Section 1 General

101. Steel deck plating

Decks are to be plated from side to side of the barge except deck openings, etc. Decks, however, may be provided with only stringer plates and tie plates, subject to the approval by the Society.

102. Watertightness of decks

Weather decks are to be made watertight according to service condition and service area of barges. Weather decks, however, may be made weathertight, subject to the approval by the Society.

103. Continuity of steps of decks

Where strength decks or effective decks(the decks below the strength deck which are considered as strength members in the longitudinal strength of hull) change in level, the change is to be accom- plished by gradual sloping, or each of structural members which form deck is to be extended, and is to be effectively tied together by diaphragms, girders, brackets, etc. and special care is to be taken for the continuity of strength.

104. Compensation for openings

Hatchways or other openings on strength or effective decks are to have well rounded corners, and compensation is to be suitably provided as necessary .