Merchant Shipping Act
(CHAPTER 179, SECTION 143)
Merchant Shipping (Survey of Passenger Steamers) Rules
R 4
REVISED EDITION 1990
(25th March 1992)
[15th April 1939]
Citation
1.  These Rules may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Survey of Passenger Steamers) Rules.
PART I
PASSENGER ACCOMMODATION
Application
2.  The rules in this Part relating to passenger accommodation, stairways, hospitals, latrines, wash places, etc., apply to all new passenger ships, and to existing passenger ships where reasonable or practicable. The rules in this Part shall not apply to pilgrim ships except rules 9, 15, 16, 20, 23 and 25.
NUMBER OF PASSENGERS
Number of passengers
3.—(1)  This rule applies to voyages beyond the Home trade limit, other than voyages in areas specified in rule 4.
(2)  The number of passengers allowed shall not exceed the number to be ascertained as follows:
(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.
(b)Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.
(c)Third class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; if berths are not fitted, the clear area of the deck (that is after deducting all hatchways and encumbrances) in square feet multiplied by the height between decks and the product divided by 72 gives the number to be allowed — 6 feet between decks is to be the minimum height. The weather deck and parts of the poop deck, bridge deck, etc., which are exposed to the weather, are not to be included in the measurements for passengers.
(d)Berths for children.—If small berths for children between one and 12 years of age are fitted they may be counted if an owner desires it, on condition that the space so allocated for the exclusive use of these passengers is at least 36 clear superficial feet for every two children allowed, and the berths are at least of the following dimensions:
for children between one and 3 years of age
… 3 ft. 6 ins. by 1 ft. 4 ins.
for children between 3 and 8 years of age
… 4 ft. 6 ins. by 1 ft. 6 ins.
(e)Spaces in deck houses and other erections are not to be measured for passengers unless they form part of the permanent structure of the ship.
(f)Airing space is to be set apart, either on the upper deck or on a poop or bridge deck, for the use of all the passengers as follows: For each saloon or first class passenger, 36 square feet; for each second or third class passenger, 24 square feet.
Application to voyagers beyond Home trade limit
4.—(1)  This rule applies to voyages beyond the Home trade limit within the areas set out below:
(a)That portion of the Indian Ocean (together with the adjoining seas and waters) north of latitude 11° South and bounded by the coasts of Africa and Asia.
(b)That portion of the Pacific Ocean (together with the China Seas, and the various seas washing the shores of Indonesia and the Gulf of Thailand) north of latitude 11° South, west of longitude 150° East, south of latitude 32° North and bounded on the west by the coast of Asia but excluding ports and places under the jurisdiction of Japan.
(c)Such extensions of the area defined in sub-paragraph (b) as are necessary to include the voyages within the area bounded by the following lines; from a point on the west side of the States of Malaya in latitude 10° North along the coast of Asia to a point in Vietnam in latitude 11° North; thence to latitude 8° North, longitude 110° East; thence to latitude 8° North, longitude 125° East; thence to latitude 0°, longitude 140° East; thence to latitude 0°, longitude 160° East; thence to latitude 11° South, longitude 170° East; thence to latitude 23½° South, longitude 170° East, thence to latitude 23½° South, longitude 160° East, thence to the east side of Cape York at latitude 11° South; from the west side of Cape York at latitude 11° South to Cape Wessel and Wessel Island; thence along the Australian coast to Port Darwin (Cape Charles); thence to latitude 10° South, longitude 109° East; thence to Christmas Island; thence to latitude 2° North, longitude 94° East; thence to latitude 6° 30′ North, longitude 94° East; and thence to the starting point but excluding ports and places under the jurisdiction of Australia.
(2)
(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.
(b)Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.
(c)Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:
upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;
second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;
third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.
No passengers are allowed on a weather deck covered only by awnings.
The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.
The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 4 square feet.
In ascertaining the number of passengers to be carried under this rule on voyages in the Indian Ocean, the duration of such voyages not exceeding 120 hours, unberthed passengers will be considered as being carried between decks if accommodated on a bridge deck or poop deck, provided that such deck has a properly constructed deck next above it, and the space is efficiently closed in to protect the passengers from inclement weather.
Voyages within Home trade limit
5.—(1)  This rule applies to voyages within the Home trade limit.
