " means the distance measured vertically downwards amidships from the upper edge of the deck-line described in Rule 16 of these Rules to the position at which the upper edge of the load line appropriate to the freeboard is to be marked; " freeboard deck " means in relation to a ship the deck described in paragraph 1

(1)of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules; " length " and the symbol " (L) " in relation to a ship mean the length of the ship ascertained in accordance with regulations made under section 1

(6)of the Act ; " load line certificate " means a load line certificate issued pursuant to these Rules; " the Minister " means the Minister for Transport and Power; " sailing ship " means a ship designed to carry sail, whether as the sole means of propulsion or as a supplementary means; " Surveyor " means a surveyor of ships appointed either by the Minister under the Merchant Shipping Acts, 1894 to 1968, or by any other Assigning Authority; " watertight " means capable of preventing the passage of water in any direction. 3 Ships to which Rules apply. 3. These rules apply to all ships except ships of war, ships solely engaged in fishing and pleasure yachts not engaged in trade. PART IISURVEYS AND CERTIFICATES 4 Application to Assigning Authority for the assignment of freeboards and issue of load line certificates. 4.—

(1)The Assigning Authorities for the purposes of these Rules shall be the Minister or other person authorised by the Minister to assign freeboards to a ship or to issue a load line certificate in respect of a ship.

(2)Application for the assignment of freeboards to a ship and for the issue of a load line certificate in respect of the ship shall be made to an Assigning Authority by or on behalf of the owner of the ship, who shall furnish to the Authority such plans, drawings, specifications and other documents and information relating to the design and construction of the ship as the Authority may require. 5 Load line survey. 5.—

(1)After receipt of the application and the documents and information required by Rule 4 the Assigning Authority shall cause the ship to be surveyed by a Surveyor in order to ascertain— (

a)whether the ship complies with such of the requirements of Rule 25 and the Fourth Schedule to these Rules as are applicable to the ship; and (
b)such other data as may be necessary— (
i)for the assignment of freeboards to the ship in accordance with Part V and the Fifth Schedule to these Rules and (
ii)to enable information to be supplied to the master of the ship pursuant to Rules 32 and 33.

(2)In the course of the survey to be carried out pursuant to paragraph

(1)the ship and any of her fittings or equipment shall be submitted to such tests as may, in the opinion of the Assigning Authority, be necessary to ascertain the matters referred to in that paragraph. Tests carried out as to stability shall be subject to the requirements of Rule 32 and of paragraph 2

(3)of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules.

(3)The owner of the ship shall afford all necessary facilities for a survey pursuant to this Rule and shall at the request of the Assigning Authority furnish for the Authority's use and retention, if required, such further documents or information relating to the ship as the Authority may require. 6 Surveyor's report. 6.—

(1)On completion of the survey the Surveyor shall furnish to the Assigning Authority a report giving the results of the survey and his findings in relation to the matters specified in Rule 5.

(2)There shall be appended to the report mentioned in paragraph

(1)the record of particulars required for the purposes of section 3

(3)(b) of the Act and the requirements of Rule 27 shall apply in respect of that record.

(3)In the case of a ship which is required to comply with the requirements of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules relating to stability the Surveyor shall furnish to the Minister information necessary to enable the Minister to determine whether the ship complies with those requirements. 7 Assignment of freeboards. 7.—

(1)The Assigning Authority shall— (

a)if satisfied on receipt of the Surveyor's report that the ship complies with the requirements of Rule 25 and the Fourth Schedule to these Rules (other than those relating to stability) applicable to her, and (
b)on receipt from the Minister of notification that the Minister is satisfied that the ship complies with those requirements insofar as they relate to stability— assign freeboards to the ship in accordance with Part V and the Fifth Schedule to these Rules.

(2)On assigning freeboards the Assigning Authority shall furnish to the owner of the ship the following, namely; (

a)particulars of the freeboards so assigned, (
b)directions specifying— (
i)which of the load lines described in Part III of these Rules are to be marked on the sides of the ship in accordance with the requirements of that Part, and (
ii)the position in which those load lines, the deck-line and the load line mark are to be so marked, and (
c)two copies of the Surveyor's report. 8 Issue and form of Load Line Certificates. 8. Subject to the provisions of Rule 13, the Assigning Authority shall, on being satisfied that the ship has been duly marked in accordance with the directions referred to in the preceding Rule, issue to the owner of the ship either an International Load Line Certificate

(1966)or an Irish load line certificate, as may be required by the Act, in the form set out for such certificates respectively in the First Schedule to these Rules; and for that purpose each of the Assigning Authorities other than the Minister is hereby authorised by the Minister to issue load line certificates in pursuance of section 7

(3)(a) of the Act. 9 Duration. 9. Subject to the provisions of section 16

(3)of the Act and except as otherwise provided in the following Rules of this Part, a load line certificate shall be valid until a date, not being a date more than five years after the date of completion of the survey referred to in Rule 5, to be determined by the Assigning Authority by which it is issued. 10 Extension. 10.—

(1)Subject to paragraph

(2)where— (

a)application has been made to an Assigning Authority by the owner of a ship in respect of which a load line certificate is in force for the issue of a load line certificate in respect of the ship to take effect on the expiry of the current load line certificate, and (
b)following such application the ship has been duly surveyed in accordance with Rule 5, the Assigning Authority, if it is satisfied on receipt of the Surveyor's report that the ship complies with the requirements of Rule 25 and the Fourth Schedule to these Rules (other than those relating to stability) applicable to her and has received notification from the Minister that the ship complies with those requirements insofar as they relate to stability, but considers that it will not be reasonably practicable under the circumstances to issue the load line certificate applied for before the date of expiry of the current certificate, may extend the period of validity specified in the current load line certificate for a period not exceeding five months.

(2)No extension mentioned in paragraph

(1)shall have effect unless particulars of the date to which the period of validity is extended, together with particulars of the place at and date on which such extension was given, are endorsed by the Assigning Authority on the current load line certificate.

(3)The period of validity of any load line certificate coming into effect immediately on the expiry of a certificate extended pursuant to this Rule shall not exceed a period of five years commencing on the date of completion of the survey referred to in paragraph

(1). 11 Cancellation. 11.—

(1)The Minister may cancel a load line certificate in case; (

a)he is satisfied (whether by a report from an Assigning Authority or otherwise) that— (
i)the ship to which the certificate relates does not comply with the conditions of assignment, or (
ii)the structural strength of the ship is lowered to such an extent that the ship is unsafe, or (iii) information on the basis of which freeboards were assigned to the ship was incorrect in a material particular, (
b)the certificate is not endorsed in accordance with the requirements of Rule 12 to show that the ship has been inspected in accordance with the requirements of that Rule, (
c)a new load line certificate is issued in respect of the ship, or (
d)the ship was registered in the State when the certificate was issued and has ceased to be so registered.

(2)In every case the Minister shall notify the owner of the relevant ship in writing of the cancellation of a load line certificate specifying the grounds therefor and the date on which the cancellation is to take effect.

(3)The provisions of this Rule, other than those of paragraph

(1)(b) shall apply to load line certificates issued under the provisions of the law in force immediately prior to the coming into operation of these Rules and continued in force by the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) (Transitional Provisions) Regulations, 1968 ( S.I. No. 207 of 1968 ). 12 Periodical inspection of ships. 12.—

(1)Every ship in respect of which a load line certificate is in force shall be periodically inspected by a Surveyor in accordance with the provisions of this Rule in order to ensure that— (

a)the fittings and appliances for the protection of openings, the guard rails, the freeing ports and the means of access to the crew's quarters in the ship are in an effective condition; and (
b)no changes have been made or taken place in the hull or superstructures of the ship such as to render no longer accurate the data on the basis of which freeboards were assigned to the ship.

(2)Application for an inspection referred to in paragraph

(1)shall be made by or on behalf of the owner of the ship to an Assigning Authority, who shall appoint a Surveyor to carry out the inspection.

(3)The Surveyor may in the course of any such inspection require the carrying out of tests considered by him to be necessary to establish that the ship complies with the requirements of paragraph

(1).

(4)Inspection of a ship pursuant to this Rule shall be carried out on, or within three months before or after, each anniversary of the date of completion of the survey leading to the issue of the load line certificate: Provided that unless the Assigning Authority otherwise consents the intervals between inspections shall neither be less than nine nor more than fifteen months.

(5)The Surveyor, if satisfied after inspection that the ship complies with the requirements of paragraph

(1)of this Rule, shall endorse on the load line certificate in the space provided a record of the inspection and of the fact— (a) in the case of an International Load Line Certificate

(1966)—that the ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of the Convention, and (b) in the case of an Irish load line certificate—that the ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of these Rules, and shall specify the Assigning Authority by which he was appointed to carry out the inspection. 13 Exemption and Exemption Certificates. 13.—

(1)Where the Minister exempts a ship pursuant to section 20 of the Act, the International Load Line Exemption Certificate or Irish load line exemption certificate to be issued to the owner of the ship by the Minister as required by section 21 of the Act shall be in the form set out for such certificates respectively in the First Schedule to these Rules.

(2)Except in so far as the nature or terms of any such exemption require the contrary, the provisions of Rules 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12 shall have effect in the case of any ship so exempted and of any exemption certificate issued in respect of such a ship in the same manner as in the case of a ship in respect of which a load line certificate has been issued and of such a certificate, subject to the following modifications: (a) references in the said Rules to an Assigning Authority shall be construed as references to the Minister; and (b) Rule 12 shall be construed and have effect as if the following were substituted for paragraph

(5): "

(5)The Surveyor, if satisfied after inspection that the ship continues to comply with the conditions subject to which the exemption was granted, shall endorse a record of the inspection and of that fact on the exemption certificate in the space provided." PART IIILOAD LINES AND MARKS 14 Appropriate marks. 14. In this Part of these Rules "the appropriate marks" means in relation to a ship the load lines directed to be marked on the ship pursuant to Rule 7

(2)(b) and the deck-line and load line mark. 15 Marking. 15. On receipt from the Assigning Authority of the particulars and directions referred to in Rule 7 the owner of the ship shall cause the appropriate marks to be marked on each side of the ship in accordance with the said directions and the requirements of this Part of the Rules. 16 Deck-line. 16.—

(1)The deck-line shall consist of a horizontal line 300 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width and shall be marked amidships on each side of the ship in accordance with the following provisions of this Rule so as to indicate the position of the freeboard deck.

