MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 1
SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION 234.39
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW 
ACCOMMODATION) REGULATIONS
1st March, 2004
LEGAL NOTICE 31 of 2004.
Citation, 
commencement 
and scope.
1. (1) The title of these regulations is the Merchant Shipping
(Crew Accommodation) Regulations.
(2) These regulations shall come into force on the 1st March,
2004.
(3) These regulations prescribe the accommodation (including
hospital accommodation) to be provided for the Master, officers
and the crew of a ship to which these regulations apply.
Interpretation.
context otherwise requires -
Cap. 234.
"appropriate inspector" means a person so charged in terms of
article 154 of the Act;
"approved" means approved by the Registrar-General;
"the certifying authority" means any person authorised by the
Minister for the purpose of these regulations and includes a
surveyor of ships appointed in terms of article 367 of the Act and
organisations or bodies of surveyors authorised by the Minister in
that behalf;
"complaint" means any information or report submitted by a
member of the crew, a professional body, an association, a trade
union or, generally, any person with an interest in the safety of the
ship, including an interest in safety or health hazards to its crew;
"gross tonnage" in relation to a ship, means the gross tonnage as
determined in accordance with the provisions of regulations made
under article 81 of the Act;
"existing ship" means a ship that is not a new ship;
"new ship" means a ship the keel of which is laid or which is at a
similar stage of construction on or after the 10 January, 2003;
S.L. 234.17
S.L. 49.04
"officer" means a person other than a Master holding a certificate
of competence issued or recognised and endorsed in terms of the
Merchant Shipping (Training and Certification) Regulations, in the
capacity of chief mate or officer in charge of navigational watch or
chief engineer officer or second engineer officer or officer in
charge of engineering watch or a person holding a GMDSS
certificate issued or recognised and endorsed in terms of the
Wireless Telegraphy (Certificates of Operators) Regulations;
"other crew" means a member of the crew other than a Master
and an officer and includes a rating;
2 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
"similar stage of construction" means the stage at which -
(i) construction identifiable with a specific ship
begins; and
(ii) assembly of that ship has commenced
comprising at least 50 tonnes or one percent of
the estimated mass of all structural material
whichever is the less.
Application. 3. (1) These regulations shall not apply to -
( a ) fishing vessels; and
( b ) pleasure yachts.
(2) Subject to subregulation (1) hereof -
( a ) these regulations other than regulation 12 apply to sea
going ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, registered or
to be registered as Maltese ships under Part II or Part
II A of the Act; and
( b ) regulation 13 applies to non-Maltese sea-going ships
of 500 tonnage or more when in a Maltese port:
Provided that these regulations other than regulation 12
shall, whenever reasonable and practicable as determined by the
Registrar-General, also apply to sea-going ships of between 200
and 500 gross tonnage, registered or to be registered as Maltese
ships under Part II or Part II A of the Act.
Plans of ship. 4. (1) Every person to whose order a ship to which these
regulations apply is being constructed shall:
( a ) before the construction of the ship commences, submit
for approval to the certifying authority a plan of the
ship, on a scale not smaller than 1 in 200, showing the
proposed location and general arrangement of the crew
accommodation; and
( b ) before the construction of any part of the crew
accommodation is commenced, submit for approval to
the certifying authority, plans of the proposed
accommodation, on a scale not smaller than 1 in 50,
showing clearly and in detail the purpose for which
each space in the crew accommodation is to be used,
the proposed disposition of furniture and fittings, the
proposed arrangements for ventilation, lighting and
heating, and the sanitary arrangements.
(2) The owner of a ship to which these regulations apply shall,
before any reconstruction or alteration of the ship’s crew
accommodation is carried out, submit for approval to the certifying
authority plans of the proposed crew accommodation as
reconstructed or altered as the case may be, on a scale not smaller
than 1 in 50, showing clearly and in detail the purpose for which
each space in the crew accommodation is to be used, the proposed
disposition of furniture and fittings, the proposed arrangements for
ventilation, lighting and heating, and the sanitary arrangements:
Provided that if the crew accommodation is reconstructed
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 3
or altered at a place outside Malta in consequence of any
emergency or any accident to the ship, the relative plans shall be
submitted for approval to the certifying authority as soon as
practicable.
Requirements for 
existing ships.
5. The crew accommodation of an existing ship to which
these regulations apply shall comply with the requirements laid
down in the First Schedule.
Requirements for 
new ships.
6. The crew accommodation of a new ship to which these
regulations apply shall comply with the requirements laid down in
the Second Schedule.
Use of crew 
accommodation.
7. Subject to regulation 8(17), no part of the crew
accommodation provided under these regulations is to be
appropriated for use by passengers.
Hospital 
accommodation.
8. (1) Every ship to which these regulations apply carrying a
crew of fifteen or more persons and engaged in a voyage of more
than three days’ duration, shall be provided with separate hospital
accommodation:
Provided that the Registrar-General may authorise
alternative arrangements in respect of ships engaged in coastal
trade.
(2) In every other ship to which these regulations apply (except
one in which all officers and other crew have separate sleeping
rooms) a suitable room shall be appropriated for use, in case of
need, as a temporary hospital.
(3) Hospital accommodation, whether permanent or temporary,
shall be marked as such and shall not be used for any purpose other
than the medical purposes.
(4) Every hospital, whether permanent or temporary, shall be
so situated that it is as quiet and comfortable as possible and is
readily accessible in all weather -
( a ) from the sleeping room of the member of the crew who
is, and is employed as, a duly qualified doctor or a
qualified nurse; or
( b ) if no such doctor or nurse is carried, from the master’s
accommodation or from the accommodation provided
for the person in charge of the patients.
(5) The minimum width of the entrance to any permanent
hospital shall, where practicable, be 760 millimetres and every
hospital, whether permanent or temporary, shall be so situated and
arranged that a stretcher can be easily carried into it with a person
lying on the stretcher.
(6) Every permanent hospital shall be provided with at least
one berth for every 50, or fraction of 50, members of the crew.
(7) At least one berth in every permanent hospital shall be a
single-tier berth and shall, wherever practicable, be so placed that it
is accessible from both sides and from the foot.
(8) If double-tier berths are provided in a hospital, the upper-
tier shall be either hinged or removable.
4 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
(9) Berths in permanent hospitals shall comply with the
requirements of paragraphs 13.1 to 13.10 of the Second Schedule.
(10) All side-scuttles and windows in a permanent hospital, and
all skylights therein which are exposed to the direct rays of the sun
shall be provided with curtains or blinds.
(11) Every permanent hospital, even if served by an air
conditioning system or a mechanical ventilation system, shall be
provided with a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation to
the open air independent of any ventilators provided for other parts
of the ship.
(12) Unless otherwise provided in this regulation, hospital
accommodation shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs
9.1 to 11.8 of the First Schedule with regard to ventilation, heating
and lighting.
(13) A suitable locker, a water bottle, a tumbler, and an electric
bell push communicating with the sleeping room of the doctor,
nurse or the person in charge of the patient, shall be provided for
each berth in the hospital accommodation and shall be within reach
of that berth.
(14) The hospital accommodation shall be provided with a
clothes locker, an adequate number of seats and a bed pan.
(15) A wash basin with cold and hot water laid on to it shall be
fitted in every permanent hospital or in washing accommodation in
the hospital.
(16) A water closet provided with the items specified in
paragraph 17.9 of the Second Schedule shall be fitted in every
permanent hospital either in a separate closet or in washing
accommodation in the hospital.
(17) In passenger ships, the hospital may be provided to serve
both crew and passengers.
Medical cabinet.  9. (1) A locked cabinet or a locked container suitable for
storing medicines and the medical stores, which the ship is required
by regulations made under article 152 of the Act to carry for the
crew, shall be well ventilated and fitted in a place in the crew area
for the ship which -
( a ) is always dry;
( b ) is readily accessible from (but not sited in) the
permanent or temporary hospital; and
( c ) is not subject to abnormal heat.
