The Laws of Fiji
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5.7 Constructional details (wooden ships)
The keel shall be of an approved hardwood and preferably in one length, but when it is necessary to scarp, the length of scarp shall be not less than 5 times the moulded depth of the keel. The scarp shall be of lock fast design, fastened in accordance with the regulations and shall not be situated in the way of the main engine. Scarphs shall be kept clear of the hog and keelson scarps by at least 5 frame spaces. A steel keel band or wooden false keel shall be fitted. In the case of ships of the beaching type, the moulding scantling as given in the regulations shall be increased by not less than 25%.
The hog shall be of an approved hardwood moulded to the form of the ship and shall have a depth in accordance with the regulations. If scarped, the scarph shall not be less than 5 times the moulding and shall be kept clear of the keel and keelson scarphs, by not less than 5 times frame spaces.
The stem shall be of an approved hardwood sawn to shape, scarphed or tenoned to the keel, and connected by either a deadwood or heavy knee. In the case of a rounded fore-foot the scarph shall be of the lockfast design. In the case of a straight fore-foot, through fastened plates shall be fitted on either side of the stem and keel. A steel band or shoe shall be fitted. Where required an anchor cable clench plate shall be fitted.
The apron shall be in one length of an approved hardwood sided and moulded to the form of the ship and through bolted to stem.
A fore deadwood or knee of an approved hardwood shall be fitted, sided to give adequate faying surface to plank ends, lipped over hog, scarphed to apron and through bolted to stem and keel.
The sternpost shall be of an approved hardwood connected to the keel by tenon and heavy dovetail/skeg plates each side. In all cases the sternpost shall be such that the thickness of timber remaining on either side of the sterntube after the rabbet has been formed, shall not be less than one-quarter the thickness of the siding of the sternpost. If necessary the sternpost may be swelled in way of sterntube to meet this requirement.
The after-deadwood or knee shall be of an approved hardwood fitted to keel and sternpost and swelled if necessary in way of the sterntube in accordance with the regulations. Dowels or tenons shall be fitted at the joint with the keel.
The outrigger on ships with a canoe or cruiser stern shall be of an approved hardwood sided as the sternpost and fitted to the sternpost and after deadwood. Fashion pieces shall be fitted on each side of the sternpost to give a faying surface to the plank ends. The faying surface shall be not less than—
- (a)50 mm for ships up to SN 30; and
- (b)75 mm for ships of SN 45 and over.
The fashion pieces shall be through bolted to the outrigger and sternpost.
On transom stern ships, the transom shall be constructed of solid, single or double planking on a suitable framework. Where the single timber method is used, fashion pieces shall be bolted to the forward side in way of the plank ends to allow for additional plank fastenings clear of the end grain. Where the double planked method is used, oiled calico or other approved material shall be fitted between the skins and the transom shall be suitably stiffened with vertical and transverse stiffeners. The transom shall be connected to the horn timber by a suitable knee.
A transom knee shall be fitted in accordance with the regulations. When the rudder gland passes through the transom knee, the siding of the knee shall be such, that not less than 25% of the siding of the knee remains on either side of the rudder gland hole.
Softwood stop water shall be fitted at all joints in way of plank rabbets.
All frames shall be of selected timber and may be either double or single type, steam bent or a combination of sawn and steam bent according to Type Classification.
The frames can either be butted at the centre or fitted with floors or the floors may be formed by the lower frame futtocks, fitted on opposite sides on alternative frame stations. The butts of the remaining futtocks shall be joined by a clamp of length not less than 6 times the siding of the frame on either side of the butt, and shall be staggered generally throughout the ship. Frame floors sided as per frame shall be fitted to and extend across the hog for a length of not less than one-third the breadth of the ship at that point. Clamps and floors shall be fastened to the frame by through bolts in accordance with the suitable limber holes to provide adequate drainage shall be arranged and limber chains or equivalent fitted. Can’t frames shall be tenoned or recessed into or connected with angle iron brackets to the fashion pieces.
