The GSC Regulations require that: 3.11 Watertight Bulkheadsģ.11.1 Either a watertight “crash” bulkhead within 15% of LH from the bow and abaft the forward end of LWL, or permanently installed closed-cell foam buoyancy effectively filling the forward 30% LH of the hullģ.11.2 It is strongly recommended that a boat is fitted with a watertight bulkhead within 15% of LH from the stern. Only Events held under World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations Category 0, as well as the Global Solo Challenge, require this. Watertight subdivision is a common technique for increasing safety on commercial and military vessels but is very rare on yachts. This will provide additional protection against the risk of hypothermia whether a skipper remains onboard their partially flooded boat or is forced to abandon. A liferaft may provide less shelter than a damaged boat fitted with appropriately placed watertight bulkheads.Ĭomplying with the Regulations is a requirement, however the range of situations that may arise following an accident or structural boat failure is so vast that skippers are also required to carry a survival suit. This, to ensure that if any subsections becomes flooded as a consequence of a collision or through-hull failure or other damage such as rudder loss or damage the boat will preserve sufficient reserve buoyancy to allow a skipper to assess the situation, attempt repairs and in any case be in a position to avoid the immediate need to abandon the boat for the liferaft.

The GSC Regulations at point 3.11 require that a boat is fitted with watertight bulkheads that divide the boat in several watertight areas.

Watertight compartments