20Removal of equipment

20 Removal of equipment

20.1 A person must not, during the loading or unloading of a ship, remove or otherwise interfere with any fencing, safety device, gangway, means of access, ladder, lighting, hatchway cover, material handling equipment, stage, mark, life-saving appliance or other article or fitting provided in connection with loading or unloading for the purpose of compliance with this Order, except:

(a) in the event of an emergency; or

(b) as directed by the master or an officer of the ship, or by the person in charge.

20.2 The person who directs or effects the removal of an article or fitting in accordance with subsection 20.1 must replace it as soon as there is no longer any reason for its removal, by the person effecting or directing the removal, as appropriate.

20.3 Every person engaged in loading or unloading a ship must take all reasonable steps to protect the person’s own safety and that of other persons. The fact that a person in charge is directing the operation or that the provisions of this Order are being correctly applied does not relieve a person of that obligation.