NES 149 Access Policy in Surface Ships Category 2

Ministry of Defence
Defence Standard 02-149 (NES 149)

Issue 1 Publication Date 01 April 2000
Access Policy In Surface Ships
Incorporating NES 149 Category 2

Issue 1 Publication Date July 1983
AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No
Date
Text Affected
REVISION NOTE
This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.
HISTORICAL RECORD
This standard supersedes the following:
Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 149 Issue 1 dated July 1983
Signature and Date
Ministry of Defence
Naval Engineering Standard
NES 149
Issue 1
July 1983
(Reformatted)
ACCESS POLICY IN SURFACE SHIPS
This NES Supersedes

GHS PART B23
Record of Amendments
AMDT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
INSERTED BY
DATE
NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 149

ISSUE 1 (REFORMATTED)
ACCESS POLICY IN SURFACE SHIPS
The issue and use of this Standard

is authorized for use in MOD contracts
by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and
the Naval Support Command
ECROWN COPYRIGHT
Published by:
Director of Naval Architecture
Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence
Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
i
ii
NES 149
Issue 1 (Reformatted)
SCOPE
1.
This NES contains the policy for providing normal and emergency access into and within a
surface ship. Details of all access fittings and equipments eg doors and hatches are in
accordance with NES 127.
2.
This NES does not cover the policy to be followed in order to provide designated removal routes
for equipment/machinery replacement or repair. This policy is laid down in NES 302.
3.
This NES includes the requirement to implement the cellularity policy to provide adequately
sized accesses on routes designated for the passage of the weapon equipment transport
envelope.
iii
NES 149
iv
NES 149
FOREWORD
Sponsorship
1.
This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) is sponsored by the Procurement Executive, Ministry
of Defence, Director General Ships (DG Ships), Section D113.
2.
It is to be applied as required to any Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence, contract for

implementing the Access Policy for the normal and emergency access into and within a Surface
Ship.
3.
If it is found to be technically unsuitable for any particular requirement the sponsor is to be

informed in writing of the circumstances with a copy to DG Ships D191a.
4.
Any user of this NES either within MOD or in industry may propose an amendment to it.
Proposals for amendments that are not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be
made to the MOD and those directly applicable to a particular contract are to be dealt with
using existing procedures or as specified in the contract.
5.
No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of an authorized amendment.
6.
Unless otherwise stated, reference in this NES to approval, approved, authorized or similar
terms, means by the Ministry of Defence in writing.
7.
Any significant amendments that may be made to this NES at a later date will be indicated
by a vertical side line. Deletions will be indicated by 000 appearing at the end of the line
interval.
8.
Extracts from British Standards within this NES have been included with the permission of
the British Standards Institution.
Conditions of Release
General
9.
This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) has been prepared for the use of the Crown and of
its contractors in the execution of contracts for the Crown. The Crown hereby excludes all
liability (other than liability for death or personal injury) whatsoever and howsoever arising
(including but without limitation, negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or agents)
for any loss or damage however caused where the NES is used for any other purpose.
10.
This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or
third party rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission
of the MOD.
11.
The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this NES without consulting
or informing any holder.
MOD Tender or Contract Process

12.
This NES is the property of the Crown and unless otherwise authorized in writing by the MOD
must be returned on completion of the contract, or submission of the tender, in connection
with which it is issued.
13.
When this NES is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to ensure that
he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
NES 149
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of
the local MOD(PE) Quality Assurance Representative or the Authority named in the tender
or contract.
14.
When NES are incorporated into MOD contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contracts and any other statutory requirements.
Compliance with an NES does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Related Documents
15.
In the tender and procurement processes the related documents listed in each section and
Annex A can be obtained as follows:
(a)
British Standards
British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL
(b)
Defence Standards
Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Stan 1, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street,
Glasgow G2 8EX
(c)
Naval Engineering Standards
CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llannelli,

Dyfed SA14 8YP
(d)
Other documents
Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.
Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

16.
All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant
MOD Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring
Directorate and the Tender or Contract Sponsor.
17.
Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant
documentation, including specifications, standards and drawings.
Health and Safety