(2) Where a medical cabinet is fitted it shall be provided with
the following:
( a ) an outer door with an efficient lock;
( b ) where controlled drugs are to be stored, an inner
cupboard fitted with a door and a lock which cannot be
opened by the same key as the lock to the outer door;
and
( c ) a dispensing counter with a surface that can be easily
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 5
kept clean.
(3) Where a medical cabinet is fitted it shall be lit by an
electric light (which may be inside or immediately outside it) which
enables the contents to be clearly seen.
Maintenance and 
inspection of crew 
accommodation.
10. (1) The crew and hospital accommodation shall be
maintained in a clean and habitable condition and all equipment
and installations required by these regulations shall be maintained
in good working order.
(2) Every part of the crew accommodation, except store rooms,
shall be kept free from stores and other property not belonging to or
provided for the use of persons for whom that part of the
accommodation is appropriated.
(3) The master of the ship or the officer appointed by the
master for the purpose shall inspect every part of the crew and
hospital accommodation at intervals not exceeding seven days and
shall be accompanied on the inspection by at least one member of
the crew.
(4) The master of the ship or the officer appointed by the
master for the purpose of inspecting the crew and hospital
accommodation shall cause to be entered in the ship’s official log
book a record of -
( a ) the date and time of the inspection;
( b ) the names and ranks of the persons making the
inspection; and
( c ) the particulars of any respect in which the crew and
hospital accommodation or any part of it was found by
any of the persons making the inspection not to
comply with these regulations.
Survey, inspection 
and other measures 
in respect of 
Maltese ships.
11. (1) The crew and hospital accommodation of a ship to
which these regulations apply shall be surveyed by the certifying
authority whenever -
( a ) the ship is or is being registered as Maltese ship under
Part II or Part IIA of the Act; or
( b ) all or part of the crew or hospital accommodation of a
Maltese ship undergoes substantial alteration or repair,
and the certifying authority shall, if satisfied that the ship complies
with the requirements of these regulations, issue to the owner of the
ship a Crew Accommodation Certificate in the approved form or as
near thereto as circumstances permit, certifying that the ship is in
compliance with the requirements of these regulations.
(2) The Registrar-General -
( a ) may inspect a Maltese ship to which these regulations
apply at any time; and
( b ) shall inspect a Maltese ship to which these regulations
apply whenever the Registrar-General receives a
complaint, in sufficient time to prevent any delay to
the ship, or obtains evidence that the ship does not
6 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
comply with the requirements of these regulations; and
(i) if satisfied that the ship complies with the
requirements of these regulations, the Registrar-
General may issue, or may require the certifying
authority to issue, a Crew Accommodation
Certificate in the approved form or as near
thereto as circumstances permit, certifying that
the ship is in compliance with the requirements
of these regulations; or
(ii) if satisfied that there has been a failure to
comply in relation to that ship with the
requirements of these regulations the Registrar-
General may, without prejudice to the provisions
of article 148(4) of the Act, take such measures
as are necessary to rectify those conditions and,
any expenses incurred therefor shall be a charge
on the ship.
(3) The Registrar-General may, either on a case by case basis
or through the issue of Merchant Shipping Notices -
( a ) require Maltese ships to which these regulations apply
to submit to him a Crew Accommodation Certificate in
the approved form, or as near thereto as circumstances
permit, certifying that the ship is in compliance with
the requirements of these regulations; and
( b ) prescribe the form and the maximum period of validity
of any certificate required to be issued in terms of
these regulations.
Inspection, 
detention and other 
measures in respect 
of non-Maltese 
ships.
12. (1) The Registrar-General or an appropriate inspector may
inspect any ship to which this regulation applies which is not a
Maltese ship when such ship is in a Maltese port, and if satisfied
that the ship does not conform to the standards required of Maltese
ships by these regulations, the Registrar-General may:
( a ) send a report to the government of the country in
which the ship is registered and a copy thereof to the
Director-General of the International Labour Office;
and
( b ) where conditions on board are clearly hazardous to
safety or health -
(i) take such measures as are necessary to rectify
those conditions and any expenses incurred
therefor shall be a charge on the ship;
(ii) detain the ship:
Provided that the measures specified in
subparagraphs (i) and (ii) may be taken only when the
ship has called at a Maltese port in the normal course
of business or for operational reasons.
(2) If the Registrar-General takes either of the measures
specified in subregulation (1)( b ), the Registrar-General shall
forthwith notify the maritime administration and the nearest
maritime, consular or diplomatic representative of the flag State of
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 7
the ship.
Exemptions and 
equivalents.
13. (1) The Registrar-General may, taking into consideration
the special circumstances that apply to each individual ship and
following consultation with the owner of the ship and with the  bona
fide  trade union of seafarers representing the crew of the ship,
allow variations from the requirements of these regulations in the
case of:
( a ) ferries and similar ships which are not continuously
manned with one permanent crew;
( b ) ships with additional repair personnel temporarily
embarked for repairs;
( c ) ships engaged in such short voyages which allow the
crew to go home or make use of comparable facilities
for part of the day; and
( d ) any ship, provided that the variations to be made
provide corresponding advantages as a result of which
the overall conditions are not less favourable than
those which would result from the full application of
the requirements of these regulations.
(2) The Registrar-General may, in the case of ships the
manning of which has to take account, without discrimination, of
the interest of the crew having different and distinctive religions
and social practices, following consultation with the organisations
of ship owners and with the  bona fide  trade unions of seafarers
concerned and subject to agreement between the said two parties,
allow variations from the requirements of paragraphs 12.3 to 12.9
(both included) and paragraphs 17.2, 17.3 and 17.5 to 17.8 (both
included) of the Second Schedule provided that such variations do
not result in overall facilities less favourable than those which
would result from the application of the requirements of the
paragraphs mentioned in this subregulation.
8 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
FIRST SCHEDULE
(Regulation 5)
REQUIREMENTS FQR EXISTING SHIPS
1. General requirements
1.1 Crew accommodation (except store rooms) shall:
1.1.1 whenever practicable be situated amidships or aft; but in no case
shall any part of the crew accommodation (except store rooms) be
situated forward of the collision bulkhead;
1.1.2 be situated wholly above the Summer Load Line (if any) marked on
the ship in accordance with the provisions of rules made under
article 251 of the Act:
Provided that in the case of a passenger ship the crew
accommodation may, on condition that satisfactory arrangements
are made for lighting and ventilation of sleeping rooms, be situated
below the Summer Load Line, but in no case immediately beneath
working alleyways; and
1.1.3 be arranged and constructed, and situated in such a position, as to
ensure:
( a ) the protection of the crew against injury to the greatest
practicable extent;
( b ) the protection of the crew accommodation against the weather
and the sea;
( c ) the insulation of the crew accommodation from heat and cold;
( d ) the protection of the crew accommodation against moisture
due to condensation;
( e ) the exclusion from the crew accommodation of effluvia
originating in other spaces in the ship;
( f ) the exclusion from the crew accommodation, to the greatest
practicable extent, of noise originating in other spaces in the
ship; and
( g ) the prevention of the harbouring of vermin.
1.2 Where the crew accommodation of a ship is not normally air-conditioned,
the crew accommodation shall:
1.2.1 if the ship regularly trades to mosquito-infested ports, be provided
with suitable screens to sidescuttles, ventilators and doors; and
1.2.2 if the ship regularly trades to or in the tropics or the Persian Gulf,
be fitted with suitable awnings.
1.3 Crew accommodation shall be accessible at all times from the open deck.
An opening from an open deck into the crew accommodation shall be protected
against the weather and the sea.
2. Bulkheads
2.1 Bulkheads separating a part of the crew accommodation (other than a
recreation deck space) from a space used as:
( a ) a bunker,
( b ) a cargo or machinery space,
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 9
( c ) a lamp room or paint room,
( d ) a store room not forming part of the crew accommodation (other
than a dry provision store room),
( e ) a chain locker; or
( f ) a cofferdam,
shall be so constructed as to be gastight and, where necessary to protect the crew
accommodation, watertight.
2.2 A bulkhead that separates a part of the crew accommodation from a dry
provision store room (whether or not that store room forms part of the crew
accommodation) shall be gastight.
