APPENDIX VII.

TECHNICAL DIRECTIONS ISSUED DECEMBER, 1908, BY THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT TO THE SHIP MEASUREMENT BOARDS CONCERNING THE EXECUTION OF THE SHIP-MEASUREMENT ORDINANCE OF MARCH 1, 1895.

I.-To articles 4 and 10 of the ship-measurement ordinance.

SHELTER DECKS.

1. If the upper complete deck of a ship has a permanent opening, i. e., survey opening (figs. 1, 1a, and 2 of drawings hereto attached) of the size and structure as given under I. 2, or, if in the outer sheathing, openings of sufficient size are arranged (compare I. 3, and fig. 2), and if, in addition, in both cases in the sidewall, i. e., below these survey openings, it is provided with ports and scuppers, then, at the written request of the shipowner (compare 1), such a deck is regarded by the measurement boards as a shelter deck or protected deck. As such it is not considered as a tonnage deck (par. 4), nor is the space below to the next deck (par. 10) considered as a between-deck space. The assumption is, however, that in the determination of the freeboard, the vessel is also treated as a shelter-deck vessel, and the freeboard is measured downward from the line of the deck below the shelter deck. This must be proven by a freeboard certificate. (See I. 8.)

The deep-load line of shelter-deck vessels in salt water (including the summer load line for the Indian and Pacific Oceans) must, however, never lie higher than the upper edge of the planking of the deck below the shelter deck, i. e., the upper edge of the plates, if no wooden deck is present. For the deep-load line in fresh water, this consideration of a limit is not prescribed.

SURVEY OPENING IN THE SHELTER DECKS.

2. The size, position, and build of a survey opening in the deck must satisfy the following minimum requirements. (Compare also figs. 1, 1a, 3, and 4.)

(a) The deck opening must be arranged symmetrically to the middle plane of the ship.

(b) The distance of the aft side of a survey opening, lying in the aft part of the ship, from the after surface of the sternpost must not be less than one-twentieth; and the distance of the fore side of an opening, lying in the forward part of the ship, from the after surface of the stem must not be less than one-fifth of the standard length of the ship.

(c) The clear breadth of these openings must at least be equal to the breadth of the aft normal loading hatch on the shelter deck.

(d) The clear length of the opening must not amount to less than 1.22 meters (4 feet). (Compare figs. 3 and 4.)

(e) In case there is a breast or coaming around the survey opening, it must not be higher than the surface of the iron or the wooden deck by more than 0.3 meters (12 inches).

(f) A cover must be only "provisional," not "permanent," wooden covers that can be taken away (not those of iron) are permissible. The covers may also be fastened by means of eyebolts and rope lashings "in the interior of the deck openings." On the other hand, clamps which are riveted or screwed on the coamings, as well as the wooden or iron hatch hangers, are not permissible; the wooden covers, moreover, must not be battened down against one another or against the coaming. Rail supports riveted to the coaming of the survey opening may be constructed only in such manner (compare fig. 3) that the use of them for battening is excluded; because battening itself is forbidden in survey openings.

SURVEY OPENING IN THE OUTER SHEATHING.

3. For the size of the survey openings in the outer sheathing, neither minimum measurements nor building lines are given. Upon request being sent in, they are decided for each case. Beams may pass through these openings.

TREATMENT OF THE SPACES BETWEEN THE SHELTER DECK AND THE UPPER DECK. WATER PORTS, SCUPPERS, AND PASSAGEWAYS SECS. 4 to 7).

4. If the above given conditions are all fulfilled, or if the side openings in the outer sheathing are regarded as sufficient, then the space, shaded in 1, 1a, and 2, below such survey openings between the bulkheads dividing these fore and aft, can be treated in the survey as if the deck above it were entirely lacking; it can, therefore, be excluded from measurement. The clear measure of the water ports to be made in the shaded spaces is according to the size of the space and the size of the survey opening. There must be, however, on each side a water port of not less than 0.38 by 0.51 meters (15 by 20 inches), the lower edge of which is to lie as low as possible above the deck. For the fixing of the trapdoor which swings toward the outside, a ring bolt with rope gasket is allowed, and a simple cross in the opening in order to prevent objects from falling through is also permissible. For the carrying off of the water in the space shaded (figs. 1, 1a, and 2), there must be on each side at least one scupper leading to the outside, the cross section of which must not be smaller than that of a circular surface of 9 centimeters diameter. Arrangements for the closing of these scuppers must not be present; on the other hand, in case of a larger clear cross section, back valves are permissible. A reliable form of these scuppers is given in fig. 5.

