Bow Pulpit

A rigid guardrail structure around part of a vessel’s bow.

The pulpit normally connects with the side guardrails or lifelines and helps reduce the risk of people falling overboard while working forward. It may also support navigation lights, an anchor roller or other fittings if designed for those loads.

Tube joints, bases, backing plates, fasteners and corrosion require inspection. A pulpit is not automatically a suitable point for mooring, towing, lifting or attaching a safety tether, and openings or split arrangements must be considered when moving or working at the bow.