Chapter:	369S	Title:	MERCHANT SHIPPING (SAFETY) (CARGO SHIP CONSTRUCTION AND SURVEY) (SHIPS BUILT ON OR AFTER 1 SEPTEMBER 1984) REGULATIONS	Gazette Number:
Regulation:	3A	Heading:	Double bottoms	Version Date:	30/06/1997

(1) This regulation applies to post 1992 ships.
(2) In every ship other than tankers, a double bottom shall be fitted extending from the collision bulkhead to the afterpeak bulkhead, provided that the Certifying Authority may permit a double bottom to be dispensed with in compartments where its fitting would not be compatible with the design and proper working of the ship.
(3) Where a double bottom is required by this regulation to be fitted in a ship, its depth shall be to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority and the inner bottom shall be continued out to the ship's sides in such a manner as to protect the bottom to the turn of the bilge.
(4) Wells constructed in the double bottom for the purpose of drainage shall not be larger nor extend in depth more than is necessary for such purpose except that a well extending to the outer bottom may be constructed at the after end of the shaft tunnel of the ship.
(5) Wells for purposes other than drainage shall not be constructed in the double bottom. The Certifying Authority may exempt any ship from the requirement of this subregulation in respect of any well which it is satisfied will not diminish the protection given by the double bottom.
(6) Nothing in this regulation shall require a double bottom to be fitted in way of watertight compartments used exclusively for the carriage of liquids, if in the opinion of the Certifying Authority the safety of the ship will not be impaired in the event of bottom damage by reason of the absence of a double bottom in that position.