# The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975, Article 63: Bulwarks, guard rails and guard wires


(1) In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply, efficient bulwarks, guard rails or guard wires shall be provided to a height at least 915 millimetres above the level of the deck at the perimeters of exposed parts of the freeboard and superstructure decks and the tops of any deckhouse or companion way used in operating the vessel. The height above deck of any fixed bulwarks shall be at least:—
(a) 610 millimetres for vessels with Vessel Numerals up to and including 140;
(b) 760 millimetres for vessels with Vessel Numerals above 140 but not more than 315;
(c) 915 millimetres for vessels with Vessel Numerals above 315.
(2) In every such vessel these bulwark heights shall be increased to not less than 915 millimetres by adequate portable stanchions and guard wires.
(3) In any such vessel the height of the fixed bulwarks specified in paragraph (1) above may be reduced at any point if:—
(a) there would be unreasonable interference with the efficient operation of the vessel if such minimum height were adhered to at that point; and
(b) adequate protection is provided at that point.
(4) In every such vessel guard rails or guard wires fitted in accordance with paragraph (1) above shall consist of courses of rails or wires supported by stanchions effectively secured on the deck. The openings between the lowest course of the rails or wires and the deck shall not exceed 230 millimetres in height and no opening above that course of rails or wires shall exceed 380 millimetres in height. Where the ship has rounded gunwales the stanchions shall be secured at the perimeter of the flat of the deck.
(5) In every such vessel adequate guard rails, lifelines, gangways or passages shall be provided for the protection of persons on board the vessel when passing between their quarters, machinery spaces and working spaces. Storm rails shall be fitted on the outside of all deck houses and casings.
(6) Every such vessel being a stern trawler shall be provided with doors, gates, or other adequate arrangements at the top of the stern ramp for the protection of persons on board the vessel. A chain or other suitable arrangements shall be provided across the ramp when the doors or gates are open.
(7) In every such vessel an adequate number of lifelines and safety belts shall be provided.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1975/330/article/63 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/fishing-vessels-safety-provisions-rules-1975/article-63
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.