1964_MERCHANT_SHIPPING_(MINIMUM_PASSENGER_SPACE)_REGULATIONS — Page 13

1969 Ed.]

Merchant Shipping (Minimum Passenger Space) Regulations.

[CAP. 281

N 13

[Subsidiary]

Provided that where the deck has a waterway, the height of the rail shall be measured from the top of the highest rail to the top of the deck plank next to the waterway.

13. (1) In every ship to which these regulations apply, all stairways and passages shall be so arranged as to ensure-

(a) easy access to and egress from each main compartment allocated for the accommodation of berthed or unberthed passengers, having regard to the length of such compartment and the number of passengers for whom accommodation is provided therein;

(b) easy access at all times to the portions of the weather deck allocated as exercise space for the passengers in the various spaces; and

(c) easy access to the spaces above the weather deck appropriated for the use of unberthed passengers or required as muster stations for such passengers in the event of an emergency.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), every stairway leading from below to the weather deck shall be protected in the way of openings in the freeboard and superstructure decks which communicate with spaces allocated for the accommodation of unberthed passengers, by permanent steel deckhouses of not less than 6 feet in clear height or by such other arrangements as are approved by the Director.

(3) Subject to the approval of the Director, such a deckhouse shall not be required-

(a) where a stairway from below leads into an enclosed superstructure; or

(b) in the case of ships engaged exclusively in the river trade area, other than to openings forward of a point distant
th of the ship's registered length measured from the stem.

(4) In any case where, in accordance with paragraph (3), a deckhouse is not required, substantial guard rails complying with the requirements prescribed in regulation 12 shall be securely fitted in way of the stairway openings.

(5) A separate stairway shall be provided for each compartment or space allocated for the accommodation of unberthed passengers.

(6) In no case shall the only means of communication with any such compartment or space consist of an opening in a bulkhead that forms part of the sub-division arrangements of the ship unless each such opening is-

(a) trunked watertight to the bulkhead deck; and (b) approved by the Director.

Means of access and egress, generally.