1. In the case of the ships mentioned in paragraph
5 of Article 10 the competent authority may, in respect of the members
of the crew there referred to, modify the requirements laid down in
the foregoing articles as far as may be necessary to take account
of their distinctive national habits and customs and in particular
may make special arrangements concerning the number of persons occupying
sleeping rooms and concerning mess room and sanitary facilities.
2. In modifying the said requirements the competent
authority shall be bound by the specifications set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Article 10 and by the
minimum sleeping space requirements prescribed for such groups of
ratings in paragraph 5 of Article 10.
3. In ships in which the crew in any department
are persons of widely different national habits and customs, separate
and appropriate sleeping and living accommodation shall be provided
as may be necessary to meet the requirements of the different groups.
4. In the case of the ships mentioned in paragraph 5 of Article 10 the hospital, dining,
bathing and sanitary facilities shall be provided and maintained on
a standard, in regard to their quantity and practical usefulness,
equal or comparable to that which obtains aboard all other ships of
similar type and belonging to the same registry.
5. The competent authority shall, when framing
special regulations under this Article, consult the recognised bona
fide trade unions of seafarers concerned and the organisations
of shipowners and/or the shipowners employing them.