(2)Subject to paragraph

(3), the deck-line shall be marked in such a position on the side of the ship that its upper edge passes through the point amidships where the continuation outwards of the upper surface of the freeboard deck, or of any sheathing of that deck, intersects the outer surface of the shell of the ship as shown in Figure 1. FIG 3

(3)Where the design of the ship or other circumstances render it in the opinion of the Assigning Authority impracticable to mark the deck-line in accordance with paragraph

(2), the Authority may include in the directions given pursuant to Rule 7 a direction that it may be marked by reference to another fixed point in the ship as near as practicable to the position described in paragraph

(2). 17 Load Line Mark. 17. The load line mark shall consist, as shown by Figure 2, of a ring, 300 millimetres in outside diameter and 25 millimetres wide, intersected by a horizontal line 450 millimetres long and 25 millimetres wide the upper edge of which passes through the centre of the ring. The centre of the ring shall be marked amidships vertically below the deck-line, so that, except as otherwise provided in Rule 30, the distance from the centre of the ring to the upper edge of the deck-line is equal to the Summer freeboard assigned to the ship. 18 Load Lines. 18.—

(1)Load lines as described in this and the following Rule indicate the maximum depth to which a ship marked therewith may be loaded in the circumstances described in the Second Schedule to these Rules.

(2)Except as otherwise provided in paragraph

(3), the following Rule and Rule 30, load lines shall consist as shown in Figure 2 of horizontal lines each 230 millimetres in length and 25 millimetres in width extending forward or abaft of a vertical line 25 millimetres in width marked 540 millimetres forward of the centre of the ring of the load line mark and at right angles to that line, and individual load lines shall be as follows; the Summer load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line and be marked S, and shall correspond horizontally with the line passing through the centre of the ring of the load line mark. the Winter load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line and be marked W, the Winter North Atlantic load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line and be marked WNA, the Tropical load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line and be marked T, the Fresh Water load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked F, and the Tropical Fresh Water load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked TF. The maximum depth of loading referred to in paragraph

(1)shall be the depth indicated by the upper edge of the appropriate load line.

(3)In the case of a sailing ship— (

a)the Summer load line shall consist of the line passing through the centre of the ring of the load line mark; and (
b)the Winter North Atlantic load line and Fresh Water load line only shall be marked on the ship as shown in Figure 4. 19 Timber Load Lines. 19. Timber load lines shall consist as shown in Figure 3 of horizontal lines of the dimensions specified in respect of such lines in Rule 18, extending abaft or forward of a vertical line of the dimensions specified in respect of such a line in that Rule marked 540 millimetres abaft the centre of the ring of the load line mark and at right angles to that line; and individual Timber load lines shall be as follows; the Summer Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked LS, the Winter Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked LW, the Winter North Atlantic Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked LWNA, the Tropical Timber load line, which shall extend abaft the said vertical line and be marked LT, the Fresh Water Timber load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line and be marked LF, and the Tropical Fresh Water Timber load line, which shall extend forward of the said vertical line and be marked LTF. The maximum depth of loading referred to in Rule 18

(1)shall be the depth indicated by the upper edge of the appropriate Timber load line. 20 Appropriate Load Line.

The appropriate load line in respect of a ship at any particular place and time shall be ascertained in accordance with the provisions of the Second Schedule to these Rules. 21 Position of Load Lines.
Each load line required to be marked on a ship shall be marked in such a position on each side of the ship that the distance measured vertically downwards from the upper edge of the deck-line to the upper edge of the load line is equal to the freeboard assigned to the ship which is appropriate to that load line. 22 Method of marking. 22.—

(1)The appropriate marks shall be marked on each side of a ship in accordance with the requirements of this Rule in such a manner as to be plainly visible.

(2)If the sides of the ship are of metal, the appropriate marks shall be cut in, centre punched or welded; if the sides of the ship are of wood, the marks shall be cut into the planking to a depth of not less than 3 millimetres; if the sides are of other materials to which the foregoing methods of marking cannot effectively be applied, the marks shall be permanently affixed to the sides of the ship by bonding or some other effective method.

(3)The appropriate marks shall be painted in white or yellow if the background is dark, and in black if the background is light. 23 Authorisation of removal, etc, of appropriate marks. 23. After the appropriate marks have been marked on a ship, such marks may not be concealed, removed, altered, defaced or obliterated except under the authority of an Assigning Authority. 24 Mark of Assigning Authority. 24.—

(1)The mark of the Assigning Authority as described in the following paragraph of this Rule may be marked on each side of the ship in a position alongside the load line mark either above the horizontal line forming part of that mark, or above and below it.

(2)An Assigning Authority's mark for the purpose of this Rule shall consist of not more than four initials to identify the Authority's name, each measuring approximately 115 millimetres in height and 75 millimetres in width. PART IVRULES AS TO CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT 25 Requirements relevant to the assignment of freeboards. 25.—

(1)The requirements specified in this Rule and in the Fourth Schedule to these Rules in respect of the hulls, superstructures, fittings and appliances of ships are requirements appearing to the Minister to be relevant to the assignment of freeboards to ships and are hereby prescribed in accordance with the requirements of section 3

(3)(a) of the Act.

(2)Except as otherwise provided in paragraphs

(3)and

(4), every ship to which freeboards are to be assigned under these Rules shall comply with the requirements applicable to her under Part I of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules.

(3)Every ship to which Part II, Part III or Part IV of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules applies shall comply with the requirements of such Part applicable to her and also with the requirements of Part I of that Schedule except in so far as compliance with those of the said Part II, III, or IV, as the case may be, otherwise requires.

(4)Every existing ship, not being a ship to which freeboards are to be assigned in accordance with Rule 29

(1)by virtue of the proviso to Rule 29

(2)shall comply with such of the requirements relevant to the assignment of freeboards to ships as were applicable to her under the law in force immediately prior to the coming into operation of these Rules. 26 Compliance with conditions of assignment. 26.—

(1)Except as otherwise provided in paragraph

(2), a ship shall for the purposes of the Act be taken not to comply with the conditions of assignment— (

a)if at any time after the assignment of freeboards to the ship there has been any alteration of the hull, superstructures, fittings or appliances of the ship such that either— (
i)any requirement applicable to the ship under the preceding Rule is not complied with in respect of the ship; or (
ii)the record of particulars made in relation to the ship pursuant to the following Rule is rendered inaccurate in a material respect; or (
b)if that record of particulars is not kept on board the ship in accordance with paragraph

(2)of that Rule.

(2)A ship shall be taken to comply with the conditions of assignment notwithstanding an alteration described in paragraph (l)(

a)of this Rule if either— (
a)fresh freeboards appropriate to the condition of the ship after the alteration have been assigned to the ship and the ship had been marked with load lines and a fresh certificate issued to the owner of the ship accordingly; or (
b)the alteration has been inspected by a Surveyor on behalf of the Assigning Authority, that Authority is satisfied that the alteration is not such as to require any change in the freeboards assigned to the ship, and full particulars of the alteration together with the date and place of his inspection have been endorsed by the Surveyor on the record above referred to. 27 Record of particulars. 27.—

(1)The particulars mentioned in section 3

(3)(b) of the Act shall be those set out in the Third Schedule to these Rules and shall be recorded at the time when freeboards are assigned to a ship and shall be in the form set out in that Schedule or a form as near thereto as circumstances permit. Such particulars may be given by attaching to the record a copy of the Surveyor's report and specifying on the form passages in that report in which those particulars are given.

(2)The record mentioned in paragraph

(1)shall be completed by the Surveyor carrying out the survey of the ship pursuant to Rule 5 and shall be furnished by him to the Assigning Authority in accordance with Rule

Two copies of the record shall be sent by the Assigning Authority to the owner of the ship together with the particulars, directions and copies of the Surveyor's report required to be so furnished under Rule 7, and one copy (including a copy of the Surveyor's report if it is attached to the form) shall be kept on the ship at all times in the custody of the master. PART VFREEBOARDS 28 Types of freeboard.
The freeboards assignable to a ship under these Rules are the Summer freeboard, Tropical freeboard, Winter freeboard, Winter North Atlantic freeboard, Fresh Water freeboard, and Tropical Fresh Water freeboard, and in the case of ships to which Timber freeboards are to be assigned the Summer Timber freeboard, Winter Timber freeboard, Winter North Atlantic Timber freeboard, Tropical Timber freeboard, Fresh Water Timber freeboard and Tropical Fresh Water Timber freeboard. 29 Determination of freeboards.
Except as otherwise provided in Rule 30, the freeboards to be assigned to a new ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules and the freeboards to be assigned to an existing ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions applicable in that behalf to the ship under the law in force immediately prior to the coming into operation of these Rules, provided that if an existing ship has been so constructed or modified as to comply with all the requirements of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules applicable to a new ship of her type and application is made for the assignment to her of freeboards determined in accordance with the provisions of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules, such freeboards shall be assigned to her. 30 Greater than minimum freeboards 30.—

(1)A freeboard determined in accordance with the preceding Rules of this Part is referred to in this Rule as a minimum freeboard.

(2)The owner of a ship may, when making application under Rule 4 for the assignment of freeboards in respect of the ship, request the assignment of freeboards greater than minimum freeboards.

(3)(

a)In any case in which the owner of a ship requests the assignment of freeboards greater than minimum freeboards the Assigning Authority, if satisfied after survey of the ship pursuant to Rule 3 that the ship complies with the requirements of Rule 25 and the Fourth Schedule to these Rules (other than those relating to stability) and if the Authority has received notification from the Minister that the ship complies with those requirements in so far as they relate to stability, may assign to the ship freeboards (other than timber freeboards) exceeding the minimum freeboards appropriate to the ship by such amount as they may determine, and furnish to the owner of the ship particulars thereof in accordance with Rule 7. Freeboards so assigned are hereafter referred to in this Rule as greater than minimum freeboards. (
b)Timber freeboards shall not be assigned to a ship to which greater than minimum freeboards have been assigned.

(4)In any case in which the greater than minimum Summer freeboard assigned to a ship in accordance with the provisions of the preceding paragraph is such that the position on the sides of the ship of the load line appropriate to that freeboard would correspond to, or be lower than, the position at which the lowest of the load lines appropriate to minimum freeboards for the ship would be marked, the following provisions shall apply; (

a)the following load lines only shall be marked on the sides of the ship, that is to say, those appropriate to the greater than minimum Summer freeboard and Fresh Water freeboard, (
b)the load line appropriate to the greater than minimum Summer freeboard shall be known as the "All Seasons load line" and shall consist of the horizontal line intersecting the load line mark and such mark shall be placed accordingly, (
c)the vertical line described in Rule 18 shall be omitted, and (
d)subject to the provisions of sub-paragraph (
c)the Fresh Water load line shall be as described in Rule 18

(2)and be marked in a position corresponding to the position therein mentioned. 31 Special position of deck-line : correction of freeboards. 31. —In any case in which the deck-line is to be marked on the sides of a ship as provided in Rule 16

(3), the freeboards to be assigned to the ship shall be corrected to allow for the vertical distance by which the position of the deck-line is altered by virtue of that Rule. The location of the point by reference to which the deck-line has been so marked and the deck which has been taken as the freeboard deck shall be specified in the load line certificate issued in respect of the ship. PART VIGENERAL 32 Information as to stability of ships. 32.—

(1)The owner of any ship to which freeboards are assigned under these Rules shall provide for the guidance of the master of the ship information relating to the stability of the ship in accordance with the following provisions of this Rule.

