The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction) Regulations 1997

Access to spaces in the cargo tank area of oil tankers Requirements for oil tankers constructed on or after 1st October 1994

26.—(1) Access to cofferdams, ballast tanks, cargo tanks and other spaces in the cargo area shall be direct from the open deck and be such as to ensure their complete inspection. Access to double bottom spaces may be through a cargo pump-room, deep cofferdam, pipe tunnel or similar compartments, provided adequate ventilation for safety can be ensured.

(2) For access through horizontal openings, hatches or manholes, the dimensions shall be sufficient to allow a person wearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and protective equipment to ascend or descend any ladder without obstruction and also to provide a clear opening to facilitate the hoisting of an injured person from the bottom of the space. The minimum clear opening shall be not less than 600 millimetres×600 millimetres.

(3) For access through vertical openings, or manholes providing passage through the length and breadth of the space, the minimum clear opening shall be not less than 600 millimetres×800 millimetres at a height of not more than 600 millimetres from the bottom shell plating unless gratings or other footholds are provided.

(4) For oil tankers of less than 5,000 tonnes deadweight smaller dimensions may be approved by the Certifying Authority in special circumstances, if the ability to traverse such openings or to remove an injured person can be proved to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority.