Inland Vessels (Design And Construction) Rules, 2023

 

[16th August 2023]

The draft of the Inland Vessels (Design and Construction) Rules 2023, which the Central Government proposes to make, in the exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 106 of the Inland Vessels Act of 2021 (24 of 2021), is hereby published for the information of all persons likely to be affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft shall be taken into consideration after thirty days from the date on which the copies of this notification as published in the Official Gazette are made available to the public;

Objections or suggestions, if any, to these draft rules may be sent to the Director (IWT), Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Room No. 251, Transport Bhawan, 1-Parliament Street, New Delhi-110001, or by email at avneet.kaur@nic.in and uttam.mishra27@gov.in within the period specified above;

The objections or suggestions which may be received from any person concerning the said draft rules, within the period so specified will be considered by the Central Government.

CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY

Rule - 1. Short title and commencement

(1)     These rules may be called the Inland Vessels (Design and Construction) Rules, 2023.

(2)     They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

Rule - 2. Scope and application

Unless otherwise specified in these rules, these rules shall be applicable to inland vessels, which are obligated to be registered under the Inland Vessels Act, 2021or those vessels that are operating in the inland waters of India.

Rule - 3. Definitions

(1)     In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,

(a)      "act "means the Inland Vessels Act, 2021(24 of 2021);

(b)      "cargo vessel" means any mechanically propelled inland vessel which is not a passenger vessel;

(c)      "decked vessel" means vessel with a continuous watertight weather deck that extends from stem to stern;

(d)      "existing vessel" or "existing inland vessel" means any inland vessel which is not any new inland vessel that falls within the ambit of the definition provided under clause (l);

(e)      "freeboard" means the distance measured vertically downwards from the lowest point of the upper edge of the weather deck to the waterline in still water or, for an open boat, the distance measured vertically downwards from thelowest point of the gunwale to the waterline;

(f)       "freeboard deck" is the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and waves, which has permanent means of closing all openings in the weather part thereof, and below which all openings in the sides of the vessel are fitted withpermanent means of watertight closing:

Explanation: In an inland vessel having a discontinuous freeboard deck, the lowest line of the exposed deck and the continuation of that line parallel to the upper part of the deck is taken as the freeboard deck.

(g)      "high-speed vessels" are vessels capable of reaching speeds over 21 Nautical miles per hour in relation to water;

(h)     "load water line" means the load line defined under section 3 (u) of the Act;

(i)       length or ??is the maximum length of the hull in metres;

(j)       length of waterline or ??wlis the length of the hull in metres, measured at the maximum draught;

(k)      "major conversion or modification" means any of the following-

(i)       change in Gross Tonnage of the vessel by more than ten per centum;

(ii)      change of vessel type;

(iii)     change of propulsion system or main engines or type of fuel.

(l)       "new inland vessel" means any inland vessel whose keel is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after the date of coming into force of the rules;

(m)    "open vessel/boat" means a vessel which within its length is: -

(i)       not fitted with a watertight weather deck; or

(ii)      is fitted with a watertight weather deck over part of its length; or

(iii)     is fitted with a watertight weather deck over the whole of its length but the freeboard to the deck does not meet the minimum requirement for freeboard;

(n)     residual freeboard is the vertical clearance available, in the event of the vessel heeling over, between the water level and the upper surface of the deck at the lowest point of the immersed side or, if there is no deck, the lowest pointof the upper surface of the fixed vessels side;

(o)      "the standards for design, construction of Inland vessels will be the standards as prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule. "Sister vessel" is a vessel built from the same plans;

(p)      "Gross Tonnage of a vessel" is the Gross tonnage calculated as per the International Tonnage Convention,1969;

(q)      "Classification societies" are all those organizations which are. Member of International Association of Classification Societies.

(2)     Words and expressions used and not defined in these rules but defined in the Act, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Act.

CHAPTER 2 CATEGORISATION AND COMPLIANCE

Rule - 4. Categorisation of inland vessels

For the purpose of these rules, Inland vessels shall be classified as per the following categories: -

(1)     Category A vessels which are decked vessels of any of the following types and are operating in Zone 1-

(a)      vessels, other than houseboats, that are more than 24 metres in length and houseboats that are more than 30 metres in length;

(b)      vessels that carry more than 50 passengers on board;

(c)      all vessels equipped for towing other vessels, having a bollard pull capacity exceeding 10 tonnes;

(d)      vessels designed and constructed to carry petroleum goods, chemicals or liquefied gases bulk as cargo;

(e)      vessels carrying dangerous goods; and

(f)       vessels of 300 GT and above.

(2)     Category A vessels shall be designed, constructed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule

(3)     Category B: Vessels not covered under Category A or Category C.

(4)     Category B vessels shall be designed and constructed under the survey of classification society, which is a member of the International Association of Classification Societies and or designed, constructed and maintained under the survey of the designated authority.

(5)     Category C: Vessels of length less than 10 metres.

(6)     Category C vessels shall be designed, constructed and maintained according to the standards prescribed by the designated authority and maintained under the survey of the designated authority.

(7)     Open Vessels operating in Zones 1 and 2, provided that due regard is paid by the master towards any operational restrictions imposed by the local authorities.

Rule - 5. Threshold of compliance

(1)     All existing inland vessels shall comply with the requirements existing prior to coming into force of Inland Vessels Design and Construction Rules 2022;

Provided that the existing inland vessels that undergo major conversion or modification shall comply with the requirements specified in these rules, as far as it is considered reasonable and practicable by the Designated authority, and provided that in the case of change of propulsion system or main engines or type of fuel etc, the new rules shall apply to that equipment and systems only.

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in sub rule (1), existing inland vessels have to comply with the requirements of stability information and calculation of freeboard mentioned in rules 13 and 15 within two years of coming into force of these rules.

(3)     Subject to sub-rule (1), the owner or operator and master of the new vessel, shall ensure that the vessel is constructed, maintained and operated under the requirements of these rules and the vessel is suitable for its intended service.

(4)     No new inland vessel shall be issued with the certificate of survey under the Act, unless such vessel complies with the standards of design and construction requirements.

Rule - 6. Materials

(1)     For Category A and Category B vessels, all materials used for construction shall conform to the requirements and testing standards as prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule

(2)     Materials used for the construction of Category C vessels shall conform to the standards considered appropriate by the designated authority.

Rule - 7. Equipment standards and guidance

Equipment and types of machinery are required to be carried on board, shall be under Bureau of Indian Standards or International Standards Organization norms.

CHAPTER 3 SHIPBUILDING, FITTING OUT AND EQUIPMENT

Rule - 8. General applicability

(1)     The requirements in this Chapter include minimum requirements related to Structure, Strength, Freeboard, Subdivision and Stability, Machinery, Bilge Systems, and Electrical Installations.

(2)     notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1) above, additional requirements which are applicable to specific types of vessels are included in Part B of these Rules.

(3)     This Chapter specifies minimum requirements, which the vessels shall satisfy, and for Category A vessels, they are not an alternative to full compliance of the requirements as prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule.

Rule - 9. Design, strength and structural arrangements

(1)     The structural strength of mechanically propelled inland vessel shall be suitable for the intended service and area of operation and Category A vessels shall comply with the structural requirements of prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule

(2)     The structural strength and scantlings of Category C vessels of fibre reinforced plastic and wood material shall be under the requirements of a Class Society which is a member of International Association of Classification Societies or International Standards such as International Standards Organisation acceptable to the designated authority.

(3)     The general structure, scantlings and construction of the main structural elements of the hull shall be constructed in conformity with the following criteria-

(a)      the nature and characteristics of the materials used, their application and method of assembly;

(b)      the type of vessel, its dimensions, its internal arrangements, and the permitted maximum operational draught;

(c)      the conditions under which it is operated and any particular distribution of weight on board and the category of navigation;

(4)     The maximum permitted draught corresponding to the strength of the vessel, shall remain compatible with the free board assigned to the vessel.

Rule - 10. Watertight sub-division and general arrangement

(1)     Subdivision bulkheads terminating at the freeboard deck or, where there is no deck, up to the gunwale, shall be installed at the following instance:

(a)      a collision bulkhead shall be installed at a distance of between 0.04 L and 0.1 L m measured from the forward perpendicular in the plane of maximum draught and, if the bulkhead is fitted aft of the limits prescribed above, it shall be proved by calculation that in case of flooding of the space forward of the collision bulkhead, the vessel will continue to be buoyant with a residual freeboard of at least 100 millimeters

(b)      an aft-peak bulkhead shall be installed at a distance of between 1.4 m and 0.04 L + 2 m measured from the aft point of the intersection of the hull with the maximum draught line and, if the bulkhead is fitted forward of the limits prescribed above, it shall be proved by calculation that in case of flooding of the space aft of the aft-peak bulkhead, the vessel will continue to be buoyant with a residual freeboard of at least 100 millimeters.

(2)     No accommodation spaces or installations needed for vessel safety or operation, except anchoring and steering equipment, shall be located ahead of the plane of the collision bulkhead or aft of the aft-peak bulkhead.

(3)     Accommodation spaces, engine rooms, boiler rooms and the workspaces forming part of these shall be separated from cargo holds by watertight transverse bulkheads that extend up to the freeboard deck.

(4)     Accommodation spaces shall be separated from engine rooms; boiler rooms and holds and shall be directly accessible from the deck.

(5)     If such arrangement is not provided, an emergency exit that leads directly to the open deck shall be provided in addition to the normal means of access.

(6)     The bulkheads mentioned in sub-rule (1) and for the separation of areas specified in sub-rule (3) shall not contain any openings subject to-

(a)      the number of pipes piercing the collision bulkhead shall be as small as possible and shall be fitted with suitable valves operable from above the freeboard deck and the valve chest shall be secured at the bulkhead inside the forepeak:

Provided that the designated authority may permit the fitting of suitable valves on the rear of the collision bulkhead if such valves are readily accessible and the space in which they are located is not cargo space;

(b)      doors in the aft-peak bulkhead and penetrations, in particular for shafts, ventilation trunks and pipe work, shall be permitted where they are so designed that the effectiveness of those bulkheads and the separation of areas is not impaired and doors in the aft-peak bulkhead shall be permitted only if it can be determined by remote monitoring in the wheelhouse whether they are open or closed and shall bear the following readily legible instruction on both sides Door to be closed immediately after use.

(7)     Each watertight subdivision bulkhead, whether transverse or longitudinal, shall be constructed in such a manner that it shall be capable of supporting, with a proper margin of resistance, the pressure due to a head of water up to the freeboard deck.

(8)     Steps and recesses in subdivision bulkheads shall be watertight and as strong as the bulkhead at the place where they are located.

(9)     Where frames or beams pass through a watertight deck or bulkhead, such deck or bulkhead shall be made structurally watertight.

