Section 8 Bulwarks, guard rails and other means for the protection of crew

8.1.1 Bulwarks or guard rails are to be provided at the boundaries of exposed freeboard and superstructure decks and first tier deckhouses. Bulwarks or guard rails are to be not less than 1,0 m in height measured above sheathing, and are to be constructed as required by Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.2 Bulwark construction and Pt 3, Ch 4, 8.4 Guard rails respectively. Special consideration will be given to cases where this height would interfere with the normal operation of the craft.

8.1.2 The freeing arrangements in bulwarks are to be in accordance with Pt 3, Ch 4, 9 Deck drainage.

8.1.3 Where appropriate, special consideration will be given to the provision of guard-wires in lieu of bulwarks or guard rails.

8.1.4 Where wire ropes are fitted, adequate devices are to be provided to ensure their tautness.

8.1.5 Where stanchions are fitted, every third stanchion is to be supported by a bracket or stay.

8.1.6 A proper step arrangement is to be provided in way of obstructions such as pipe lines, etc.

8.2.1 Plate bulwarks are to be stiffened by a strong rail section and supported by stays from the deck. The spacing of these bulwark stays is not to be greater than 1,83 m. Where bulwarks are cut to form a gangway or other opening, stays of increased strength are to be fitted at the ends of the openings. Bulwarks are to be adequately strengthened in way of eyeplates for cargo gear, and in way of mooring pipes the plating is to be doubled or increased in thickness and adequately stiffened.

8.2.2 In the calculation of the section modulus, only the material connected to the deck is to be included. The bulb or flange of the stay may be taken into account where connected to the deck, and where, at the ends of the craft, the bulwark plating is connected to the sheerstrake, a width of plating not exceeding that considered effective (see Pt 6, Ch 3, 1.10 Effective width of attached plating, Pt 7, Ch 3, 1.11 Effective width of attached plating and Pt 8, Ch 3, 1.7 Effective width of attached plating for steel, aluminium alloy and composite construction respectively) may also be included. The free edge of the stay is to be stiffened.

8.2.3 Bulwark stays are to be supported by, or to be in line with, suitable underdeck stiffening, which is to be connected by double continuous fillet welds in way of the bulwark stay connection.

8.2.4 The foregoing requirements do not allow for any loading from deck cargoes.

8.3.1 Bulwarks are not to be cut for gangway or other openings near the breaks of superstructures, and are also to be arranged to ensure their freedom from main structural stresses. See shell plating in appropriate Chapters.

8.4.1 The opening below the lowest course of guardrails is not to exceed 230 mm. The other courses are to be spaced not more than 380 mm apart. In the case of craft with rounded gunwales, the guard rail supports are to be placed on the flat of the deck.

8.4.2 Satisfactory means, in the form of guard rails, life-lines, handrails, gangways, underdeck passageways or other equivalent arrangements, are to be provided for the protection of the crew in getting to and from their quarters, the machinery space and all other parts used in the necessary work of the craft.

8.4.3 Chains are only permitted in short lengths in way of access openings.

8.4.4 Where permitted by the National Authority, gangways or walkways may be omitted on craft operating within Service Groups G1 or G2. However, lifelines are to be provided on flush deck craft, or where the cargo hatch coamings are less than 600 mm high.