Licensed Copy: Mr.

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
Copy, (c) BSI

UDC 629.12.011.83
Specification for

Ships’ windows
BRITISH STANDARD MARINE SERIES
BS MA
25:1973
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
Copy, (c) BSI BS MA 25:1973

This British Standard, having

been approved by the
Shipbuilding and Marine
Industry Standards Committee,
was published under the
authority of the Executive
Board on Amendments issued since publication
29 October 1973
Amd. No. Date of issue Comments
© BSI 02-2000
2060 July 1976 Indicated by a sideline in the margin
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference SME/7
Draft for comment 71/32821

ISBN 0 580 07986 4

Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Contents

Page
Foreword iii
1 General 1
1.1 Scope 1
1.2 Definitions 1
1.3 Conformity with law or regulation 2
2 Materials 2
2.1 General 2
2.2 Schedule of materials 3
3 Glasses for ships’ windows 3
3.1 General 3
3.2 Dimensions of toughened safety glasses 3
3.3 Examination and testing of toughened glasses 5
3.4 Marking 6
4 Dimensions and tolerances for ships’ windows 7
5 Design and construction 10
5.1 General 10
5.2 Windows for sea-going ships 10
5.3 Windows for ships in sheltered or inland waters 10
5.4 Hinge pins and window fasteners 11
Copy, (c) BSI

6 Glazing 11
6.1 General 11
6.2 Wheelhouse windows 12
6.3 Glazing strips, glazing screws and fixing bolts 12
7 Installation and testing 12
7.1 Installation 12
7.2 Testing 13
7.3 Inspection 13
7.4 Testing facilities 13
8 Identification 13
Appendix A Examination of toughened safety glass using polarized light 14
Appendix B Suitable apparatus for load stamp test of toughened safety glass 15
Appendix C Timber for ships’ window frames 15
Appendix D Windows for ships operating in sheltered waters 16
Appendix E Method for calculating the thickness of toughened safety glass
using design pressure head formulae 16
Figure 1 — Edge of the glass 5
Figure 2 — Rectangular windows 7
Figure 3 — Category 1 and Category 2 windows 9
Figure 4 — Profile showing tiers, datum deck and weather deck 9
Figure 5 — Polariscope for examining for standard of toughening of glass 14
Figure 6 — Apparatus for load stamp test of toughened glass 15
Figure 7 — Curve for determination of factor ¶ based on window size ratio 18
Table 2 — Tolerance on thickness of glass 4
Table 3 — Tolerance on flatness and parallelism of glass 4
Table 4 — Dimensions of arris for edge of glasses 4
Table 5 — Proof loading for load stamp test 5
Table 6 — Dimensions of ships’ windows 8
Table 7 — Dimensions and number of window hinge pins and fasteners 11

© BSI 02-2000 i
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Page
Table 8 — Glazing dimensions for wheelhouse windows 12
Table 9 — Dimensions for glazing strips, glazing screws and fixing bolts 12
Table 10 — Maximum allowable pressure head on toughened safety glass
for standard sizes of ships’ windows 17
Copy, (c) BSI

ii © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the authority of the Shipbuilding
and Marine Industry Standards Committee and provides requirements for the
design (including dimensions), construction, glazing, testing and installation of
ships’ windows.
The standard is based on the experience of glass and window manufacturers and
shipbuilders, and of Authorities who apply to ships the provisions of the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, (1960) and of the
International Convention respecting Load Lines, (1930 and 1966) and follows the
standard being prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 8 — Shipbuilding, of
the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO).
Consideration has also been given to the safety of passengers and crew and also
to the safety of the ship, having regard to the safety convention and load line
convention, both of which require that openings in ships’ hulls and ships’
superstructure shall be efficiently protected.
The design and scantlings of ships’ windows in this standard will normally be
applicable to ships engaged on sea voyages, but in the case of ships on restricted
services such modifications of this standard as appears reasonable may be
allowed, having regard to the services of these ships.
The dimensions of ships’ windows specified have been adopted from the
future ISO standard being prepared by the Technical Committee
ISO/TC 8 — Shipbuilding, of the International Organisation for Standardization,
(in which the United Kingdom has taken an active part), to facilitate the repair
Copy, (c) BSI

