Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) (CREW ACCOMMODATION) REGULATION - SECT 29

Supply of drinking water

(1) Cold drinking water for purposes of drinking, cooking and dish washing
shall be laid on to taps in galleys, bars and pantries, and in the case of any
mess room provided for members of the crew for whom no pantry is provided, to
a tap in that mess room.

(2) The drinking water shall be supplied from tanks of suitable capacity
taking account of the number of the crew and the maximum number of days that
may elapse between successive replenishments of water. If the water supplied
to the sanitary accommodation is of the standard required for drinking water,
the storage tanks may be combined. If they are combined, the total capacity
shall be suitably increased.

(3) The drinking water storage tanks, any manholes leading into them, and all
pipes and other parts of the distribution system for the drinking water shall
be so arranged and constructed as to allow sufficient maintenance and prevent
any risk of contamination.

(4) If distilling or evaporating plant is provided for the supply of drinking
water, the storage capacity may be reduced from that specified in subsection
(2), but the tanks shall still be sufficient to provide at least 2 days'
supply.

(5) Where gravity service tanks are fitted they shall be directly connected
with the ship's main drinking water storage tanks.

(6) Where drinking water is produced by plant installed on board, the water so
produced shall be treated by a suitable automatic means of disinfection.

(7) Where drinking water is used for flushing water closets, supplying engine
auxiliaries or for any other purpose than drinking, precautions shall be taken
to ensure that the drinking water supply cannot be contaminated as a result of
that use.

(8) In every ship of 1000 tons or over a cooling tank or other suitable means
of cooling a supply of drinking water shall be provided and the water so
cooled shall be laid on so that it is readily available to the crew.

(9) In ships of 1000 tons or over any primary pumping necessary for the supply
of drinking water in crew accommodation shall be by mechanical power;
alternative pumping arrangements shall be provided to supply drinking water in
the event of a breakdown of the primary pumping system. When an enclosed
pressurized system is employed, the pumps provided for the alternative pumping
system shall be power operated and all pumps required for primary and
alternative pumping shall be fitted with automatic controls. (Enacted 1995)