Merchant Shipping (Survey of Passenger Steamers) Rules

The rules in this Part relating to passenger accommodation, stairways, hospitals, latrines, wash places, etc., apply to all new passenger ships, and to existing passenger ships where reasonable or practicable. The rules in this Part shall not apply to pilgrim ships except rules 9, 15, 16, 20, 23 and 25.

This rule applies to voyages beyond the Home trade limit, other than voyages in areas specified in rule 4.

The number of passengers allowed shall not exceed the number to be ascertained as follows:

Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; if berths are not fitted, the clear area of the deck (that is after deducting all hatchways and encumbrances) in square feet multiplied by the height between decks and the product divided by 72 gives the number to be allowed — 6 feet between decks is to be the minimum height. The weather deck and parts of the poop deck, bridge deck, etc., which are exposed to the weather, are not to be included in the measurements for passengers.

Berths for children.—If small berths for children between one and 12 years of age are fitted they may be counted if an owner desires it, on condition that the space so allocated for the exclusive use of these passengers is at least 36 clear superficial feet for every two children allowed, and the berths are at least of the following dimensions:for children between one and 3 years of age… 3 ft. 6 ins. by 1 ft. 4 ins.for children between 3 and 8 years of age… 4 ft. 6 ins. by 1 ft. 6 ins.

Spaces in deck houses and other erections are not to be measured for passengers unless they form part of the permanent structure of the ship.

Airing space is to be set apart, either on the upper deck or on a poop or bridge deck, for the use of all the passengers as follows: For each saloon or first class passenger, 36 square feet; for each second or third class passenger, 24 square feet.

This rule applies to voyages beyond the Home trade limit, other than voyages in areas specified in rule 4.

The number of passengers allowed shall not exceed the number to be ascertained as follows:

Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; if berths are not fitted, the clear area of the deck (that is after deducting all hatchways and encumbrances) in square feet multiplied by the height between decks and the product divided by 72 gives the number to be allowed — 6 feet between decks is to be the minimum height. The weather deck and parts of the poop deck, bridge deck, etc., which are exposed to the weather, are not to be included in the measurements for passengers.

Berths for children.—If small berths for children between one and 12 years of age are fitted they may be counted if an owner desires it, on condition that the space so allocated for the exclusive use of these passengers is at least 36 clear superficial feet for every two children allowed, and the berths are at least of the following dimensions:for children between one and 3 years of age… 3 ft. 6 ins. by 1 ft. 4 ins.for children between 3 and 8 years of age… 4 ft. 6 ins. by 1 ft. 6 ins.

Spaces in deck houses and other erections are not to be measured for passengers unless they form part of the permanent structure of the ship.

Airing space is to be set apart, either on the upper deck or on a poop or bridge deck, for the use of all the passengers as follows: For each saloon or first class passenger, 36 square feet; for each second or third class passenger, 24 square feet.

This rule applies to voyages beyond the Home trade limit within the areas set out below:

That portion of the Indian Ocean (together with the adjoining seas and waters) north of latitude 11° South and bounded by the coasts of Africa and Asia.

That portion of the Pacific Ocean (together with the China Seas, and the various seas washing the shores of Indonesia and the Gulf of Thailand) north of latitude 11° South, west of longitude 150° East, south of latitude 32° North and bounded on the west by the coast of Asia but excluding ports and places under the jurisdiction of Japan.

Such extensions of the area defined in sub-paragraph (b) as are necessary to include the voyages within the area bounded by the following lines; from a point on the west side of the States of Malaya in latitude 10° North along the coast of Asia to a point in Vietnam in latitude 11° North; thence to latitude 8° North, longitude 110° East; thence to latitude 8° North, longitude 125° East; thence to latitude 0°, longitude 140° East; thence to latitude 0°, longitude 160° East; thence to latitude 11° South, longitude 170° East; thence to latitude 23½° South, longitude 170° East, thence to latitude 23½° South, longitude 160° East, thence to the east side of Cape York at latitude 11° South; from the west side of Cape York at latitude 11° South to Cape Wessel and Wessel Island; thence along the Australian coast to Port Darwin (Cape Charles); thence to latitude 10° South, longitude 109° East; thence to Christmas Island; thence to latitude 2° North, longitude 94° East; thence to latitude 6° 30′ North, longitude 94° East; and thence to the starting point but excluding ports and places under the jurisdiction of Australia.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.No passengers are allowed on a weather deck covered only by awnings.The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 4 square feet.In ascertaining the number of passengers to be carried under this rule on voyages in the Indian Ocean, the duration of such voyages not exceeding 120 hours, unberthed passengers will be considered as being carried between decks if accommodated on a bridge deck or poop deck, provided that such deck has a properly constructed deck next above it, and the space is efficiently closed in to protect the passengers from inclement weather.

