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Code of Practice
21 Accommodation
21.1 General
21.1.1 Hand holds and grab-rails
There should be sufficient hand holds and grab-rails within the accommodation to allow safe movement around the accommodation when the vessel is in a seaway.
21.1.2 Securement of heavy equipment
21.1.2.1 Heavy items of equipment such as batteries, cooking appliance etc., should be securely fastened in place to prevent movement due to sever motions or inversion of the vessel.
21.1.2.2 Stowage lockers containing heavy items should have lids or doors with secure fastening.
21.1.3 Access/escape arrangements
Means of escape from accommodation spaces should satisfy the requirements of 5.3.1, 5.3.3 and 14.1.9.
21.1.4 Ventilation
Effective means of ventilation should be provided to enclosed spaces which may be entered by persons on board.
21.2 Vessels at Sea for more than 24 hours
When a vessel is intended to be at sea for more than 24 hours an adequate standard of accommodation for all on board should be provided. In considering such accommodation primary concern should be directed towards ensuring the health and safety aspects of persons e.g. the ventilation, lighting, water services, galley services and the access/escape arrangements. In particular the following standards should be observed:-
21.2.1 Ventilation
Mechanical ventilation should be provided to accommodation spaces which are situated completely below the level of the weather deck (excluding any coach roof) on vessels intended to make long international voyages or operate in tropical waters and which carry 9 or more berthed persons below deck. As far as practicable, such ventilation arrangements should be designed to provide at least 6 changes of air per hour when the access openings to the spaces are closed.
21.2.2 Lighting
21.2.2.1 An electric lighting system should be installed which is capable of supplying adequate light to all enclosed accommodation and working spaces.
21.2.2.2 The system should be designed and installed in a manner which will minimise the risk of fire and electric shock.
21.2.3 Water services
21.2.3.1 An adequate supply of fresh drinking water should be provided and piped to convenient positions throughout the accommodation spaces.
21.2.3.2 In addition, an emergency (dedicated reserve) supply of drinking water should be carried at the rate of 2 litres per person on board.
21.2.4 Sleeping accommodation
A bunk or cot should be provided for each person on board and at least 50% of those provided should be fitted with lee boards or lee cloths.
21.2.5 Galley
21.2.5.1 A galley should be fitted with means for cooking and a sink and have adequate working surface for the preparation of food.
21.2.5.2 When a cooking appliance is gimballed it should be protected by a crash bar or other means to prevent it being tilted when it is free to swing and a strap, portable bar or other means should be provided to allow the cook to be secured in position, with both hands free for working, when the vessel is rolling. Means should be provided to isolate the gimballing mechanism.
21.2.5.3 There should be secure storage for food in the vicinity of the galley.
21.2.6 Toilet facilities
21.2.6.1 Adequate toilet facilities, separated from the rest of the accommodation, should be provided for persons on board.
21.2.6.2 In general, there should be at least one marine type flushing water closet and one wash hand basin for every 12 persons.
21.2.7 Stowage facilities for personal effects
Adequate stowage facilities for clothing and personal effects should be provided for each person on board.