of ships’ windows.
The standard also includes requirements for the testing of glasses for ships’
windows, based on ISO 614. Details of the apparatus to be used for the testing of
glasses is given in the Appendices.
The requirements of this British Standard appertaining to toughened safety
glasses for ships’ windows supersede those specified in BS 3925:1965, which will
accordingly be withdrawn.
It is not the purpose of this standard to specify precautions, such as the provision
of shutters, that may have to be taken in certain weather conditions for the
protection of glasses in ships’ windows.
A further related standard in this Marine Series is BS MA . . . . , Specification for
side scuttles for ships, (revision of BS 3024), in course of preparation.
This standard makes reference to the following British Standards:
BS 309, Whiteheart malleable iron castings.
BS 310, Blackheart malleable iron castings.
BS 952, Classification of glass for glazing and terminology for work on glass.
BS 970, Wrought steels in the form of blooms, billets, bars and forgings.
BS 1400, Copper alloy ingots and copper and copper alloy castings.
BS 1490, Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings.
BS 1631, See BS 3100.
BS 1632, See BS 3100.
BS 2872, Copper and copper alloys. Forging stock and forgings.
BS 2874, Copper and copper alloys. Rods and sections (other than forging stock).
BS 3100, Steel castings for general engineering purposes.
BS 1631, Austenitic chromium-nickel steel castings for resistance to corrosion.
BS 1632, Austenitic chromium-nickel-molybdenum steel castings for resistance to
corrosion.
BS 3643, ISO metric screw threads — Part 1 Thread data and standard
thread series — Part 2 Limits and tolerances for coarse pitch series threads.
BS 4360, Weldable structural steels.

© BSI 02-2000 iii

Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.

Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity

from legal obligations.
Copy, (c) BSI

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 18, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on the
inside front cover.

iv © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

NOTE 1 Users of this British Standard: Marine Series should note that while observing the requirements of the Standard they
should at the same time ensure compliance with such statutory requirements, rules and regulations as may be applicable to the
individual ship concerned. (See also 1.3)
NOTE 2 Attention is drawn to the fact that some ships’ windows are subject to letters patent.

1 General
1.1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for the design (including dimensions), construction,
scantlings, glazing, testing and installation of non-opening and opening type windows for ships. It also
specifies the thicknesses of toughened safety glasses for ships’ windows located in the respective tier
positions in both passenger and non-passenger ships.

1.2 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard the following definitions apply.
1.2.1
passenger ship
a ship carrying more than 12 passengers
1.2.2
bulkhead deck
the uppermost deck to which the transverse watertight bulkheads extend. Where used herein refers to
Copy, (c) BSI

passenger ships only

1.2.3
datum deck
the freeboard deck in a non-passenger ship and the bulkhead deck or freeboard deck whichever is the
higher in a passenger ship
1.2.4
freeboard deck
the deck from which the freeboards assigned to the ship are calculated, being either:
1) the uppermost complete deck exposed to weather and sea which has permanent means of closing all
openings in its weather portions and below which all openings in the sides of the ship are fitted with
means of watertight closing, or
2) at the request of the owner and subject to the approval of the Department of Trade and Industry, a
deck lower than that described in 1.2.4 1) which may be permitted subject to its being a complete and
permanent deck that is continuous both firstly, in a fore and aft direction at least between the machinery
space and the peak bulkheads of the ship, and secondly, athwartships. In a ship having a discontinuous
freeboard deck the lower line of the exposed deck and the continuation of that line parallel to the upper
part of the deck is taken as the freeboard deck.
1.2.5
superstructure
a decked structure on the freeboard deck which entitles the ship to a reduction in freeboard. Deckhouses
whose sides are within 1.5 m from the ship’s side are, for the purpose of this Standard, treated as a
superstructure without regard to allowance for freeboard
1.2.6
tiers
spaces above the higher of the bulkhead deck or freeboard deck in passenger ships or the freeboard deck in
non-passenger ships

© BSI 02-2000 1
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

1.2.7
safety glass (General definition.)
a glass which, if fractured, gives fragments which are less liable to cause severe cuts than fragments
of ordinary glass
1.2.8
toughened safety glass
glass which has been converted to safety glass by subjection to a process of heating and rapid cooling so
that if fractured it disintegrates into small pieces and, in addition, its liability to fracture under the action
of external forces or changes of temperature is greatly reduced
1.2.9
laminated toughened safety glass
a product consisting of two or more pieces of toughened safety glass firmly united to and alternating with
one or more pieces of reinforcing material known as “interlayer” or “interleaf”. The adhesion should be such
that fracture will not cause the glass to separate from the interlayer to any substantial extent and that the
glass will not break into large fragments capable of causing severe injury
1.2.10
batch
a quantity of glasses of the same size and thickness and which show a similar strain pattern when viewed
by polarized light
Copy, (c) BSI

1.3 Conformity with law or regulation

The purchaser shall disclose to the supplier at the time of the inquiry any statutory or other regulations
with which the windows are intended to comply.
Windows fitted in all British merchant ships have to satisfy the requirements of:
1) The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) Rules 1965 — (Statutory Instrument 1965,
No. 1103).
2) The Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Rules 1965 — (Statutory
Instrument 1965, No. 1104).
NOTE For passenger vessels registered in the United Kingdom the windows are required to be constructed to the satisfaction of
a marine surveyor of the Department of Trade and Industry.