This rule applies to voyages beyond the Home trade limit within the areas set out below:

That portion of the Indian Ocean (together with the adjoining seas and waters) north of latitude 11° South and bounded by the coasts of Africa and Asia.

That portion of the Pacific Ocean (together with the China Seas, and the various seas washing the shores of Indonesia and the Gulf of Thailand) north of latitude 11° South, west of longitude 150° East, south of latitude 32° North and bounded on the west by the coast of Asia but excluding ports and places under the jurisdiction of Japan.

Such extensions of the area defined in sub-paragraph (b) as are necessary to include the voyages within the area bounded by the following lines; from a point on the west side of the States of Malaya in latitude 10° North along the coast of Asia to a point in Vietnam in latitude 11° North; thence to latitude 8° North, longitude 110° East; thence to latitude 8° North, longitude 125° East; thence to latitude 0°, longitude 140° East; thence to latitude 0°, longitude 160° East; thence to latitude 11° South, longitude 170° East; thence to latitude 23½° South, longitude 170° East, thence to latitude 23½° South, longitude 160° East, thence to the east side of Cape York at latitude 11° South; from the west side of Cape York at latitude 11° South to Cape Wessel and Wessel Island; thence along the Australian coast to Port Darwin (Cape Charles); thence to latitude 10° South, longitude 109° East; thence to Christmas Island; thence to latitude 2° North, longitude 94° East; thence to latitude 6° 30′ North, longitude 94° East; and thence to the starting point but excluding ports and places under the jurisdiction of Australia.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.No passengers are allowed on a weather deck covered only by awnings.The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 4 square feet.In ascertaining the number of passengers to be carried under this rule on voyages in the Indian Ocean, the duration of such voyages not exceeding 120 hours, unberthed passengers will be considered as being carried between decks if accommodated on a bridge deck or poop deck, provided that such deck has a properly constructed deck next above it, and the space is efficiently closed in to protect the passengers from inclement weather.

This rule applies to voyages within the Home trade limit.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 4 square feet.In addition the weather decks covered only by awnings may be measured for passengers the number of which is determined by dividing the clear area of the(i)upper (weather) deck by 9;

raised quarter deck by 12; and

shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 12.When space is provided on a shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck a length not exceeding half the registered length of the vessel may be measured.The total number of passengers allowed shall in no case exceed the number denoting the gross tonnage of the ship.Passengers shall not be carried on more than 3 decks including therein the deck of erections or superstructures on the upper deck.

This rule applies to voyages within the Home trade limit.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 4 square feet.In addition the weather decks covered only by awnings may be measured for passengers the number of which is determined by dividing the clear area of the(i)upper (weather) deck by 9;

raised quarter deck by 12; and

shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 12.When space is provided on a shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck a length not exceeding half the registered length of the vessel may be measured.The total number of passengers allowed shall in no case exceed the number denoting the gross tonnage of the ship.Passengers shall not be carried on more than 3 decks including therein the deck of erections or superstructures on the upper deck.

This rule applies to voyages within the Local trade limit.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 3 square feet.In addition the weather decks covered only by awnings may be measured for passengers the number of which is determined by dividing the clear area of the —

upper (weather) deck by 9;

raised quarter deck by 12; and

shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 12.When space is provided on a shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck a length not exceeding the registered length of the vessel may be measured. Passengers shall not be carried on more than 3 decks including therein the deck of erections or superstructures on the upper deck.

This rule applies to voyages within the Local trade limit.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted; when berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area (that is after deducting all encumbrances) in square feet by the minimum number of square feet allowed for each person as follows:upper deck in efficiently constructed shelter deck space or erection divide by 9;second deck in upper between decks divide by 9;third deck in lower between decks divide by 9.The minimum height of passenger spaces shall be 6 feet.The airing space for each passenger shall be not less than 3 square feet.In addition the weather decks covered only by awnings may be measured for passengers the number of which is determined by dividing the clear area of the —

upper (weather) deck by 9;

raised quarter deck by 12; and

shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 12.When space is provided on a shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck a length not exceeding the registered length of the vessel may be measured. Passengers shall not be carried on more than 3 decks including therein the deck of erections or superstructures on the upper deck.

