Exam Question
Q3
(a) Explain what is meant by "permissible length" of compartments in passenger ships.
(b) Describe how the position of bulkheads is determined.
(c) Briefly describe the significance of the factor of subdivision
Class 2 (2nd Engineer)
SC&S
📅 Jan 2026
Reference Answer
### (a) Permissible Length of Compartments
The **Permissible Length** of a compartment is the maximum length, as defined by SOLAS Chapter II-1 regulations, that a compartment or a group of adjacent compartments may have at any point in the ship's length. This length is determined to ensure that the vessel will remain afloat and stable after sustaining a prescribed level of damage.
Key principles are:
1. **Survival Condition**: The primary objective is to ensure the ship does not sink or capsize after flooding one or more main compartments. The ship must remain in a condition of satisfactory stability.
The **Permissible Length** of a compartment is the maximum length, as defined by SOLAS Chapter II-1 regulations, that a compartment or a group of adjacent compartments may have at any point in the ship's length. This length is determined to ensure that the vessel will remain afloat and stable after sustaining a prescribed level of damage.
Key principles are:
1. **Survival Condition**: The primary objective is to ensure the ship does not sink or capsize after flooding one or more main compartments. The ship must remain in a condition of satisfactory stability.
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