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

1. The ship's name, official number, port of registry, gross and register tonnages, principal dimensions, displacement, deadweight and draught to the Summer load line.

2. A profile view and, if the Minister so requires in a particular case, plan views of the ship drawn to scale showing with their names all compartments, tanks, storerooms and crew and passenger accommodation spaces, and also showing the mid-length position.

3. The capacity and the centre of gravity (longitudinally and vertically) of every compartment available for the carriage of cargo, fuel, stores, feed water, domestic water or water ballast.

In the case of a vehicle ferry, the vertical centre of gravity of compartments for the carriage of vehicles shall be based on the estimated centres of gravity of the vehicles and not on the volumetric centres of the compartments.

4. The estimated total weight of (

a

) passengers and their effects, and (

b

) crew and their effects and the centre of gravity (longitudinally and vertically) of each such total weight. In assessing such centres of gravity passengers and crew shall be assumed to be distributed about the ship in the spaces they will normally occupy, including the highest decks to which either or both have access.

5. The estimated weight and the disposition and centre of gravity of the maximum amount of deck cargo which the ship may reasonably be expected to carry on an exposed deck. The estimated weight shall include in the case of deck cargo likely to absorb water the estimated weight of water likely to be so absorbed and allowed for in arrival conditions, such weight in the case of timber deck cargo being taken to be 15 per cent. by weight.

6. A diagram or scale showing the load line mark and load lines with particulars of the corresponding freeboards, and also showing the displacement, metric tons per centimetre immersion, and deadweight corresponding in each case to a range of mean draughts extending between the waterline representing the deepest load line and the waterline of the ship in light condition.

7. A diagram or tabular statement showing the hydrostatic particulars of the ship, including—

(1) the heights of the transverse metacentre and

(2) the values of the moment to change trim one centimetre.

for a range of mean draughts extending at least between the waterline representing the deepest load line and the waterline of the ship in light condition. Where a tabular statement is used, the intervals between such draughts shall be sufficiently close to permit accurate interpolation. In the case of ships having raked keels, the same datum for the heights of centres of buoyancy and metacentres shall be used as for the centres of gravity referred to in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5.

8. The effect on stability of free surface in each tank in the ship in which liquids may be carried, including an example to show how the metacentric height is to be corrected.

9.—(1) A diagram showing cross curves of stability indicating the height of the assumed axis from which the Righting Levers are measured and the trim which has been assumed. In the case of ships having raked keels, where a datum other than the top of keel has been used the position of the assumed axis shall be clearly defined.

(2) Subject to the following sub-paragraph, only (

a

) enclosed superstructures and (

b

) efficient trunks as defined in paragraph 10 of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules shall be taken into account in deriving such curves.

(3) The following structures may be taken into account in deriving such curves if the Minister is satisfied that their location, integrity and means of closure will contribute to the ship's stability:—

(

a

) superstructures located above the superstructure deck;

(

b

) deckhouses on or above the freeboard deck, whether wholly or in part only;

(

c

) hatchway structures on or above the freeboard deck.

Additionally, in the case of a ship carrying timber deck cargo, the volume of the timber deck cargo, or a part thereof, may with the Minister's approval be taken into account in deriving a supplementary curve of stability appropriate to the ship when carrying such cargo.

(4) An example shall be given showing how to obtain a curve of Righting Levers (GZ) from the cross curves of stability.

(5) Where the buoyancy of a superstructure is to be taken into account in the calculation of stability information to be supplied in the case of a vehicle ferry or similar ship having bow doors, ship's side doors or stern doors, there shall be included in the stability information a specific statement that such doors must be secured weathertight before the ship proceeds to sea and that the cross curves of stability are based upon the assumption that such doors have been so secured.

10—(1) The diagram and statements referred to in sub-paragraph (2) of this paragraph shall be provided separately for each of the following conditions of the ship :—

(

a

)

Light condition

. If the ship has permanent ballast, such diagram and statements shall be provided for the ship in light condition both (i) with such ballast, and (ii) without such ballast.

(

b

)

Ballast condition,

both (i) on departure, and (ii) on arrival, it being assumed for the purpose of the latter in this and the following subparagraphs that oil fuel, fresh water, consumable stores and the like are reduced to 10 per cent of their capacity.

(

c

) Condition both (i) on departure and (ii) on arrival, when loaded to the Summer load line with cargo filling all spaces available for cargo, cargo for this purpose being taken to be homogeneous cargo except where this is clearly inappropriate, for example in the case of cargo spaces in a ship which are intended to be used exclusively for the carriage of vehicles or of containers.

