The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations 1997

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PART IPRELIMINARY

Citation, commencement and revocation

1.—(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations 1997 and shall come into force on 11th July 1997.

(2) The following Regulations are hereby revoked—

(a)the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations 1978(1);

(b)the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) (Amendment) Regulations 1979(2);

(c)the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) (Amendment) Regulations 1984(3);

(d)the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) (Amendment) Regulations 1989(4).

Interpretation

2.—(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise provides—

“controlled drugs” are preparations subject to the prescription requirements of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1985(5);
“fishing vessel” means a vessel for the time being used (or, in the context of an application for registration, intended to be used) for, or in connection with, fishing for seafish other than—
(a)
a vessel used (or intended to be used) for fishing otherwise than for profit, and
(b)
any vessel for the time being used (or intended to be used) wholly for the purpose of conveying persons wishing to fish for pleasure;
“foreign going ship” includes every ship employed in trading or going between some place or places in the United Kingdom, and some place or places situated beyond the following limits; that is to say, the coasts of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, and the continent of Europe between the River Elbe and Brest inclusive;
“home trade ship” includes every ship employed in trading or going between some place or places in the United Kingdom, and some place or places within the following limits; that is to say, the coasts of the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man, and the continent of Europe between the River Elbe and Brest inclusive;
“Merchant Shipping Notice” means a Notice described as such and issued by the Marine Safety Agency; and any reference to a particular Merchant Shipping Notice includes a reference to any document amending or replacing that Notice which is considered by the Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice;
“passenger” does not include the spouse or child of a member of the crew travelling with him;
“passenger ship” means a ship carrying more than 12 passengers;
“pleasure vessel” means—
(a)
any vessel which at the time it is being used is—
(i)
(a)
in the case of a vessel wholly owned by an individual, or individuals, used only for the sport or pleasure of the owner or the immediate family or friends of the owner; or
(b)
in the case of a vessel owned by a body corporate, used only for sport or pleasure and on which the persons are employees or officers of the body corporate, or their immediate family or friends; and
(ii)
on a voyage or excursion which is one for which the owner does not receive money for or in connection with operating the vessel or carrying any person, other than as a contribution to the direct expenses of the operation of the vessel incurred during the voyage or excursion; or
(b)
any vessel wholly owned by or on behalf of a members' club formed for the purpose of sport or pleasure which, at the time it is being used, is used only for the sport or pleasure of members of that club or their immediate family or friends; and
(c)
in the case of any vessel referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b) above no other payments are made by or on behalf of users of the vessel, other than by the owner.
In this definition “immediate family” means in relation to an individual, the husband or wife of the individual, and a relative of the individual or the individual’s husband or wife, and “relative” means brother, sister, ancestor or lineal descendant;
“private bathroom” means a bathroom provided for the exclusive use of one person;
“semi-private bathroom” means a bathroom provided for the exclusive use of two persons;
“similar stage of construction” means the stage at which:
(a)
construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; and
(b)
assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or one per cent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less;
“the Gulfs area” means the sea area located north-west of the rhumb line between Ras al Had (22°30'N, 59°48'E) and Ras al Fasteh (25°04'N, 61°25'E);
“tons” means gross tons and a reference to tons—
(a)
in relation to a ship having alternative gross tonnages under paragraph 13 of Schedule 5 to the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1982(6), permitted to be used pursuant to regulation 12(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1997(7), is a reference to the larger of those tonnages; and
(b)
in relation to a ship having its tonnage determined both under Part II and regulation 12(2) of the said 1997 Regulations, is a reference to its gross tonnage as determined under the said regulation 12(2);
“United Kingdom ship” means a ship registered in the United Kingdom under Part II of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

(2) In these Regulations—

(a)a reference to a numbered regulation is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the regulation of that number in these Regulations;

(b)a reference in a regulation to a numbered paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the paragraph of that number in that regulation.

Application

3.—(1) Subject to paragraphs (2) and (3), these Regulations shall apply to every United Kingdom ship.

(2) These Regulations shall not apply to—

(a)fishing vessels;

(b)pleasure vessels; and

(c)ships belonging to a General Lighthouse Authority;

(3) A ship the keel of which was laid or which was at a similar stage of construction before 1st July 1979, and which has not been substantially reconstructed or altered since that date, shall be exempted from these Regulations provided that it complies with the standards laid down in Schedule 6 of the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations 1978, as if they had not been revoked.

PART IICREW ACCOMMODATION REQUIREMENTS

General

4.—(1) All parts of the crew accommodation, except store rooms, shall—

(a)wherever practicable be situated amidships or aft; but in no case shall any part of the crew accommodation, except a store room, be situated forward of the collision bulkhead; and

(b)be situated wholly above the Summer Load Line (if any) marked on the ship in accordance with the provisions of rules made, or treated as made, under Schedule 3 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995.

(2) The crew accommodation shall be so situated, constructed and arranged as to exclude so far as is reasonably practicable—

(a)from the crew accommodation, noise coming from other parts of the ship; and

(b)from any part of the crew accommodation noise coming from other parts of it.

(3) Sleeping rooms forming part of the crew accommodation of a passenger ship shall not be situated immediately beneath a working passageway. Any bulkhead, casing or deck separating a sleeping room from—

(a)a machinery space;

(b)a mess room;

(c)a recreation room;

(d)a room in which films or television are shown;

(e)a games room; or

(f)a public room;

shall be acoustically insulated in a way which will prevent the occupants of that sleeping room from being disturbed by excessive noise from that space or room.

(4) In the crew accommodation—

(a)all structures, furniture and fittings, and the means of access to and egress from the crew accommodation, shall be so situated, constructed and arranged as to minimise any risk of injury to the crew;

(b)to afford protection to the crew in rough sea conditions—

(i)handrails shall be provided in passageways and stairways where necessary and shall be of robust construction and strongly secured to bulkheads;

(ii)fixed furniture shall be strongly secured;

(iii)means shall be provided to secure portable furniture;

(iv)doors, including those to cupboards and other items of furniture, shall be so secured as not to open accidentally;

(v)drawers shall be so designed as not to slide open and fall out accidentally;

(vi)tables, shelves, stowage racks and other similar fittings shall be fitted with retaining lips or bars or with non-slip surfaces so that objects placed on them will not slide off.

(5) All parts of the crew accommodation, except cold store rooms, shall have a clear headroom of at least 1.98 metres at every point where full and free movement is necessary, but a reduction in the headroom in any space or part of a space in such accommodation may be permitted if it is reasonable to do so and such a reduction will not result in discomfort to the crew.

(6) Subject to regulation 32(23), no part of the crew accommodation shall be shared with passengers or used by or for the benefit of passengers.

(7) If oil or gaseous fuel is used in any ship the arrangements for its storage, distribution and utilisation shall be such as to minimise the risk of fire or explosion within the crew accommodation which the use of that fuel may entail.

(8) Inside panelling in the crew accommodation shall be constructed of a suitable material.

(9) The crew accommodation shall be so situated, constructed and arranged as to ensure the exclusion from the crew accommodation of effluvia originating in other spaces in the ship.

Divisions between the crew accommodation and other parts of the ship

5.—(1) Bulkheads which enclose any part of the crew accommodation and are exposed to the weather shall be properly constructed of steel or other suitable material and shall be of watertight construction; any openings in them shall be provided with means of weathertight closure. The means of weathertight closure provided for any entrance shall be a hinged door.

(2) Bulkheads which enclose any part of the crew accommodation and are exposed to the weather, and any part of the side of the ship which forms a wall or part of a wall of the crew accommodation; shall be so insulated as to prevent overheating or condensation unless the crew accommodation is so protected by its situation and ventilation that overheating and condensation are unlikely to occur.

(3) Every bulkhead, casing or deck separating any part of the crew accommodation from any space (including a cold store room) which is subject to abnormal heat or cold shall be so insulated as to prevent condensation or discomfort to the crew.