Frame floors shall be fitted to and extend across the hog for the length of not less than one-third the breadth of the ship at each frame station. The lower frame futtocks shall be butted on the centre line and be fastened to the floors by through bolts in accordance with the regulations. Butts of remaining double futtocks shall be staggered and fastened in the same way.
Bilge stringers of an approved timber shall be fitted, and shall run from the apron to the transom or outrigger. All scarphs shall extend over 2 frames and be staggered port and starboard.
Breasthooks shall be of a suitable hardwood or steel construction of approved design. Breasthooks shall be fitted to beam and bilge stringers and fastened with at least 3 bolts in each arm, and through bolted to the stem and apron.
Quarter knees shall be fitted to bulwark rails on transom stern ships. These shall be of wood or steel as for breasthooks, and fastened with at least 3 bolts in each arm.
Lodging and/or hanging knees shall be fitted to all main beams and beams in way of gallows, winches and deck leads. These may be of an approved hardwood or steel and fastened with at least 2 bolts in each arm. Knees on ordinary beams shall be to the approval of the Surveyor.
All main beams shall be of an approved hardwood. Ordinary beams shall be of an approved timber. Main beams shall be spaced in accordance with the approved drawing and ordinary beams in accordance with the regulations. All beams shall be moulded and sided in accordance with the regulations and may be moulded 25 mm less at the ends. Beams shall be fastened with bolts at the beam shield and frame heads. All beams shall have an adequate round of beam (camber). Half beams shall be sided as for ordinary beams and shall be housed and dovetailed into carlings.
The carlings shall be of an approved hardwood, housed and dovetailed into the main beams. Lodging knees or steel brackets shall be fitted at each corner. Tie-rods shall be fitted to carlings in way of openings exceeding 2 metres in length. Steel carlings may be fitted to the approval of the Surveyors. Tie rods of 12 mm diameter shall be spaced not more than 1.2 metres. When the length of the carlings exceeds 2.50 metres the moulding shall be increased by 10% and the carlings suitably supported by pillars.
The hull planking shall be of an approved timber. No plank width shall exceed 4 times its own thickness, except that the garboard and its adjacent strake and the 2 adjoining strakes to these aft to amidships, shall not exceed 6 times their thickness. All timber shall be free from sap, shakes and objectionable knots and normally worked heart to frame of lengths to ensure a good shift of butts. Butts shall not be spaced closer than 4 frame spaces in adjacent strakes and there shall be at least 3 passing strakes between butts on the same frame.
The butts of the garboard strakes shall be kept well clear of the keel and hog scarphs. Stealer planks may be fitted aft and shall not be less in width at their fore end than 1.5 times the plank thickness, to allow for adequate fastening. The butts ends of planking in steam bent frame construction shall be fastened to a butt strap of the same thickness as the planking and the butt strap shall have at least 6 mm of clearance at each frame to allow for drainage. Where the butt strap method is not used planks shall be scarphed and the length of scarph shall not be less than 5 times the thickness of the planking.
The lap or lands of clinker planking shall be not less than the widths given in the regulations and at plank ends shall be bevelled and rabbeted to fair into the stem and stern rabbets and transom. Where possible strakes shall be in one length, but where scarphs are necessary these shall not be less than 6.5 times the plank thickness in length, and glued. Scarphs shall be feathered inside and stepped outside with the feather placed on a bent wood frame. Widths of planks shall not exceed 150 mm with the exception of the garboard strake which may be wider. There shall be at least 3 passing strakes between scarphs on the same frame. Wedges shall be fitted behind bend wood frames in way of risings, stringers, gunwales and elsewhere to the approval of the Surveyor.
Other methods of planking will be considered subject to details being submitted for approval of the Surveyors.