(

d

) Service loaded conditions, both (i) on departure and (ii) on arrival.

(2) (

a

) A profile diagram of the ship drawn to a suitable small scale showing the disposition of all components of the deadweight.

(

b

) A statement showing the lightweight, the disposition and the total weights of all components of the deadweight, the displacement, the corresponding positions of the centre of gravity, the metacentre and also the metacentric height (GM).

(

c

) A diagram showing a curve of Righting Levers (GZ) derived from the cross curves of stability referred to in paragraph 9. Where credit is shown for the buoyancy of a timber deck cargo the curve of Righting Levers (GZ) must be drawn both with and without this credit.

(3) The metacentric height and the curve of Righting Levers (GZ) shall be corrected for liquid free surface.

(4) Where there is a significant amount of trim in any of the conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (1) the metacentric height and the curve of Righting Levers (GZ) may be required to be determined from the trimmed waterline.

(5) If in the opinion of the Minister the stability characteristics in either or both of the conditions referred to in sub-paragraph (1) (

c

) are not satisfactory, such conditions shall be marked accordingly and an appropriate warning to the master shall be inserted.

9. (

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?

11. Where special procedures such as partly filling or completely filling particular spaces designated for cargo, fuel, fresh water or other purposes are necessary to maintain adequate stability, a statement of instructions as to the appropriate procedure in each case.

12. A copy of the report on the inclining test and of the calculation therefrom of the light condition particulars.

GIVEN under my Official Seal, this 30th day of September, 1968.

ERSKINE H. CHILDERS,

Minister for Transport and Power.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

These Rules give effect to the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966. They replace the Load Line Rules of 1935. The principal change introduced is that ships which comply with the more stringent constructional and safety requirements now prescribed are allowed to operate to a greater draught than heretofore thus enabling them to be more heavily laden. The Rules also contain revised provisions about the seasonal geographical zones in which varying permissible draughts apply.

13. The ordinates of the standard sheer profile are given in the following Table

Station

Ordinate (in millimetres)

Factor

After half

After perpendicular................

25 (

+ 10)

1

1/6 (L) from A.P......................

11·1 (

+ 10)

3

1/3 (L) from A.P......................

2·8 (

+ 10)

3

Amidships..............................

0

1

Forward half

Amidships..............................

0

1

1/3 (L) from F.P......................

5·6 (

+ 10)

3

1/6 (L) from F.P......................

22·2 (

+ 10)

3

Forward perpendicular.........

50 (

+ 10)

1

Measurement of Variation from Standard Sheer Profile

14.—(1) Where the sheer profile of a ship differs from the standard sheer profile, the four ordinates of each profile in the forward and after halves of the ship shall be multiplied by the appropriate factors given in the Table of ordinates in the preceding paragraph. The difference between the sums of the respective products and those of the standard divided by 8 shall be the deficiency or excess of sheer in the forward or after half. The arithmetical mean of the excess or deficiency in the forward and after halves shall be the excess or deficiency of sheer.

(2) Where the after half of the sheer profile is greater than the standard sheer profile and the forward half is less than the standard sheer profile, no credit shall be allowed for the part in excess, and deficiency only shall be measured.

(3) Where the forward half of the sheer profile exceeds the standard sheer profile, and the after half of the sheer profile is not less than 75 per cent. of the standard sheer profile, credit shall be allowed for the part in excess. Where the after half of the sheer profile is less than 50 per cent. of the standard sheer profile, no credit shall be given for the excess of sheer forward. Where the sheer in the after half is between 50 per cent. and 75 per cent. of the standard sheer profile, intermediate allowances may be granted for excess sheer forward.

(4) Where sheer credit is GIVEN for a poop or forecastle the following formula shall be used

where s = sheer credit, to be deducted from the deficiency or added to the excess of sheer;

y = difference between actual and standard height of superstructure at the end ordinate of sheer; and

L' = mean enclosed length of poop or forecastle up to a maximum length of 0.5 (L).

The above formula provides a curve in the form of a parabola tangential to the actual sheer curve at the freeboard deck and intersecting the end ordinate at a point below the superstructure deck at a distance equal to the standard height of the poop or forecastle. The superstructure deck shall not be less than standard height above this curve at any point. This curve shall be used in determining the sheer profile for forward and after halves of the ship.