(4) Every bulkhead which separates any part of the crew accommodation (other than recreation deck space) from a space used as—

(a)a machinery space;

(b)a bunker;

(c)a room for storing fire-extinguishing gases;

(d)a chain locker;

(e)a cofferdam;

(f)a cargo space;

(g)a store room;

(h)a lamp room or paint room;

(i)a battery locker;

shall be of gastight construction, and shall be of watertight construction where necessary to protect the crew accommodation.

(5) There shall be no opening in any of the bulkheads referred to in paragraph (4) except that—

(a)where sanitary accommodation or changing rooms provided for the exclusive use of engine room officers and ratings are sited adjacent to the propelling machinery space there may be an opening in the propelling machinery space bulkhead to the sanitary accommodation or changing rooms and an opening from the sanitary accommodation or changing rooms to a passageway forming part of the crew accommodation provided that a hinged, steel, self-closing gastight door is fitted to one of such openings;

(b)where no other arrangement is practicable, there may be an opening in a bulkhead separating a passageway in the crew accommodation from a machinery space if that opening is provided with a hinged, steel, self closing gastight door;

(c)in ships of under 500 tons there may, where no other arrangement is practicable, be an opening in a bulkhead separating a passageway in the crew accommodation from an engine or deck store room if that opening is provided with a hinged, steel, self-closing gastight door; and

(d)where no other arrangement is practicable, there may be an opening in a bulkhead separating a passageway in the crew accommodation from any of the spaces specified in paragraph (4)(d) and (e) or from a store room other than an engine or deck store room if that opening is sealed in a way which is effective having regard to the use of the space.

(6) No batteries of a type which emit gases shall be stored in the crew accommodation and there shall be no opening from the crew accommodation into a space where such batteries are stored. Precautions shall be taken to ensure that fumes from batteries cannot be discharged into the crew accommodation.

(7) Any part of the crew accommodation which adjoins a tank in which oil may be carried shall be separated from that tank either—

(a)by a gastight steel division additional to the division which retains the oil; or

(b)by a division of all-welded steel construction capable of withstanding a head of water at least 1.5 metres greater than the maximum service head.

(8) No manhole or other opening to a fuel tank shall be situated in the crew accommodation.

Interior bulkheads

6.—(1) All bulkheads within the crew accommodation shall be properly constructed of steel or other suitable material.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3)—

(a)every bulkhead which separates any part of the crew accommodation from—

(i)sanitary accommodation;

(ii)a laundry;

(iii)a drying room;

(iv)a galley;

(v)a cold store room;

(vi)a dry provision store room;

shall be of gastight construction, and

(b)every bulkhead which separates any part of the crew accommodation from any of the spaces specified in subparagraphs (a)(i) to (v) inclusive shall be watertight to a height of not less than 230 millimetres, except in the case of doorways situated in bulkheads when the bulkheads shall be watertight to a height of not less than 100 millimetres.

(3) The requirements of paragraph (2) shall not apply to bulkheads separating—

(a)a space appropriated for a particular use from another space appropriated for the same use;

(b)a laundry from a drying room;

(c)a private bathroom from the sleeping room of the person for whose use it is provided, if there is direct access from the sleeping room to the private bathroom.

(4) Subject to the provisions of regulations 26(10) and 32(20) there shall be no openings in any bulkhead separating any sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room from any part of the crew accommodation except a passageway, recreation deck space or other sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room; nor in a bulkhead separating a galley from a sleeping room.

Overhead decks

7. Every deck which forms the crown of any part of the crew accommodation shall be adequately insulated to prevent condensation and overheating and, where it is exposed to the weather, be of such material and so constructed as to prevent ingress of water. It shall be of adequate strength to support any weight which may be placed upon it.

Floor decks

8.—(1) Every deck which forms the floor of any part of the crew accommodation (in this regulation called a “floor deck”) shall be properly constructed. If it is directly over an oil tank or permanent coal bunker it shall be oil tight or gastight respectively. Every floor deck shall have a surface which provides a good foothold and can be easily kept clean. Any floor covering shall be impervious to water and, if the deck is directly over an oil tank, impervious to oil.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), every floor deck made of metal, except floor decks in sanitary accommodation, galleys, laundries and store rooms, shall be covered with a material suitable to its purpose. The material shall be properly laid and the joins where the floor meets the walls shall be rounded in such a way as to avoid crevices.

(3) On every floor deck in crew accommodation, where a fitted carpet is laid it shall be laid on a deck covering which is suitable to its purpose and shall be such that it will not readily ignite.

(4) Every floor deck in sanitary accommodation, galleys and laundries shall be covered with terrazzo, tiles or other hard material which is impervious to liquids and provides a good foothold. The covering shall be properly laid and the joins where the floor meets the walls shall be rounded in such a way as to avoid crevices.

Access and escape arrangements

9.—(1) Every entrance into the crew accommodation from the open deck shall be so situated and constructed as to be protected against the weather and sea to the greatest extent practicable. The entrances shall be so situated that the crew accommodation is accessible at all times and in all weathers.

(2) There shall be at least one means of access, either direct or via not more than two rooms forming part of a suite, to any sleeping room, day room, mess room, recreation room, study, office, sanitary accommodation or galley, from an enclosed passageway.

(3) Two entirely separate escape routes shall be provided for each compartment, each route leading from the compartment to a suitably sited opening (which may be a normally used entrance) on to the weather deck. The escape routes, which shall not pass through propelling machinery spaces, galleys or other spaces where the risk of injury from fire, steam or other similar cause is comparatively high shall be so arranged as to provide a ready and unimpeded means of escape from each compartment to the ship’s boats, lifeboats or liferafts. Where escape routes are by way of stairways or ladderways, those stairways or ladderways shall be constructed of steel.

(4) In paragraph (3) “compartment” means all living and working spaces within the watertight or fire-resisting boundaries on any one level which are served by inter-communicating passageways.

Pipes in crew accommodation spaces

10.—(1) Except where no other arrangement is reasonably practicable, steam supply and exhaust pipes for steering gear, winches and similar equipment shall not pass through the crew accommodation.

(2) Where such pipes pass through the crew accommodation they shall pass through passageways only, shall be properly encased, and in the case of supply pipes—

(a)shall be constructed of solid drawn steel or other suitable material;

(b)shall be of a scantling sufficient to withstand the maximum pressure from the ship’s boiler system;

(c)shall have all connections made by faced flanges properly jointed; and

(d)shall be fitted with adequate drainage arrangements.

(3) Steam pipes, hot water pipes and calorifiers in the crew accommodation shall be efficiently lagged wherever necessary for the protection of the crew against injury or discomfort. Cold water pipes in the crew accommodation shall be lagged where necessary for the prevention of condensation.

(4) Where any parts of ventilator trunks to cargo spaces or tanks pass through the crew accommodation, they shall be made of steel or other suitable material and be gastight.

(5) Pipes used for crew accommodation services shall be of adequate dimensions having regard to their particular purpose and, in particular, soil pipes and waste pipes shall be so constructed as to minimize the risk of obstruction and to facilitate cleaning.

(6) Soil pipes shall not pass overhead in mess rooms, sleeping rooms, dry provision store rooms, galleys or the hospital, except where it is impracticable to place them elsewhere.

(7) No soil pipe or waste pipe shall pass through drinking water tanks or other fresh water tanks.

(8) Hawse pipes shall not pass through the crew accommodation.

Awnings

11. Every ship for the time being regularly engaged on voyages to or within the Tropics or the Gulfs area shall be provided with—

(a)awnings suitable to cover such area of any deck space provided pursuant to regulation 24(3) for the recreation of the crew as will, when covered with the awnings, provide a shaded area of adequate extent having regard to the number of persons in the crew and to any shade provided on that deck space by overhanging decks; and

(b)stanchions or other suitable supports for those awnings.

