C3.1.b. Can sleeping rooms be located below a ship’s load line?

Under Standard A3.1, paragraph 6(c) and (d) of the MLC, 2006 in ships other than passenger ships and special purpose ships [see C3.1.c.], sleeping rooms must be situated above the load line amidships or aft, except that in exceptional cases, where the size, type or intended service of the ship renders any other location impracticable, sleeping rooms may be located in the fore part of the ship, but in no case forward of the collision bulkhead. In passenger ships and special purpose ships the competent authority [see A25.] may, on condition that satisfactory arrangements are made for lighting and ventilation, permit the location of sleeping rooms below the load line, but in no case can they be located immediately beneath working alleyways.

Accommodation and recreational facilities