(2)
(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.
(b)Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.
(c)Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:
upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;
second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;
third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.
The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.
The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 4 square feet.
In addition the weather decks covered only by awnings may be measured for passengers the number of which is determined by dividing the clear area of the
(i)upper (weather) deck by 9;
(ii)raised quarter deck by 12; and
(iii)shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 12.
When space is provided on a shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck a length not exceeding half the registered length of the vessel may be measured.
The total number of passengers allowed shall in no case exceed the number denoting the gross tonnage of the ship.
Passengers shall not be carried on more than 3 decks including therein the deck of erections or superstructures on the upper deck.
Voyages within Local trade limit
6.—(1)  This rule applies to voyages within the Local trade limit.
(2)
(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.
(b)Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.
(c)Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:
upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;
second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;
third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.
The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.
The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 3 square feet.
In addition the weather decks covered only by awnings may be measured for passengers the number of which is determined by dividing the clear area of the —
(i)upper (weather) deck by 9;
(ii)raised quarter deck by 12; and
(iii)shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 12.
When space is provided on a shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck a length not exceeding the registered length of the vessel may be measured. Passengers shall not be carried on more than 3 decks including therein the deck of erections or superstructures on the upper deck.
Voyages within 30 mile limit
7.—(1)  This rule applies to voyages within the 30 mile limit.
(2)
(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.
(b)Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.
(c)Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted. When berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area of the —
(i)upper deck by 6;
(ii)raised quarter deck by 9;
(iii)shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 9; and
(iv)floor of the saloon or cabin under the upper deck by 9.
When there are seats on skylights or companion openings the measurements may be extended to the back of these seats.
Maximum number of passengers allowed
8.—(1)  In the case of open motor boats, launches and similar vessels which have cockpits with shelters fitted over them, plying on approved voyages the maximum number of passengers to be allowed is to be regulated by the area of the clear space available for their accommodation. The forward extremity of this space is to be determined by a surveyor of ships with due regard to the proper stowage of the anchor and cable, and to any other necessary equipment in the bow of the vessel, and the length is to be measured from this point to the foreside of the bulkhead separating the motor space from the passenger space. If the motor is placed amidships an additional space may be available for passengers between the after bulk-head of the motor space and a position near the stern of the vessel to be determined by a surveyor of ships as suitable, having due regard to the steering arrangements.
(2)  The breadths are to be measured at suitable intervals to the back of the side benches or to the inside of the gunwale or to the inside of the half deck (where fitted) whichever measurement is least.
(3)  The space abreast of the motor should not be included in the passenger measurements unless the motor is enclosed by a close fitting casing or longitudinal bulkheads to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships and unless the distance between the sides of the casing and the back of the seats is at least 3 feet.
(4)  The number of passengers allowed is found by dividing by 4 the area in square feet of the clear space or spaces measured as above. This number, however, must not exceed the number for which seating accommodation is provided (found by dividing the length in feet of each continuous fixed seat by 1.5) or a number equivalent to one represented by two passengers per foot of length of the vessel, whichever is the smaller. In no circumstances, however, must an open launch applying for a Passenger Certificate for the first time be certified to carry more than 100 persons.
(5)  In all vessels the seating should be so arranged that there will be no serious obstacle to prevent a person from passing forward and aft quickly in case of emergency.
(6)  In addition to the considerations outlined above the number of passengers is also to be regulated by the consideration that, when the vessel is loaded with weights representing the full number of passengers and crew at 140 lbs. for each person, and when the complete outfit and necessary supply of fuel are on board, the clear height of side above water, at the lowest point, is not to be less than 15 inches for vessels 20 feet long or less, and 22 inches for vessels over 40 feet long. For lengths intermediate between 20 and 40 feet the height should be in proportion. The length should be measured from the forward side of the stem to the after side of the stern post, and the clear side should be measured to the top of the covering board or to the top of the wash strake, if one is fitted above the covering board. If, however, a half-deck is fitted, the clear side should be measured to the top of the deck at side or to the top of the gunwale, whichever measurement gives the smaller freeboard. In decked boats the freeboard should be measured from the top of the deck at side and any side scuttles fitted below the deck must be of a non-opening type.
