[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 1]
[Revised as of Octobery 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR32.02-10]

[Page 416-417]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
         CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
 
PART 32_SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, AND HULL REQUIREMENTS--Table of Contents
 
                    Subpart 32.02_Safety Requirements
 
Sec. 32.02-10  Rails--TB/ALL.

    (a) All tank vessels, except unmanned tank barges, contracted for on 
or after July 1, 1969, shall have efficient guard rails or bulwarks on 
decks and bridges. The height of rails or bulwarks shall be at least 
39\1/2\ inches from the deck except that where this height would 
interfere with the normal operation of the vessel, a lesser height may 
be approved by the Commandant. At exposed peripheries of the freeboard 
and superstructure decks the rails shall be in at least three courses 
including the top. The opening below the lowest course shall not be more 
than 9 inches. The courses shall not be more than 15 inches apart. In 
the case of ships with rounded gunwales, the guard rail supports shall 
be placed on the flat of the deck. On other decks and bridges the rails 
shall be in at least two courses, including the top, approximately 
evenly spaced. All rails shall consist of solid or tubular sections or 
chains or wire rope or a combination thereof.
    (b) Where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Commandant that 
a vessel is engaged exclusively on voyages of a sheltered nature, the 
provisions of paragraph (a) of this section may be relaxed.
    (c) Tank vessels contracted for prior to July 1, 1969, except 
unmanned tank barges, assigned a deeper load line under part 42 of 
subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter shall have efficient guard 
rails or bulwarks as required by paragraph (a) of this section. 
Otherwise, existing rails and bulwarks previously approved approved will 
be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good 
condition. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same 
standards as the original construction.
    (d) All tank vessels in ocean and coastwise service, except unmanned 
tank barges, constructed on or after June 15, 1987, must have suitable 
storm rails installed in all passageways and at the deckhouse sides on 
weather decks where persons on board might have normal access. Storm 
rails must be installed on both sides of passageways which are six feet 
or more in width. Tank vessels to which this paragraph applies 
constructed prior to June 15, 1987, may retain previously accepted or 
approved installations so long as they are maintained in good condition

[[Page 417]]

to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

[CGFR 69-72, 34 FR 17481, Oct. 29, 1969, as amended by CGD 84-073; 52 FR 
18362, May 15, 1987; 52 FR 22751, June 15, 1987. Redesignated by CGD 88-
032, 56 FR 35820, July 29, 1991]