Large Fishing Vessel Inspection Regulations (C.R.C., c. 1435)

22 (1) Subject to subsection (2), the sills of doors giving access to the main hull shall have a minimum height of 300 mm.

(2) Where doors are situated on top of any superstructure, deckhouse or raised forecastle the height of sills giving access to the main hull shall not be less than 150 mm.

(3) Side scuttles fitted below the weatherdeck shall be equipped with

• (a) deadlights, where the diameter of the glass exceeds 150 mm; and

• (b) deadlights or wooden plugs, where the diameter of the glass does not exceed 150 mm.

(4) Plate glass having a minimum thickness of 6 mm shall be fitted in the wheelhouse windows of

• (a) all new fishing vessels; and

• (b) existing fishing vessels when replacement of these windows becomes necessary.

(5) In the case of a fishing vessel that proceeds more than 20 nautical miles from land, where there is no other means of preventing water from entering the main hull by way of a broken window or side scuttle that is situated above the weather deck, there shall be provided

• (a) storm shutters for windows;

• (b) deadlights or portable steel plates for side scuttles where the diameter of the glass is more than 152 mm; and

• (c) deadlights, portable steel plates or wooden plugs for side scuttles where the diameter of the glass is not more than 152 mm.

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to

• (a) side scuttles or windows, other than forward wheel-house windows, the sills of which are more than 2.59 m above the weatherdeck; or

• (b) any side scuttle or window if, in the opinion of the Board, the nature of the voyage makes those requirements unnecessary.

(7) Doors giving access to the main hull shall be strongly constructed and hung on substantial hinges, and locking arrangements shall be such that a door can be opened from either side.

(8) Where entrance to the crew space is by way of the engine room, an escape hatch shall be fitted from the crew space to the open deck.

(8.1) Subject to subsection (8.3), a fishing vessel shall have at least two means of escape, including the main entrance, in each crew space and area in which the crew may be normally employed.

(8.2) For the purposes of subsection (8.1), one of the means of escape shall be located as far as possible from the main entrance and may be a window or a scuttle that is of sufficient proportions to provide for easy exit by the crew members and that is capable of being retained in an open position by mechanical means while being used as an escape route.

(8.3) The requirements of subsections (8.1) and (8.2) do not apply

• (a) in respect of a fishing vessel the keel of which was laid before September 1, 1989; or

• (b) where a second means of escape is not practicable owing to size limitations or to the use of the space or area in which the crew may be normally employed.

(9) Where a single entrance only is provided to a crew space, an emergency escape hatch shall be fitted as near as possible to the centre line of the ship, but if, in the opinion of the Chairman, the fitting of such escape hatch is impracticable, the single entrance shall be of sufficient proportions to provide for easy exit for the number of men berthed and shall be as near the centre line of the ship as is practicable.

(10) Where a single entrance only is provided to an engine room, an emergency escape hatch shall be fitted as near as possible to the centre line of the ship.

(11) Where there is a direct access from the wheelhouse to the main hull or accommodation spaces of a fishing vessel, a gastight door shall be fitted to protect the wheelhouse from smoke in case of fire.

(12) Where the wheelhouse of a fishing vessel is provided with a forced ventilation system, the supply duct shall be fitted with a manually operated fire damper at the bulkhead capable of being operated from inside the wheelhouse and a remote trip of the ventilation supply fan shall be installed inside the wheelhouse.