PART 5A

CHAPTER 2
General Arrangement Design

CONTENTS
SECTION 1 GENERAL........................................................................................... 66
1 GENERAL.....................................................................................66
1.1 General............................................................................ 66

SECTION 2 SUBDIVISION ARRANGEMENT........................................................ 67

1 WATERTIGHT BULKHEAD ARRANGEMENT............................. 67
1.1 Number and disposition of watertight bulkheads............. 67
1.2 DELETED [RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]..................................68
2 COLLISION BULKHEAD.............................................................. 68
2.1 Extent and position of collision bulkhead.........................68
2.2 Arrangement of collision bulkhead...................................68
3 AFT PEAK BULKHEAD................................................................ 69
3.1 General............................................................................ 69

Table 1 Number of bulkheads for bulk carriers less than 150 m

in length ...............................................................................67

SECTION 3 COMPARTMENT ARRANGEMENT....................................................70

1 COFFERDAMS.............................................................................70
1.1 Definition..........................................................................70
1.2 Arrangement of cofferdams............................................. 70
2 DOUBLE BOTTOM.......................................................................71
2.1 General............................................................................ 71
2.2 Extent of double bottom...................................................71
2.3 Height of double bottom...................................................71
2.4 Small wells in double bottom tank................................... 71
3 DOUBLE SIDE..............................................................................71
3.1 Double side width............................................................ 71
3.2 Minimum clearance inside the double side......................72
4 DELETED [RCN1 TO 01 JAN 2020].............................................72
4.1 .........................................................................................72

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 5 DELETED [RCN1 TO 01 JAN 2020].............................................72
5.1 .........................................................................................72
6 DELETED [RCN1 TO 01 JAN 2020].............................................72
6.1 .........................................................................................72
7 BALLAST TANKS......................................................................... 73
7.1 Capacity and disposition of ballast tanks.........................73

SECTION 4 ACCESS AND ESCAPE ARRANGEMENT........................................ 74

1 ENCLOSED SPACES...................................................................74
1.1 General............................................................................ 74
2 CARGO AREA AND FORWARD SPACES.................................. 75
2.1 General............................................................................ 75

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 PART 5A
CHAPTER 2
General Arrangement Design

SECTION 1
GENERAL

1 GENERAL

1.1 General
1.1.1
This chapter covers the general structural arrangement requirements for the ship.

1.1.2
Arrangements for continually manned spaces are to include consideration of ventilation, lighting,
noise and whole-body vibration in accordance with industry standards accepted by the Society.
See also 5A-2-4/1.1.1 to 5A-2-4/1.1.3.

1.1.3
Arrangements for normally unmanned spaces are to include consideration of lighting and
ventilation for periodic inspections, survey and maintenance in accordance with industry standards
accepted by the Society. See also 5A-2-4/1.1.1 to 5A-2-4/1.1.5.

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 PART 5A
CHAPTER 2
General Arrangement Design

SECTION 2
SUBDIVISION ARRANGEMENT

1 WATERTIGHT BULKHEAD ARRANGEMENT

1.1 Number and disposition of watertight bulkheads

1.1.1
All ships are to have at least the following transverse watertight bulkheads:

a) One collision bulkhead.

b) One aft peak bulkhead.
c) One bulkhead forward of the machinery space, and one bulkhead at the aft end of the
machinery space which may be the aft peak bulkhead.
1.1.2
In the case of ships with an electrical propulsion plant, both the generator room and the engine
room are to be enclosed by watertight bulkheads.

1.1.3
In addition to the requirements of 5A-2-2/1.1.1 and 5A-2-2/1.1.2, the number and disposition of
bulkheads are to be arranged to suit the requirements for subdivision, floodability and damage
stability, and are to be in accordance with the requirements of national regulations.

1.1.4
For bulk carriers less than 150 m in length not required to comply with subdivision requirements,
bulkheads not less in number than indicated in Table 1 are to be fitted.

Table 1
Number of bulkheads for bulk carriers less than 150 m in length

Length in m Number of bulkheads for ships with aft machinery (1)

90 ≤ L < 105 4

105 ≤L < 120 5

120 ≤ L < 145 6

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Part 5A General Hull Requirements (IACS CSR Part 1)
Chapter 2 General Arrangement Design
Section 2 SUBDIVISION ARRANGEMENT 5A-2-2

145 ≤L < 150 7

(1) Aft peak bulkhead and aft machinery bulkhead are the same.

