S.I. No. 12/1994 - Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) (Amendment) Rules, 1994.

S.I. No. 12 of 1994.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PASSENGER SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND SURVEY) (AMENDMENT) RULES, 1994.

ARRANGEMENT OF RULES

Rule

1. Citation and Commencement

2. Definition of "The 1989 Rules"

3. Revocation of The 1989 Rules

4. Amendment of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1983

(a)—(f) Miscellaneous Amendments to Rules 1, 3 and 5

(g) Amendment of Rule 9

Inclining and stability information

Loading and stability assessment

Information on stability during loading

Stability and freeboard during loading and unloading

Recording of draught, trim and freeboard prior to departure

Calculation of stability prior to departure

Permitted standard to be recorded

Condition of loading prior to departure to be satisfactory

Draught marks and automatic draught gauge system

(h) and (i) amendment of Rules 11 and 59

(j) Deletion of Rules 124 and 125

(k) Amendment of Rule 131

(l) Amendment of Part VIIB

Access opening indicator lights

Supplementary emergency lighting

Television surveillance

(m) Amendment of paragraph 12 of the Second Schedule

5. Amendment of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985

(a)—(f) Miscellaneous amendments to Rules 1 and 6

(g) Amendment of rule 9

Inclining and stability information

Loading and stability assessment

Information on stability during loading

Stability and freeboard during loading and unloading

Recording of draught, trim and freeboard prior to departure

Calculation of stability prior to departure

Permitted standard of stability to be recorded

Condition of loading prior to departure to be satisfactory

Draught marks and automatic draught gauge system

(h) Amendment of Rule 11

Stability in damaged condition

(i)-(k) Miscellaneous amendments to Rules 16, 48 and 71

(l) Amendment of Rule 80A

Amendment of Part VIA: Miscellaneous: Ships with special category or Ro/Ro cargo spaces

Access opening indicator lights

Supplementary emergency lighting

Television surveillance

(m) Amendment of Rule 82: responsibilities of owner and master

(n)-(p) Amendment of Parts II and III of the First Schedule

(q) Amendment of paragraph 12 of the Second Schedule

(r) Amendment of the Third schedule: "Stability in damaged condition".

Part 1: Assumptions on which calculations are to be based

Part 2: Sufficiency of the stability in the damaged condition as applicable to all passenger ships to which Part IIA of these Rules applies except post-1990 ships

Part 3: Sufficiency of stability in the damaged condition as applicable to all passenger ships to which Part IIA of these Rules applies and which are post-1990 ships

(s) and (t) Amendment of Rules 13 and 14

(u) Amendment of Rule 15: "Openings in watertight bulkheads in passenger ships".

(v)-(bb) Miscellaneous amendments to Rules 16, 18, 20, 37 and 46

EXPLANATORY NOTE

S.I. No. 12 of 1994.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (PASSENGER SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND SURVEY) (AMENDMENT) RULES, 1994.

I, DAVID ANDREWS, Minister for the Marine, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by sections 10 (as amended by section 9 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1966 (No. 20 of 1966), and section 29 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1992 (No. 2 of 1992)), and 33 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act, 1952 (No. 29 of 1952), and the Communications (Transfer of Departmental Administration and Ministerial Functions) Order, 1987 ( S.I. No. 91 of 1987 ), hereby make the following Rules:

1. These Rules may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Pasenger Ship Construction and Survey) (Amendment) Rules, 1994, and shall come into operation on the 1st day of April, 1994.

2. In these Rules "the 1989 Rules" means the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) (Amendment) Rules, 1989 ( S.I. No. 97 of 1989 ).

3. The 1989 Rules are hereby revoked.

4. The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) Rules, 1983 ( S.I. No. 300 of 1983 ), are hereby amended—

(a) by the insertion in Rule 1 (2) of the following definitions:

"'deadweight' has the same meaning as in the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985 ( S.I. No. 274 of 1985 );

'deadweight moment' means the total vertical moment about the moulded base line amidships of all the component weights of the total deadweight;

'favourable weather' means fine, clear, settled weather with a sea state such as to cause only moderate rolling or pitching;

'owner' in relation to a ship, means the person registered as its owner, charterer, manager or operator;

'similar stage of construction' means the stage at which:

(i) construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; and

(ii) assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1 per cent. of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less;

'stability information book' means the book referred to in Rule 9 (8) of these Rules;

'voyage' includes an excursion;";

(b) by the substitution in Rule 1 (2) of the following definition for the definition of "ro/ro cargo spaces" (inserted by the 1989 Rules):

'"ro/ro cargo spaces' means spaces not normally subdivided in any way and extended to either a substantial length or the entire length of the ship in which goods (packaged or in bulk, in or on rail or road cars, vehicles (including road or rail tankers), trailers, containers, pallets, demountable tanks or in or on similar stowage units or other receptacles) can be loaded and unloaded normally in a horizontal direction;";

(c) by the substitution in Rule 1 (2) of the following definition for the definition of "ro/ro passenger ship" (inserted by the 1989 Rules):

"'ro/ro passenger ship' means a passenger ship provided with cargo or vehicle spaces not normally subdivided in any way and extending to either a substantial length or the entire length of the ship in which vehicles or cargo can be loaded or unloaded in a horizontal direction;";

(d) by the substitution for paragraph (3) (inserted by the 1989 Rules) of Rule 1 of the following paragraph:

"(3) These Rules apply to passenger ships registered in the State, and unless expressly provided otherwise, to other passenger ship's while they are within the State or the territorial waters thereof other than—

(i) those of which the keels were laid or which were at a similar stage of construction on or after the 1st day of September, 1984, and

(ii) those which, although constructed before that date, were subsequently converted into passenger ships, such conversion having commenced on or after that date";

(e) by the substitution in Rule 3 (1) of "favourable weather" for "fine weather" in the descriptions of Class III and Class VI;

(f) by the substitution for the proviso to Rule 5 of the following proviso;

"provided that—

(a) a ship to which this Part applies which complies fully with all the equivalent requirements specified in IMO Resolution A.265 (VIII) need not comply with the requirements of this Part;

(b) a passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply shall instead of complying with Rules 16 and 17 of these Rules comply with Rules 16 and 17 of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985 ( S.I. No. 274 of 1985 ).";

(g) by the substitution for Rule 9 of the following Rules:

"Inclining, Stability Information, Loading and Stability Assessment.

Inclining and Stability Information

9. (1) This Rule applies only to passenger ships registered in the State to which these Rules apply.

(2) Every ship on her completion shall be inclined and the elements of her stability determined. The master of the ship shall be supplied by the owner thereof with reliable information relating to the stability of the ship in accordance with the following provisions of this Rule. The information relating to stability shall, before being supplied to the master, be submitted to the Minister for his approval, together with a copy thereof for his retention, and shall incorporate such additions and amendments as the Minister may in approving the information or at any subsequent time specify.

(3) Every ship of Classes I, II and II(A) shall undergo a lightweight survey to determine the ship's lightship displacement and longitudinal position of its centre of gravity before the 1st day of September, 1994 unless it has been inclined since the 29th day of April, 1987. Every such lightweight survey shall be subject to the conditions specified in paragraph (4) of this Rule.

(4) Every ship of Classes I, II and II(a) shall have a lightweight survey carried out within each period of five years to verify any changes in lightship displacement and longitudinal centre of gravity. Such periods shall commence on the date of issue of either a Passenger and Safety Certificate or Passenger Certificate subsequent to a previous inclining or lightweight survey, which ever date is the earliest. The ship shall be re-inclined whenever, in comparison with the ship's approved stability information derived from the previous inclining experiment, a deviation from the lightship displacement exceeding 2 per cent. or a deviation of the longitudinal centre of gravity exceeding 1 per cent. of the ship's length is found or anticipated. Every inclining or lightweight survey made for this purpose or for the purpose of paragraph (3) of this rule shall be carried out in the presence of a Department of the Marine Surveyor. The interval between lightweight surveys or any such ship may be extended by the Minister for a period of not more than one year if he is satisfied, on the production to him of relevant information about the ship, that the lightweight survey is not necessary at the required interval.

