E

SUB-COMMITTEE ON SHIP DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION
2nd session
Agenda item 3

SDC 2/3/1
26 August 2014
Original: ENGLISH

AMENDMENTS TO SOLAS CHAPTER II-1 SUBDIVISION

AND DAMAGE STABILITY REGULATIONS
Proposal for amending SOLAS chapter II-1, part B-2, regulation 9
Submitted by Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands
SUMMARY
Executive summary:

This document proposes improvements to the draft text of SOLAS

chapter II-1, part B-2, regulation 9, on double bottoms in cargo
ships other than tankers

Strategic direction:

5.2

High-level action:

5.2.1

Planned output:

5.2.1.13

Action to be taken:

Paragraph 5

Related documents:

SDC 1/7/Add.1, SDC 1/7/5, SDC 1/WP.5/Add.1/Rev.1 and

resolution MSC.281(85)

Introduction
1
With regard to SOLAS chapter II-1, part B-2, regulation 9, on double bottoms, this
document provides a proposal for improvement of the draft text (based on the agreed
outcome of SDC 1) to achieve better understanding and more precision in the application
of this regulation.
Background
2
The SDC Sub-Committee, at its first session, agreed, in principle, to the proposed
amendments to SOLAS chapter II-1, including proposed amendments to regulation 9, as
shown in the report of the Stability Working Group (SDC 1/WP.5/Add.1/Rev.1).
An intersessional Correspondence Group on Subdivision and Damage Stability (SDS), under
the coordination of the United Kingdom, was established to (among other topics) finalize the
draft amendments of the Explanatory Notes to the SOLAS chapter II-1 subdivision and
damage stability regulations (SDC 1/7/Add.1, annex) and to submit a written report to SDC 2.

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Page 2
Discussion
3
Based on the ongoing discussion of the 2014 intersessional SDS Correspondence
Group about revisions on the Explanatory Notes to the SOLAS chapter II-1 subdivision and
damage stability regulations (resolution MSC.281(85)) which includes the discussion on the
Explanatory Notes to regulation II-1/9, and taking also into account document SDC 1/7/5
(Republic of Korea), which is referring to an unclear definition of "small wells", the
co-sponsors are of the opinion that the improvement of a good understanding and a safe and
uniform application of regulation II-1/9 cannot be ensured by amending the Explanatory
Notes only, but that the text of regulation II-1/9 needs to be amended as well.
Proposal
4
The co-sponsors propose, therefore, to re-open the discussion on the draft text of
regulation II-1/9 for taking the proposal below into account. In order to achieve a clear and
unambiguous understanding as well as a uniform application of regulation II-1/9, it is
proposed that amendments to the draft text of regulation II-1/9, as set out in annex 1.
In addition, several sketches with regard to the definition of "small wells" are provided in
annex 2, which can be used in the draft new Explanatory Notes for regulation 9.3.3.
Action requested of the Sub-Committee
5
The Sub-Committee is invited to consider the above and take action as deemed
appropriate.

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Annex 1, page 1
ANNEX 1
PROPOSAL FOR FURTHER REVISION OF SOLAS, CHAPTER II-1,
PART B-2, REGULATION 9, BASED ON AGREED CHANGES
AT SDC 1 (SDC 1/WP.5/Add.1)
Regulation 9
Double bottoms in cargo ships other than tankers
1
A double bottom shall be fitted extending from the collision bulkhead to the
afterpeak bulkhead, as far as this is practicable and compatible with the design and proper
working of the ship.
2
Where a double bottom is required to be fitted the inner bottom shall be continued
out to the ship's sides in such a manner as to protect the bottom to the turn of the bilge. Such
protection will be deemed satisfactory if the inner bottom is not lower at any part than a plane
parallel with the keel line and which is located not less than a vertical distance h measured
from the keel line, as calculated by the formula:
h = B/20
However, in no case is the value of h to be less than 760 mm, and need not be taken as
more than 2,000 mm.
3.1
Small wells constructed in the double bottom in connection with drainage
arrangements of holds, etc. shall not extend downward more than necessary. In no case
shall the The vertical distance from the bottom of such a well to a plane coinciding with the
keel line shall not be less than 500 mm or compliance with paragraph 8 of this
regulation shall be shown for that part of the ship.
3.2
Other wells (e.g. for lubricating oil under main engines) may be permitted by the
Administration if satisfied that the arrangements give protection equivalent to that afforded by
a double bottom complying with this regulation.
3.3
For a cargo ship of 80 m in length and upwards, proof of equivalent protection is to be
shown by demonstrating that the ship is capable of withstanding bottom damages as specified
in paragraph 8. Alternatively, wells for lubricating oil under main engines in the aft part may
protrude into the double bottom below the boundary line defined by the distance h provided
that the vertical distance between the well bottom and a plane coinciding with the keel line is
not less than h/2 or 500 mm, whichever is the largest. For cargo ships of less than 80 m in
length the alternative arrangements shall provide a level of safety satisfactory to the
Administration. The suction part of the well may be considered a small well according to
paragraph 3.1 provided the length of the suction part ls is less than 0.2 * lw. In such case
level of well bottom is to be considered at the bottom of the main part lm of the well.[*]
[*Reference to the Explanatory Notes to regulation 9.3 (sketches, see annex 2)]
Paragraphs 4 and 5 remain unchanged.
6
Any part of a cargo ship of 80 m in length and upwards that is not fitted with a
double bottom in accordance with paragraphs 1, 4 or 5 as specified in paragraph 2 shall be
capable of withstanding bottom damages, as specified in paragraph 8, in that part of the ship.
For cargo ships of less than 80 m in length the alternative arrangements shall provide a level
of safety satisfactory to the Administration.