2.3 A bulkhead that separates a part of the crew accommodation from sanitary
accommodation, a laundry, a drying room, a galley or a cold store room (whether or
not they form part of the crew accommodation shall be gastight, and shall be
watertight to such height as is necessary to prevent the passage of water into the
adjoining space.
2.4 A bulkhead that separates sanitary accommodation from another part of the
crew accommodation shall, except in a doorway, be watertight to a height of not less
than 230 millimetres above the floor of the sanitary accommodation.
2.5 Paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 do not apply to bulkheads that separate:
( a ) sanitary accommodation from other sanitary accommodation;
( b ) a laundry or drying room from another laundry or drying room;
( c ) a galley from another galley or from a pantry;
( d ) a cold store room from another cold store room; or
( e ) en suite  sanitary accommodation from its associated sleeping room
or rooms.
2.6 Inside paneling in the crew accommodation shall be constructed of
material with a surface that can easily be kept clean.
2.7 Bulkheads or paneling shall not be constructed of material likely to
harbour vermin.
2.8 Bulkheads enclosing rooms used as sleeping rooms, mess rooms or
recreation rooms shall be lined on the side of those bulkheads with those rooms.
3. Openings
3.1 There shall not be a direct opening between the crew accommodation
(other than recreation deck spaces) and spaces used as:
( a ) a bunker;
( b ) cargo or machinery spaces;
( c ) lamp rooms or paint rooms;
( d ) store rooms not forming part of the crew accommodation;
( e ) chain lockers; or
( f ) cofferdams.
3.2 Except in the case of  en suite  sanitary accommodation, there shall not be a
direct opening between the crew accommodation (other than recreation deck spaces
or passageways) and any sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room (whether
or not that sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room forms part of the crew
10 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
accommodation).
3.3 Paragraph 3.2 does not prohibit a direct opening between spaces forming
part of the sanitary accommodation or between spaces appropriated for use as
laundries or drying rooms.
3.4 There shall not be a direct opening between a sleeping room and a galley.
4. Pipes
4.1 Except where no other arrangement is reasonably practicable, steam supply
and exhaust pipes to machinery shall not pass through the crew accommodation.
4.2 Where such pipes pass through the crew accommodation, they pass
through open deck alleyways only, shall be properly encased, and in the case of
supply pipes, they shall be:
( a ) constructed of solid drawn steel or equivalent material;
( b ) of a scantling sufficient to withstand the maximum pressure from
the ship’s boiler system;
( c ) connected by faced flanges properly jointed; and
( d ) fitted with adequate drainage arrangements.
4.3 Steam pipes and hot water pipes leading to radiators in or serving the crew
accommodation shall be properly protected or encased.
4.4 Hawse pipes shall not be situated in the crew accommodation.
4.5 Chain pipes and ventilators to cargo spaces shall, where they pass through
the crew accommodation, be watertight and gastight.
4.6 Hot water pipes shall be insulated where necessary for the conservation of
heat or to ensure the safety of the crew.
5. Batteries
Batteries shall not be located in the crew accommodation, and precautions
shall be taken to ensure that fumes from batteries do not discharge into any part of
the crew accommodation.
6. Floors
6.1 Decks that form the floors in the crew accommodation shall be properly
constructed and shall be covered with a material that -
( a ) is impervious to water;
( b ) is capable of being easily kept clean; and
( c ) provides a good foothold.
6.2 Where a composition or other like materia1 is used to cover a metal deck,
the materia1 shall be properly laid and the joins where the floor meets the walls shall
be rounded in such a way as to avoid crevices.
6.3 Floors of wash places, bathrooms, shower recesses, laundries and other
compartments where water is used shall be:
( a ) covered with rubber-based or other impervious material; and
( b ) fitted with a coving around the perimeter of the compartment.
6.4 The floor of a galley shall be covered with a rubber-based or other
impervious material.
6.5 The floor of a galley shall be provided with efficient scuppers.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 11
7. Drainage
7. 1 Efficient drainage shall be provided for the crew accommodation.
7.2 There shall be no drainage from any source into wash places or sanitary
accommodation forming part of the crew accommodation, which shall be drained
separately and independently of other spaces.
8 Surface finishes
8.1 The interior sides and ceilings of the crew accommodation shall be covered
with enamel, paint or other suitable material, of good quality and white or light in
colour.
8.2 Paint, varnishes and other surface materials containing nitro-cellulose shall
not be used.
8.3 All paint, varnish or other finishes in the crew accommodation shall be
capable of being easily kept clean and shall be maintained in good condition.
9. Ventilation system
9.1 Every enclosed space in the crew accommodation, except a cold store
room, shall be provided with a ventilation system capable of maintaining the air in
that space in a sufficiently pure condition for the health and comfort of the crew in
all conditions of weather and climate which the ship is likely to encounter during the
voyages on which she is intended to be engaged, and capable of being controlled as
necessary for that purpose.
9.2 Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 9.1, in all ships except
those of under 500 gross tonnage, every enclosed space in the crew accommodation
except a cold store room, shall, if it is not ventilated by an air conditioning system,
be provided with a mechanical ventilation system capable of ensuring rates of air
changes sufficient for the type of accommodation for which it is provided.
9.3 Ships regularly engaged on voyages in the tropics and the Persian Gulf
shall, if not ventilated by an air conditioning system, be provided with both
mechanical means of ventilation and electric fans:
Provided that one only of these means need be adopted in spaces where
this ensures satisfactory ventilation.
9.4 A supply of power adequate to operate a mechanical ventilation system or,
if it is provided, an air conditioning system shall be provided. Any such system fitted
shall be in operation at all times when any members of the crew are on board and the
circumstances are such that ventilation by means of such system is required.
9.5 In every ship, every enclosed space in the crew accommodation which is
not ventilated either by an air conditioning system or by a mechanical ventilation
system shall be provided with a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation
suitable to its purpose.
10. Heating system
10.1 Except in the case of ships engaged exclusively in the tropics and the
Persian Gulf, the crew accommodation of all the ships shall be provided with a
heating system which shall:
( a ) be permanently installed; and
( b ) whose capacity shall be sufficient to maintain a room temperature
of at least 20ºC in all circumstances.
10.2 The heating system may be operated by steam, hot water or electricity or
12 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
may be a system supplying warm air.
10.3 The heating system shall be so constructed, installed and, if necessary,
shielded as to avoid the risk of fire and not to constitute a source of danger or
discomfort to the crew.
10.4 The heating system shall be in operation at all times when any members of
the crew are living or working on board the ship and conditions require its use.
11. Lighting system
11.1 Crew accommodation shall be properly lit.
11.2 Sleeping rooms, living rooms, mess rooms and hospitals shall be lit by
natural light. The supply of natural light shall be sufficient to read ordinary
newsprint in clear weather anywhere in the room where persons may normally be. In
passenger ships, special arrangements may, however, be permitted.
11.3 An efficient system of electric lighting shall be provided capable of
supplying adequate lighting to all parts of the crew accommodation.
11.4 Electric lights shall be so arranged as to give the maximum benefit to the
crew.
11.5 The head of each berth shall be fitted with an electric light that is capable
of supplying sufficient light to enable a person of normal vision to read in the berth.
11.6 If two sources of electricity are not installed independent of each other,
reserve lighting shall be provided for use in case of emergency. Such emergency
lighting may, for example, consist of permanently installed electric battery lamps
that are recharged when the main current is on or a similar system.
11.7 The following guidelines are laid down as to the luminous power that shall
be considered suitable for artificial lighting:
( a ) sleeping rooms and day rooms:
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) lighting at tables where reading and writing take place 150 lux
( b ) mess rooms
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) lighting on dining tables 150 lux
( c ) sanitary accommodation
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) at mirrors 200 lux
( d ) corridors and staircases
general lighting 50 lux
( e ) hospital accommodation
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) at any wash basin 100 lux
11.8 The general lighting is measured at a horizontal plane of 850 millimetres
above floor level.
12. Sleeping rooms
12.1 Unless the circumstances are such that no members of the crew are
required to sleep on board, sleeping rooms shall be provided for the crew.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 13
12.2 The clear headroom in sleeping rooms shall be at least 1.90 metres.
12.3 Whenever reasonable and practicable, having regard to the size of the ship
and the activity on which it is to be engaged, there shall be a sufficient number of
sleeping rooms to provide a separate room or rooms for each department.