Warning
18.
This NES may call for the use of processes, substances and/or procedures that may be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and in
no way absolves either the supplier or the user from statutory obligations relating to health
and safety at any stage of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those
quoted may not necessarily be exhaustive.
vi
NES 149
CONTENTS
Page No
TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
iii
FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions of Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MOD Tender or Contract Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
v
v
v
v
v
vi
vi
vi
CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
vii
SECTION
1.
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
GENERAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ship Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access Routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self Closing Doors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Access to Structural Tanks and Voids . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ladders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.2
1.2
SECTION
2.
2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
ACCESS ROUTES/PASSAGEWAYS . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum Clear Height . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum Clear Width . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bulkheads Forming Passageways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ladders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
2.1
SECTION
3.
TRUNKED ACCESS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.1
SECTION
4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.7
4.8
4.9
ESCAPE FACILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Design Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartments10 or more men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartments40 or more men . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartments within Red Risk Zone . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartmentsless than 10 men
above Red Risk Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compartmentsescape below or adjacent . . . . . . .
Compartmentsescape above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Escape fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.1
4.1
4.2
4.2
5.
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hatches and Manholes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DoorsArched OpeningsManholes . . . . . . . . . . .
Double Bottom Structure and TanksAccess . . . . .
SuperstructureAccess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Footholds, Handholds and Rungs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.1
SECTION
vii
NES 149
SECTION
6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.1
6.1
6.1
6.4
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WT and GT Doors and HatchesClips . . . . . . . . . .
WT and GT Doors and Hatches
Mechanical Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Handholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION
7.
ACCESS TALLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7.1
SECTION
8.
INSPECTION, TESTS AND TRIALS . . . . . . . . . . .
8.1
SECTION
A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A.1
SECTION
B.
B.1
B.2
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . .

Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Abbreviations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
B.1
B.1
B.1
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
viii
6.1
6.1
NES 149
1.
GENERAL
1.1
Ship Access
1.2
1.3
a.
Access is to be provided into and within the ship by doors, hatches, ladders,
arched openings and manholes. Additional access to all parts of the ships
structure for maintenance during the ships life is provided by access openings,
footholds and handholds. The ship design standards for watertight and gastight
integrity, structural strength and protection are not to be prejudiced.
b.
Doors, hatches and manholes are to be sized and constructed in accordance with
NES 127 and the Ship Design Requirements.
c.
Arched openings are to provide for the same minimum clear opening as would
be achieved by the fitting of a standard WT and GT door, or the special access
provided on designated weapon equipment transport envelope routes.
d.
Access openings through structure etc for cleaning and maintenance purposes
are to be of sufficient size to allow easy passage of personnel.
e.
Where design parameters permit, all decks above the red risk zone are to have
good fore and aft access by means of passageways on both port and starboard
side, or, a throughway at the centreline.
Access Routes
a.
Compartments designed to contain large numbers of men (40 or more) are to

be provided with two widely separated standard accesses, arranged where
possible to provide escape to separate routes (see Sections 6 and 7).
b.
Access routes from accommodation ladders and brow positions into the ship and
routes from services and dining halls etc are to be well defined and clear of
obstruction to facilitate rapid dispersal.
c.
The provision of normal access is to be considered in conjunction with the

requirements for removal and storing routes so that wherever possible common
accesses are provided.
d.
The provision of practical access routes to weapon compartments of sufficient

size to pass a weapon equipment transport envelope of maximum size
2000mm1700mm750mm is to be implemented in parallel with normal
access requirements. This can be met by the inclusion of special access fittings,
ie larger than standard doors and hatches, or alternatively by utilizing portable
plates and/or soft plated areas. As far as design parameters permit, larger doors
and hatches should be incorporated in large ships, whilst a combination of all
types of fittings should be utilized in small ships.
Self Closing Doors

a.
To enable structural doors to be secured in the open position for ready access
whilst limiting the infiltration of air at ambient temperatures into air
conditioned spaces, self closing doors are to be fitted at the boundary accesses
to these spaces.
b.
Exceptions to this requirement can be made where the adjacent areas utilize
leak off air, eg galleys, bathrooms etc.
c.
These arrangements are to allow for securing the self-closing doors in the open
position and clear of fittings whilst securing the structural doors.
1.1
NES 149
1.4
1.5
Access to Structural Tanks and Voids

a.
Access to structural tanks and voids is to be made by manholes and, except

where size positively prohibits, two accesses to each space are to be provided.
b.
The manholes are to be sited at each end of the tank space and if possible at
opposite corners clear of obstructions.
c.
Openings of sufficient size are to be arranged through intermediate plate frames

and longitudinals etc to give access to all parts of the structure for maintenance
and preservation purposes.
Ladders
a.
The construction and fitting details of all ladders are to be in accordance with
NES 127.
b.
The following ladders are to be fitted for vertical access:

