Page 28 - Introduction to Naval Architecture

16 DEFINITION AND REGULATION
freeboard, for a Summer draught of T, the other freeboards are as
follows:

(1) The Winter freeboard is T/48 greater.
(2) The Winter North Atlantic freeboard is 50mm greater still.
(3) The Tropical freeboard is T/48 less.
(4) The Fresh Water freeboard is D/40t cm less, where A is the
displacement in tonne and t is the tonnes per cm immersion.
(5) The Tropical Fresh Water freeboard is T/48 less than the Fresh
Water freeboard.

Passenger ships

As might be expected ships designated as passenger ships are subject to
very stringent rules, A passenger ship is defined as one carrying more
than twelve passengers. It is issued with a Passenger Certificate when it has
been checked for compliance with the regulations. Various maritime
nations had rules for passenger ships before 1912 but it was the loss of
the Titanic in that year that focused international concern on the
matter. An international conference was held in 1914 but it was not
until 1932 that the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea was signed by the major nations. The Convention has been
reviewed at later conferences in the light of experience. The
Convention covers a wide range of topics including watertight
subdivision, damaged stability, fire, life saving appliances, radio
equipment, navigation, machinery and electrical installations.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
The first international initiative in safety was that following the loss of the
Titanic. In 1959 a permanent body was set up under the aegis of the
United Nations to deal with the safety of life at sea. It is based in London
and now represents some 150 maritime nations. It has an Assembly
which meets every two years and between assemblies the organization is
administered by a Council. Its technical work is conducted by a number
of committees. It has promoted the adoption of some thirty conventions
and protocols and of some seven hundred codes and recommendations
related to maritime safety and the prevention of pollution. Amongst the
conventions are the Safety of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) and the
International Convention on Load Lines, and the Convention on Marine
Pollution (MARPOL). The benefits that can accrue from satellites
particularly as regards the transmission and receipt of distress messages,
were covered by the International Convention on the International Maritime
Satellite Organisation (INMARSAT).