(5) A report of each inclining or lightweight survey of a ship carried out in accordance with pargraphs (3) and (4) of this Rule and of the calculation therefrom of the lightship condition particulars shall be submitted to the Minister for his approval, together with a copy for his retention. The report as approved by the Minister shall be placed on board the ship by the owner of the ship in the custody of the master of the ship and shall incorporate such additions and amendments as the Minister may in approving the report or at any subsequent time specify. The amended lightship condition particulars so obtained from time to time shall be used by the Master in substitution for such previously approved particulars when calculating the ship's stability.

(6) Following any inclining or lightweight survey carried out in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Rule on the basis of which the elements of the ship's stability have been then determined the master of the ship shall be supplied by the owner of the ship with amended stability information if the Minister so requires. The information so supplied shall be submitted to the Minister for his approval, together with a copy thereof for his retention and shall incorporate such additions and amendments as the Minister may in approving the information or at any subsequent time specify.

(7) Where any alterations are made to a ship so as materially to affect the stability information supplied to the master of the ship amended stability information shall be provided. The ship shall be re-inclined if the Minister so requires.

(8) Stability information provided pursuant to paragraphs (2), (5), (6) and (7) of this Rule shall be furnished in the form of a book ("the stability information book") which shall be kept on board the ship at all times in the custody of the master. The information shall include particulars appropriate to the ship in respect of the matters specified in the Second Schedule to these Rules and shall be in the form set out in that Schedule.

(9) Every ship shall have a scale of draughts marked clearly at the bow and stern.

Loading and Stability Assessment

9A. Rules 9B to 9H of these Rules apply to passenger ships registered in the State of Classes I, II and II(A).

Information on stability during loading

9B. (1) The owner of every ship shall ensure that the master of the ship is provided with information relating to its stability during the process of loading and unloading. This information shall be included in the ship's stability information book.

(2) Where any alterations are made or changes occur to a ship so as materially to affect the information supplied to the master of the ship in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Rule, amended information shall be provided and included in the stability information book.

(3) The information provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of this Rule shall be kept on board the ship at all times in the custody of the master.

Stability and freeboard during loading and unloading

9C. The master of a ship shall use the information provided in accordance with Rule 9B of these Rules and, when necessary, make calculations in order to ensure that the process of loading and unloading is carried out safely; in particular, he shall ensure that—

( a ) the ship has an adequate stability; and

( b ) the freeboard at any door giving access to the hull or to an enclosed superstructure is sufficient to prevent the entry of water.

Recording of draught, trim and freeboard prior to departure

9D. (1) On completion of the loading of a ship and before it proceeds on a voyage, the master of the ship or an officer appointed for the purpose by the master shall ascertain:

( a ) the ship's draught at the bow and at the stern;

( b ) the trim of the ship by the bow or the stern; and

( c ) the vertical distance from the water line to the appropriate sub-division load line mark on each side of the ship.

(2) The draughts, trim and the vertical distances ascertained in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Rule shall be recorded by the master of the ship or such officer appointed by him for the purpose.

Circulation of stability prior to departure

9E. (1) The master of a ship shall, on completion of the loading of the ship and before it proceeds on a voyage, cause the vertical position of the ship's centre of gravity relative to its keel (referred to subsequently in these Rules as "KG"), or its transverse metacentric height (referred to subsequently in these Rules as "GM"), whichever is appropriate for the ship, to be calculated.

(2) In the case of a ship of Class II or II(A) the actual weights of goods vehicles and other items of cargo required to be provided shall be in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Weighing of Goods Vehicles) Regulations, 1989 ( S.I. No. 64 of 1989 ). In the case of a ship of Class I the actual weights of goods vehicles and other items of cargo shall be used and shall be determined in accordance with those Regulations as if the ship was a ship of Class II. For items not required to be so weighed, the declared weights or weights estimated as accurately as possible shall be used.

(3) The calculation required by paragraph (1) of this Rule shall be made using—

( a ) a ship-based loading and stability computer, or

( b ) a shore-based loading and stability computer, or

( c ) any other method enabling results of then necessary accuracy to be obtained,

that complies with the provisions of any relevant Marine Notice.

(4) The master or a ship shall record the result of the calculation aforesaid in the official log book.

(5) Where the calculation aforesaid is made by means of a shore-based loading and stability computer system, a print-out of the calculation shall be given to the master concerned before his ship proceeds on its voyage. It shall be the duty of the person responsible for that system to ensure that the calculations are substantially correct.

(6) A full record of the said calculation or a copy thereof shall be retained on the ship for at least one month after the calculation is made and shall be made available for inspection at any time during that period. In the case of a ship of Class I a copy of the record, or the record itself, shall be furnished to a person, nominated by the owner of the ship, and retained by him for a period of at least one month from the date that he receives it.

Permitted standard to be recorded

9F. Before a ship proceeds on a voyage, the master shall cause the maximum permissible height of its KG, or the minimum permissible height of its GM, whichever is appropriate to the ship, to be determined and recorded in the official log book.

Condition of loading prior to departure to be satisfactory

9G. Before a ship proceeds on a voyage, the master shall ensure that the condition of loading of the ship, as recorded in accordance with the Rules 9D (2) and 9E (4) of these Rules, is within the permissible standard of stability determined in accordance with Rule 9F of these Rules and satisfies the requirements of the stability information book.

Draught marks and automatic draught gauge system

9H. Where the draught marks of a ship are not located where they are easily readable, or operational constraints for a particular trade make it difficult to read the draught marks, then the ship shall also be fitted with a reliable automatic draught indicating system by which the bow and stern draughts can be determined.";

( h ) by the insertion after paragraph (2) of Rule 11 of the following paragraph:

"(2A) The intact stability of every ro/ro passenger ship registered in the State shall be re-examined in accordance with the provisions of the Third Schedule to these Rules in order to establish the sufficiency of positive stability required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Rule whenever considered necessary by the Minister in connection with amended stability information prepared in accordance with paragraphs (6) and (7) of Rule 9 of these Rules. Such re-examinations shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Minister that at all stages of flooding there is sufficient positive residual stability after the assumed damage prescribed in the Third Schedule to these Rules.";

( i ) by the insertion after Rule 59 of the following Rule:

"59A. Where public spaces of a ship span three or more open decks and contain combustibles such as furniture and enclosed spaces such as shops, offices and restaurants, the said space shall be equipped with a smoke extraction system. The smoke extraction system shall be activated by the required smoke detection system and be capable of manual control. The fans shall be sized such that the entire volume within the said spaces can be exhausted in 10 minutes or less.";

( j ) by the deletion of Rules 124 and 125;

( k ) by the substitution for paragraph (1) of Rule 131 of the following paragraph:

"(1) Every ship to which this Part applies shall comply with Rules 126, 127 and 129 of these Rules.";

( l ) by the substitution for Part VIIB (inserted by the 1989 Rules) of the following Part:

"PART VIIB

Miscellaneous: Ships with Special Category or Ro/Ro Cargo Spaces

Access opening indicator lights

131A This Part of these Rules applies to ro/ro passenger ships to which these Rules apply.

131B Indicators shall be provided on the navigating bridge of a ship for all shell doors, loading doors and other closing appliances fitted to openings which, if left open or not properly secured could, in the opinion of the Minister, lead to major flooding of a special category space or ro/ro cargo space. The indicator system shall be designed on the fail safe principle and shall show if the door is not fully closed or not secured. The power supply for the indicator system shall be independent of the power supply for operating and securing the doors.

Supplementary emergency lighting

131C (1) All passenger public spaces and alleyways in a ship shall be provided with supplementary electric lighting that can operate for at least three hours when all other sources of electric power have failed and under any condition of heel. The illumination provided shall be such that the approach to the means of escape can be readily seen. The source of power for the supplementary lighting shall consist of accumulator batteries located within the lighting units that are continuously charged, where practicable, from the emergency switchboard or any other means of power supply that, in the opinion of the Minister, is at least as effective. The supplementary lighting shall be such that any failure of the lamp will be immediately apparent. Any accumulator battery provided shall be replaced at intervals having regard to the specified service life in the ambient conditions that it is subject to in service.

(2) A portable rechargeable battery operated lamp shall be provided in every crew space, alleyway and recreational space in a ship and in every working space in a ship which is normally occupied unless the supplementary emergency lighting specified in paragraph (1) of this Rule is provided.

