SPECIAL CARGOES 409
draught allowed and for the weight of the deck cargo. She must have
superstructures consisting of a forecastle of at least standard height and
at least 7 per cent of the length of the ship? and, in addition, a poop,
or a raised quarter-deck with a strong steel hood or deckhouse fitted
aft.
Bulwarks.—The ship must be fitted either with permanent bulwarks
at least 3 feet 3 inches high, specially stiffened on the upper edge and
supported by strong bulwark stays attached to the deck in the way
of the beams and provided with necessary freeing ports, or with efficient
rails of the same height as the above and of specially strong construction.
Deck Openings.—Openings to spaces below the freeboard deck are
to be securely closed and battened down. All fittings, such as hatchway
beams, fore-and afters, and covers, are to be in place Where hold
ventilation is needed, the ventilators are to be efficiently protected.
Stowage.—The.wells on the freeboard deck are to be filled with
timber stowed as solidly as possible to at least the standard height of a
bridge.
On a ship within a seasonal winter zone in winter, the height of
the deck cargo above the freeboard deck is not to exceed one-third
of the extreme breadth of the ship.
All timber deck cargo is to1 be compactly stowed, lashed and secured.
It must not interfere in any way with the navigation and necessary
work of the ship, or with the provision of a safe margin of stability
at all stages of the voyage, regard being given to additions of weight,
such as those due to absorption of water and to losses of weight such as
those due to consumption of fuel and stores.
Protection of Crew.—Safe and satisfactory access to the quarters
of the crew, to the machinery space and to all other parts used in the
necessary work of the ship, is to be available at all times. Deck cargo
in way of openings which give access to such parts is to be so stowed
that the openings can be properly closed and secured against the admis-
sion of water. Efficient protection for the crew in the form of guard
rails or life lines, spaced not more than 1£ inches apart vertically, is to
be provided on each side of the deck cargo to a height of at least 4 feet
above the cargo. The cargo is to be made sufficiently level for gangway
purposes.
Steering Arrangements,—Steering arrangements are to be effectively
protected from damage by cargo, and, as far as practicable, are to be
accessible. Efficient provision is to be made for steering in the event of
a breakdown in the main steering arrangements*
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