Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (INSTRUCTIONS TO SURVEYORS) (PASSENGER SHIPS) REGULATIONS - REGULATION 29

Openings not permitted in certain bulkheads

(1) Doorways, manholes or access openings are not permitted:

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

   (b)  in the main transverse bulkheads dividing a cargo space from an
        adjoining cargo space or from a permanent or reserve bunker, except as
        provided for in paragraph 41(3).

(2) The collision bulkhead may be pierced below the margin line by not more
than one pipe for dealing with fluid in the forepeak tank, provided that the
pipe is fitted with a screw-down valve capable of being operated from above
the bulkhead deck, the valve chest being secured to the collision bulkhead
inside the fore peak.

(3) Openings closed only by portable bolted plates are not permitted in
watertight bulkheads outside the machinery space. Such openings may be
permitted for special purposes within the machinery spaces, subject to the
condition that they will be closed and made watertight before the ship leaves
port and not opened at sea except in the case of urgent necessity. The
surveyor should ascertain that steps have been taken for securing compliance
with this condition, on the fines indicated in paragraph 43(13) relating to
side scuttles and dead lights. Whenever these plates are removed, all
necessary precautions should be taken in replacing them to ensure
watertightness.

(4) Openings closed by sluice valves are not permitted in the watertight
subdivision bulkheads.