The Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Large Ships) Regulations 1998

Exterior boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses

88.—(1) Exterior boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses enclosing accommodation, including any overhanging decks which support such accommodation, shall be insulated to “A-60” standard for the whole of the portions which face the cargo area and on the side portions for a distance of not less than 3 metres from the portions which face the cargo area.

(2) Entrances, air inlets and openings to accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations shall not face the cargo area. They shall be located on the transverse bulkhead not facing the cargo area or on the outboard side of the superstructure or deckhouse at a distance of at least 4 per cent of the length of the ship but not less than 3 metres from the end of the superstructure or deckhouse facing the cargo area; provided that such distance need not exceed 5 metres.

(3) No doors shall be fitted within the limits specified in paragraph (2) except that the Secretary of State may permit doors to a space within those limits if—

(a) that space is a cargo control station, provisions room or store room; and

(b) that space does not have access to any accommodation space, service space or control station.

• Where such doors are fitted to a space located aft of the cargo area, the boundaries of the space shall be insulated to “A-60” standard, with the exception of the boundary facing the cargo area. Bolted plates for removal of machinery may be fitted within the limits specified in paragraph (2). Wheelhouse doors and wheelhouse windows may be located within the limits specified in paragraph (2) so long as they are designed to ensure that the wheelhouse can be made rapidly and efficiently gas and vapour tight.

(4) Windows and sidescuttles facing the cargo area and on the sides of the superstruc-tures and deckhouses within the limits specified in paragraph (2) shall be of the fixed (non-opening) type. Such windows and sidescuttles in the first tier on the main deck shall be fitted with inside covers of steel or other equivalent material.