(2)Subject to paragraph

(6), the information mentioned in paragraph

(1)shall include particulars appropriate to the ship in respect of all matters specified in the Seventh Schedule to these Rules and shall be in the form required by that Schedule.

(3)Subject to the following paragraph, the information mentioned in paragraph

(1)shall, when first supplied, be based on the determination of stability by means of an inclining test which, unless the Minister otherwise permits, shall be carried out in the presence of a surveyor appointed by the Minister. Such information first supplied shall be replaced by fresh information whenever its accuracy is materially affected by alteration of the ship. Such fresh information shall, if the Minister so requires, be based on a further inclining test.

(4)The Minister may; (a) in the case of any ship allow the information mentioned in paragraph

(1)to be based on the determination, by means of an inclining test, of the stability of a sister ship, and (b) in the case of a ship specially designed for the carriage of liquids or ore in bulk, or of any class of such ships, dispense with an inclining test if satisfied from the information available in respect of similar ships that the ship's proportions and arrangements are such as to ensure more than sufficient stability in all probable loading conditions.

(5)The information mentioned in paragraph

(1)and any fresh information to replace the same pursuant to paragraph

(3), shall before issue to the master be submitted by or on behalf of the owner of the ship to the Minister for his approval, together with a copy thereof for retention by the Minister, and shall incorporate such additions and amendments as the Minister may in any particular case require.

(6)(a)The owner of any ship which, by virtue of the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) (Transitional Provisions) Regulations, 1968, is to be treated as a ship to which freeboards have been assigned under these Rules shall provide for the guidance of the master such information relating to the stability of the ship as was required to be so provided under the law in force immediately prior to the coming into operation of these Rules. (b) The requirement in sub-paragraph (a) shall have effect in relation to any ship to which it applies until the date on which the relevant load line certificate currently in force on the date on which these Rules come into operation ceases to be valid.

(7)Information provided pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Rule shall be furnished by the owner of a ship to the master in the form of a book which shall be kept on the ship at all times and in the custody of the master. 33 Information as to loading and ballasting of ships. 33.—

(1)The owner of any ship to which freeboards are assigned under these Rules, being a ship of more than 150 metres in length and specially designed for the carriage of liquids or ore in bulk, shall provide for the guidance of the master information relating to the loading and ballasting of the ship in accordance with the following provisions of this Rule.

(2)The information mentioned in paragraph

(1)shall consist of working instructions specifying in detail the manner in which the ship is to be loaded and ballasted so as to avoid the creation of unacceptable stresses in her structure and shall indicate the maximum stresses permissible for the ship.

(3)The provisions of Rule 32

(5)shall have effect in respect of information required to be provided under this Rule, and the information duly approved in accordance with that Rule shall be contained in the book to be furnished to the master of the ship pursuant to Rule 32

(7)and the information to be provided pursuant to this Rule and Rule 32 shall be shown separately in the book under separate headings each of which shall specify the number and heading of each of the said Rules. 34 Recognition of certificates issued by other Governments. 34.—

(1)In this Rule "Convention ship" means a ship to which section 13 of the Act applies.

(2)Certificates which are issued as International Load Line Certificates

(1966)in respect of Convention ships by Governments other than 'the Government shall be recognised for the purposes of the Act in the following circumstances; (

a)the certificate shows by its terms that it was issued in respect of the ship by a Government, being either— (
i)the Government of the Convention country in which the ship is registered or, if the ship is not registered in any such country or elsewhere, the Government of the Convention country whose flag she flies, or (
ii)the Government of any other Convention country stated in the certificate to have issued the certificate at the request of a country specified in sub-paragraph (i), or by a person or organisation under the authority of such a Government, and (
b)the certificate is in the official language or languages of the issuing country and, if the official language is neither English nor French, includes in its text a translation into one of those languages, and (
c)the certificate is in the form set out in Annex III to the Convention of 1966 for an International Load Line Certificate

(1966)and contains all the particulars required by such form, and (

d)the certificate shows that it is currently in force and applicable to the voyage in respect of which clearance or transire is required, and (
e)the period for which the certificate is expressed to be valid does not exceed five years from the date of issue, and (
f)any extension of the period for which the certificate is expressed to be valid is duly endorsed on the certificate by the issuing authority and does not exceed five months, and (
g)periodical inspections of the ship to which the certificate relates, being inspections required by Article 14

(1)(

c)of the Convention of 1966, are shown duly endorsed on the certificate by the issuing authority, and (
h)the ship to which the certificate relates— (
i)if registered in a Convention country when the certificate was issued, remains registered in that country, or (
ii)if not so registered when the certificate was issued, either has since been registered in the Convention country by or on behalf of the Government by or under the authority of which the certificate was issued and remains so registered, or flies the flag of that Convention country.

(3)Exemption certificates which, in accordance with the Convention of 1966, are issued in respect of Convention ships by Governments other than the Government shall have the like effect for the purposes of the Act as if they were valid Convention certificates in the circumstances specified in the sub-paragraphs of paragraph

(2)and accordingly the reference therein to an International Load Line Certificate

(1966)shall for the purposes of this paragraph be construed as a reference to an International Load Line Exemption Certificate. FIRST SCHEDULE FORMS OF CERTIFICATES Rules 8 and 13 1. Form of International Load Line Certificate

(1966):— INTERNATIONAL LOAD LINE CERTIFICATE

(1966)(Official Seal) Issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, under the authority of the Government of Ireland by (full official designation of the Assigning Authority). Name of Ship Distinctive Number or Letters Port of Registry Length (L) as defined in Article 2

(8)Gross Tonnage *Freeboard assigned as: A new ship, An existing ship. *Type of Ship: Type A, Type B, Type B with reduced/increased freeboard/ timber freeboard. Freeboard from Deck Line Load Line Tropical ......mm. (T) ......mm. above (S) Summer ......mm. (S) Upper edge of line at the level of centre of ring Winter ......mm. (W) ......mm. below (S) Winter North Atlantic ......mm. (WNA) ......mm. below (S) Timber tropical ......mm. (LT) ......mm. above (LS) Timber summer ......mm. (LS) ......mm. above (S) Timber winter ......mm. (LW) ......mm. below (LS) Timber winter North Atlantic ......mm. (LWNA) ......mm. below (LS) Note: Freeboards and Load Lines which are not applicable need not be entered on the certificate. Allowance for Fresh Water for all freeboards other than timber...............mm. Altowance for Fresh Water for Timber freeboards................mm. The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is................................................mm. ............................................................ ...... Note : Applicable load lines to be indicated. Date of initial or periodical survey ................................................... This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed and that the freeboards have been assigned and toad lines shown above have been marked in accordance with the International Convention on Load Lines,

This certificate is valid until..................................................subject to periodical inspections in accordance with Article 14(l)(c) of the Convention. Issued at......................................................... on................................................. 19............... The undersigned declares that †he is duly authorised †.................. (specify Assigning Authority) are duly authorised by the said Government to issue this Certificate. .......................................................... (Signature and designation) NOTE
When a ship departs from a port situated on a river or inland water, deeper loading shall be permitted corresponding to the weight of fuel and all other materials required for consumption between the point of departure and the sea.
When a ship is in fresh water of unit density the appropriate load line may be submerged by the amount of the fresh water allowance shown above. Where the density is other than unity an allowance shall be made proportional to the difference between 1.025 and the actual density. * Delete whichever is inapplicable. † The first alternative is to be used if the Certificate is issued by the Minister for Transport and Power and the second where it is issued by an Assigning Authority other than the Minister. delete whichever is inapplicable. This is to certify that at a periodical inspection required by Article 14

(1)(c) of the Convention, this ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of the Convention. Place ............................................................ ......... Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ ................. on behalf of............................................................ .. (specify Assigning Authority) Place............................................................ . Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ ...... on behalf of......................................................... (specify Assigning Authority) Place...................................................... Date......................................... (Signature and designation)....................................... on behalf of........................................... (specify Assigning Authority) Place............................................................ Date..................................... (Signature and designation)............................................................ ............. on behalf of......................................................(specify Assigning Authority) The provisions of the Convention being fully complied with by this ship, the validity of this certificate is, in accordance with Article 19

(2)of the Convention, extended until............................................................ ....... Place............................................................ .. Date........................................ (Signature and designation)....................................................... on behalf of..........................................................(specify Assigning Authority) NOTE This Certificate must be kept framed and posted up in some conspicuous place on board the ship, so long as it remains in force and the ship is in use. 2. Form of International Load Line Exemption Certificate:— INTERNATIONAL LOAD LINE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (Official seal) Issued under the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, under the authority of the Government of Ireland by the Minister for Transport and Power. Name of Ship Distinctive Number or Letters Port of Registry This is to certify that the above-mentioned ship is exempted from the provisions of the 1966 Convention, under the authority conferred by Article 6

(2)/Article 6

(4)* of the Convention referred to above. The provisions of the Convention from which the ship is exempted under Article 6

(2)are: ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ .......................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ .......................................................... The voyage for which exemption is granted under Article 6

(4)is : From:............................................................ ............... To:............................................................ ... Conditions, if any, on which the exemption is granted under either Article 6

(2)or Article 6

(4): ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... ............................................................ ............................................................ ........................................................... This certificate is valid until............................................................ ................... subject, where appropriate, to periodical inspections in accordance with Article 14

(1)(c) of the Convention. Issued at............................................................ ............... on..................................................... 19...... The undersigned declares that he is duly authorised by the said Government to issue this certificate. ............................................................ .... An authorised officer of the Department of Transport and Power * Delete whichever is inapplicable. This is to certify that this ship continues to comply with the conditions under which this exemption was granted. Place............................................................ ....... Date.................................................... ............................................................ ........................................ Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power. Place............................................................ ....... Date.................................................... ............................................................ ............................................. Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power. Place............................................................ ....... Date.................................................... ............................................................ ................................................ Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power. Place............................................................ ....... Date..................... ............................................................ ......................................... Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power. This ship continues to comply with the conditions under which this exemption was granted, and the validity of this certificate is, in accordance with Article 19

(4)(a) of the Convention, extended until............................................................ ... Place....................................................... Date................................................... ............................................................ ............. An authorised officer of the Department of Transport and Power. 3. Form of Irish toad line certificate: IRISH LOAD LINE CERTIFICATE (Official seal) Issued *by the Minister for Transport and Power/* under the authority of the Minister for Transport and Power by (full official designation of the Assigning Authority). Name of Ship Distinctive Number or Letters Port of Registry Length (L) as defined by regulations under section 1

(6)of the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1968 Gross Tonnage *Freeboard assigned as: A new ship, An existing ship. *Type of Ship: Type A. Type B. Type B with reduced/increased freeboard. Freeboard from Deck Line Load Line Tropical.................................mm. (T)...............mm. above (S). Summer.................................mm. (S) Upper edge of line at the level of centre of ring. Winter................................mm. (W)..................mm.below (S). Winter North Atlantic...............mm. (WNA)............mm. below (S). Allowance for fresh water for all freeboards...........................mm. The upper edge of the deck line from which these freeboards are measured is ............................................................ ............................................................ ................................... This is to certify that this ship has been surveyed and the freeboards and toad lines shown above have been assigned in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules,