(7)  In no case should a surveyor of ships certify a vessel for any particular number of passengers unless he is satisfied that the vessel has sufficient stability to carry that number safely.
MEASUREMENT OF PASSENGER SPACES
Measurements
9.—(1)  The area of the deck space appropriated to passengers shall be ascertained by Simpson’s first rule, an appropriate number of breadths being taken.
(2)  Each breadth shall be taken between the inner edges of the waterways, ceiling, cargo batten or ships frame whichever breadth is the least, allowing for tumble home at the minimum height of 6 feet if necessary.
(3)  The length of the deck available for measurement is to be taken from and to such points as a surveyor of ships may consider fit for the safe and proper accommodation of passengers. Each breadth shall be taken between the inner edges of waterways, raised covering boards, rails or bulwarks whichever breadth is the least.
(4)  The clear area of a deck space available for passengers is the deck area after all encumbrances such as hatchways, skylights, companions, machinery casings, dunnage, cattle fittings, navigating spaces, windlass, boats carried inboard, etc. are deducted: Provided that on vessels going on voyages to which rule 4 applies, without calling at intermediate ports to work cargo, the hatchways in the spaces occupied by unberthed passengers need not be deducted.
SPACES WHICH ARE NOT TO BE MEASURED, ETC.
Between deck houses
10.  When there are deck houses, and the space between the side of the deck house and the inner edge of the waterway, bulkwark rails, other deck houses, etc., is less than 2 feet 6 inches in width, such space shall not be measured for passengers.
Sponsons
11.  In paddle-wheeled ships neither the sponsons nor the tops of houses upon the sponsons shall be included in the measurements for passengers.
Overhanging decks
12.—(1)  No portion of the top of a midship house or bridge deck, or the like, which is either always or occasionally used for purposes of navigation, is to be included in the measurement for passengers, and no portion of a bridge deck which extends beyond the sheer strake of the ship, nor any portion of a deck which extends beyond the sides or ends of a house or saloon, is to be so included.
(2)  Unless specially approved by the Surveyor-General of Ships no portion of a deck which is carried on stanchions only shall be measured, nor any deck which is supported by an extension of the ship’s frame above the upper deck, unless the frames are plated over so as to form a bridge house.
Well-decked ships
13.  In the case of well-decked ships, the deck spaces between the top gallant forecastle and raised quarter deck, bridge house, or poop, as the case may be, shall not be included, in the measurement for passengers, unless the deck is, in the opinion of a surveyor of ships, of sufficient height above the water, as indicated by the deepest subdivision draft to render it fit for their accommodation, and the freeing ports are fitted with suitable grids for the protection of the passengers, and children, and are in accordance with the following scale:
Length of Bulwarks in “Well” in Feet
Freeing Ports area on each side in Square Feet
15
8.0
20
8.5
25
9.0
30
9.5
35
10.0
40
10.5
45
11.0
50
11.5
55
12.0
60
12.5
65
13.0
Above 65, one square foot to each additional 5 feet length of bulwarks.
Limitation of length
14.  No part of a forecastle deck is to be included in the measurements, and if the vessel has no forecastle the foremost ordinate of the space measured shall not be nearer the foreside of the stem than one-eighth of the vessel’s registered length. No space which is required for working the anchors or the boats or for purposes of navigation is to be included, and no deck space is to be measured over which the first, second or third class passengers require to pass in going from their quarters to the closets or to the airing spaces set apart for their use. The aggregate length of all the spaces so measured for unberthed passengers on any deck, whether below or above the weather deck, shall not exceed the registered length of the vessel.
Airing space
15.  A passenger ship shall not carry more passengers than the number for which air or promenade space is provided, to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships. The airing space is not to be included in the area available for deck passengers except as provided in rule 28.
Deck in relation to Load Line
16.  A ship shall not carry passengers on more than one deck which is below the Statutory Load Line mark (centre of disc) at any portion of the length of the ship.
Inefficient erections
17.  The spaces within the poop, round house or deck house shall not be measured for passengers unless they form, in the opinion of a surveyor of ships, part of the permanent structure of the ship.
Minimum height
18.  Spaces between-decks in which the height from the floor to the deck above is less than 6 feet shall not be measured for passengers.