12.4 A separate sleeping room shall be provided for the master and each officer
and, whenever reasonable and practicable, having regard to the size of the ship, the
activity on which it is to be engaged and its layout, for each person over the age of
18 years.
12.5 The number of persons accommodated in the same sleeping room shall not
exceed four persons.
12.6 When more than one person is accommodated in the same sleeping room,
as far as practicable, they shall be members of the same watch.
12.7 The minimum floor area that shall be provided for each person in a
sleeping room is:
( a ) in the case of a ship of less than 800 gross tonnage, 1.85 square
metres;
( b ) in the case of a ship of 800 gross tonnage or more but less than
3000 gross tonnage, 2.35 square metres; and
( c ) in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more, 2.78 square
metres.
12.8 In the case of ships in which are employed such groups of ratings as
necessitate the employment of a substantially larger member of ratings than would
otherwise be employed, the Registrar-General may, in respect of such groups, reduce
the minimum floor area of sleeping rooms per person, provided that:
( a ) the total sleeping space allotted to the group or groups is not less
than would have been allotted had the numbers not been so
increased; and
( b ) the minimum floor area of sleeping rooms is not less than:
(i) 1.67 square metres per person in the case of a ship of less than
3000 gross tonnage;
(ii) 1.85 square metres per person in the case of a ship of 3000
gross tonnage or more.
12.9 In paragraphs 12.6 and 12.7, the measurement of floor area is to:
( a ) include floor space occupied by berths, lockers, seats and chests of
drawers; and
( b ) exclude small or irregularly shaped floor spaces that cannot be used
for installing furniture and that do not contribute to the space
available for free movement.
12.10 Sleeping rooms shall be so planned as to ensure reasonable comfort for the
occupants and to facilitate tidiness.
12.11 The maximum number of persons that may be accommodated in a sleeping
room shall be indelibly and legibly marked in that room.
13. Sleeping berths
13.1 Each sleeping room shall be fitted with a separate berth for each person to
be accommodated in the room.
14 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
13.2 The framework of each berth shall be constructed of metal or other
material that is hard and smooth and unlikely to become corroded or harbour vermin.
13.3 If a berth is constructed with tubular frames, the frames shall be
completely sealed and without perforations.
13.4 Where a sleeping room has more than one berth:
( a ) no two berths may be placed so that access to one can only be
obtained over the other;
( b ) berths shall not be arranged in tiers of more than two;
( c ) a berth adjacent to a ship’s side and with a sidelight situated above
the berth shall be in a single tier; and
( d ) an upper berth is to be placed approximately midway between the
bottom of the lower berth and the lower side of the deckhead
beams.
13.5 The bottom of a berth shall not be less than 300 millimetres from the floor
of the room.
13.6 A berth shall be at least 190 centimetres long and at least 68 centimetres
wide, the measurements being taken inside the lee-boards or lee-rails, if any, and at
right angles to each other.
13.7 Each berth shall be fitted with:
( a ) a spring bottom or other bottom suitable for use with a mattress;
and
( b ) a mattress made of material that will resist damp and is unlikely to
harbour vermin.
13.8 Where berths are arranged in a double tier, a bottom of dust-proof material
shall be fitted to the underside of the upper berth.
13.9 Lee-boards fitted to berths shall be constructed of hardwood or other
suitable material and shall be so made as to be unlikely to harbour vermin.
13.10 Curtains shall be fitted to berths if there is more than one berth in the
room.
14. Furniture and fittings
14.1 Each sleeping room shall be provided with the following minimum
furniture and fittings:
( a ) a clothes locker or wardrobe which shall be at least 1.52 metres
high with a cross section area of at least 12.30 square decimetres
and fitted with a shelf and a 1oop for a padlock;
( b ) a drawer or equivalent space of at least 0.056 cubic metres for each
occupant of the room;
( c ) a table or desk, which may be of the fixed, drop-leaf or slide-out
type, and with comfortable seating accommodation as necessary;
( d ) a mirror and a cabinet for toilet requisites;
( e ) a book rack;
( f ) one coat hook in addition to any coat hooks which may be fitted in
a locker or wardrobe; and
( g ) a curtain or blind fitted to each sidescuttle.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 15
14.2 All furniture shall be of smooth, hard material not liable to warp or corrode
and shall be so made as to be unlikely to harbour vermin.
15. Mess rooms
15.1 Unless the circumstances are such that no members of the crew are
required to mess on board, mess rooms shall be provided for the crew.
15.2 Mess rooms shall be separate from sleeping rooms and as close as
practicable to the galley:
Provided that in ships of less than 300 gross tonnage, the galley may be
used as a mess room:
Provided further that in ships of less than 300 gross tonnage, if not
combined with a galley, mess rooms may be combined with sleeping accommodation
if it is impracticable to provide a separate mess room.
15.3 Unless otherwise provided in the agreement with the crew, in ships of 500
gross tonnage or more, mess rooms provided for the master and officers shall be
separate from those provided for ratings.
15.4 Unless otherwise provided in the agreement with the crew, in ships of 5000
gross tonnage or more, whenever it is reasonable and practicable, consideration shall
be given to provide a separate mess room for the catering and serving staff if their
number exceeds five persons.
15.5 The dimensions and equipment of each mess room shall be sufficient for
the number of persons likely to use them at any one time.
15.6 Mess rooms shall be equipped with tables and approved seats, fixed or
movable, sufficient for the number of persons likely to use them at any one time.
15.7 The Registrar-General may permit such exceptions to the provisions of
paragraphs 15.3 to 15.6 (both included) as may be necessary to meet the special
conditions in passenger ships.
15.8 Where available pantries are not accessible to mess rooms, adequate
lockers for mess utensils and proper facilities for washing utensils shall be provided.
15.9 The surfaces of tables and seats shall be easy to clean and resistant to
cracks and damp.
16. Recreation rooms
16.1 In ships of 300 gross tonnage or more, one or more places shall be
provided on an open deck to which the crew have access when off duty. Such space/
spaces shall be of a suitable size taking into consideration the size and arrangement
of the crew and the ship.
16.2 In ships of 300 gross tonnage or more, recreation rooms, conveniently
situated and appropriately furnished shall be provided for officers and ratings.
Where such rooms are not provided separately from the mess rooms, the latter shall
be planned, sized, furnished and equipped to give recreational facilities.
17. Sanitary and laundry arrangement
17.1 Sufficient sanitary accommodation, including wash basins and baths and/
or showers, shall be provided in all ships.
17.2 Separate sanitary accommodation shall be provided for males and females.
17.3 The following minimum number of separate water e1osets shall be
provided:
16 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
( a ) in ships of less than 800 gross tonnage: three;
( b ) in ships of 800 gross tonnage or more but less than 3000 gross
tonnage: four;
( c ) in ships of 3000 gross tonnage or more: six; and
( d ) in ships where the radio officers or operators are accommodated in
an isolated position, sanitary facilities near or adjacent thereto shall
be provided.
17.4 Sanitary facilities for all members of the crew who do not occupy rooms to
which private facilities are attached shall be provided for each group of the crew on
the following scale:
( a ) one bath and/or shower for every eight persons or less;
( b ) one water closet for every eight persons or less;
( c ) one wash basin for every six persons or less.
Provided that when the number of persons in a group exceeds an even
multiple of the specified number by less than one-half of the specified number this
surplus may be ignored for the purpose of this paragraph.
17.5 When the total number of the crew exceeds 100 and in passenger ships
normally engaged on voyages of not more than four hours duration, the Registrar-
General may authorise special arrangements or a reduction in the number of
facilities required.
17.6 An adequate supply of cold and hot fresh water shall be laid on to each
wash basin, bath and shower.
17.7 Washbasins and baths/showers shall be of adequate size, constructed of
approved material with a smooth surface not liable to crack, flake or corrode and
fitted with an efficient and hygienic discharge system.
17.8 All water closets shall have ventilation to the open air, independently of
any other part of the accommodation.