(10)   Watertight decks, trunks, tunnels, duct keels and ventilation trunks shall be of a type equivalent to the watertight bulkheads located at the same level and the method of construction used to ensure that such elements are watertight, and the arrangements adopted to allow closing of the openings, shall be to the satisfaction of the designated authority.

(11)   Watertight ventilation ducts and trunks shall extend at least to the level of the freeboard deck.

(12)   The flooding test of main compartments is not compulsory and when a flooding test is not carried out, a hose test shall be done.

(13)   The tests provided in sub-rule (12), shall be carried out at an advanced stage of fitting out of the vessel and, a detailed inspection of the watertight bulkhead shall, in any case, be carried out.

(14)   The forepeak, double bottom including duct keels and double hulls, where fitted, shall be tested to a pressure corresponding to the requirements provided under sub-rule (6) above.

(15)   Tanks intended to hold liquids and form part of the watertight subdivision of the vessel, shall be tested for tightness and structural strength with water to a head corresponding to its design pressure and the water head shall in no case be less than the top of the air pipes or to a level of 1 m above the top of the tank, whichever is the greater.

Rule - 11. Stability

(1)     The stability particulars of inland vessels shall be adequate to ensure the safe operation of vessels by minimising the risk to the vessel, to the personnel on board and the environment, due regard being given to the vessels intended service and area of operation.

(2)     The requirements for stability as contained in this Chapter apply to all vessels, and shall be subject to those requirements as provided in Chapter IV of these Rules.

(3)     When voyage commences, care should be taken to ensure that cargo and sizeable pieces of equipment have been properly stowed and lashed to minimize the possibility of both longitudinal and lateral shifting, under the effect of acceleration caused by rolling and pitching.

(4)     The number of partially filled or slack tanks should be kept to a minimum to avoid adverse effect on stability.

Rule - 12. General intact stability criteria for non-passenger vessels

(1)     For non-passenger vessels, proof shall be furnished that the following stability requirements have been complied with:-

(a)      in the positive area of the righting lever curve up to the first non-weathertight opening there shall be a righting lever (GZ) of not less than 0.10 m;

(b)      the area of the righting lever curve up to immersion of the first non-weathertight opening and in any event up to an angle of heel of 27 degrees shall not be less than 0.024 m. rad;

(c)      the meta centric height (GM) shall not be less than 0.15 m.

(2)     the conditions provided under this rule shall be met, bearing in mind the influence of all free surfaces in tanks for all stages of loading and unloading.

(3)     for Category C vessels of less than six metres in length, alternatively, the requirements in International Standards Organisation 12217-3 may be applied instead of the criteria mentioned in sub-rule (1).

Rule - 13. Stability information

(1)     Stability data and associated plans are to be drawn up in the working language of the vessels and any other language as may be required by the designated authority of the State Government in which the vessel is intended to be registered.

(2)     All translations of the stability booklet should be approved by the designated authority; and for Category A vessels, the English version of the booklet shall be approved by a Classification society, which is a member of International Association of Classification Societies and versions in any other language shall be approved by designated authority.

(3)     The approved stability booklet shall contain sufficient information to enable the master to operate the vessel in compliance with the applicable stability requirements of these rules.

(4)     In case of Category A vessels with unusual or non-uniform weight or cargo distribution; and for all vessels of L 60m vessels.

(5)     The stability booklet shall also include loading guidance information, and information on longitudinal strength.

(6)     The information provided in sub-rules (3) to (5) shall be made available to the master to assist in loading the vessel within its structural design limits and such information shall comprise of:

(a)      the longitudinal strength analysis of the most onerous loading conditions anticipated;

(b)      maximum permissible still water bending moments, in both hogging and sagging conditions; and

(c)      such other details as may be required by the respective designated authority of the State Government in which the vessel is intended to be registered.

(7)     The format of stability booklet and the information shall vary depending on the vessel type and operational profile and in general, the following information should be included, as a minimum:

(a)      principal particulars of the vessel;

(b)      instructions on the use of the booklet;

(c)      general arrangement plans showing watertight compartments, closures, vents, down-flooding angles, permanent ballast, allowable deck loadings and free board diagrams;

(d)      hydrostatic curves or tables and cross curves of stability calculated on a free-trimming basis, for the ranges of displacement and trim anticipated in normal operating conditions;

(e)      capacity plan or tables showing capacities and centres of gravity for each cargo stowage space;

(f)       tank sounding tables showing capacities, centres of gravity, and free surface data for each tank;

(g)      information on loading restrictions, such as maximum KG or minimum GM curve or table that can be used to determine compliance with the applicable stability criteria, taking into account damage stability, where applicable and such information should be supplemented by the loading guidance information provided in sub-rules (3) to (5);

(h)     standard operating conditions and examples for developing other acceptable loading conditions using the information contained in the stability booklet;

(i)       a brief description of the stability calculations done including assumptions;

(j)       general precautions for preventing unintentional flooding;

(k)      general precautions against capsizing and the responsibility of the master;

(l)       vessels required to comply with damage stability criteria, information concerning the use of special cross flooding fittings with descriptions of damage conditions which may require cross-flooding;

(m)    other necessary guidance for the safe operation of the vessel under normal and emergency conditions;

(n)     a table of contents and index for each booklet;

(o)      inclining test report for the vessel, or:

(i)       where the stability data is based on sister vessel, the inclining test report of that sister vessel along with the lightship measurement report for the vessel; or

(ii)      where lightship particulars are determined by other methods than from inclining of the vessel or its sister, a summary of the method used to determine those particulars;

(p)      recommendations for determination of the vessels stability employing an in-service inclining test;

(q)      in permanent ballast, location and weight of the vessel should be noted in the vessels stability booklet, located such that it does not shift during the normal operation of the vessel and permanent ballast should not be removed from the vessel or relocated within the vessel without the approval of the designated authority.

(8)     The alterations affecting stability are made, revised stability calculations shall be prepared and submitted for approval and such revised stability information shall be re-approved by the designated authority.

(9)     For Category B and Category C vessels, the provisions contained in sub-rules (1) to (8) shall apply only in so far as it is deemed reasonable, by the designated authority, considering the type, size and intended operational profile of the vessel.

Rule - 14. Damage stability

(1)     Inland vessels may be required to show compliance with damage stability contained in these rules.

(2)     Inland vessel to which the requirements of damage stability apply, there shall be permanently exhibited for the information of the officer in charge of the vessel, plans showing clearly for each deck and hold, the boundaries of the watertight compartments, the openings therein, the means of closing such openings, the position of the controls and the arrangements for the correction of any list due to flooding.

Rule - 15. Calculation of freeboard

(1)     For all vessels, the assigned freeboard shall be the freeboard of the deepest approved loading condition recorded in the intact or damage stability information booklets;

(2)     Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1) the freeboard assigned shall in no case be less than 150 mm for cargo vessels and 300 mm for passenger vessels.

Rule - 16. Cargo hatches and conditions of assignment of freeboard

(1)     The height of cargo hatch coamings above decks shall not less than:

(a)      300 [mm] for Zones 1 and 2; and

(b)      200 [mm] for Zone 3;

(2)     In addition, the height of hatch coaming above load water line is to be not less than given in the Table below:

 

TABLE

(3)     For Category A vessels, the type and strength of hatch-covers, where fitted, shall comply with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex1 of this Rule for the vessels intended service and area of operation.

Rule - 17. Manholes

(1)     Manholes on the weather decks are to be closed by substantial covers capable of closing them watertight.

(2)     The strength and construction of manholes shall be commensurate with their location, and surrounding structure.

Rule - 18. Companionways, doors and accesses on weather decks

(1)     Companionways on exposed deck are to be equivalent in strength and weather tightness to a deckhouse in the same portion and the height of the doorway sills above deck is not to be less than 100 [mm] for Zone 3 and 150 [mm] for Zone1 and 2 on exposed locations.

(2)     For doorways directly leading to the engine room the sill height above deck shall not be less than 400 [mm].

(3)     In addition, the sill heights above load waterline should not be less than the values mentioned below:

(a)      Zone 1 - 1000 [mm];

(b)      Zone 2 - 600 [mm];

(c)      Zone 3 - 300 [mm].

Rule - 19. Openings on engine casing

(1)     Machinery space openings shall have efficient closing appliances and the openings and coamings for fiddley, funnel and machinery space ventilators in the casing shall be provided with strong covers of steel and other equivalent material permanently attached in their proper positions and capable of being secured weathertight.

(2)     Skylights shall be of substantial construction and secured firmly to the deck and the following standards shall be complied with, namely:

(a)      for skylights the coaming height is not to be less than the required height for hatch coamings;

(b)      efficient means are to be provided for closing and securing the hinged scuttles;

(c)      the thickness of glasses in fixed or opening skylights is to be appropriate to their position and size as required for side scuttles.

(d)      glasses are to be protected against mechanical damage and shall be fitted with deadlights or storm covers permanently attached unless they are fitted at a height above waterline specified in sub-rule (2) of rule 16.

(3)     Side scuttles in the engine casings shall be fitted with fireproof glass.

Rule - 20. Windows and side scuttles

(1)     Side scuttles and windows shall be made and tested according to acceptable standards of Bureau of Indian Standards/or International Standards Organization.

(2)     Side scuttles in the shell below freeboard deck are to be non-opening type with deadlights and the lower edge of glass is to be at least 500 [mm] above the load waterline in any condition of list or trim and such scuttles are to be adequately protected against damage by direct contact.

(3)     However, heavy duty type windows or side scuttles conforming to Bureau of Indian Standards or International Standards Organization standards may be accepted without deadlights.

(4)     Side scuttles and windows above deck may be fitted without deadlight or portable covers provided the height of lower edge of glass above waterline is not less than specified in Table below provided under this sub-rule:

 

TABLE

(5)     However, heavy duty type windows or side scuttles conforming to Bureau of Indian Standards or International Standards Organization standards need not comply with the height requirement mentioned in sub- rule (4).

Rule - 21. Ventilators – general

(1)     The scantlings of exposed ventilator coamings are to be equivalent to the scantlings of deckhouses in the same position.

(2)     The ventilator trunks are to be well protected in cargo spaces and other areas where mechanical damage is likely to happen.

Rule - 22. Coaming heights

(1)     Ventilators on exposed decks are to have the lower edge of openings at a height of not less than 300 [mm] above deck.

(2)     In addition, the heights of lower edge of openings above waterline are to be not less than specified in Table below:

 

TABLE

Rule - 23. Closing appliances

(1)     Ventilator openings are to be fitted with efficient weathertight closing appliances, if applicable as specified in Table provided under sub-rule (2) of rule 22.

(2)     Ventilators not provided with weathertight closing appliances, or which are required to remain open for the continuous operation of machinery, are to be taken as down-flooding points in stability calculations.

Rule - 24. Air and sounding pipes

(1)     Arrangements shall be made to allow for ventilation and sounding of spaces intended to hold liquids, and any spaces not easily accessible at all times.