Television surveillance

131D (1) A system shall be installed in a ship, such as a television surveillance or a water leakage detection system, to provide an indication to the navigating bridge of any leakage through bow doors, stern doors or any other cargo or vehicle loading doors which could lead to major flooding of special category spaces or ro/ro cargo spaces.

(2) Special category spaces and ro/ro cargo spaces in a ship shall either be patrolled or monitored by effective means, such as television surveillance, so that movement of vehicles in adverse weather and unauthorised access by passengers to those spaces can be observed whilst the ship is underway.";

( m ) by the substitution for paragraph 12 of the Second Schedule of the following paragraph:

"12. Such information, as is necessary to enable the master of the ship by rapid and simple processes to obtain accurate guidance as to the stability of the ship under varying conditions of service, shall be provided for the purposes of ensuring that Rules 10 and 11 of these Rules are complied with. This information shall be presented in the form of either required metacentric height (GM) or maximum allowable vertical centre of gravity (KG) values and shall be presented in either graphical or tabular form. This information shall be provided on the basis of the ship being at level keel and at trims of 0.4%L and 0.8%L by the bow and by the stern over the range of displacements or mean draughts which are likely to occur in service; provided that for any such ships which are intended to operate at greater trims than are specified in this paragraph additional information shall be included. The Minister may approve the substitution of lesser trims by the bow and stern as specified in this paragraph if he is satisfied that such a lesser range of trims are sufficient for the purpose intended because of the characteristics of the particular ship."; and

( n ) by the insertion in paragraph (3) (a) (i) of the Third Schedule after "stability" of "to the satisfaction of the Minister".

5. The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985 ( S.I. No. 274 of 1985 ), are hereby amended:

( a ) by the insertion in Rule 1 (2) of the following definitions:

"'deadweight moment' means the total vertical moment about the moulded baseline amidships of all the component weights of the total deadweight;

'owner' in relation to a ship, means the person registered as its owner, charterer, manager or operator;

'post-1990 ship' means a passenger ship the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, on or after the 29th day of April, 1990, or a cargo ship which is converted to a passenger ship on or after that date;

'post-1992 ship' means a passenger ship the keel of which is laid, or which is at a similar stage of construction, on or after the 1st day of February, 1992, or a cargo ship which is converted to a passenger ship on or after that date;

'proper officer' means an Irish consul, a Superintendent of the General Register and Record Office (within the meaning of the Mercantile Marine Act, 1955 (No. 29 of 1955)), or any officer in a post in the State exercising the functions of such a superintendent;

'stability information book' means the book referred to in Rule 9 (8) of these Rules;

'voyage' includes an excursion;";

( b ) by the substitution in Rule 1 (2) of the following definition for the definition of "ro/ro passenger ship" (inserted by the 1989 Rules):

( c ) by the substitution in Rule 1 (2) of the following definition for the definition of "watertight":

"'watertight' in relation to a structure means capable of preventing the passage of water through the structure in any direction under the maximum head of water which it might have to sustain in the event of damage to the ship, but for structures below the bulkhead deck, at least the head of water up to the ship's margin line;";

( d ) by the substitution for paragraph (3) (inserted by the 1989 Rules) of Rule 1 of the following paragraph:

"(3) (a) Subject to subparagraph (b) of this paragraph, these Rules apply—

(i) to new passenger ships registered in the State, and, unless expressly provided otherwise, to other new passenger ships while they are within the State of the territorial waters thereof, and

(ii) to the extent that the Minister deems reasonable and practical, to any major repairs, alterations or modifications to existing passenger ships registered in the State.

( b ) Rules 16, 17 and 20 of these Rules shall not apply to new passenger ships which are not registered in the State; but such ships shall comply instead with Rules 16, 17 and 19 of the Merchant Shipping (Passenter Ship Construction) Rules, 1983 ( S.I. No. 300 of 1983 ).";

( e ) by the insertion of the following paragraph after paragraph (3) of Rule 1:

"(4) Where a ship is managed by a person other than its owner (whether on behalf of the owner or some other person, or on his own behalf), a reference in these Rules to the owner shall be construed as including a reference to that person".;

( f ) by the insertion in Rule 6 of the following proviso to the first sentence thereof:

"'provided that for a ship of Class II or II (A) such maximum length shall be calculated in accordance with either Part II or Part III of that Schedule.";

( g ) by the substitution for Rule 9 of the following Rules:

"Inclining, Stability Information, Loading and Stability Assessment.

Inclining and Stability Information

9. (1) This Rule applies only to passenger ships registered in the State to which these Rules apply.

(3) Every ship of Classes I, II and II (A) shall undergo a lightweight survey, to determine the ship's lightship displacement and longitudinal position of its centre of gravity, before the 1st day of September, 1994, unless it has been inclined since the 29th day of April, 1987. Every such lightweight survey shall be subject to the conditions specified in paragraph (4) of this Rule.

(4) Every ship of Classes I, II and II(A) shall have a lightweight survey carried out within each period of five years to verify any changes in lightship displacement and longitudinal centre of gravity. Such periods shall commence on the date of issue of either a Passenger and Safety Certificate or Passenger Certificate subsequent to a previous inclining or lightweight survey, whichever date is the earliest: The ship shall be re-inclined whenever, in comparison with the ship's approved stability information derived from the previous inclining experiment, a deviation from the lightship displacement exceeding 2 per cent. or a deviation of the longtitudinal centre of gravity exceeding 1 per cent. of the ship's length is found or anticipated. Every inclining or lightweight survey made for this purpose or for the purpose of paragraph (3) of this Rule shall be carried out in the presence of a Department of the Marine Surveyor. The interval between lightweight surveys of any such ship may be extended by the Minister for a period of not more than one year if he is satisfied, on the production to him of relevant information about the ship, that the lightweight survey is not necessary at the required interval.

(5) A report of each inclining or lightweight survey of a ship carried out in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Rule and of the calculation therefrom of the lightship condition particulars shall be submitted to the Minister for his approval, together with a copy for his retention. The report as approved by the Minister shall be placed on board the ship by the owner of the ship in the custody of the master of the ship and shall incorporate such additions and amendments as the Minister may in approving the report or at any subsequent time specify. The amended lightship condition particulars so obtained from time to time shall be used by the master in substitution for such previously approved particulars when calculating the ship's stability.

(6) Following any inclining or lightweight survey carried out in accordance with the requirements of paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Rule on the basis of which the elements of the ship's stability have been then determined the master shall be supplied by the owner with amended stability information if the Minister so requires. The information so supplied shall be submitted to the Minister for approval, together with a copy thereof for his retention and shall incorporate such additions and amendments as the Minister may in approving the information or at any subsequent time specify.

(7) Where any alterations are made to a ship so as materially to affect the stability information supplied to the master of the ship, amended stability information shall be provided. The ship shall be re-inclined if the Minister so requires.

(8) Stability information provided pursuant to paragraphs (2), (5), (6) and (7) of this Rule shall be furnished in the form of a book ("the stability information book") which shall be kept on board the ship at all times in the custody of the master. The information shall included particulars appropriate to the ship in respect of the matters specified in the Second Schedule to these Rules and shall be in the form set out in that Schedule.

(9) Every ship shall have a scale of draughts marked clearly at the bow and stern.

Loading and Stability Assessment

9A Rules 9B to 9H of these Rules apply to passenger ships registered in the State of Classes I, II and II(A).

Information on stability during loading

9B (1) The owner of a ship shall ensure that the master of the ship is provided with information relating to its stability during the process of loading and unloading. This information shall be included in the ship's stability information book.

(2) Where any alterations are made or changes occur to a ship so as materially to affect the information with which the master of the ship is provided in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Rule, amended information shall be provided and included in the stability information book.

(3) The information provided pursuant to paragraphs (1) and (2) of this Rule shall be kept on board the ship at all times in the custody of the master.

Stability and freeboard during loading and unloading

9C The master of a ship shall use the information provided in accordance with Rule 9B of these Rules and, when necessary, make calculations in order to ensure that the process of loading and unloading is carried out safely; in particular, he shall ensure that—

( a ) the ship has an adequate stability; and

( b ) the freeboard at any door giving access to the hull or to an enclosed superstructure is sufficient to prevent the entry of water.

Recording of draught, trim and freeboard prior to departure

9D (1) On completion of the loading of a ship and before it proceeds on a voyage, the master of the ship or an officer appointed for the purpose by the master shall ascertain:

( a ) the ship's draught at the bow and at the stern;

( b ) the trim of the ship by the bow or the stern; and

( c ) the vertical distance from the waterline to the appropriate sub-division load line mark on each side of the ship.

