Section 7 in The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Rules, 1960
7. Overhead Decks.
(1)In every ship to which these rules apply being a ship constructed of steel or other metal, every deck which forms the crown of any part of the crew accommodation (in this rule referred to as an overhead deck) and is exposed to the weather shall be constructed of steel or other metal. The Central Government may exempt any ship from the requirement of this sub-rule to the extent that it is satisfied that it is necessary to do so by reason of the intended service of the ship.(2)The upper side of every such deck shall be sheathed with wood or with a material which complies with the requirements specified in the Second Schedule. Such sheathing shall be properly laid and, if it consists of wood, shall be properly caulked.The Central Government may exempt and ship from the requirements of this sub-rule to the extent that it is satisfied that the undersides of the overhead decks are insulated with a material (other than wood) which complies with the requirements specified in the Third Schedules, and which is so fitted as to avoid as far as possible absorption of water, condensation, transmission of noise and harbouring of dirt and vermin.(3)Every wooden overhead deck shall be at [6.4 centimetres] [Substituted by G.S.R. 61, dated 6th January, 1967] thick and every wooden sheathing shall be at least [5.8 centimetres] [Substituted by G.S.R. 61, dated 6th January, 1967] thick.The Central Government may exempt any ship from either of the requirements of this sub-rule to the extent that it is satisfied that compliance therewith is unreasonable or impracticable in the circumstances.