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Annex 1, page 2
7
In the case of unusual bottom arrangements in a cargo ship of 80 m in length and
upwards, it shall be demonstrated that the ship is capable of withstanding bottom damages
as specified in paragraph 8. For cargo ships of less than 80 m in length the alternative
arrangements shall provide a level of safety satisfactory to the Administration.
8
Compliance with paragraphs 3.2, 3.3, 6 or 7 is to be achieved by demonstrating that
si, when calculated in accordance with regulation 7-2, is not less than 1 for all service
conditions when subject to a bottom damage assumed at any position along the ship's
bottom and with an extent specified in subparagraph .2 below for the affected part of the
ship:
.1

Flooding of such spaces shall not render emergency power and lighting,
internal communication, signals or other emergency devices inoperable in
other parts of the ship.

.2

Assumed extent of damage shall be as follows:

Longitudinal
extent
Transverse
extent
Vertical
extent,
measured
from
the keel line
.3

For 0.3 L from the forward

perpendicular of the ship
1/3 L2/3 or 14.5 m, whichever
is less
B/6 or 10 m, whichever is less

Any other part of the ship

B/20 or 2 m, whichever is less

[h as defined in paragraph 2]
or
[B/20, to be taken not less than
0.76m and not more than 2m]

B/20 or 2 m, whichever is less

h as defined in paragraph 2
or
[B/20, to be taken not less than
0.76m and not more than 2m]

1/3 L2/3 or 14.5 m, whichever

is less
B/6 or 5 m, whichever is less

If any damage of a lesser extent than the maximum damage specified in .2

would result in a more severe condition, such damage should be considered.

[9
In case of large lower holds, the Administration may require an increased double
bottom height of not more than B/10 or 3 m, whichever is less, measured from the keel line.
Alternatively, bottom damages may be calculated for these areas, in accordance with
paragraph 8, but assuming an increased vertical extent.]

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Annex 2, page 1
ANNEX 2
PROPOSAL FOR SKETCHES WITH REGARD TO "SMALL WELLS" TO BE INSERTED IN
THE DRAFT NEW EXPLANATORY NOTES TO REGULATION 9.3
(IN COMBINATION WITH ANNEX 1)
Regulation 9 Double bottoms in cargo ships other than tankers
Regulation 9.3
If in accordance with paragraph 3.1 the suction part ls of a well for lubricating oil under
the main engine is considered as a small well, one of the following situations may be
given:
Situation 1:

lw
ls

lm

Well bottom

500 mm
Acceptable arrangement

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h/2 or 500 mm

Keel line

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Annex 2, page 2
Situation 2:

Well bottom

500 mm

h/2 or 500 mm

Keel line

Compliance with regulation 9.8 is required to be demonstrated.

Situation 3:

Well bottom

500 mm

h/2 or 500 mm

Keel line

Compliance with regulation 9.8 is required to be demonstrated.

Situation 4:

Well bottom

500 mm

h/2 or 500 mm

Keel line

Compliance with regulation 9.8 is required to be demonstrated.

___________

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