This Certificate is valid until..............................subject to periodical inspections in accordance with those Rules. Issued at......................................................... on............................................... 19...... Signature and designation............................................................ on behalf of............................................................ ......... (specify Assigning Authority) NOTE:
When a ship departs from a port situated on a river or inland water, deeper toadings snail be permitted corresponding to the weight of fuel and all other materials required for consumption between the point of departure and the sea.
When a ship is in fresh water of unit density the appropriate toad line may be submerged by the amount of the fresh water allowance shown above. Where the density is other than unity, an allowance shall be made proportional to the difference between 1.025 and the actual density. * Delete whichever is inapplicable. _______________________________________________________________________ This is to certify that at a periodical inspection required by the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968, this ship was found to comply with the relevant provisions of the Rules. Place..................................................... Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ .. On behalf of............................................. (specify Assigning Authority) Place.................................................... Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ .. On behalf of............................................. (specify Assigning Authority) Place.................................................... Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ .. On behalf of............................................. (specify Assigning Authority) Place................................................... Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ .. On behalf of............................................. (specify Assigning Authority) Survey of this ship having been satisfactorily completed in accordance with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968, this Certificate is extended until............................................ Place................................................. Date........................................ (Signature and designation)............................................................ .. On behalf of.............................................. (specify Assigning Authority) NOTE This Certificate must be kept framed and posted up in some conspicuous place on board the ship, so long as it remains in force and the ship is in use.
Form of Irish toad line exemption certificate :— IRISH LOAD LINE EXEMPTION CERTIFICATE (Official Seal) Issued by the Minister for Transport and Power. Name of Ship Distinctive Number or Letters Port of Registry This is to certify that the above-mentioned ship is exempted pursuant to Section 20

(3)of the Merchant Shipping (Load Lines) Act, 1968 , from— *All the provisions of that Act and of the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules,

*The following provisions of that Act and of the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules, 1968:— ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ........ ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .......... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ......... Subject to the following conditions†:— ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ......... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ ......... ............................................................ ............................................................ ............................................................ .......... * Delete whichever is inapplicable. † Delete if inapplicable. This Certificate is valid until...........................................subject, where appropriate, to periodical inspections in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules,
Issued at............................................................ .................................on.................................19........... ............................................................ .............................. An authorised officer of the Minister for Transport and Power This is to certify that this ship continues to comply with the conditions under which this exemption was granted— Signed.......................................... Place............................................. Date....................................... Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power Signed.......................................... Place.............................................. Date....................................... Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power Signed.......................................... Place............................................... Date....................................... Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power Signed.......................................... Place................................................ Date....................................... Surveyor, Department of Transport and Power SECOND SCHEDULE Rules 18, 19 and
APPROPRIATE LOAD LINES—ZONES, AREAS AND SEASONAL PERIODS PART I Appropriate Load Lines
Subject to paragraphs 3-6 of this Part, the load line appropriate to a ship shall be—

(1)the Summer toad line when the ship is in a summer zone (excluding any part of such a zone which is to be regarded as a seasonal area in relation to the ship);

(2)the Tropical load line when the ship is in the tropical zone;

(3)when the ship is in a seasonal zone or area (including any part of a summer zone which is to be regarded as a seasonal area in relation to the ship) the Summer load line, the Winter load line or the Tropical load line according to whether the seasonal period applicable in that zone or area to that ship is respectively summer, winter or tropical. 2.—

(1)The zones,

(2)the seasonal zones, seasonal areas and seasonal periods applicable to a ship, shall be those set out in Part II of this Schedule. 3. In the case of a ship of 100 metres or less in length, the appropriate load line shall be the Winter North Atlantic load line in—

(1)the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I as described in paragraph 1

(1)of Part II of this Schedule;

(2)so much of the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II, as so described as lies between the meridians of longitude of 15°W and 50°W. during the winter seasonal periods respectively applicable in those zones.

In the case of a sailing ship the appropriate load line shall, except in circumstances in which paragraph 3 applies, be the Summer load line.
In the case of a ship marked with an All Seasons load line in accordance with Rule 28 that load line shall be the appropriate load line in all circumstances.
In the case of a ship marked with Timber load lines and carrying timber deck cargo in accordance with the requirements of the deck cargo regulations, the load line to be observed in any particular circumstances shall be the Timber load line corresponding to the load line which would be applicable in those circumstances under paragraphs 1 to 5 of this Schedule if the ship were not so marked. PART II Zones, Areas and Seasonal Periods
NORTHERN WINTER SEASONAL ZONES AND AREA

(1)North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zones I and II (

a)The North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I lies within the meridian of longitude 50°W from the coast of Greenland to latitude 45°N, thence the parallel of latitude 45°N to longitude 15°W, thence the meridian of longitude 15°W to latitude 60°N, thence the parallel of latitude 60°N to me Greenwich Meridian, thence this meridian northwards. Seasonal periods : Winter : 16 October to 15 April. Summer : 16 April to 15 October. (
b)The North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone II lies within the meridian of longitude 68°30'W from the coast of the United States to latitude 40°N, thence the rhumb line to the point of latitude 36°N longitude 73°W, thence the parallel of latitude 36°N to longitude 25°W and thence the rhumb line to Cape Toriñana. Excluded from this zone are the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zone I, the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area and the Baltic Sea bounded by the parallel of latitude of The Skaw in the Skagerrak. Seasonal periods : Winter :1 November to 31 March. Summer : 1 April to 31 October. The Shetland Islands are to be considered as being on the boundary line between the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Zones I and II.

(2)North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area The boundary of the North Atlantic Winter Seasonal Area is— the meridian of longitude 68°30'W from the coast of the United States to latitude 40°N, thence the rhumb line to the southernmost intersection of the meridian of longitude 61°W with the coast of Canada and thence the east coasts of Canada and the United States. Seasonal periods : For ships over 100 metres in length: Winter : 16 December to 15 February. Summer : 16 February to 15 December. For ships of 100 metres or less in length : Winter : 1 November to 31 March. Summer :1 April to 31 October.

(3)North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone The Southern boundary of the North Pacific Winter Seasonal Zone is— the parallel of latitude 50°N from the east coast of the USSR to the west coast of Sakhalin, thence the west coast of Sakhalin to the southern extremity of Cape Kril'on, thence the rhumb line to Wakkanai, Hokkaido, Japan, thence the east and south coasts of Hokkaido to longitude 145°E, thence the meridian of longitude 145°E to latitude 35°N, thence the parallel of latitude 35°N to longitude 150°W and thence the rhumb line to the southern extremity of Dall Island, Alaska. Seasonal periods : Winter :16 October to 15 April. Summer : 16 April to 15 October.

SOUTHERN WINTER SEASONAL ZONE The northern boundary of the Southern Winter Seasonal Zone is— the rhumb line from the east coast of the American continent at Cape Tres Puntas to the point latitude 34°S, longitude 50°W, thence the parallel of latitude 34°S to longitude 17°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 35° 10'S, longitude 20°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 34°S. longitude 28°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 35°30'S, longitude 118°E, and thence the rhumb line to Cape Grim on the northwest coast of Tasmania; thence along the north and east coasts of Tasmania to the southernmost point of Bruny Island, thence the rhumb line to Black Rock Point on Stewart Island, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 47°S. longitude 170°E, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 33°S. longitude 170°W, and thence the parallel of latitude 33°S to the west coast of the American continent. Seasonal periods : Winter :16 April to 15 October. Summer : 16 October to 15 April. Valparaiso is to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Summer and Winter Seasonal Zones.
TROPICAL ZONE

(1)Northern Boundary of the Tropical Zone The northern boundary of the Tropical Zone is— the parallel of latitude 13°N from the east coast of the American continent to longitude 60°W, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 10°N, longitude 58°W, thence the parallel of latitude 10°N to longitude 20°W, thence the meridian of longitude 20°W to latitude 30°N and thence the parallel of latitude 30°N to the west coast of Africa; from the east coast of Africa the parallel of latitude 8°N to longitude 70° E, thence the meridian of longitude 70°E to latitude 13°N, thence the parallel of latitude 13°N to the west coast of India; thence the south coast of India to latitude 10°30'N on the east coast of India, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 9°N, longitude 82°E, thence the meridian of longitude 82°E to latitude 8°N, thence the parallel of latitude 8°N to the west coast of Malaysia, thence the coast of South-East Asia to the east coast of Vietnam at latitude 10°N, thence the parallel of latitude 10°N to longitude 145°E, thence the meridian of longitude 145°E to latitude 13°N and thence the parallel of latitude 13°N to the west coast of the American continent. Saigon is to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Tropical Zone and the Seasonal Tropical Area.

(2)Southern Boundary of the Tropical Zone The southern boundary of the Tropical Zone is— the rhumb line from the Port of Santos, Brazil, to the point where the meridian of longitude 40°W intersects the Tropic of Capricorn; thence the Tropic of Capricorn to the west coast of Africa; from the east coast of Africa the parallel of latitude 20°S to the west coast of Madagascar, thence the west and north coasts of Madagascar to longitude 50°E, thence the meridian of longitude 50°E to latitude 10°S, thence the parallel of latitude 10°S to longitude 98°E, thence the rhumb line to Port Darwin, Australia, thence the coasts of Australia and Wessel Island eastwards to Cape Wessel, thence the parallel of latitude 11°S to the west side of Cape York; from the east side of Cape York the parallel of latitude 11°S to longitude 150°W, thence the rhumb line to the point latitude 26°S, longitude 75°W, and thence the rhumb line to the west coast of the American continent at latitude 30°S. Coquimbo and Santos are to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Tropical and Summer Zones.

(3)Areas to be included in the Tropical Zone The following areas are to be treated as included in the Tropical Zone— (

a)The Suez Canal, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, from Port Said to the meridian of longitude 45°E. Aden and Berbera are to be considered as being on the boundary line of the Tropical Zone and the Seasonal Tropical Area. (
b)The Persian Gulf to the meridian of longitude 59°E. (
c)The area bounded by the parallel of latitude 22°S from the east coast of Australia to the Great Barrier Reef, thence the Great Barrier Reef to latitude 11°S. The northern boundary of the area is the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone. 4. SEASONAL TROPICAL AREAS The following are Seasonal Tropical Areas :—

(1)In the North Atlantic An area bounded— on the north by the rhumb line from Cape Catoche, Yucatan, to Cape San Antonio, Cuba, the north coast of Cuba to latitude 20°N and thence the parallel of latitude 20°N to longitude 20°W; on the west by the coast of the American continent; on the south and east by the northern boundary of the Tropical Zone. Seasonal periods : Tropical :1 November to 15 July. Summer : 16 July to 31 October.

(2)In the Arabian Sea An area bounded— on the west by the coast of Africa, the meridian of longitude 45°E in the Gulf of Aden, the coast of South Arabia and the meridian of longitude 59°E in the Gulf of Oman; on the north and east by the coasts of Pakistan and India; on the south by the northern boundary of the Tropical Zone. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 September to 31 May. Summer :1 June to 31 August.