Heating

12.—(1) Except in ships employed solely within the Tropics or the Gulfs area, all sleeping rooms, mess rooms, day rooms, recreation rooms, rooms for watching films and television, hobbies and games rooms, offices, studies, sanitary accommodation and hospitals shall be installed with a main heating system capable of ensuring that when—

(a)the ventilation system provided for the room or crew accommodation is working so as to supply at least 25 cubic metres of fresh air per hour for each person whom the room or crew accommodation is designed to accommodate at any one time; and

(b)the temperature of the ambient air is−1°C;

the temperature in that room or crew accommodation can be maintained at 21°C.

(2) The main heating system shall be operated by steam, hot water, or electricity, or shall be a system supplying warm air.

(3) Means for turning on or off or varying the heat emitted by a radiator or other heating device without using a tool or key shall, wherever reasonably practicable, be provided in the space in which that radiator or other device is fitted. All heating equipment shall be so constructed that its operation is not affected by the use or non-use of propelling machinery, steering gear, deck machinery, calorifiers or cooking appliances.

(4) (a) Subject to subparagraph (b) below, the crew accommodation shall be heated by means of the main heating system at all times when any members of the crew are living or working on board and the circumstances are such that heating is required.

(b)Heating by means of the main heating system need not be provided when the vessel is in port if such parts of the crew accommodation as are then in use are provided with a safe and efficient temporary means of heating capable of ensuring the standard required by paragraph (1).

(5) Heating equipment shall be so constructed and installed, and if necessary shielded, as to avoid risk of fire or of danger or discomfort to the crew.

Lighting

13.—(1) In passenger ships all parts of the crew accommodation, except galleys, pantries, laundries, drying rooms, lockers, private and semi-private bathrooms and store rooms, shall wherever reasonably practicable be adequately lit by natural light.

(2) In ships other than passenger ships—

(a)subject to paragraph (b) below, all parts of the crew accommodation except galleys, pantries, laundries, drying rooms, lockers, private and semi-private bathrooms and store rooms, shall be adequately lit by natural light; and

(b)sanitary accommodation and passageways shall wherever reasonably practicable be adequately lit by natural light.

(3) For the purposes of paragraphs (1) and (2), “adequately lit” means lit by natural light which is bright enough in day time in clear weather to enable a person with normal sight to read an ordinary newspaper in those parts of the room or other space which are available for free movement.

(4) An electric lighting system shall be installed which is capable of supplying adequate light in all parts of the crew accommodation. Electric lights shall be so arranged as to give maximum benefit to the crew and shall include an electric reading lamp for each bed, fitted with a controlling switch at the head of the bed.

(5) An efficient alternative lighting system or an alternative supply of electrical power to the system mentioned in paragraph (4) shall be available for use when required in the crew accommodation.

(6) Any reading light provided in accordance with paragraph (4) shall—

(a)if it is in a sleeping room, be fitted with a lamp capable of emitting at least 200 lumens; and

(b)if it is in a hospital ward, be fitted with a lamp capable of emitting at least 400 lumens.

(7) The electric lighting in any of the following spaces, that is to say, sleeping rooms, day rooms, recreation rooms, rooms for watching films and television, hobbies and games rooms, mess rooms, hospital wards, offices, studies, sanitary accommodation, laundries, drying rooms, dry provision store rooms, cold store rooms, galleys, passageways, companionways and covered deck recreation spaces, shall be treated as adequate for the purposes of this regulation if—

(a)when the lamps, paintwork and other surface finishes are new, the illuminance in the horizontal plane when measured at the points specified in respect of that space in the Schedule to these Regulations is steady and is maintained, subject to a tolerance of 10 per cent, at the value prescribed in that Schedule in respect of those points; and

(b)it complies with any other requirements specified in the said Schedule in respect of that space.

Ventilation

14.—(1) Every enclosed space in the crew accommodation, except a cold store room, shall be provided with a ventilation system capable of maintaining the air in that space in a sufficiently pure condition for the health and comfort of the crew in all conditions of weather and climate which the ship is likely to encounter during the voyages on which she is intended to be engaged, and capable of being controlled as necessary for that purpose.

(2) The said ventilation system shall be additional to any sidescuttles, skylights, companion ways, doors or other openings not intended solely for ventilation, and shall be so arranged as to keep noise levels to a minimum and not to cause undue vibration.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1)—

(a)in all foreign going ships of 1000 tons or over except those regularly employed in latitudes north of latitude 50° North or south of latitude 45° South; and

(b)in all ships of under 1000 tons regularly engaged on voyages solely within the area of the Tropics or the Gulfs area;

the ventilation system provided for every enclosed space in the crew accommodation except a cold store room or a galley shall be an air conditioning system which shall be designed—

(i)to maintain the air at a satisfactory temperature and relative humidity as compared with outside air conditions, and to ensure a sufficiency of air changes in all air-conditioned spaces; and

(ii)to take account of the particular characteristics of operations at sea and not produce objectionable noises and vibrations.

(4) In ships provided with an air conditioning system, sanitary accommodation, laundries, drying rooms, changing rooms and pantries shall be provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation capable of ensuring rates of air changes sufficient for the type of accommodation for which it is provided.

(5) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (1), in all ships except those of under 500 tons which are either home trade ships or ships regularly employed on the coasts of New Zealand or in latitudes north of latitude 50° North or south of latitude 45° South, every enclosed space in the crew accommodation (except a cold store room) shall, if it is not ventilated by an air conditioning system, be provided with a trunked mechanical ventilation system capable of ensuring rates of air changes sufficient for the type of accommodation for which it is provided.

(6) A supply of power adequate to operate any air conditioning system or trunked mechanical ventilation system shall be provided. Any such system fitted shall be in operation at all times when any members of the crew are on board and the circumstances are such that ventilation by means of such system is required.

(7) In every ship, every enclosed space in the crew accommodation which is not ventilated either by an air conditioning system or by a trunked mechanical ventilation system shall be provided with a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation suitable to its purpose.

Sidescuttles and windows

15.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), any sidescuttles or windows in a sleeping room, day room, mess room, recreation room or hospital ward without which the standard of lighting required for that room by regulation 13(1) or (2) would not be attained, shall, unless the room is served by an air conditioning system complying with regulation 14, be of the opening type; if the room is served by such an air conditioning system then only 50 per cent of such sidescuttles or windows need be of the opening type.

(2) No sidescuttle or window shall be of the opening type if it is required by other regulations under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to be of the non-opening type.

(3) Where the application of paragraph (2) precludes the use of natural ventilation, then where natural ventilation or trunked mechanical ventilation is required by regulation 14, there shall instead be required a trunked mechanical ventilation system or an air conditioning system respectively.

(4) In every ship of 3,000 tons or over every sidescuttle shall be at least 300 millimetres in diameter.

Drainage

16.—(1) The crew accommodation shall be efficiently drained. In particular—

(a)drainage pipes and channels shall be provided wherever necessary to clear water shipped from the sea; and

(b)in order to preclude effluvia from the crew accommodation, the soil and other waste water drainage system shall be so arranged and fitted with such water seals, air vents and storm valves as are necessary to prevent siphonage or blow-back.

(2) Each space in the sanitary accommodation (except private bathrooms) and each laundry shall be served by one or more scuppers which do not serve any space other than sanitary accommodation or another laundry. The scuppers shall be at least 50 millimetres in diameter, and shall be placed wherever water is likely to collect on the floor.

(3) There shall be no drainage into sanitary accommodation from any source outside that accommodation except other sanitary accommodation.

Interior finishes

17.—(1) The interior walls and ceilings of all parts of the crew accommodation shall be painted or covered with a suitable material. Paint shall be white or light in colour.

(2) Paints, varnishes and other surface materials which have a nitro-cellulose or other highly flammable base shall not be used in the crew accommodation.