(1)
Sloping Ladders
For all normal deck to deck access.
(2)
Vertical Ladders
For deck to deck access where space is at a

premium coupled with little usage. They
may be incorporated to provide emergency
escape facilities in certain areas and also
for specific purposes eg masts and tanks.
(3)
Jumping Ladders
For escape purposes (see Section 7).
(4)
Accommodation Ladder
For personnel embarkation into the ship

from auxiliary craft, ships boats and
pontoons.
(5)
Mediterranean Ladder
Provides similar but simpler facilities as the

accommodation ladder. To be incorporated
in addition to the accommodation ladder as
an alternative arrangement.
(6)
Pilot or Side Ladder
For pilot and personnel embarkation into the

ship from auxiliary craft and ships boats
when neither the accommodation or
Mediterranean ladders are rigged.
1.2
NES 149
2.
ACCESS ROUTES/PASSAGEWAYS
2.1
Minimum Clear Height
2.2
2.3
2.4
a.
A minimum clear height of 2000mm to be provided in all passageways.
b.
In way of WT and GT doors the clear height is to be sufficient to accommodate

the door and associated fittings eg 2400mm on highest red deck where a
standard door is utilized or 2500mm where special access for transport envelope
is incorporated.
Minimum Clear Width

a.
In large ships all main access routes ie fore and aft and large athwartship
passageways are to have a minimum clear width of 1250mm. Minor
passageways eg compartment access to main passageways are to have a
minimum clear width of 950mm.
b.
In small ships the minimum clear widths are to be 1100mm for main access
routes and 800mm for minor access routes.
c.
The minimum clear width to accommodate the larger doors provided for special
access on weapon equipment transport routes is to be 1375mm.
Bulkheads Forming Passageways

a.
Wherever possible stiffeners, including swedges, are to be fitted on the reverse

side of bulkheads forming main passageways.
b.
In exceptional circumstances where this is impracticable, or where it is essential

to site items of equipment in passageways, the clear widths given in 2.2.a. are
to be maintained in way of the stiffeners and or equipment. The latter being
sited in recesses in the bulkheads wherever it is considered necessary and design
parameters permit.
c.
Corners of minor bulkheads are to be rounded to 150mm radius at passageway

junctions.
Ladders
a.
Where sloping ladders are fitted to provide either internal or external vertical
access, landings are to extend at least one metre from both the foot and head of
ladder.
b.
Where vertical ladders are fitted, adequate clear space is to be arranged around
and at the top and bottom landings sufficient for personnel to ascend and
descend whilst wearing breathing apparatus, protective clothing etc.
c.
All ladders are to be removable and where possible ladderway hatches on

internal decks are to be arranged vertically above each other in order to provide
a practical equipment removal or storing route.
2.1
NES 149
2.2
NES 149
3.
TRUNKED ACCESS
a.
Access to important compartments situated within the Red Risk Zone that are
manned in action are to be trunked, and constructed to a standard that
maintains the ships WT integrity, to a level above the Red Risk Zone.
b.
WT hatches are to be provided at each WT deck at which compartments are to

be entered from the trunk. Doors serving such compartments, except where
used for Magazine Venting purposes, are to open into that compartment and are
to be WT as necessary to maintain the ships WT integrity.
c.
Compartments typical of those to be served by trunks are magazines, control

spaces, shaft passages, machinery spaces, steering gear compartments,
generator compartments and pump spaces.
d.
Where large compartments are involved eg machinery spaces, a minimum of

two trunked accesses are to be provided. These are to be widely separated either
port or starboard or forward and aft, depending on the ship arrangements.
3.1
NES 149
3.2
NES 149
4.
ESCAPE FACILITIES
4.1
General
4.2
4.3
a.
The use of modern materials, including plastics, and the grouping of

compartments for ventilation and air conditioning purposes, necessitates the
provision of escape facilities from potential fire hazards and smoke or fume
filled compartments.
b.
The general standards of Ship Design requirements are to be in accordance with