2 Materials
2.1 General
The materials used in the construction of window scantlings to this standard shall comply with those
specified in 2.2 as regards chemical composition and mechanical properties, as a minimum requirement.
The mechanical testing of all materials specified in 2.2 shall be carried out in accordance with the
mechanical test requirements of the appropriate British Standard listed in the schedule.

2 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

2.2 Schedule of materials

Aluminium Malleable
Types Brass Gunmetal Steel
alloys cast iron

Sand BS 1400 BS 1490 BS 1400 BS 310

castings (SCB3–C) LM5 LG2 Grade 2
BS 2874 LM6 LG4 BS 309
(CZ 121) LM25 Grade 1
Die BS 1400
castings (DCB1)
Castings Carbon-steel
(by other methods) BS 3100
Material
BS 592
Grade A
Plate BS 4360-2
Grade 43A
Extrusions BS 2874 BS 1474
(CZ 123) NE4
NE5
NE8
Copy, (c) BSI

HE9
HE30
Naval BS 1400
die castings (DCB1)
(DCB3)
Wrought BS 970
corrosion 321S12
resistant 34S17
316S16
Cast BS 1631
corrosion BS 1632
resistant

3 Glasses for ships’ windows

3.1 General
Glasses for ships’ windows shall be in toughened safety glass. The glass shall comply with the requirements
of BS 952.

3.2 Dimensions of toughened safety glasses

3.2.1 Thickness of glasses. The thickness of glasses for ships’ windows, according to the nominal window
dimension and location of the tier, shall be calculated from the formula given in Appendix E, which takes
into account the ship’s length, breadth, freeboard, block coefficient and breadth of deck houses.

3.2.1.1 When obscured glass is fixed with the obscured surface facing inwards, one thickness greater than
that calculated shall be used.
3.2.1.2 When obscured glasses are used with the obscured surface on the outside, the calculated thickness
is acceptable, providing the depth of sandblast treatment does not exceed 0.125 mm. It is preferable that
the obscuring treatment should be applied before the glass is toughened.

© BSI 02-2000 3
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

3.2.1.3 Where windows of the 2nd tier and tiers above are situated in positions at a distance of at least 4 %
of the breadth of the ship from the ship’s side or 1.5 m whichever is the greater, or positioned behind
screens, the glass may be reduced by one thickness.
3.2.2 Tolerance on thickness. The tolerance on thickness shall be according to the values given
in Table 2.
Table 2 — Tolerance on thickness
of glass
Nominal thickness of glass Tolerance

mm mm
10 ± 0.3
12 ± 0.3
15 ± 0.5
19 ± 1.0
25 ± 1.0

3.2.3 Tolerance on flatness and parallelism of glass thickness. The tolerance on flatness and
parallelism of glasses shall be as specified in Table 3.
Table 3 — Tolerance on flatness and parallelism of glass
Nominal thickness of glass (t) mm 10, 12, 15, 19, 25
Tolerance on
Copy, (c) BSI

parallelism (p)
(mm/1 000 mm) 0.2

Tolerance on
flatness (f)
(mm/1 000 mm) 2.0

3.2.4 Edges of toughened safety glasses. All edges shall be arrissed and finished to remove sharpness
and roughness. Edges of glasses of nominal thickness over 12 mm should be ground flat and arrissed or
finished by some other such process providing that the finished dimension conforms to the dimensional
tolerances specified in Table 6. The width (s) and depth (y) of the arris should not exceed the dimensions
in Table 4.
The arrissing should be carried out before toughening the glass.
Table 4 — Dimensions of arris for
edge of glasses
Nominal thickness Maximum Minimum
of glass, t width, s depth, y
mm mm mm
10 1.4 1.0
12 

15 
 2.0 1.4
19 
25 


4 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Figure 1 — Edge of the glass

3.3 Examination and testing of toughened glasses

3.3.1 Examination in polarized light. Each glass shall be illuminated by plane polarized light falling
approximately normally on one face and examined from the opposite side through the analyzing device. To
ensure that the glass is properly toughened, the whole area of each glass shall be examined. A suitable
apparatus is described in Appendix A.
During this examination, the glasses shall be sorted into batches of similar strain pattern, for subjection
to the strength test, if required, as specified in 3.3.2.
Copy, (c) BSI

