scope:

This Ship Design Standard (SDS) presents a quick reference listing of the basic criteria applicable to the location and design of compartments designated for the stowage of hazardous materials. The criteria are derived from the former General Specifications for Ships of the United States Navy, and the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Design Criteria Manual. The criteria apply to compartments and areas only. In addition, this issue also addresses Special Stowage (SS) requirements for selected hazardous materials (HM) in matrix format. Requirements for ammunition storage and for bulk fuels (tankage) are not specified herein. The term ammunition includes weapons, explosives, explosive actuated devices, propellants, and pyrotechnics. Chemical warfare and biological defense materials, medical, and pharmaceutical supplies stored in medical spaces are also excluded.

This Ship Design Standard shall he used as an internal design guidance document only for preparing ship specifications and drawings, SHIPALTS, and engineering changes. In general, the safety criteria are exact excerpts from the corresponding former GSS section. However, in some instances, it was necessary to restructure sentences or omit certain words to avoid including non-safety provisions.