1.1.5
The bulkheads in the cargo hold region are to be spaced at uniform intervals as far as practicable.

1.2 DELETED [RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

1.2.1
DELETED

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

1.2.2
DELETED

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

2 COLLISION BULKHEAD

2.1 Extent and position of collision bulkhead

2.1.1
A collision bulkhead is to be fitted on all ships and is to extend to the freeboard deck. It is to be
located between 0 . 05LLL or 10 m, whichever is less, and except as may be permitted by the
Administration, 0 . 08LLL or 0 . 05LLL + 3 m, whichever is the greater, aft of the reference point,
where the reference point is as defined in 5A-2-2/2.1.2.

2.1.2
For ships without bulbous bows the reference point is to be taken where the forward end of LLL
coincides with the forward side of stem, on the waterline which LLL is measured. For ships with
bulbous bows, it is to be measured from the forward end of LLL a distancex forward; where x is to
be taken as the lesser of the following:

a) Half the distance, from FPLL to the extreme forward end of the bulb extension.
b) 0 . 015LLL .
c) 3.0 m.

2.2 Arrangement of collision bulkhead

2.2.1
In general, the collision bulkhead is to be in one plane; however, the bulkhead may have steps or
recesses provided that they are within the limits prescribed in 5A-2-2/2.1.1 and 5A-2-2/2.1.2.

2.2.2
Doors, manholes, permanent access openings or ventilation ducts are not to be cut in the collision
bulkhead below the freeboard deck. Where the collision bulkhead is extended above the freeboard
deck, the number of openings in the extension is to be kept to a minimum compatible with the
design and proper working of the ship. Reference is made to 5A-1-2/2.1.

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Part 5A General Hull Requirements (IACS CSR Part 1)
Chapter 2 General Arrangement Design
Section 2 SUBDIVISION ARRANGEMENT 5A-2-2

3 AFT PEAK BULKHEAD

3.1 General
3.1.1
An aft peak bulkhead, enclosing the stern tube and rudder trunk in a watertight compartment, is to
be provided. Where the shafting arrangements make enclosure of the stern tube in a watertight
compartment impractical, alternative arrangements are specially considered.

3.1.2
The aft peak bulkhead may be stepped below the freeboard deck, provided that the degree of
safety of the ship as regards subdivision is not thereby diminished.

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

3.1.3
The aft peak bulkhead location on ships powered and/or controlled by equipment that do not
require the fitting of a stern tube and/or rudder trunk are also subject to special consideration.

3.1.4
Provided that the aft peak bulkhead extends above the deepest load line, termination of the
afterpeak bulkhead on a watertight deck lower than the freeboard deck can be accepted. In order to
provide such a watertight deck a tight sealing of the rudder stock shall be fitted in way of this deck
or above.

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

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 PART 5A
CHAPTER 2
General Arrangement Design

SECTION 3
COMPARTMENT ARRANGEMENT

1 COFFERDAMS

1.1 Definition
1.1.1
A cofferdam means an empty space arranged so that compartments on each side have no common
boundary; a cofferdam may be located vertically or horizontally. As a rule, a cofferdam is to be
kept gas-tight and is to be properly ventilated, provided with drainage arrangement, and of
sufficient size to allow proper inspection, maintenance and safe evacuation.

1.2 Arrangement of cofferdams

1.2.1
Cofferdams are to be provided between compartments intended for liquid hydrocarbons (including
fuel oil, lubricating oil) and those intended for fresh water (water for propelling machinery and
boilers) as well as tanks intended for the carriage of liquid foam for fire extinguishing.

1.2.2
Furthermore, tanks carrying fresh water for human consumption are to be separated from other
tanks containing substances hazardous to human health by cofferdams or other means as approved
by the Society.

Note 1: Normally, tanks for fresh water and water ballast are considered non-hazardous.

