Regulation 24

( a ) Openings in the shell plating below the deck limiting the vertical extent of damage shall be kept permanently closed during navigation. [S 872/2019 wef 01/01/2020] ( b ) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph ( c ), the Director may authorize that particular doors may be opened at the discretion of the master, if necessary for the operation of the ship and provided that the safety of the ship is not impaired. ( c ) Watertight doors or ramps fitted to internally subdivide large cargo spaces shall be closed before the voyage commences and shall be kept closed during navigation. The time at which such doors are opened or closed shall be recorded in such log-book as may be prescribed by the Director. [S 872/2019 wef 01/01/2020] ( d ) The use of access doors and hatch covers intended to ensure the watertight integrity of internal openings shall be authorized by the officer of the watch. [S 686/2008 wef 01/01/2009] [S 872/2019 wef 01/01/2020]