🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR requirements for passenger vessel construction and safety • Minimum guardrail height standards on passenger decks used by the public • Differences between older low-rail standards and modern passenger protection standards

💭 Think About

• Which of these heights best reflects a modern safety standard meant to prevent adults from accidentally toppling over a rail in normal use? • Think about common building and balcony guardrail heights on land—how do marine standards for passenger decks compare? Higher, lower, or similar? • If many children and standing adults are on an excursion or ferry deck in a seaway, which minimum height would the Coast Guard most likely require to reduce fall-overboard risk?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify the specific 46 CFR subchapter that covers construction and arrangement of passenger vessels (Subchapter H or K, depending on size and route). • Check the table or paragraph that lists required guardrail or bulwark heights for passenger-accessible decks. • Confirm that the height is measured vertically from the deck at the narrowest point (top of rail, not including decorative elements).