Transverse Bulkheads

The compartmentalisation of a ship's innards goes a long way towards protecting the precious cargo stored aboard.

Water flows - it will always flow. It is persistent and, ultimately, unstoppable, yet when man takes to the waves it must be controlled. To this end, the interior of junk ships are segmented by bulkheads that span the length of the vessel.

These transverse bulkheads are watertight - so any intruding water is contained, assuming the damage is not too severe, allowing the precious cargo within to (mostly) survive. Man cannot hold back the tide forever, but maybe just for a time is enough...