2.2.1.1 Each space within the unit should be provided
with at least one permanent means of access to enable, throughout
the life of a unit, overall and close-up inspections and thickness
measurements of the unit’s structures to be carried out by the
Administration, the company, and the unit’s personnel and others
as necessary. Such means of access should comply with the provisions
of paragraph 2.2.4 and with the Technical provisions for means of
access for inspections, adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee by resolution MSC.133(76), as may be amended
by the Organization.
2.2.1.2 Where a permanent means of access may
be susceptible to damage during normal operations or where it is impracticable
to fit permanent means of access, the Administration may allow, in
lieu thereof, the provision of movable or portable means of access,
as specified in the Technical provisions, provided that the means
of attaching, rigging, suspending or supporting the portable means
of access forms a permanent part of the unit’s structure. All
portable equipment should be capable of being readily erected or deployed
by the unit’s personnel.
2.2.1.3 The construction and materials of all
means of access and their attachment to the unit’s structure
should be to the satisfaction of the Administration. The means of
access should be subject to inspection prior to, or in conjunction
with, its use in carrying out surveys in accordance with section 1.6.