(2) the draughts, trim and the vertical distances ascertained in accordance with paragraph (1) of this Rule shall be recorded by the master of the ship or such officer appointed by him for the purpose.

Calculation of stability prior to departure

9E (1) The master of a ship shall, on completion of the loading of the ship and before it proceeds on a voyage, cause the vertical position of the ship's centre of gravity relative to its keel (referred to subsequently in these Rules as "KG"), or its transverse metacentric height (referred to subsequently in these Rules as "GM") whichever is appropriate for the ship, to be calculated.

(2) In the case of a ship of Class II or II(A) the actual weights of goods vehicles and other items of cargo required to be provided shall be in accordance with the Merchant Shipping (Weighing of Goods Vehicles) Regulations, 1989 ( S.I. No. 64 of 1989 ). In the case of a ship of Class I the actual weights of goods vehicles and other items of cargo shall be used and shall be determined in accordance with those Regulations as if that ship was a ship of Class II. For items not required to be so weighted, the declared weights or weights estimated as accurately as possible shall be used.

(3) The calculation required by paragraph (1) of this Rule shall be made using—

( a ) a ship-based loading and stability computer, or

( b ) a shore-based loading and stability computer, or

( c ) any other method enabling results of the necessary accuracy to be obtained,

that complies with the provisions of any relevant Marine Notice.

(4) The master of a ship shall record the result of the calculation aforesaid in the official log book.

(6) a full record of the said calculation or a copy thereof shall be retained on the ship concerned for at least one month after the calculation is made and shall be made available for inspection at any time during that period. In the case of a ship of Class I a copy of the record, or the record itself, shall be furnished to a person, nominated by the owner of a ship, and retained by him for a period of at least one month from the date he receives it.

Permitted standard of stability to be recorded

9F Before a ship proceeds on a voyage, the master shall cause the maximum permissible height of its KG, or the minimum permissable height of its GM, whichever is appropriate to the ship, to be determined and recorded in the official log book.

Condition of loading prior to departure to be satisfactory

9G Before a ship proceeds on a voyage, the master shall ensure that the condition of loading of the ship, as recorded in accordance with the Rules 9D (2) and 9E (4) of these Rules, is within the permissible standard of stability determined in accordance with Rule 9F, and satisfies the requirements of the stability information book.

Draught marks and automatic draught gauge system

9H Where the draught marks of a ship are not located where they are easily readable, or operational constraints for a particular trade make it difficult to read the draught marks, then the ship shall also be fitted with a reliable automatic draught indicating system by which the bow and stern draughts can be determined.";

( h ) by the substitution for Rule 11 of the following Rules:

"Stability in damaged condition

11. (1) This Rule applies to all passenger ships to which these Rules apply except post-1990 ships.

(2) (a) In addition to the requirements of Rule 10 of these Rules every ship shall be so constructed as to provide sufficient intact stability in all service conditions to enable the ship to withstand the flooding of any one of the main compartments into which the ship is sub-divided in accordance with the provisions of Rule 6 of these Rules. The sufficiency of intact stability required shall be calculated in accordance with Parts 1 and 2 of the Third Schedule to these Rules. If two of the main compartments, being adjacent to each other, are separated by a bulkhead which is stepped under the conditions of paragraph 6 (3) (a) of the First Schedule to these Rules the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of those two adjacent main compartments.

( b ) Where in any such ship the factor of subdivision required under paragraph 4 or 9 of the First Schedule to these Rules is .50 or less but more than .33, the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of any two adjacent main compartments.

( c ) Where in any such ship the factor of subdivision required under paragraph 4 of the First Schedule to these Rules is .33 or less, the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of any three adjacent main compartments.

(3) ( a ) For the purposes of this Rule the sufficiency of the intact stability of every such ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Parts 1 and 2 of the Third Schedule to these Rules.

( b ) The intact stability of every ro/ro passenger ship registered in the State shall be re-examined in accordance with the provisions of Part 2 of the Third Schedule to these Rules in order to establish the sufficiency of positive stability as required by paragraphs (2) (a) and (3) (a) of this Rule whenever considered necessary by the Minister in connection with amended stability information prepared in accordance with paragrpahs (6) and (7) of Rule 9 of these Rules. Such re-examinations shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Minister that at all stages of flooding there is sufficient positive residual stability after the assumed damage prescribed in Part 1 of the Third Schedule to these Rules.

(4) ( a ) Every ship shall be so constructed as to keep unsymmetrical flooding when the ship is in a damaged condition at the minimum consistent with efficient arrangements. If cross-flooding fittings are provided in any such ship the fittings shall, where practicable, be self-acting but in any case where controls to cross-flooding fittings are provided, they shall be capable of being operated from above the bulkhead deck. Such fittings together with their controls as well as the maximum heel before equalisation shall be such as will not endanger the safety of the ship. The cross-flooding fittings shall be capable of reducing the heel within 15 minutes, sufficient to meet the requirements of paragraph 2 (2) (c) of Part 2 of the Third Schedule to these Rules.

( b ) If the margin line may become submerged during the flooding assumed for the purposes of the calculation referred to in the Third Schedule to these Rules, the construction of the ship shall be such as will enable the master of the ship to ensure:

(i) that the maximum angle of heel during any stage of such flooding will not be such as will endanger the safety of the ship; and

(ii) that the margin line shall not be submerged in the final stage of flooding.

(5) There shall be provided by the owner in every ship, which is required by Part IIA of these Rules to be subdivided, a document for the use of the master of the ship containing:

(i) information as to the use of any cross-flooding fittings provided in the ship;

(ii) information necessary for the maintenance of sufficient intact stability under service conditions to enable the ship to withstand damage to the extent referred to in Part 1 of the Third Schedule to these Rules; and

(iii) information as to the conditions of stability on which the calculations of heel have been based, together with a warning that excessive heeling might result should the ship sustain damage when in a less favourable condition.

This additional information shall be included in the stability information book.

11A. (1) This Rule only applies to post-1990 ships.

(2) ( a ) In addition to the requirements of Rule 10 of these Rules, every ship shall be so constructed as to provide sufficient intact stability in all service conditions to enable the ship to withstand the final flooding of any one of the main compartments into which the ship is subdivided in accordance with the provision of Rule 6 of these Rules. The sufficiency of intact stability required shall be calculated in accordance with Parts 1 and 3 of the Third Schedule to these Rules. If two of the main compartments, being adjacent to each other, are separated by a bulkhead which is stepped in accordance with the condition referred to in paragraph 6 (3) (a) of the First Schedule to these Rules, the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of those two adjacent main compartments.

( b ) Where in any such ship the factor of subdivision required under and subject to the provisions of paragraph 4 or 9 of the First Schedule to these Rules is .50 or less but more than .33, the intact stability shall be adequate to withstand the flooding of any two adjacent main compartments.

(3) For the purpose of this Rule the sufficiency of the intact stability of every such ship shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of Parts 1 and 3 of the Third Schedule to these Rules.

(4) ( a ) Every ship shall be so constructed as to keep unsymmetrical flooding when the ship is in a damaged condition at the minimum consistent with efficient arrangements. If cross-flooding fittings are provided in any such ship the fittings shall, where practicable, be self-acting but in any case where controls to cross-flooding fittings are provided, they shall be capable of being operated from above the bulkhead deck. Such fittings together with their controls shall be such as will not endanger the safety of the ship. The maximum angle of heel after flooding but before equalisation shall not exceed 15 degrees. The cross-flooding fittings shall be capable of reducing the heel within 15 minutes, sufficiently to meet the requirements of paragraph 3 (2)(ii) of Part 3 of the Third Schedule to these Rules.

( b ) if the margin line may become submerged during the flooding assumed for the purposes of the calculation referred to in the Third Schedule to these Rules, the construction of the ship shall be such as will enable the master of the ship to ensure:

(i) that the maximum angle of heel during any stage of such flooding will not be such as will endanger the safety of the ship and that in any event it shall not exceed the maximum heel defined in paragraph 3(2)(ii) of Part 3 of the Third Schedule;

(ii) that the margin line shall not be submerged in the final stage of flooding.

