Specifications

SMALL VESSEL COMPLIANCE PROGRAM (SVCP) TP 15111E
Detailed Compliance Report and Guidelines Page 10 of 20
QUESTION 37
Means for adequate ventilation shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of hydrogen from the battery during charging or
discharging cycles. Vented batteries shall not be installed in accommodation spaces.
QUESTION 38
Self explanatory – answer yes or no.
QUESTION 39
A battery disconnect switch shall be installed in the positive conductor from each battery or group of batteries, with a cold cranking
average rating greater than 800 amperes, except for small vessels less than 8.0 metres (approximately 26 feet 3 inches) in length.
The following devices may be connected to the battery side of the battery switch described here, however, each device shall be
provided with circuit protection:
Electronic equipment with continuously powered memory;
Safety equipment such as bilge pumps, alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and bilge blowers; and
Battery charging equipment.
Battery switches shall be placed in a readily accessible location as close as practicable to the battery, or batteries.
Battery disconnect switches shall be capable of carrying the maximum current of the distribution system including the intermittent
load of the starter motor circuit.
SECTION 8: WATERTIGHT INTEGRITY
QUESTION 40
Means shall be provided for positively shutting off underwater penetrations (except wet exhaust systems) and to ensure the watertight
integrity of the hull, deck and the superstructure means of closure.
Hull penetrations shall be kept to the minimum, consistent with the operational needs of the vessel.
Hull penetrations shall have adequate local strength compensation equivalent to the un-pierced structure
in which it is located.
Openings and penetrations in structures shall be kept to a minimum.
Openings and penetrations shall be fitted with a reliable means of closure.
Where practicable hinged doors and hatches shall open outward and be hinged on the forward or outboard side.
Windows, portlights, and skylights shall be fitted with safety glass or equivalent material of equal strength.
For vessels whose construction started after April 1, 2005, the standard for watertightness of openings and penetrations in
structures is the international standard ISO 12216.
For vessels whose construction started after April 1, 2005, cockpits and recesses are to be designated either as "watertight" or
as "quick-draining" and they shall comply with the requirements of the international standard ISO 11812.
Motor wells shall be designed so that they tend to reverse the flow of any water striking the forward face of the well rather
than directing it upward and forward.
Motor wells shall be designed so that they have openings of a minimum size for safe operation and are located as high as
possible and not lower than the normal motor cut-out in the transom.
The motor well has drains fitted that will allow the complete drainage of water within a maximum of five (5) minutes.
The watertightness of all means of closure (under and above waterline) shall be verified regularly as part of the planned maintenance
schedule.
QUESTION 41
In areas where there is a risk of fire, the means to shut-off all underwater penetrations shall be made of material that is
not susceptible to fire damage