S.L. 646.2 Art. 37Hatch to be fenced or securely covered.

(1) If any hatch of a hold accessible to any person employed and exceeding one point five metres in depth, measured from the level of the deck in which the hatch is situated to the bottom of the hold, is not in use for the passage of goods, coal or other material, or for trimming, and the coamings are less than seventy-six centimetres in height, such hatch shall either be fenced to a height of one metre or be securely covered:

Provided that this requirement shall not apply -

(a) to vessels not exceeding 200 tons net registered tonnage which have only one hatchway, or

(b) to any vessel during meal times or other short interruptions of work during the period of employment.

(2) Hatch coverings shall not be used in the construction of deck or cargo stages, or for any other purpose which may expose them to damage.

(3) Hatch coverings shall be replaced on the hatches in the position indicated by the markings made thereon in pursuance of regulation 15.