Current through Register Vol. 24-06, March 15, 2024
(1) Application.
(a) These requirements apply to all vessels
contracted for construction on or after June 7, 1979.
(b) Vessels constructed before the effective
date of this chapter must be brought into substantial compliance with the
requirements of this section. Where strict compliance is impractical, the
assistant director may grant a temporary variance to allow a modification or a
permanent variance if the intent of these requirements is met.
(c) The intent of these requirements is to
provide for a sound, seaworthy vessel, reasonably fit for the service it is
intended to provide, and to ensure that the materials, scantlings, fastenings,
and workmanship meet this intent. Primary consideration must be given to the
provision of a seaworthy hull, protection against fire, means of escape in case
of casualty, guards and rails in hazardous places, ventilation of closed
spaces, and necessary facilities for passengers and crew.
(2) Hull structure.
(a) In general, complying with the standards
of the United States Coast Guard rules for small passenger vessels or with the
standards of a recognized classification society is considered satisfactory
evidence of the structural adequacy of a vessel.
(b) Special consideration will be given by
the assistant director to materials or structural requirements not specified by
the standards of a recognized classification society.
(3) Watertight integrity and subdivision.
(a) All vessels carrying more than 49
passengers must have a collision bulkhead and watertight bulkheads (or
sufficient air tankage or other internal flotation) so the vessel will remain
afloat (with positive stability) with any one main compartment
flooded.
(b) All watertight
bulkheads required by this part must be of substantial construction so they
remain watertight with water to the top of the bulkhead.
(c) Watertight bulkheads must extend intact
to the bulkhead deck. Penetrations must be kept to a minimum and must be
watertight.
(d) The weather deck on
a flush deck vessel must be watertight and must not obstruct overboard
drainage.
(e) Cockpits must be
watertight except that companionways may be fitted if they are provided with
watertight coamings and weathertight doors. Also, ventilation openings may be
provided if they are situated as high in the cockpit as possible and the
opening height does not exceed two inches.
(f) Cockpits must be self-bailing. The
scuppers installed for this purpose must be located so they are effective
considering probable list and trim.
(g) Well decks must be watertight. Freeing
ports may be installed if the provisions of applicable United States Coast
Guard standards are followed.
(h)
Weather deck hatches may be weathertight. All hatches must be provided with
covers capable of being secured.
(i) The number of openings in the vessel's
sides below the weather deck must be kept to a minimum.
(j) Any openings in a vessel's sides, such as
portlights, must comply with applicable United States Coast Guard
standards.
(4)
Stability.
(a) All charter vessels must have a
stability test, unless the assistant director determines that a test is not
required because sufficient evidence is provided by the owner that the vessel's
stability is satisfactory for the service for which it is intended.
(b) A letter stating that the vessel has met
these stability requirements must be posted in the pilothouse of each
vessel.
Statutory Authority:
RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050,
49.17.060,
49.17.210, and
88.04.005. 08-20-123, §
296-115-040, filed 10/1/08, effective 11/1/08. Statutory Authority:
RCW
49.17.010,
49.17.040,
49.17.050 and 1999 c 111.
00-23-100, § 296-115-040, filed 11/21/00, effective 1/1/01. Statutory
Authority:
RCW
49.17.040,
49.17.050,
49.17.240,
chapters
42.30 and
43.22 RCW. 80-17-014 (Order 80-20),
§ 296-115-040, filed 11/13/80.