(3)In the Bay of Bengal The Bay of Bengal north of the northern boundary of the Tropical Zone. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 December to 30 April. Summer : 1 May to 30 November.

(4)In the South Indian Ocean (

a)An area bounded— On the north and west by the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone and the east coast of Madagascar; on the south by the parallel of latitude 20°S; on the east by the rhumb line from the point latitude 20°S, longitude 50°E, to the point latitude 15°S, longitude 51°30'E, and thence by the meridian of longitude 51°30'E to latitude 10°S. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 April to 30 November. Summer : 1 December to 31 March. (
b)An area bounded— on the north by the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone; on the east by the coast of Australia; on the south by the parallel of latitude 15°S from longitude 51°30'E, to longitude l20°E and thence the meridian of longitude 120°E to the coast of Australia; on the west by the meridian of longitude 51°30'E. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 May to 30 November. Summer : 1 December to 30 April.

(5)In the China Sea An area bounded— on the west and north by the coasts of Vietnam and China from latitude 10°N to Hong Kong; on the east by the rhumb line from Hong Kong to the Port of Sual (Luzon Island) and the west coasts of the Islands of Luzon, Samar and Leyte to latitude 10°N. on the south by the parallel of latitude 10°N. Hong Kong and Sual are to be considered as being on the boundary of the Seasonal Tropical Area and Summer Zone. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 21 January to 30 April. Summer : 1 May to 20 January.

(6)In the North Pacific ( a ) An area bounded— on the north by the parallel of latitude 25°N; on the west by the meridian of longitude 160°E; on the south by the parallel of latitude 13°N; on the east by the meridian of longitude 130°W. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 April to 31 October. Summer : 1 November to 31 March. ( b ) An area bounded— on the north and east by the west coast of the American continent; on the west by the meridian of longitude 123°W from the coast of the American continent to latitude 33°N and by the rhumb line from the point latitude 33°N, longitude 123°W to the point latitude 13°N, longitude 105°W; on the south by the parallel of latitude 13°N. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 March to 30 June and 1 November to 30 November. Summer :1 July to 31 October and 1 December to 28/29 February.

(7)In the South Pacific ( a ) The Gulf of Carpentaria south of latitude 11°S. Seasonal periods : Tropical: 1 April to 30 November. Summer : 1 December to 31 March. ( b ) An area bounded— on the north and east by the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone; on the south by the Tropic of Capricorn from the east coast of Australia to longitude 150°W, thence by the meridian of longitude 150°W to latitude 20°S and thence by the parallel of latitude 20°S to the point where it intersects the southern boundary of the Tropical Zone; on the west by the boundaries of the area within the Great Barrier Reef included in the Tropical Zone and by the east coast of Australia. Seasonal periods : Tropical : 1 April to 30 November. Summer :1 December to 31 March.

SUMMER ZONES The remaining sea areas constitute the summer Zones. However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area bounded— on the north and west by the east coast of the United States; on the east by the meridian of longitude 68°30’W from the coast of the United States to latitude 40°N and thence by the rhumb line to the point latitude 36°N, longitude 73°W; on the south by the parallel of latitude 36°N; is a Winter Seasonal Area. Seasonal periods : Winter : 1 November to 31 March. Summer : 1 April to 31 October.
ENCLOSED SEAS

(1)Baltic Sea This sea bounded by the parallel of latitude of The Skaw in the Skagerrak is included in the Summer Zones. However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, it is a Winter Seasonal Area. Seasonal periods: Winter : 1 November to 31 March. Summer : 1 April to 31 October.

(2)Black Sea This sea is included in the Summer Zones. However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area north of latitude 44°N is a Winter Seasonal Area. Seasonal periods : Winter : 1 December to 28/29 February. Summer : 1 March to 30 November.

(3)Mediterranean This sea is included in the Summer Zones. However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area bounded— on the north and west by the coasts of France and Spain and the meridian of longitude 3°E from the coast of Spain to latitude 40°N; on the south by the parallel of latitude 40°N from longitude 3°E to the west coast of Sardinia; on the east by the west and north coasts of Sardinia from latitude 40°N to longitude 9°E, thence by the meridian of longitude 9°E to the south coast of Corsica, thence by the west and north coasts of Corsica to longitude 9°E and thence by the rhumb line to Cape Sicié, is a Winter Seasonal Area. Seasonal periods : Winter :16 December to 15 March. Summer : 16 March to 15 December.

(4)Sea of Japan This sea south of latitude 50°N is included in the Summer Zones. However, for ships of 100 metres or less in length, the area between the parallel of latitude 50°N and the rhumb line from the east coast of Korea at latitude 38°N to the west coast of Hokkaido, Japan, at latitude 43°12’N is a Winter Seasonal Area. Seasonal periods : Winter : 1 December to 28/29 February. Summer : 1 March to 30 November.

(7)Ports on Boundary Lines For the purposes of the application of the provisions of this Schedule to a ship at a port which stands on the boundary line between two zones or areas or between a zone and an area, or which is required under the foregoing provisions of this Schedule to be considered as being on such a boundary line, the port shall be deemed to be within the zone or area into which the ship is about to proceed or from which she has arrived as the case may be. THIRD SCHEDULE Rule 27 RECORD OF PARTICULARS The following is the form of record of particulars referred to in Rule 27:— MERCHANT SHIPPING (LOAD LINE) RULES, 1968 RECORD OF PARTICULARS RELATING TO CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT

Reference to paragraphs in this record are references to paragraphs of the Fourth Schedule to the above mentioned Rules.
Particulars required by this record may be given by attaching to the record a copy of the Surveyor's report made pursuant to Rule 6 of the above mentioned Rules and specifying in the record the passages in that report in which those particulars are given. NAME OF SHIP PORT OF REGISTRY DISTINCTIVE NUMBER OR LETTERS DIMENSIONS OF SHIP : LENGTH (L) BREADTH (B) DEPTH (D) PORT OF SURVEY DATE OF SURVEY YEAR OF BUILD ASSIGNING AUTHORITY CLASSIFICATION NOTATION SURVEYOR'S SIGNATURE SUPERSTRUCTURE END BULKHEADS (Paragraph 3)
( a ) Give particulars of the construction of bulkheads at exposed ends of enclosed superstructures. ( b ) Is such construction efficient? HATCHWAYS ON FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS CLOSED BY PORTABLE COVERS AND SECURED WEATHERTIGHT BY TARPAULINS AND BATTENING DEVICES (Paragraph 5)
If the material used for coamings is not mild steel, specify it. Is the strength and stiffness of the coaming equivalent to that of a coaming constructed of mild steel?
( a ) Specify the material used for hatch covers. ( b ) If not of mild steel or wood, is the strength and stiffness of the cover equivalent to that of a cover constructed of mild steel?
Are the galvanised steel bands protecting the ends of wooden hatch covers efficiently secured?
( a ) Specify the material used for portable beams. ( b ) If not of mild steel, are the strength and stiffness of the beams equivalent to those of beams of mild steel?
( a ) Give particulars of the construction of carriers or sockets for portable beams. ( b ) Are such carriers or sockets of substantial construction and efficient for their purpose? ( c ) Are rolling types of beams used? If so, give particulars of securing arrangements.
( a ) Are battens and wedges efficient and in good condition? ( b ) Specify the material used for wedges. If not of tough wood, is the material used equivalent to tough wood?
Are tarpaulins waterproof, in good condition and of material of suitable strength and quality?
( a ) State material of bars used for securing of hatchway covers. ( b ) If not of steel, state whether the strength and stiffness of the bars is equivalent to that of steel bars. ( c ) Are the numbers of bars supplied for each hatchway sufficient to ensure compliance with paragraph 5

(9)? ( d ) If covers are secured otherwise than by bars, give particulars. Are means used acceptable under the provisions of paragraph 5

(9)(b)? HATCHWAYS ON FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS CLOSED BY WEATHER-TIGHT COVERS OF STEEL OR EQUIVALENT MATERIAL FITTED WITH GASKETS AND CLAMPING DEVICES (Paragraph 6) 10. ( a ) If coamings are less than the height required by paragraph 6

(1)or are omitted, specify the arrangements relied on to ensure that the safety of the ship will not in consequence be impaired in the worst sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service. ( b ) Are such arrangements sufficient for that purpose?

( a ) Specify the means for securing covers and making them weathertight. ( b ) Are such means, including gaskets and clamping devices, efficient and in good condition?
( a ) Specify the material used for hatch covers. ( b ) If not of mild steel, is the strength and stiffness of the cover equivalent to that of a cover constructed of mild steel? MACHINERY SPACE OPENINGS (Paragraph 7)
( a ) Give particulars of the framing and of the steel casings enclosing all machinery space openings in Positions 1 and
( b ) Is such framing efficient? ( c ) Are such casings of substantial strength?
( a ) Give particulars of the heights above deck of coamings of fiddleys, funnels and machinery space ventilators situated in exposed positions on freeboard and superstructure decks. ( b ) Do such heights provide adequate protection in the circumstances? MISCELLANEOUS OPENINGS IN FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS (Paragraph 8)
( a ) Give particulars of the construction and material of covers fitted to manholes and flush scuttles. ( b ) Is such construction and material acceptable under paragraph 8

(1)?

Specify the means by which such covers can be secured and maintained watertight, and state whether they are efficient.
If such covers are not secured by closely spaced bolts, give particulars of means of permanent attachment. VENTILATORS IN EXPOSED POSITIONS ON FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS (Paragraph 9)
( a ) Specify the material used for coamings. ( b ) If the coamings are not of steel, is the material used equivalent to steel?
Are all coamings of ventilators in Positions 1 and 2 of substantial construction and efficiently connected to the deck?
( a ) Specify the ventilators (if any) situated in positions particularly subjected to weather and sea. ( b ) Have the heights of the coamings of such ventilators been increased in accordance with paragraphs 9

(1)(b) above the height required by paragraph 9

(1)(a)? If so, specify such increase for each ventilator. ( c ) Is the increased height acceptable under paragraph 9

(1)(b)?