Lower hold
19.  The lower hold shall not be considered as proper accommodation for passengers, neither shall spaces which consist of temporary accommodation upon the cargo, nor spaces lighted and ventilated by hatches only, except as provided in rule 33(2).
Passengers only allowed in measured spaces
20.  Passengers shall not, in any circumstances, be carried in a space or spaces not measured for their accommodation.
Cattle on weather deck
21.  If cattle are carried on the weather deck no portion of the deck abreast of the place where the cattle are carried shall be reckoned as air or promenade space for passengers unless it is separated from such place by a wooden partition or otherwise to the satisfaction of the Port Master or a surveyor of ships.
Lamp room
22.  No lamp room shall be so placed as to constitute a danger to passengers or crew.
Oil fuel spaces
23.  Passengers are not to be berthed or accommodated in a space adjoining an oil bunker unless separated therefrom by an additional steel vapour-proof bulkhead, so arranged that the space between the two bulkheads shall be well ventilated and accessible. No objection need be raised, however, to passenger spaces being situated on a deck forming the crown of an oil fuel space, provided that the deck is thoroughly oil tight, that within the quarters there are no manholes or openings to the oil spaces, that the flooring consists of a specially approved non-inflammable composition at least 1½ inches thick, and that the spaces are especially well ventilated.
Awnings
24.  If the accommodation or airing space is situated on a weather deck, suitable awnings and side curtains shall be fitted for the protection of passengers from inclement weather.
Height of rails and bulwarks
25.—(1)  When rails and stanchions are fitted to any deck or superstructure to which passengers are admitted the top of the uppermost rail shall not be less in height than 3 feet 6 inches above the top surface of the deck or superstructure at the inner edge of the waterway and the rails shall not be more than 9 inches apart, unless strong netting is provided to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships. Provided that in passenger ships not going on voyages beyond the 30 mile limit, the height of the rails may be reduced to 3 feet.
(2)  When close bulwarks are fitted they shall be at least 3 feet 6 inches above the top surface of the deck or superstructure at the inner edge of the waterway and the freeing ports shall be fitted with grids to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships. Provided that in passenger ships not going on voyages beyond the 30 mile limit, the height of the bulwarks may be reduced to 3 feet.
Deduction for cattle and stores, etc.
26.  When cattle or other animals, cargo or stores are carried in a space measured for passengers the number of passengers carried shall be reduced accordingly.
Arrangements when cattle are carried
27.  In any passenger ship where cattle are carried in the between decks or holds, the space occupied by them shall be effectually shut off from the passenger space by bulkheads, wooden partitions, or otherwise to the satisfaction of the Port Master or a surveyor of ships. The cattle space shall also be separately ventilated and drained.
Airing space not required
28.  In a shelter deck space, airing space need not be provided if there are clear openings in the ship’s side not less than 2 feet in depth and the areas of the clear opening, or if there is more than one clear opening, on the same side of the space the total area of such openings, on each side of the space shall not be less than the area of an opening 2 feet deep and of a length equal to one third of the length of the space:
Provided that if the openings are closed by watertight shutters, in the manner required to obtain a decreased freeboard assignment, airing space on a weather deck shall be provided for each passenger as required by rules 4, 5 and 6.
The term “space” means that part of the deck between bulkheads, or a combination of side and/or round houses which are equivalent to bulkheads.
VENTILATION
Ventilation
29.  Adequate ventilation shall be provided for first and second class passengers. For third class berthed and for unberthed passengers the following rules shall apply.
General
30.—(1)  All ventilation shall be arranged to the satisfaction of the Port Health Officer and a surveyor of ships.
(2)  Where a system of cowl ventilation is provided the cowls shall be placed in such positions that the ventilating shafts can be kept open in ordinary weather, and they shall be arranged, as far as practicable, to give a down draught at one end of the compartment and an up draught at the other.
(3)  Each compartment shall be ventilated independently of any other compartment, and holds shall be ventilated in such a manner as not to open into, or affect in any way, the passenger compartments.
(4)  If it is proposed to adopt a mechanical system of ventilation or any new system of ventilation, full details of the arrangements, with drawings, shall be submitted to the Surveyor‑General of Ships for consideration and approval.