3.3.2 Strength test. Manufacturers shall guarantee that glasses for windows for ships, purporting to
comply with this specification will pass the load stamp test and acceptance conditions described in 3.3.4
to 3.3.6.
In the event of a purchaser requiring tests to be made on any consignment of glasses, the sampling
procedure described in 3.3.3 shall be adopted.
A suitable apparatus for carrying out the load stamp test is described in Appendix B.
3.3.3 Sampling of glasses. Each batch of glasses shall be tested separately. Where a batch consists
of 4 glasses or less, each of the glasses shall be tested. Where a batch consists of more than 4 glasses, the
test shall be carried out on a random sample of 4 glasses, or on 2 % of the batch, whichever figure is the
greater.
3.3.4 Proof loading. Each glass to be tested shall be subjected to the proof loading specified in Table 5,
according to the nominal thickness of the glass.
Table 5 — Proof loading for load stamp test
Glass thickness Proof loading

Limits of Diameter of Diameter of

Nominal
thickness orifice 150 mm orifice 200 mm

mm mm N N
10 9.7–10.3 11 000 10 200
12 11.7–12.3 16 500 15 500
15 14.5–15.5 25 500 24 000
19 18.0–20.0 36 800 33 400
25 24.0–2.60 — 53 000

3.3.5 Procedure. The glass shall be tested as follows.

1) Place the glass under test on the rubber-faced block so that no edge of the glass is less than 25 mm
from the edge of the hole.
2) Lower the plunger on to the fibre pad placed on top of the glass and apply the appropriate load at a
rate not greater than 1 000 N per second until the proof load is reached. As the proof load is approached
the rate of loading may be reduced to avoid exceeding the proof load.
3) Maintain the specified load for a period of 5 seconds.

© BSI 02-2000 5
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

3.3.6 Acceptance conditions

1) If each sample glass tested remains unbroken the whole batch shall be accepted.
2) If one sample glass breaks during the test, a complete re-test shall be carried out on a further sample
taken from the same batch.
3) If more than one glass breaks in the first test, or one glass breaks during the re-test, the batch shall
be rejected.

3.4 Marking
3.4.1 The following particulars shall be indelibly and distinctly marked by the manufacturer on each piece
of toughened glass intended for glazing a ship’s window in such a position that the markings will be visible
when the glass is positioned in the glassholder.
All individual markings shall be grouped together, preferably in the bottom right hand or left hand corner
of the glass.
1) The name, registered trade mark or licence number of the manufacturer.
2) The number of this British Standard, i.e. BS MA 25.
NOTE This British Standard provides for a product which covers personal safety. Manufacturers and purchasers are urged to
make use of the certification scheme whereby the product may bear the registered certification mark of BSI. For further
information see the in side back cover of this standard.
3) A single triangle, inverted to indicate that the glass is clear toughened safety glass, or a double
triangle for obscured and other non-transparent toughened safety glass.
The nominal thickness of the glass shall also be indicated within the triangle.
Copy, (c) BSI

6 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
Copy, (c) BSI

© BSI 02-2000
4 Dimensions and tolerances for ships’ windows

Figure 2 — Rectangular windows

7
BS MA 25:1973
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malays
Table 6 — Dimensions of ships’ windows
8

BS MA 25:1973
Nominal Window Glass Glass recess
dimension of
Clear light size W1 h1
window
N W h R r max. min. max. min. R1 r1 W2 h2 R2 r2

mm × mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm mm
300 × 425 300 425 425 318 314 443 439 433 321 446 435
355 × 500 355 500 500 50 373 369 518 514 508 58 376 521 510 60
Copy, (c) BSI

400 × 560 400 560 560 418 414 578 574 568 421 581 570
450 × 630 450 630 630 468 464 648 644 638 471 651 640
500 × 710 500 710 710 518 514 728 724 718 521 731 720
560 × 800 560 800 800 100 578 574 818 814 808 108 581 821 810 110
900 × 630 900 630 2 500 918 914 648 644 2 508 921 651 2 510
1 000 × 710 1 000 710 2 750 1 018 1 014 728 724 2 758 1 021 731 2 760
1 100 × 800 1 100 800 3 000 1 118 1 114 818 814 3 008 1 121 821 3 010
NOTE Glass: W1 = W + 2(8 ± 1) mm Glass recess: W2 = W1 max. + 3 mm
h1 = h + 2(8 ± 1) mm h2 = h1 max. + 3 mm
© BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
Copy, (c) BSI BS MA 25:1973

Figure 3 — Category 1 and Category 2 windows

Category 1 requirements apply when dimension X is less than 4 % of the breadth (B) of the ship
or 1.5 metres whichever is the greater (see 5.1).
Category 2 requirements apply when dimension X is greater than 4 % of the breadth (B) of the ship or more
than 1.5 metres.

