The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1975

• Citation: S.I. 1975/2220
• Sections: 35

Section 1 Citation, commencement and interpretation

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1975 and shall come into operation on 1st January 1977.

(2) In these Regulations:—

“ fishing vessel ” includes a fishery research vessel but does not include a fishery protection vessel;

“ length ” means the length measured from the fore part of the stem on the line of the forecastle deck to the after side of the head of the stern post, or, if there is no stern post, to the foreside of the rudder stock at the point where the rudder stock passes out of the hull;

“ sanitary accommodation ” includes washing accommodation and water closets.

(3) The Interpretation Act 1889 shall apply for the interpretation of these Regulations as it applies for the interpretation of an Act of Parliament.

Section 2 Application

These Regulations shall apply to every mechanically-propelled sea-going fishing vessel of 24·4 metres or more in length registered in the United Kingdom under Part I or Part IV of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 which either:

(a) is so registered for the first time or re-registered after the date on which these Regulations come into operation, or

(b) is reconstructed or substantially altered after that date,

except:

(i) vessels primarily used for fishing for sport or recreation;

(ii) vessels primarily propelled by sail but having auxiliary engines; or

(iii) vessels used for whaling or similar pursuits.

Section 3 Extension to Unregistered British Fishing Vessels

(1) It is hereby directed that the provisions of section 20 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970 and of these Regulations shall extend to British vessels (which are not registered in the United Kingdom or elsewhere) of the following description, that is to say, every mechanically-propelled sea-going fishing vessel of 24·4 metres or more in length which:

(a) is wholly owned by a person resident in or by a body corporate having a principal place of business in the United Kingdom; and

(b) is required to be registered under the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 but is not registered under Part I or Part IV of that Act;

and to masters and seamen employed in her.

(2) These Regulations shall apply to every such unregistered fishing vessel as and to the extent that they would apply to her if she were a fishing vessel which had been registered for the first time under Part I or Part IV of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 on the date on which her construction was completed; and regulation 2 shall be construed accordingly.

Section 4 Exemption

Fishing vessels which do not normally remain away from their home ports for periods of more than 36 hours and on board which the crew does not normally live when in port shall, on condition that they are provided with adequate sanitary accommodation, messing and cooking facilities and accommodation for resting, be exempt from compliance with regulations 20-25 inclusive and 27-32 inclusive and from the requirement in regulation 15(2) for an electric lamp to be provided at the head of each bed.

Section 5 Plans

(1) Every person to whose order a fishing vessel to which these Regulations apply is being constructed shall submit the following plans to a surveyor of ships:

(a) before construction is begun, a plan of the fishing vessel on a scale not smaller than 1 in 100, showing clearly the proposed arrangements of the crew accommodation in the vessel and its proposed position in relation to the vessel's other spaces;

(b) before the construction of any part of the crew accommodation is begun, plans of the proposed crew accommodation on a scale not smaller than 1 in 50 showing clearly and in detail the purpose for which each space in the crew accommodation is to be appropriated and the proposed disposition of the furnishing, fittings and obstructions in it; and

(c) before the construction of any part of the crew accommodation is begun, plans showing clearly the proposed arrangements for supplying water to the crew accommodation, for covering the floors, and for heating, lighting, ventilating, insulating and draining the crew accommodation.

(2) The owner of every fishing vessel to which these Regulations apply shall, before any reconstruction or alteration of the vessel's crew accommodation is carried out, submit to a surveyor of ships the plans specified in paragraph 1(a), (b) and (c) of this regulation relating to the crew accommodation as reconstructed or altered as the case may be;

provided that if the crew accommodation is reconstructed or altered at a place outside the United Kingdom in consequence of an emergency or any accident to the vessel, such plans shall be submitted to a surveyor of ships as soon as practicable.

Section 6 General

(1) In every fishing vessel of 38 metres in length or over, all parts of the crew accommodation except store rooms shall wherever practicable be situated wholly above the vessel's operational water-line; in no case shall any part of the crew accommodation in such a vessel be situated more than 1·2 metres below that waterline.

(2) Sleeping rooms shall not be situated in the forward part of the vessel except where, by reason of the size, type or intended service of the vessel, it is not reasonably practicable to situate them amidships or aft.

(3) In no case shall any part of the crew accommodation, except a store room, be situated forward of the collision bulkhead.