(5)  Trunkways built solely for ventilation and carried to such a height above the weather deck that it will not be necessary to close them under any circumstances, may be accepted as either air inlets or outlets, but not as both, to compartments otherwise ventilated artificially or by cowls; but when a trunkway is thus used in combination with cowl ventilators, its area shall be at least double that of a cowl ventilator doing similar duty.
(6)  All hospitals shall be ventilated independently and to the open air; the ventilators shall have at least 5 square inches of inlet and 5 square inches of outlet area per adult, with means for controlling the size of these openings.
(7)  All sanitary arrangements shall be suitably and efficiently ventilated to the open air.
(8)  No ventilator may be carried through any transverse watertight bulkhead without the consent of the Surveyor-General of Ships.
Ventilation by cowls
31.—(1)  Ventilators shall be provided to each upper between deck and shelter deck space and shall have an aggregate area of not less than 5 square inches for each passenger accommodated in the compartment, that is 2½ square inches as inlet and 2½ square inches outlet.
(2)  The ventilators referred to in paragraph (1) shall be exclusive of side scuttles, doors, hatchways, skylights and other apertures not built solely for ventilation.
(3)  If the compartment is in the wings between the ship’s side and the boilers or engine room the area of the ventilators shall be increased by 33%.
(4)  All cowl ventilators must be carried to a convenient height above the deck and be clear of obstructions. In these ventilators the area of the cowl shall be at least 50% greater than that of the pipe.
(5)  When the pipes of cowl ventilators have curved bends or knees, and the angles do not exceed 30°, no additional area need be provided; but for curved bends or knees where the angle exceeds 30° the following additions to the area must be made:
(a)Curved bends. —Angles from 30° to 60°, add 5% for each bend.
 Curved bends. —Angles from 60° to 90°, add 10% for each bend.
(b)Knees. —Angles from 30° to 60°, add 16% for each bend.
 Knees. —Angles from 60° to 90°, add 36% for each bend.
If the radius of the inner side of a bend is less than the diameter of the pipe, the bend shall be regarded as a knee.
(6)  Ventilators unless specially approved must not exceed 452 square inches in area (24 inches in diameter), unless they communicate to two or more compartments, in which case the area of the passage or pipe leading to any one of the compartments so ventilated must not exceed 452 square inches.
(7)  Plans of special forms of cowl ventilators may be submitted to the Surveyor-General of Ships for consideration. If the ventilator is found satisfactory, it will have an area value assigned to it.
(8)  Ventilating side scuttles, if made according to plans approved by the Surveyor-General of Ships, may be accepted as equivalent to a cowl pipe having an area equal to the aggregate area of the orifices or valves, the area being measured at the most contracted part.
Ventilation by mechanical systems
32.—(1)  Efficient mechanical ventilation shall be provided for each compartment in the lower between deck spaces.
(2)  When passenger compartments are ventilated by mechanical means the arrangements for the delivery and distribution of fresh air and the exhaust of vitiated air, must be not less efficient than those described in the preceding rules for the cowl system of ventilation.
(3)  At least 830 cubic feet of air per hour for each adult must be delivered under the normal conditions which would prevail at sea, with an increase of 33% in the case of compartments between the machinery casings and the ship’s side. The delivery of air in the hospitals should be at least 1,600 cubic feet of air per hour for each adult. Means shall be provided in the system to control the supply of air to hospitals and care shall be taken that the vitiated air from the hospitals and the sanitary compartments does not exhaust into other compartments but into the open air.
(4)  Where any compartment is to be ventilated by mechanical means, arrangements should be made, either by interconnecting the air ducts from two or more independent sources of supply, or by additional independent means of ventilation or otherwise, to secure a sufficient supply of air, even in the event of a breakdown of any part of the mechanical system.
LIGHTING
Lighting
33.—(1)  Efficient lighting shall be provided for first and second class passengers.
(2)  Every compartment measured for the accommodation of third class berthed or for unberthed passengers shall be lighted by day by means of good natural light, to the satisfaction of the Port Health Officer and a surveyor of ships. Compartments depending entirely on artificial light shall not be measured for the accommodation of passengers without the sanction of the Surveyor‑General of Ships. Ordinary oil lamps are not regarded as a proper means of lighting unless specially approved.