(3) Upholstered parts of furniture and fittings shall be made of polished hardwood or of a smooth, rust-proof material, impervious to dirt and moisture, which is not likely to warp, crack or become corroded.

(4) Wooden parts of the furniture and fittings and any panelling or other wooden surfaces in the crew accommodation shall be finished externally with paint or varnish or by some other suitable means.

(5) All paints, varnish and other surface finishes in the crew accommodation shall be such that they can easily be kept clean.

(6) The interior of the crew accommodation and all furniture and fittings in it shall be so made, fitted and arranged as not to be likely to harbour dirt or vermin.

Marking

18.—(1) Every sleeping room in the crew accommodation shall be marked on the inside with a marking “Certified for (number) seamen”, the number to be inserted being the maximum number of seamen who may be accommodated in the room in accordance with these Regulations.

(2) All such markings shall be—

(a)made in clear characters;

(b)at a readily visible position on the ship’s structure; and

(c)cut into the structure or marked in some other equally permanent way.

Sleeping rooms

19.—(1) Unless the circumstances are such that no members of the crew are required to sleep on board, sleeping rooms shall be provided for the crew.

(2) An individual sleeping room shall be provided for each adult member of the crew, where the size of the ship, the activity on which it is to be engaged and its layout makes this practicable.

(3) Each of the following groups of persons shall be provided with sleeping rooms separate from those provided for the other groups—

(a)officers;

(b)petty officers;

(c)cadets;

(d)ratings of the deck department other than petty officers;

(e)ratings of the engine room department other than petty officers;

(f)ratings of the catering department other than petty officers;

provided that in relation to ships in which general purpose ratings are employed, subparagraphs (d) and (e) shall not apply and ratings of those two groups shall be counted as one group.

(4) The maximum number of persons who may be accommodated in sleeping rooms shall be as follows—

(a)officers—one person per room;

(b)cadets—wherever practicable, one person per room, but not more than two persons per room;

(c)petty officers—wherever practicable one person per room, but not more than two persons per room;

(d)other ratings—

(i)in ships other than passenger ships, not more than two persons per room;

(ii)in passenger ships, not more than four persons per room:

provided that when more than one person is accommodated in a sleeping room they shall be members of the same watch.

(5) In ships other than passenger ships—

(a)the minimum floor area provided for a single-berth sleeping room for ratings shall be as follows—

(i)in ships of under 3,000 tons, 3.75 square metres;

(ii)in ships of 3,000 tons or over but under 10,000 tons, 4.25 square metres;

(iii)in ships of 10,000 tons or over, 4.75 square metres;

(b)the minimum floor area provided per person in a two-berth sleeping room for ratings shall be as follows—

(i)in ships of under 3,000 tons, 2.75 square metres;

(ii)in ships of 3,000 tons or over but less than 10,000 tons, 3.25 square metres;

(iii)in ships of 10,000 tons or over, 3.75 square metres.

(6) In passenger ships—

(a)the minimum floor area provided in a single-berth sleeping room for ratings shall be 3.75 square metres;

(b)the minimum floor area provided per person in a two, three or four-berth sleeping room for ratings shall be as follows—

(i)in ships of under 3,000 tons, 2.35 square metres; and

(ii)in ships of 3,000 tons or over, 3.00 square metres.

(7) Where practicable, in ships of 3,000 tons or over, a day room adjoining his sleeping room shall be provided for—

(a)the Chief Officer; and

(b)the Chief Engineer.

(8) In sleeping rooms for officers and cadets for whom no separate day room is provided the minimum floor area provided shall be as follows—

(a)in the case of a sleeping room where two cadets are accommodated—

(i)in ships of under 3,000 tons, 10.0 square metres;

(ii)in ships of 3,000 tons or over, 12.0 square metres; and

(b)in any other case—

(i)in ships of under 3,000 tons, 6.50 square metres;

(ii)in ships of 3,000 tons or over, 7.50 square metres.

(9) In sleeping rooms for officers and cadets for whom a separate day room is provided the minimum floor area provided shall be—

(a)in the case of a sleeping room where two cadets are accommodated, the minimum floor area required for ratings in paragraph (5)(b); and

(b)in any other case, the minimum floor area required for ratings in paragraph (5)(a).

(10) In determining the floor area of a room for the purpose of this regulation spaces occupied by berths, lockers, seats or chests of drawers and other furniture shall be included in the measurement of the floor area but spaces which by reason of their small size or irregular shape cannot accommodate furniture and do not contribute to the area available for free movement shall not be so included.

(11) The sleeping room of the First or only Radio Officer shall be situated as near as practicable to the radio room.

Beds

20.—(1) Every sleeping room shall be fitted with a bed for each person accommodated in the room.

(2) The framework of each bed, and its leeboards or lee rails, if any, shall be constructed of metal or some other material which is hard, smooth and unlikely to become corroded. If the bed is constructed of tubular frames, the frames shall be completely sealed.

(3) There shall be unobstructed access to at least one side of each bed.

(4) Where beds abut upon each other, they shall be separated by rigid screens made of wood or other suitable opaque material. Beds shall not be arranged in tiers of more than two.

(5) Beds shall not be fitted fore-and-aft along the ship’s side unless the size of the room is such that it is impracticable to fit them elsewhere. Where beds are fitted along the ship’s side, they shall be in single-tier, except in a room in which there is no sidescuttle or in which any sidescuttle fitted is fitted clear of the beds.

(6) (a) The distance from the bottom of the mattress of every bed to the floor of the room shall be at least 305 millimetres.

(b)In every double-tier bed the upper berth shall be placed approximately midway between the bottom of the lower berth and the lower side of the deckhead beams, or the ceiling if fitted below those beams.

(7) The minimum inside dimension of beds shall be adequate to accommodate mattresses of a size not less than 1.98 metres by 800 millimetres.

(8) Every bed shall be fitted with either—

(a)a spring bottom or spring under-mattress and a top mattress of a material which will resist damp and is unlikely to harbour vermin; or

(b)a suitable resilient mattress fitted on a suitably ventilated base.

(9) A bottom of wood, canvas or dust-proof material shall be fitted to the upper berth of every double-tier bed.

(10) Leeboards or lee rails shall be fitted to the upper berth of every double-tier bed.

(11) Where a double-tier bed is fitted, a suitable portable ladder shall be supplied for access to the upper berth. The ladder shall be so constructed that it hooks on to the lee rail to prevent any slipping when in use. Suitable provision shall be made for its safe stowage when not in use.

Furniture and fittings in sleeping rooms

21.—(1) Every sleeping room shall be so planned and equipped as to ensure reasonable comfort for the occupants and to facilitate tidiness.

(2) Sleeping rooms for ratings shall be provided with the following minimum equipment—

(a)for each occupant of the room—

(i)a clothes locker or wardrobe which shall be at least 1.7 metres high and have an internal sectional area of at least 0.2 square metres; the locker or wardrobe shall be fitted with a shelf not less than 230 millimetres and not more than 380 millimetres below its top, with a rod for clothes hangers and with a secure lock or hasp for a padlock;

(ii)a drawer having a capacity of at least 0.056 cubic metres;

(iii)a comfortable seat;

(iv)at least one coat hook in addition to any coat hooks which may be fitted in a locker or wardrobe;

(b)a table or desk or a sliding leaf or top fitted to a chest of drawers and suitable for writing at;

(c)a mirror, a cabinet for toilet requisites, a razor socket and strip light fixed on or adjacent to such mirror and cabinet;

(d)a book rack;

(e)a curtain, blind or jalousie for each sidescuttle or window;

(f)a curtain fitted to each berth, unless the room accommodates only one person;

(g)in ships of under 25,000 tons, a carpet runner at the side of each bed or tiers of beds as the case may be;

(h)in ships of 5,000 tons or over other than passenger ships, a washbasin, unless a washbasin is fitted in a private or semi-private bathroom provided for the occupants of that sleeping room; and

(i)a splash back plate or other means of protection for the wall above the washbasin (if any).

