46 C.F.R. Subpart 72.40—Rails and Guards
Title 46 - Shipping
(a) The provisions of this subpart, with the exception of §72.40–90, shall apply to all vessels contracted for on or after July 1, 1969. Vessels contracted for prior to July 1, 1969, shall meet the requirements of §72.40–90. (b) [Reserved] [CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 16903, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17483, Oct. 29, 1969] (a) All passenger vessels shall have efficient guard rails or bulwarks on decks and bridges as follows: The height of rails or bulwarks shall be at least 39 (b) Where the height of the rails interferes with the business of the vessel, as in the case of a sport fishing vessel, other arrangements may be specifically approved by the Commandant. However, in general, the effective rail or bulwark height above the deck on which the passengers stand shall be at least 30 inches. (c) On the passenger decks of ferryboats, excursion vessels, and vessels of a similar type, the space below the top of the rail shall be fitted with suitable wire mesh or the equivalent. Depending upon the type of construction, the lower rail courses may not be required. (d) Where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Commandant that a vessel is engaged exclusively in voyages of a sheltered nature, the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section may be relaxed. [CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17483, Oct. 29, 1969] (a) Suitable storm rails shall be installed in all passageways and at the deckhouse sides where passengers or crew might have normal access. Storm rails shall be installed on both sides of passageways which are 6 feet or more in width. (b) [Reserved] (a) On vehicular ferries, suitable chains, cables, or other barriers shall be installed at the ends of the vehicle runways. In addition, suitable gates, rails, or other devices shall be installed as a continuation of the regularly required rails. (b) [Reserved] (a) Suitable covers, guards, or rails shall be installed in way of all exposed and dangerous places such as gears, machinery, etc. (b) [Reserved] (a) Passenger vessels contracted for prior to July 1, 1969, assigned a deeper load line under part 42 of subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter shall have efficient guard rails or bulwarks as required by §72.40–5. Otherwise, existing structure, arrangements, materials, and facilities previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original construction provided that in no case will greater departure from the standards of §§72.40–5 through 72.40–20 be permitted than presently exists. (b) [Reserved] [CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17483, Oct. 29, 1969]
Title 46: Shipping
PART 72—CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT
Subpart 72.40—Rails and Guards
§ 72.40-1 Application.
§ 72.40-5 Where rails required.
§ 72.40-10 Storm rails.
§ 72.40-15 Vehicular ferries.
§ 72.40-20 Guards in dangerous places.
§ 72.40-90 Vessels contracted for prior to July 1, 1969.