NES 119.
Design Parameters
a.
The design parameters for escape routes depend upon the location of the
compartment, length of escape route, proximity of high fire risk spaces and the
provision of fire fighting equipment (breathing apparatus and survival support
equipment).
b.
All facilities available for rapidly containing the fire and products of combustion
involving the closing of ventilation and access openings, or alternatively the
practicability of clearing smoke and fumes by the use of ventilation trunks, also
have a bearing on escape requirements.
c.
Only a basis for the provision of escape facilities can therefore be defined, and
the following general criteria are intended to present a design philosophy.
Compartments10 or more men

a.
4.4
Compartments40 or more men

a.
4.5
Compartments or groups of compartments within the red risk zone which are
manned in action are to be provided with trunked access in accordance with
Section 6.
Compartmentsless than 10 men above Red Risk Zone

a.
4.7
Where, in compartments, containing 40 or more men, it has been found

impracticable to provide egress to separate escape routes for each access
provided in accordance with Section 4, additional escape scuttles are to be fitted
if this facilitates egress to a separate escape route.
Compartments within Red Risk Zone

a.
4.6
Compartments or groups of compartments containing 10 or more men are to be

provided with escape facilities giving egress to escape routes separate from
normal access.
Compartments containing less than 10 men located above the red risk zone
where there is a particular danger of entrapment by fire or products of
combustion eg close proximity to high fire risk compartments combined with
a long escape route to an open deck area, consideration is to be given to the
provision of trunked access to the weather deck.
Compartmentsescape below or adjacent

a.
Where alternative overhead escape is not practicable, escape to compartments

below or adjacent is to be considered, providing WT integrity or security in
certain limited areas is not impaired.
4.1
NES 149
4.8
4.9
Compartmentsescape above
a.
Where secondary escape facilities lead to the same smoke filled passageway or
lobby, the emergency escape is to lead to the compartment above provided there
is no commonality between that compartment and the passageway or lobby eg
by ventilation trunking.
b.
Where secondary accesses do not provide egress to separate routes in the case
of fire, they may be of value in the event of flooding and also provide a means
of escape when normal access fittings are jammed.
Escape fittings
a.
Hatches are to incorporate escape manholes operable from above and below
and of sufficient size to allow for the passage of personnel wearing breathing
apparatus. Additionally the hatches on escape routes must also be operable
from either above or below by one man.
b.
Escape Scuttles are to be operable from both within the compartment from
which escape is desired and from the external position ie operable from either
side. The scuttles are to be of sufficient size to allow the passage of personnel
wearing breathing apparatus.
c.
Kick-out Panels are to be fitted in non-watertight doors to living and working

spaces unless security reasons require otherwise.
d.
Quick Acting Watertight Doors (QAWTD) are not to be fitted at main WT

bulkheads or where the ships watertight integrity may be prejudiced. In these
situations full separately clipped watertight doors (WT doors) are to be
incorporated but suitable QAWTD may be considered for use elsewhere.
e.
Flexible Emergency Ladders (Jumping Ladders) complete with deck

securing arrangements are to be fitted at:
(1)
every hatch where between deck height to coaming top exceeds 2400mm
(2)
all hatches to machinery spaces irrespective of height between platform

level
(3)
every escape hatch and deck scuttle not fitted with a permanent ladder.
4.2
NES 149
Issue 1 (Reformaatted)
5.
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS
5.1
Hatches and Manholes
5.2
a.
Hatches and manholes are to be sited to avoid cutting deck supporting

structure. Where this is unavoidable, beams or longitudinals are to be cranked
as practicable and adequate compensation incorporated by half beams and
castings.
b.
Consideration must be given to ensuring that hatches and other access openings
are sited to minimize the greatest loss of effective deck area from both strength
and layout aspects.
DoorsArched OpeningsManholes
a.
5.3
5.4
5.5
In locating doors, arched openings and manholes in main structural bulkheads,