Is the coaming of every ventilator exceeding 900 millimetres in height efficiently supported? By what means?
State whether any ventilator in Position 1 or 2 which exceeds the height specified in paragraph 9

(5)and is not fitted with a closing appliance should be so fitted, giving reasons. AIR PIPES IN EXPOSED POSITIONS ON FREEBOARD AND SUPERSTRUCTURE DECKS (Paragraph 10) 23. ( a ) Give particulars of the construction of exposed parts of air pipes. ( b ) Is such construction acceptable under paragraph 10

(1)? 24. ( a ) Give particulars of any exposed air pipe openings on a superstructure deck where the superstructure is less than standard height, specifying the height above deck of the pipe opening. ( b ) Is such height acceptable under the provisions of paragraph 10

(3)(b)? 25. ( a ) Give particulars of any exposed air pipe openings which are less than (

i)760 mm. if on the freeboard deck (
ii)450 mm. if on a superstructure deck, specifying the height above deck of the pipe opening. ( b ) Is such height acceptable under the provisions of paragraphs 10

(4)(

a)and (b)? CARGO PORTS AND SIMILAR OPENINGS (Paragraph 11) 26. ( a ) Give particulars and specify the number of cargo ports and similar openings in the ship's side below the freeboard deck and in the sides and ends of superstructures which form part of the shell of the ship. ( b ) Are such ports and openings compatible with the design of the ship? ( c ) Is their number necessary for the proper working of the ship? ( d ) Will the tower edge of any such cargo port or similar opening be below a line parallel to the freeboard deck at side and having as its lowest point the upper edge of the uppermost toad line, and if so by what distance? ( e ) Give particulars of closing appliances of the cargo ports and openings referred to in (
a)above. ( f ) Are such closing appliances such as to ensure watertightness, and structural integrity commensurate with the surrounding shell plating? SCUPPERS, INLETS AND DISCHARGES (Paragraph 12) 27. (
a)Give particulars of the positions from where single automatic non-return valves fitted pursuant to paragraph 12

(2)can be closed. (

b)Are these positions readily accessible at all times under service conditions? 28. (
a)Where two automatic non-return valves are fitted give particulars of the position of the inboard valve. (
b)Is this position readily accessible at all times for examination under service conditions? 29. (
a)Give particulars of the location of the controls of valves in (
i)manned machinery spaces and (
ii)unattended machinery spaces. (
b)Are the controls of the valves referred to in (
a)readily accessible at all times under service conditions? 30. (
a)Give particulars of the devices giving warning of entry of water into unattended machinery spaces. (
b)Are such devices acceptable under paragraph 12

(4)(b)? 31. (

a)Give particulars of the locations in the ship of the control positions at which warning is given by the devices referred to in paragraph 30(a). (
b)Are such positions acceptable under paragraph 12

(4)(b)? SIDE SCUTTLES (Paragraph 13) 32. Are the sills of all side scuttles at or above a line drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side having as its lowest point: (

a)2.5 per cent of (B) above the Summer load line or (
b)500 millimetres above the Summer load line, whichever is the greater? 33. (
a)Give particulars of the construction of side scuttles, deadlights and glasses (if fitted). (
b)Are they efficiently fitted? FREEING PORTS AND ARRANGEMENTS (Paragraph 14) 34. (
a)Give particulars of the distance above deck of the lower edges of freeing ports. (
b)Are such lower edges as near to the deck as practicable? 35. (
a)Give particulars of the provision made for freeing from water superstructures other than enclosed superstructures. (
b)Is such provision efficient? PROTECTION OF THE CREW (Paragraph 15) 36. (
a)Give particulars of the construction of deckhouses used for the accommodation of crew. (
b)Is such construction efficient? 37. (
a)Give particulars, including spacing and height, of guard rails, guard wires and stanchions fitted at the perimeter of exposed parts of the freeboard and superstructure decks. (
b)Are such guard rails, guard wires and stanchions acceptable under paragraph 15

(2)? 38. (

a)Are guard rails, guard wires or bulwarks less at any point than 1 metre in height? (
b)If so, specify their height. Would they, if they were 1 metre in height or more, interfere with the normal operation of the ship? (
c)Give particulars of the protection provided at that point. Is it adequate? 39. (
a)Give particulars of the gangways, underdeck passages and other means of access enabling the crew to pass between their quarters, the machinery space and other spaces used in the ordinary course of their work. (
b)Give particulars of life lines, access ladders, guard rails, guard wires, hand rails and other safety fittings provided. (
c)Are these arrangements acceptable under the provisions of paragraph 15

(5)? SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO TYPE "A" SHIPS MACHINERY CASINGS (Paragraph 17) 40. (

a)Are all casings enclosing machinery space openings in Position 1 or Position 2 protected by a poop, bridge or deckhouse in accordance with paragraph 17? (
b)If not— (
i)specify any casings not so protected; (
ii)state in the case of each whether or not there is an opening in the casing giving direct access from the freeboard deck to the machinery space; (iii) if there is an opening described in (ii)— does the only opening in the casing have a steel weathertight door? does that door lead to a space or passageway which is as strongly constructed as the casing, and is it separated from the stairway to the machinery space by a second steel weathertight door? GANGWAY AND ACCESS (Paragraph 18) 41. (
a)Where access between the poop and the detached bridge is obtained other than by a permanent gangway or an underdeck passage, give particulars of the arrangements provided for such access. (
b)Are such arrangements equivalent to the provision of access by means of a permanent gangway or underdeck passage? 42. (
a)If a walkway is fitted pursuant to paragraph 18

(4)(c), is it obstructed by pipes or other fittings of a permanent nature? (

b)If so— (
i)give particulars of the means of passage over the obstruction; (
ii)are such means acceptable under the provisions of paragraph 18

(5)(e)? FREEING ARRANGEMENTS (Paragraph 20) 43. (

a)Where guard rails, guard wires and stanchions are not provided for at least a half of the length of the freeboard and superstructure decks give particulars of the freeing arrangements in lieu. (
b)Are such freeing arrangements equally effective? 44. (
a)Give the height above deck of the upper edge of the sheer strake. (
b)Is this height as low as practicable? 45. (
a)Give particulars of the numbers, type and positions of breakwaters fitted. (
b)Are such breakwaters efficient and acceptable for the conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service? SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN TYPE "B" SHIPS (Paragraph 21) MACHINERY CASINGS (Applicable only to Type "B" ships to be assigned Type "A" freeboards under paragraph 5

(5)of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules. 46. (

a)Are all casings enclosing machinery space openings in Position 1 or Position 2 protected by a poop, bridge or deckhouse in accordance with paragraph 17? (
b)If not— (
i)specify any casings not so protected; (
ii)state in the case of each whether or not there is an opening in the casing giving direct access from the freeboard deck to the machinery space; (iii) if there is an opening described in (ii)— does the only opening in the casing have a steel weathertight door? does that door lead to a space or passageway which is as strongly constructed as the casing, and is it separated from the stairway to the machinery space by a second steel weathertight door? GANGWAY AND ACCESS (Paragraph 22) 47. (
a)Where access between the poop and the detached bridge is obtained otherwise than by a permanent gangway or an underdeck passage or gangway constructed according to paragraph 23

(2), give particulars of the arrangements provided for such access. (b) Are such arrangements equivalent to the provision of access by means of a permanent gangway or underdeck passage or gangway constructed according to paragraph 23

(2)? FREEING ARRANGEMENTS (Applicable only to Type "B" ships to be assigned Type "A" freeboards under paragraph 5

(5)of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules.) 48. (

a)Where guard rails, guard wires and stanchions are not provided for at least a half of the length of the freeboard and superstructure decks give details of freeing arrangements. (
b)Are such freeing arrangements equally effective? 49. (
a)Give the height above deck of the upper edge of the sheer strake. (
b)Is this height as low as practicable? 50. (
a)Give particulars of the numbers, type and positions of breakwaters fitted. (
b)Are such breakwaters efficient and acceptable for the conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service? SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SHIPS TO BE ASSIGNED TIMBER FREEBOARDS (Paragraph 26) BULWARKS, GUARD RAILS AND STANCHIONS (Paragraph 29) 51. (
a)Give particulars of the stiffening of bulwarks and of supports. (
b)Are such stiffening and supports acceptable under paragraph 29

(1)? 52. (

a)Where bulwarks are not fitted, give particulars of guard rails and stanchions provided as an alternative. (
b)Are such guard rails and stanchions efficient and acceptable under paragraph 29

(2)? FOURTH SCHEDULE Rule 25 CONDITIONS OF ASSIGNMENT Interpretation 1. In this Schedule, except where the context otherwise requires— "breadth" and the symbol "(B)" in relation to a ship mean the maximum breadth of the ship measured amidships to the moulded line of the frame in the case of a ship having a metal shell, or to the outer surface of the hull in the case of a ship having a shell of any other material; "enclosed superstructure" means a superstructure— (

a)which has enclosing bulkheads of efficient construction in which all access openings are fitted with sills and weathertight doors, and (
b)in which all other openings in sides or ends thereof are fitted with efficient weathertight means of closing, but shall not include a bridge or poop fulfillling these requirements unless access is provided by which the crew can reach machinery and other working spaces within the bridge or poop by alternative means which are available for the purpose at all times when access openings in the bulkheads of the bridge or poop are closed; "exposed position" means a position which is either— (
a)exposed to weather and sea, or (
b)within a structure so exposed other than an enclosed superstructure; "forward perpendicular" means the perpendicular taken at the forward end of the ship's length (L), coinciding with the foreside of the stem on the waterline on which such length is measured; and "after perpendicular" means the perpendicular taken at the after end of such length; "height" in relation to a superstructure means the least vertical height measured at side from the top of the superstructure deck beams to the top of the freeboard deck beams; and the "standard height" of a superstructure means the height ascertained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules; "Summer load waterline" in relation to a ship means the waterline which corresponds, or will when load lines have been marked on the sides of the ship correspond, to the Summer load line of the ship; "superstructure" means a decked structure (including a raised quarter deck) situated on the freeboard deck which either extends from side to side of the ship or is such that its side plating is not inboard of the shell plating of the ship by more than 4 per cent of the breadth (B) of the ship; and, where the freeboard deck of the ship consists of a lower deck as described in sub-paragraph (
b)of the definition of "freeboard deck" in Rule 2, includes that part of the hull of the ship which extends above the freeboard deck; "superstructure deck" means a deck forming the top of a superstructure; "Type "A" ship" means a ship which is designed to carry only liquid cargoes in bulk and has the characteristics set out below:— (
a)The cargo tanks of the ship have only small access openings closed by watertight gasketed covers of steel. (
b)The ship in consequence of its design has high integrity of the exposed deck and has a high degree of safety against flooding in consequence of the low permeability of loaded cargo spaces and the degree of subdivision therein. (
c)If over 150 metres in length and designed to have empty compartments when loaded to the Summer load water line, the ship shall be capable of remaining afloat after the flooding of any one of such empty compartments, at an assumed permeability of 0.95 in the condition of equilibrium described in the following sub-paragraph; Provided that if the ship exceeds 225 metres in length its machinery space shall also be treated as one of the floodable compartments above mentioned but with an assumed permeability of 0.85. (
d)The condition of equilibrium referred to in subparagraph (
c)is as follows:— (
i)the final waterline after the flooding specified in that subparagraph is below the top of any ventilator coaming, the lower edge of any air pipe opening, the upper edge of the sill of any access opening fitted with a weathertight door, and the lower edge of any other opening through which progressive flooding may take place; (
ii)the angle of heel due to unsymmetrical flooding does not exceed 15 degrees; (iii) the metacentric height calculated using the constant displacement method has a positive value of at least 50 millimetres in the upright condition after the flooding specified in that subparagraph; and (
iv)the ship has adequate residual stability. "Type "B" ship" means either— (
a)a new ship other than a Type "A" ship, or (
b)an existing ship which, being so constructed or modified as to comply with all the requirements of this Schedule applicable to a new ship of her type, is to be assigned freeboards determined in accordance with the Fifth Schedule to these Rules; "weathertight" in relation to any part of a ship other than a door in a bulkhead means that the part is such that water will not penetrate it and so enter the hull of the ship in the worst sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service; and in relation to a door in a bulkhead means a door which— (
a)is constructed of steel or other equivalent material, is permanently and strongly attached to the bulkhead and is framed, stiffened and fitted so that the whole structure in which it is set is of equivalent strength to the unpierced bulkhead; (
b)is closed by means of gaskets, clamping devices or other equivalent means permanently attached to the bulkhead or to the door itself; (
c)when closed, is weathertight as above defined; and (
d)is so arranged that it can be operated from either side of the bulkhead. Reference to any structure, opening or fitting as being in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be construed as references to its being in the following positions respectively : — Position 1 : in an exposed position on either (
a)the freeboard deck or a raised quarter deck or (
b)a superstructure deck and forward of a point one quarter of the ship's length (L) from the forward perpendicular; Position 2 : in an exposed position on a superstructure deck and abaft the said point. PART I SHIPS IN GENERAL Structural Strength and Stability 2.—

(1)The construction of the ship shall be such that her general structural strength will be sufficient for the freeboards to be assigned to her.

