A head structure is disclosed which includes a novel
deck, bulkhead and overhead
coating which prevents
moisture, especially corrosive sea water, or salt
atmosphere from reaching the underlying
deck, bulkhead or overhead even if the surface of the
coating is damaged or penetrated. The
coating provides an attractive and highly durable surface which is easily cleaned and resists
staining or discoloring. The novel coating in connection with the unique head design allows a head to be easily and rapidly cleaned and maintained a daily basis by simple wash-and wipe techniques requiring minimal
crew involvement time. This permits
crew members to be able to devote more of their time to education and productive endeavors rather than to maintenance. The head has a
deck, bulkhead and an overhead, most or all of which are susceptible to
corrosion in the
salt water environment. The structure of the head includes one or more lavatory fixtures (especially commodes or basins) mounted on the bulkhead, and a coating adhered to and covering the
corrosion-susceptible deck, bulkhead or overhead
metal surface, the coating including a porcelain,
ceramic or
terrazzo layer disposed adjacent to but spaced apart from the
metal surface, a
moisture-impervious membrane disposed between the porcelain,
ceramic or
terrazzo layer and the
metal surface, and
adhesive bonding the porcelain,
ceramic or
terrazzo layer to the membrane and the membrane to the metal surface.