(2)     Sounding pipes shall lead above the freeboard deck to easily accessible places and shall have efficient means of closure and short sounding pipes are to be fitted with self-closing cocks.

(3)     Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), in machinery spaces and tunnels, when it is not possible to implement the requirement provided in sub-rule (2), the sounding pipes may lead above the deck into easily accessible places and when such sounding pipes serve tanks containing fuel or lubricating oil, they shall not lead near boilers, generators, electric motors or switchboards and shall be provided with automatic closing appliances.

(4)     Sounding pipes may be replaced by a system of liquid filling level indicators.

(5)     For tank spaces, air pipes shall also be provided to act as overflows leading above the freeboard deck.

(6)     Sounding pipes shall be suitably protected throughout their length against damage and accidental shocks.

(7)     Those sounding pipes passing through refrigerated spaces shall also be appropriately lagged.

(8)     Precautions shall be taken to ensure that repeated soundings do not give rise to excessive local deterioration of plating.

(9)     Striking plates of suitable thickness, or their equivalent, are to be fitted under all sounding pipes.

(10)   The division, number and position of air pipes shall be arranged to avoid air locks and overpressure during filling operations and shall be arranged to avoid any accidental admission of water to the fuel tanks.

(11)   The provision in sub-rule (10) shall apply to compartments situated outside the double bottom if they can be filled by a pumping system.

(12)   Air and sounding pipes leading through cargo containment areas or other spaces where mechanical damage is likely to occur, are to be well protected.

Rule - 25. Height of air pipes

(1)     The height of air pipes from the upper surface of decks exposed to the weather, to the point from where water may have access below, is not normally to be less than 300 [mm].

(2)     The heights above load waterline of air pipes with and without closing appliances are not to be less than as specified in Table under sub-rule (2) of rule 22 for ventilators.

(3)     Lower heights may be approved in cases where these are essential for the working of the vessel, provided closing appliances are of an approved automatic type.

(4)     Air pipes not provided with weather tight closing appliances are to be taken as down-flooding points in stability calculations.

Rule - 26. Closing appliances for Sounding Pipes

(1)     Permanently attached closing appliances are to be fitted in sounding pipes to prevent free entry of water.

(2)     In case the closing appliances are not of an automatic type, provision is to be made for relieving vacuum when the tanks are being pumped out.

Rule - 27. Scuppers and sanitary discharges

(1)     Scuppers sufficient in number and size to provide effective drainage are to be fitted in all-weather decks.

(2)     Scuppers draining weather decks and spaces within superstructures or deckhouses not fitted with efficient weather tight doors are to be led overboard.

(3)     Scuppers and discharges which drain spaces below the freeboard deck, or spaces within intact superstructures or deckhouses on the freeboard deck fitted with efficient weather tight doors, may be led to the bilges in the case of scuppers or suitable sanitary tanks in the case of sanitary discharges and alternatively, they may be led overboard:

Provided that the spaces drained are above the load waterline, and the pipes are fitted with efficient and accessible means of preventing water from passing inboard as required in sub-rule (1) of rule 26.

(4)     Scuppers and discharge pipes should not pass-through fuel oil or cargo oil tanks and where scuppers and discharge pipes pass, unavoidably, through fuel oil or cargo oil tanks and should be led through the shell within the tanks, the thickness of the piping should be as thick as shell plating.

(5)     All piping shall be adequately supported.

Rule - 28. Closing appliances for scupper and discharges

(1)     Where the inboard end of scuppers and discharges are below main deck, normally a screw down non-return value in an accessible location is to be fitted to prevent water from passing inboard.

(2)     Where the inboard end is above the main deck, a non-return valve is to be fitted at the shell, if the height of the in board end above waterline is lower than the following:

(a)      Zone 1 - 1000 [millimeters];

(b)      Zone 2 - 600 [millimeters]; and

(c)      Zone 3 - 300 [millimeters].

Rule - 29. Materials for valves, fittings and pipes

(1)     All shell fittings and valves required under rule 2 6 & 28 are to be of steel, bronze or other approved ductile material; ordinary cast iron or similar material is not acceptable.

(2)     Metals mentioned in sub-rule (1) made of steel or other approved material with low corrosion resistance, are to be suitably protected against wastage.

(3)     The lengths of pipe attached to the shell fittings, elbow pieces or valves are to be of galvanized steel or other equivalent approved material.

Rule - 30. Freeing ports for vessels operating in Zone-1

(1)     For Vessels operating in Zone 1:-

(a)      the minimum freeing port area on each side of the freeboard deck shall be given by the formula:

A = 0.75 (0.7 + 0.035l ) square metres:

Explanation: Where l is the length of the bulwark in the well or the length of the superstructure.

(b)      the designated authority may consider it necessary to increase the freeing port area for any vessel.

(c)      the lower edges of the freeing ports shall be at deck level or as near the deck as possible.

(2)     Freeing ports over 300 millimeters in height shall be fitted with bars spaced not more than 230 millimeters apart or other appropriate protective appliances.

(3)     If freeing ports are fitted with hinged shutters, ample clearance shall be provided to prevent jamming and hinge pins or bearings shall be of non-corrodible material and such shutters shall not have locking appliances.

Rule - 31. Draught marks

(1)     All Category A vessels shall show on the bow and the stern, on each side, a draught scale, with 10 centimeter intervals, with figures of a height such that their complete submersion means an increase in draught of 10 centimeter and the accuracy of the draught marks shall be witnessed and confirmed by the designated authority.

(2)     Draught marks on Category B vessels shall be to the satisfaction of the designated authority.

Rule - 32. Freeboard marking

(1)     Every vessel, to which a freeboard is assigned, shall be marked on each side of the vessel at amidships with its assigned freeboard and the marks shall consist of horizontal lines 25 millimeters in breadth and 300 millimeters in length.

(2)     The location and accuracy of the freeboard mark shall be witnessed and confirmed by the designated authority and the freeboard mark shall be centered at amidships.

(3)     In the event, the freeboard mark cannot be done as provided in sub-rule (2), for any reason it shall be placed as near to that point as possible, and the distance of any deviation recorded.

(4)     The freeboard marks shall be affixed under the control of the designated authority.

Rule - 33. Equipment of vessels - anchors, chain cables, mooring equipment and associated deck machinery

(1)     Every inland vessel shall be provided with anchors and chain cables as are sufficient in number and strength having regard to the size and intended service of the vessel.

(2)     For Category A vessels, the provision and testing of anchors, chain cables, chain lockers, mooring equipment, all associated deck fittings and deck machinery shall meet the requirements as prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule. Of

(3)     Category B and C vessels shall be provided with anchoring and mooring equipment following Bureau of Indian Standards or International Standards Organization and conform to industry best practice and such equipment shall commensurate with the size and type of vessel, and area of operation.

(4)     In general, windlasses, capstans, winches, bollards, mooring posts and other means necessary for anchoring, mooring, towing or lifting the vessel shall be:

(a)      designed to meet operating requirements and conditions that it may encounter;

(b)      properly fitted; and

(c)      fixed to a part of its structure with adequate strength.

(5)     Inland vessels fitted with towing equipment shall meet the additional requirements specified in Chapter IV of these rules.

Rule - 34. Standards of fire protection

(1)     The requirements shall apply to Category A vessels and these provisions shall apply to Category B and Category C vessels, in so far as deemed reasonable by the designated authority, giving due consideration to their size and intended service.

Explanation: For the provisions on fire protection and escape as provided under these rules; wherever the words "steel or other equivalent material" occur, "equivalent material" means any non-combustible material which, by itself or due to insulation provided, has structural and integrity properties equivalent to steel at the end of the applicable exposure to the standard fire test.

(2)     For the provisions on fire protection and escape as provided under these rules; Class A- divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads and decks shall comply with the following:

(a)      they shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material;

(b)      they shall be suitably stiffened;

(c)      they shall be constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of the one- hour standard fire test;

(d)      they shall be insulated with an approved non-combustible material such that the average temperature on the sidefacing away from the fire rises to not more than 140 °Celsius above the initial temperature and at no point, including the gaps at the joints, does a temperature increase of more than 180 °Celsius above the initial temperature occur withinthe following specified periods:

(i)       Class A 60 - 60 minutes;

(ii)      Class A 30 - 30 minutes; and

(iii)     Class A 0 - 0 minutes.

(3)     Type B partitions are bulkheads, walls, decks, ceilings that meet the following requirements:

(a)      they are made of approved non-combustible material.

(b)      furthermore, all materials used in the manufacture and assembly of partitions shall be non-combustible, except for the facing, which shall be at least flame retardant;

(c)      they demonstrate an insulation value such that the average temperature on the side facing away from the fire risesto not more than 140 °Celsius above the initial temperature and at no point, including the gaps at the joints, does a temperature increase of more than 225 °Celsius above the initial temperature occur within the following specified periods:

(i)       Class B15 -15 minutes

(ii)      Class B 0 - 0 minutes;

(d)      they are constructed in such a way as to prevent the transmission of flames until the end of the first half-hour of the standard fire test.

(4)     "F" class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads, decks, ceilings and linings which comply with the following:

(a)      they shall be constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of the first half-hour of the standard fire test; and

(b)      they shall have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 140°Celsius above the original temperature, nor will the temperature, at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225°Celsius above the original temperature, to the end of the first half-hour of the standard fire test.

Rule - 35. Fire protection of machinery spaces

(1)     All machinery spaces located under-deck or remote from the control position shall be fitted with a fire detection system comprising of smoke or heat detectors which will produce an audible alarm at the control position and consideration shall be given for waiver of this requirement in continuously manned machinery spaces.

(2)     Decks and bulkheads divisions that separate machinery spaces from cargo spaces, accommodation, service areas, control stations vessel, shall be:

(a)      of Class A-30 class for vessels constructed of steel or equivalent material;

(b)      specially considered for vessels constructed of aluminium alloys;

(c)      of F class for vessels constructed of combustible materials.

(3)     In the case of passenger vessels, boundary bulkheads of propulsion machinery spaces are to be of Class A - 60 standard.

(4)     A sub division may be accepted as equivalent to an F class division if it consists of a combustible wall coated with a layer of 100 mm or two separate layers of 50 mm of mineral wool.

Explanation1: The mineral wool shall have a density of at least 96 kg/m3.

Explanation 2: The external surface of the mineral wool shall be suitably protected against splashes of oil and other flammable liquids.

(5)     Doors and hatches of other openings in bulkheads shall be constructed such as to maintain the integrity of the bulkheads in which they are located.

(6)     Pipes, ducts and controls which pass through a fire-resistant bulkhead shall not reduce its resistance to fire.

Rule - 36. Fire protection of accommodation areas

(1)     In all enclosed accommodation the bulkheads, linings, ceilings and their associated grounds shall be constructed of non-combustible materials and their exposed surfaces shall have low flame spread.