Correction for Variations from Standard Sheer Profile

15.—(1) The correction for sheer shall be the deficiency or excess of sheer determined in accordance with paragraph 14 multiplied by

(2) In the case of a ship with sheer less than the standard sheer profile, the correction for deficiency of sheer determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) shall be added to the basic freeboard of the ship.

(3) Subject to sub-paragraph (4), in the case of a ship having an excess of sheer—

(

a

) if an enclosed superstructure covers 0.1 (L) before and 0.1 (L) abaft amidships, the correction for excess of sheer determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) shall be deducted from the basic freeboard of the ship;

(

b

) if no enclosed superstructure covers amidships, no deductions shall be made from the basic freeboard of the ship;

(

c

) if an enclosed superstructure covers less than 0.1 (L) before and 0.1 (L) abaft amidships, the correction for excess of sheer determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (1) shall be modified in the ratio of the amount of 0.2 (L) amidships which is covered by the superstructure, to 0.2 (L).

(4) The maximum deduction for excess sheer shall be at the rate of 125 millimetres per 100 metres of length (L).

Correction for Minimum Bow Height

16.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), where the bow height of a ship determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (4) is less than the minimum bow height appropriate to the ship determined in accordance with sub-paragraph (5), the freeboard determined for the ship in accordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be increased by an amount equal to the difference between the bow height and the minimum bow height.

(2) Where an existing ship to which sub-paragraph (1) applies 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 is to be assigned freeboards determined in accordance with this Schedule, and/or—

(

a

) the forecastle is less than 0.07 (L);

(

b

) the sheer extends for less than 15 per cent. of the ship's length (L) measured from the forward perpendicular,

the freeboard determined for the ship in accordance with the foregoing paragraphs shall be increased by such amount as the Minister may determine in each particular case,

(3) In the case of a ship to which sub-paragraph (1) applies, being a ship which is constructed to meet exceptional operational requirements, the correction to be made pursuant to the preceding sub-paragraphs may be reduced or waived if the Minister is satisfied that the safety of the ship will not be impaired in consequence in the worst sea and weather conditions likely to be encountered by the ship in service.

(4) The bow height of a ship is the vertical distance at the forward perpendicular between the Summer load waterline of the ship at the designed trim and the top of the exposed deck at side ascertained as follows:—

(

a

) Where the bow height is obtained by including sheer, the sheer shall extend for not less than 15 per cent. of the ship's length (L) measured from the forward perpendicular.

(

b

) Where the bow height is obtained by including the height of a superstructure, such superstructure shall:—

(i) extend from the stem to a point not less than 0.07 of the ship's length (L) measured from the forward perpendicular;

(ii) if the ship's length (L) is 100 metres or less, be an enclosed superstructure; and

(iii) if the ship's length (L) exceeds 100 metres in length, be fitted with satisfactory closing appliances.

(5) The minimum bow height for a ship shall be derived from formula 1 in the case of a ship of less than 250 metres in length (L) and from formula 2 in the case of a ship of 250 metres or more in length (L):—

Formula 1

56(L) (1—

) (

) millimeter

Formula 2

7000 (

) millimeters

C

b

being taken as not less than 0·68 in the case of each formula.

PART II

TIMBER FREEBOARDS

Summer Timber freeboard

14. (

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)

15. (

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)?

16. Specify the means by which such covers can be secured and maintained watertight, and state whether they are efficient.

17. The Summer Timber freeboard shall be determined as follows:—

(1) There shall first be ascertained the freeboard appropriate to the ship under the provisions of sub-paragraphs (1), (2) (

a

), (9) and (10) of paragraph 5 of this Schedule.

(2) Corrections shall be applied to the freeboard so obtained in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 6 to 10 of this Schedule.

(3) Deductions for the effective length of superstructures only shall be made from the freeboard obtained pursuant to the preceding sub-paragraphs, in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 11 (1) and (2) (

b

) of this Schedule but substituting for the Table "Percentage of Deduction for Type 'B' ships" therein the following Table:—

TABLE

Total effective length of superstructures

0

0·1 (L)

0·2 (L)

0·3 (L)

0·4 (L)

0·5 (L)

0·6 (L)

0·7 (L)

0·8 (L)

0·9 (L)

1·0 (L)

Percentage of deduction for all types of superstructures

20

31

42

53

64

70

76

82

88

94

100

Percentages at intermediate lengths of superstructures shall be obtained by linear interpolation.

