Section 20(2) in The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Rules, 1960
(2)Single chairs shall be provided in the mess room for each person using the room at any one time. Such chairs shall be fitted with arm rests unless chairs with arm rests are available in a recreation room for the persons using the mess room. Provided the settees may be substituted for chairs adjacent to a bulkhead or the ship's side. Such settees shall be at least [38.10 centimetres] [Substituted by G.S.R. 61, dated 6th January, 1974] wide and shall be fitted with upholstered or padded seats covered with material impervious to dirt and moisture and shall be provided with comfortably shaped backs. If the mess room is appropriated for use by offices or petty offices whether or not together with other ratings, the backs of the settees shall also be padded or upholstered and shall be covered with material impervious to dirt and moisture.
