Where would you typically expect to find striking plates in a ship?

In a ship, striking plates are typically found at the bottom of the sounding tube, which is designed to measure the level of liquid in a tank. Striking plates serve as a protective barrier; when sounding rods are used to check liquid levels, the rod can strike the plate, which minimizes the risk of damaging the tube or getting inaccurate readings from the instrument.

Finding striking plates in this location is crucial to ensure operational integrity and safety, as this area is often subject to wear and tear due to the repeated use of the sounding equipment. The presence of striking plates helps to prolong the lifecycle of the sounding tube and provides a reliable method for gauging tank levels.

In contrast, striking plates are not usually found on deck, in the engine room, or within the double bottom, as those areas have different functional requirements and design features unrelated to the purpose of the sounding tube. Thus, focusing on the bottom of the sounding tube accurately identifies where these plates are positioned and their intended function.