(2)The design and construction of the ship shall be such as to ensure that her stability in all probable loading conditions will be sufficient for the freeboards to be assigned to her, and for this purpose regard shall be had, in addition to the intended service of the ship and to any relevant requirements of Rules made under the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act, 1952 (No. 29 of 1952), and the Merchant Shipping Act, 1966 (No. 20 of 1966), to the following criteria:— (

a)The area under the curve of Righting Levers (GZ curve) shall not be less than— (
i)0.055 metre-radians up to an angle of 30 degrees; (
ii)0.09 metre-radians up to an angle of either 40 degrees or the angle at which the lower edges of any openings in the hull, superstructures or deckhouses, being openings which cannot be closed weathertight, are immersed if that angle be less; (iii) 0.03 metre-radians between the angles of heel of 30 degrees and 40 degrees or such lesser angle as is referred to in (ii). (
b)The Righting Lever (GZ) shall be at least 0.20 metres at an angle of heel equal to or greater than 30 degrees. (
c)The maximum Righting Lever (GZ) shall occur at an angle of heel not less than 30 degrees. (
d)The initial transverse metacentric height shall not be less than 0.15 metres. In the case of a ship carrying a timber deck cargo which complies with subparagraph (
a)by taking into account the volume of timber deck cargo the initial transverse metacentric height shall not be less than 0.05 metres.

(3)To determine whether the ship complies with the requirements of subparagraph

(2)the ship shall, unless the Minister otherwise permits, be subjected to an inclining test carried out in the presence of a surveyor appointed by the Minister, and the Minister shall notify the Assigning Authority whether or not he is satisfied that the ship complies with those requirements. Superstructure End Bulkheads 3. Bulkheads at exposed ends of enclosed superstructures shall be of efficient construction. The height of any sill in an access opening in such a bulkhead shall except where otherwise stated be at least 380 millimetres above the deck. Hatchways: General 4.—

(1)The provisions of this paragraph and of paragraphs 5 and 6 apply to all hatchways in Position 1 or in Position 2 except where otherwise stated.

(2)Subject to sub-paragraph

(3), the construction and the means for securing the weathertightness of a hatchway shall— (

a)in the case of a hatchway closed by a portable cover and secured weathertight by tarpaulins and battening devices, comply with the requirements of paragraph 5; and (
b)in the case of a hatchway closed by a weathertight cover of steel or other equivalent material fitted with gaskets and clamping devices, comply with the requirements of paragraph 6.

(3)Every hatchway in an exposed position on a deck above a superstructure deck and leading to space below that superstructure deck shall be of such construction and be fitted with such means for securing the weathertightness of the hatchway as are adequate having regard to its position. Hatchways Closed by Portable Covers and Secured Weathertight by Tarpaulins and Battening Devices. 5.—

(1)Coamings : Every hatchway shall have a coaming of substantial construction. The coaming shall be constructed of mild steel but may be constructed of other material provided that the strength and stiffness of the coaming are equivalent to those of a coaming of mild steel. The height of the coaming above the deck shall be at least— 600 millimetres if the hatchway is in Position 1; 450 millimetres if the hatchway is in Position 2.

(2)Covers : (

a)The width of every bearing surface for a hatchway cover shall be at least 65 millimetres. (
b)In the case of a cover made of wood— (
i)the finished thickness of the cover shall be at least 60 millimetres in association with a span of not more than 1.5 metres, and the thickness of covers for larger spans shall be increased in the ratio of 60 millimetres to a span of 1.5 metres; (
ii)the ends of the cover shall be protected by galvanised steel bands efficiently secured. (
c)In the case of a cover made of mild steel— (
i)the strength of the cover shall be calculated with an assumed load ascertained in accordance with the following Table, and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 4.25 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material:— TABLE Assumed Load, per square metre Ship's Length (L) Hatchway in Position 1 Hatchway in Position 2 24 metres 1 metric ton ·75 metric ton 100 metres or over 1·75 metric tons 1·30 metric tons Over 24 metres but less than 100 metres to be ascertained by linear interpolation (
ii)the cover shall be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0028 times the span under the load appropriate to the hatchway cover under sub-paragraph (i). (
d)In the case of a cover made neither of mild steel nor wood the strength and stiffness of the cover shall be equivalent to those of a cover of mild steel.

(3)Portable beams : (a) where portable beams for supporting hatchway covers are made of mild steel, the strength of such beams shall be calculated with the appropriate assumed load ascertained in accordance with the Table in sub-paragraph

(2)and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 5 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material. (

b)Such beams shall be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0022 times the span under the load appropriate to the beam under sub-paragraph (a). (
c)In the case of portable beams not made of mild steel, the strength and stiffness of the beams shall be equivalent to those of beams of mild steel.

(4)Pontoon covers :(a) Where pontoon covers of mild steel are used in place of portable beams and covers their strength shall be calculated with the appropriate assumed load ascertained in accordance with the Table in sub-paragraph

(2)and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 5 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material. (

b)Such pontoon covers shall be so designed as to limit the deflection to not more than 0.0022 times the span under the load appropriate to a pontoon cover under sub-paragraph (a), (
c)Mild steel plating forming the tops of such covers shall be not less in thickness than 1 per cent of the spacing of the stiffeners or 6 millimetres, whichever is the greater. (
d)In the case of pontoon covers not made of mild steel, the strength and stiffness of the cover shall be equivalent to those of a cover of mild steel.

(5)Carriers or sockets : Carriers or sockets for portable beams shall be of substantial construction, and shall provide efficient means for the fitting and securing of the beams. Where rolling types of beams are used the arrangements shall ensure that the beams remain properly in position when the hatchway is closed.

(6)Cleats : Cleats shall be set to fit the taper of the wedges. They shall be at least 65 millimetres wide and spaced not more than 600 millimetres centre to centre. The end cleats along each side or end of the hatchway shall be not more than 150 millimetres from the hatch corners.

(7)Battens and wedges : Battens and wedges shall be efficient for their purpose and in good condition. Wedges shall be of tough wood or equivalent material cut to a taper of not more than 1 in 6 and shall be not less than 13 millimetres thick at the toes.

(8)Tarpaulins : At least two layers of tarpaulins shall be provided for every hatchway. Such tarpaulins shall be waterproof, in good condition, and of material of satisfactory strength and quality.

(9)Security of hatchway covers : (

a)Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraph (b), steel bars shall be provided for every hatchway sufficient to ensure that each section of hatchway covers can be efficiently and independently secured after the tarpaulins have been battened down and that hatchway covers more than 1.5 metres in length are so secured by at least two such bars. (
b)Bars of material other than steel, or means of securing hatchway covers otherwise than by bars, may be so used, provided: (
i)that in the case of the former, the strength and stiffness of the bars used are equivalent to those of steel bars; (
ii)that in either case the degree of security so achieved is not less than that which would be achieved by the use of steel bars. Hatchways closed by Weathertight Covers of Steel or equivalent material fitted with Gaskets and Clamping Devices 6.—

(1)Coamings : (

a)Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraph (b), every hatchway shall have a coaming of substantial construction the height of which above the deck shall be at least— 600 millimetres if the hatchway is in Position 1; 450 millimetres if the hatchway is in Position 2. (
b)A hatchway may have a coaming of less than the height applicable under the provisions of sub-paragraph (a), or in exceptional circumstances a coaming may be dispensed with, provided : (
i)that the safety of the ship will not be impaired in consequence in the worse sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service, and (
ii)that any coaming fitted pursuant to this sub-paragraph is of substantial construction.

(2)Weathertight Covers : (a) The strength of every cover of mild steel shall be calculated with an assumed load ascertained in accordance with the Table set out in paragraph 5

(2)and the product of the maximum stress thus calculated and the factor 4.25 shall not exceed the minimum ultimate strength of the material. Every such cover shall be so designed as to limit the deflection under such a load to not more than 0.0028 times the span. (

b)Every cover constructed of material other than mild steel shall have strength and stiffness equivalent to those required in the case of a cover of mild steel. (
c)Every cover shall be fitted with efficient means by which it can be secured and made weathertight. (
d)Mild steel plating forming the top of any cover shall be not less in thickness than one per cent of the spacing of the stiffeners or 6 millimetres whichever is the greater. Machinery Space Openings 7.—

(1)Every machinery space opening situated in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be efficiently framed and enclosed by a steel casing of substantial strength, account being taken of the extent, if any, to which the casing is protected by other structures.

(2)Every doorway in a casing referred to in the preceding sub-paragraph shall be fitted with a steel weathertight door having a sill the height of which shall be at least— (

a)600 millimetres above the deck if the opening is in Position 1; (
b)380 millimetres above the deck if the opening is in Position 2.

(3)Every opening in such a casing other than a doorway shall be fitted with a permanently attached cover of steel, which is fitted with efficient means by which it can be secured and maintained weathertight and, except in the case of a cover consisting of a plate secured by bolts, is capable of being operated from either side of the opening.

(4)Every fiddley, funnel or machinery space ventilator situated in an exposed position on the freeboard deck or on a superstructure deck shall have a coaming of such height above the deck as will provide adequate protection having regard to its position. Miscellaneous Openings in Freeboard and Superstructure Decks 8.—

(1)Every manhole and flush scuttle in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be provided with a substantial cover fitted with efficient means by which it can be secured and maintained watertight. Unless secured by closely spaced bolts, every such cover shall be permanently attached by a chain or equivalent means so as to be available for immediate use at all times.