(5) There shall be provided by the owner in every ship, which is required by Part IIA of these Rules to be subdivided, a document for the use of the master of the ship containing:—

(i) information as to the use of any cross flooding fittings provided in the ship;

(ii) information necessary for the maintenance of intact stability under service conditions to enable the ship to withstand damage to the extent referred to in the Third Schedule to these Rules; and

This additional information shall be included in the stability information book.";

(i) by the substitution for subparagraph (b) of Rule 16 (6) of the following subparagraph:

"(b) The hand-operated gear shall be of such a design that the doors can be closed and opened from each side of the door and can be closed from the operating position above the bulkhead deck required by paragraph (5) of this Rule.";

( j ) by the insertion in Rule 48 (1) (a) (i) after "Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Rules, 1983 ( S.I. No. 302 of 1983 )" of "or the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances) Regulations, 1993 ( S.I. No. 380 of 1993 ) as the case may be.";

( k ) by the insertion in Rule 71 (1) after "to these Rules" of the following:

"and a record of the measurements taken shall be retained on the ship.";

( l ) by the substitution for Part VIA (inserted by the 1989 Rules) of the following Rule and Part:

"Materials

80A Asbestos or any material containing asbestos shall not be installed in any part of a ship save that white asbestos may be used in machinery when a substitute material is not available.

PART VIA

Miscellaneous: Ships with Special Category or ro/ro Cargo Spaces

Access opening indicator lights

80B This Part of these Rules applies to ro/ro passenger ships to which these Rules apply.

80C Indicators shall be provided on the navigating bridge of a ship for all shell doors, loading doors and other closing appliances fitted to openings which, if left open or not properly secured, could, in the opinion of the Minister, lead to major folding of a special category space or ro/ro cargo space. The indicator system shall be designed on the fail safe principle and shall show if the door is not fully closed or not secured. The power supply for the indicator system shall be independent of the power supply for operating and securing the doors.

Supplementary emergency lighting

80D (1) All passenger public spaces and alleyways shall be provided with supplementary electric lighting that can operate for at least three hours when all other sources of electric power have failed and under any condition of heel. The illumination provided shall be such that the approach to the means of escape can be readily seen. The source of power for the supplementary lighting shall consist of accumulator batteries located within the lighting units that are continuously charged, where practicable from the emergency switchboard or any other means of power supply that, in the opinion of the Minister, is at least as effective. The supplementary lighting shall be such that any failure of the lamp will be immediately apparent. Any accumulator battery provided shall be replaced at intervals having regard to the specified service life in the ambient conditions that it is subject to in service.

Television surveillance

80E (1) A system shall be installed in a ship such as a television surveillance or a water leakage detection system, to provide an indication to the navigating bridge of any leakage through bow doors, stern doors or any other cargo or vehicle loading doors which could lead to major flooding of special category spaces or ro/ro cargo spaces.

( m ) by the substitution for Rule 82 of the following Rule:

Responsibilities of owner and master

82 (1) The owner and master of every ship to which these Rules apply shall ensure that:

( a ) the condition of the ship and its equipment is maintained so as to comply with the relevant provisions of these Rules;

( b ) after every survey required by these Rules has been completed no material change shall be made in the structural arrangement, machinery, equipment and other items subject to such survey, without the approval of the Minister; and

( c ) Whenever an accident occurs to a ship or a defect is discovered either of which affects the safety of the ship or the efficiency or completeness of its equipment, it shall be reported at the earliest opportunity to the Minister or a proper officer, either of whom shall cause investigations to be initiated to determine whether a survey by a surveyor nominated by the Minister or the officer is necessary and shall in that event require such a survey to be carried out. If the ship is in a port outside the State the master or owner shall, in additions, make such a report immediately to the appropriate authorities of the country in which the port is situated.

(2) If the ship is outside the State a surveyor nominated as aforesaid shall ascertain from the appropriate authorities of the country in which the port is situated that the report referred to in paragraph (1) (c) of this rule has been made to them.";

( n ) by the substitution of the following heading for the heading of Part II of the First Schedule:

"PART II — SHIPS OF CLASSES I AND (OTHER THAN THOSE WHICH COMPLY WITH PART III OF THIS SCHEDULE) II AND II (A)";

( o ) by the substitution of the following heading for the heading of Part III of the First Schedule:

"PART III — SHIPS OF CLASSES II AND II (A) OTHER THAN THOSE WHICH COMPLY WITH PART II OF THIS SCHEDULE";

( p ) by the substitution in paragraph 8 (1) of the First Schedule of the following paragraph 8 (1) of the First Schedule of "93-35" for "93-35";

( q ) by the substitution for paragraph 12 of the Second Schedule of the following paragraph:

"12. Such information, as is necessary to enable the master by rapid and simple processes to obtain accurate guidance as to the stability of the ship under varying conditions of service, shall be provided in order that Rules 10 and 11 of these Rules will be complied with. This information shall be presented in the form of either required metacentric heights (GM) or maximum allowable vertical centre of gravity (KG) values and and shall be presented in either graphical or tabular form. This information shall be provided on the basis of the ship being at level keel and at trims of 0.4%L and 0.8%L by the bow and by the stern over the range of displacements or mean draughts which are likely to occur in service: provided that for any such ships which are intended to operate at greater trims than are specified in this paragraph such additional information as the Minister specifies shall be included. The Minister may approve the substitution of less trims by the bow and stern as specified in this paragraph if he is satisfied that such a lesser range of trims are sufficient for the purpose intended because of the characteristics of the particular ship.";

( r ) by the substitution for the Third Schedule of the following Schedule:

"THIRD SCHEDULE"

Rules 11 and 11A

STABILITY IN DAMAGED CONDITION

Part 1 Assumptions on which calculations are to be based

1. The sufficiency of intact stability of every ship to which Part IIA of these Rules applies shall be determined by a calculation which has regard to the design and construction of the ship, and the damaged compartments, and which is in accordance with the following assumptions:

(1) the ship shall be assumed to be in the worst service conditions as regards stability which is likely to be experienced having regard to the intended service of the ship, or damage calculations shall be made over the operational draft range as a basis for curves of required metacentric height (GM) values or permissible vertical centre of gravity (KG) values.

(2) the volume permeabilities and surface permeabilities shall be assumed to be as follows:

(a) Space	Permeability
Occupied by cargo or stores ... ... ...	60
(in ships carrying goods vehicles and accompanying personnel the permeability of the cargo spaces shall be assumed in accordance with paragraph (2) of Rule 19 of these Rules)
Appropriated for cargo or stores but not occupied by substantial quantities thereof ... ...	95
Appropriated as accommodation for passengers and crew ... ...	95
Appropriated for machinery ... ...	85
Appropriated for liquids	0 or 95, whichever results in the more onerous requirements.

( b ) Higher surface permeabilities than the foregoing shall be assumed in respect of spaces which, in the vicinity of the damaged water plant, contain no substantial quantity of accommodation or machinery and spaces which are not generally occupied by any substantial quantity of cargo or stores.

(3) the extent of damage shall be assumed to be as follows:

( a ) longitudinal extent: 3.00 metres plus 3 per cent. of the length of the ship, or 11.00 metres or 10 per cent. of the length of the ship, whichever is the least. Provided that where the required factor of subdivision is .33 or less, the assumed longitudinal extent of damage shall be increased as necessary so as to include any two consecutive main transverse watertight bulkheads;

( b ) transverse extent: 20 per cent. of the breadth of the ship, measured inboard from the ship's side at right angles to the centre line at the level of the deepest subdivision load waterline taken parallel to the keel;

( c ) vertical extent: from the base line upwards without limit;

( d ) if any damage of lesser extent than that indicated in the foregoing clauses (a), (b) and (c) would result in a more severe condition regarding keel or loss of metacentric height, such damage shall be assumed for the purposes of the calculation.

(4) where the ship is fitted with decks, inner skins or longitudinal bulkheads of sufficient tightness to restrict the flow of water, regard shall be had to such restrictions in the calculation.

