7.6.1 Miscellaneous openings in freeboard and
superstructure decks in ships to which the International Convention
on Load Lines, 1966 or the Protocol of 1988 relating thereto, as amended,
as applicable, applies should comply with regulation
18 of this Convention.
7.6.2 In decked fishing vessels of 12 m and over
where it is essential for fishing operations, flush deck scuttles
of the screw, bayonet or equivalent type and manholes may be fitted
provided these are capable of being closed watertight and such devices
should be permanently attached to the adjacent structure. Having regard
to the size and disposition of the openings and the design of the
closing devices, metal-to-metal closures may be fitted if they are
effectively watertight. Openings other than hatchways, machinery space
openings, manholes and flush scuttles in the working or superstructure
deck should be protected by enclosed structures fitted with weathertight
doors or their equivalent. Companionways should be situated as close
as practicable to the centreline of the vessel.footnote