(2)     All vessels with passenger sleeping accommodation shall be fitted with a fixed fire detection system installed and arranged to detect the presence of fire in such spaces, as well as corridors, stairways and escape routes within accommodation areas.

(3)     Appliances with naked flames or unprotected resistors for lighting and heating of accommodation shall not be used.

Rule - 37. Fire protection of galleys

(1)     For cargo vessels, all galleys shall be enclosed by a Type A-0 standard steel boundary or equivalent, with self-closing steel doors and for passenger vessels, bulkheads around galleys shall be of steel or equivalent material, and meeting a Class A-30 standard; or of F class.

(2)     Any serving hatches must be fitted with steel shutters.

(3)     A readily accessible fire blanket is to be provided in the galley.

Rule - 38. Arrangements for combustible fuel, lubricating oil and other flammable oils

(1)     In general, combustible liquid used as fuel shall have a flashpoint, determined by an approved test, more than 55°Celsius through Closed Crucible test, except in emergency generators, in which case the flashpoint shall be not less than 43°Celsius.

(2)     Where oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 55°C but not less than 43°C are used the conditions for use of such fuel as specified prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or by the Classification Society are to be complied with.

(3)     When low flashpoint fuels are used, such vessels shall be considered as special category vessels, and are to comply with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or of a Classification Society, which is a Member of International Association of Classification Societies and any additional provisions applicable to such vessels as prescribed by the Central Government.

(4)     Safe and efficient means of ascertaining the amount of fuel contained in any tank shall be provided.

(5)     If such means consist of sounding pipes, their upper ends shall be located in safe positions and fitted with appropriate shutoff devices.

(6)     Precautions shall be taken to prevent overpressure on fuel tanks including filling pipes and outlet valves and air or overflow pipes shall discharge the fuel into a safe place to avoid peril.

(7)     Pumps of the oil fuel lines shall be separate from any other lines.

(8)     No oil fuel tank shall be situated where spillage or leakage therefrom can constitute a hazard by falling on heated surfaces and precautions shall be taken to prevent any oil that may escape under pressure from any pump, filter or heater from coming into contact with heated surfaces.

(9)     Oil fuel pipes and connected valves and fittings shall be of steel or other approved material, except that the restricted use of flexible pipes may be permitted by the designated authority and such flexible pipes and end attachments shall be of approved fire-resisting materials or layered with fire-resisting coatings.

(10)   Oil fuel lines shall be suitably protected to avoid oil spray or oil leakages onto hot surfaces or into machinery air intakes and the number of joints in such piping systems shall be kept in minimum.

(11)   The arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilization of oil used in the pressure lubrication systems and other flammable oils, shall be in accordance with the requirements as prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or of the classification society.

(12)   Oil fuels, lubricating oils and other flammable oils shall not be carried in forepeak tanks and oil fuels shall not be stored forward of the collision bulkhead or its extension.

(13)   Compartments intended to contain oil fuels with a flashpoint less than or equal to 55°Celsius but not less than 43°Celsius shall be insulated from continuous compartments intended for oil fuels with different flashpoints by cofferdams with air pipes and sounding pipes.

Rule - 39. Means of escape

(1)     There should be at least two means of escape, as widely separated, from each section of normally occupied spaces and the designated authority may dispense with one of the means of escape for service spaces that are entered only occasionally, provided that the escape route does not pass through the galley, machinery space or watertight door.

(2)     All escape routes are to be marked for effortless identification.

(3)     In a passenger vessel, the sum of the width of all doors and passageways used as means of escape from a space shall not be less than 5 millimeters multiplied by the number of passengers for which the space is designed with a minimum clear opening of not less than 800 millimetres and the doors of small passenger cabins shall have a clear opening not less than 700 millimeters.

Rule - 40. Bilge pumping arrangements

(1)     The requirements of these rules generally apply to vessels of Category A, and the provisions shall apply to Category B vessels, in so far as deemed reasonable by the designated authority, giving due consideration to their size and operational profile of the vessels.

(2)     Inland vessels shall be provided with appliances for draining water from all compartments and bilges.

(3)     Arrangements shall be made such that the water in the compartment concerned can flow freely to the suction outlet or outlets.

(4)     Drainage from particular compartment considered undesirable may be omitted, provided it can be shown by calculations that the safety of the vessel will not be impaired.

(5)     Category A vessels shall comply with the bilge pumping standards prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or of Classification Societies appropriate for the type of service.

Rule - 41. Bilge pumps

(1)     Category A vessels with engine power exceeding 220 kilo Watts and passenger vessels shall be fitted with at least two power-driven bilge pumps, each powered by a different power source, one of which may be driven by the propulsion machinery.

(2)     At least one power driven pump shall be provided in vessels with engine power up to 220 kilowatts driven by the main engine and in addition, hand pump suctions are to be fitted.

(3)     In passenger vessels, the bilge pumps are to be placed in separate watertight compartments and suction pipes shall be arranged so that any compartment can be effectively drained.

Explanation: One bilge pump may be the fire pump complying with the relevant firefighting requirements.

(4)     Bilge pumps provided for peak spaces and chain lockers shall be hand pumps, operated from a point located above the freeboard deck.

(5)     Each bilge pump shall be placed aft of the collision bulkhead and placed to pump water from any compartment except as specified in sub-rule (4) and special appliances shall be installed to start the pumps.

(6)     Bilge pump installed shall be of self-priming type.

Rule - 42. Bilge pipes

(1)     The arrangement of the bilge and ballast pumping systems shall be such as to prevent the possibility of water passing into the compartments of the vessel or from one compartment to another.

(2)     In machinery spaces, bilge pipes and accessories shall be of steel or any other material the characteristics of which are accepted as equivalent for the intended application.

(3)     The pumping systems in machinery spaces or cargo holds shall be completely separate from sea inlet pipes or from pipes normally used for filling or emptying compartments intended to hold water or liquid fuel.

(4)     Bilge suction piping up to the connection to the pumps shall be independent of other piping and all bilge pipes shall be of steel or equivalent material.

(5)     Bilge suction pipes shall not be led through oil tanks except in the case of double bottom tanks, and in case of bilge suction pipes passing through freshwater tanks, such pipes shall be of heavy gauge and pipe joints shall be of the fully welded type and the number of pipe joints shall be kept to a minimum.

(6)     The diameter of the bilge main shall satisfy the requirements of the rules prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or the requirements acceptable to the designated authority in the case of category C vessels.

Rule - 43. Direct suction by pumps

(1)     In the machinery compartment, a suction duct shall be directly connected to a bilge pump.

(2)     The diameter of the duct shall be atleast equal to that of the bilge main.

(3)     Direct suction shall be through fixed pipe or reinforced flexible hose, in case, the suction is through a fixed pipe,it shall be placed as low as possible; in a way accessible for cleaning and fitted with a non-return valve.

(4)     In the case of passenger vessels, each independent power bilge pump shall have a direct suction from the space where it is situated:

Provided that not more than two direct suctions shall be required in one space and where two or more such suctions are provided in a single space, they shall be positioned on either side of the vessel or space.

Rule - 44. Bilge system accessories

(1)     In passenger vessels, all distribution boxes and valves fitted in connection with the bilge pumping arrangements shall be in positions which are accessible at all times in ordinary circumstances and if in any such vessel there is only one system of pipes common to all such pumps, the necessary valves for controlling the bilge suctions shall be capable of being operated from above the vessels freeboard deck.

(2)     In passenger vessels, every valve which is required by these rules to be operated from above the freeboard deck shall have its control, at its place of operation, clearly marked to show the purpose it serves and how it may be opened and closed and it shall be provided with a means to indicate whether it is open or closed.

(3)     Suction ducts shall, as far as possible, be placed at the lowest points in the corresponding compartments and they shall be fitted with grills of substantial construction, placed in a readily visible location and cleaned, without it being necessary to first dismantle the connections in the suction ducting.

Rule - 45. Plan of the bilge-pump and water drainage system

(1)     A detailed plan of the bilge pump system shall be clearly exhibited in a place where personnel can read it easily.

(2)     The graphic symbols used shall conform to standards in force unless the meaning of the symbols used is clearly indicated.

(3)     Scuppers or appropriate arrangements shall be provided in areas of the vessel where water is likely to accumulate dangerously during fire-fighting operations.

Rule - 46. Alternative arrangements for small vessels

For inland vessels of less than 24 metres in length, where the fitting of a bilge main is not practical, the requirements of this rule may be satisfied by the use of individual submersible pumps.

Rule - 47. General Rules of Machinery

(1)     The inland vessel must comply with the relevant machinery standards of the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or the requirements acceptable to the designated authority in the case of Category C vessels, suitable for the vessel type and its operational profile; and the minimum requirements for machinery specified in this rule shall not be construed as an alternative to full compliance with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule.

(2)     The ambient reference conditions shall be of that the rating of the main and auxiliary machinery is to be suitable for the temperature conditions associated with the geographical limits of the restricted service.

(3)     Machinery installations are to be designed such as to ensure proper operations under the conditions as under:

(a)      list of 10°;

(b)      trim of 5°.

Rule - 48. Machinery requirements

(1)     The machinery, boilers and other pressure vessels, associated piping systems and fittings shall be of a design and construction adequate for the service for which they are intended and shall be so installed and protected as to reduce to aminimum any danger to persons on board, with due regard being paid to moving parts, hot surfaces and other hazards and the design shall have regard to the materials used in construction, the purpose for which the equipment is intended, the working conditions to which it will be subjected and the environmental conditions on board.

(2)     All boilers, all parts of machinery, all steam, hydraulic, pneumatic and other systems and their associated fittings which are under pressure shall be subjected to appropriate tests including a pressure test before being put into service for the first time.

(3)     Means shall be provided to ensure that the machinery can be brought into operation from the dead vessel condition without external aid.

(4)     Provision shall be made to facilitate cleaning, inspection and maintenance of main propulsion and auxiliary machinery including boilers and pressure vessels.

(5)     Where risk from over speeding of machinery exists, means shall be provided to ensure that the safe speed is not exceeded.

(6)     Where main or auxiliary machinery, including pressure vessels or any parts of such machinery, are subject to internal pressure and may be subject to dangerous overpressure, means shall be provided where practicable to protect against such excessive pressure.

(7)     All gearing and every shaft and coupling used for transmission of power to machinery essential for the propulsion and safety of the vessel or the safety of persons on board shall be so designed and constructed that they shall withstand the maximum working stresses to which they may be subjected in all service conditions.

(8)     Main propulsion machinery and auxiliary machinery shall be provided with automatic shut-off arrangements in the case of failures such as lubricating oil supply failure which could rapidly lead to complete breakdown, serious damage or explosion.

(9)     Internal combustion engines of a cylinder diameter more than 200 millimeters or a crankcase volume of at least 0.6 cubic metres shall be provided with crankcase explosion relief valves of a suitable type with a sufficient relief area and the relief valves shall be arranged or provided with means to ensure that the discharge from them is so directed as to minimize the possibility of injury to personnel.