5. The spaces fore and aft of this space, shaded in figs. 1, 1a, and 2, are treated in a technical manner as superstructures. (Secs. 13Aa of the ship-measurement ordinance.)

6. If such superstructures, by means of transit openings in the bulkheads, are made into open ones, the construction directions given in II. 1, with the exception of iron plates, are to be followed. In case these superstructures are used for cargo, travelers, or troops, that which is contained in Rule II. 4 holds good.

In these superstructures under the shelter deck, every division made by cross bulkheads must have on each side of the ship at least one scupper of the construction and size as stated under 4. In case of large divisions, several scuppers will be necessary in each division.

7. Differentiating from the instructions under II. 1, only one transit opening is necessary if the survey opening is arranged in the boundary position in the bulkhead lying in the front or back of it, i. e., of the poop or rear bulkhead. This opening, however, must lie amidships in order to make this superstructure, which is shut off by a bulkhead, into an open structure which can likewise be shut off. (Compare the aft bulkhead in the shelter deck in fig. 1a.)

8. With every written request of an owner which has been filed with the measurement boards for the exclusion of the shelter deck and the superstructures under the shelter deck, there must be two copies of the plans of the ship. The length sections and deck plans, on which the position of the survey openings, the water ports or scuppers, and of the presumptive situation of the deep-load line are shown, must be inclosed. There must also be shown in the drawing, by shading, what parts of the superstructure under the shelter deck are to be excluded from measurement. Detailed drawings (2 copies) are to be handed in containing a written statement of the dimensions of the survey openings in the shelter deck, of the sides of the ship, of the transit openings in the end and bulkheads, of the superstructures which are to be excluded, and of the portholes and the scuppers. These drawings must show plainly the type of the intended provisional opening. Every change of the opening is to be indicated to the measurement boards, according to section 33 of the ship-measurement ordinance.

Without a written request, the treatment of a ship as a shelter-deck ship, or the exclusion of the superstructures lying under the shelter deck, may not take place, even when the conditions made are fulfilled. The ship-measurement boards must immediately lay before the bureau of registry the request of the shipowner with a copy of these drawings.

In case of old ships, which have already received a freeboard mark, the proof demanded under I. 1 must be given by handing in the freeboard certificate, or a copy of it, upon making

the request. In case of new ships, however, it is only necessary that a declaration be made in the request by the owners that the conditions regarding the freeboard will be fulfilled. The further control of it is exercised directly by the Rureau of Registry. During the measuring, or in case of new ships during final measurement, the agreement of the construction of a ship with these drawings is to be determined and to be certified on the drawings by the measurement boards.

II. To article 18Aa.

SUPERSTRUCTURES WHICH ARE BUILT OPEN BY MEANS OF OPENINGS IN THE END AND BETWEEN BULKHEADS.

1. Superstructures (poop, bridge house, and forecastle) are to be looked upon as not closed and as not suitable for the stowing of goods or provisions, or for the housing or other conveniences of the ship's crew and passengers, and, therefore, according to article 13Aa of the ship-measurement ordinance, to be excluded from measurement, if in one of the end bulkheads upon each side of the ship there is at least one opening. For the size and arrangement of such openings, the following conditions control. (Compare also figs. 6 to 13.)

(a) The clear width must at least amount to 0.91 meters (3 feet).

(b) The clear height to be at least 1.22 meters (4 feet).

(c) The foot plate (sill), if there be one to the opening, must not be more than 0.61 meters (2 feet) above deck.

(d) The opening may be provisionally closed. There must, however, be no doors or other means which are applied permanently, as, for instance, bolt holes, door hinges, etc., which indicate the intended permanent closing of the openings in the bulkhead. The opening is looked upon as provisional if planked pieces are loosely laid between (or) iron channel or angle bars (figs. 6 to 8), or wooden frames or iron plates are used (figs. 9 to 13). Such frames and plates may be held down either by means of hook bolts which encircle angle irons fastened to the bulkheads within the opening, or by wooden or iron crosspieces which are laid loosely diagonally across the opening (figs. 12 and 13).

