16.—(1) Every employer and any person in carrying out the obligations contained in this regulation shall comply with the principles and guidance in the Code.
(2) The employer 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.
(3) The employer shall ensure that—
(a)a hatch covering is not used unless it can be removed and replaced, whether manually or with mechanical power, without endangering any person, and
(b)information showing the correct replacement position is clearly marked, except in so far as hatch coverings are interchangeable or incapable of being incorrectly replaced.
(4) The employer shall ensure that a hatch is not used unless the hatch covering has been completely removed, or if not completely removed, is properly secure.
(5) 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.