(3) Every sleeping room for a petty officer shall be provided with the following minimum equipment in addition to the equipment specified in paragraph (2)—

(a)a second drawer having a capacity of at least 0.056 cubic metres;

(b)a rack suitable for holding—

(i)a tumbler; and

(ii)one drinking water bottle, except in a sleeping room in which a supply of drinking water is laid on.

(4) In every sleeping room in which more than one rating is accommodated, every drawer shall be fitted with a secure lock or hasp for a padlock.

(5) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (6), every sleeping room for an officer shall be provided with the following minimum equipment—

(a)a wardrobe which shall be at least 1.68 metres high and have an internal sectional area of at least 0.30 square metres;

(b)at least three drawers having a total capacity of 0.28 cubic metres;

(c)a chair with arm rests;

(d)at least two coat hooks in addition to any coat hook which may be fitted in the wardrobe;

(e)(i)a settee at least 1.83 metres long; or

(ii)if such a settee cannot be accommodated in the room without inconveniencing the occupant, a fully upholstered easy chair with closed arms;

(f)a writing desk fitted with drawers additional to those specified in subparagraph (b);

(g)(i)a book case if the room accommodates a Chief Officer or Chief or Second Engineer in any ship, or a First Radio Officer in a passenger ship; or

(ii)a book case or book rack if the room accommodates some other officer;

(h)a curtain, blind or jalousie fitted to each sidescuttle or window;

(i)a mirror suitable for toilet purposes;

(j)a cabinet for toilet requisites with a razor socket and strip light fixed on or adjacent to it or to the mirror;

(k)a rack suitable for holding—

(i)a tumbler; and

(ii)a drinking water bottle, except in a sleeping room in which a supply of drinking water is laid on;

(l)in ships of 5,000 tons or over other than passenger ships, a washbasin, unless a washbasin is fitted in a private or semi-private bathroom provided for the occupant of that sleeping room;

(m)a splash back plate or other means of protection for the wall above the washbasin (if any).

(6) Any of the equipment referred to in paragraph (5)(e), (f) and (g) may, instead of being provided in the officer’s sleeping room, be provided in a day room appropriated for his exclusive use.

(7) Any of the equipment referred to in paragraphs (2)(c), (3)(b) or (5)(j), (k) and (l) may, instead of being provided in a sleeping room accommodating one person, be provided in a private bathroom appropriated for his use.

(8) Sleeping rooms for cadets shall so far as is reasonably practicable be provided with the equipment required by paragraph (5) to be provided for officers, provided that any of the equipment referred to in paragraph (5)(e), (f) and (g) may, instead of being provided in the cadet’s sleeping room, be provided in a day room or study appropriated for the exclusive use of cadets.

(9) No locker intended to contain food shall be fitted in any sleeping room.

Mess rooms

22.—(1) Unless the circumstances are such that no members of the crew are required to mess on board, mess rooms shall be provided for the crew; each mess room shall be large enough to accommodate the greatest number of persons likely to use it at any one time.

(2) Mess rooms shall be separate from sleeping rooms, provided that in ships of under 300 tons a mess room, if not combined with a galley, may be combined with sleeping accommodation if it is impracticable to provide a separate mess room.

(3) In every ship of 500 tons or over, each of the following groups of persons shall be provided with a mess room separate from that provided for any other group—

(a)officers;

(b)ratings.

(4) Unless the officers are accommodated in widely separated parts of the ship the mess room provided pursuant to paragraph (3) for officers shall be a single mess room for the use of all officers.

(5) In every ship of 1,000 tons or over the mess rooms provided pursuant to paragraph (3) for the following groups of ratings, that is to say—

(a)petty officers of the deck department;

(b)petty officers of the engine room department;

(c)other ratings of the deck department;

(d)other ratings of the engine room department;

shall consist of—

(i)four separate mess rooms, one for use by each group; or

(ii)a combined mess room to be shared by two groups and two separate mess rooms for use by the other two groups; or

(iii)two combined mess rooms, each to be shared by two groups; or

(iv)a single mess room for use by all four groups:

provided that a combined mess room for use by two groups shall not be shared by petty officers of one department and other ratings of the other department, but may be shared by any other two groups.

(6) In every ship of 5,000 tons or over which either is a foreign going ship or is a home trade ship with a catering department of more than five persons, a separate mess room shall be provided for use by ratings of the catering department, except where the mess room provided for ratings of other departments is the single mess room referred to in paragraph (5)(d)(iv).

(7) Where no separate mess room is provided for ratings of the catering department, messing accommodation shall be provided for them in the mess rooms provided for ratings of other departments.

(8) Cadets shall be provided with a separate mess room or with messing accommodation in the officer’s mess room.

(9) The floor area of every mess room shall be not less than 1 square metre per person for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time for messing.

Furniture and fittings in mess rooms

23.—(1) Every mess room shall be provided with sufficient tables to allow a table space of at least 510 millimetres per person, measured along the edge of a table, for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time.

(2) Each table shall be at least—

(a)610 millimetres wide if seats are provided on both sides of the table; or

(b)380 millimetres wide if seats are provided only on one side of the table.

(3) One seat per person shall be provided for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time. The seats shall consist of a single chair or, in the case of seats placed directly alongside a bulkhead or the ship’s side, of single chairs or settees. Chairs shall be fitted with arm rests unless chairs with arm rests are available in a separate recreation room for the persons using the mess room. Settees shall be at least 380 millimetres wide and shall have upholstered or padded seats.

(4) (a) Every mess room provided for persons who do not provide their own food shall be provided with adequate stowage space for mess utensils in a sideboard, dresser or in separate lockers.

(b)Every mess room provided for persons who do provide their own food shall be fitted with a storage locker for each person likely to use the room. Each such storage locker shall be—

(i)large enough to contain one person’s mess utensils and supply of food;

(ii)fitted with a secure lock or hasp for a padlock;

(iii)so fitted as to be clear of the floor by at least 300 millimetres; and

(iv)adequately ventilated.

Lockers provided in pursuance of this paragraph may be fitted either in the mess room or in a suitable place readily accessible from it.

(5) In ships of 500 tons or over the following equipment or its equivalent shall be fitted in, or in a suitable space adjacent to, every mess room and shall be readily accessible at all times by the crew using the mess room—

(a)a dresser or sideboard (which may be the dresser or sideboard referred to in paragraph (4)(a));

(b)a refrigerator;

(c)a hot press (except in ships of under 1,000 tons);

(d)a sink;

(e)a supply of cold drinking water;

(f)a means of heating drinking water for hot beverages; and

(g)an electric toaster.

(6) The equipment referred to in paragraph (5) shall be adequate in size for the number of persons using the mess room.

Recreation spaces

24.—(1) Recreation rooms, conveniently situated and appropriately furnished, shall be provided for officers and ratings. Where these are not provided separately from the mess rooms the latter shall be planned, furnished and equipped to give recreational facilities. Furnishings for recreation accommodation shall as a minimum include a bookcase and facilities for reading, writing and, where practicable, for games.

(2) In every ship of 8,000 tons or over the following shall be provided for the crew—

(a)facilities for watching films and television;

(b)a separate hobbies and games room; and

(c)where practicable, a swimming pool.

(3) In every ship, deck space permanently reserved for the use of the crew for recreational purposes shall be provided on an open deck. The space shall be adequate in area having regard to the number of persons in the crew and the size of the ship.

Offices

25.—(1) In every ship of 3,000 tons or over two appropriately furnished rooms shall be provided solely for use as offices.

(2) One of those offices shall be appropriated for use by all the officers of the deck department; and the other shall be appropriate for use by all the officers of the engine room department.

