Regulation 9 Access and escape arrangements

Every entrance into the crew accommodation from the open deck shall be so situated and constructed as to be protected against the weather and sea to the greatest extent practicable. The entrances shall be so situated that the crew accommodation is accessible at all times and in all weathers.

There shall be at least one means of access, either direct or via not more than two rooms forming part of a suite, to any sleeping room, day room, mess room, recreation room, study, office, sanitary accommodation or galley, from an enclosed passageway.

Two entirely separate escape routes shall be provided for each compartment, each route leading from the compartment to a suitably sited opening (which may be a normally used entrance) on to the weather deck. The escape routes, which shall not pass through propelling machinery spaces, galleys or other spaces where the risk of injury from fire, steam or other similar cause is comparatively high shall be so arranged as to provide a ready and unimpeded means of escape from each compartment to the ship’s boats, lifeboats or liferafts. Where escape routes are by way of stairways or ladderways, those stairways or ladderways shall be constructed of steel.

In paragraph (3) “compartment” means all living and working spaces within the watertight or fire-resisting boundaries on any one level which are served by inter-communicating passageways.