201002 Escape hatch securing

Escape hatch securing
MARS Report 201002

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 1 shows a commonly-used method of ensuring that an emergency escape hatch is secure against unauthorised entry from outside; in this case, the lid is tied down with a synthetic fibre rope that can be undone from inside during an emergency. On some vessels, wire rope and/or chains may be similarly used. However, such securing methods prevent entry from the outside through the same hatch, which may be necessary for fire-fighting. Subsequent photographs, show an alternative arrangement that satisfies both safety and security requirements.

Editor's note: Some ships prefer to use corrosion-resistant combination locks instead of padlocks, the combination being known to all the crew. MARS 200429 has more suggestions for securing escape hatches correctly.