care is to be taken to minimize cutting stiffeners. Compensation stiffening is to
be worked where this is unavoidable.
Double Bottom Structure and TanksAccess

a.
Access to all parts of double bottom structure and tanks is to be provided by

means of access holes arranged on plate floors and longitudinals, except where
these are required to be watertight or oil tight.
b.
The holes are to be arranged in conjunction with each other and with the access
manholes to provide free and easy access to the spaces.
c.
Consideration must be given to ensure maintenance and uniformity of strength

throughout structural members.
SuperstructureAccess
a.
In order to preserve shear strength, access openings in superstructure sides are

to be staggered port and starboard, and sited as far as practicable away from the
intersection with main transverse bulkheads.
b.
Access openings in superstructure bulkheads and decks are to be arranged with

consideration to maintenance of shear strength and continuity of longitudinal
strength eg openings should be sited wherever possible away from the ships
side area and the cutting of main strength structure avoided.
Footholds, Handholds and Rungs

a.
Footholds, handholds and rungs etc fitted to meet the requirements of Section
1. must be compatible with the integrity and strength of structural
arrangements into which they are incorporated.
b.
Where separate rungs are fitted in lieu of vertical ladders, they are to be in
accordance with NES 127.
5.1
NES 149
5.2
NES 149
6.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
6.1
General
6.2
6.3
a.
Access arrangements are to be kept under continuous review during the ship
build and major refits to ensure that personnel safety and operating
requirements are being achieved and maintained.
b.
Additional accesses or changes to access arrangements found necessary by the

review are to be incorporated.
c.
Safety of personnel must be of prime importance when siting or arranging

access. Consideration must be given to ease of access under adverse conditions
ie in a darkened smoke filled atmosphere, under conditions of list or excessive
trim etc.
d.
Hazards such as hatches sited at or adjacent to the foot of a ladder or a door are
to be avoided.
e.
All passageways, doors, hatches and manholes are to be kept clear of

obstructions and projections.
f.
Particular attention is to be given to safety standards where hatches are

arranged vertically above each other through 2 or more deck levels.
g.
Ladders, where possible, are to be arranged fore and aft and sited clear of
through passageways, with adequate space at the top and bottom of ladder for
transit of firefighting equipment and breathing apparatus.
WT and GT Doors and HatchesClips

a.
Clips for WT and GT doors and hatches are to be in accordance with NES 127.
b.
Securing arrangements are to be provided to retain doors and hatches in the

open position.
c.
The securing arrangements are to be sufficiently robust to ensure that the door
or hatch remains secure against heavy sea motions of rolling and pitching and
transmitted shock forces.
WT and GT Doors and HatchesMechanical Operation

a.
6.4
Heavy doors and hatches with a weight in excess of 150kg are to be fitted with
a mechanical means of operation sufficient to ensure that access can be opened
or closed against an adverse trim or heel.
Handholds
a.
Safety handholds for personnel are to be fitted as convenient to deckheads or

adjacent structure in way of all ladders.
6.1
NES 149
6.2
NES 149
7.
ACCESS TALLIES
a.
All doors, hatches and manhole covers are to be clearly marked in accordance
with NES 118 and NES 119.
b.
Tallies are to be in accordance with DGS 379.
7.1
NES 149
Issue 1 *(Reformatted)
7.2
NES 149
8.
INSPECTION, TESTS AND TRIALS

a.
All access routes including ladders, doors and hatches etc are to be subject to
periodic inspection to ensure that the specified standards are being
incorporated and maintained.
b.
Additional tests and inspections may be carried out as required by NES 23 and
NES 127.
c.
WT and GT doors and hatches are to be chalk tested after fitting to demonstrate
that a continuous seating has been achieved at bearing surfaces.
d.
Subsequent water or air tests are to be carried out to the standards specified for
the compartments they give access to.
e.
Manhole covers are to be considered as an integral part of the boundary

structure of the compartment or tank they give access to and are therefore to
be tested accordingly.
8.1
NES 149
8.2
NES 149
ANNEX A.
A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
a.
Reference is made:
Referred to in
Clause
NES 23
Trials, Tests and Inspection of Ship
8.b.
NES 118
NBCD Material
7.a.
NES 119
Ship Fire Protection and Damage Control
4.1.b., 7.a.
NES 127
Access Fittings and Equipment
SCOPE 1.,
B.1.a., 1.1.b.,
1.5.a., 5.5.b.,
6.2.a., 8.b.
NES 302
Maintenance Envelopes and Removal Routes
7.b.
DGS 379
*(NES 723)
Standard Tallies for use in HM Ships and S/