This rule applies to voyages within the 30 mile limit.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted. When berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area of the —

upper deck by 6;

raised quarter deck by 9;

shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 9; and

floor of the saloon or cabin under the upper deck by 9.When there are seats on skylights or companion openings the measurements may be extended to the back of these seats.

This rule applies to voyages within the 30 mile limit.

(a)Saloon or first class.—The number of properly constructed fixed berths or sofas fitted shall determine the number of passengers to be allowed, if sufficient light and ventilation and a reasonable amount of floor space are provided.

Second class.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers.

Third class or unberthed.—The number shall be determined in the same manner as for first class passengers if berths are fitted. When berths are not fitted the number of passengers shall be determined by dividing the clear area of the —

upper deck by 6;

raised quarter deck by 9;

shelter deck, poop deck or bridge deck by 9; and

floor of the saloon or cabin under the upper deck by 9.When there are seats on skylights or companion openings the measurements may be extended to the back of these seats.

In the case of open motor boats, launches and similar vessels which have cockpits with shelters fitted over them, plying on approved voyages the maximum number of passengers to be allowed is to be regulated by the area of the clear space available for their accommodation. The forward extremity of this space is to be determined by a surveyor of ships with due regard to the proper stowage of the anchor and cable, and to any other necessary equipment in the bow of the vessel, and the length is to be measured from this point to the foreside of the bulkhead separating the motor space from the passenger space. If the motor is placed amidships an additional space may be available for passengers between the after bulk-head of the motor space and a position near the stern of the vessel to be determined by a surveyor of ships as suitable, having due regard to the steering arrangements.

The breadths are to be measured at suitable intervals to the back of the side benches or to the inside of the gunwale or to the inside of the half deck (where fitted) whichever measurement is least.

The space abreast of the motor should not be included in the passenger measurements unless the motor is enclosed by a close fitting casing or longitudinal bulkheads to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships and unless the distance between the sides of the casing and the back of the seats is at least 3 feet.

The number of passengers allowed is found by dividing by 4 the area in square feet of the clear space or spaces measured as above. This number, however, must not exceed the number for which seating accommodation is provided (found by dividing the length in feet of each continuous fixed seat by 1.5) or a number equivalent to one represented by two passengers per foot of length of the vessel, whichever is the smaller. In no circumstances, however, must an open launch applying for a Passenger Certificate for the first time be certified to carry more than 100 persons.

In all vessels the seating should be so arranged that there will be no serious obstacle to prevent a person from passing forward and aft quickly in case of emergency.

In addition to the considerations outlined above the number of passengers is also to be regulated by the consideration that, when the vessel is loaded with weights representing the full number of passengers and crew at 140 lbs. for each person, and when the complete outfit and necessary supply of fuel are on board, the clear height of side above water, at the lowest point, is not to be less than 15 inches for vessels 20 feet long or less, and 22 inches for vessels over 40 feet long. For lengths intermediate between 20 and 40 feet the height should be in proportion. The length should be measured from the forward side of the stem to the after side of the stern post, and the clear side should be measured to the top of the covering board or to the top of the wash strake, if one is fitted above the covering board. If, however, a half-deck is fitted, the clear side should be measured to the top of the deck at side or to the top of the gunwale, whichever measurement gives the smaller freeboard. In decked boats the freeboard should be measured from the top of the deck at side and any side scuttles fitted below the deck must be of a non-opening type.

In no case should a surveyor of ships certify a vessel for any particular number of passengers unless he is satisfied that the vessel has sufficient stability to carry that number safely.

In the case of open motor boats, launches and similar vessels which have cockpits with shelters fitted over them, plying on approved voyages the maximum number of passengers to be allowed is to be regulated by the area of the clear space available for their accommodation. The forward extremity of this space is to be determined by a surveyor of ships with due regard to the proper stowage of the anchor and cable, and to any other necessary equipment in the bow of the vessel, and the length is to be measured from this point to the foreside of the bulkhead separating the motor space from the passenger space. If the motor is placed amidships an additional space may be available for passengers between the after bulk-head of the motor space and a position near the stern of the vessel to be determined by a surveyor of ships as suitable, having due regard to the steering arrangements.