Figure 4 — Profile showing tiers, datum deck and weather deck

© BSI 02-2000 9
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

5 Design and construction

5.1 General
Ships’ windows are classified into two categories according to the position in which they are situated in the
ship and the degree of exposure (see Figure 3).
Category 1 windows. Windows situated in ships’ sides and in exposed casings or deckhouse sides set
inboard not more than 4 % of the breadth of the ship or 1.5 m whichever is the greater, and windows facing
forward.
Category 2 windows. Windows situated in side screens and in exposed casings or deckhouse sides set
inboard more than 4 % of the breadth of the ship, or 1.5 m whichever is the greater.

5.2 Windows for sea-going ships

5.2.1 Category 1, fixed windows. The nominal dimensions and tolerances for fixed windows, illustrated
in Figure 2, shall be in accordance with those specified in Table 6. The thickness of glasses shall be in
accordance with 3.2.1 and 3.2.2.
5.2.2 Category 1, opening windows (hinged)
5.2.2.1 The nominal dimensions of hinged opening windows shall be the same as for fixed windows specified
in Table 6 and Table 7. The thickness of glasses shall be in accordance with 3.2.1 and 3.2.2.
5.2.2.2 For windows facing forward in the tier immediately above the weather deck (see Figure 4), glass
thicknesses shall be one glass thickness more than that calculated for windows in the same tier.
Copy, (c) BSI

5.2.3 Category 1, opening windows (sliding). For design purposes horizontal and vertical sliding
windows are assumed to be in the closed position during inclement weather and in the closed position
clamped on all edges for weatherproofing. Therefore the same thickness of glass as for fixed windows is
acceptable.
5.2.4 Category 2, opening windows. The minimum nominal thickness for Category 2 windows shall be
one glass thickness less than for Category 1 windows situated in the same tier, subject to a minimum
thickness of 10 mm.
5.2.5 Wheelhouse windows. The glass thickness for wheelhouse windows facing forward shall be in
accordance with that specified for Category 1 windows in 5.2.2.2. Side windows in wheelhouses shall be
regarded as Category 2 windows.
Where electrically heated laminated glass is installed the glass thickness shall be one glass thickness
greater than for Category 1 windows situated in the same tier, or alternatively of equal thickness,
laminated with a thinner glass of 6 mm thickness, the thinner glass being on the outer surface.
Wheelhouse windows consisting of multipane units shall be made up of single pane units of sizes in
accordance with those specified in Table 6. The astragals and mullions shall be an integral part of the
window frame rather than part of the ship structure.
5.2.6 Windows other than those covered in 5.2.1 to 5.2.4
5.2.6.1 For windows of cabins or public rooms protected by side screens, glass thicknesses may be one glass
thickness less than that specified for Category 2 windows in the same tier, subject to a minimum thickness
of 10 mm.
5.2.6.2 For windows in internal positions, e.g. glass screens in public rooms, the minimum nominal
thickness of glass shall be 6 mm provided that the window is completely framed and the area does not
exceed 0.75 m2; otherwise the minimum nominal thicknesses shall be 10 mm.

5.3 Windows for ships in sheltered or inland waters

Windows for ships on restricted services are subject to the recommendation of Appendix D, whereby the
thickness of glasses for windows may be reduced accordingly to the Class of service (Class III, IV, V or VI)
as defined in Statutory Instruments 1965 No. 1103, The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction)
Rules, 1965.

10 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

5.4 Hinge pins and window fasteners

The number and dimensions of hinge pins and fasteners for window frames sizes specified in Table 6,
according to the location of the window in the ship, are specified in Table 7.
Table 7 — Dimensions and number of window hinge pins and fasteners
Window size Diameter of No. of screw Dia. of screw Dia. of hinge No. of hinge Tier of
clear light screw fastener fasteners fastener hinge pin pin pins super-structure

mm × mm mm mm mm

300 × 425 16 2 8 10 2 All

355 × 500 16 2 8 10 2 All
400 × 560 16 2 8 10 2 All
450 × 630 16 2 8 10 2 All
4 2 and 3
500 × 710 16 8 10 2
2 4 and 5
4 3 and 4
560 × 800 16 8 10 2
2 5
900 × 630a 16 4 8 10 3 3, 4 and 5
1 000 × 710a 16 5 8 10 3 4 and 5
Copy, (c) BSI

1 100 × 800a 16 5 8 10 3 4 and 5

a
These windows have dimensions where the width is greater than the height and are considered as upward or downward hinging.
All other windows are sidehinged.

