Double Bottom 1
Double Bottom 1 : A general term used for all watertight spaces contained between the outside bottom plating, the tank top and the margin plate. Double bottoms are usually sub-divided into a number of separate tanks and can be used to hold clean ballast, potable or boiler feed water, or fuel. They also provide a measure of protection for cargo tanks if bottom plating is damaged in the event of grounding. Chances of pollution may be diminished due to this protection