Part 2 Sufficiency of the stability in the damaged condition as applicable to all passenger ships to which Part IIA of these Rules applies except post-1990 ships

2. The intact stability of the ship shall be deemed to be sufficient if the calculation specified in paragraph 1 of this Schedule shows that, after the assumed damage, the condition of the ship is as follows:

(1) in the event of symmetrical flooding:

( a ) at all stages of flooding there shall be sufficient positive residual stability to the satisfaction of the Minister;

( b ) at intermediate stages of flooding the margin line is not to be submerged unless partial subdivision above the margin line in accordance with Rule 24 of these Rules limits sufficiently the spread of water along the bulkhead deck and results in an angle of heel not exceeding 20 degrees. In the case of ships carrying vehicles on the bulkhead deck, the angle of heel at intermediate stages of flooding shall not be greater than that which will submerge the margin line;

( c ) at the final stage of flooding the margin line shall not be submerged and there shall be a oppositive residual metacentric height of at least 50 millimetres as calculated by the constant displacement method.

(2) in the event of unsymmetrical flooding:

( a ) the provisions of the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall apply;

( b ) at the final stage of flooding, and after equalisation measures, if any, have been taken, the angle of heel is not to exceed 7 degrees and the margin line is not to be submerged.

(3) the range of stability in the damaged condition shall be to the satisfaction of the Minister.

Part 3 Sufficiency of stability in the damaged condition as applicable to all passenger ships to which Part IIA of these Rules applies and which are post-1990 ships

3. The intact stability of the ship shall be deemed to be sufficient if the calculation specified in paragraph 1 of this Schedule shows that, after the assumed damage, the condition of the ship is as follows:

(1) in the final stage after damage, and after equalisation where provided, is as follows:

( a ) the positive residual righting lever curve shall have a minimum range of 15 degrees beyond the angle of equilibrium,

( b ) the area under the righting lever curve shall be at least 0.015 metre radians, measured from the angle of equilibrium to the lesser of:

(i) the angle at which progressive flooding occurs,

(ii) 22 degrees (measured from the upright) in the case of one compartment flooding, or 27 degrees (measured from the upright) in the case of the simultaneous flooding of two or more adjacent compartments;

( c ) a residual righting lever is to be obtained within the range specified in subparagraph (1) (a) of this paragraph, taking into account the greatest of the following heeling moments:

(i) the crowding of all passengers towards one side,

(ii) the launching of all fully loaded davit-launched survival craft on one side,

(iii) due to wind pressure as calculated by the formula,

/images/si012y94p0039.gif

however, in no case is this righting lever to be less than 0.10m;

( d ) for the purpose of calculating the heeling moments in clause (c) of this subparagraph, the following assumptions shall be made:

(i) moments due to crowding of passengers:

(A) four persons per square metre,

(B) a mass of 75 kg. for each passenger,

(C) passengers shall be distributed on available deck areas towards one side of the ship on the decks where muster stations are located and in such a way that they produce the most adverse heeling moment;

(ii) moments due to launching of all fully loaded davit-launched survival craft on one side:

(A) all lifeboats and rescue boats fitted on the side to which the ship has heeled after having sustained damage shall be assumed to be swung out fully loaded and ready for lowering,

(B) for lifeboats which are arranged to be launched fully loaded from the stowed position, the maximum heeling moment during launching shall be taken,

(C) a fully loaded davit-launched life raft attached to each davit on the side to which the ship has heeled after having sustained damage shall be assumed to be swung out ready for lowering,

(D) persons not in the life-saving appliances which are swung out shall not provide either additional heeling or righting moment,

(E) life-saving appliances on the side of the ship opposite to the side to which the ship has heeled shall be assumed to be in a stowed position;

(iii) moments due to wind pressure:

(A) a wind pressure of 129N/m₂ to be applied,

(B) the area applicable shall be the projected lateral area of the ship above the waterline corresponding to the intact condition,

(C) the moment arm shall be the vertical distance from a point at one half of the mean draught corresponding to the intact condition to the centre of gravity of the lateral area;

( e ) in intermediate stages of flooding the maximum righting lever shall be at least 0.05m and the range of positive righting levers shall be at least seven degrees. In all cases only one breach in the hull and only one free surface need to be assumed,

(2) the final condition of the ship after damage and, in the case of unsymmetrical flooding, after equalisation measures have been taken shall be as follows:

(i) in the case of symmetrical flooding there shall be a positive residual metacentric height of at least 50mm as calculated by the constant displacement method;

(ii) in the cast of unsymmetrical flooding the angle of heel for one-compartment flooding shall not exceed seven degrees. For the simultaneous flooding of two or more adjacent compartments a heel of 12 degrees shall not be exceeded;

(iii) in no case shall the margin line be submerged in the final stage of flooding. At intermediate stages of flooding the margin line is not to be submerged unless partial subdivision above the margin line in accordance with Rule 24 of these Rules limits sufficiently the spread of water along the bulkhead deck and results in an angle of heel not exceeding 20 degrees. In the case of ships carrying vehicles on the bulkhead deck, the angle of heel at intermediate stages of flooding shall not be greater than that which will submerge the margin line.";

( s ) by the insertion after Rule 13 of the following Rule:

13A. Rule 14 applies to every passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply except post-1992 ships.";

( t ) by the insertion after Rule 14 of the following Rule:

"Application of Rule 15

14A. Rule 15 applies to every passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply except post-1992 ships";

( u ) by the insertion after Rule 15 of the following Rule:

"Openings in Watertight Bulkheads in Passenger Ships

15A. (1) This Rule shall only apply to post-1992 ships and, insofar as it relates to the circumstances in which doors and other openings in watertight bulkheads shall be kept closed or may remain open, the indication of such circumstances in a stability information book and the recording of any such closing or opening in a log book, only to such ships that are registered in the State.

(2) In every ship of Classes I, II, and II (A) the number of openings in watertight bulkheads shall be reduced to the minimum compatible with the design and proper working of the ship; satisfactory means shall be provided for closing these openings.

(3) ( a ) Where pipes, scuppers, electric cables or other appliances are carried through watertight subdivision bulkheads, arrangements shall be made to ensure the watertight integrity of the bulkheads.

( b ) Valves not forming part of a piping system shall not be permitted in watertight subdivision bulkheads.

( c ) Lead or other heat sensitive materials shall not be used in the systems which penetrate watertight subdivision bulkheads, where deterioration of such systems in the event of fire would impair the watertight integrity of the bulkheads.

(4) ( a ) No doors, manholes, or access openings shall be permitted:

(i) in the collision bulkhead below the margin line;

(ii) in watertight transverse bulkheads dividing a cargo space from an adjoining cargo space or from a permanent or reserved bunker, except as provided in paragraph (11) (a) of this Rule and in Rule 19 of these Rules.

( b ) Except as provided in paragraphs (4) (c) of this Rule, the collision bulkhead may be pierced below the margin line by not more than one pipe for dealing with fluid in the forepeak tank, which pipe shall be fitted with a screwdown valve capable of being operated from above the bulkhead deck, the valve chest being secured inside the forepeak to the collision bulkhead. The Minister may, however, authorise the fitting of this valve on the after side of the collision bulkhead provided that the valve is readily accessible under all service conditions and the space in which it is located is not a cargo space.

( c ) If the forepack is divided to hold two different kinds of liquids the Minister may allow the collision bulkhead to be pierced below the margin line by two pipes, each of which is fitted as required by paragraph (4) (b) of this Rule, provided the Minister is satisfied that there is no practical alternative to the fitting of such a second pipe and that, having regard to the additional subdivision provided in the forepeak, the safety of the ship is maintained.

(5) ( a ) Watertight doors fitted in bulkheads between permanent and reserve bunkers shall always be accessible, except as provided in paragraph (10) (d) of this Rule with respect to between deck bunker doors.

( b ) Satisfactory arrangements shall be made by means of screens or otherwise to prevent coal from interfering with the closing of watertight bunker doors.

(6) Subject to paragraph (12) of this Rule, not more than one door, apart from the doors to bunkers and shaft tunnels, may be fitted in each main transverse bulkhead within spaces containing the main and auxiliary propulsion machinery including boilers serving the needs of propulsion and all permanent bunkers. Where two or more shafts are fitted, the tunnels shall be connected by an intercommunicating passage. There shall be only one door between the machinery space and the tunnel spaces where two shafts are fitted and only two doors where there are more than two shafts. All these doors shall be of the sliding type and shall be so located as to have their sills as high as practicable. The hand gear for operating these doors from above the bulkhead deck shall be situated outside the spaces containing the machinery.

