5.1.1 General requirements
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - MGN 280 - Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats - Alternative Construction Standards - 5 Weathertight Integrity - 5.1 Hatchways and Hatches - 5.1.1 General requirements

5.1.1 General requirements

  5.1.1.1 A hatchway which gives access to spaces below the weather deck should be of efficient construction and be provided with efficient means of weathertight closure. For cargo hatchways, reference should be made to Section 25.3.

  5.1.1.2 A cover to a hatchway should be hinged, sliding, or permanently secured by other equivalent means to the structure of the vessel and be provided with sufficient locking devices to enable it to be positively secured in the closed position.

  5.1.1.3 A hatchway with a hinged cover which is located in the forward portion of the vessel should normally have the hinges fitted to the forward side of the hatch, as protection of the opening from boarding seas. A hatch with the hinges on the after side of the hatch should be secured closed at sea, and be provided with a suitable blank. This is not intended to apply to small technical spaces drained directly overboard, e.g. anchor lockers.

  5.1.1.4 Hatches which are used for escape purposes should be capable of being opened from both sides.

  5.1.1.5 Hatches in recessed or stepped decks of vessels described in 4.3.1.2, that provide access to sea inlet valves, should have access openings at least 300mm above the minimum freeboard to deck (see 12.2.2), or the sea inlet valves fitted with remote closing devices.

Parent topic: 5.1 Hatchways and Hatches
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