The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of Classes I, II and II(A)) Regulations 1998

Drills and inspections

24.—(1) All deadlights which are accessible, all watertight doors to which regulation 22(3) applies, all valves and closing mechanisms of scuppers and the devices referred to in regulation 22(8) shall be opened and closed for purposes of drill—

(a) at intervals of not more than seven days; and

(b) immediately before the ship proceeds to sea if the ship is intended to remain at sea for a period of time of more than seven days.

(2) All watertight doors fitted in bulkheads required to be watertight which may be opened for the working of the ship in accordance with the requirements of regulation 22(3) shall be opened and closed for the purpose of drill once in every period of 24 hours.

(3) All closing appliances and devices referred to in regulation 22(1), (2) and (8) shall be inspected by a person appointed by the master for that purpose—

(a) before the ship proceeds on any voyage; and

(b) at intervals of not more than seven days if the ship is intended to remain at sea for a period of more than seven days, except when they are not accessible.

(4) The following closing appliances and mechanisms are to be inspected at intervals of not more than seven days by a person appointed for that purpose either generally or on any particular occasion by the master—

(a) all watertight doors other than those of the type described in regulation 22(1);

(b) all mechanisms, indicators and warning devices connected with such doors;

(c) all valves, the closing of which is necessary to make watertight any compartment below the margin line; and

(d) all valves, the operation of which is necessary for the efficient operation of damage-control cross-connections.

(5) Suitable notices and signs shall be provided on, or in the vicinity of, all the closing appliances referred to in paragraph (4) to indicate, as necessary, the procedures for operating the appliances, the purpose of the controls and any precautions to be observed.