1.2.3
Where a corner to corner situation occurs, tanks are not considered to be adjacent.

1.2.4
The cofferdams specified in 5A-2-3/1.2.1 may be waived when deemed impracticable or
unreasonable by the Society in relation to the characteristics and dimensions of the spaces
containing such tanks, provided that:

● the thickness of common boundary plates of adjacent tanks is increased, with respect to the
thickness obtained according to Section 5A-6-4, by 2 mm in the case of tanks carrying fresh
water or boiler feed water, and by 1 mm in all other cases,

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Chapter 2 General Arrangement Design
Section 3 COMPARTMENT ARRANGEMENT 5A-2-3

● the sum of the throats of the weld fillets at the edges of these plates is not less than the
thickness of the plates themselves,
● the structural test is carried out with a test pressure increased by 1 m with respect to
5A-1-2/3.8.4.

2 DOUBLE BOTTOM

2.1 General
2.1.1
A double bottom need not be fitted in way of watertight tanks, including dry tanks of moderate
size provided the safety of the ship is not impaired in the event of bottom or side damage as
regulated in SOLAS II-1, Reg 9.

2.2 Extent of double bottom

2.2.1
For bulk carriers, a double bottom is to be fitted extending from the collision bulkhead to the aft
peak bulkhead, as far as this is practicable and compatible with the design and proper working of
the ship.

For oil tankers, a double bottom is to be fitted to protect the cargo hold region and pump rooms.
However the double bottom below pump rooms may be omitted provided that it is in compliance
with MARPOL, Annex I, Ch 4, Reg 22.

2.2.2
Where double bottom is required to be fitted, the inner bottom is to be continued out to the ship
side in such a manner as to protect the bottom to the turn of the bilge in areas where hopper or
double side spaces are not provided.

2.3 Height of double bottom

2.3.1
Unless otherwise specified, the height of the double bottom is not to be less than the lesser of:

● For oil tankers: B/15 or 2 m, however not less than 1.0 m.

● For bulk carriers: B/20 or 2 m, however not less than 0.76 m measured vertically from the
plane parallel with keel line to inner bottom.

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2018]

2.4 Small wells in double bottom tank

2.4.1
Small wells constructed in the double bottom are not to extend in depth more than necessary. A
well extending to the outer bottom, may, however, be permitted at the after end of the shaft tunnel
of the ship. Other wells may be permitted by the Society if it is satisfied that the arrangements
give protection equivalent to that afforded by a double bottom that complies with 5A-2-3/2.1.

3 DOUBLE SIDE

3.1 Double side width

3.1.1 Oil tankers
The minimum double side width, Wds, in m, is to be taken as the lesser of:

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Part 5A General Hull Requirements (IACS CSR Part 1)
Chapter 2 General Arrangement Design
Section 3 COMPARTMENT ARRANGEMENT 5A-2-3

DWT
Wds = 0 . 5 + 20000 but not less than 1 .0

Wds = 2 . 0

3.1.2 Bulk carriers

Double side skin means a configuration where each ship side is constructed by the side shell and a
longitudinal bulkhead connecting the double bottom and the deck. Hopper side tanks and topside
tanks may, where fitted, be integral parts of the double side skin configuration.

The minimum double side width, Wds, is not to be less than 1 m measured perpendicular to the
side shell.

3.2 Minimum clearance inside the double side

3.2.1 Definition
The minimum clearance is defined as the shortest distance measured between assumed lines
connecting the inner surfaces of the stiffeners on the inner and outer hulls.

3.2.2 Minimum clearance dimensions

The minimum clearance between the inner surfaces of the stiffeners inside the double side is not to
be less than:

● 600 mm when the inner and/or the outer hulls are transversely framed,
● 800 mm when the inner and the outer hulls are longitudinally framed.

Outside the parallel part of the cargo hold, the clearance may be reduced but is not to be less than
600 mm.