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

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

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

(5) All structures, furniture and fittings in the crew accommodation shall be so situated, constructed and arranged as to minimise any risk of injury to the crew.

(6) All parts of the crew accommodation, except store rooms, shall have a clear headroom of at least 1·90 metres at every point in the room where full and free movement is necessary.

Section 7 Divisions between the crew accommodation and other parts of the vessel

(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 weathertight means of closure.

(2) Bulkheads which enclose any part of the crew accommodation and are exposed to the weather, and any parts of the sides of the vessel which form walls 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 from a space used as:

(i) a machinery space;

(ii) a bunker;

(iii) a lamp room or paint room;

(iv) an engine room, deck or other bulk store room other than a dry provision store room;

(v) a stowage space for fish or any by-product of fish;

(vi) a chain locker; or

(vii) a cofferdam;

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:

(a) any of the bulkheads referred to in paragraph (4) of this regulation or

(b) any bulkheads separating any part of the crew accommodation from any store room which is not part of the crew accommodation (whether or not that store room is included in the category specified in paragraph (4)(iv) of this regulation)

except that:

(i) there may be an opening in a bulkhead separating a propelling machinery space from sanitary accommodation or changing rooms provided for the exclusive use of engine room officers and ratings;

(ii) 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;

(iii) in a vessel of under 45·7 metres in length 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

(iv) 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)(iii)-(vii) inclusive of this regulation 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 where practicable 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 1·52 metres greater than the maximum service head.

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

Section 8 Interior bulkheads

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

(2) Subject to paragraph (3) of this regulation—

(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; or

(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 sub-paragraphs (i)-(v) inclusive of this paragraph shall be watertight to a height of not less than 230 millimetres, except in the case of doorways situate 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 galley from a pantry,

(c) a laundry from a drying room,

(d) sanitary accommodation appropriated to the sole use of one person from the sleeping room of that person if there is direct access from the sleeping room to the sanitary accommodation.

(4) Subject to the provisions of regulations 25(3) and 28(3), there shall be no openings in any bulkhead separating a sleeping room or mess room from any sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room.

Section 9 Overhead decks

(1) Every deck which forms the crown of any part of the crew accommodation (in this regulation called an “ overhead deck ”), is exposed to the weather, and is made of metal shall either:

(a) be sheathed on its upper side with:

(i) wood not less than 57 millimetres thick, properly laid and caulked; or

(ii) a material complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 1 to these Regulations and properly laid; or

(b) be insulated on its underside with a material complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 2 to these Regulations.

(2) Every overhead deck which is made of wood shall be properly laid and caulked and shall be not less than 63 millimetres thick.

Section 10 Floor decks

(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) Every floor deck made of wood shall be at least 63 millimetres thick and shall be properly laid and caulked.

(3) Every floor deck made of metal, except floor decks in sanitary accommodation, galleys, laundries and store rooms, shall be covered with a material which complies with the requirements specified in Schedule 1 to these Regulations. 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.

(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.

Section 11 Access and escape arrangements

(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) 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 a 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 vessel's boats, lifeboats or liferafts. Where escape routes are by way of stairways or ladderways, those stairways or ladderways shall be constructed of steel.

(3) In paragraph (2) “ compartment ” means all living and working spaces on any one level which are served by intercommunicating passageways.

Section 12 Pipes, etc

(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. Where any such pipes do pass through the crew accommodation they shall pass through passageways only, shall be properly encased, and in the case of supply pipes:

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

(ii) shall be of a scantling sufficient to withstand the maximum pressure from the vessel's boiler system;

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

(iv) shall be fitted with adequate drainage arrangements.

(2) 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.

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

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

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

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

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

Section 13 Awnings

Every fishing vessel for the time being regularly engaged on voyages to or within the Tropics or the Persian Gulf shall be provided with—

(a) awnings suitable to cover:

(i) all exposed decks or other exposed surfaces forming the crown of any part of the crew accommodation; and

(ii) the exposed sides of galleys situated on an open deck; and

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

Section 14 Heating

(1) Except in vessels employed solely within the Tropics or the Persian Gulf, all sleeping rooms, mess rooms, hospitals, and sanitary accommodation shall be provided with a permanently installed heating system (in this regulation called “ the main heating system ”) capable of ensuring that when the temperature of the ambient air is—1°C, the temperature in those rooms 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. Solid fuel open fires, paraffin heaters or open flame gas appliances shall not be provided.

(3) Means of 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 sub-paragraph (b), 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.

