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Unit 3

General Arrangement Plan

Objectives of Unit 3

3.1 Spaces and separations

3.2 The upper deck

Self-assessment test

Progress test

Answers to self-assessment test

References

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OBJECTIVES OF UNIT 3

The main objectives are:

name some important parts of a vessels

identify spaces and separations

describe the upper deck

3.1 Spaces and separations

Spaces and separations

The general arrangement plan shows the division of a vessel into compartments in cross sections and

longitudinal sections.

The compartments are formed by vertical separations

(longitudinal and transverse bulkheads) and horizontal

separations (decks).

These compartments and spaces serve as storage spaces

for cargoes, stores, equipment, spare parts, liquids, etc.,

as accommodation spaces for passengers and members

of the crew, and as "domestic spaces", such as galley,

pantries, dispensary, etc.

The extreme fore end of the vessel is called stem. The

extreme aft end is the stern.

The upper deck, or main deck (a), is often the deck that is exposed to sea and weather. That is why the

main deck is also called the "weather deck". In fact, it provides a "shelter" for all the contents of the

vessel.

The foremost part of the upper deck is called the forecastle (b - pronounced as [foksl]). Its bulwark is

called the vauxhall. The anchor winches are situated on this deck.

The tweendeck (c) is the intermediate deck between upper deck (a) and the inside bottom of the vessel,

called tank top (d). The tweendeck divides the vessel into separate holds.

The upper holds and lower holds (e) are the spaces that contain the cargoes.

Spaces for liquid cargoes are called tanks. Access to a hold can be obtained through hatches. On freighters

these hatches must be sufficiently broad for grabs to be lowered into the holds.

The foremost and aftermost spaces of the vessel are the peak tanks (f).

They may serve as storage spaces for ballast water and are capable of "absorbing" a part of the impact-

forces that are released in case of a collision. The anchor chain is stored in the chain locker (g). It is

situated over the forepeak tank. The upper part of the fore peaktank is called the boatswain's (or bosun's)

locker (h), where ropes, paint and dunnage are kept.

Bulkheads are the vertical separations between holds and spaces.

The fore peak bulkhead and after peak bulkhead (i) are the so-called collision bulkheads. These transverse

bulkheads are watertight and prevent the vessel from flooding in case the vessel collides with another

Longitudinal section with spaces and separations

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vessel. Collision bulkheads are also fire-retarding or even fireproof. Apart from transverse bulkheads

tankers are also fitted with 2 longitudinal bulkheads that divide the vessel into starboard- and port wing

tanks and a centre tank.

The engine room (j) is a watertight machinery space that contains the vessel's propulsion plant.

The steering engine room (k) must also be a watertight compartment and is very often situated over the

after peaktank (f). Due to large stresses that occur under the engine room and peak tanks, additional

strengthenings are often inserted. The double bottom (I) provides strength and storage space for fuel,

lubricating oil, fresh water, salt (ballast) water and potable water.

To prevent liquids from leaking from one double bottom tank into the other, longitudinal and transverse

separations are used between the tanks. These separations, which are in fact empty spaces, are called

cofferdams (m).

On the main deck we find the so-called superstructure (n) with the accommodation for the crew and

passengers, the messroom, the galley and the pantry.

The navigating bridge contains the wheelhouse with the control station, the chartroom where charts, pilot

books and publications are kept, and the radio room. There are the instruments for navigation, such as

the Radar, the log, the echo sounder, the steering compass and repeater compass.

The master compass is usually situated on the monkey island, a small deck or platform over the

wheelhouse.

3.2 The upper deck

The imaginary line from stem to stern is called the fore-and-aft line. It divides the vessel into a starboard-

and portside (when facing forward). "Abeam" is used to indicate direction at a right angle to the fore-and-

aft line.

The terms used to indicate directions in which the vessel can proceed are: ahead and astern, starboard

and port. The upper deck, or main deck, is divided into the foremost deck (a), called "forecastle", the

centre deck, called "midships" (b), and the aft deck, called "quarterdeck"(c). A raised quarterdeck is called

"poop deck".

The foremost part of the vessel is divided into the starboard bow and port bow (d).

The quarterdeck is divided into the starboard quarter and port quarter (e).

Self-assessment Test

Exercise. Match the two columns:

a. The imaginary line from stem to stern is called

1. the fore-and-aft line.

b. The forecastle is 2. the foremost deck

c. Cofferdams are 3. empty spaces.

d. Spaces for liquid cargoes 4. are called tanks.

e. Decks are 5. horizontal separations

f. The master compass is situated 6. on the monkey island

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Progress test

Exercise. Choose the right answer:

1.The forepeak bulkhead is called ... (a. collision bulkhead; b. bosun’s locker; c. foremost deck.) 2. The quarterdeck is situated ... (a. forward; b. aft; c. amidships) 3. The monkey island is a small ... (a. island; b. hold; c. deck) 4. Access to a hold can be obtained through ... (a. tweendecks; b. doors; c. hatches)

Answers to self-assessment test

Exercise. Match the two columns: a. The imaginary line from stem to stern is called 1. the fore-and-aft line.

b. The forecastle is 2. the foremost deck

c. Cofferdams are 3. empty spaces.

d. Spaces for liquid cargoes 4. are called tanks.

e. Decks are 5. horizontal separations

f. The master compass is situated 6. on the monkey island

References

1. Van Kluijven, P.C. – The International Maritime Language

Programme, Alk & Heijnen Publishers, Alkmaar, 2005.

2. Logie, Vivers, Nisbet Marlins Study Pack 2 (book and 2 audio

cassettes). Edinburgh, Marlins, 1998 (ISBN 09531748 1 6)

3. Murphy, R. Essential Grammar In Use. 1st ed. Cambridge,

Cambridge University Press, 1990 (ISBN 0 521 35770 5)