17.9 All water closets shall be of an approved pattern and provided with:
( a ) an adequate flush of water, which must be always available through
self closing non-concussive supply valves;
( b ) a connection to a vacuum discharge pipe system or a soil pipe of
not less than 100 millimetres in diameter so constructed as to
facilitate cleaning and minimise the risk of obstruction; and
( c ) a device for holding toilet paper.
17.10 Water closets shall be situated convenient to, but separate from, sleeping
rooms and wash rooms, without direct access from the sleeping rooms or from a
passage between sleeping rooms and water closets to which there is not other access:
Provided that this requirement shall not apply where a water closet is located in a
compartment between two sleeping rooms having a total of not more than four
persons.
17.11 Where there is more than one water closet in a compartment, they shall be
sufficiently screened to ensure privacy.
17.12 All soil pipes and waste pipes shall be of adequate dimensions and shall be
fitted in a manner that will facilitate cleaning and minimise the risk of obstruction.
17.13 In all ships facilities for washing, drying and ironing clothes shall be
provided on a scale appropriate to the size of the crew and the normal duration of the
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 17
voyage.
17.14 The facilities for washing clothes shall include suitable sinks which may
be installed in wash rooms if provision of a separate laundry facility is not
reasonable and practicable, may be installed in wash rooms with an adequate supply
of cold and hot fresh water or means of heating water.
17.15 The facilities for drying clothes shall be provided in a compartment
separate from sleeping rooms and mess rooms, adequately ventilated and heated and
equipped with lines or other fittings for hanging clothes.
18. Oilskin lockers
18.1 Adequately ventilated lockers or compartments for use solely for hanging
oilskins and other working clothes shall be provided in a place outside but
conveniently near to the sleeping rooms.
19. Offices
19.1 In ships of 3000 gross tonnage or more, two separate appropriately
furnished rooms shall be provided for use as offices for the crew in the deck and
engine departments respectively.
20. Galleys
20.1 Except in ships in which no member of the crew will be required to mess
on board, a galley for the preparation of food for the crew shall be provided.
20.2 The galley shall be situated as near as practicable to the mess rooms
provided for the crew.
20.3 The galley shall be provided with all equipment necessary to enable food
in sufficient quantity to be properly and readily prepared for all persons whom the
galley is intended to serve and served hot to them in the mess room in all weathers.
20.4 All fixed equipment shall be so arranged that it, and all spaces round and
behind it, can easily be kept clean.
20.5 The galley shall be provided with facilities for washing up. Hot, fresh
water and cold drinking water shall be laid on to any sink or other washing up
facility in a galley.
20.6 No salt water tap shall be fitted in the galley nor in any place at which food
may be prepared.
20.7 A supply of water connected to a tap or other suitable connection shall be
provided in each galley to facilitate washing down the floor.
20.8 All furniture and fittings in the galley shall be made of a material which is
impervious to dirt and moisture and all metal parts of furniture and fittings shall be
rustproof. The bottoms of all fitted furniture shall be either flush with the deck or
fitted high enough to enable the deck space beneath to be easily kept clean.
20.9 The ventilation in the galley shall be so arranged as to ensure an adequate
supply of fresh air and the efficient discharge of fumes into the open air.
21. Dry provision store rooms
21.1 Dry provision store rooms used exclusive1y for the storage of dry
provisions for the crew shall be provided and shall have sufficient capacity having
regard to:
( a ) the maximum period likely to elapse between successive
replenishments of stores, and
18 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
( b ) the maximum number of the crew to be carried.
21.2 Dry provision store rooms shall be so situated, constructed and ventilated
as to avoid deterioration of the stores through heat, draught, condensation or
infestation by insects or vermin.
21.3 A dry provision store shall not be:
( a ) situated close to a space in which heat is generated, unless it is
adequately insulated against heat; or
( b ) used for the storage of bedding or textiles.
22. Cold storage rooms and refrigerating equipment
22.1 Refrigerating equipment and cold storage rooms shall be provided and be
adequate for the storage of perishable provisions for the crew having regard to the
period likely to elapse between successive replenishment of stores. In ships of less
than 500 gross tonnage, there shall be provided either cold storage rooms or
adequate alternative cold storage facilities.
SECOND SCHEDULE
(Regulation 6)
REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW SHIPS
1. General requirements
1.1 Crew accommodation (except store rooms) shall:
1.1.1 whenever practicable be situated amidships or aft, but in no case
shall any part of the crew accommodation (except store rooms) be
situated forward of the collision bulkhead;
1.1.2 be situated wholly above the Summer Load Line (if any) marked on
the ship in accordance with the provisions of rules made under
article 251 of the Act:
Provided that in the case of a passenger ship the crew
accommodation may, on condition that satisfactory arrangements
are made for lighting and ventilation of sleeping rooms, be situated
below the Summer Load Line, but in no case immediately beneath
working alleyways; and
1.1.3 be arranged and constructed, and situated in such a position, as to
ensure:
( a ) the protection of the crew against injury to the greatest
practicable extent;
( b ) the protection of the crew accommodation against the weather
and the sea;
( c ) the insulation of the crew accommodation from heat and cold;
( d ) the protection of the crew accommodation against moisture
due to condensation;
( e ) the exclusion from the crew accommodation of effluvia
originating in other spaces in the ship;
( f ) the exclusion from the crew accommodation, to the greatest
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 19
practicable extent, of noise originating in other spaces in the
ship; and
( g ) the prevention of the harbouring of vermin.
1.2 Where the crew accommodation of a ship is not normally air-conditioned,
the crew accommodation shall:
1.2.1 if the ship regularly trades to mosquito-infested ports, be provided
with suitable screens to sidescuttles, ventilators and doors; and
1.2.2 if the ship regularly trades to or in the tropics or the Persian Gulf,
be fitted with suitable awnings.
1.3 Crew accommodation shall be accessible at all times from the open deck.
An opening from an open deck into the crew accommodation shall be protected
against the weather and the sea.
1.4 All parts of the crew accommodation, except cold store rooms, shall have a
clear headroom of at least 1.98 metres at every point where full and free movement
is necessary, but a reduction in the headroom in any space or part of a space in such
accommodation may be permitted if it is reasonable to do so and such a reduction
will not result in discomfort to the crew.
2. Bulkheads
2.1 Bulkheads separating a part of the crew accommodation (other than a
recreation deck space) from a space used as:
( a ) a bunker;
( b ) a cargo or machinery space;
( c ) a lamp room or paint room;
( d ) a store room not forming part of the crew accommodation (other
than a dry provision store room);
( e ) a chain locker; or
( f ) a cofferdam,
shall be so constructed as to be gastight and, where necessary to protect the crew
accommodation, watertight.
2.2 A bulkhead that separates a part of the crew accommodation from a dry
provision store room (whether or not that store room forms part of the crew
accommodation) shall be gastight.
2.3 A bulkhead that separates a part of the crew accommodation from sanitary
accommodation, a laundry, a drying room, a galley or a cold store room (whether or
not they form part of the crew accommodation) shall be gastight, and shall be
watertight to such height as is necessary to prevent the passage of water into the
adjoining space.
2.4 A bulkhead that separates sanitary accommodation from another part of the
crew accommodation shall, except in a doorway, be watertight to a height of not less
than 230 millimetres above the floor of the sanitary accommodation.
2.5 Paragraphs 2.3 and 2.4 do not apply to bulkheads that separate:
( a ) sanitary accommodation from other sanitary accommodation;
( b ) a laundry or drying room from another laundry or drying room;
( c ) a galley from another galley or from a pantry;
( d ) a cold store room from another cold store room; or
20 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
( e ) en suite  sanitary accommodation from its associated sleeping room
or rooms.
2.6 Inside paneling in the crew accommodation shall be constructed of
material with a surface that can easily be kept clean.
2.7 Bulkheads or paneling shall not be constructed of material likely to
harbour vermin.
2.8 Bulkheads enclosing rooms used as sleeping rooms, mess rooms or
recreation rooms shall be lined on the side of those bulkheads with those rooms.