(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.

Section 15 Lighting

(1) All parts of the crew accommodation, except drying rooms, lockers and store rooms, shall where practicable be adequately lit by natural light.

(2) 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 each bed, and a blue light in each sleeping room.

(3) An efficient alternative lighting system or an alternative supply of electrical power to the system mentioned in paragraph (2) shall be available for emergency use in the crew accommodation.

(4) For the purposes of this regulation, “ adequate light ” means in the case of:

(a) natural lighting in sleeping rooms, hospitals and mess rooms, and

(b) electric lighting in all rooms and other spaces in the crew accommodation,

light which is bright enough (in the case of (a) above, 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; and “ adequately lit ” shall be construed accordingly.

Section 16 Ventilation

(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 the conditions of weather and climate which the vessel 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. The ventilation system shall be additional to any sidescuttles, skylights, companionways, 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.

(2) The ventilation system provided for an enclosed space may be either a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation or a trunked mechanical ventilation system, except in vessels for the time being regularly engaged in voyages to or in the Tropics or the Persian Gulf which shall be provided with a trunked mechanical ventilation system.

(3) If a natural ventilation system is provided, it shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) Every inlet ventilator which is situated in the open air shall be of a cowl or other equally efficient type and shall be so placed that, so far as is practicable, it is not screened from the wind in any direction. No inlet ventilator shall be situated over a doorway, stairway or exhaust opening.

(b) The sectional area of all parts of the inlet and exhaust system, except parts serving a drying room or locker only, shall be at least 0·012 square metres in all or at least 0·004 square metres per person for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time, whichever shall be the greater. The effective area of the inlet and exhaust system serving each space shall be adjustable from fully open down to a minimum area of 0·002 square metres per person for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time.

(4) If a trunked mechanical ventilation system is fitted, it shall so far as is reasonably practicable comply with the requirements specified in Schedule 3 to these Regulations provided that:

(a) vessels for the time being regularly engaged in voyages in the Tropics or the Persian Gulf shall comply fully with those requirements; and

(b) in vessels employed solely within the home trade limits, the number of fresh air changes specified in that Schedule may be reduced by one third.

(5) In vessels other than those regularly engaged on voyages:

(i) within home trade limits;

(ii) round the coasts of New Zealand;

(iii) north of latitude 53° North; or

(iv) south of latitude 45° South;

a suitable electric fan shall be fitted in every sleeping room, messroom, hospital, galley and pantry which is not served by a trunked mechanical ventilation system.

(6) The following spare gear, properly packed for storage, shall be carried for any trunked mechanical ventilation system or fans fitted in compliance with this regulation:

(a) for each size of motor fitted, 1 set of bearings;

(b) for each size of starter fitted:

(i) 1 set of contacts,

(ii) 1 set of springs, and

(iii) 1 operating coil.

(7) A supply of power adequate to operate any trunked mechanical ventilation system or fans shall be provided. Any such system or fans, as the case may be, 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 or fans is required.

Section 17 Drainage

(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 blowback.

(2) Each space in the sanitary accommodation, except sanitary accommodation appropriated for the exclusive use of one person, shall be served by one or more scuppers which do not serve any space other than sanitary accommodation. 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.

Section 18 Interior finishes

(1) The interior walls and ceiling of all parts of the crew accommodation shall be painted or covered with some other suitable material. Paint shall be white or light in colour.

(2) 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.

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

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

(5) 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.

Section 19 Marking

(1) Every sleeping room in the crew accommodation shall be marked on the inside with the marking specified in Part I of Schedule 4 to these Regulations.

(2) Every space in the crew accommodation, except sleeping rooms, shall be marked either inside the space or on or over the door leading into it with whichever of the markings specified in Part II of Schedule 4 to these Regulations is appropriate.

(3) All markings shall be made in clear characters at a readily visible position on the vessel's structure. The markings shall be cut into the structure or marked in some other equally permanent way.

(4) No space in the crew accommodation shall be marked either inside or outside with any marking additional to the marking required by this regulation which could cause confusion by implying that the space is appropriated for use other than in accordance with the marking required by this regulation.

Section 20 Sleeping rooms

(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) Every watch of deck and engine room ratings, or ratings of a similar grade on watch duty shall, where reasonably practicable, be provided with separate sleeping rooms. Daymen shall be provided with sleeping rooms separate from those of watchkeepers. Sleeping rooms for officers shall be separate from those for ratings.