(4) Corrections shall be applied to the freeboard obtained pursuant to the preceding sub-paragraphs in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 12 to 15 of this Schedule, and the freeboard so corrected shall be the Summer Timber freeboard to be assigned to the ship.

Other Timber freeboards

18.— (1) The Winter Timber freeboard shall be obtained by adding to the Summer Timber freeboard one thirty-sixth (1/36th) of the summer timber draught of the ship,

(2) The Winter North Atlantic Timber freeboard shall be the same as the Winter North Atlantic freeboard assigned to the ship.

(3) The Tropical Timber freeboard shall be obtained by deducting from the Summer Timber freeboard one forty-eighth (¼8th) of the summer timber draught of the ship.

(4) (

a

) The Fresh Water Timber freeboard shall, subject to sub-paragraph (

b

), be obtained by deducting from the Summer Timber freeboard the quantity

where

is the displacement in salt water in metric tons at the waterline which will when load lines have been marked on the ship's side correspond to the Summer Timber load line, and T represents metric tons per centimetre immersion in salt water at that waterline.

(

b

) In any case in which the displacement at that waterline cannot be ascertained the deduction shall be one forty-eighth (¼8th) of the summer timber draught of the ship.

PART III

SAILING SHIPS AND OTHER SHIPS

Sailing ships and tugs

18. (

a

) Specify the material used for coamings.

(

b

) If the coamings are not of steel, is the material used equivalent to steel?

19. The freeboards to be assigned to sailing ships and tugs shall be freeboards determined in accordance with the provisions of Part I of this Schedule increased by such amounts as the Minister may direct in each particular case.

Ships of wood and other ships

20. The freeboards to be assigned to ships of wood or of composite construction or of other materials, or to ships with constructional features such as to render freeboards calculated in accordance with Part I of this Schedule unreasonable or impracticable shall be determined by the Minister in each particular case.

Unmanned barges

21. The freeboards to be assigned to unmanned barges having on the freeboard deck only small access openings closed by watertight gasketed covers of steel shall be freeboards determined in accordance with the provisions of Part I of this Schedule omitting paragraphs 5 and 16. Such freeboards may be reduced by such amounts not exceeding 25 per cent. as the Minister may direct in each particular case.

SIXTH SCHEDULE

FREEBOARD TABLES

(Fifth Schedule)

22. The ship shall comply with the requirements of either—

(1) paragraph 18 as if it were a Type " A " ship, or

(2) paragraphs 23 and 24.

23.—(1) References in this paragraph to a poop or detached bridge include references to a deckhouse fitted in lieu of and serving the purpose of a poop or detached bridge.

(2) Access between the poop and the detached bridge shall be by means of an efficiently constructed gangway of substantial strength connecting those structures, fitted on or near the centre line of the ship. The gangway shall be at least 1 metre in width and shall be fitted at each side throughout its length with guard rails or guard wires complying with the requirements set out in relation to such rails or wires in paragraph 18 (2) (

a

). If the length of the gangway exceeds 70 metres, shelters complying with the requirements set out in relation to shelters in paragraph 18 (5) (

d

) shall be provided in way of the gangway.

23. (

a

) Give particulars of the construction of exposed parts of air pipes.

(

b

) Is such construction acceptable under paragraph 10(1)?

24. In the case of a ship the crew of which may in the course of their duties be required to go in adverse weather conditions to a position or positions forward of the detached bridge, or forward of the poop in cases where there is no detached bridge and all crew accommodation and machinery spaces are situated at the after end of the ship, access to such position shall

(1) by the means described in paragraph 18 (4), or

(2) by the means described in paragraph 23 (2), or

(3) equivalent means of access

Provided that in the case of a ship the hatchway coamings of which are 600 millimetres or more in height from the deck, two walkways giving access to the said positions and complying with the following requirements may be provided : —

(i) the walkways shall be efficiently constructed and of satisfactory strength;

(ii) the walkways shall each be at least 1 metre in width and shall be fitted on the freeboard deck alongside the outboard structure of the hatchway coamings, one to port and the other to starboard of the hatchways;

(iii) each walkway shall be fitted on the side outboard of the hatchways with guard rails or guard wires complying with the requirements set out in relation to such rails or wires in paragraph 18 (2) (

a

).

