Transverse bulkhead

From Memory Alpha, the free Star Trek reference

The use of transverse bulkheads was an idea proposed by Lieutenant Tom Paris of the USS Voyager.

In an alternate timeline, Voyager was under continual attacks by the Krenim, and Voyager was suffering serious damage as a result of being defenseless against the Krenim's chroniton torpedoes.

The transverse bulkheads would be set up at every junction point between each deck and section. In the case of a cataclysmic hull breach, most of the crew would be protected. Paris based the idea on the ancient steamship Titanic, which had numerous bulkheads which would allow the ship, in theory, to stay afloat even with half the ship filled with water. When Kathryn Janeway recalled the Titanic ultimately sank, Paris reassured her he had made "some modifications." (VOY: "Year of Hell")