1 Testing watertight spaces not intended to hold
liquids and cargo holds intended to hold ballast by filling them with
water is not compulsory. When testing by filling with water is not
carried out, a hose test shall be carried out where practicable. This
test shall be carried out in the most advanced stage of the fitting
out of the ship. Where a hose test is not practicable because of possible
damage to machinery, electrical equipment insulation or outfitting
items, it may be replaced by a careful visual examination of welded
connections, supported where deemed necessary by means such as a dye
penetrant test or an ultrasonic leak test or an equivalent test. In
any case a thorough inspection of the watertight bulkheads shall be
carried out.
2 The forepeak, double bottom (including duct
keels) and inner skins shall be tested with water to a head corresponding
to the requirements of regulation 10.1.
3 Tanks which are intended to hold liquids, and
which form part of the watertight subdivision of the ship, shall be
tested for tightness and structural strength with water to a head
corresponding to its design pressure. The water head is in no case
to be less than the top of the air pipes or to a level of 2.4 m above
the top of the tank, whichever is the greater.
4 The tests referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3
are for the purpose of ensuring that the subdivision structural arrangements
are watertight and are not to be regarded as a test of the fitness
of any compartment for the storage of oil fuel or for other special
purposes for which a test of a superior character may be required
depending on the height to which the liquid has access in the tank
or its connections.