Load Line Regulations — 11
11 (1) This section applies in respect of wells that could collect water and are formed by bulwarks on the exposed parts of the freeboard deck or superstructure decks. (2) If the sheer in way of the well is standard sheer or greater than standard sheer, drainage shall be provided by way of freeing ports with an area on each side of the vessel of at least (a) “A” for each well on the freeboard deck or on the raised quarter-deck; and (b) one-half of “A” for each well on superstructure decks other than raised quarter-decks. (3) The value of “A” is calculated in square metres as follows: (a) if the length of the bulwark in way of the well is 20 m or less, 0.7 plus 0.035 times the length of that bulwark; and (b) in any other case, 0.07 times the lesser of (i) the length of the bulwark in way of the well, and (ii) 70 per cent of the length of the vessel. (4) The freeing port area required by subsection (2) shall be increased by 0.04 m 2 per metre of length of the well for each metre that the height of the bulwark exceeds (a) 600 mm, in the case of vessels that are 73 m in length or less; (b) 1 200 mm, in the case of vessels that are 146 m in length or more; and (c) in the case of vessels that are of intermediate length, the height obtained by linear interpolation between the heights set out in paragraphs (a) and (b). (5) In the case of vessels greater than 146 m in length with an average height of bulwark of less than 900 mm, the freeing port area required by subsections (2) and (4) shall be decreased by 0.04 m 2 per metre of length of well for each metre by which the average height of the bulwark is less than 900 mm. (6) The freeing port area required by subsections (2), (4) and (5) shall be increased by (a) in the case of vessels with no sheer, 50 per cent; (b) in the case of vessels with standard sheer, zero per cent; and (c) in the case of vessels with less than standard sheer, the percentage obtained by linear interpolation between the percentages set out in paragraphs (a) and (b). (7) If a vessel does not have guardrails in way of a trunk on an exposed part of the freeboard deck or has continuous hatchway side coamings between detached superstructures, the freeing port area shall be at least (a) 20 per cent of the total area of the bulwarks if the breadth of the trunk or hatchways is 40 per cent or less of the breadth of the vessel; (b) 10 per cent of the total area of the bulwarks if the breadth of the trunk or hatchways is 75 per cent or more of the breadth of the vessel; and (c) the percentage of the total area of the bulwarks obtained by linear interpolation between the percentages set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) if the breadth of the trunk or hatchways is more than 40 per cent but less than 75 per cent of the breadth of the vessel. (8) In superstructures that are open at either or both ends, the minimum freeing port area in way of wells shall be determined in accordance with the recommendation set out in interpretation LL.60 of the Unified interpretations of the provisions of the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966. (9) The lower edges of the freeing ports shall be as near the deck as practicable. (10) Two thirds of the required freeing port area for each well shall be located in the half of the well nearest the lowest point of the sheer curve. (11) Shutters that are fitted to freeing ports shall have (a) ample clearance to prevent jamming; and (b) hinges that have pins or bearings of material that is resistant to corrosion.