(3) The maximum number of persons accommodated in sleeping rooms shall be as follows:

(i) Officers: wherever practicable 1 person per room and in no case more than 2 persons per room.

(ii) Ratings: wherever practicable 2 or 3 persons per room and in no case more than the following:

in vessels of under 35·1 metres in length, 6 persons;

in vessels of 35·1 metres in length and over, 4 persons.

(4)

(a) The minimum floor area provided per person for each occupant of a sleeping room shall be as follows:

(b) In determining the floor area of a room for the purpose of this paragraph, spaces occupied by beds, clothes lockers and wardrobes shall not be included.

Section 21 Beds

(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 with tubular frames, the frames shall be completely sealed.

(3) There shall be unobstructed access to at least one side of each bed, and the sides of the beds in each room shall be suitably separated. Where the ends of 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.

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

(5) No bed shall be fitted:

(a) within 100 millimetres of a ventilation trunk used for circulating hot air; or

(b) within 50 millimetres of a bulkhead or the vessel's side, unless the bed is so fitted (i) as to fill any gap by the bed which might harbour dirt or vermin and (ii) as to enable the bedding to be kept clean and dry.

(6) The distance from the bottom of the mattress of every bed to the floor of the room shall be at least 300 millimetres.

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

(8) The minimum inside dimensions of every bed shall wherever practicable be 1·90 metres by 680 millimetres and in no case less than 1·83 metres by 610 millimetres. If leeboards or lee rails are fitted the measurements shall be taken from inside them.

(9) 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.

(10) A bottom of wood, canvas or dust-proof material shall be fitted to the bottom of the top berth of every two-tier bed.

Section 22 Furniture and fittings in sleeping rooms

(1) Every sleeping room shall be so planned and equipped as to ensure reasonable comfort for the occupants and to facilitate tidiness and shall be provided with the following minimum equipment:—

(A) in ratings' sleeping rooms:

(a) for each occupant of the room:

(i) a clothes locker which has wherever practicable a capacity of at least 0·34 cubic metres and in no case less than 0·17 cubic metres; is of a suitable design and is fitted with a lock or hasp for a padlock and with a rod for clothes hangers;

(ii) a drawer or equivalent space, having, wherever practicable, a capacity of at least 0·056 cubic metres;

(iii) a comfortable seat;

(iv) a coat hook;

(b) a desk or table;

(c) a mirror and a cabinet for toilet requisites;

(d) a book rack;

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

(B) in officers' sleeping rooms:

(a) for each occupant of the room:

(i) a wardrobe;

(ii) a chair with arm rests, provided that where there are two occupants a settee may be provided instead of one of the chairs;

(iii) a drawer or equivalent space having a capacity of at least 0·056 cubic metres;

(iv) at least two coat hooks;

(b) a desk or table;

(c) a carpet runner;

(d) a mirror and a cabinet for toilet requisites;provided that, where washing accommodation is appropriated for the exclusive use of one officer, the mirror and cabinet may be placed in the washing accommodation instead of in the sleeping room of that officer;

(e) a book rack;

(f) a curtain, blind or jalousie for each sidelight or window.

(2) The furniture in each sleeping room shall be of smooth, hard material not liable to warp or corrode or harbour vermin.

(3) No lockers or racks for storage of food shall be fitted in a sleeping room.

Section 23 Mess rooms

(1) A mess room situated as close as practicable to the galley shall be provided for the crew and 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 fishing vessels which have accommodation certified for a crew of less than 10 persons the mess room, if not combined with a galley, may be combined with the sleeping accommodation if it is impracticable to provide a separate mess room.

(3) Wherever practicable, mess rooms shall be planned, furnished and equipped to provide recreational facilities.

Section 24 Furniture and fittings in mess rooms

(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 610 millimetres wide if seats are provided on both sides of the table and at least 380 millimetres wide if seats are provided only on one side of the table.

(3) Seating shall be provided for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time. The top of each table and seat shall be of damp-resisting material, without cracks and which can be easily kept clean.

(4) A suitable storage locker or rack large enough to hold sufficient mess utensils for all persons likely to use the room shall be provided in the mess room or in a suitable place readily accessible from it.

Section 25 Washing accommodation

(1) Washing accommodation shall be provided for the crew; in fishing vessels of 35·1 metres or more in length, washing accommodation for officers shall be separate from that for ratings.