6 Glazing
6.1 General
When glazing it is essential to position the glass in the frame so that:
1) the glass is centralized in the frame and suitably edge protected;
2) there is clearance all round the edges of the glass;
3) glass to metal contact is avoided.
To achieve these requirements the toughened safety glass shall be glazed, using continuous resilient
glazing strips around the edges of the glass and between the surfaces of the glass and the rebate depth and
the bead. Mastic or similar material in three strips or in U-section form shall be used, having a hardness
of 35 IRHD1) to 40 IRHD and resistant to sea water and ultraviolet light.
An alternative method, using metal casement putty with setting and location blocks, may be employed. The
blocks of resilient material shall be from 25 mm to 75 mm long and of such thickness as to ensure the glass
is centralized in the frame. They shall be positioned to maintain edge clearances during handling, transport
and installation.
Sufficient metal casement putty should be applied between glass, rebate and glazing strip so that when
glass and glazing strip have been pressed home, a bed of compound remains between the face of the glass,
rebate and glazing strip of not less than 2 mm. There should also be surplus of compound squeezed out
about the rebate which should be stripped at an angle, not undercut, to prevent water accumulating.

1) International Rubber Hardness Degrees.

© BSI 02-2000 11
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

6.2 Wheelhouse windows

To achieve the requirements of 6.1, laminated toughened safety glass used in ships’ wheelhouses shall be
glazed taking the following precautions.
1) A U-shaped moulded rubber gasket manufactured from natural or synthetic rubber shall be used
having a hardness of 35 IRHD to 40 IRHD and being resistant to sea water and ultraviolet light. The
dimensions shall be as given in Table 8, Column 1.
Table 8 — Glazing dimensions for wheelhouse windows
Thickness
Rebate Edge
Area of wheelhouse window of rubber
depth clearance
(gasket)

m2 mm mm mm
Up to and including 0.28 5 19 6
Over 0.28 up to and including 0.75 6 25 8
Over 0.75 6 30 10

6.3 Glazing strips, glazing screws and fixing bolts

6.3.1 The dimensions of the glazing strip, glazing screws and fixing bolts, for all sizes of ships’ windows
listed in Table 6, according to the position of the windows shall be as specified in Table 9.
Table 9 — Dimensions for glazing strips, glazing
screws and fixing bolts
Copy, (c) BSI

Glazing strip Glazing screw Fixing bolts

Tier
Pitch (max.) Dia. Pitch (max.) Dia.
mm × mm mm mm mm mm
2nd  25 × 5 75 6 100 10
3rd 

4th  25 × 5 100 6 125 10

5th 

6.3.2 Glazing screws shall be manufactured from corrosion resistant steel to material
specification 321S12, 34S17 and 316S16 of BS 970. Glazing screws manufactured to material specification
CZ1 12 and PB102 of BS 2874 shall be used for copper alloy or steel frames.

7 Installation and testing

7.1 Installation
7.1.1 The installation of assembled window units should be carried out with care.
Where windows are manufactured flat for erection against flat plating the shipbuilder should ensure that
the flatness tolerance of the plating is within the limits of Table 3. To eliminate distortion, which could
result in leakage or glass breakage, caused when fixing windows against irregular plating, packing should
be used between the plating of the ship and the window fixing flange, consisting of hair felt impregnated
with white lead or, in the case of aluminium windows, zinc chromate putty.
When windows are fixed against curved plating a solid type of packing shaped to suit the curvature of the
plating shall be used.
7.1.2 When fixing wheelhouse windows containing laminated toughened glass to ships’ structures the
following additional precautions shall be taken.
1) A rubber joint shall be provided between the window frame and ships’ structure. The rubber used shall
be of the same quality as that used to glaze the glass, (see 6.2), and its surfaces shall be coated with a
suitable adhesive to prevent the ingress of moisture.
2) Bolts used for fixing frames to ships’ structures shall be sleeved with rubber 1.5 mm thick and shall
be tightened evenly to prevent frame distortion. The use of a torque spanner is recommended.

12 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

7.2 Testing
To ensure that the windows and packing are watertight when fitted a hose test shall be carried out by the
shipbuilder to the owner’s or surveyor’s representative’s satisfaction, the test consisting of hosing the
window by means of a 20 mm nominal size hose held approximately 600 mm from the window and with a
water pressure of 172 kN/m2.
A similar test shall be carried out by the manufacturer before despatch, by means of batch tests at a
pressure not exceeding 172 kN/m2.

7.3 Inspection
The manufacturer shall afford the inspecting authority, the purchaser or his representative all reasonable
facilities to satisfy himself that the windows are in accordance with the requirements of this specification.
All inspections shall be carried out at the manufacturer’s works prior to despatch, unless otherwise agreed.

7.4 Testing facilities

The manufacturer shall be responsible for providing the necessary testing facilities, including materials,
test pieces and appliances, and for carrying out the tests to satisfy the purchaser that the windows are in
accordance with the requirements of this specification.
All tests shall be carried out at the manufacturer’s works prior to despatch, unless otherwise agreed.

