In order to prevent the propagation of fire from one compartment to another, all watertight bulkheads are also provided with fire-resistant paneling. There are mainly 3 different types of Bulkheads.
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What are the different Classes of the bulkhead as per SOLAS?
Depending on the extent to which bulkheads can retain the fire and smoke on the affected side, they are classified into three categories. The bulkheads are classified as A B & C classes.
The classification is based on fire resistance. So, accommodation bulkheads are classified as
- Class A Bulkhead
- Class B Bulkhead
- Class C Bulkhead
Class A division Bulkhead as per SOLAS
- A” class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads and decks that comply with the following criteria:
- They are constructed of steel or equivalent material.
- They are constructed to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of the one-hour standard fire test.
- They are suitably stiffened and made intact with the main structure of the vessel, such as the shell, structural bulkheads, and decks.
- They are insulated with approved non-combustible materials such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 140’C above the original temperature nor will the temperature at any point including any joint rise more than 180’C above the original temperature with the time listed:
| class “A-60” | 60 min |
| class “A-30” | 30 min |
| class “A-15” | 15 min |
| class “A-0” | 0 min |
Class B division Bulkhead as per SOLAS
‘‘B’’ class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads, decks, ceilings or linings which comply with the following criteria:
- They are constructed of approved non-combustible materials and all materials used in the construction and erection of “B” class divisions are non-combustible, with the exception that combustible veneers may be permitted provided they meet other appropriate requirements.
- They are constructed so as to be capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of the first half-hour (30 mins) of the standard fire test.
- They have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 140 degrees C above the original temperature, nor will the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225 degrees C above the original temperature, within the time listed below:
Class C division Bulkhead as per SOLAS
- C” class divisions are divisions constructed of approved non-combustible materials. They need to meet neither requirements relative to the passage of smoke and flame nor limitations relative to the temperature rise.
- Combustible veneers are permitted provided they meet the requirements.
- Main vertical zones Divided by Class A bulkheads and not exceeding 40m in length.
The Administration required a test of a prototype division in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise.
Accommodation bulkheads are classified as non-watertight bulkheads. These are walls or partitions that are used to divide the living spaces and other accommodations on a ship. Unlike watertight bulkheads, which are designed to prevent the flow of water in the event of flooding or other water-related emergencies, non-watertight bulkheads are not designed to prevent the flow of water between compartments.
While non-watertight bulkheads do not provide the same level of protection as watertight bulkheads, they still play an important role in the design and construction of ships. They provide privacy and comfort for the crew and passengers, as well as help to organize and optimize the use of space on the ship.
Non-watertight bulkheads may be constructed of various materials, such as steel, aluminum, or composite materials, and are typically reinforced to provide additional structural integrity. They may also include doors, windows, and other features that are not found in watertight bulkheads.
- Watertight bulkheads: These are bulkheads that are designed to prevent the ingress of water into the ship’s compartments in the event of flooding or other water-related emergencies. They must meet specific requirements for strength, watertightness, and location to ensure maximum protection.
- Non-watertight bulkheads: These are bulkheads that are not designed to prevent the flow of water between compartments. They are typically used to divide living spaces and other accommodations on a ship and provide privacy and comfort for the crew and passengers.
In summary, accommodation bulkheads are classified as non-watertight bulkheads, which are used to divide living spaces and other accommodations on a ship and provide privacy and comfort for the crew and passengers.