Rubbing strakes where fitted, shall be in accordance with the regulations. The sheer strake and lowest strake shall be of an approved hardwood. The siding of these strakes shall be 25mm greater than the siding of the ordinary planking and they may be tapered at the ends to run into the plank rabbet at stem and stern. The ordinary planking may be carried up to the deck with a rubber of an approved hardwood sided twice the thickness of the planking, fitted to the factor of the sheer stake, and faced with a galvanised copper iron.
The bilge strakes shall be of an approved timber and shall extend at least half the length of the ship.
Bilge keels or rolling chocks where fitted shall be of an approved hardwood fitted to the outside of the bilge planking and fastened with one through bolt at each frame. In the case of ships with bent wood framing, the fastening shall be through the bilge stringer and planking shall be fitted with filling pieces in way of all fastenings.
The deck planking shall be of an approved timber, and if of soft wood suitable pressure treated with a preservative.
Butts shall be spaced at least 1.5 metres apart and there shall be a minimum 3 passing stakes between butts on the same beam. Plank widths shall not exceed 125 mm, and butts on half beams should be avoided.
Covering boards shall be fitted in way of the bulwark stanchions and carried to the outside of the sheerstrake, alternatively the sheerstrake may be carried to the top of the deck and a covering board fitted to the face of the stanchions and chocks fitted between the stanchions in way of the covering board and the sheerstrake.
The bulwark stanchions shall be of an approved hardwood either fitted along-side frames or as a continuation of the frame upper futtock. The separate stanchions or extended upper futtock shall be fitted at very frame space for one-third of the length of the ship forward and aft, and at alternate frame spaces amidships. Scantlings shall be as determined by the regulations and the length of separate stanchions housed below deck, shall not be less than 8 times the siding of the stanchions.
The bulkheads shall be positioned as indicated on the builders approved drawing. One watertight bulkhead shall be fitted.
In all open type ships having no bulkwarks, gunwales of an approved timber shall be fitted. Gunwale shall be of the box type fitted to the face of grown or bent frames with a capping fitted to the top and shall be through fastened at each frame. Where the framing is a combination of grown and bent frames, filler pieces shall be fitted in way of the bent frames. A breast hook shall be fitted forward and either quarter knees or abreast hook aft.
In all open ships which do not have a watertight deck risings of an approved timber shall be fitted. The risings shall be through fastened at each grown or bent frame, and where framing is a combination of both, filler pieces shall be fitted in way of bent frames. The risings shall be at the height of the thwarts where fitted, and not less than one-third of the moulded depth below top of the gunwales in ships having no thwarts. Where thwarts are fitted below the height of the risings an additional stringer shall be-fitted.
In open type ships thwarts shall be fitted where indicated on the approved drawing. The thwarts shall be connected to the risings by through fastenings, clenched over rovers or washers and by thwart knees fitted to the tops and lodging knees to sides. The latter shall be fitted to the after side of forward thwarts and forward side of after thwarts.
The forecastle where not used as accommodation, shall be fitted out as a store, with shelves and racks for the stowage of gear, and provided with an approved access.
Where ceilings are fitted, they shall be of an approved timber, kept well clear of frames and ventilated by not less than 2 each side, self-closing swan-neck ventilators, situated one at each end. In each case a centre gully shall be fitted to drain into a pump suction well of the hold. All softwood shall be treated with an approved preservative.
The hatch coamings shall be of either approved hardwood dovetailed at corners, steel or other approved material, and be fitted with all necessary securing fittings and covers to ensure weather-tightness.
Fixed and portable ladders, handholds and other devices shall be provided for the safe working of the ship at sea and in port and shall have adequate dimensions. All metal, rope and wooden ladders shall be of material, construction and strength to the approval of the Surveyor.