Freeing arrangements

25. The ship shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 20 (4).

PART IV

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO SHIPS TO BE ASSIGNED TIMBER FREEBOARDS

Application

26. The requirements of paragraphs 27 to 29 of this Part apply only in the case of ships to be assigned Timber freeboards."align="center"

Superstructures

27.—(1) The ship shall have a forecastle of not less than the standard height of an enclosed superstructure and not less in length than 0.07(L).

(2) If the ship is less than 100 metres in length it shall be fitted aft with either—

(i) a poop of not less than standard height, or

(ii) a raised quarter deck having either a deck house or a strong steel hood, so that the total height thereof is not less than the standard height of an enclosed superstructure.

Double Bottom Tanks

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. Double bottom tanks where fitted within the midship half length of the ship shall have satisfactory watertight longitudinal subdivision.

Bulwarks, guard rails and stanchions

29. The ship shall be fitted with either—

(1) permanent bulwarks at least 1 metre in height which are specially stiffened on the upper edge and supported by strong bulwark stays attached to the deck, and are provided with freeing ports complying with the requirements of paragraph 14(1) to (6), or

(2) efficient guard rails and stanchions at least 1 metre in height, of specially strong construction, and complying with the requirements of paragraph 15(4).

PART V

GENERAL

Equivalent or exceptional provision

30. The Assigning Authority may with the approval of the Minister—

(1) allow any fitting, material, appliance or apparatus to be fitted in a ship, or allow other provision to be made in a ship, in the place of any fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or provision respectively which is required under any of the provisions of this Schedule, if satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that it is at least as effective as that so required; or

(2) allow in any exceptional case departures from the requirements of any of the said provisions on condition that the freeboards to be assigned to the ship are increased to such an extent as to satisfy the Minister that the safety of the ship and protection afforded to the crew will be no less effective than would be the case if the ship fully complied with those requirements and there were no such increase of freeboards.

FIFTH SCHEDULE

FREEBOARDS

Rule 29

Determination of freeboard deck and interpretation

1.—(1) The deck which is to be taken to be the freeboard deck of a ship to which the Act applies shall be the deck from which the freeboards assigned to the ship are calculated, being either—

(

a

) the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea, which has permanent means of closing all openings in its weather portions, and below which all openings in the sides of the ship are fitted with permanent means of watertight closing; or

(

b

) at the request of the owner and subject to the approval of the Minister, a deck lower than that described in paragraph (

a

), subject to its being a complete and permanent deck which is continuous both (i) in a fore and aft direction at least between the machinery space and peak bulkheads of the ship and (ii) athwartships,

and a deck which is stepped shall for the purpose of this paragraph be taken to consist of the part forming the lowest line of the deck together with the area formed by the continuation of that line parallel to the upper part or parts of the deck.

(2) In this Schedule expressions defined in the Fourth Schedule to these Rules have the meanings thereby assigned to them respectively, and—

"block coefficient" or the symbol "(C

b

)" in relation to a ship means the product of—

where—

is the volume of the moulded displacement of the ship (excluding bossing) if the ship has a metal shell, and of displacement to the outer surface of the hull if the ship has a shell of any other material, displacement being taken in each case at a moulded draught of d., and

d

1

is 85 per cent of the least moulded depth;

provided that in no case shall the block coefficient (Cb) be taken to be less than 0·68;

"depth for freeboard" and the symbol "(D)" in relation to a ship—

(

a

) means, except as otherwise stated in sub-paragraph (

b

), the moulded depth of the ship amidships plus the thickness of the freeboard deck stringer plate where fitted, plus, if the exposed freeboard deck is sheathed, the product of

where T is the mean thickness of the exposed sheathing clear (L) of deck openings;

(

b

) in the case of a ship having a rounded gunwale with a radius greater than 4 per cent of the breadth of the ship (B) or having topsides of unusual form, means the depth, calculated in accordance with subparagraph (

a

), which would be the depth for freeboard purposes of a ship having a midship section with vertical topsides and with the same round of beam and the same area of topside section as that of the midship section of the first mentioned ship;

"effective length" and the symbol "(E)" in relation to a superstructure means the effective length of the superstructure ascertained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of this Schedule;

"flush deck ship" means a ship which has no superstructure on the freeboard deck;

"length" and the symbol "(S)" in relation to a superstructure means the length of the superstructure ascertained in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 9 of this Schedule;

"moulded depth" in relation to a ship means the vertical distance measured from the top of the keel to the top of the freeboard deck beam at side;

Provided that—

(

a

) in the case of a wood or composite ship, it shall be measured from the tower edge of the keel rabbet;

(

b

) if the form at the tower part of the midship section of the ship is of a hollow character, or if thick garboards are fitted, it shall be measured from the point where the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards cuts the side of the keel;

(

c

) in the case of a ship having rounded gunwales, it shall be measured to the point of intersection of the moulded lines of the deck and side shell plating, the lines extending as though the gunwale were of angular design;

(

d

) if the freeboard deck is stepped and the raised part of the deck extends over the point at which the moulded depth is to be determined, it shall be measured to a line of reference extending from the lower part of the deck along a line parallel to the raised part of the deck.

