4.1 Each space of more than 3.7 m (12 feet) in
length accessible to passengers or used by the crew on a regular basis
shall have at least two means of escape, one of which shall not be
a watertight door.
4.2 The two required means of escape shall be
widely separated and, where possible, at opposite ends or sides of
the space to minimise the possibility of one incident blocking both
escapes. Means of escape may include normal exits and emergency exits,
passageways, stairways, ladders, deck scuttles, and windows. The number
and dimensions of the means of escape from each space shall be sufficient
for rapid evacuation in an emergency of the maximum number of persons
likely to occupy the space under any operational conditions. The size
of the escapes shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
4.3 In a passenger vessel, the sum of the width
of all doors and passageways used as means of escape from a space
shall not be less than 8.4 mm (0.333 inches) multiplied by the number
of passengers for which the space is designed with a minimum clear
opening of not less than 810mm (32 inches).In all vessels, doors
or passageways used solely by crew members shall have a clear opening
not less than 710 mm (28 inches).
4.4 When a deck scuttle serves as a means of escape,
it must not be less than 455 mm (18 inches) in diameter and must be
fitted with a quick acting release and a holdback device to hold the
scuttle in an open position.