Hong Kong Regulations

MERCHANT SHIPPING (SEAFARERS) (CREW ACCOMMODATION) REGULATION - SECT 11

Access and escape arrangements

(1) Every entrance into the crew accommodation from the open deck shall be so
situated and constructed as to be protected against the weather and sea to the
greatest extent practicable. The entrances shall be so situated that the crew
accommodation is accessible at all times and in all weathers.

(2) At least one means of access, either direct or via not more than 2 rooms
forming part of a suite, to any sleeping room, day room, mess room, recreation
room, study, office, sanitary accommodation or galley, shall be from an
enclosed passageway.

(3) Two entirely separate escape routes shall be provided for each
compartment, each route leading from the compartment to a suitably sited
opening (which may be a normally used entrance) on to a weather deck. The
escape routes, which shall not pass through propelling machinery spaces,
galleys or other spaces where the risk or injury from fire, steam or other
similar cause is comparatively high, shall be so arranged as to provide a
ready and unimpeded means of escape from each compartment to the ship's boats,
lifeboats or liferafts. Where escape routes are by way of stairways or
ladderways, those stairways or ladderways shall be constructed of steel.

(4) In subsection (3), "compartment" (艙間) means all living and working
spaces within the watertight or fire-resisting boundaries on any one level
which are served by inter-communicating passageways. (Enacted 1995)

"compartment" (艙間) means all living and working spaces within the
watertight or fire-resisting boundaries on any one level which are served by
inter-communicating passageways.