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• SOLAS II-1/12 requires that any pipe piercing a collision bulkhead is fitted with a screw-down valve capable of being operated from above the bulkhead deck.

• As per resolution MSC.421 (98), the following amendment were adopted into SOLAS regulation II-1/12 which will enter into force on 1 January 2020.

“The collision bulkhead may be pierced below the bulkhead deck of passenger ships and the freeboard deck of cargo ships by not more than one pipe for dealing with fluid in the forepeak tank, provided that the pipe is fitted with a screw-down valve capable of being operated from above the bulkhead deck of passenger ships and the freeboard deck of cargo ships, the valve being located inside the forepeak at the collision bulkhead. The Administration may, however, authorize the fitting of this valve on the after side of the collision bulkhead provided that the valve is readily accessible under all service conditions and the space in which it is located is not a cargo space. Alternatively, for cargo ships, the pipe may be fitted with a butterfly valve suitably supported by a seat or flanges and capable of being operated from above the freeboard deck. All valves shall be of steel, bronze or other approved ductile material. Valves of ordinary cast iron or similar material are not acceptable.”

• In accordance with the circular MSC.1/Circ.1567, Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has accepted voluntary early implementation of this amendment and issued information bulletin no. 176.

• The fitting of butterfly valves in lieu of screw-down valves in pipes piercing a collision bulkhead is acceptable on Bahamian registered ships.

• Where above mentioned amendment is implemented early, a ship is required to keep a copy of flag bulletin with statutory certificates onboard for Port State Control Officers or Third party inspectors.

• Ship owners / operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:  

1. Bahamas Maritime authority information bulletin No.176

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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