8 Identification
Copy, (c) BSI

All window frames shall be permanently marked with the following details.
1) Manufacturer’s name (or trade mark).
2) The number of this British Standard (i.e. BS MA 25).
3) The nominal dimension of the window frame.
4) The thickness of the glass to be fitted.
NOTE Attention is drawn to certification facilities offered by BSI; see the in side back cover of this Standard.

© BSI 02-2000 13
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Appendix A Examination of toughened safety glass using polarized light

A suitable type of polariscope is shown in Figure 5. White light from two fluorescent tubes passes through
a sheet of diffusing glass and a sheet of transparent polarizing material, both of which extend the full width
of the glass to be examined. The glass is supported on rollers and passes in front of the polarizing sheet so
that the whole of the glass is viewed in succession through a second polarizing device e.g. spectacles with
polarizing material correctly orientated to obtain a polarization pattern. A sheet of plate glass is placed
between the polarization sheet and the glass being examined to protect the former from damage.
Other types of polariscope may be used, provided that they permit observation of the polarization pattern
over the whole area of each glass.
Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 5 — Polariscope for examining for standard of toughening of glass

14 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Appendix B Suitable, apparatus for load stamp test of toughened safety glass
This Appendix describes the apparatus to be used for carrying out the load stamp test specified in 3.3.2.
The apparatus to be used for the testing of glass panes is illustrated in Figure 6a.
The dimensions of the punch to be used are given in Figure 6b.
Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 6a Figure 6b

Component
Component Material Specification
number
Of sufficient thickness to prevent
1 base plate steel deformation under pressure
Surface: flat
rubber, Thickness: 2 mm
2 flat ring
hardness 40–60 IRHDa Width: 15 mm minimum
Lower part flattened so that a diameter
3 punch steel
of 12.5 mm is obtained
felt Thickness: approx. 5 mm for felt or
4 pad or approx. 2 mm for fibre-board
fibre-board External diameter: approx. 50 mm
a International Rubber Hardness Degrees.

Figure 6 — Apparatus for load stamp test of toughened glass

Appendix C Timbers for ships’ window frames

The selection of timbers for the construction of ships’ window frames shall be made from those classified2)
as durable or very durable and having small or medium movement. The heartwood of the timber only shall
be used. The sapwood of all species is perishable or non-durable and shall be excluded.
The quality of the timber shall be prime or select3).
NOTE Select grades can contain sapwood which is to be excluded.

2) “A handbook of hardwoods,” HMSO

3) As defined in the Asia-Pacific Regional Grading Rules for Sawn Hardwood Timber.

© BSI 02-2000 15
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

Appendix D Windows for ships in sheltered waters

The thicknesses specified are normally applicable to ships engaged on exposed sea voyages. In the case of
ships on restricted services, viz. Classes III, IV, V or VI, a reduction in thickness of window glass may be
accepted compared with ships engaged on exposed sea voyages subject to a minimum thickness of 6 mm.
Full particulars of the proposed vessels and the intended services showing, inter alia, the position of the
windows in the vessel and the height of the windows above the load waterline should be submitted for
consideration to the Department of Trade and Industry. The foregoing restricted voyages are defined in
Statutory Instrument 1965 No. 1103, The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction) Rules 1965
as follows. (The limits of smooth water and partially smooth water areas for the various districts around
the coasts of the United Kingdom being given in Schedule 1 of those Rules).
Class III
Ships engaged only on voyages in the course of which they are at no time more than 70 miles by sea from
their point of departure and not more than 18 miles from the coast of the United Kingdom and which are
at sea only in fine weather and during restricted periods.
Class IV
Ships engaged only on voyages in partially smooth waters, or voyages in smooth and partially smooth
waters.
Class V
Ships engaged only on voyages in smooth waters.
Class VI
Copy, (c) BSI

Ships engaged only on voyages with not more than 250 passengers on board, to sea or in smooth or in
partially smooth waters in all cases in fine weather and during restricted periods, in the course of which
the ships are at no time more than 15 miles exclusive of any smooth waters from their point of departure
nor more than 3 miles from land.

Appendix E Method for calculating the thickness of toughened safety glass

using design pressure head formulae
E.1 Design pressure head determination
Design pressure head is determined by the following formula:
HD = a (bf – y) c
where
HD = design pressure head in metres
L1
a = 2.0 + ---------
- for lowest tier of unprotected fronts
120
NOTE The lowest tier is normally that tier which is directly situated above the uppermost continuous deck to which the rule
depth D is to be measured. However, where the freeboard is excessive this tier may be defined as an upper tier. It is recommended
that “excessive freeboard” is that which exceeds the minimum tabular freeboard by more than one standard superstructure height.

