3252

THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE.

[No. 77

sills of the openings are to be at least 9 inches above the deck where
the superstructures are closed by Class 2 closing appliances, and at
least 15 inches above the deck where the closing appliances are less
efficient than Class 2.

Rule XXII.—Flush Bunker Scuttles.

Flush bunker scuttles may be fitted in superstructure decks, and
where so fitted are to be of iron or steel, of substantial construction,
with screw or bayonet joints. Where a scuttle is not secured by
hinges, a permanent chain attachment is to be provided. The position
of flush bunker scuttles in small ships in special trades is to be dealt
with by each Assigning Authority.

Rule XXIII.—Companionways.

Companionways in exposed positions on freeboard decks and on
decks of enclosed superstructures are to be of substantial construction.
The sills of the doorways are to be of the heights specified for hatch-
way coamings (see Rules IX and XVIII). The doors are to be
strongly constructed and capable of being closed and secured from
both sides. Where the companionway is situated within a quarter
of the ship’s length from the stem, it is to be of steel and riveted to
the deck plating.

Rule XXIV.—Ventilators in Exposed Positions on Freeboard and
Superstructure Decks.

Such ventilators to spaces below freeboard decks or decks of
superstructures which are intact or fitted with Class 1 closing appli-
ances are to have coamings of steel, substantially constructed, and
efficiently connected to the deck by rivets spaced four diameters
apart centre to centre, or by equally effective means. The deck
plating at the base of the coaming is to be efficiently stiffened between
the deck beams. The ventilator openings are to be provided with
efficient closing arrangements.

Where such ventilators are situated on the freeboard deck, or on
the superstructure deck within a quarter of the ship’s length from the
stem, and the closing arrangements are of a temporary character, the
coamings are to be at least 36 inches in height; in other exposed
positions on the superstructure deck they are to be at least 30 inches
in height. Where the coaming of any ventilator exceeds 36 inches
in height, it is to be specially supported and secured.

Rule XXV.—Air Pipes.

Where the air pipes to ballast and other tanks extend above
freeboard or superstructure decks, the exposed parts of the pipes
are to be of substantial construction; the height from the deck to
the opening is to be at least 36 inches in wells on freeboard decks,
30 inches on raised quarter decks, and 18 inches on other super-
structure decks. Satisfactory means are to be provided for closing
the openings of the air pipes.

Openings in the Sides of Ships.

Rule XXVI.—Gangway, Cargo and Cooling Ports, &c.

Openings in the sides of ships below the freeboard deck are to be
fitted with watertight doors or covers which, with their securing
appliances, are to be of sufficient strength.

Rule XXVII.—Scuppers and Sanitary Discharge Pipes.

Discharges led through the ship’s sides from spaces below the
freeboard deck are to be fitted with efficient and accessible means
for preventing water from passing inboard. Each separate discharge
may have an automatic non-return valve with a positive means of
closing it from a position above the freeboard deck, or two automatic
non-return valves without positive means of closing, provided the
upper valve is situated so that it is always accessible for examination
under service conditions. The positive action valve is to be readily
accessible and is to be provided with means for showing whether
the valve is open or closed. Cast iron is not to be accepted for such
valves where attached to the sides of the ship.

Conditional upon the type and the location of the inboard ends
of such openings, similar provisions may be prescribed by the
Assigning Authority as to discharges from spaces within enclosed
superstructures.

Where scuppers are fitted in superstructures not fitted with
Class 1 closing appliances they are to have efficient means for
preventing the accidental admission of water below the freeboard
deck.