Rule - 49. Machinery controls

Main and auxiliary machinery essential for the propulsion and safety of the vessel shall be provided with effective means for its operation and control.

Rule - 50. Remote control of propulsion machinery

Where remote control of propulsion machinery from the navigation bridge is provided, the speed, direction of thrust and if applicable, the pitch of the propeller shall be fully controllable from the navigation bridge under all sailing conditions, including manoeuverings.

Rule - 51. Ventilating systems in machinery spaces

(1)     All machinery spaces shall be adequately ventilated, ensure that when the machinery or boilers therein are operating at full power in all weather conditions, under adequate supply of air is maintained to the spaces for the safety and comfort of personnel and the operation of the machinery.

(2)     In addition, the ventilation of machinery spaces shall be adequate, under normal conditions, to prevent the accumulation of hydrocarbon vapour.

Rule - 52. Protection against noise

(1)     Measures shall be taken to reduce machinery noise in machinery spaces to acceptable levels and if this noise cannot be sufficiently reduced, the source of the excessive noise shall be suitably insulated or isolated, or a refuge from noise shall be provided if the spaces are required to be manned.

(2)     Ear protectors shall be provided for personnel required to enter such spaces.

Rule - 53. Means of manoeuvring and going astern

(1)     Sufficient power for going astern shall be provided to secure proper control of the vessel in all normal circumstances.

(2)     The ability of the machinery to reverse the direction of thrust of the propeller within sufficient time and so to bring the vessel to rest within a reasonable distance from maximum ahead service speed, shall be demonstrated and recorded.

(3)     The stopping times, vessel headings and distances recorded on trials, shall be available onboard for the use of the master or designated personnel.

(4)     The effective operation of any supplementary means of stopping or manoeuverings the vessel shall be demonstrated and recorded

Rule - 54. Steering gear

(1)     Every inland vessel of Category A shall be provided with a main steering gear and an auxiliary steering gear and the main steering gear and the auxiliary steering gear shall be so arranged that the failure of one of them will not render the other one inoperative.

(2)     The auxiliary steering gear shall be capable of being rapidly brought into action and shall be of adequate strength and of sufficient power to enable the vessel to be steered at navigable speed.

(3)     Category B and Category C vessels are to be provided with reliable steering systems. In the case of Category C vessels, only a hand tiller may be provided for steering, if acceptable to the designated authority. If a fully powered steering gear is fitted in Category B and Category C vessels, an independent secondary means of steering is to be provided.

(4)     Communication devices shall be provided to enable orders to be transmitted from the bridge to any alternative steering position.

(5)     Steering systems shall comply with the following requirements:

(a)      for manually controlled steering systems, a single turn of the wheel shall correspond to a rudder angle of at least 3°;

(b)      for powered steering systems, when the rudder is at maximum immersion, it shall be possible to achieve an average angular velocity of 4°/s over the rudders entire turning range.

(6)     This requirement shall also be checked, with the vessel at full speed, for moving the rudder over a range from 35° port to 35° starboard.

(7)     In addition, it shall be checked whether the rudder keeps the position of the maximum angle at maximum propulsion power.

(8)     For other types of steering systems, these requirements are to be correspondingly applied.

Rule - 55. Engineers alarm

In case of vessels with periodically unattended engine rooms, an engineers alarm shall be operated from the engine control room or at the manoeuvring platform as appropriate, and shall be clearly audible in the engineers accommodation:

Provided that the designated authority may exempt any vessel of less than 1000 GT and carrying less than hundred passengers from this requirement if it considers that such an alarm is not necessary taking into account the proximity of the engine control room or station to the engineers accommodation.

Rule - 56. Means for stopping machinery, shutting off flammable oil supply pipes, pumps and closing of openings

(1)     Means shall be provided -

(a)      for stopping ventilating fans serving machinery and accommodation spaces;

(b)      for closing all doorways, ventilators, and other openings to such spaces; and

(c)      to permit the release of smoke from machinery spaces.

(2)     Means provided under sub-rule (1) shall be capable of being operated from positions outside the spaces and which would not be made inaccessible by a fire within such spaces.

(3)     Means shall be provided for shutting off fuel, lubricating oil, hydraulic oil supplies, and associated pumps and shall be readily accessible, situated outside the machinery space and shall be clearly labelled.

(4)     The means of stopping machinery, shutting off flammable oil supply pipes, pumps and closing of openings, for other types of propulsion shall be considered.

Rule - 57. Fuel and associated pipework

(1)     Oil fuel lines shall not be located immediately above or near units of high temperature, including boilers, steam pipelines, exhaust manifolds, silencers and as far as practicable, oil fuel lines shall be arranged apart from hot surfaces, electrical installations or other sources of ignition and shall be screened or otherwise suitably protected to avoid oil spray or oil leakage onto the sources of ignition.

(2)     Components of a diesel engine fuel system shall be designed considering the maximum peak pressure which shall be experienced in service, including any high-pressure pulses which are generated and transmitted back into the fuel supply and spill lines by the action of fuel line injection pumps and the connections within the fuel supply and spill lines shall be constructed having regard to their ability to prevent pressurised oil fuel leaks while in service and after maintenance.

Rule - 58. Flexible fuel pipes

(1)     Minimum length of flexible hoses may be used where necessary to allow for relative movements and vibration between machinery and fixed piping systems and the hoses and any couplings shall be suitable for the intended purpose.

(2)     Documentary evidence shall be provided to show that the pipework complies with the Bureau of Indian Standards or International Standards Organization standards.

(3)     Flexible fuel pipework shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturers instruction and correctly supported.

(4)     The pipework shall be provided with sufficient free movement to accommodate vibration and to avoid contact with any structure and where protective sleeves are fitted, the sleeve shall be extended beyond the length of the pipe, with appropriate leak proof end connections.

(5)     Flexible fuel pipework shall be renewed according to the pipe manufacturers instructions and records of the most recent pipe renewal shall be kept onboard and ashore.

Rule - 59. Electrical equipment and installations

(1)     Electrical equipment and installations of all mechanically propelled inland vessels shall comply with the relevant electrical standards prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or of the Classification Society or other National or International Standards which provide an equivalent level of safety; and the standards included in these rules specify minimum requirements that shall be satisfied.

(2)     The electrical equipment and installations (including any electrical means of propulsion) shall be such that the vessel and all persons onboard are protected against electrical hazards.

(3)     The electrical equipment and installations shall be maintained to ensure the vessel is in an operational and habitable condition.

(4)     The main source of electrical power shall be capable of illuminating any part of the vessel normally accessible to and used by the passengers or crew.

(5)     Electrical services essential for safety shall be ensured under various emergency conditions.

(6)     All exposed metal parts of electrical machines or equipment which are not intended to be live but which are liable under fault conditions to become live shall be earthed unless the machines or equipment are:

(a)      supplied at a voltage not exceeding 55 V direct current or 55 V root mean square between conductors. Auto-transformers shall not be used for the purpose of achieving this voltage; or

(b)      supplied at a voltage not exceeding 250 V by safety isolating transformers supplying only consuming device; or

(c)      constructed in accordance with the principle of double insulation.

(7)     Electrical circuits shall be provided with adequate protection against short circuit and overload.

(8)     Accumulator batteries shall be suitably housed, and compartments used primarily for their storage shall be properly constructed and efficiently ventilated and they shall not be stored in sleeping quarters.

(9)     No electrical equipment shall be installed in any space where flammable mixtures are liable to collect including those on-board tankers or barges carrying flammable liquids in bulk or in compartments assigned primarily to accumulator batteries, in paint lockers, acetylene stores or similar spaces, unless the designated authority is satisfied that such equipment is-

(a)      essential for operational purposes;

(b)      of a type which will not ignite the mixture concerned;

(c)      appropriate to the space concerned; and

(d)      appropriately certified for safe usage in the dusts, vapour or gases likely to be encountered.

(10)   Lightning conductors shall be installed on masts and mastheads constructed with non-conducting materials.

(11)   If the vessel is constructed with non-conducting materials, the lightning conductors shall be connected to copper plates fitted to the vessels hull and running well below the water line.

Rule - 60. Electrical cables

(1)     All electric cables and external wiring to the equipment shall be at least of flame-retardant type.

(2)     Cables and wiring which is serving essential or emergency power, lighting, internal communications or signals shall be routed clear of galleys, laundries, machinery spaces and their housings and other high fire risk areas.

(3)     Where cables which are installed in hazardous areas introduce the risk of fire or explosion in the event of an electrical fault in such areas, special precautions against such risks shall be taken such as are considered necessary by designated authorities.

(4)     Cables and wiring shall be installed and supported in such a manner so as to avoid chafing or other damage.

(5)     Terminations and joints in all conductors shall be so made as to retain the original electrical, mechanical, flame-retardant and, where necessary, fire-resisting properties of the cable.

Rule - 61. Stores, spare Gear and Tools

Every inland vessel shall be provided with stores, spare gear and tools as may be necessary and sufficient for the intended service of the vessel.

CHAPTER 4 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO PASSENGER VESSELS

Rule - 62. Application and stability rules

(1)     The requirements under this rule shall apply to decked Category A passenger vessels, which carries more than 50 passengers and these provisions shall be applied to vessels of Category B and Category C, in so far as they are considered reasonable and practicable, by the designated authority.

(2)     Alternatively, vessels of Category B may comply with the requirements of ISO 12217-1 and vessels of Category C of less than 6 metres in length may comply with the requirements of ISO 12217-3 for stability and buoyancy.

(3)     The intact stability shall be proven for the following standard loading conditions-

(a)      at the start of the voyage:100 % passengers, 98 % fuel and fresh water, 10 % waste water;

(b)      during the voyage:100 % passengers, 50 % fuel and fresh water, 50 % waste water;

(c)      at the end of the voyage:100 % passengers, 10 % fuel and fresh water, 98 % waste water;

(d)      unladen vessel: no passengers, 10 % fuel and fresh water, no waste water.

Explanation: For all standard loading conditions, the ballast tanks shall be considered as either empty or full in accordance with normal operational conditions.

(4)     In addition, the requirements of clause (d) of sub-rule (3) of this rule are to be proved for the loading condition involving 100% Passengers, 50% fuel and fresh water, 50% waste water, all other liquid (including ballast) tanks are considered filled to 50%.

(5)     Stability calculations for additional loading conditions may need to be submitted, in case it is necessary to verify the safety of the vessel.