L1
a = 1.0 + ---------
- for 2nd tier of unprotected fronts
120
L1
a = 0.5 + ---------
- for 3rd tier of unprotected fronts, for sides and for protected fronts
150
L1 x
a = 0.7 + --------------
- – 0.8 ---
- for aft ends of amidships
1 000 L
L1 x
a = 0.5 + --------------
- – 0.4 ---
- for aft ends forward of amidships
1 000 L
L = Length of ship (as defined in the Load Line Rules), in metres
L1 = Length of ship in metres (L1 shall not be taken greater than 300 m).

16 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

x/L – 0.45 2
b = 1.0 +  ---------------------------- for x/L u 0.45
 C + 0.2 
B

x/L – 0.45 2
b = 1.0 + 1.5  ---------------------------- for x/L W 0.45
 C + 0.2 
B
CB = block coefficient, 0.60 u CB u 0.80
NOTE When determining aft ends forward of amidships, CB need not be taken less than 0.80.
x = distance in metres between bulkhead considered and the aft perpendicular. When determining
sides of a deckhouse, the deckhouse is to be subdivided into parts of approximately equal length,
not exceeding 0.15L each, and x is to be taken as the distance between the aft perpendicular and
the centre of each part considered.
L – L/300 L 2
f = ------ e – 1 –  ---------- for L u 150 m
10  150

L – L/300
f = ------ e for 150 m u L u 300 m
10
f = 11.30 for L W 300 m
y = vertical distance in metres from summer water line to midpoint of window
b'
c = 0.3 + 0.7 -----
B'
Copy, (c) BSI

b½ = breadth of deckhouse
B½ = actual maximum breadth of ship on the exposed weather deck at the position considered
NOTE b½/B½ is not to be taken less than 0.25.

E.2 Design pressure head according to tier

Design pressure head in metres is not to be taken as less than the following minimum values.
1st tier HD = 4.5 + L/100
2nd tier HD = 3.5
3rd tier
and above HD = 1.5

The maximum allowable pressure head on toughened safety glass for standard sizes of ships’ windows is
given in Table 10.
Table 10 — Maximum allowable pressure head on toughened
safety glass for standard sizes of ships’ windows
Maximum allowable pressure head

Nominal dimension, N Nominal thicknesses of toughened safety glass

10 mm 12 mm 15 mm 19 mm

mm × mm m m m m
300 × 425 9.90 14.20 22.20 35.70
355 × 500 7.10 10.20 15.90 25.50
400 × 560 5.60 8.00 12.50 20.10
450 × 630 4.40 6.30 9.90 15.90
500 × 710 3.60 5.10 8.00 12.80
560 × 800 2.80 4.10 6.40 10.20
900 × 630 2.20 3.20 5.00 8.10
1 000 × 710 2.50 4.00 6.40
1 100 × 800 3.10 5.00

© BSI 02-2000 17
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA 25:1973

The maximum allowable pressure head for windows of non standard dimensions greater than those given
in Table 10 may be calculated from the following formula.

H =

where
H is the maximum allowable pressure head (metres),
t is the nominal thickness of glass (mm),
¶ is the factor from the curve in Figure 7,
b is the minor dimension of window (mm).
Copy, (c) BSI

Figure 7 — Curve for determination of factor ¶ based on window size ratio

18 © BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
Copy, (c) BSI BS MA 25:1973

BSI Certification Trade Mark

The Kitemark
The British Standards Institution is the owner of a registered certification trade mark. It is usually
associated with the words “approved to British Standard” as shown below, the number of the relevant
British Standard being added. This mark may be used only by those licensed under the certification mark
scheme operated by BSI. The presence of this mark on or in relation to a product is an assurance that the
goods have been produced under a system of supervision, control and testing, operated during
manufacture and including periodical inspection of the manufacturer’s works in accordance with the
certification mark scheme of BSI designed to ensure compliance with a British Standard.
Further particulars of the terms of licence may be obtained from the Quality Assurance Department,
British Standards Institution, Maylands Avenue, Hemel Hempstead, Herts. HP2 4SQ

© BSI 02-2000
Licensed Copy: Mr. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia User, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 24/08/2010 18:58, Uncontrolled
BS MA
25:1973
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions

British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of

British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.

It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: 020 8996 9000. Fax: 020 8996 7400.

BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards

Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: 020 8996 9001. Fax: 020 8996 7001.

In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the

BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.
Copy, (c) BSI

Information on standards

BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and

international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: 020 8996 7111. Fax: 020 8996 7048.

Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments

and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: 020 8996 7002. Fax: 020 8996 7001.

Copyright

Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.

This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
written permission of BSI must be obtained.

If permission is granted, the terms may include royalty payments or a licensing

agreement. Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright Manager.
BSI Tel: 020 8996 7070.
389 Chiswick High Road
London
W4 4AL