In case of none of these provisional openings, however, may battening material be used. If one part of the superstructure is bordered by a bulkhead (see fig. 1a) reaching from side to side, then this space is also exempted, provided there are openings in this bulkhead on each side of the ship, the size and build of which correspond to the above stated conditions. It does not matter whether the bulkhead is of iron, steel, or wood, or whether the latter consists of fastened or only loose planks not screwed. Only lath bulkheads are left out of consideration.

If in the end bulkhead, or between the bulkhead of a superstructure which reaches from side to side, there is only one opening on the side of the ship of the already stated size and build, then the superstructure is to be excluded from the measurement only if, besides that, a sufficient number of ports and scuppers are arranged on each side of the ship for letting off the water. Ports and scuppers must meet the conditions given under I. 4. If the space is divided by between bulkheads, there must be, besides the scuppers, at least one port in every division on each side of the ship.

SUPERSTRUCTURES BUILT OPEN BY MEANS OF OPENINGS IN THE SIDES.

2. Superstructures (poop, bridge house, and forecastle) are to be looked upon as not closed if their sides have openings which are sufficiently long and high. In this case ports and scuppers are necessary. The regulations under I. 4 and 6 hold good here also, with the difference that iron plates are admissible as provisional covers for the openings in the bulkheads.

COVERED WELL.

These regulations also apply to ships in which the side openings have arisen not by being cut through the outer sheathing, but simply by the poop, the forecastle and the bridge house being connected above by means of a deck with a sheerway, and below by a canvas bulwark, a covered "well" being in a certain sense thus created.

SUPERSTRUCTURES BUILT OPEN BY MEANS OF OPENINGS IN THE DECK.

3. Superstructures can, finally, just as spaces under the shelter deck, become "not closed ones," in the sense of article 13Aa of the ship-measurement ordinance, by means of openings in the deck in connection with ports and scuppers.

Concerning the deck opening (opening for survey), the conditions given under I. 2a and c to f must be fulfilled.

At least one port must be arranged on each side of the deck opening. In addition to that, the space as well as any of its divisions, in case it is divided by between bulkheads, must allow the water to run off through the scuppers. For the choice in the measurement of the ports, the number of scuppers, and the arrangement and sizes of both, the directions given under I. 4 hold good.

USE TO WHICH OPEN SUPERSTRUCTURES ARE PUT.

4. Whatever cargo is carried in these spaces excluded from measurement, according to 1 to 3, does not affect the measurement. If, however, in any of the excluded superstructures or any parts of them, passengers or troops are actually housed, or if such superstructures serve only as conveniences for passengers or troops, then the superstructures in question must be included in the measurement, whether a change of the arrangement for the closing has taken place or not.

5. Upon the written request, without which the exclusion of the superstructures reaching from side to side can not take place, the directions under I. 8 are applicable. (Compare also fig. 1.)

The proof demanded in the case of shelter-deck ships concerning the freeboard is not necessary in the case of superstructures.

III. Article 13Bc.

BAKERIES.

In addition to that which is stated in article 13Bc, bakeries in which there are baking ovens are also excluded from measurement.

IV. Article 14 under 5.

WATER BALLAST TANKS.

In contrast to double bottoms, all other water ballast spaces that are built solidly into the ship, as for instance the collision compartments, high tanks, side and topside tanks, deck tanks, etc., are measured into the gross tonnage and again deducted. It does not matter whether they extend from side to side or not, or where they lie: (1) If they are meant for the reception of water ballast; (2) if they are accessible only by manholes of ordinary size; and (3) if they are designated plainly as water ballast spaces.

The shipowner is, however, first to make a written request for the deduction to the ship measurement boards, and plainly to designate these tanks with the manholes in the ship's drawings, according to article 31 of the ship measurement ordinance. Only in doubtful cases are special drawings of these tanks and explanation about their use to be submitted by the shipowner. The form and number of the manholes is a matter of indifference.

The deck of such a tank must be water-tight and solidly built; cement fillings between the beams are not regarded as water-tight construction.

In case of older ships, in which deduction of such tanks has not yet been made, a request by the shipowner for such deduction can be granted. Each part of the side tanks that lies between water-tight tank bulkheads is measured by itself and marked as water ballast space.

In the calculation of the contents of every part, its height is to be divided into as many parts of a whole number as is prescribed for the depths in the cross section of the ship below