Editing Bulkhead (partition) (section)

== Requirements of bulkheads ==
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2018}}

=== Fire-resistance ===
[[Image:Marine firestop.jpg|thumb|right|[[Firestop]]ped [[electrical cable]] penetration in a '''bulkhead''' which is required to have a [[fire-resistance rating]]. The firestop is made of a purpose-designed [[putty]] on the outside and a proprietary [[cement]]itious fill on the inside.]]
Openings in fire-resistance rated bulkheads and decks must be [[firestop]]ped to restore the fire-resistance ratings that would otherwise be compromised if the openings were left unsealed. The [[Construction#Authority having jurisdiction|authority having jurisdiction]] for such measures varies depending upon the flag of the ship. Merchant vessels are typically subject to the regulations and inspections of the coast guards of the flag country. Combat ships are subject to the regulations set out by the navy of the country that owns the ship.

=== Prevention of electromagnetic damage ===
Bulkheads and decks of warships may be fully [[Ground (electricity)|electrically grounded]] as a [[countermeasure]] against damage from [[electromagnetic interference]] and [[electromagnetic pulse]] due to nearby nuclear or [[electromagnetic bomb]] detonations, which could severely damage the vital electronic [[systems]] on a ship.

In the case of firestops, cable jacketing is usually removed within the seal and firestop rubber modules are internally fitted with copper shields, which contact the cables' armour to ground the seal.