---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 45.115"
title: "46"
number: "45.115"
heading: "Bulwarks and guardrails."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/45.115"
---

# §45.115. Bulwarks and guardrails.

- (a) The exposed parts of freeboard and superstructures decks and deckhouses on the freeboard deck must have guardrails or bulwarks that are at least 36 inches high above the deck.
- (b) Guardrails must have at least three courses with no more than a 9-inch opening below the lowest course and no more than 15 inches between other courses. If the sheer strake projection is at least 8 inches above the deck, a guardrail may have two courses with no more than 15 inches between courses.
- (c) In way of trunks at least half the protection required by [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section must be in the form of open rails.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 5104, 5108; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 73-49R, 38 FR 12290, May 10, 1973, unless otherwise noted.