Question       

With reference to statutory certification

State the reason for freeboard requirements

Explain the term conditions of assignments

List the items that may be examined during a related survey

Answer.

Freeboard:

The vertical distance measured at the ship’s side between the summer load line (or service draft) and the freeboard deck.

The freeboard deck is normally the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea which has permanent means of closing all openings, and below which all openings in the ship’s side have watertight closings.

A minimum freeboard is required (statutory requirement under load line) principally to ensure that the ship is seaworthy when loaded

The minimum free board provides the ship with a reserve of buoyancy which enables it to rise as it passes through waves and remain largely dry on its deck

The reserve buoyancy also improves the vessel stability and in the event of danger will enable it to remain afloat indefinitely or at least for a time to effect the escape of the crew

Once freeboard has been assigned, vessels are surveyed annually to ensure that they fulfill the 'Conditions of Assignment' as laid down in the Merchant Shipping (Load Line) Rules    1968.    These are conditions which must be met before freeboards are assigned to a ship and a Load Line Certificate issued, which enables the load lines and mark to be engraved in and painted on the side of the ship.

    The conditions are concerned with water tight integrity of the hull and state requirements for the strength height of sills and coamings and closing arrangements of items such as superstructure end bulkheads, hatchways, machinery space openings, openings in freeboard and superstructure decks, ventilators, air pipes, cargo ports, freeing ports, side scuttles, scuppers, inlets and discharges also means provided for the protection of the crew

The ship must have sufficient structural strength, stability and in the case of Type A, B-60 and B-100 vessels, the ability to withstand flooding of compartments

Conditions of Assignment needs periodic inspection and survey annually to ensure they are fulfilled

Items to be inspected and maintained in good order are

Hatch covers, cargo ports, watertight door, scuttle and other closing appliances against corrosion and damage

Coaming of hatches, ventilators, air pipes, etc. is to be maintained against corrosion especially at weather deck level

Freeing ports and scuppers to be kept clear and valves in good working order

Gangways, rails, bulwark, in good condition