(7) ( a ) Watertight doors shall be power-operated sliding doors comply with the requirements of paragraph (8) of this Rule and capable of being closed simultaneously from the central operating console at the navigating bridge in not more than 60 seconds with the ship in the upright position.

( b ) The means of operation, whether by power or by hand, of any power-operated sliding watertight door shall be capable of closing the door with the ship listed to 15 degrees either way. There shall be taken into account in ensuring that such a door can be capable of being so closed the forces which may act on either side of the door as may be experienced when water is flowing through the opening applying a static head equivalent to a water height of at least 1m above the sill of the centreline of the door.

( c ) The controls (including hydraulic piping and electric cables) of a watertight door shall be kept as close as practicable to the bulkhead in which the doors are fitted in order to minimise the likelihood of the controls being involved in any damage which the ship may sustain. The positioning of watertight doors and their controls shall be such that if the ship sustains damage within one fifth of the breadth of the ship, as defined in Rule 38 (2) of these Rules, such distance being measured at right angles to the centreline at the level of the deepest subdivision load line, the operation of the watertight doors clear of the damaged portion of the ship is not impaired

( d ) All power-operated sliding watertight doors shall be provided with means of indication which will show at all positions from which doors can be operated by remote controls whether the doors are open or closed. The positions from which the doors can be operated by remote control shall only be at the navigating bridge as required by paragraph (8) (a) (v) of this Rule and at the location where hand operation above the bulkhead deck is required by paragraph (8) (a) (iv) of this Rule.

(8) ( a ) Each power-operated sliding watertight door:

(i) shall have a vertical or horizontal motion;

(ii) shall, subject to paragraph (12) of this Rule, be normally limited to a maximum clear opening width of 1.2 metres. The Minister may permit larger doors only to the extent considered necessary for the effective operation of the ship provided that other safety measures, including the following, are taken into consideration:

(I) special consideration shall be given to the strength of the door and its closing appliances in order to prevent leakages;

(II) the door shall be located outside the damage zone B/5;

(III) the door shall be kept closed when the ship is at sea, except for limited periods when absolutely necessary as determined by the Minister;

(iii) shall be fitted with the necessary equipment to open and close the door using electric power, hydraulic power, or any other form of power that is approved by the Minister;

(iv) shall be provided with an individual hand-operated mechanism. It shall be possible to open and close the door by hand at the door itself from either side, and in addition, close the door from an accessible position above the bulkhead deck with an all round crank motion or some other movement providing the same degree of safety that is approved by the Minister. Direction of rotation or other movement shall be clearly indicated at all operating positions. The time necessary for the complete closure of the door, when operated by the hand gear, shall not exceed 90 seconds with the ship in the upright position;

(v) shall be provided with controls for opening and closing the door by power from both sides of the door and also for closing the door by power from the central operating console at the navigating bridge;

(vi) shall be provided with an audible alarm, distinct from any other alarm in the area, which will sound whenever the door is closed remotely by power and which is closed remotely by power and which shall sound for at least five seconds but no more than ten seconds before the door begins to move and shall continue sounding until the door is completely closed. In the case of remote hand operation it shall be sufficient for the audible alarm to sound only when the door is moving. Additionally, in passenger areas and areas of high ambient noise the Minister may require the audible alarm to be supplemented by an intermittent visual signal at the door; and

(vii) shall have an approximately uniform rate of closure under power. The closure time, from the time the door begins to move to the time it reaches the completely closed position, shall in no case be less than 20 seconds or more than 40 seconds with the ship in the upright position.

( b ) the electrical power required for power-operated sliding watertight doors shall be supplied from the emergency switchboard either directly or by a dedicated distribution board situated above the bulkhead deck. The associated control, indication and alarm circuits shall be supplied from the emergency switchboard either directly or by a dedicated distribution board situated above the bulkhead deck and be capable of being automatically supplied by the transitional source of emergency electrical power required by Rule 46 (7) (f) of these Rules in the event of failure of either the main or emergency source of electrical power.

(i) a centralised hydraulic system with two independent power sources each consisting of a motor and pump capable of simultaneously closing all doors. In addition, there shall be provided for the whole installation hydraulic accumulators of sufficient capacity to operate all the doors at least three times, that is to say, to close, open and close again, against an adverse list of 15 degrees. This operation cycle shall be capable of being carried out when the accumulator is at the pump cut-in pressure. The fluid used shall be chosen considering the temperature liable to be encountered by the installation during its service. The power operating system shall be designed to minimise the possibility of having a single failure in the hydraulic piping adversely affect the operation of more than one door. The hydraulic system shall be provided with a low-level alarm for hydraulic fluid reservoirs serving the power-operated system and a low gas pressure alarm or other effective means of monitoring loss of stored energy in hydraulic accumulators. These alarms shall be audible and visual and shall be situated on the central operating console at the navigating bridge; or

(ii) an independent hydraulic system for each door with each power source consisting of a motor and pump. In addition, there shall be a hydraulic accumulator of sufficient capacity to operate the door at least there times, that is to say, to close, open and close again, against an adverse list of 15 degrees. This operating cycle shall be capable of being carried out when the accumulator is at the pump cut-in pressure. The fluid used shall be chosen considering the temperatures liable to be encountered by the installation during its service. A low gas pressure group alarm or other effective means of monitoring loss of stored energy in hydraulic accumulators shall be provided at the central operating console on the navigating bridge. Provision for the indication of loss of stored energy at each local operating position shall be made; or

(iii) an independent electrical system and motor for each door with each power source consisting of a motor capable of opening and closing the door. The power source shall be capable of being automatically supplied by the transitional source of emergency electrical powers as required by Rule 46 (7) (f) of these Rules in the event of failure of either the main or emergency source of electrical power and with sufficient capacity to operate the door at least three times, that is to say, to close, to open and close again, against an adverse list of 15 degrees.

(d) The systems specified in subparagraph (c) (i), (ii) and (iii) of this paragraph shall comply with the following requirements—

(i) power systems for power-operated watertight sliding doors shall be separate from any other power system;

(ii) a single failure in the electric or hydraulic power-operated system (other than in the hydraulic actuator) shall not prevent the hand operation of any door.

(e) Control handles for doors shall be provided at each side of the bulkhead at a minimum height of 1.6 m above the floor and shall be so arranged as to enable persons passing through the doorway to hold both handles in the open position without being able to set the power closing mechanism in operation accidentally. The direction of movement of the handles in opening and closing the door shall be in the direction of door movement and shall be clearly indicated.

(f) As far as practicable, electrical equipment and components for watertight doors shall be situated above the bulkhead deck and outside hazardous areas and spaces.

(g) The enclosures of electrical components necessarily situated below the bulkhead deck shall provide suitable protection against the ingress of water.

(h) Electric power, control, indication and alarm circuits shall be protected against fault in such a way that a failure in one door circuit will not cause a failure in one door circuit will not cause a failure in any other door circuit. Short circuits or other faults in the alarm of indicator circuits of a door shall not result in a loss of power operation of that door. Arrangements shall be such that leakage of water into the electrical equipment located below the bulkhead deck will not cause the door to open.

(i) A single electrical failure in the power operating or control system of a power-operating sliding watertight door shall not result in a closed door opening availability of the power supply should be continuously monitored at a point in the electrical circuit as near as practicable to each of the motors required by subparagraph (c) of this paragraph. Loss of any such lower supply should activate an audible and visual alarm at the central operating console at the navigating bridge.

(9) (a) The central operating console at the navigating bridge shall have a switch (a "master mode switch") with two modes of control: a mode which shall allow any door to be locally opened and locally closed after use without automatic closure (a "local control mode") and a mode which shall automatically close any door that is open (a "doors closed mode"). The doors closed mode shall permit doors to be opened locally and shall automatically reclose the doors upon release of the local control mechanism. The master mode switch shall always be in the local control mode save where the doors closed mode is being used in an emergency or for testing purposes. Special consideration shall be given to the reliability of the master mode switch.

(b) The central operating console at the navigating bridge shall be provided with a diagram showing the location of each door, with visual indicators to show whether each door is opened or closed. A red light shall indicate a door is fully open and a green light shall indicate a door is fully closed. When the door is closed remotely the red light shall indicate the intermediate position by flashing. The indicating circuit shall be independent of the control circuit for each door.

