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A bulkhead is an upright partition within a ship, serving to separate compartments. These structures are designed to resist pressure and prevent the passage of water, fire, or gas. A specific type, the collision bulkhead, is located at the forward part of the ship and is designed to prevent water from entering if the ship collides with an object.12

Ships are subdivided by watertight bulkheads to prevent extensive flooding after damage. The uppermost continuous deck to which these bulkheads are carried is known as the bulkhead deck. International treaties and rules specify the extent of this watertight subdivision to ensure ships remain afloat and upright.34

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