Article 15 Amendment of principal Rules

After Rule 63, there shall be inserted:

“Additional requirements for vessels of 15 metres in length or over

63A

(1)

Passageways, trunks and all traffic routes in general shall be equipped with guard rails, grab rails and life lines or other means of ensuring the safety of workers in the course of activities on board.

(2)

If there is a risk that workers may fall through openings in the deck, or from one deck to another, then so far as is reasonably practicable adequate protection shall be provided.

(3)

Access to installations above the deck for operations or maintenance purposes shall be provided with guard rails or similar protective devices of appropriate height such as to prevent falls, to ensure workers' safety.

(4)

On stern trawlers with ramps, the gate or other device fitted at the upper part of the ramp shall be easily opened and closed, and may be open only for casting the net or hauling it in.

(5)

For vessels constructed on or after 23rd November 1995;

(i)

where guard rails are provided, including rails to the outer part of deckhouses, they shall be at least one metre high;

(ii)

closing arrangements referred to in paragraph (4) above shall preferably be by remote control.”.