(6)     The proof of adequate intact stability by means of a calculation is to be produced using the following definitions for the intact stability and for the standard loading conditions mentioned in sub-rule (3) and sub-rule (4):

(a)      the maximum righting lever is to occur at a heeling angle of (+3°) and is not to be less than 0.2[m]. However, in case the righting lever at the down flooding angle is not to be less than 0.2 [m];

(b)      the down flooding angle is not to be less than (+3°);

(c)      the area under the curve of the righting levers is to, depending on the position of and , reach at least the following values mentioned in the table below:

 

TABLE

Explanation.-

Where,

hmax: is the maximum leverf : the heeling angle;

ff : the down flooding angle, that is the heeling angle, at which openings in the hull, in the superstructure or deck houses which cannot be closed so as to be weathertight , submerge;

fmom : the maximum heeling angle according to e);

fmax : the heeling angle at which the maximum righting lever occurs;

A: the area under the curve of the righting levers.

(d)      the initial metacentric height, corrected by the free surface effect in liquid tanks, is not to be less than 0.15[m];

(e)      in each of the following two cases the heeling angle is not to exceed 12°:

(i)       in application of the heeling moment due to persons and wind according to Rules 63 and 64;

(ii)      in application of the heeling moment due to persons and turning according to Rules 63 and 65

(f)       for a heeling moment resulting from moments due to persons, wind and turning according to Rules 63, 64 and 65, the residual freeboard is to be not less than 0.2 [m];

(g)      for vessels with windows or other openings in the hull located below the bulkhead decks and not closed watertight, the residual safety clearance is to be at least 0.1 [m] on the application of the three heeling moments resulting from (f) above.

Rule - 63. Heeling moment due to accumulation of persons

(1)     The heeling moment Mp [kN-m], caused by accumulation of persons on one side of the vessel, is the sum of individual heeling moments on various decks occupied by passengers, and, is to be calculated according to thefollowing formula:

(a)      = = ? []

Explanation 1.-

P = total mass of persons on board in [t], calculated by adding up the maximum permitted number of passengers andthe maximum number of shipboard personnel and crew under normal operating conditions, assuming an average massper person of 0.075 [t]

y = lateral distance of center of gravity of total mass of persons P from Centre line in [m]g = acceleration of gravity ( g = 9.81 [m/s2])

Pi = mass of persons accumulated on area Ai ;

(b)      = 0.075 [ ]

Explanation 2.-Where,

Ai = area occupied by the persons in [m2]ni = number of persons per square meter:

ni = 3.75 for free deck areas; for deck areas with fixed seating furniture such as benched, ni is to be calculated byassuming as area of 0.5 [m] in width and 0.75 [m] in seat depth per person.

yi = lateral distance of geometrical Centre of area Ai from Centre line in [m]

(2)     The calculation is to be carried out for accumulation of persons both to starboard and to the port.

(3)     The distribution of persons shall correspond to the most unfavourable one from the point of view of stability and cabins are to be assumed unoccupied for the calculation of the persons moment.

(4)     For the calculation of the loading cases, the Centre of gravity of a person is to be taken as 1 [m] above the lowest point of the deck at 0.5 Lwl, ignoring any deck curvature and assuming a mass of 0.075 [t] per person.

(5)     A detailed calculation and plan of deck areas which are occupied by persons may be dispensed with, if the valueof y is considered as 0.45 of the breadth.

 

Rule - 64. Heeling moment due to Wind

(1)     The heeling moment due to wind pressure Mw is to be calculated as follows:

= (+2) []

Explanation:

Where:

= 0.25 [kN/m²];

However, the value for pw may be taken as per actual prevailing wind conditions in the relevant service area of the vessel and not less than 0.1 [kN/m2]. Any operating restrictions are to be indicated in the Stability Booklet and the Certificate of Survey."

= lateral plane of the vessel above the plane of draught according to the considered loading condition in [m²];

L = distance of the Centre of gravity of the lateral plane from the plane of draught according to the considered loading condition in [m].

(2)     In calculating the lateral plane, account is to be taken of the intended enclosure of the deck by awnings and similar mobile installations.

Rule - 65. Heeling moment due to turning

(1)     The moment due to centrifugal force , caused by the turning of the vessel, is to be calculated as follows:

= 2 (- 2) []

Explanation.-Where,

= a coefficient of 0.045;

= block coefficient (if not known, taken as 1.0);

= maximum speed of the vessel in [m/s];

= distance between the Centre of gravity and the keel line in [m].

(2)     For passenger vessels with rudder-propeller, water-jet, cycloidal-propeller and bow-thruster propulsion systems, is to be derived from full-scale or model tests or else from corresponding calculations.

Rule - 66. Damage stability

(1)     It is to be proved by calculation that the damage stability of the vessel is appropriate and the calculation of the final stage of flooding shall be based on the method of "lost buoyancy" and the interim states of flooding should be calculated on the basis of the method of "added mass".

Explanation. - All calculations are to be carried out free to trim and sinkage.

(2)     Buoyancy of the vessel in the event of flooding is to be proven for the standard loading conditions specified in sub-rule (3) of rule 62 and accordingly, mathematical proof of sufficient stability is to be determined for the three intermediate stages of flooding (25, 50 and 75 % of flood build-up) and for the final stage of flooding.

(3)     Passenger vessels are to comply with the one-compartment status and the two-compartment status.

(4)     The following assumptions in table below concerning the extent of damage are to be taken into account in the event of flooding-

 

TABLE

(a)      for One-compartment status the bulkheads can be assumed to be intact if the distance between two adjacent bulkheads is greater than the damage length and longitudinal bulkheads at a distance of less than B/3 to the hull,measured perpendicular to the Centre line from the shell plating at the maximum draft are not to be taken into account for calculation purposes.

Explanation: A bulkhead recess in a transverse bulkhead that is longer than 2.5 [m], is considered a longitudinalbulkhead.

(b)      for Two-compartment status each bulkhead within the extent of damage will be assumed to be damaged and thismeans that the position of the bulkheads is to be selected in such a way as to ensure that the passenger vessel remains buoyant after flooding of two or more adjacent compartments in the longitudinal direction.

(c)      the lowest point of every non-watertight opening (e.g. doors, windows, access hatchways) is to lie at least 0.1 [m] above the damaged waterline and the bulkhead deck is not to be immersed in the final stage of flooding.

(d)      permeability is assumed to be 95 %. If it is proven by a calculation that the average permeability of any compartment is less than 95 %, the calculated value can be used instead. The values to be adopted are not to be less than those indicated in the below Table:-

 

TABLE

(e)      if damage of a smaller dimension than specified above produces more detrimental effects with respect to heeling or loss of metacentric height, such damage is to be taken into account for calculation purposes.

(5)     For all intermediate stages of flooding referred to in sub rule (2), the following criteria shall be met:

(a)      the heeling angle at the equilibrium position of the intermediate stage in question is to not exceed 15°.

(b)      beyond the heel in the equilibrium position of the intermediate stage in question, the positive part of the righting lever curve is to display a righting lever value of 0.02 [ ] before the first unprotected opening becomes immersed or a heeling angle of 25° is reached.

(c)      non-watertight openings are not to be immersed before the heel in the equilibrium position of the intermediate stage in question has been reached.

(d)      the calculation of the free surface effect in all intermediate stages of flooding is to be based on the gross surface area of the damaged compartments.

(6)     During the final stage of flooding, the following criteria are to be met taking into account the heeling moment in accordance with Rule 62

(a)      the heeling angle is to not exceed 10°.

(b)      beyond the equilibrium position the positive part of the righting lever curve is to display a righting lever valueof 0.02 [] with an area 0.0025 [ ] and these minimum values for stability are to be met until the immersion of the first unprotected opening or in any case before reaching a heeling angle of 25°.

(c)      non-watertight openings are not to be immersed before the equilibrium position has been reached and if such openings are immersed before this point, the rooms affording access are deemed to be flooded for damage stability calculation purposes.

(d)      the shut-off devices which are to be able to be closed watertight are to be marked accordingly.

xxx

Figure Damage Stability

(7)     Passenger vessels authorised to carry up to a maximum of 50 passengers and with a length of not more than 25 (m) are to prove adequate stability after damage as per sub-rules (1) to (5) or, as an alternative, prove that they comply with the following criteria after symmetrical flooding of the entire vessel-

(a)      the immersion of the vessel is not to exceed the margin line (notional line drawn on the shell 100 [mm] below the top of the bulkhead deck at side. Where, in a part of the ship, the bulkhead deck is stepped below or not fitted, the margin line is to be drawn 100 [mm] below the level up to which both the transverse bulkheads and side shell are watertight); and

(b)      the residual metacentric height is not to be less than 0.10 [m].

(8)     The necessary residual buoyancy is to be assured through the appropriate choice of material used for the construction of the hull or by means of highly cellular foam floats, solidly attached to the hull.

(9)     In the case of vessels with a length of more than 15 [m], residual buoyancy can be ensured by a combination of floats and subdivision complying with the One- compartment status.

Rule - 67. Cross flooding arrangements

(1)     If cross-flood openings to reduce asymmetrical flooding are provided, they have to meet the following conditions, namely:

(a)      for the calculation of cross-flooding, IMO Resolution MSC.245(83) is to be applied;

(b)      they are to be self-activating;

(c)      they are not to be equipped with shut-off devices;

(d)      the total time allowed for compensation is not to exceed 15 minutes.

Rule - 68. Watertight integrity

(1)     Watertight doors in bulkheads which normally remain open are to be fitted with local controls on either side of the bulkhead and remote control in an accessible place above the bulkhead deck and the following requirements are also to be complied with:

(a)      the remote control is to be fitted with an indicator showing whether the door is open or closed;

(b)      in addition, indicators are to be fitted in the wheelhouse, showing whether these doors are open or closed;

(c)      an automatic audible alarm is to be fitted at the door, sounding during the closing of the door;

(d)      the operation of watertight doors and automatic alarms is to be possible independent from the vessels normalelectrical system; and

(e)      the closing time of the doors is to be not less than 30 seconds and not more than 60 seconds.

(2)     Watertight doors, which are not remotely operated are permitted, only in those spaces which are not accessible to passengers.

(3)     Such doors are to be kept closed and may only be opened for passage and are to be closed again immediately.

(4)     All watertight doors with their local and remote controls as well as alarm arrangements are to be located inboard of the assumed transverse extent of damage.

(5)     Piping systems and ventilation ducts with open ends are to be so arranged that flooding of the compartment under consideration shall not result in the flooding of any other space or tank.

(6)     Where several compartments are in open connection through pipe lines or ventilation ducts, the pipes and ducts are to be led through the watertight bulkheads, above the water line in the most unfavourable conditions of flooding.

(7)     Where this is not possible, valves which are remotely controlled from above the bulkhead deck are to be fitted at the watertight bulkheads.

(8)     When a pipe system has no open end in a compartment, this pipe line shall be considered undamaged in the case of flooding of that compartment provided it is situated inboard of the assumed transverse extent of damage and 0.5 [m] above the vessels bottom.

(9)     Cables which are to pass through watertight bulkheads are to be so arranged that the watertight integrity of the bulkheads is not impaired.