4 DELETED [RCN1 TO 01 JAN 2020]

4.1
4.1.1
DELETED

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

5 DELETED [RCN1 TO 01 JAN 2020]

5.1
5.1.1
DELETED

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

6 DELETED [RCN1 TO 01 JAN 2020]

6.1
6.1.1
DELETED

[RCN1 to 01 JAN 2020]

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Part 5A General Hull Requirements (IACS CSR Part 1)
Chapter 2 General Arrangement Design
Section 3 COMPARTMENT ARRANGEMENT 5A-2-3

7 BALLAST TANKS

7.1 Capacity and disposition of ballast tanks

7.1.1
All ships are to have ballast tanks of sufficient capacity that the ship may operate safely on ballast
voyage. The capacity of ballast is to be at least such that, in any ballast condition at any part of the
voyage, including the conditions consisting of lightweight plus ballast only, the ship’s draught and
trim can meet the requirements defined in:

● For oil tankers, 5A-4-8/3.1.

● In addition, for oil tankers, the moulded draught amidships, Tmid, excluding any hogging or
sagging correction, is not to be less than:

Tmid = 2 . 0 + 0 . 02L , in m.
● For bulk carriers, 5A-4-8/4.1.

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 PART 5A
CHAPTER 2
General Arrangement Design

SECTION 4
ACCESS AND ESCAPE ARRANGEMENT

1 ENCLOSED SPACES

1.1 General
1.1.1 Special considerations
Human element considerations, including enhanced safety and productivity, may be considered
using Recommendation No. 132 or other ergonomic standards accepted by the Society.

Where spaces have special considerations or requirements for access; e.g. security restrictions for
the CO2 room to prevent unintentional release, these are to be considered in conjunction with the
requirements of this section, and any conflicts should be raised as soon as possible for
consideration by the Society.

1.1.2 Enclosed spaces

All enclosed spaces are to be accessible with appropriate access arrangements for easy inspection,
survey and maintenance i.e. access is to allow unobstructed passage to items for inspection for
personnel wearing the appropriate clothing, including personal protective equipment, and using all
necessary tools and test equipment.

Provision is also to be made for appropriate arrangements to facilitate emergency egress of

inspection personnel or ships’ crew in accordance with industry standards accepted by the Society,
notwithstanding the requirements set out in SOLAS or other relevant regulatory instruments.

1.1.3 Spaces not explicitly covered by SOLAS

For spaces which are not explicitly covered by SOLAS, Ch II-1, Reg 3-6, the builder is to
provide appropriate accesses arrangements for easy inspection, survey and maintenance in
accordance with industry standards accepted by the Society. See also 5A-2-4/1.1.5.

Provision is also to be made for appropriate arrangements to facilitate emergency egress of

inspection personnel or ships’ crew in accordance with industry standards accepted by the Society.

Special measures for inspection and maintenance are to be put in place for small closed spaces for
which the design causes impracticality for the access.

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Part 5A General Hull Requirements (IACS CSR Part 1)
Chapter 2 General Arrangement Design
Section 4 ACCESS AND ESCAPE ARRANGEMENT 5A-2-4

1.1.4 Ventilation of normally unmanned spaces

Unless otherwise specifically detailed in these Rules, normally unmanned spaces are to be capable
of being ventilated through natural or forced ventilation. Such ventilation could be achieved
through the inclusion of mushroom ventilators, gooseneck ventilators, ventilators with weather
proof covers etc. Exchange air may be provided through permanent or temporary mechanical
ventilation and air trunk systems or a suitable air exchange path through tank openings and
ventilators.

1.1.5 Permanent means of access to normally unmanned spaces

Unless otherwise specifically detailed in these Rules, permanent means of access to normally
unmanned spaces is to be provided in accordance with SOLAS, Ch II-1, Reg. 3-6.

For enclosed spaces, which are not explicitly covered by SOLAS, Ch II-1, Reg. 3-6, the
requirements of the Convention and associated Resolutions should be applied as far as practicable.
The size of openings providing access to or emergency egress from spaces not entered during
operation, entered for maintenance or entered for regular inspections shall, in general, not be less
than 600mm x 400mm if oval or in accordance with industry standards accepted by the Society if
circular.

2 CARGO AREA AND FORWARD SPACES

2.1 General
2.1.1 Means of access
Each space is to be provided with means of access as regulated in SOLAS, Ch II-1, Reg 3-6. This
requirement applies to:

● Oil tankers.
● Bulk carriers having a length of 150 m or above, irrespective of their gross tonnage.
2.1.2
All tanks are to be accessible for easy inspection.

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