(2) Washing accommodation shall be situated close to the sleeping rooms of the persons to whose use it is appropriated except where the washing accommodation is provided for the exclusive use of engine room ratings when it may be adjacent to the engine room.

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

(4) The following equipment shall be provided in the washing accommodation for officers and ratings, who shall in fishing vessels of 35·1 metres or more in length, be counted separately for this purpose:

(a) one bath or shower for every eight persons or less;

provided that where the total number of persons exceeds eight or a multiple of eight by less than four, that excess number shall be ignored for the purposes of this paragraph;

(b) one wash basin for every six persons or less;

provided that where the total number of persons exceeds six or a multiple of six by less than three, that excess number shall be ignored for the purposes of this paragraph;

provided that, in determining the number of baths, showers and basins required, no account shall be taken of any private bath, shower or wash basin, or the person to whose use it is appropriated. For the purposes of this regulation the term “ bath ” includes tub bath.

(5) Every wash basin shall have a capacity of not less than 7 litres. Every bath and shower shall be of adequate size. Every wash basin and bath shall be constructed of a suitable material with a smooth surface not likely to crack, flake or corrode.

(6) Screening to ensure privacy shall be provided for any bath or shower which is in the same room as any wash basin or other bath or shower unless the room is appropriated for the exclusive use of one person. The screening shall be made of a robust and opaque material and shall be rigid on at least three sides of every bath and shower. Wherever reasonably practicable the space screened shall be large enough for a person to undress in it in comfort.

(7) Every wash basin and bath shall be 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.

(8) Every shower shall be provided with a handrail, kerb and individual drainage. Every bath and shower shall be provided with a grating or mat.

(9) Hot and cold fresh water shall be laid on to all wash basins, baths and showers. The hot water shall be at a constant temperature of at least 66°C and shall be heated by thermostatically controlled calorifiers or by some other equally safe or efficient means. 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 35°C but not more than 40°C.

(10) The fresh water laid on shall be supplied from tanks of a capacity of at least 45 litres for each member of the crew for each day likely to elapse between successive replenishments of the water;

provided that, if distilling or evaporating plant is provided for the supply of fresh water, the capacity of the storage tanks may be reduced from that specified above, but shall still be large enough to hold at least two days' supply. If service tanks are fitted they shall be directly connected with the vessel's main storage tanks.

(11) Unless other adequate means of washing down the room are provided, a salt water tap shall be fitted in every washroom, other than a washroom appropriated for the exclusive use of one person.

Section 26 Supply of drinking water

(1) Cold drinking water shall be laid on to the galley taps which shall be readily accessible to the crew.

(2) The drinking water shall be supplied from tanks of a capacity of at least 4·5 litres for each member of the crew for each day likely to elapse between successive replenishments of water. If the water supplied to the washing accommodation is of the standard required for drinking water, the storage tanks may be combined. If they are combined, the total tank capacity shall be not less than 49·5 litres per person for each day likely to elapse between successive replenishments of water.

(3) If gravity service tanks are fitted, they shall be directly connected with the vessel's main drinking water storage tanks.

(4) If distilling or evaporating plant is provided for the supply of drinking water, the storage capacity may be reduced from that specified in paragraph (2) above, but the tanks shall still be sufficient to provide at least two days' supply.

(5) Where drinking water is produced by a low pressure generator working at a temperature below 100°C, the water so produced shall be treated by an automatic chlorination unit.

(6) Where drinking water is used for flushing water closets, supplying engine auxiliaries or for any purpose other than drinking, precautions shall be taken to ensure that the drinking water supply cannot be contaminated as a result of that use.

Section 27 Facilities for washing and drying clothes and for hanging oilskins and working clothes

(1) Washing troughs or other suitable equipment shall be provided to enable the crew to wash their clothes and shall be adequate in size and sufficient in number for that purpose. Such troughs or other equipment shall be made from or coated with a hygienic and durable material with a smooth and impervious surface not likely to crack, flake or become corroded. The troughs or other equipment shall, where practicable, be fitted in a room appropriated for use as a laundry only; but if the provision of a separate laundry is impracticable, they may be fitted in the crew's washing accommodation. The troughs or other equipment shall be provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold fresh water, and shall be so arranged as to discharge overboard or into an enclosed tank which has a mechanically operated suction pump.