3. Openings
3.1 There shall not be a direct opening between the crew accommodation
(other than recreation deck spaces) and spaces used as:
( a ) a bunker;
( b ) cargo or machinery spaces;
( c ) lamp rooms or paint rooms;
( d ) store rooms not forming part of the crew accommodation;
( e ) chain lockers; or
( f ) cofferdams.
3.2 Except in the case of  en suite  sanitary accommodation, there shall not be a
direct opening between the crew accommodation (other than recreation deck spaces
or passageways) and any sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room (whether
or not that sanitary accommodation, laundry or drying room forms part of the crew
accommodation).
3.3 Paragraph 3.2 does not prohibit a direct opening between spaces forming
part of the sanitary accommodation or between spaces appropriated for use as
laundries or drying rooms.
3.4 There shall not be a direct opening between a sleeping room and a galley.
4. Pipes
4.1 Except where no other arrangement is reasonably practicable, steam supply
and exhaust pipes to machinery shall not pass through the crew accommodation.
4.2 Where such pipes pass through the crew accommodation, they pass
through open deck alleyways only, shall be properly encased, and in the case of
supply pipes, they shall be:
( a ) constructed of solid drawn steel or equivalent material;
( b ) of a scantling sufficient to withstand the maximum pressure from
the ship’s boiler system;
( c ) connected by faced flanges properly jointed; and
( d ) fitted with adequate drainage arrangements.
4.3 Steam pipes and hot water pipes leading to radiators in or serving the crew
accommodation shall be properly protected or encased.
4.4 Hawse pipes shall not be situated in the crew accommodation.
4.5 Chain pipes and ventilators to cargo spaces shall, where they pass through
the crew accommodation, be watertight and gastight.
4.6 Hot water pipes shall be insulated where necessary for the conservation of
heat or to ensure the safety of the crew.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 21
5. Batteries
Batteries shall not be located in the crew accommodation, and precautions
shall be taken to ensure that fumes from batteries do not discharge into any part of
the crew accommodation.
6. Floors
6.1 Decks that form the floors in the crew accommodation shall be properly
constructed and shall be covered with a material that:
( a ) is impervious to water;
( b ) is capable of being easily kept clean; and
( c ) provides a good foothold.
6.2 Where a composition or other like material is used to cover a metal deck,
the material shall be properly laid and the joins where the floor meets the walls shall
be rounded in such a way as to avoid crevices.
6.3 Floors of wash places, bathrooms, shower recesses, laundries and other
compartments where water is used shall be:
( a ) covered with rubber-based of other impervious material; and
( b ) fitted with a coving around the perimeter of the compartment.
6.4 The floor of a galley shall be covered with a rubber-based or other
impervious material.
6.5 The floor of a galley shall be provided with efficient scuppers.
7. Drainage
7.1 Efficient drainage shall be provided for the crew accommodation.
7.2 There shall be no drainage from any source into wash places or sanitary
accommodation forming part of the crew accommodation, which shall be drained
separately and independently of other spaces.
8. Surface finishes
8.1 The interior sides and ceilings of the crew accommodation shall be covered
with enamel, paint or other suitable material, of good quality and white or light in
colour.
8.2 Paint, varnishes and other surface materials containing nitro-cellulose shall
not be used.
8.3 All paint, varnish or other finishes in the crew accommodation shall be
capable of being easily kept clean and shall be maintained in good condition.
9. Ventilation system
9.1 Every enclosed space in the crew accommodation, except a cold store
room, shall be provided with a ventilation system capable of maintaining the air in
that space in a sufficiently pure condition for the health and comfort of the crew in
all conditions of weather and climate which the ship is likely to encounter during the
voyages on which she is intended to be engaged, and capable of being controlled as
necessary for that purpose.
9.2 Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph 9.1, in all ships except
those of under 500 gross tonnage, every enclosed space in the crew accommodation
except a cold store room, shall, if it is not ventilated by an air conditioning system,
be provided with a mechanical ventilation system capable of ensuring rates of air
22 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
changes sufficient for the type of accommodation for which it is provided.
9.3 Ships regularly engaged on voyages in the tropics and the Persian Gulf
shall be provided with an air conditioning system.
9.4 Wherever an air conditioning system is provided, it shall be designed:
( a ) to maintain the air at a satisfactory temperature and relative
humidity as compared with outside air conditions, and to ensure a
sufficiency of air changes in all air-conditioned spaces; and
( b ) to take account of the particular characteristics of operations at sea
and not produce objectionable noises and vibrations.
9.5 In ships provided with an air conditioning system, sanitary
accommodation, laundries, drying rooms, changing rooms and pantries shall be
provided with mechanical exhaust ventilation capable of ensuring rates of air
changes sufficient for the type of accommodation for which it is provided.
9.6 A supply of power adequate to operate a mechanical ventilation system or,
if it is provided, an air conditioning system shall be provided. Any such system fitted
shall be in operation at all times when any members of the crew are on board and the
circumstances are such that ventilation by means of such system is required.
9.7 In every ship, every enclosed space in the crew accommodation which is
not ventilated either by an air conditioning system or by a mechanical ventilation
system shall be provided with a natural system of inlet and exhaust ventilation
suitable to its purpose.
10. Heating system
10.1 Except in the case of ships engaged exclusively in the tropics and the
Persian Gulf, the crew accommodation of all the ships shall be provided with a
heating system which shall:
( a ) be permanently installed; and
( b ) whose capacity shall be sufficient to maintain a room temperature
of at least 20ºC in all circumstances.
10.2 The heating system may be operated by steam, hot water or electricity or
may be a system supplying warm air.
10.3 The heating system shall be so constructed, installed and, if necessary,
shielded as to avoid the risk of fire and not to constitute a source of danger or
discomfort to the crew.
10.4 The heating system shall be in operation at all times when any members of
the crew are living or working on board the ship and conditions require its use.
11. Lighting system
11.1 Crew accommodation shall be properly lit.
11.2 Sleeping rooms, living rooms, mess rooms and hospitals shall be lit by
natural light. The supply of natural light shall be sufficient to read ordinary
newsprint in clear weather anywhere in the room where persons may normally be. In
passenger ships, special arrangements may, however, be permitted.
11.3 An efficient system of electric lighting shall be provided capable of
supplying adequate lighting to all parts of the crew accommodation.
11.4 Electric lights shall be so arranged as to gi.ve the maximum benefit to the
crew.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 23
11.5 The head of each berth shall be fitted with an electric light that is capable
of supplying sufficient light to enable a person of normal vision to read in the berth.
11.6 If two sources of electricity are not installed independent of each other,
reserve lighting shall be provided for use in case of emergency. Such emergency
lighting may, for example, consist of permanently installed electric battery lamps
that are recharged when the main current is on a similar system.
11.7 The following guidelines are laid down as to the luminous power that shall
be considered suitable for artificial lighting:
( a ) sleeping rooms and day rooms:
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) lighting at tables where reading and writing take place 150 lux
( b ) mess rooms
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) lighting on dining tables 150 lux
( c ) sanitary accommodation
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) at mirrors 200 lux
( d ) corridors and staircases
general lighting 50 lux
( e ) hospital accommodation
(i) general lighting 50 lux
(ii) at any wash basin 100 lux
11.8 The general lighting is measured at a horizontal plane of 850 millimetres
above floor level.
12. Sleeping rooms
12.1 Unless the circumstances are such that no members of the crew are
required to sleep on board, sleeping rooms shall be provided for the crew.
12.2 Whenever reasonable and practicable, having regard to the size of the ship
and the activity on which it is to be engaged, there shall be a sufficient number of
sleeping rooms to provide a separate room or rooms for each department.
12.3 A separate sleeping room shall be provided for the master and each officer
and, whenever reasonable and practicable, having regard to the size of the ship, the
activity on which it is to be engaged and its layout, for each person over the age of
18 years.
12.4 In ships other than passenger ships, the number of persons accommodated
in the same sleeping room shall not exceed two persons, and in the case of passenger
ships shall not exceed four persons.
12.5 When more than one person is accommodated in the same sleeping room,
as far as practicable, they shall be members of the same watch.