Sanitary accommodation

26.—(1) The following private and semi-private bathrooms shall be provided for officers—

(a)in ships of 5,000 tons or over but less than 15,000 tons at least five officers' sleeping rooms shall be provided with adjoining private bathrooms for the use of the officers occupying those sleeping rooms;

(b)in ships of 15,000 tons or over every officer’s sleeping room shall be provided with an adjoining private bathroom for the use of the officer occupying that sleeping room;

(c)without prejudice to (a), in ships of 10,000 tons or over but less than 15,000 tons, every officer’s sleeping room which is not provided with an adjoining private bathroom shall have a semi-private bathroom appropriated to it; that bathroom shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (3) as regards semi-private bathrooms for officers.

(2) In ships of 25,000 tons or over, other than passenger ships, every rating’s sleeping room which is not provided with a private bathroom shall have a semi-private bathroom appropriated to it. These semi-private bathrooms shall not be shared by petty officers and other ratings.

(3) Every semi-private bathroom shall be situated either in an inter-communicating compartment between the sleeping rooms of the two persons for whose use it is appropriated or, if the bathroom is for ratings, it may be situated opposite or approximately opposite the entrance or entrances to their sleeping room or rooms.

(4) (a) Every semi-private bathroom shall be fitted with a bath or shower, a water closet pedestal and other items specified in paragraph (22) and, unless a wash basin is provided in each sleeping room for which the bathroom is appropriated, with a wash basin.

(b)Every private bathroom shall be fitted with a bath or shower, a water closet pedestal, a wash basin and other items specified in paragraph (22).

(5) Sanitary accommodation shall be provided for the use of those members of the crew for whom no private or semi-private sanitary accommodation is provided; the accommodation provided shall consist of separate accommodation for each of the following groups—

(a)officers and cadets;

(b)ratings; and

(c)female staff.

(6) (a) For each group listed in paragraph (5), there shall be provided for every six persons or fewer, one bath or shower, one washbasin, one mirror suitable for toilet purposes and one water closet in the sanitary accommodation.

(b)In determining the quantity of this equipment for the purposes of sub-paragraph (a) above, no account shall be taken of any equipment provided in a permanent hospital.

(7) The minimum number of water closets provided in ships of—

(a)500 tons or over but under 800 tons, shall be three;

(b)800 tons or over but under 3,000 tons, shall be four;

water closets additional to those required by the preceding paragraphs shall be provided where necessary to make up the number required by this paragraph. The water closets provided pursuant to paragraph (24) may be taken into account for the purpose of determining these numbers.

(8) Sanitary accommodation provided pursuant to paragraph (5) shall be situated close to the sleeping rooms of the persons for whose use it is provided.

(9) Baths and showers provided for one group of persons shall be situated in or adjacent to a room containing the washbasins provided for that group.

(10) Access to sanitary accommodation provided pursuant to paragraph (5) shall where reasonably practicable be from a passageway and shall not be from a mess room or sleeping room, except where sanitary accommodation is provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of not more than two sleeping rooms accommodating not more than four persons in all, where access to it may be directly from those sleeping rooms.

(11) Every washbasin, bath and shower tray shall be—

(a)made of a suitable material with a smooth and impervious surface not likely to crack, flake or corrode; and

(b)fitted with an efficient and hygienic discharge system and in particular the waste-pipe shall be fitted in a way which will minimize the risk of obstruction and facilitate cleaning.

(12) Every wash basin, shower and wash space shall be of a suitable size.

(13) Screening to ensure privacy shall be provided for any bath or shower which is in the same room as any washbasin or other bath or shower unless the room is a private or semi-private bathroom. The screening shall be made of a robust and opaque material and shall be rigid on at least three sides of every bath or shower. Wherever reasonably practicable the space screened shall be large enough for a person to undress in it in comfort.

(14) Every bath and shower shall be provided with a handrail, grating or mat. Except in private or semi-private bathrooms the showers shall be provided with kerbs and individual drainage.

(15) (a) Hot and cold fresh water shall be laid on to all washbasins, baths and showers.

(b)The hot water shall be at a constant temperature of at least 66°C and shall be heated by thermostatically controlled calorifiers of adequate capacity or by some equally safe and efficient means.

(c)Every shower shall be provided with an anti-scalding mixing valve which shall be set in such a way that the temperature of the shower water can be varied by the person using it to any temperature between the ambient temperature and a temperature of at least—

(i)in the case of a thermostatically controlled mixing valve, 38°C but not more than 43°C; or

(ii)in the case of any other mixing valve, 35°C but not more than 40°C.

(16) If there is an access to a water closet from an open deck, such access being additional to that required by regulation 9(2), the access to it shall, if practicable, be screened so as to ensure privacy.

(17) (a) Subject to subparagraph (b) below, if access to a water closet is from a passageway, other than a passageway leading only to water closets, a lobby shall where practicable be provided at the entrance to the water closet or, if that is not practicable, the water closet shall be provided with a self-closing door which is close-fitting and has no apertures.

(b)The requirements of subparagraph (a) need not be complied with where adequate mechanical exhaust ventilation arrangements are provided in those spaces.

(18) Subject to paragraphs (19) and (20), every water closet pedestal shall be fitted in a closet separated from all other parts of the crew accommodation by bulkheads which comply with the requirements of regulation 6(1) and (2).

(19) A water closet need not be separated by bulkheads complying with the requirements of regulation 6(1) and (2) from—

(a)another water closet;

(b)a urinal; or

(c)if the water closet is served by a trunked mechanical exhaust ventilation system which effectively removes the odours from it, washing accommodation,

if it is separated from that other water closet, urinal or washing accommodation by a partition made of steel or other suitable material and open at the top and bottom.

(20) Paragraphs (18) and (19) need not be complied with in respect of partitioning of a water closet pedestal in a private or semi-private bathroom.

(21) Every water closet shall be provided with exhaust ventilation direct to the open air or to another water closet which is itself ventilated directly to the open air.

(22) Every water closet shall be provided with the following—

(a)(i)a water closet pedestal of a single type with a pan of white vitreous china or other suitable material;

(ii)a hinged seat of a suitable hard smooth impervious material;

(iii)a trap with a metal inspection plate; and

(iv)an efficient ventilator connected to the outlet;

(b)an adequate flush of water which shall always be available and supplied through self-closing non-concussive supply valves with a portable seating of metal which is not likely to become corroded;

(c)a connection to a vacuum discharge pipe system or a soil pipe of not less than 100 millimetres internal diameter, so constructed as to facilitate cleaning and minimise the risk of obstruction; the pipe shall be adequately ventilated and shall have a direct overboard outfall fitted with a storm valve unless it is connected by an efficient and hygienic system to a collecting tank or sewage plant;

(d)a device for holding toilet paper; and

(e)a hand rail or grip.

(23) Where the water closets specified in paragraph (22) would be unsuitable for use by some members of the crew because of their distinctive national habits and customs then those water closets may be suitably adapted or other suitable closets shall be provided for those members of the crew, provided that the sanitary accommodation is equal or comparable to the standard otherwise required by this regulation.

(24) In ships of 1,600 tons or over, the following additional sanitary accommodation shall be provided:

(a)a separate room containing a water closet and a washbasin easily accessible from the navigating bridge for the use of those working in that area;

(b)a separate room containing a water closet and a washbasin within or near to the engine room control compartment or, in ships not fitted with such a compartment, within easy access of the propelling machinery space;

(c)a separate room containing a water closet and a washbasin easily accessible from the galley for the use of those working in that area; and

(d)except in ships in which single-berth sleeping rooms and private or semi-private bathrooms are provided for the use of all engine room personnel, washing accommodation fitted with showers, washbasins and mirrors sufficient in number having regard to the number of such personnel, not provided with single-berth sleeping rooms and private or semi-private bathrooms and situated in a place outside but conveniently close to the propelling machinery space.

