BS MA 105 — Series 3 Shipborne Barges (Main Dimensions, Operational and Technical Requirements, Ventilation System Mating Dimensions)

🚢 BS MA 105 is a British Standard in the Marine Series published by the British Standards Institution (BSI). It specifies the main dimensions, operational and technical requirements, and ventilation system mating dimensions of Series 3 shipborne barges. Prepared by the Shipbuilding and Marine Standards Committee (SME/14), the standard corresponds one-to-one with the ISO standards 6765, 8303, and 8304, providing a unified dimensional interface and technical requirements for Series 3 barges handled by barge-carriers, and serving as a fundamental document for barge design, construction, operation, and matching with the carrier.

1. Standard Structure and Scope 📌

The BS MA 105 series consists of three parts, each corresponding to an ISO International Standard:

All three parts came into effect on 31 July 1987 and were confirmed in July 1999. Each part is based on an ISO standard; the BSI national foreword notes that wherever the words “International Standard” appear, they should be read as “Part of BS MA 105”, reflecting harmonisation with British Standard terminology and conventions.

2. Main Dimensions and Adjusting/Securing Components 🔧

BS MA 105-1 (ISO 6765) specifies the main dimensions and the dimensions of the principal constructional elements of Series 3 shipborne barges. The main dimensions shall be in accordance with Table 1 of the standard; stationary equipment installed on the deck at fore and aft ends shall nowhere project beyond the overall height. Figure 1 shows the main dimensions of a Series 3 barge, Figure 2 shows the arrangement of tie-down fittings, and Figure 3 shows the points of contact in a barge and the securing devices in a barge carrier.

The adjusting and securing components include:

• Bottom positioning angles — for locating the barge on the carrier deck;
• Tie-down fittings — for securing the barge on the upper deck of a barge-carrier;
• Points of contact of securing devices (jacks) — on the tween deck of the carrier.

3. Scope of the Operational and Technical Requirements 📋

BS MA 105-2 (ISO 8303) specifies the main operational and technical requirements for Series 3 shipborne barges used as a means of transport for cargo both on board a barge-carrier and on inland waterways. In particular:

• The main dimensions and characteristics of the barge shall meet the requirements of ISO 6765 (i.e. BS MA 105-1);
• The material and hull structure of the barge shall comply with the rules of a recognised classification society;
• The barge shall be provided with mooring devices (bollards, bitts, etc.) to meet mooring and handling needs on board the carrier and on inland waterways.

The standard also sets out the conditions for cargo transportation on board a carrier and on open/closed inland waterways, covering stability, strength, securing, and basic cargo limitations so that the barge can operate safely in each transport mode.

4. Ventilation System Mating Dimensions 🌬️

BS MA 105-3 (ISO 8304) specifies the principal mating dimensions of the ventilation system of Series 3 shipborne barges. When cargoes requiring ventilation are transported, the system shall provide for joining the barges to the ventilation system of different types of barge-carrier by means of flexible hoses. The standard includes:

• Figure 1 — arrangement of the ventilation opening of Series 3 shipborne barges;
• Figure 2 — dimensions of the connecting flange;
• Corresponding dimensions and tolerances.

5. Engineering Practice Essentials 🛠️

• 🔍 Selection and matching: determine main dimensions to BS MA 105-1 and provide standardised ventilation interfaces to BS MA 105-3 so the barge is compatible with the carrier.
• 🔧 Classification: barge material and hull structure should satisfy a recognised classification society’s rules — a prerequisite for operation and insurance.
• 📊 Securing and positioning: use the standard positioning angles, tie-down fittings, and contact points during handling and transport to keep the barge stable on board.
• 📋 Ventilation management: for cargo requiring ventilation, connect the barge opening to the carrier ventilation system with flexible hoses and check flange sealing and dimensional conformance.

6. Frequently Asked Questions ❓