43. {1)

A double bottom shall be fitted extending from the forepeak bulkhead to the afterpeak bulkhead as far as this is practicable and compatible with the design and proper working of the ship as follows

{a)

in ships of 50 metres and upwards but less than 61 metres in length, a double bottom shall be fi.tted at least from the machinery space to the forepeak bulkhead, or as near thereto as practicable;

{b)

in ships of 61 metres and upwards but less than 76 metres in length, a double bottom shall be fitted at least outside the machinery space, and shall extend to the fore and afterpeak bulkheads, or as near thereto as practicable;

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{c) in ships of 76 metres in length and upwards, a double bottom shall be fitted amidships, and shall extend to the fore and afterpeak bulkheads, or as near thereto as practicable.