"summer draught" in relation to a ship means the draught measured from—

(

a

) in the case of a wood or composite ship, the lower edge of the keel rabbet;

(

b

) if the form at the lower part of the midship section is of a hollow character, or if thick garboards are fitted, the point where the line of the flat of the bottom continued inwards cuts the side of the keel, and

(

c

) in any other case from the top of the keel,

to the point which when load lines and marks have been marked on the ship's side will correspond to the centre of the ring of the load line mark;

"summer timber draught" in relation to a ship means the draught measured from point (

a

), (

b

) or (

c

) described in the preceding definition to the point which when timber load lines have been marked on the ship's side will correspond to the upper edge of the Summer Timber load line;

"tabular freeboard" means in the case of a Type "A" ship the freeboard appropriate to the ship's length under Freeboard Table A set out in the Sixth Schedule to these Rules and in the case of a Type "B" ship the freeboard appropriate to the ship's length under Freeboard Table B set out in that Schedule.

Freeboards: general

2.—(1) Except as otherwise provided in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), the freeboards to be assigned to a ship other than Timber freeboards shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Part I of this Schedule, and Timber freeboards to be assigned to a ship shall be determined in accordance with Part II.

(2) Freeboards determined as described in sub-paragraph (1) are the freeboards appropriate to ships the structural strength of which complies with the highest standard required by an Assigning Authority; and the freeboards to be assigned to ships the structural strength of which does not comply with that standard shall be freeboards so determined but increased in each case by such amount as the Assigning Authority with the approval of the Minister may determine as appropriate to the ship's structural strength.

(3) The freeboards to be assigned to—

sailing ships.

tugs;

ships of wood or of composite construction or of other materials;

ships with constructional features such as to render freeboards determined as described in sub-paragraph (1) unreasonable or impracticable; and

unmanned barges having on the freeboard deck only small access openings closed by watertight gasketed covers of steel.

shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Part III of this Schedule.

PART I

FREEBOARDS OTHER THAN TIMBER FREEBOARDS

Determination of freeboards

3.—(1) The Summer freeboard shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of paragraphs 4 to 16 of this Schedule

Provided that the freeboard so obtained but omitting any correction made for deck-line as provided in paragraph 8 shall be not less than 50 millimetres except in the case of a ship with hatchways in Position 1 to which paragraph 5 of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules applies but which do not have pontoon covers, in which case it shall be not less than 150 millimetres.

(2) The Tropical freeboard shall be obtained by deducting from the Summer freeboard applicable to the ship one forty-eighth (1 / 48th) of the summer draught of the ship

Provided that the freeboard so obtained but omitting any correction made for deck-line as provided in paragraphs 8 shall be not less than 50 millimetres except in the case of a ship with hatchways in Position 1 to which paragraph 5 of the Fourth Schedule to these Rules applies but which do not have pontoon covers, in which case it shall be not less than 150 millimetres.

(3) The Winter freeboard shall be obtained by adding to the Summer freeboard applicable to the ship one forty-eighth (¼8th) of the summer draught of the ship.

(4) The Winter North Atlantic freeboard shall be obtained by adding to the Winter freeboard applicable to the ship a distance of 50 millimetres.

(5) (a) The Fresh Water freeboard shall, subject to sub-paragraph (

b

), be obtained by deducting from the Summer freeboard the quantity—

millimetres

where

is the displacement in salt water in metric tons at the Summer load waterline, and T represents metric tons per centimetre immersion in salt water at that waterline.

(

b

) In any case in which the displacement at that waterline cannot be ascertained the deduction shall be one forty-eighth (¼8th) of the summer draught of the ship.

Summer freeboard: Type "A" ships

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

S.I. No. 205 of 1968.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (LOAD LINE) RULES, 1968.

ARRANGEMENT OF RULES.

PART I.

PRELIMINARY AND GENERAL.

Rule.