The breadths are to be measured at suitable intervals to the back of the side benches or to the inside of the gunwale or to the inside of the half deck (where fitted) whichever measurement is least.

The space abreast of the motor should not be included in the passenger measurements unless the motor is enclosed by a close fitting casing or longitudinal bulkheads to the satisfaction of a surveyor of ships and unless the distance between the sides of the casing and the back of the seats is at least 3 feet.

The number of passengers allowed is found by dividing by 4 the area in square feet of the clear space or spaces measured as above. This number, however, must not exceed the number for which seating accommodation is provided (found by dividing the length in feet of each continuous fixed seat by 1.5) or a number equivalent to one represented by two passengers per foot of length of the vessel, whichever is the smaller. In no circumstances, however, must an open launch applying for a Passenger Certificate for the first time be certified to carry more than 100 persons.

In all vessels the seating should be so arranged that there will be no serious obstacle to prevent a person from passing forward and aft quickly in case of emergency.

In addition to the considerations outlined above the number of passengers is also to be regulated by the consideration that, when the vessel is loaded with weights representing the full number of passengers and crew at 140 lbs. for each person, and when the complete outfit and necessary supply of fuel are on board, the clear height of side above water, at the lowest point, is not to be less than 15 inches for vessels 20 feet long or less, and 22 inches for vessels over 40 feet long. For lengths intermediate between 20 and 40 feet the height should be in proportion. The length should be measured from the forward side of the stem to the after side of the stern post, and the clear side should be measured to the top of the covering board or to the top of the wash strake, if one is fitted above the covering board. If, however, a half-deck is fitted, the clear side should be measured to the top of the deck at side or to the top of the gunwale, whichever measurement gives the smaller freeboard. In decked boats the freeboard should be measured from the top of the deck at side and any side scuttles fitted below the deck must be of a non-opening type.

In no case should a surveyor of ships certify a vessel for any particular number of passengers unless he is satisfied that the vessel has sufficient stability to carry that number safely.

The area of the deck space appropriated to passengers shall be ascertained by Simpson’s first rule, an appropriate number of breadths being taken.

Each breadth shall be taken between the inner edges of the waterways, ceiling, cargo batten or ships frame whichever breadth is the least, allowing for tumble home at the minimum height of 6 feet if necessary.

The length of the deck available for measurement is to be taken from and to such points as a surveyor of ships may consider fit for the safe and proper accommodation of passengers. Each breadth shall be taken between the inner edges of waterways, raised covering boards, rails or bulwarks whichever breadth is the least.

The clear area of a deck space available for passengers is the deck area after all encumbrances such as hatchways, skylights, companions, machinery casings, dunnage, cattle fittings, navigating spaces, windlass, boats carried inboard, etc. are deducted: Provided that on vessels going on voyages to which rule 4 applies, without calling at intermediate ports to work cargo, the hatchways in the spaces occupied by unberthed passengers need not be deducted.

The area of the deck space appropriated to passengers shall be ascertained by Simpson’s first rule, an appropriate number of breadths being taken.

Each breadth shall be taken between the inner edges of the waterways, ceiling, cargo batten or ships frame whichever breadth is the least, allowing for tumble home at the minimum height of 6 feet if necessary.

The length of the deck available for measurement is to be taken from and to such points as a surveyor of ships may consider fit for the safe and proper accommodation of passengers. Each breadth shall be taken between the inner edges of waterways, raised covering boards, rails or bulwarks whichever breadth is the least.

The clear area of a deck space available for passengers is the deck area after all encumbrances such as hatchways, skylights, companions, machinery casings, dunnage, cattle fittings, navigating spaces, windlass, boats carried inboard, etc. are deducted: Provided that on vessels going on voyages to which rule 4 applies, without calling at intermediate ports to work cargo, the hatchways in the spaces occupied by unberthed passengers need not be deducted.

When there are deck houses, and the space between the side of the deck house and the inner edge of the waterway, bulkwark rails, other deck houses, etc., is less than 2 feet 6 inches in width, such space shall not be measured for passengers.

In paddle-wheeled ships neither the sponsons nor the tops of houses upon the sponsons shall be included in the measurements for passengers.