one-compartment standard

The "one-compartment standard" in nautical science refers to a design principle for ship construction aimed at ensuring survivability in case of hull damage and flooding. This standard dictates that a ship must be able to withstand flooding in at least one compartment without sinking. This is achieved by dividing the hull into watertight compartments using bulkheads.1

The extent of subdivision, including the number of compartments a ship must be able to survive flooding in, is determined by international standards based on the ship's size and type. For instance, passenger ships, which have a higher probability of collision, are often built to this one-compartment standard, or even a two-compartment standard for larger vessels. This design principle is crucial for maintaining buoyancy and stability, thereby increasing the chances of survival for those on board in the event of an accident.1