(10)   All watertight portlights to be fitted below the damaged waterline are to be of the non-opening type and of adequate strength and fitted with deadlights.

(11)   No window is to be fitted below the damaged waterline.

Rule - 69. Emergency power

(1)     Every inland passenger vessel shall be provided with an emergency power supply for the following things:

(a)      navigation lights;

(b)      audible warning devices;

(c)      emergency lighting;

(d)      fixed Very High Frequency installations;

(e)      alarm and public address systems;

(f)       searchlights;

(g)      fire alarm system;

(h)     other safety equipment such as automatic pressurised sprinkler systems or fire pumps;

(i)       emergency bilge pumping systems;

(j)       electronically powered signage where fitted; and

(k)      survival craft launching system, where appropriate.

(2)     The following are admissible for use as an emergency power source-

(a)      auxiliary generator sets with their own independent fuel supply and independent cooling system which, in the event of a power failure, start and take over the supply of power within 45 seconds automatically or, if they are located in the immediate vicinity of the wheelhouse or any other location permanently manned by crew members, can be brought into operation within 45 seconds; or

(b)      accumulator batteries, which, in the event of a power failure, connect automatically or, if they are located in the immediate vicinity of the wheelhouse or any other location permanently manned by crew members, can be connected manually;

(c)      they shall be capable of powering the items listed in sub-rule (1) above, without recharging and without an unacceptable voltage reduction throughout the projected operating period; and

(d)      the projected operating period for the emergency power supply shall not be less than 60 minutes.

(3)     In the case of vessels of length 24 m and above, the emergency power source and any associated switchboard plant shall be in a separate space to the main power supply and cables feeding the electrical installations in the event of an emergency shall be installed and routed in such a way as to maintain the continuity of supply of these installations in the event of fire or flooding;

(4)     Such cables shall never be routed through the main engine room, galleys or space where the main power source and connected equipment is installed, except where necessary to provide emergency equipment in such areas.

(5)     The emergency power source shall be installed above the line of the bulkhead deck of sub divided vessels and as high as possible in open vessels.

(6)     For the following rooms and locations, emergency lighting shall be provided:

(a)      locations where life-saving equipment is stored and where such equipment is normally prepared for use;

(b)      escape routes, access for passengers, including gangways, entrances and exits, connecting corridors, lifts and accommodation areas companionways, cabin areas and accommodation areas;

(c)      markings on the escape routes and emergency exits;

(d)      in other areas intended for use by persons with reduced mobility;

(e)      operation rooms, engine rooms, steering equipment rooms and their exits;

(f)       wheelhouse;

(g)      spaces containing the emergency power supply source other than battery lockers;

(h)     points at which extinguishers and fire extinguishing equipment controls are located; and

(i)       areas in which passengers, shipboard personnel and crew muster in the event of danger.

CHAPTER 5 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO TANKERS

Rule - 70. General rules

(1)     These rules apply to vessels which are intended to carry the following liquid cargoes having flash point above 60° Celsius;

(a)      Non-petroleum, non-hazardous liquid cargoes having flash point of above 60 degrees Celsius;

(b)      Petroleum products having flash point of above 60 degrees Celsius;

(c)      Vegetable oils of the following types-

(i)       Castor oil;

(ii)      Coconut oil;

(iii)     Corn oil;

(iv)    Cotton seed oil;

(v)      Groundnut oil;

(vi)    Illipe oil;

(vii)   Linseed oil;

(viii)  Mango kernel oil;

(ix)    Palm kernel oil;

(x)      Palm kernel olein;

(xi)    Palm mid fraction;

(xii)   Palm oil;

(xiii)  Palmolein;

(xiv)  Palm stearin;

(xv)   Rapeseed oil;

(xvi)  Rice bran oil;

(xvii) Safflower oil;

(xviii)   Soyabean oil;

(xix)  Sunflower seed oil;

(xx)   Tallow; and

(xxi)  Tung oil.

(2)     Tankers carrying liquid cargoes with a flashpoint below 60° shall be specially considered by the designated authority and such vessels shall as a minimum meet the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule or of a classification society.

Rule - 71. Configuration of cargo tanks, longitudinal bulkheads

(1)     Where the cargo tank breadth exceeds 0.7B, cargo tanks are normally to be provided with Centre longitudinal bulkheads and where the tank breadth is greater than the 0.7B and Centre longitudinal bulkheads are not fitted, proof of sufficient stability need to be documented.

(2)     Tankers carrying petroleum oils and vegetable oils are to be provided with a double bottom having height a minimum height of 500 mm.

(3)     For tankers carrying petroleum oils and vegetable oils, wing tanks of minimum width 600 mm shall be provided on the sides of the cargo area and wing tanks or spaces shall extend either for the full depth of the vessels side or from the top of the double bottom to the uppermost deck, disregarding a rounded gunwale where fitted.

(4)     Cargo tanks are to be fitted with a visual and audible high-level alarm which indicates when the liquid level in the cargo tank approaches the normal full condition.

(5)     The alarm is to be capable of being tested prior to loading.

Rule - 72. Hull Scantlings, strength

Hull scantlings and strength of tankers shall comply with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule, for the intended service of the vessel.

Rule - 73. Thermal stresses

(1)     When liquids carried in tanks require heating and the temperature is more than 90°C, calculations of thermal stresses are required.

(2)     The calculations are to give the resultant stresses in the hull structure based on a water temperature of 5°C and an air temperature of 10°C

Rule - 74. Access and Ventilation

All cargo zone areas are well ventilated and accessible for surveys and maintenance.

Rule - 75. Damage Stability

(1)     For vessels with independent cargo tanks and for double hull constructions with cargo tanks integrated in the frames of the vessel, the following assumptions are to be taken into consideration for the damaged condition:

(a)      extent of side damage as given in the table below:

 

TABLE

(b)      extent of bottom damage as given in the table below:

 

TABLE

(c)      any bulkhead within the damaged area is to be assumed damaged, which means that the location of bulkheads is to be chosen to ensure that the vessel remains afloat after the flooding of two or more adjacent compartments in the longitudinal direction.

(2)     The following shall be applicable:

(a)      for bottom damage, adjacent athwartship compartments are also to be assumed flooded;

(b)      the lower edge of any non-watertight opening (e.g. windows, doors and access hatchways), at the final stage of flooding, is to be not less than 0.10 [m] above the damage waterline;

(c)      permeability is to be assumed to be 95 percent. Where an average permeability of less than 95 percent is calculated for any compartment, this calculated value obtained may be used;

(d)      however, minimum values of permeability, µ, given in the following Table are to be used; and

(e)      For the main engine room, only the one-compartment standard need be taken into account, i.e. the end bulkheads of the engine room are to be assumed as not damaged.

 

TABLE

(3)     For the intermediate stage of flooding the following criteria have to be fulfilled-

(a)      GZ 0.03[m]

(b)      range of positive GZ: 5°

(4)     At the stage of equilibrium (in the final stage of flooding), the angle of heel is not to exceed 12° and nonwatertight openings are not to be flooded before reaching the stage of equilibrium; and if such openings are immersed before the stage of equilibrium, the corresponding spaces are to be considered flooded for the purpose of stability calculation.

(5)     The positive range of the righting lever curve beyond the stage of equilibrium as per below graph is to have a righting lever of 0.05[m] in association with an area under the curve of 0.0065 [m.rad] and the minimum values of stability are to be satisfied up to immersion of the first non-weathertight openings and in any event up to an angle of heel 27°.

Explanation:

If non-weathertight openings are immersed before that stage, the corresponding spaces are to be considered flooded for thepurpose of stability calculation.

xxxx

(6)     If openings through which undamaged compartments may additionally become flooded are capable of being closed watertight, the closing appliances are to be marked accordingly.

(7)     Where cross- or down-flooding openings are provided for reduction of unsymmetrical flooding, the time of equalization is not to exceed 15 minutes, provided during the intermediate stages of flooding sufficient stability has been proved.

Rule - 76. Cargo pump rooms

(1)     Separate pump rooms are not required for cargo pumps.

(2)     They shall have direct access from open deck and be adequately ventilated to prevent accumulation of oil vapour.

Rule - 77. Piping systems for bilge, ballast, oil fuel etc

(1)     Cofferdams and void spaces located within the cargo area and not intended to be filled with water ballast are to be fitted with suitable means of drainage.

(2)     Ballast piping is not to pass through cargo tanks as far as possible and is not to be connected to cargo oil piping and facilities may, however, be made for emergency discharge of water ballast by means of a portable spool connection to a cargo oil pump and where this is arranged, a non-return valve is to be fitted in the ballast suction to the cargo oil pump.

(3)     For the purpose of sub-rule (2), the portable spool piece is to be mounted in a conspicuous position in the pump roomand a permanent notice restricting its use is to be prominently displayed adjacent to it and the shut-off valves shall be provided to shut-off the cargo and ballast lines before the spool piece is removed.

Rule - 78. Separation of fuel oil and cargo systems

(1)     The system of storage, transfer, combustion and air pipes for fuel oil for vessels use shall be entirely separate from system of loading, un-loading and air pipes for cargo oil.

(2)     Cargo pumping and piping systems shall comply with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule

Rule - 79. Special Requirements for vessels carrying vegetable oil

(1)     Vessels carrying vegetable oils are to comply with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule for this vessel type.

(2)     The entire cargo length shall be protected by ballast tanks or spaces other than that for carrying oil as follows-

(a)      wing tanks or spaces shall be arranged such that cargo tanks are located inboard of the molded line of the side shell plating nowhere less than 600 mm; and

(b)      double bottom tanks or spaces shall be arranged such that the distance between the bottom of the cargo tanks and the moulded line of the bottom shell plating is not less than 500 mm.

CHAPTER 6 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO VESSELS CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS

Rule - 80. Special provisions for vessels carrying dangerous goods

Inland vessels carrying dangerous goods shall, comply with the requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule, as applicable to such vessels.

CHAPTER 7 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO CRAFT INTENDED TO FORM PART OF APUSHED OR TOWED CONVOY OR OF A SIDE-BY-SIDE FORMATION

Rule - 81. Pushed Convoys

(1)     Craft intended to be propelled in convoys shall be equipped with coupling devices, bollards or equivalent devices which, as a result of their number and arrangement, ensure a safe connection toother craft in the convoy:

Provided that it shall not apply to crafts solely giving pushing assistance to crafts for berthing.

(2)     Category A vessels, which are engaged in towing or pushing operations shall, in addition to these rules, shall comply with the detailed rule requirements prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule for these types of vessels.

Rule - 82. Craft suitable for pushing

(1)     Craft which are to be used for pushing purposes shall incorporate a suitable pushing device and they shall be designed and equipped in such a way as to prevent relative movement between the crafts themselves.

(2)     If the craft are joined together with cables the pusher craft shall be equipped with at least two special winches or equivalent coupling devices for tensioning the cables.