(25) Unless other adequate means of washing down the crew accommodation are provided, a salt water tap with a suitable hose connection shall be fitted in sanitary accommodation, other than private or semi-private bathrooms.

Supply of drinking water and fresh water

27.—(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 tanks from which drinking water and the fresh water laid on to wash basins, baths and showers is supplied and any plant installed on board ship from which drinking water and/or fresh water is produced shall be of a capacity to ensure an adequate supply of such water at all times for all members of the crew, provided that as a minimum the tanks shall be sufficient to provide at least 2 days supply of such water.

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

(4) Where drinking water and/or fresh water is produced by plant on board the water so produced shall be treated by suitable automatic means of disinfection.

(5) In every ship of 1,000 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.

(6) In ships of 1,000 tons or over any primary pumping necessary for the supply of drinking water and/or fresh water in the crew accommodation shall be by mechanical power; alternative pumping arrangements shall be provided to supply drinking water and/or fresh 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.

Facilities for washing and drying clothes and for hanging oilskins and working clothes

28.—(1) In all ships, except where due to the nature of the service the crew are not accommodated overnight, facilities for washing, drying and ironing clothes shall be provided for officers and ratings on a scale appropriate to the size of the crew and the normal duration of the voyage. These facilities shall, wherever possible, be located within easy reach of their accommodation and arrangements shall be made to ensure separate availability of the facilities to officers and ratings.

(2) The facilities to be provided shall include—

(a)suitable sinks and washing machines, which may be installed in wash rooms if provision of a separate laundry facility is not reasonably practicable, with an adequate supply of hot and cold fresh water or means of heating water;

(b)drying machines and adequately heated and ventilated drying rooms unless the drying machines are of a type which dry clothes completely; and

(c)electric irons and ironing boards or their equivalent.

(3) Adequately ventilated compartments or lockers for use solely for hanging oilskins and other working clothes shall be provided in a place outside but conveniently near to the sleeping rooms. Separate compartments or lockers shall be provided for officers and ratings.

(4) Where washing accommodation is provided in accordance with regulation 26(24)(d) such accommodation shall be provided with a clothes locker for each member of the engine room department not provided with a single-berth sleeping room and a private or semi-private bathroom. Clothes lockers so provided shall be considered as complying with the requirements of paragraph (3) in respect of lockers for working clothes.

Galleys

29.—(1) Except in ships in which no member of the crew will be required to mess on board, a galley suitably positioned clear of working areas and situated as close as practicable to the mess rooms shall be provided for the preparation of food for the crew.

(2) Every galley shall be provided with all equipment necessary to enable food in sufficient quantity to be properly and readily prepared for all persons whom the galley is intended to serve and served hot to them in the mess room in all weathers.

(3) All fixed equipment shall be so arranged that it, and all the spaces round and behind it, can easily be kept clean.

(4) Every galley shall be provided with facilities for washing up. Hot fresh water and cold drinking water shall be laid on to any sink or other washing up facility in a galley. In ships of 3,000 tons or over there shall, in addition, be provided a washbasin supplied with hot and cold fresh water.

(5) No salt water tap shall be fitted in the galley nor in any place at which food may be prepared.

(6) All furniture and fittings in the galley shall be made of a material which is impervious to dirt and moisture. All metal parts of furniture and fittings shall be rustproof. The bottoms of all fitted furniture shall be either flush with the deck or fitted high enough to enable the deck space beneath to be easily kept clean.

(7) The ventilation in the galley shall be so arranged as to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air and the efficient discharge of fumes into the open air.

(8) The floor of every galley shall be provided with sufficient gutters and scuppers to ensure that it is efficiently drained. The scuppers, which shall be trapped, shall be led overboard or to an enclosed tank which has a mechanical operated suction pump.

(9) A connection suitable for a hose for washing down shall be provided, at a height not less than 450 millimetres above the deck, on a fresh waterpipe in every galley.

Dry provision store rooms

30.—(1) In every ship, except one in which each member of the crew provides his own food, one or more store rooms shall be provided for the storage of provisions for the crew. The rooms shall be fitted with sufficient shelves, cupboards and bins having regard to the maximum period likely to elapse between successive replenishment of stores and to the maximum number of persons for whom food is to be provided. Shelves, cupboards and bins shall be so constructed as to enable them to be effectively cleaned.

(2) Access to every dry provision store room shall be obtained from a passageway, galley, pantry or other dry provision store room.

(3) Every dry provision store room shall be so situated, constructed and ventilated as to minimise the risk of deterioration of the stores through heat, draught, condensation or infestation by insects or vermin. In particular a dry provision store room shall not—

(a)be situated over a propelling machinery space, boiler room or any other space which is subject to abnormal heat; or

(b)adjoin a galley, propelling machinery space or other space which is subject to abnormal heat,

unless the division between the store room and that space is adequately insulated.

(4) A dry provision store room shall be used exclusively for the storage of dry provisions.

Cold store rooms and refrigerating equipment

31.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2)—

(a)in every foreign going ship of 1,000 tons or over, cold store rooms shall be provided for the storage of perishable provisions;

(b)in every foreign going ship of under 1,000 tons and in every home trade ship, there shall be provided for the storage of perishable provisions for the crew either cold store rooms or adequate alternative cold storage facilities.

(2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to ships in which each member of the crew provides his own food.

(3) Cold store rooms or other facilities provided shall be so constructed as to enable them to be effectively cleaned and shall be adequate in size having regard to the number of persons in the crew and the period likely to elapse between successive replenishment of stores.

(4) Access to every cold store room shall be from a passageway, galley or pantry or from another cold store room.

(5) (a) Every cold store room shall be served by refrigerating machinery.

(b)The space in which that machinery is situated shall be separated from all other parts of the crew accommodation by bulkheads complying with the requirements of regulation 6; it shall be adequately ventilated.

(c)Access to that space shall, where practicable, be by means of a hinged door from an open deck.

(d)If the said door opens into any part of the crew accommodation, the door shall be of steel, gastight and self-closing.

(6) The refrigerating equipment shall be capable of maintaining a maximum temperature suitable to the use to which the cold store is put.

(7) A red warning light outside every cold store room or group of cold store rooms shall be included in the lighting circuit of each such room or groups of rooms. Every cold store room shall be fitted with an internal means of sounding an external alarm and with a means of releasing the door fastenings from the inside.

(8) Refrigerating machinery making use of ammonia or methyl chloride as refrigerant shall not be installed.

Hospitals

32.—(1) Every ship with a crew of 15 or more persons which is intended be at sea on any occasion for a continuous period of more than three days shall be provided with a permanent hospital for the crew. The hospital shall not at any time be used for any purpose other than the treatment of sick persons.

(2) In every other ship (except one in which all officers and ratings have single-berth sleeping rooms) a suitable room shall be appropriated for use, in case of need, as a temporary hospital. When that room is in use as a temporary hospital it shall not be used for any purpose other than the treatment of sick persons.

(3) Every hospital, whether permanent or temporary, shall be so situated that it is as quiet and comfortable as possible and is readily accessible in all weathers—

(a)from the sleeping room of the member of the crew who is, and is employed as, a duly qualified doctor or a qualified nurse; or

(b)if no such doctor or nurse is carried, from the master’s accommodation.

(4) The minimum width of the entrance to any permanent hospital shall; where practicable, be 760 millimetres; and every hospital, whether permanent or temporary, shall be so situated and arranged that a stretcher can be easily carried into it and placed alongside at least one single-tier bed.

(5) Every permanent hospital shall be provided with at least one bed for every 50, or fraction of 50, members of the crew.

(6) At least one bed in every permanent hospital shall be a single-tier bed and shall, wherever practicable, be so placed that it is accessible from both sides and from the foot.

(7) If double-tier beds are provided in a hospital the upper tier shall be either hinged or removable.

