Article 7 Other deck openings

In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply, flush deck scuttles of the screw, bayonet or equivalent type and manholes may be fitted where these are essential for fishing operations and shall be capable of being closed watertight and shall be permanently attached to the structure, provided that such scuttles and manholes may be effectively weathertight only when closed if their design, size and disposition is such that no danger is likely to result from the absence of complete watertightness.

In every such vessel an efficient superstructure, deckhouse or companionway fitted with weathertight doors or other equally effective closing arrangements shall be provided to protect deck openings in the freeboard and superstructure decks other than hatchways, machinery space openings, manholes and flush scuttles.