12.6 In ships other than passenger ships the minimum floor area that shall be
provided for each person in a sleeping room accommodating one person is:
( a ) in the case of a ship of less than 800 gross tonnage, 1.85 square
metres;
( b ) in the case of a ship of 800 gross tonnage or more but less than
24 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
1000 gross tonnage, 2.35 square metres;
( c ) in the case of a ship of 1000 gross tonnage or more but less than
3000 gross tonnage, 3.75 square metres;
( d ) in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more but less than
10000 gross tonnage, 4.25 square metres; and
( e ) in the case of a ship of 10000 gross tonnage or more, 4.75 square
metres.
12.7 In ships other than passenger ships the minimum floor area that shall be
provided for each person in a sleeping room accommodating two persons is:
( a ) in the case of a ship of less than 3000 gross tonnage, 2.75 square
metres;
( b ) in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more but less than
10000 gross tonnage, 3.25 square metres; and
( c ) in the case of a ship of 10000 gross tonnage or more, 3.75 square
metres.
12.8 In passenger ships the minimum floor area that shall be provided for each
person in a sleeping room accommodating one person is:
( a ) in the case of a ship of less than 800 gross tonnage, 1.85 square
metres;
( b ) in the case of a ship of 800 gross tonnage or more but less than
3000 gross tonnage, 2.35 square metres; and
( c ) in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more, 3.75 square
metres.
12.9 In passenger ships the minimum floor area that shall be provided for each
person in a sleeping room accommodating two, three or four persons is:
( a ) in the case of a ship of less than 3000 gross tonnage, 2.35 square
metres;
( b ) in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more, 3.00 square
metres.
12.10 Where a separate sitting room or day room is not appropriated for the
exclusive use of an officer, the minimum floor area of the sleeping room of that
officer shall be 6.50 square metres in the case of a ship of less than 3000 gross
tonnage and 7.50 square metres in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more.
12.11 In the case of ships in which are employed such groups of ratings as
necessitate the employment of a substantially larger member of ratings than would
otherwise be employed, the Registrar-General may, in respect of such groups, reduce
the minimum floor area of sleeping rooms per person, provided that:
( a ) the total sleeping space allotted to the group or groups is not less
than would have been allotted had the numbers not been so
increased; and
( b ) the minimum floor area of sleeping rooms is not less than:
(i) 1.67 square metres per person in the case of a ship of less than
3000 gross tonnage;
(ii) 1.85 square metres per person in the case of a ship of 3000
gross tonnage or more.
12.12 In paragraphs 12.6 to 12.11 (both included), the measurement of floor area
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 25
is to:
( a ) include floor space occupied by berths, lockers, seats and chests of
drawers; and
( b ) exclude small or irregularly shaped floor spaces that cannot be used
for installing furniture and that do not contribute to the space
available for free movement.
12.13 Where practicable in the case of a ship of 3000 gross tonnage or more, a
sitting room or a day room adjoining their sleeping room shall be provided for the
Chief Mate and the Chief Engineer.
12.14 Sleeping rooms shall be so planned as to ensure reasonable comfort for the
occupants and to facilitate tidiness.
12.15 The maximum number of persons that may be accommodated in a sleeping
room shall be indelibly and legibly marked in that room.
13. Sleeping berths
13.1 Each sleeping room shall be fitted with a separate berth for each person to
be accommodated in the room.
13.2 The framework of each berth shall be constructed of metal or other
material that is hard and smooth and unlikely to become corroded or harbour vermin.
13.3 If a berth is constructed with tubular frames, the frames shall be
completely sealed and without perforations.
13.4 Where a sleeping room has more than one berth:
( a ) no two berths may be placed so that access to one can only be
obtained over the other;
( b ) berths shall not be arranged in tiers of more than two;
( c ) a berth adjacent to a ship's side and with a sidelight situated above
the berth shall be in a single tier; and
( d ) an upper berth is to be placed approximately midway between the
bottom of the lower berth and the lower side of the deckhead
beams.
13.5 The bottom of a berth shall not be less than 300 millimetres from the floor
of the room.
13.6 A berth shall be at least 198 centimetres long and at least 80 centimetres
wide, the measurements being taken inside the lee-boards or lee-rails, if any, and at
right angles to each other.
13.7 Each berth shall be fitted with:
( a ) a spring bottom or other bottom suitable for use with a mattress;
and
( b ) a mattress made of material that will resist damp and is unlikely to
harbour vermin.
13.8 Where berths are arranged in a double tier, a bottom of dust-proof material
sha1l be fitted to the underside of the upper berth.
13.9 Lee-boards fitted to berths shall be constructed of hardwood or other
suitable material and shall be so made as to be unlikely to harbour vermin.
13.10 Curtains shall be fitted to berths if there is more than one berth in the
room.
26 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
14. Furniture and fittings
14.1 Each sleeping room shall be provided with the following minimum
furniture and fittings:
( a ) a clothes locker or wardrobe which shall be at least 1.52 metres
high with a cross section area of at least 12.30 square decimetres
and fitted with a shelf and a loop for a padlock;
( b ) a drawer or equivalent space of at least 0.056 cubic metres for each
occupant of the room;
( c ) a table or desk, which may be of the fixed, drop-leaf or slide-out
type, and with comfortable seating accommodation as necessary;
( d ) a minor and a cabinet for toilet requisites;
( e ) a book rack;
( f ) one coat hook in addition to any coat hooks which may be fitted in
a locker or wardrobe;
( g ) a curtain or blind fitted to each sidescuttle; and
( h ) in ships of 5000 gross tonnage or more, other than passenger ships,
a wash basin, unless a wash basin is fitted in private facilities
provided for the occupant/s of that sleeping room.
14.2 All furniture shall be of smooth, hard material not liable to warp or corrode
and shall be so made as to be unlikely to harbour vermin.
15. Mess rooms
15.1 Unless the circumstances are such that no members of the crew are
required to mess on board, mess rooms shall be provided for the crew.
15.2 Mess rooms shall be separate from sleeping rooms and as close as
practicable to the galley:
Provided that in ships of less than 300 gross tonnage, the galley may be
used as a mess room:
Provided further that in ships of less than 300 gross tonnage, if not
combined with a galley, mess rooms may be combined with sleeping accommodation
if it is impracticable to provide a separate mess room.
15.3 Unless otherwise provided in the agreement with the crew, in ships of 500
gross tonnage or more, mess rooms provided for the master and officers shall be
separate from those provided for ratings.
15.4 Unless otherwise provided in the agreement with the crew, in ships of 5000
gross tonnage or more, whenever it is reasonable and practicable, consideration shall
be given to provide a separate mess room for the catering and serving staff if their
number exceeds five persons.
15.5 The floor area of every mess room shall be not less than 1 square metre per
person for as many persons as are likely to use the room at any one time.
15.6 Mess rooms shall be equipped with tables and approved seats, fixed or
movable, sufficient for the number of persons likely to use them at any one time.
15.7 The Registrar-General may permit such exceptions to the provisions of
paragraphs 15.3 to 15.6 (both included) as may be necessary to meet the special
conditions in passenger ships.
15.8 Where available pantries are not accessible to mess rooms, adequate
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 27
lockers for mess utensils and proper facilities for washing utensils shall be provided.
15.9 The surfaces of tables and seats shall be easy to clean and resistant to
cracks and damp.
15.10 In ships of 500 gross tonnage or more, there shall at all times be:
( a ) access to appropriately placed cooling equipment with a capacity
corresponding to the number of persons using the mess rooms;
( b ) facilities for getting hot beverages; and
( c ) facilities for getting cold drinking water.
16. Recreation rooms
16.1 In ships of 300 gross tonnage or more, one or more places shall be
provided on an open deck to which the crew have access when off duty. Such space/
s shall be of a suitable size taking into consideration the size and arrangement of the
crew and the ship.
16.2 In ships of 300 gross tonnage or more, recreation rooms, conveniently
situated and appropriately furnished shall be provided for officers and ratings. The
furniture in such rooms shall include a bookcase as well as furniture providing the
opportunity to read, write and play games. Where such rooms are not provided
separately from the mess rooms, the latter shall be planned, sized, furnished and
equipped to give recreational facilities.
