Collision bulkhead

(1) For the purpose of this section “freeboard deck”, “length of ship” and “forward perpendicular” have the meanings assigned to each in the 1966 Load Line Convention. (2) A collision bulkhead shall be watertight up to the freeboard deck. This bulkhead shall, as far as practicable, be located at a distance from the forward perpendicular of not less than 5% and not more than 7% of the length of the ship. Where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Administration that it is impractical for the collision bulkhead to be located at a distance from the forward perpendicular of not more than 7% of the length of the ship, the Administration may allow relaxation therefrom, subject to the condition that should the space forward of the bulkhead be flooded, the ship at full load condition will not be submerged to the margin line. (3) The collision bulkhead may have steps or recesses in it provided that they are within the limits prescribed in subregulation (2). Pipes piercing the collision bulkhead shall be kept to the minimum. Such pipes shall be fitted with suitable valves operable from above the freeboard deck and the valve chest shall be secured at the collision bulkhead inside the forepeak. The Administration may permit the location of such valves on the after side of the collision bulkhead provided that they are readily accessible under all service conditions and the space in which they are located is not a cargo space. All such valves shall be of material acceptable to the Administration. (4) Where a long forward superstructure is fitted, the collision bulkhead shall be extended watertight to the deck above the freeboard deck. The extension shall, subject to the requirements of subregulation (2), be located within the limits prescribed in subregulation (5). The part of the deck, if any, between the collision bulkhead and its extension shall be weathertight. (5) In every ship provided with a bow door and sloping loading ramp that forms part of the extension of the collision bulkhead above the freeboard deck, the part of the ramp which Merchant Ships (Registration) 128 is more than 2.3m above the freeboard deck may extend forward of the limits specified in subregulation (2). The ramp shall be weathertight over its entire length. (6) The number of openings in the collision bulkhead above the freeboard deck shall be reduced to the minimum compatible with the design and normal operation of the ship. All such openings shall be capable of being closed weathertight. (7) No doors, manholes, ventilation ducts or access opening shall be fitted in the collision bulkhead below the freeboard deck.