(8) The minimum inside dimensions of every bed in a permanent hospital shall be adequate to accommodate mattresses of a size 2 metres by 840 millimetres. In all other respects beds in permanent hospitals shall comply with the requirements set out in regulation 20.

(9) Any room in a permanent hospital in which a bed is placed (in this regulation called “the ward”) shall, unless it is served by an air conditioning system or a trunked mechanical ventilation system, be fitted with an electric fan.

(10) All side scuttles and windows in the ward, and all skylights therein which are exposed to the direct rays of the sun shall be provided with curtains or blinds.

(11) Every permanent hospital, even if served by an air conditioning system or a trunked mechanical ventilation system, shall be provided in addition with a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation to the open air independent of any ventilators provided for other parts of the ship and complying with requirements of regulation 14(6).

(12) Any radiator in the ward shall be fitted as far away from the head of any bed as is practicable.

(13) Every permanent hospital shall be provided with a portable electrical lamp in addition to the lighting required by regulation 13. The lamp shall be capable of emitting 600 lumens.

(14) The following items of equipment shall be provided for each bed in the hospital ward, and shall be within reach of that bed—

(a)a locker approximately 305 millimetres square by 610 millimetres high, fitted with a flat top and a shelf;

(b)a water bottle;

(c)a tumbler; and

(d)an electric bell-push communicating with the sleeping room of the doctor, nurse or other person in charge of the patient.

(15) The following items of equipment shall be provided in every ward—

(a)seats adequate in number having regard to the number of beds in the ward;

(b)a clothes locker (additional to any lockers provided pursuant to paragraph (14)(a)) complying with the requirements of regulation 21(2)(a)(i); and

(c)a box cover to conceal a bed-pan.

(16) A washbasin of a capacity of at least 7 litres, with hot and cold water laid on to it, shall be fitted in every permanent hospital either in the ward or in a bathroom in washing accommodation in the hospital.

(17) In ships of 5,000 tons or over a bath at least 1.35 metres in internal length shall be fitted in washing accommodation in the hospital.

(18) Every washbasin or bath in a permanent hospital shall comply with the requirements of regulation 26(11) and, where practicable, except in ships provided with a collecting tank or sewage plant, the discharge system shall be separate from any other discharge system in the ship. A scupper at least 50 millimetres in diameter shall be fitted in the lowest part of any room in a hospital in which a bath is fitted and in any room in which a basin is fitted unless that room is the ward.

(19) A water closet pedestal and the other items specified in regulation 26(22) shall be fitted in every permanent hospital either in a separate closet or in washing accommodation in the hospital.

(20) Access to the water closet or, if the water closet pedestal is fitted in washing accommodation, access to that washing accommodation shall be obtained either directly from the ward or from a lobby within the hospital. The door to that water closet or washing accommodation shall open outwards and any door catch fitted to it shall be capable of being opened from the outside.

(21) The water closet or other room in which the water closet pedestal is fitted shall, unless it is served by a trunked mechanical exhaust ventilation system which effectively removes the odours from it, be provided with a gastight self-closing door.

(22) All washbasins, baths, showers and water closets fitted in a hospital shall comply with the requirements of regulation 26(11), (14), (18), (22) and (23).

(23) In passenger ships, one hospital may be provided to serve both crew and passengers. In such a case separate male and, except where there are no female members of the crew, female wards and sanitary accommodation shall be provided for the exclusive use of the crew.

(24) The floor covering in every permanent hospital shall, so far as is practicable, be free from joints.

Medical cabinet

33.—(1) A cabinet or other suitable facility for storing medicines and other medical stores, which the ship is required by regulations made under section 85 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to carry for the crew, shall be well ventilated and fitted in a place in the crew area of the ship which—

(a)is always dry;

(b)is readily accessible from (but not sited in) the permanent or temporary hospital; and

(c)is not subject to abnormal heat.

(2) Where a medical cabinet is required it shall be provided with the following—

(a)an outer door with an efficient lock;

(b)where controlled drugs are to be stored, an inner cupboard fitted with a door and a lock which cannot be opened by the same key as the lock to the outer door;

(c)suitable arrangements for the storage of the medicines, medical stores and associated measuring devices all as required by the regulations referred to in paragraph (1); and

(d)a dispensing counter with a surface that can be easily kept clean.

(3) Where a medical cabinet is fitted it shall be lit by an electric light (which may be inside or immediately outside it) which enables the contents to be clearly seen.

Protection from mosquitoes

34.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), in every ship engaged in voyages to—

(a)all ports on the coast of Africa and all ports in Asia, Central and South America between 30° North and 35° South latitude; or

(b)ports on the coast of the Malagasy Republic;

the crew accommodation, other than a recreation space on the open deck, shall be protected by means of screening against the admission of mosquitoes.

(2) The screening shall be made of rust-proof wire or other suitable material and shall be fitted to or provided for all sidescuttles and windows and skylights which are capable of being opened and all natural ventilators and doors leading to an open deck.

(3) Any screening door which is fitted pursuant to this regulation and leads directly into a permanent or temporary hospital shall be of a self-closing type.

(4) In crew accommodation served by an air conditioning system screening need not be provided for sidescuttles or windows fitted with special locking arrangements which (except where the sidescuttles and windows are used for escape purposes) can only be unlocked with the consent of the master, if all doors leading from that crew accommodation to the open deck are of the self-closing type.

Maintenance and inspection of crew accommodation

35.—(1) The crew accommodation shall be maintained in a clean and habitable condition and all equipment and installations required by these Regulations shall be maintained in good working order.

(2) Every part of the crew accommodation, except store rooms, shall be kept free from stores and other property not belonging to or provided for the use of persons for whom that part of the accommodation is appropriated, and in particular no cargo shall be kept in any part of the crew accommodation.

(3) The master of the ship or an officer appointed by him for the purpose shall inspect every part of the crew accommodation at intervals not exceeding 7 days and shall be accompanied on the inspection by at least one member of the crew.

(4) The master of the ship shall cause to be entered in the ship’s official log book a record of—

(a)the time and date of the inspection;

(b)the names and ranks of the persons making the inspection; and

(c)particulars of any respect in which the crew accommodation or any part of it was found by any of the persons making the inspection not to comply with these Regulations.

PART IIIEQUIPMENT TO BE OF AN APPROVED TYPE

Equipment to be of an approved type

36.—(1) It shall be the duty of an owner of a ship to which these Regulations apply to ensure that the following equipment is of an approved type—

(a)floor coverings referred to in regulations 8/1 and 32(34);

(b)sidescuttles and windows referred to in regulation 15(1);

(c)vacuum discharge pipe systems referred to in regulation 26(22)(c);

(d)thermostatic mixing valves referred to in regulation 26(15)(c)(i); and

(e)plant used to produce drinking water and/or fresh water on board a ship referred to in regulation 27(4).

(2) In this regulation “approved”, in relation to an item of equipment, means approved by the Secretary of State or by a person specified in Merchant Shipping Notice M.1645 in relation to that equipment.

Exemptions from Part III

37. The Secretary of State may grant exemptions from all or any of the provisions of this Part of these Regulations (as may be specified in the exemption) on such terms (if any) as he may so specify and may, subject to giving reasonable notice, alter or cancel any such exemption.

Offences

38.—(1) Any owner who contravenes regulation 36(1) shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.

(2) In any proceedings for an offence under this Part of these Regulations it shall be a defence to prove that the person charged took all reasonable steps to ensure that the Regulations were complied with.

Power to detain

39. In any case where a ship does not comply with the requirements of this Part of these Regulations, that ship shall be liable to be detained and section 284(1)—(6) and (8) of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (which relates to the detention of a ship) shall have effect in relation to that ship, subject to the modification that for the words “this Act” wherever they appear, there are substituted the words “Part III of the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations 1997”.

Signed by the authority of the Secretary of State for Transport

Glenda Jackson

Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State,

Department of Transport

9th June 1997

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