Ms
Requirements for Marker Plates
7.b.
NOTE
*In course of preparationwhen published will supersede related

document.
b.
Information concerning the Issuing Authorities of the related documents may

be obtained from the local Ministry of Defence (PE) Quality Assurance
representative or Ship Department Section D191b, Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
(Telephone Bath (0225) 61211).
c.
All applications to Ministry establishments for related documents are to quote

the relevant Ministry of Defence (PE) invitation to tender or the contract
number and date, together with the sponsoring Directorate and the tender or
contract sponsor.
A.1
ANNEX A.
NES 149
ANNEX A.
A.2
NES 149
ANNEX B.
B.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
B.1
Definitions
a.
For the purpose of this NES the following Definitions and Abbreviations apply:
Ships of approximately 4000 tonnes and over displacement.
The zone of primary flooding in the event of ship damage
which will normally be specified in the ship contract.
A route giving adequate passage for an equipment with
minimum removal of permanently sited fittings, equipment, structure, pipes, etc from its operational position to a
suitable off-loading position.
Large Ships
Red Risk Zone
Removal Route
Small Ships
Ships below 4000 tonnes displacement.
Special Access
Doors and hatches, larger than the standard range and

included in NES 127 or alternatively portable plates/soft
plated areas, specifically incorporated on weapon
equipment access routes for the passage of the transport
envelopes.
Standard Access
Doors, hatches, openings etc complying with the standard

range of size for such accesses contained in NES 127.
The minimum size of access required on the shipping
routes.
Weapon Equipment
Transport Envelope
B.2
Abbreviations
GT
Gastight
QAWTD
Quick acting watertight door
WT
Watertight
B.1
ANNEX B.
NES 149
ANNEX B.
B.2
NES 149
ALPHABETICAL INDEX
A
Access
double bottom structure, 5.1
holes, 5.1
routes, 2.1
ship, 1.1
structure-tanks, 1.2
superstructure, 5.1
tallies, 7.1
trunks, 3.1
Ambient temperatures, 1.1
Arched openings, 1.1
size, 1.1
Arched Openings , siting , 5.1
B
Brow, 1.1
BulkheadRadius , 2.1
C
Clips
door, 6.1
hatch, 6.1
retaining door, 6.1
D
Dining halls, 1.1
Doors
clips, 6.1
marking , 7.1
mechanical operation , 6.1
quick acting, 4.2
size, 1.1
watertight, 3.1
watertightgastight, 2.1, 5.1, 6.1
watertight-gastight, 1.1
F
Fire Hazard, 4.1
Footholds, 1.1, 5.1
G
Gastight integrity, 1.1
INDEX.1
INDEX
NES 149
H
Handholds , 6.1
Hatches, 1.1, 6.1
clips, 6.1
escape , 4.2
marking , 7.1
mechanical operation, 6.1
securing arrangements, 6.1
siting , 5.1, 6.1
size, 1.1
tests, 8.1
I
Inspections, Tests, Trials, 8.1
Intermediate Plate Frames, 1.2
Internal Decks , 2.1
K
KickOut Panels , 4.2
L
Ladders, 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 6.1, 8.1
accommodation, 1.1, 1.2
construction, 1.2
landings , 2.1
jumping, 1.2, 4.2
Mediterranean, 1.2
pilot-side, 1.2
sloping, 1.2
vertical, 1.2, 2.1, 5.1
Leak-Off air, 1.1
Longitudinals , 5.1
Longtitudinals, 1.2
M
Manholes, 1.1, 1.2, 5.1, 6.1
marking, 7.1
size, 1.1
siting, 5.1, 6.1
sizing, 1.2
testing, 8.1
P
Passageways, 1.1, 2.1, 6.1
Plastics, 4.1
R
Red Risk Zone, 1.1, 3.1, 4.1
INDEX
INDEX.2
NES 149
Routes
escape, 4.1, 4.2
removal, 1.1
removal, 2.1
storing, 1.1
storing, 2.1
Rungs, 5.1
S
Safety, 6.1
Services, 1.1
Stiffeners, 2.1
Structural strength, 1.1, 5.1
Swedges, 2.1
T
Throughway, 1.1
W
Watertight Integrity, 1.1
INDEX.3
INDEX
NES 149
INDEX
INDEX.4
Inside Rear Cover
Crown Copyright 2000