(10) (a) All watertight doors shall be kept closed during navigation save that they may be opened during navigation as specified in subparagraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this paragraph. Watertight doors of width of more than 1.2 metres permitted by paragraph (12) of this Rule may only be opened in the circumstances specified in that paragraph. Any door which is opened in accordance with this paragraph shall be ready to be immediately closed.

(b) A watertight door may be opened during navigation to permit the passage of passengers or crew, or when work in the immediate vicinity of the door necessitates it being opened. The door must be immediately closed when transit through the door is complete or when the task which necessitated it being open is finished.

(c) The Minister may permit such watertight doors as are specified by him to remain open during navigation but only if he considers it absolutely necessary; that is to say, the doors remaining so open is determined essential to the safe and effective operation of the ship's machinery or to permit passengers normally unrestricted access throughout the passenger area. Such determination shall be made by the Minister only after careful consideration of the impact on ship operations and survivability of the ship. A watertight door permitted to remain thus open shall be clearly indicated in the ship's stability information book and shall always be ready to be immediately closed.

(d) Sliding watertight doors fitted between bunkers in the between-decks below the bulkhead deck may sometimes be open at sea for the purpose of trimming coal. The opening and closing of these doors shall be recorded in such log book as may be specified by the Minister.

(11) (a) If the Minister is satisfied that such doors are essential, watertight doors of satisfactory construction may be fitted in watertight bulkheads dividing cargo between deck spaces. Such doors may be hinged, rolling or sliding doors but shall not be remotely controlled. They shall be fitted at the highest level and as far from the shell plating as practicable, but in no case shall the outboard vertical edges be situated at a distance from the shell plating which is less than one-fifth of the breadth of the ship, as defined in Rule 38 (2) of these Rules, such distance being measured at right angles to the centreline at the level of the deepest subdivision load line.

(b) Such doors shall be closed before the voyage commences and shall be kept closed during navigation; the time of opening such doors in port and of closing them before the ship leaves port shall be entered in the log book referred to in paragraph (10) (d) of this Rule. Should any of the doors be accessible during the voyage, they shall be fitted with a device which prevents unauthorised opening. When it is proposed to fit such doors, the number and arrangements shall receive the special consideration of the Minister.

(12) Portable plates on bulkheads shall not be permitted except in machinery spaces. Such plates shall always be in place before the ship leaves port, and shall not be removed during navigation except in case of urgent necessity at the discretion of the master of the ship. The times of removal and replacement of any such portable plates shall be recorded in the log book referred to in paragraph (10) (d) of this Rule, and the necessary precautions shall be taken in replacing them to ensure that the joints are watertight. The Minister may permit not more than one power-operated sliding watertight door in each main transverse bulkhead larger than those specified in paragraph (8) (a) (ii) of this Rule to be substituted for these portable plates, provided these doors are closed during navigation except in case of urgent necessity at the discretion of the master of the ship. These doors need not meet the requirements of paragraph (8) (a) (iv) of this Rule regarding complete closure by hand-operated gear in 90 seconds. The time of opening and closing these doors, whether the ship is at sea or in port, shall be recorded in the log book referred to in paragraph (10) (d) of this Rule.

(13) (a) Where trunkways or tunnels for access from crew accommodation to the stokehold, for piping, or for any other purpose are carried through main transverse watertight bulkheads, they shall be watertight. The access to at least one end of each such tunnel or trunkway, if used as a passage at sea, shall be through a trunk extending watertight to a height sufficient to permit access above the margin line. The access to the other end of the trunkway or tunnel may be through a watertight door of the type required by its location in the ship. Such trunkways or tunnels shall not extend through the first subdivision bulkhead abaft the collision bulkhead.

(b) where it is proposed to fit tunnels piercing main transverse watertight bulkheads, these shall receive the special consideration of the Minister.

(c) Where trunkways in connection with refrigerated cargo and ventilation or forced draught trunks are carried through more than one watertight bulkhead, the means of closure at such openings shall be operated by power and be capable of being closed from a central position situated above the bulkhead deck.

(14) In every ship of Classes III to VI, bulkheads required by these Rules to be watertight shall not be pierced by doorways, ventilation trunks or other similar openings.

15B Rule 16 of these Rules applies to every passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply except post-1992 ships.";

(v) by the insertion after Rule 16 of the following Rule:

"16A Rule 17 of these Rules applies to every passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply except post-1992 ships.";

(w) by the insertion after paragraph (1) of Rule 18 of the following paragraph:

"(1A) Paragraph (2) of this Rule applies to every passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply except post-1992 ships.";

(x) by the insertion after subparagraph (c) of Rule 20 (4) of the following subparagraph:

"(cc) Subparagraph (d) of this paragraph applies to every passenger ship registered in the State to which these Rules apply except post-1992 ships.";

(y) by the insertion after subparagraph (d) of Rule 20 (4) of this following subparagraph:

"(dd) In the case of post-1992 ships—

(i) provision shall be made for the drainage of enclosed cargo spaces on the bulkhead deck provided that the Minister may permit means of discharge to be dispensed within any particular compartment of any ship if he is satisfied that by reason of size or internal subdivision of those spaces the safety of the ship is not thereby impaired,

(ii) where the freeboard to the bulkhead deck is such that the deck edge is immersed when the ship heels more than five degrees, the drainage shall be by means of a sufficient number of scuppers of suitable size discharging directly overboard. Every discharge shall be in compliance with the requirements of subparagraph (b) (i), (b) (ii) or (c) (iii) of this paragraph,

(iii) where the freeboard is such that the edge of the bulkhead deck is immersed when the ship heels five degrees or less, the drainage of the enclosed cargo spaces on the bulkhead deck shall be led to a suitable space, or spaces, of adequate capacity, having a high water level alarm and provided with suitable arrangements for discharge overboard. In addition it shall be ensured that:

(I) the number, size and disposition of the scuppers are such as to prevent unreasonable accumulation of free water;

(II) the pumping arrangements required by this Rule shall take account of the requirements for any fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system;

(III) water contaminated with petrol or other dangerous substances is not drained to machinery spaces or other spaces where sources of ignition may be present; and

(IV) where the enclosed cargo space is protected by a carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system the deck scuppers are fitted with means to prevent the escape of the smothering gas.";

(z) by the substitution for the definition of "D" in Rule 37 (1) of the following definition:

"D= moulded depth of ship amidships at the bulkhead deck in metres provided that in the case of a post-1992 ship having an enclosed cargo space on the bulkhead deck which is internally drained in accordance with the requirements of Rule 20 (4) (dd) of these Rules and which extends for the full length of the ship, D shall be measured to the next deck above the bulkhead deck. Where the enclosed cargo spaces cover a lesser length, D, in the case of a post-1992 ship, shall be taken as the moulded depth to the bulkhead plus 1h/L, where L and h are the aggregated length and height respectively of the enclosed cargo spaces in metres.";

(aa) by the insertion in Rule 46 (7) (e) before "supply power to close" of "(other than in the case of a post-1992 ship"; and

(bb) by the insertion after subparagraph (e) of Rule 46 (7) of the following subparagraph:

"(f) in the case of a post 1992 ship,

(i) supply power to operate the watertight doors, as required by Rule 15A (8) (c) (iii) of these Rules, but not necessarily all of them simultaneously, unless an independent temporary source of stored energy is provided and

(ii) supply power to the control, indication and alarm circuits as required by Rule 15A (8) (b) of these Rules for half an hour".

GIVEN under my Official Seal, this 28th day of January, 1994.

DAVID ANDREWS,

Minister for the Marine.

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

These Rules amend the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) Rules, 1983 ( S.I. No. 300 of 1983 ), as amended, and the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985 ( S.I. No. 274 of 1985 ) giving effect to the requirements of the 1988 and 1989 amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974. The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) (Amendment) Rules, 1989 are hereby revoked.

The Rules provide for:

(i) a lightweight survey to be carried out on passenger ships every five years;

(ii) the calculation of limiting stability envelope curves for all passenger ships;

(iii) an increase in the residual stability criteria requirements for passenger ships built on or after 29th April, 1990;

(iv) new requirements for openings in watertight bulkheads in passenger ships built on or after 1st February, 1992; and

(v) the introduction of requirements for the drainage of enclosed cargo spaces above the bulkhead deck for ships built on or after 1st February, 1992.