Wooden engine seats shall be of an approved hardwood and shall extend at least twice the distance between the engine gear box output coupling and the forward engine holding down bolt centre, reduced in depth clear of the engine as necessary, and checked over every frame or floor, but kept clear of planking. They shall be stiffened with brackets at every second frame and reinforced with not less than 3 cross members. The side brackets and cross members where of wood shall be connected to the engine seats by bolting to angle bars of approved dimensions.
| aMaximum kw (hp) | Minimum Siding of Engine Seats |
|---|---|
| Tip to 22kw (30 hp) | 85 mm |
| Up to 75 kw (100 hp) | 110 mm |
| Up to 130 kw (175 hp) | 140 mm |
| Up to 185 kw (250 hp) | 150 mm |
| Lip to 225 kw (300 hp) | 180 mm |
| Up to 300 kw (400 hp) | 200 mm |
Where a raised casing is fitted over the engine room and/or cabin, the plating shall not be less than 6 mm thickness and suitably stiffened.
Where an aluminium alloy wheelhouse is approved the plating shall be not less than 5mm thickness with stiffeners spaced not more than 460 mm. Where built of steel the stiffeners may be placed not more than 730 mm.
The rudder shall have a stock of steel in accordance with the regulations with welded or keyed (Slipped on) couplings. A watertight gland with a bearing shall be fitted to the hull. When the stock extends more than 460 mm above the inboard gland, an additional bearing suitably supported shall be fitted at top under deck. Stainless steel sleeving on the stock in way of bearings shall be fitted. The scantling shown in the regulations shall be regarded as a guide only. The actual size shall be determined by the length, shaft horse power, speed of the ship and type and area of rudder to be fitted. The lower pintle shall be fitted into a bushed socket at the skegplate, and a jumping band fitted below the rudder gland at top of rudder if required. Arrangements are to be made for the lubrication of bearings.
The steering gear shall be of an approved type and size. A non-geared gypsy type of steering gear with wire leads may be fitted. An approved emergency steering arrangement shall be provided. Where hydraulic steering gears are fitted, they shall be mounted on rigid seatings to the approval of the Surveyors.
Masts as required for the type of ship shall be fitted either of timber, steel, or other approved material.
Derricks if required for the type of ship shall be supplied either of timber, steel or other approved materials. The maximum safe working load and maximum radius of operation of all derricks shall be stated in the approved specification. The derricks, their ropes, wires, guys, eyeplates and other associated equipment shall be designed to meet these loads. Derricks shall be tested as rigged for service to not less than 1.5 times the maximum working load. The maximum safe working load shall be permanently indicated on the derricks.
All steel fastenings, unless otherwise specified, shall be galvanised. Bolts shall be made from rolled mild steel bar and the diameter shall be in accordance with the regulations. Where bolts are cropped, the exposed ends shall be coated with zinc paint. Flats and dumps shall be of length in accordance with the following.
| Thickness of Timber (mm) | Length of Flats or Dumps (mm) |
|---|---|
| 25 | 75 |
| 30 | 90 |
| 35 | 100 |
| 45 | 115 |
| 50 | 125 |
| 65 | 150 |
| 70 | 165 |
| 75 | 175 |
| 90 | 205 |
| 100 | 225 |
| Thickness of Timber (mm) | diameter of Nail (mm) |
|---|---|
| 12 | 2.50 |
| 13 | 2.80 |
| 20 | 2.80 |
| 25 | 3.35 |
| 30 | 3.35 |
| 35 | 3.35 |
| 45 | 3.35 |
| 50 | 3.35 |
| 55 | 3.75 |
| 65 | 3.75 |
| 70 | 3.75 |
| 75 | 4.00 |
| 80 | 4.00 |
| 85 | 5.00 |
| 100 | 5.00 |
| 115 | 5.00 |
| 130 | 5.60 |
| 150 | 6.00 |
Through bolts in these regulations mean either nut or screw or clenched bolts.
Shall be fastened together by flats or screws between every second frame space.
Shall be fastened through each floor timber by through bolts.
Shall be fastened by nut and screw bolts, one through each frame floor and one between each frame in way of scarph.
Shall be fastened by not less than 4 through bolts on each side of the butt. Not less than 3 bolts shall be fitted on each side of the butt.