DOORS AND BOOBY HATCHES
Doors and booby hatches
34.—(1)  All doors and entrances to passenger compartments shall be equal in width to the ladders or stairways to which they give access, and such doors shall be divided and shall be made to open outwards.
(2)  Emergency doors shall be provided to all compartments entered in or through long deckhouses which open only on one side of the ship.
(3)  Over each of the hatchways leading to the passenger compartments there must be a booby hatch or other substantial covering of such character as will, in the opinion of a surveyor of ships, afford the greatest amount of light and air and protection from the weather that the case will admit. Flat sliding hatches will not be considered sufficient for this purpose. Booby hatches having hinged flaps instead of hoods and hinged doors are not regarded as satisfactory and shall not be accepted as the only means of ingress to, or egress from, a passenger compartment.
STAIRWAYS
Stairways
35.—(1)  For the purpose of this rule, the term weather deck shall be understood as the uppermost complete deck, except in the case of compartments, from which the only access to the open air is on the deck of a poop, bridge, forecastle or other closed-in space, in which case the deck over that space shall be deemed the weather deck.
(2)  Stairways or ladders leading to the weather deck shall be provided in accordance with the following requirements:
(a)separate stairways or ladders shall be provided for each passenger compartment, and in no case may the only means of access to a compartment consist of openings through a watertight bulkhead, unless these openings are trunked watertight to the margin line. When a compartment provides accommodation for a large number of passengers, the stairways shall be distributed in such a manner as to prevent congestion at any part of the compartment;
(b)the aggregate width of the stairways or ladders from each compartment shall be not less than one inch for every 3 adults accommodated in the compartment or compartments from which the stairways lead;
(c)in the case of stairways which provide access to the weather deck for the passengers berthed in two compartments, one above the other, the stairways leading from the uppermost compartment to the weather deck shall have an aggregate width of one inch for every 3 adults accommodated in both compartments;
(d)when the stairways leading from any compartment or compartments to the weather deck are enclosed by a poop, bridge, forecastle or other closed-in space, and when the bulkheads forming the ends of these erections have doorways in them, the aggregate width of these doorways, plus the stairways leading from the weather deck to poop, bridge or forecastle deck, shall not be less than that required by sub‑paragraphs (b) and (c);
(e)if, in the opinion of a surveyor of ships there is serious difficulty in providing stairways of the required aggregate width leading from any individual compartment directly to the weather deck, a surveyor of ships may sanction a reduction in the aggregate width, not exceeding 25% provided the deficiency is made up by an increase in the width of the stairways in an adjoining compartment intended for the accommodation of passengers of the same class and sex, and communicating directly with the compartment in question by doorways of sufficient width. No concession is, however, to be allowed under this paragraph unless at least two separate stairways, not less than 30 inches wide, are provided from the compartment in question;
(f)the stairways from passenger compartments shall lead directly to a space on the weather deck which is at all times accessible to unberthed passengers. Arrangements by which the direct access of unberthed passengers to the deck is by means of emergency stairways leading into the cabin passengers’ accommodation or into galleys or other spaces not intended for the accommodation of unberthed passengers, are considered undesirable and shall not be accepted unless full particulars with plans of the proposed arrangement have been submitted to the Surveyor-General of Ships before the construction of the vessel is commenced, and have received the Surveyor-General of Ships’ approval. Such stairways shall in no case be accepted if fitted with doors the means of securing which are outside the unberthed passengers’ compartments;
(g)no ladder or stairway is to be less than 30 inches in width. No stairway is to be more than 50 inches in width unless fitted with an intermediate rail or rails. Such rails are not to be less than 30 inches or more than 50 inches apart. The width of all ladders and stairways shall be measured on the tread or step and within the sides, unless the handrails encroach on the tread or step, in which case the distance between the rails is to be taken as the width;
(h)there shall be at least 6 feet clear space in a vertical direction above each stair;
(i)all ladders and stairways shall be fitted on each side with efficient handrails, not ropes, and if open ladders are provided for a compartment to be occupied by women or children an intermediate rail shall be fitted on each side;
(j)all ladders and stairways shall be as well lighted as the rest of the compartment, both by day and night;
(k)ladders shall, as far as possible, be pitched fore and aft, and shall not be too steep, the angle from the vertical being as near 37 degrees as the arrangements of the ship will admit. All ladders intended for the accommodation of women are to be lined on the back; and
(l)on existing ships where permanent stairways or ladders are not provided, substantial and securely fixed stairways or ladders shall be fitted in hatchways leading to spaces occupied by passengers, and over each such hatchway there shall be erected an efficiently secured booby hatch, or other substantial covering, which in the opinion of a surveyor of ships, will afford the greatest amount of light and air, and of protection from the weather which the case will admit.
