Regulation 4 Hatches
Every employer, master and person carrying out the obligations contained in this regulation shall take full account of the principles and guidance in chapter 18 of the Code.
The employer and master shall ensure that any hatch covering used on a ship is of sound construction and material, of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used, free from patent defect and properly maintained.
The master shall ensure that
a hatch covering is not used unless it can be removed and replaced, whether manually or with mechanical power, without endangering any person, and
information showing the correct replacement position is clearly marked, except in so far as hatch coverings are interchangeable or incapable of being incorrectly replaced.
The master shall ensure that a hatch is not used unless the hatch covering has been completely removed, or if not completely removed, is properly secured.
Except in the event of an emergency endangering health or safety, no person shall operate a hatch covering which is power-operated or a ship’s ramp or a retractable car-deck unless authorised to do so by a responsible ship’s officer.