(2)Every opening in a deck other than a hatchway, machinery space opening, manhole or flush scuttle shall— (

a)if situated in the freeboard deck be protected either by an enclosed superstructure or by a deckhouse or companionway equivalent in strength and weathertightness to an enclosed superstructure; (
b)if situated in an exposed position either— (
i)in a deck over an enclosed superstructure and giving access to space within that superstructure, or (
ii)on top of a deckhouse on the freeboard deck and giving access to space below that deck, be protected by an efficient deckhouse or companionway fitted with weathertight doors; (
c)if situated in an exposed position in a deck above the deck over an enclosed superstructure and giving access to space within that superstructure, be protected either in accordance with the requirements of sub-paragraph (
b)or to such lesser extent as may be adequate having regard to its position.

(3)Every door in a companionway, deckhouse or enclosed superstructure referred to in sub-paragraph 2 (

a)or (
b)shall have a sill the height of which shall be at least— (
a)600 millimetres if the structure is in Position 1; (
b)380 millimetres if the structure is in Position 2. Ventilators 9.—

(1)(

a)Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraph (b). every ventilator in Position 1 or Position 2 leading to space below the freeboard deck or below the deck of an enclosed superstructure shall have a coaming of steel or equivalent material, substantially constructed and efficiently connected to the deck. The height of such coamings shall be at least— (
i)900 millimetres above the deck if the ventilator is in Position 1; (
ii)760 millimetres above the deck if the ventilator is in Position 2. (
b)Where the coaming for any ventilator referred to in sub-paragraph (
a)is situated in a position in which it will be particularly subjected to weather and sea the height of the coaming shall exceed the relevant minimum height above specified by such amount as is necessary to provide adequate protection having regard to its position.

(2)If the coaming of any ventilator referred to in the preceding subparagraph exceeds 900 millimetres in height above the deck it shall be efficiently supported by stays, brackets or other means.

(3)Every ventilator in Position 1 or Position 2 which passes through a superstructure other than an enclosed superstructure shall have a coaming of steel or equivalent material at the freeboard deck, substantially constructed and efficiently connected to that deck and at least 900 millimetres in height above that deck.

(4)Subject to the following sub-paragraph, every ventilator opening in Position 1 or Position 2 shall be provided with an efficient appliance by which it can be closed and secured weathertight. Every such closing appliance so provided on board a ship of not more than 100 metres in length shall be permanently attached to, and in the case of any other ship shall either be so attached or be conveniently stowed near to, the ventilator for which it is provided.

(5)(

a)A ventilator in Position 1 the coaming of which exceeds 4.5 metres in height above the deck, and a ventilator in Position 2 the coaming of which exceeds 2.3 metres in height above the deck, need not be fitted with a closing appliance unless either— (
i)it serves the machinery spaces or a cargo compartment, or (
ii)the fitting of such an appliance is necessary in the circumstances in order to provide adequate protection. (
b)A ventilator in Position 1 or Position 2 leading to space in a battery room shall not be fitted with a closing appliance. Air pipes 10.—

(1)The exposed part of any air pipe leading to a ballast or other tank and extending above the freeboard deck or a superstructure deck shall be of substantial construction.

(2)The exposed opening of any such air pipe shall be fitted with efficient means of closing the opening weathertight, which shall be permanently attached in a position ready for immediate use.

(3)Subject to sub-paragraph

(4), the height above deck of the exposed opening of any such air pipe shall be— (

a)at least 760 millimetres if that deck is the freeboard deck; (
b)if that deck is a superstructure deck, at least 450 millimetres or, if the superstructure is of less than standard height, such greater height as is necessary to provide adequate protection having regard to the lower height of the superstructure.

(4)The height described in the preceding sub-paragraph may in any particular case be lower than the minimum specified in relation thereto in that sub-paragraph if— (

a)the working of the ship would be unreasonably interfered with if such minimum heights were adhered to, and (
b)the closing arrangements are such as to ensure that such lower height is adequate in the circumstances. Cargo ports and similar openings 11.—

(1)Cargo ports and similar openings in the ship's side below the freeboard deck or in the sides or ends of superstructures which form part of the shell of the ship shall be compatible with the design of the ship and shall not exceed in number those necessary for the proper working of the ship.

(2)Every such cargo port and opening shall be provided with a door or doors so fitted and designed as to ensure watertightness and structural integrity commensurate with the surrounding shell plating.

(3)No such cargo port or opening below the freeboard deck shall, unless the Minister otherwise consents, be so situated that when load lines have been marked on the ship's side the lower edge of the port or opening will be below a line drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side having as its lowest point the upper edge of the uppermost load line. Scuppers, inlets and discharges 12.—

(1)Every discharge led through the shell of a ship either— (

a)from spaces below the freeboard deck, or (
b)from within any enclosed superstructure, or from within any deck- house on the freeboard deck which is fitted with weathertight doors. shall be fitted in accordance with sub-paragraphs

(2)and

(3)with efficient means for preventing water from passing inboard.

(2)Subject to sub-paragraph

(3), such means shall consist of a single automatic non-return valve fitted at the shell of the ship and having positive means of closure from a position or positions above the freeboard deck. Such positions shall be readily accessible at all times under service conditions and shall be provided with an indicator showing whether the valve is open or closed.

(3)(

a)If when load lies are marked on the ship's side the vertical distance from the Summer load waterline to the inboard end of a discharge pipe will exceed 0.01 (L), such means may consist of two automatic non-return valves having no positive means of closure, one of which shall be situated as close to the ship's shell as practicable and be substantially connected thereto and the inboard one of which is so situated that it will at all times under service conditions be readily accessible for examination. (
b)Where the vertical distance referred to in sub-paragraph (
a)will exceed 0.02 (L) such means may consist, if in the circumstances the following would be equally effective, of a single automatic non-return valve having no positive means of closure, situated as close to the ship's shell as practicable and substantially connected thereto.

(4)(

a)The controls of any valve situated in a manned machinery space, and serving a main or auxiliary sea inlet or discharge or bilge injection system shall be so sited as to be readily accessible at all times under service conditions. Valves referred to in this and the following sub-paragraph shall be equipped with an indicator showing whether the valve is open or closed. (
b)The controls of any valve situated in an unattended machinery space and serving a sea inlet or discharge or bilge injection system shall be so sited as to be readily accessible at all times under service conditions, particular attention being paid in this regard to possible delay in reaching or operating the controls. In addition, the machinery space in which the valve is situated shall be equipped with an efficient warning device to give warning at suitable control positions of any entry of water into the machinery space other than water resulting from the normal operation of the machinery. (
c)In this sub-paragraph "unattended machinery space" means a machinery space which during the normal operation of the ship at sea is unmanned for any period, and "manned machinery space" means a machinery space other than an unattended machinery space.

(5)Every scupper and discharge pipe originating at any level and penetrating the shell of the ship either— (

a)more than 450 millimetres below the freeboard deck, or (
b)less than 600 millimetres above the Summer load waterline shall be equipped with an automatic non-return valve situated as close to the ship's shell as practicable and substantially connected thereto: Provided that this paragraph shall not apply— (
i)where the scupper or discharge pipe is fitted with means for preventing water from passing inboard in accordance with the provisions of sub-paragraphs

(1)to

(3); or (ii) in any case in which the piping of the scupper or discharge pipe is of substantial thickness.

(6)Every scupper leading from a superstructure other than an enclosed superstructure or from a deckhouse not fitted with weathertight doors shall be led overboard.

(7)All valves and shell fittings required by the provisions of this paragraph shall be of steel, bronze or other suitable ductile material, and all pipes referred to in this paragraph shall be of steel or equivalent material. Side Scuttles 13.—

(1)Every side scuttle to space below the freeboard deck or to space within an enclosed superstructure shall be fitted with a hinged inside deadlight by which it can be effectively closed and secured watertight.

(2)No side scuttle shall be fitted in a position such that its sill, when load lines have been marked on the ship's side, will be below a line drawn parallel to the freeboard deck at side having as its lowest point— (

a)2.5 per cent. of the breadth of the ship (B) above the Summer load line, or (
b)500 millimetres above the Summer load line. whichever is the greater.

(3)Every side scuttle, deadlight and glass (if fitted) shall be of substantial construction and be efficiently fitted. Freeing ports and arrangements 14.—

(1)Where bulwarks on the weather portions of the freeboard deck, a raised quarter deck or a superstructure deck form wells, efficient provision shall be made for rapidly freeing the decks of water in bulk and for draining them, and in particular the requirements set out in sub-paragraphs

(2)to

(7)below shall be complied with.

(2)Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraphs

(3)and

(4), the sum of the areas of the openings of freeing ports on each side of the ship for each such well (hereafter referred to in this paragraph as "the freeing port area" and by the symbol "(A)") shall— (

a)if the well is on the freeboard deck or on a raised quarter deck be not less than the area ascertained in accordance with the following formula, and (
b)if the well is on a superstructure deck other than a raised quarter deck be not less than one half of that area:— Formula (
i)Where the length of a bulwark (
l)in the well is 20 metres or less (A)=0.7+0.035 (
l)(square metres); and where (
l)exceeds 20 metres, (A)=0.07 (
l)(square metres). (
l)need in no case be taken as greater than 0.7 (L). (
ii)If the bulwark is more than 1.2 metres in average height the required area shall be increased by 0.004 square metres per metre of length of well for each 0.1 metre difference in height. If the bulwark is less than 0.9 metre in average height, the required area may be decreased by 0.004 square metre per metre of length of well for each 0.1 metre difference in height.

(3)(a) If the deck on which the well is situated has no sheer, the area (A) shall be the area ascertained in accordance with sub-paragraph

(2)increased by 50 per cent. (b) If the deck on which the well is situated has sheer less than standard sheer, the area (A) shall be the area ascertained in accordance with sub-paragraph

(2)increased by a percentage to be obtained by linear interpolation. (c) If the deck on which the well is situated has sheer, two thirds of the freeing port area (A) shall be situated in the half of the well which is nearest to the lowest point of the sheer.

(4)The lower edge of every freeing port shall be as near to the deck as practicable.

(5)Every freeing port more than 230 millimetres in depth shall be protected by rails or bars so fixed that the distance between the lowest rail or bar and the lower edge of the freeing port does not exceed 230 millimetres.

(6)Every freeing port which is fitted with a shutter shall have sufficient clearance to prevent jamming of the shutter, and the shutter hinges shall have pins or bearings of efficient non-corrodible material.

(7)Efficient provision shall be made for freeing from water any superstructure other than an enclosed superstructure. Protection of the Crew 15.—

(1)Every deckhouse used for the accommodation of members of the crew shall be of efficient construction.

(2)Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraph

(3)all exposed parts of the freeboard deck and of every superstructure deck shall be fitted at their perimeter either with efficient guard rails or guard wires and stanchions complying with the requirements of sub-paragraph

(4)or with bulwarks, being in either case at least 1 metre in height from the deck at side.

(3)The height specified in relation to guard rails or guard wires and bulwarks in sub-paragraph

(2)may be reduced at any particular point if— (

a)the working of the ship would be unreasonably interfered with if such minimum height were adhered to at that point, and (
b)adequate protection is provided at that point.

(4)Guard rails or guard wires fitted pursuant t

🔗 To official source

AI explanation based on the official legal text. Indicative, not a substitute for legal advice.