Copying Only as Agreed with DStan
Defence Standards are Published by and Obtainable from:

Defence Procurement Agency
An Executive Agency of The Ministry of Defence
Directorate of Standardization
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
GLASGOW G2 8EX
DStan Helpdesk
Tel 0141 224 2531/2
Fax 0141 224 2503
Internet e-mail enquiries@dstan.mod.uk
File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/02/149.
Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with
a Defence Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Revision of Defence Standards
Defence Standards are revised as necessary by up issue or amendment. It is important that
users of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or
amendment. Information on all Defence Standards is contained in Def Stan 00-00 Standards
for Defence Part 3 , Index of Standards for Defence Procurement Section 4 Index of Defence
Standards and Defence Specifications published annually and supplemented regularly by
Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person who, when making use of a Defence
Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to notify the Directorate of
Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and
appropriate action taken.

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Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-149 (NES 149)

Access Policy In Surface Ships

Incorporating NES 149 Category 2

Signature and Date

Naval Engineering Standard

ACCESS POLICY IN SURFACE SHIPS

This NES Supersedes

NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 149

The issue and use of this Standard

It is to be applied as required to any Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence, contract for

If it is found to be technically unsuitable for any particular requirement the sponsor is to be

No alteration is to be made to this NES except by the issue of an authorized amendment.

MOD Tender or Contract Process

British Standards Institution,

Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Naval Engineering Standards

CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llannelli,

Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

Health and Safety

INSPECTION, TESTS AND TRIALS . . . . . . . . . . .

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . .

Compartments designed to contain large numbers of men (40 or more) are to

The provision of normal access is to be considered in conjunction with the

The provision of practical access routes to weapon compartments of sufficient

Self Closing Doors

Access to Structural Tanks and Voids

Access to structural tanks and voids is to be made by manholes and, except

Openings of sufficient size are to be arranged through intermediate plate frames

The following ladders are to be fitted for vertical access:

For all normal deck to deck access.

For deck to deck access where space is at a

For escape purposes (see Section 7).

For personnel embarkation into the ship

Provides similar but simpler facilities as the

Pilot or Side Ladder

For pilot and personnel embarkation into the

Minimum Clear Height

A minimum clear height of 2000mm to be provided in all passageways.

In way of WT and GT doors the clear height is to be sufficient to accommodate

Minimum Clear Width

Bulkheads Forming Passageways

Wherever possible stiffeners, including swedges, are to be fitted on the reverse

In exceptional circumstances where this is impracticable, or where it is essential

Corners of minor bulkheads are to be rounded to 150mm radius at passageway

All ladders are to be removable and where possible ladderway hatches on

WT hatches are to be provided at each WT deck at which compartments are to

Compartments typical of those to be served by trunks are magazines, control

Where large compartments are involved eg machinery spaces, a minimum of

The use of modern materials, including plastics, and the grouping of

The general standards of Ship Design requirements are to be in accordance with

Compartments10 or more men

Compartments40 or more men

Compartmentsless than 10 men above Red Risk Zone

Where, in compartments, containing 40 or more men, it has been found

Compartments within Red Risk Zone

Compartments or groups of compartments containing 10 or more men are to be

Compartmentsescape below or adjacent

Where alternative overhead escape is not practicable, escape to compartments

Kick-out Panels are to be fitted in non-watertight doors to living and working

Quick Acting Watertight Doors (QAWTD) are not to be fitted at main WT

Flexible Emergency Ladders (Jumping Ladders) complete with deck

all hatches to machinery spaces irrespective of height between platform