Stanchion (Guardrail)

A vertical or near-vertical post supporting guard wires, rails or other perimeter barriers aboard a vessel.

Guardrail stanchions are seated in bases or sockets attached to the deck and transfer lateral loads into the structure. Other specialised posts aboard may also be called stanchions, so the guardrail context distinguishes this meaning.

Bent posts, loose bases, cracked welds, corroded sockets and leaking fasteners can weaken the whole barrier. A stanchion is not normally a mooring, lifting or personal-tether strong point unless specifically designed and reinforced for that load.