Section 27(10) in The Merchant Shipping (Crew Accommodation) Rules, 1960
(10)Every water closet provided for the exclusive use of ratings may be grouped into batteries and shall be designed and equipped in a manner suited to their habits and customs, and in particular, shall be provided as follows :(a)Each battery of water closets may consist of any number of separate compartments contained in properly constructed steel house with a minimum height of 1.98 metres from top of foot holds to the under side of beams.(b)The separate compartments in each battery shall be not less than 1.14 metres in length by 91.44 centimetres in width. Each such compartment shall have a separate entry fitted with a door with two shutters opening inwards which can be secured from the inside. The door need not extend to the full height of the compartment, but it shall not be less than 1.37 metres in height and 61.00 centimetres in width and the vertical height of the opening at the bottom shall not exceed 10.2 centimetres. The divisional bulk-heads between the compartments should extend to a height of within 30.5 centimetres should extend to a height of within 30.5 centimetres of the deck overhead and may also be opened at the bottom to the same extent and should be fitted with suitable hand grips. There shall be an enclosed passageway leading to the compartments of not less than 76.20 centimetres in breadth.(c)Where convenient the floor of the compartment shall be raised to a height level with the top of the pan by means of a filling of cement or other similar material, or any other equivalent arrangement. If this method is adopted, the floor shall have al light declivity on all sides running down towards the pan.(d)Every compartment shall be properly ventilated to the satisfaction of the surveyor by means of ventilators of such openings as will not interfere with privacy.(e)Adequate lighting, either natural or electric, shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Surveyor, at all times during day and light.(f)The pans shall preferably be made of white vitreous china or other suitable material. They shall be of an approved pattern complete with foot holds designed to prevent shipping. The orifice at the top of the pan shall be not less than 41.85 centimetres in length and not less than 23 centimetres in width. The pan shall be placed as low as practicable.(g)An arrangement which automatically flushes the pan at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes and a continuous trickle of water.(h)A soil pipe such as is referred to in clause (e) of sub-rule 9) provided with a metal inspection plate and sufficient ventilation.(i)Each battery shall be provided with a tank to supply fresh water from the service stands for ablution purposes.The Central Government may exempt any ship from the requirements of this sub-rule if it is satisfied that the water closet provided for the aforesaid ratings comply with the requirements of sub-rule (9) of this rule and have been properly adapted so as to be suited to their habits and customs.