Shall be fastened to hog and keel, with one through bolt at each floor. Futtocks shall be fastened to the frame floor by not less than 4 through bolts on either side.
Shall be fastened by not less than 3 through bolts through frame and 2 through hull planking. The bolt sizes to be as for frame fastenings.
Shall be fastened with one dump and one through bolt at each frame.
Shall be fastened with one through bolt at each frame.
The beam stringers, shelf and bilge stringers shall be fastened with one through fastening at each frame.
The apron shall be securely fastened to the stem by through bolts.
Shall be fastened by 2 clenched fastenings at each sawn frame or bent wood frame, and 2 clenched copper fastenings in plank lands between each frame, where the frames are spaced more than 150 mm apart and one fastening where the spacing is less than 150 mm. Plank ends at stem and stern shall be fastened at the rabbets by not less than 4 screws in each plank. In the case of a transom stern, the planks shall be fastened at the transom with not less than 3 screws in each plank and 2 screws in each plank in way of the transom fashion pieces. Butts, if used, shall be secured to butt blocks or planks may be scarphed together.
In all cases whatever the method of planking adopted, all through fastenings in way of stringers shall pass through the planking.
Shall be fastened at each beam with one flat or dump when the width of the deck plank is 100 mm or less and 2 flats or dumps when the width exceeds this. The fastenings shall be recessed and holes filled with edge grain dowels.
Shall be fastened to beam stringers and beam shelves by through bolts. Lodging and hanging knees shall be through fastened to beams and frames with not less than 2 bolts in each arm.
Shall be through bolted through frames or frames and planking at each frame.
Shall be dump or screw fastened to beams and stiffened at each corner with a wooden knee or angle bracket.
Shall be fastened to frames, beams and stiffeners with galvanised nails and screws. When of double skin construction all nail fastenings through planking shall be turned, or clenched on roves.
Shall be secured by through bolts and plate washers spaced not more than 115mm apart.
Tabernacles shall be through fastened to beams and stiffeners.
Shall be through fastened through beams. The space between the beams shall be fitted with filler chocks, and a steel plate or hardwood pad fitted to the underside of chocks and beams. Where leads are fastened to the bulwarks they shall be through bolted and bulwarks suitably stiffened.
- (a)All paints to be applied to the hull of the ships are to be in compliance with the marine (anti fouling systems on ships) regulation and of marine application.
Varnishes, wood preservatives, anti-fouling and bitumen compositions shall be of approved commercial marine standard and quality. Colours to be of owner’s choice. Paints used in engine room and accommodation spaces shall be of low flame spread characteristics.
- (b)Before any paint is applied, all timber which has not been previously pressure impregnated with preservative, shall receive not less than 3 coats of preservative liberally applied. All straight lengths of timber, such as decking, timber for bulk-heads, floorings and ceiling, etc, shall be pressure treated with a preservative before fitting. All ends surfaces exposed through cutting during fitting and fairing shall be liberally coated with preservative.
An approved method of cathodic protection shall be fitted to all ships to reduce or eliminate corrosion.
The lettering and numbering of ships shall be in accordance with the regulations for the Registry. Lettering and Numbering to Fiji Registry Requirements. Draught marks and loadlines shall be welded on or cut in at bow and stern, port and starboard and amidships.
- (a)Plank seams on ships of carvel construction shall be caulked with best quality caulking cotton. All seams below the waterline shall be painted with pitch, marine glue or stopped with another approved composition. Topsides shall be caulked and stopped with best quality white or red lead putty and all seams shall be painted prior to stopping;
- (b)On ships constructed with clinker type planking, the garboard seams and hood end seams shall be caulked with best quality caulking cotton, painted and stopped with best quality white or red putty or other approved composition;
- (c)The deck seams shall be caulked with best quality cotton, and paved with marine glue or other approved composition; and
- (d)Caulking of planking and decks is to be carefully executed. When finished, caulking should be hardened down to approximately 9 mm below the surface of the plank to allow for paying up or stopping.