(2) Facilities for drying the crew's clothes shall be provided in a room appropriated for use as a drying room only, or, if that is impracticable, in the laundry or crew's washing room. They shall be fitted with racks or rods and shall be of sufficient size having regard to the number of persons in the crew and the duration of the voyages on which the vessel is intended to be engaged.

(3) Adequately ventilated compartments or lockers for use solely for hanging oilskins and other working clothes shall be provided outside but convenient to the sleeping rooms. Separate compartments or lockers shall, where practicable, be provided for officers and ratings.

Section 28 Water closets

(1) Water closets shall be provided for the crew and, in every vessel of 35·1 metres or more in length, water closets for officers shall be separate from those for ratings.

(2) One water closet shall be provided for every eight persons or less or, where water closets for officers are separate from those for ratings, for every eight officers and every eight ratings;

provided that where the number of persons to be counted exceeds 8 or a multiple of 8 by less than 4, that excess number may be ignored for the purpose of this paragraph;

and

provided also that, in determining the number of water closets required, no account shall be taken of a private water closet or the person to whose use it is appropriated.

(3)

(a) Water closets shall be situated conveniently near to but separate from sleeping rooms and washing accommodation.

(b) Subject to sub-paragraph (c), access to a water closet shall not be directly from a mess room or sleeping room or from a passageway between sleeping rooms and water closets where there is no other access to that passageway.

(c) Access to a water closet provided for the exclusive use of the occupants of not more than two sleeping rooms accommodating not more than 4 persons in all may be directly from those sleeping rooms.

(4)

(a) Subject to sub-paragraph (b), a water closet shall be separated from all other parts of the crew accommodation by bulkheads which comply with the requirements of regulation 8.

(b) A water closet need not be separated:

(i) from another water closet,

(ii) from a urinal, or

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

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

(5) 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.

(6) Every water closet shall be provided with the following:

(a)

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

(ii) a seat of polished hardwood or other suitable 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 soil pipe of not less than 100 mm 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 to a main sewage outfall by an efficient and hygienic system, or to a collecting tank or sewage plant;

(d) a rack for holding toilet paper;

(e) a hand rail or grip.

Section 29 Galleys

(1) A galley situated as close as may be to the mess room shall be provided for the preparation of food for the crew. Whenever practicable, it shall be in a separate room but, when that is impracticable, it may be combined with a mess room other than a mess room which is combined with sleeping accommodation.

(2) Every galley shall be provided with a cooking appliance and all other equipment necessary to enable food in sufficient quantity to be properly and readily prepared for the crew and served hot to them in the mess room in all weathers. The cooking appliance shall be so arranged that the space round it can be easily kept clean. The equipment shall include facilities (which may, where appropriate, include the cooking appliance previously referred to) suitable for use at any time by any member of the crew for preparing hot drinks, provided that those facilities may be fitted or provided in or near the mess room instead of in the galley.

(3) Every galley shall be provided with a sink to which hot and cold fresh water shall be laid on. No salt water tap shall be fitted over any sink at which food may be prepared.

(4) 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.

(5) 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, equipment additional to that required by regulation 16 being provided where necessary for that purpose.

(6) A connection suitable for a hose for washing down shall be provided on a waterpipe in the galley.

(7) The floors of the galley shall be provided with sufficient gutters and scuppers to ensure that it is efficiently drained. The scuppers shall be led over-board or to an enclosed tank which has a mechanically operated pump.

Section 30 Dry provision store rooms

(1) One or more store rooms shall be provided for the storage of dry 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 replenishments of stores and to the maximum number of persons for whom food is to be provided.

(2) Access to every dry provision store room shall be obtained from a passageway, galley, mess room, pantry or other dry provision store room or from a position on an open deck.

(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, machinery casing or other space which is subject to abnormal heat

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

(4) A dry provision store room shall not be used for the storage of bedding or textiles.

Section 31 Cold store rooms and refrigerating equipment

(1) Cold store rooms shall, where practicable, be provided for the storage of perishable provisions for the crew. If it is not practicable to provide cold store rooms suitable alternative storage facilities for those provisions shall be provided.

(2) The cold store rooms or other facilities provided shall be adequate in size having regard to the number of persons in the crew and the period likely to elapse between successive replenishments of stores.

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

(4) Every cold store room shall be served by refrigerating machinery. 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 7; it shall be adequately provided with supply and exhaust ventilation. Access to that space shall, wherever practicable, be by means of a hinged door from the open deck. If the door opens into any part of the crew accommodation, the door shall be of steel, self-closing and gastight.

