Section 4 Bulwarks and other means for the protection of crew and passengers

4.1.1 All ships having accommodation are to be fitted with a bulwark from the stem to the forward end of the foremost hatchway, forward cargo tank on tankers, and from the stern to the forward end of the aft deck-house. The height of forward bulwarks is to be not less than 500 mm and that for aft bulwarks not less than 450 mm. In way of deck-house doors the bulwark height is to be locally increased to 900 mm, this may be effected by fitting a rail on top of the bulwark.

4.1.2 Plate bulwarks may be replaced by guard rails or by a combination of a bulwark with guard rails on top, except forward where a plate bulwark is required.

4.1.3 Where bulwarks are fitted in the midship region, adequate freeing arrangements are to be provided.

4.2.1 In addition to Pt 3, Ch 8, 4.1 General requirements 4.1.1, all open deck spaces on passenger ships, to which passengers have access, are to be fitted with bulwarks or guard rails, having a minimum height of 900 mm. The opening below the lowest course of rails is not to exceed 230 mm. The other courses are to be spaced not more than 380 mm apart.

4.2.2 In addition to Pt 3, Ch 8, 4.1 General requirements 4.1.1, tankers are to be provided with guard rails of at least 900 mm high over the full length of the cargo zone. On trunk deck tankers the guard rails are to be fitted on the topside of the trunk. The guard rails should have at least two courses, the lower one fitted at approximately half height, i.e. about 450 mm above deck.

4.2.3 Other types of ships are to be fitted with bulwarks and/or guard/handrails, suitable for the type of ship and the service requirements. Bulwarks on push barges may be omitted.

4.2.4 Attention is drawn to National or International requirements by which the fitting of additional foot rails or handrails may be required.

4.3.1 Plate bulwarks are to be efficiently supported by stays attached to the deck. These stays are to be fitted in way of beams or equivalent under deck stiffening and are not to be spaced more than 2,0 m apart. Guard rail supports are not to be spaced more than 3,0 m apart.

The bulwark thickness is to be not less than:

L is to be taken not less than 40 m

4.4.1 In accommodation spaces two means of escape are generally to be provided.

4.4.2 For means of escape from passenger spaces on passenger ships, see Pt 4, Ch 9, 1.7 Ship arrangement – Means of escape, corridors and escape routes.