# The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975, Article 14: Freeing ports


(1) In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply where bulwarks on weather parts of the freeboard deck form wells, the minimum freeing port area in square metres (in this Rule referred to as “A”) on each side of the vessel for each well on the freeboard deck shall be determined in accordance with the following formula in relation to the length and height of the bulwark in the well (in this Rule referred to as “l” and “h” respectively) as follows:
A = (1·0 + 3·5⁢h) ⁢ l × h 100 l = length of the bulwark in metres.
h = mean height of the bulwark in metres.
Where side houses of superstructures fitted within the well contribute positive buoyancy to the vessel. A may be reduced except that, where such side houses or superstructures are discontinuous and provide pockets for the accumulation of water, no reduction shall be made.
(2) In any such vessel if the well is on a deck whose minimum height at side above the deepest operational waterline is equal to or greater than “R” metres, A may be multiplied by the factor “f” where:—
f = 1 - 0·5 ⁢ (H - R) (2·35 - R) R = 0·95 ⁢ + (L - 30) ⁢0·9 (·95) H = minimum height in metres measured from the deepest operational waterline to the lowest part of the deck at side upon which the well is formed.
L = registered length in metres.
In no case shall the factor “f” be less than 0·75.
(3) In any such vessel, A may include—
(a) the area of those freeing ports with attached means of closing provided that the freeing ports shall only be closed during fishing operations; and
(b) in stern trawlers the apertures in and under the stern doors.
(4) In every such vessel freeing ports shall be so arranged throughout the length of the bulwarks as to provide an effective means of freeing the deck of water. Lower edges of freeing ports shall be as near to the deck as is practicable. Freeing ports greater than 230 millimetres in depth shall be fitted with bars spaced not more than 230 millimetres apart or by other equivalent arrangements.
(5) In every such vessel the arrangements provided in the well for the stowage of equipment and the catch shall not impair the effectiveness of the freeing ports.
(6) In every such vessel intended to operate in zones where icing occurs the means of closing freeing ports when fitted shall be capable of being readily removed.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1975/330/article/14 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/fishing-vessels-safety-provisions-rules-1975/article-14
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.