Question 1867 Deck General

The correct answer is C) 39-1/2 inches (1 m) high. The small passenger vessel regulations, specifically 46 CFR 177.900, state that the minimum height of rails on passenger decks of ferryboats, excursion vessels, and vessels of a similar type must be 39-1/2 inches (1 m) high. This requirement ensures adequate safety for passengers by providing a sufficient barrier to prevent falls overboard. The other options are incorrect because 18 inches (.5 m) is too low to effectively protect passengers, 24 inches (.6 m) is also below the regulatory standard, and 42 inches (1.1 m) would be unnecessarily high for this type of vessel.