TABLE OF CONTENTS Consideration is given in this chapter to the structure forward of the collision bulkhead. The chain locker is included as it is usually fitted forward of the collision bulkhead below the second deck or upper deck, or in the forecastle itself. An overall view of the fore end structure is shown in Figure 20.1, and it can be seen that the panting stiffening arrangements are of particular importance. These have already been dealt with in detail in Chapter 17 as they are closely associated with the shell plating.
On the forecastle deck the heavy windlass seating is securely fastened, and given considerable support. The deck plating thickness is increased locally, and smaller pillars with heavier beams and local fore and aft inter-costals, or a centre line pillar bulkhead, may be fitted below the windlass.
On many conventional ships a stem bar, which is a solid round bar, is fitted from the keel to the waterline region, and a radiused plate is fitted above the waterline to form the upper part of the stem. This forms what is referred to as a 'soft nose' stem, which in the event of a collision will buckle under load, keeping the impact damage to a minimum. Older ships had solid bar stems which were riveted and of square section, and as the stem had no rake it could cause considerable damage on impact because of its rigidity. Small ships such as tugs and trawlers may still have...