(3)     The coupling devices shall enable a rigid assembly to be formed with the pushed craft.

(4)     Where convoys consist of a pusher craft and a single pushed craft the coupling devices may permit controlled articulation and the necessary drive units shall easily absorb the forces to be transmitted and shall be capable of being controlled easily and safely.

(5)     The collision bulkhead referred to in clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 10 shall be dispensed with for vessels being used dedicatedly as pusher crafts.

Rule - 83. Craft suitable for being pushed

(1)     If steering systems, accommodation, engine or boiler rooms are present the relevant requirements of these rules shall apply to them.

(2)     The pushed craft shall comply with the collision bulkhead requirements of clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 10;

(3)     Craft intended for being pushed shall be fitted with coupling devices ensuring a safe connection to other craft.

Rule - 84. Craft suitable for operating in towed convoys

Craft intended for towing shall meet the following requirements:-

(1)     The towing devices shall be arranged in such a way that their use does not compromise the safety of the craft, crew or cargo.

(2)     Tugging and towing craft shall be fitted with a tow hook which shall be capable of being released safely from the wheelhouse; this shall not apply if the design or other fittings prevent capsizing.

(3)     Towing devices shall consist of winches or a tow hook.

(4)     The towing devices shall be located ahead of the propeller plane.

(5)     This requirement shall not apply to craft that are steered by their propulsion units such as rudder propellers or cycloidal propellers.

(6)     For craft solely giving towing assistance to motorised craft for berthing, a towing device such as a bollard or an equivalent device shall suffice.

(7)     Where the towing cables could snag on the stern of the vessel, deflector hoops with cable catchers shall be provided.

Rule - 85. Craft suitable for propelling side-by-side formations

The requirements for crafts propelled in a side-by side formation shall be specially considered by the vessel on case-to-case basis.

Rule - 86. Navigation tests on convoys

(1)     Navigability and maneuver ability shall be checked by means of navigation tests and in order to authorise a pusher or motor vessel to propel a rigid convoy, and to enter this on the Certificate of Survey, the designated authority shall decide which formations are to be presented and shall conduct navigation tests with the convoy in the formations applied for, which the designated authority body regards to be the least favourable ones.

(2)     For the purposes of sub-rule (1), the designated authority shall check that the rigid connection of all craft in the convoy is maintained during the manoeuvres.

CHAPTER 8 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO VESSELS CARRYING DECK CARGOES

Rule - 87. Stability

(1)     Stability documents shall provide the master with comprehensible information on:

(a)      vessel stability for each loading condition. Stability documents shall additionally include a template for calculation of the vessels Longitudinal Centre of Gravity and KG based on the weights and configuration of cargo loaded on deck.

(b)      permissible heights for the Centre of gravity of the deck cargo, at which all stability requirements for the craft are satisfied.

(2)     The master is to be additionally provided with details regarding the securing arrangements for cargoes, commensurate for the area of operation of the vessel and the strength of such securing arrangements shall be in accordance with the requirements of the designated authority or any classification society.

CHAPTER 9 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO HIGH-SPEED VESSELS

Rule - 88. Construction of High Speed Vessels

(1)     High-speed vessels shall not be constructed with sleeping accommodation for passengers.

(2)     High-speed vessels shall be constructed and maintained under the supervision and in accordance with the applicable rules of the classification society which has special rules for high-speed vessels and as applicable to inland vessels.

Rule - 89. Seats and safety belts

Seats shall be available for the maximum number of passengers permitted on board and seats shall be fitted with safety belts.

Rule - 90. Freeboard

Freeboard of high-speed vessels shall be at least 500 mm.

Rule - 91. Buoyancy, stability and subdivision

For high-speed vessels, sufficient proof shall be provided, by calculations or trials, for:-

(1)     buoyancy and stability characteristics adequate for safety where the craft is operated in the displacement mode, both when intact and when damaged. The intact and damage stability criteria shall be as applicable to a conventional vessel asper the rules;

(2)     stability characteristics and stabilizing systems adequate for safety where the craft is operated in the dynamic buoyancy phase and the transition phase; and

(3)     stability characteristics adequate for safety where the craft is operated in the dynamic buoyancy phase and the transitional phase, and allow to transfer the craft safely to displacement mode in case of any system malfunction.

Rule - 92. Wheelhouse

(1)     The area of obstructed vision for the helmsman in a seated position ahead of the vessel shall not exceed two vessel lengths, irrespective of the loading conditions.

(2)     The sum of the blind sector arcs from dead ahead to 22.5° abaft the beam, on either side, shall not exceed 20° and each individual blind sector shall not exceed 5°. The sector of visibility between two blind sectors shall not be less than 10°.

Rule - 93. Windows

Reflections shall be avoided and a means for avoiding dazzle by sunlight shall be provided.

Rule - 94. Surface materials

The use of reflective surface materials in the wheelhouse shall be avoided.

Rule - 95. Enclosed areas

(1)     Public rooms and accommodation and the equipment they contain shall be designed so that any person making proper use of those facilities shall not suffer injury during a normal and emergency start or stop, or during maneuvering in normal cruise and in failure or malfunction conditions.

(2)     For the purpose of informing passengers of safety measures, all passenger vessels shall be fitted with optic and acoustic installations visible and audible to everyone on board.

(3)     The installations described under sub rule (2) above shall enable the master to give instructions to passengers.

(4)     Every passenger shall have access to instructions for emergency situations close to their seat, including a plan of the vessel showing all exits, escape routes, emergency equipment, life-saving equipment and instructions for the use of life jackets.

Rule - 96. Exits and escape routes

(1)     Exits and escape routes shall satisfy the following requirements:-

(a)      there shall be easy, safe and quick access from the steering position to rooms and accommodation accessible to the public.

(b)      escape routes leading to emergency exits shall be clearly and permanently marked.

(c)      all exits shall be properly marked. The operation of the opening mechanism shall be obvious from the outside and the inside.

(d)      the escape routes and emergency exits shall have a suitable safety guidance system.

(e)      sufficient space for a member of the crew shall be left next to exits.

CHAPTER 10 SPECIAL PROVISIONS APPLICABLE TO ROLL-ON ROLL-OFF VESSELS

Rule - 97. Requirement of Roll On-Roll Off Vessels

(1)     The requirements of this rule shall apply to mechanically propelled inland vessels which are equipped to ferry passengers and vehicles on open decks.

(2)     Vessels which carry vehicles in spaces other than open decks shall be specially considered by the Designated authority on a case-by-case basis

(3)     These requirements only address the transportation of vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, and do not cover the carriage of vehicles fitted with cargo tanks for the transportation of flammable liquids or dangerous goods.

(4)     In addition to the requirements in this rule, all Crafts are to comply with the relevant requirements of the classification society’s Rules.

Explanation: For the purpose of this rule, vehicle means an automobile powered by internal combustion engines burning petrol or diesel and the carriage of vehicles powered by electric cells, hydrogen or natural gas shall be specially considered.

Rule - 98. Documentation

The vessel is to carry sufficient documentation onboard to guide the master regarding: -

(1)     Maximum vehicle loading and number of passengers that the vessel can carry.

(2)     Stowage and securing arrangements for vehicles on deck.

(3)     Accommodation areas and other areas considered safe for passenger access during voyage.

(4)     Safety instructions and fire safety or evacuation or life-saving and other emergency plans.

(5)     Operational instructions for vehicle doors and ramps.

(6)     Arrangement of fire detectors and call points unless shown on other drawings.

Rule - 99. Accommodation arrangements for passengers

Crafts carrying passengers are to be provided with seating or sleeping accommodation, in accordance with Inland Waterways (Crew and Passenger Accommodation) Rules 2022.

Rule - 100. General safety requirements for crafts equipped for the carriage of vehicles

(1)     Vehicle decks shall be structurally separated from the Control stations, passenger accommodation or seating spaces and evacuation routes as effectively as practical and if the adjacent arrangement of these spaces is permitted, provision shall be made for easy evacuation of the passenger accommodation away from the vehicle stowage area.

(2)     Ramps used for embarkation or disembarkation of passengers to be fitted with suitable portable handrails.

(3)     No Smoking signs shall be posted at all entries to vehicle stowage area.

(4)     No Smoking signs are to be prominently displayed in the vehicle space.

(5)     Any equipment which may constitute a source of ignition of flammable vapours shall not be permitted to be stowed close to the vehicle stowage area

(6)     Scuppers from vehicle decks shall not be led to machinery or other spaces where sources of ignition may be present.

Rule - 101. Wheel loadings and car deck structure

Decks intended to carry vehicles have sufficient strength to withstand the loads that they will be subjected to, in the worst anticipated operating conditions of the craft.

Rule - 102. Stability

In the calculation of stability, it is to be demonstrated that the vessel has adequate intact stability in the worst anticipated environmental conditions, considering all anticipated stowage arrangement of vehicles.

Rule - 103. Drainage

Vehicle stowage spaces above bulkhead deck to be fitted with adequate freeing arrangements (scuppers in addition to freeing ports, in areas where the stowage of vehicles may form a temporary well) that shall ensure that the water is rapidly discharged directly overboard.

Rule - 104. Fire Safety and access to open vehicle decks and escape

(1)     In open vehicle decks to which any passengers carried can have access, the number and locations of the means of escape both below and above the bulkhead deck shall provide safe access to the embarkation deck and the parking arrangements for the vehicles shall maintain the escape routes clear at all times.

(2)     One of the escape routes from the machinery spaces where the crew is normally employed shall avoid direct access to the vehicle stowage area.

Rule - 105. Structural fire protection

(1)     Boundaries between vehicle stowage areas and control stations or machinery spaces shall be of Class A-60 fire integrity.

(2)     Boundaries between vehicle spaces and spaces meant for accommodation, escape, stores, and other cargo spaces shall be insulated to Class A-30 fire integrity.

Rule - 106. Firefighting

(1)     For all vessels with vehicle spaces, fire monitors (water cannons) effectively covering the full area of the weather deck where vehicles are stowed, are to be fitted and these devices may be either manually or remotely operated.

(2)     Arrangements shall be made to ensure immediate availability of a supply of water from the fire main at the required pressure either by permanent pressurization or by suitably placed remote arrangements for the fire pumps.

(3)     Adequate freeing arrangements, including scuppers where necessary, shall be fitted so as to ensure that such water is rapidly discharged directly overboard.

(4)     The number of nozzles, their size and water pressures shall be in accordance with the prescribed under the Rules and Regulations for the Design and Construction of Steel Inland Vessels given at Annex-1 of this Rule.

Rule - 107. Portable fire extinguishers

An adequate number of portable fire extinguishers shall be carried onboard commensurate with the size of the vessel and the size of the vehicle stowage area.

Rule - 108. Certification

Upon compliance with these Rules, the designated authority shall issue the certificate of survey under the Act (Form 5 & 6 of the Inland Vessels Survey and Certification Rules, 2022).