15 Means of egress and access for persons

15.1 In a ship constructed or converted for the carriage of livestock after 1 July 1983 there must be provided in each space in which livestock is carried no fewer than two means of egress widely separated and giving access to an open deck.

15.2 Access to a livestock space for persons must be safe and, if combined with a ramp used for moving livestock between decks, must be separated from the livestock ramp by protective fencing.

15.3 A pen, stall or similar fitting must be provided with a means of access for persons with a secure closing arrangement having a structural strength equivalent to the strength of that part of the pen, stall or fitting.

15.4 If access is required between a ship’s side and a pen, stall or similar fitting for the purposes of the safe and proper operation of the ship, a passageway must be provided that has a clear width of not less than 750 millimetres between the ship’s rail or bulwark and the rails or receptacles of the pen, stall or fitting, except that obstructions outside the pen rails, such as receptacles, pipework, etc., may reduce the passageway measured from the ship’s rail to 550 millimetres.

15.5 If a means of egress or access is provided in accordance with 15, or if a passageway is provided in accordance with this Part, the master must ensure that the means of egress, access or passageway is kept clear at all times during a voyage.

This is a penal provision.

15.6 Passageways and walkways in livestock areas must:

(a) in a ship that was engaged in carrying livestock from Australia before 1 July 1983—have a minimum clear height of 1.8 metres; or

(b) in any other ship—have a minimum clear height of 2.0 metres.