WATER CLOSETS
Water closets
36.  For first and second class passengers properly constructed, lighted and ventilated water closets shall be provided, to the satisfaction of the Surveyor-General of Ships, for the use of male and female passengers respectively.
Latrines
37.—(1)  Every passenger ship going on voyages beyond the 30 mile limit shall be fitted to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships, with permanent latrine accommodation for the exclusive use of unberthed and third class passengers.
(2)  Not less than two latrines shall be fitted and one additional latrine shall be fitted for every 50 or part of 50 passengers in excess of 100 passengers which the ship is certified to carry:
Provided that no such ship shall be required to be fitted with more than 60 latrines:
Provided further that in any ship, going on voyages within the home trade limit, half the scale of latrines prescribed in this rule, with a minimum of two, shall suffice.
(3)  The latrines shall be situated in a convenient and accessible place, and shall be fitted with approved screens between each place of accommodation. Approved means shall be taken to secure adequate privacy.
They shall be efficiently ventilated, and provided with means of lighting both day and night, to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships.
(4)  Separate latrines shall be apportioned to, and conspicuously marked for, the use of males and females.
(5)  All latrines shall be regularly cleaned and disinfected and they shall be flushed with a sufficient flow of water. Care shall be taken that none of the flush finds its way outside the latrines except directly overboard.
WASHING PLACES
Washing places
38.—(1)  Every passenger ship going on voyages beyond the Home trade limit shall be provided with, for the use of unberthed and third class berthed passengers, not less than two washing places, sufficiently screened from the public view, of which places at least one shall be set apart for the exclusive use of females.
(2)  These washing places shall be provided with taps or douches, in the ratio of one for each 100 passengers, for supplying sea or fresh water for the purpose of ablution.
(3)  The washing places shall be placed apart from the latrines.
FUEL, WATER AND PROVISIONS
Provisions
39.—(1)  Every passenger ship shall be provided with fuel, water, and provisions (if the passengers are to be provisioned by the ship) of a quality to the satisfaction of the Port Health Officer, and sufficient in quantity for the intended voyage, including such detention by accident or quarantine as may be possible.
(2)  The fresh water shall be stored in steel tanks, in approved positions in such quantity as to supply each passenger with one imperial gallon per diem during the voyage.
(3)  It shall not be necessary to carry more than half the above quantity, if the ship has on board an efficient distilling apparatus of approved pattern, and if a surveyor of ships satisfies himself before the commencement of the voyage that the apparatus is capable of producing one imperial gallon of pure fresh water in every 24 hours, for every person on board.
HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION FOR UNBERTHED AND
THIRD CLASS BERTHED PASSENGERS
Hospital
40.—(1)  Every passenger ship going on voyages beyond the Home trade limit, and certified to carry more than 100 passengers, shall be fitted with a permanent hospital.
(2)  To provide for cases of infectious diseases or for any general outbreak of sickness when the permanent hospital accommodation becomes insufficient, each ship shall carry a temporary hospital of such material, construction, and situation as may be approved by the Port Health Officer and a surveyor of ships.
(3)  The floor space of each hospital shall be determined as follows:
for 101 to 150 passengers
72 superficial feet,
for 151 to 200 passengers
96 superficial feet,
for 201 to 250 passengers
120 superficial feet,
for 251 to 300 passengers
144 superficial feet, and
for more than 300 passengers the floor space of each hospital shall not be less than 144 superficial feet.
The number of bunks to be fitted shall be determined by dividing the floor space in superficial feet by 24 but not more than 6 bunks need to be fitted for more than 300 passengers.
(4)  The height shall not be less than 6 feet.
(5)  When more than 50 female passengers are carried, there shall be a separate permanent hospital set apart for them, containing not less than two bunks and having a floor area of not less than 72 square feet, and a height of not less than 6 feet. The women’s hospital may also be used for children under 12 years of age.