16.3 In ships of 8000 gross tonnage or more, a smoking room or reading room
in which films or television may be shown and a hobby and games room shall be
provided. Whenever reasonable and practicable, consideration shall be given to
provide a swimming pool.
16.4 In ships of 1000 gross tonnage or more, when planning the mess rooms and
recreation rooms, whenever reasonable and practicable, consideration shall be given
to provide a canteen.
17. Sanitary and laundry arrangement
17.1 Sufficient sanitary accommodation, including washbasins and tub and/or
shower baths, shall be provided in all ships.
17.2 Separate sanitary accommodation shall be provided for males and females.
17.3 In ships of 300 gross tonnage or more, there shall be, for every six persons
or fewer in each of the groups of officers and other crew who do not have their own
private facilities attached to their sleeping rooms, a minimum of one water closet
and one bath and/or shower.
17.4 Without prejudice to the requirements of paragraph 17.3, the following
minimum number of separate water closets, including the separate water closets
required by paragraph 17.10, shall be provided:
( a ) in ships of less than 800 gross tonnage: three;
( b ) in ships of 800 gross tonnage or more but less than 3000 gross
tonnage: four;
( c ) in ships of 3000 gross tonnage or more: six; and
( d ) in ships where the radio officers or operators are accommodated in
an isolated position, sanitary facilities near or adjacent thereto shall
be provided.
17.5 In ships of 5000 gross tonnage or more but under 15000 gross tonnage, at
least five officers’ sleeping rooms shall be provided with adjoining private bathroom
28 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
facilities fitted with a water closet, bath and/or shower and a wash basin. The wash
basin may be situated in the sleeping room.
17.6 Without prejudice to the requirements of paragraph 17.5, in ships of 10000
gross tonnage or more but less than 15000 gross tonnage, every officer’s sleeping
room which is not provided with an adjoining private bathroom shall have an
intercommunicating bathroom similarly fitted.
17.7 In ships of 15000 gross tonnage or more, every officer’s sleeping room
shall be provided with an adjoining private bathroom facilities fitted with a water
closet, bath and/or shower and a wash basin. The wash basin may be situated in the
sleeping room.
17.8 In ships of 25000 gross tonnage or more, other than passenger ships, at
least one bathroom shall be provided to every two members of other crew. The
bathroom shall be located either in an intercommunicating compartment between
adjoining sleeping rooms or opposite the entrance of such rooms and shall be fitted
with a water closet, bath and/or shower and a wash basin.
17.9 When the total number of the crew exceeds 100 and in passenger ships
normally engaged on voyages of not more than four hours duration, the Registrar-
General may authorise special arrangements or a reduction in the number of
facilities required.
17.10 In ships of 1600 gross tonnage or more, there shall be provided:
( a ) a separate compartment containing a water closet and a wash basin
easily accessible from the navigation bridge for the use of those
working in that area;
( b ) a water closet and a wash basin easily accessible from the
machinery space if not fitted near the engine room control centre;
and
( c ) except in ships in which private sleeping rooms and private or
semi-private bathroom facilities are provided for the use of all
engine room personnel, a wash place fitted with individual clothes
lockers as well as with showers and wash basins sufficient in
number having regard to the number of such personnel, not
provided with private sleeping rooms and private or semi-private
bathroom facilities and situated in a place outside but conveniently
close to the machinery space.
17.11 An adequate supply of cold and hot fresh water shall be laid on to each
wash basin, bath and shower.
17.12 Washbasins and baths/showers shall be of adequate size, constructed of
approved material with a smooth surface not liable to crack, flake or corrode and
fitted with an efficient and hygienic discharge system.
17.13 All water closets shall have ventilation to the open air, independently of
any other part of the accommodation.
17.14 All water c1osets shall be of an approved pattern and provided with:
( a ) an adequate flush of water, which must be always available through
self-closing non-concussive supply valves;
( b ) a connection to a vacuum discharge pipe system or a soil pipe of
not less than 100 millimetres in diameter so constructed as to
facilitate cleaning and minimise the risk of obstruction; and
( c ) a device for holding toilet paper.
MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION) [ S.L.234.39 29
17.15 Water closets shall be situated convenient to, but separate from, sleeping
rooms and wash rooms, without direct access from the sleeping rooms or from a
passage between sleeping rooms and water closets to which there is not other access:
Provided that this requirement shall not apply where a water closet is located in a
compartment between two sleeping rooms having a total of not more than four
persons.
17.16 Where there is more than one water closet in a compartment, they shall be
sufficiently screened to ensure privacy.
17.17 All soil pipes and waste pipes shall be of adequate dimensions and shall be
fitted in a manner that will facilitate cleaning and minimise the risk of obstruction.
17.18 In all ships facilities for washing, drying and ironing clothes shall be
provided on a scale appropriate to the size of the crew and the normal duration of the
voyage. The facilities to be provided shall include:
( a ) suitable sinks and washing machines, which may be installed in
wash rooms if provision of a separate laundry facility is not
reasonably practicable, with an adequate supply of cold and hot
fresh water or means of heating water;
( b ) drying machines or adequately heated and ventilated drying rooms;
and
( c ) electric irons and ironing boards or their equivalent.
17.19 The facilities for drying clothes shall be provided in a compartment
separate from sleeping rooms and mess rooms, adequately ventilated and heated and
equipped with lines or other fittings for hanging clothes.
18. Oilskin lockers
18.1 Adequately ventilated lockers or compartments for use solely for hanging
oilskins and other working clothes shall be provided in a place outside but
conveniently near to the sleeping rooms.
19. Offices
19.1 In ships of 3000 gross tonnage or more, two separate appropriately
furnished rooms shall be provided for use as offices for the crew in the deck and
engine departments respectively.
20. Galleys
20.1 Except in ships in which no member of the crew wil1 be required to mess
on board, a galley for the preparation of food for the crew shall be provided.
20.2 The valley shall be situated as near as practicable to the mess rooms
provided for the crew.
20.3 The galley shall be provided with a11 equipment necessary to enable food
in sufficient quantity to be properly and readily prepared for all persons whom the
galley is intended to serve and served hot to them in the mess room in all weathers.
20.4 All fixed equipment shall be so arranged that it, and all spaces round and
behind it, can easily be kept clean.
20.5 The galley shall be provided with facilities for washing up. Hot, fresh
water and cold drinking water shalt be laid on to any sink or other washing up
facility in a galley.
20.6 No salt water tap shall be fitted in the galley nor in any place at which food
may be prepared.
30 [ S.L.234.39 MERCHANT SHIPPING (CREW ACCOMMODATION)
20.7 A supply of water connected to a tap or other suitable connection shall be
provided in each galley to facilitate washing down the floor.
20.8 All furniture and fittings in the galley shall be made of a material which is
impervious to dirt and moisture and all metal parts of furniture and fittings shall be
rustproof. The bottoms of all fitted furniture shall be either flush with the deck or
fitted high enough to enable the deck space beneath to be easily kept clean.
20.9 The ventilation in the galley shall be so arranged as to ensure an adequate
supply of fresh air and the efficient discharge of fumes into the open air.
21. Dry provision store rooms
21.1 Dry provision store rooms used exclusively for the storage of dry
provisions for the crew shall be provided and shall have sufficient capacity having
regard to:
( a ) the maximum period likely to elapse between successive
replenishments of stores, and
( b ) the maximum number of the crew to be carried.
21.2 Dry provision store rooms shall be so situated, constructed and ventilated
as to avoid deterioration of the stores through heat draught, condensation or
infestation by insects or vermin.
21.3 A dry provision store shall not be:
( a ) situated close to a space in which heat is generated, unless it is
adequately insulated against heat; or
( b ) used for the storage of bedding or textiles.
22. Cold storage rooms and refrigerating equipment
22.1 Refrigerating equipment and cold storage rooms shall be provided and be
adequate for the storage of perishable provisions for the crew having regard to the
period likely to elapse between successive replenishment of stores. In ships of less
than 500 gross tonnage, there shall be provided either cold storage rooms or
adequate alternative cold storage facilities.
