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Merchant Shipping Act, 1951 (Act No. 57 of 1951)

Regulations

Maritime Occupational Safety Regulations, 1994

Chapter II : Safety provisions for staff on board ship, appliances and equipment

16. Hatch coverings

 

(1) The employer shall ensure—
(a) that any hatch covering used on a vessel is of sound construction and material, of adequate strength for the purpose for which it is used, free from patent defect and properly maintained;
(b) that a hatch covering—
(i) is not used unless it can be removed and replaced, whether manually or with mechanical power, without endangering any person, and
(ii) is clearly marked, showing the correct replacement position, except in so far as hatch coverings are interchangeable or incapable of being incorrectly replaced;
(c) that a hatch is not used unless the hatch covering has been completely removed or, if not completely removed, properly secured.

 

(2) Except in the event of an emergency, no person shall operate a hatch covering which is power-operated or a vessel's ramp or a retractable car-deck unless authorised to do so by the officer of the watch.