Bulkhead

A vertical partition that divides a vessel’s interior into separate compartments.

Bulkheads help organise the vessel’s internal space and may also contribute to the strength of the hull. Depending on their construction and purpose, they may be structural, watertight, fire-resisting or simply partitions around accommodation and machinery spaces. It is therefore inaccurate to assume that every bulkhead is watertight or load-bearing.

Doors, hatches, cables and pipework passing through a protective bulkhead can affect its integrity. Where watertight or fire-resisting boundaries are provided, their closures and seals must be maintained and used as designed.