The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Regulations 1997

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.