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

Section 32 Hospitals

(1) Every fishing vessel of 45·7 metres or more in length 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 fishing vessel a suitable room shall, wherever practicable, 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 as comfortable as possible and is readily accessible in all weathers from the master's accommodation.

(4) Where there is no water closet in the hospital there shall be a water closet readily accessible from it. Access to the water closet shall not be by way of any part of the open deck.

(5) Every hospital, whether permanent or temporary, shall wherever practicable be so situated and arranged that a stretcher can easily be carried into it and placed alongside the bed.

(6) Every permanent hospital shall be provided with a bed, placed wherever practicable so that it is accessible from both sides and from the foot; the minimum inside dimensions of the bed shall be at least 1·90 metres by 680 millimetres; in all other respects the bed shall comply with the requirements set out in regulation 21(2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (9) and (10).

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

(8) Any side scuttles, windows and skylights in the ward shall be provided with curtains, blinds or jalousies and, unless the ward is provided with a trunked mechanical ventilation system, shall be made to open.

(9) Every permanent hospital, even if served by a trunked mechanical ventilation system complying with the requirements of regulation 16, shall, wherever reasonably practicable, be provided in addition with a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation to the open air independent of the ventilation system provided for other parts of the vessel and complying with the requirements of regulation 16.

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

(11) Every permanent hospital shall be provided with a portable electric lamp in addition to the lighting required by regulation 15.

(12) In each ward in a permanent hospital one of each of the following items of equipment shall be provided:

(a) a locker approximately 305 millimetres square by 610 millimetres high fitted with a flat top and a shelf; the locker shall be within reach of the bed;

(b) a clothes locker complying with the specifications set out in regulation 22(1)(A)(a)(i);

(c) a water bottle and tumbler within reach of the bed;

(d) a comfortable seat;

(e) a box cover to conceal a bed-pan; and

(f) an electric bell-push so arranged as to be within reach of the bed and communicating with the sleeping room of the person in charge of the patient.

(13) A wash basin complying with the requirements for wash basins set out in regulation 25 and with hot and cold fresh water laid on to it shall be fitted in every permanent hospital. It shall be fitted with an efficient and hygienic discharge system separate, if practicable, from any other discharge system in the vessel. The waste-pipe shall be fitted in such a way as to facilitate cleaning. A scupper at least 50 millimetres in diameter shall be fitted in the lowest part of any room in which the basin is fitted unless that room is the ward.

(14) The surface of the floor of every permanent hospital shall so far as is practicable be free from joins.

Section 33 Medical cabinet

(1) A medical cabinet suitable for storing medicines and other medical stores which the vessel is required by regulations made under section 24 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1970 to carry for the crew, shall be well ventilated and fitted in a place in the crew accommodation which:

(a) is always dry,

(b) is readily accessible from (but not sited in) the permanent or temporary hospital, or from the master's accommodation, and

(c) is not subject to abnormal heat.

(2) The medical cabinet shall be provided with the following:

(a) an outer door fitted with an efficient lock;

(b) 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; the inner cupboard shall be used solely for the storage of dangerous drugs;

(c) shelves so fitted that medicine containers can be securely arranged on them in a way that will enable the medicines to be readily identified;

(d) a dispensing counter or dispensing table, in either case with a surface which can be easily kept clean;

(e) at least two drawers suitable for the storage of medical stores;

(f) fittings which will enable hot water bottles to be carried in a hanging position;

(g) a rack suitable for holding devices for measuring medicines.

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

Section 34 Protection from flies and other insects

(1) The crew accommodation of every fishing vessel for the time being regularly engaged on voyages to or in the Tropics, the Persian Gulf, or to ports on the coasts of the Malagasy Republic shall be protected by means of screening against the admission of flies and other insects.

(2) The screening, which shall be made of rust-proof wire or other suitable material, shall be fitted to or provided for all side scuttles, natural ventilators, skylights and doorways leading to an open deck.

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

Section 35 Maintenance and inspection of crew accommodation

(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. 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 the persons for whom that part of the accommodation is appropriated, and in particular no fish or by-product of fish shall be kept in any part of the crew accommodation.

(2) The master of every fishing vessel 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 appointed for that purpose by the crew. The master of the fishing vessel shall cause a record to be entered in the fishing vessel's official log-book of:

(a) the time and date of the inspection;

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

(c) particulars of any respects 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.