(6)  All hospitals shall be on or above the upper deck and shall be lighted, ventilated and fitted, if required, with awnings to the satisfaction of the Port Health Officer and a surveyor of ships.
(7)  Permanent hospitals shall form part of the permanent structure of the ship. Hospitals, whether permanent or temporary, shall be provided with separate latrines, which shall be as near as practicable to the hospital accommodation.
Medical officer
41.—(1)  Every passenger ship going on voyages beyond the home trade limit carrying 100 persons and upwards including crew and passengers shall carry a medical officer possessing one of the several diplomas, degrees or licences mentioned in Part A, B or C of the Second Schedule.
Medical officer’s diary
(2)  The medical officer of every passenger ship shall be provided with and keep posted the following documents:
(a)a medical diary for recording the principal events of the voyage in connection with the medical history of the passengers, and any advice he may give to the master of the ship and of the compliance with or neglect of such advice;
(b)an admission and discharge book for every case brought under treatment, in the form set forth in the Third Schedule; and
(c)a register of deaths, in the form set forth in the Fourth Schedule.
(3)  The medical officer of every passenger ship is to keep his diary, required by paragraph (2)(a), carefully posted, and on arrival at any port, shall submit his diary and returns to the Port Health Officer of that port.
Penalty
(4)  If the medical officer omits to keep such records, or to produce the records before the Port Health Officer at any port, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250.
GALLEYS
Galleys
42.  Galleys are to be fitted sufficient to supply the needs of the passengers, if the passengers are to be provisioned by the ship.
GOODS ON PASSENGER DECKS
Goods
43.—(1)  When any part of the between-decks of a passenger ship is occupied by cargo, and passenger accommodation is provided contiguous thereto, the cargo shall be stowed to the satisfaction of the Port Master or a surveyor of ships.
(2)  No deck cargo shall be carried on the forecastle deck of a passenger ship and in the case of ships having no forecastle or having the bridge house joined to the forecastle or having a complete shelter deck, cargo shall not be carried nearer to the fore side of the stem than one-eighth of the ship’s registered length.
(3)  No part of the cargo or stores shall be carried on the weather deck at a greater height from the deck than the rail, bulwark, or 3 feet 6 inches whichever height is the least unless approved by the Port Master or a surveyor of ships. Cargo or stores shall not be carried in alleyways, and two passages fore and aft, of a minimum width of 2 feet 6 inches — one on each side of the ship — shall always be kept clear of cargo or stores.
Dangerous stowage
(4)  No deck cargo or fuel of any description shall be carried in the vicinity of any opening to the engine room or stokehold which would prevent the immediate closing of such opening.
Dangerous loading of deck cargo
(5)  The Port Master or a surveyor of ships may refuse to allow any passenger ship to load any or part of a deck cargo, or if loaded, may require the unloading of this cargo if, in his opinion, such deck cargo or part of a deck cargo adversely affects the ship’s stability of seaworthiness or endangers the health or lives of the passengers.
Hatches
(6)  When cargo is to be loaded in a hatch situated on a deck to which passengers have access, the hatch must be fitted with guard chains or other satisfactory means to prevent any possibility of accident to the passengers.
DEPARTURE OF PASSENGER SHIPS
Procedure before departure
44.  A sea-going passenger ship shall not proceed to sea until visited by the Port Master or any officer lawfully acting for him. This officer shall after counting the passengers fill in a declaration in the form contained in the First Schedule. The flyleaf shall be signed by the officer and given to the master, who must produce it when called on to do so by the Port Master at the port of destination, while the counterfoil shall be signed by the master and retained by the officer. The Port Clearance shall then be delivered and the vessel shall proceed on her voyage forthwith. No passengers or cargo of any description shall be taken on board after the said officer has left the ship.
Penalties
45.  Any person committing any breach of rule 20, 21, 24, 26, 27, 37(4), 38, 39, 43 or 44 shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250, and where the breach is a continuing one to a further fine not exceeding $10 for every day during which the breach continues after conviction, or to imprisonment for a term which may extend to 3 months or to both.
[G.N. Nos. 480/39; S 294/54; S 96/70; S 162/74]