The Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction: Ships of Classes III to VI(A)) Regulations 1998

Closure of main loading doors

22.—(1) Except in the cases specified in paragraphs (2) and (4) the following loading doors—

(a) gangway and cargo loading doors fitted in the shell or boundaries or enclosed superstructures;

(b) bow visors so fitted;

(c) weathertight ramps so fitted and used instead of doors for closing openings for cargo or vehicle loading; and

(d) cargo loading doors in the collision bulkhead;

shall be closed and locked before the ship leaves its berth and shall be kept closed and locked until the ship has been secured at its next berth.

(2) Where a bow visor or a weathertight ramp cannot be opened or closed while the ship is secured at its berth, it may so far as necessary and subject to paragraph (3) be opened or kept open while the ship approaches or draws away from its berth, as the case may be.

(3) In no case shall a loading door be open when the ship is more than one ship’s length from the cargo loading or discharging position of its berth.

(4) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to small doors intended to be used for pilot access, fuelling or other matters necessary for the operation of the ship and not intended to be used by passengers or for loading cargo.