Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.169.327 Deck rails

(a) All rails or lifelines must be at least 30 inches high and permanently supported by stanchions at intervals of not more than 7 feet. Stanchions must be through bolted or welded to the deck.

(b) Rails or lifelines must consist of evenly spaced courses. The spacing between courses must not be greater than 12 inches. The opening below the lowest course must not be more than 9 inches. Lower rail courses are not required where all or part of the space below the upper rail is fitted with a bulwark, chain link fencing, wire mesh, or an equivalent.

(c) Small vessels of the open type and vessels of unusual construction must have rails or equivalent protection as considered necessary by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.