1 This regulation applies to oil tankers of 5,000 tonnes deadweight and above constructed on or after 1 January 2007.

2 The pump-room shall be provided with a double bottom such that at any cross-section the depth of each double bottom tank or space shall be such that the distance h between the bottom of the pump-room and the ship's baseline measured at right angles to the ship's baseline is not less than specified below:

h = B/15 (m) or

h = 2 m, whichever is the lesser.

The minimum value of h = 1 m.

3 In case of pump-rooms whose bottom plate is located above the baseline by at least the minimum height required in paragraph 2 above (e.g. gondola stern designs), there will be no need for a double bottom construction in way of the pump-room.

4 Ballast pumps shall be provided with suitable arrangements to ensure efficient suction from double bottom tanks.

5 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 2 and 3 above, where the flooding of the pump-room would not render the ballast or cargo pumping system inoperative, a double bottom need not be fitted.