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Title:
SHIP RAIL SECURITY DEVICE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2016/102926
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A security device comprising: a plate having a top edge and a bottom edge; and a bulbous barrier having a top edge and a bottom edge, substantially planar sides extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and an inner face, wherein the plate and the barrier form a slot therebetween; the device has an outer surface that extends from the bottom edge of the plate, over the top of the device and to the bottom edge of the barrier; the inner face extends between the sides, is spaced apart from the outer surface and extends from the bottom edge, at least a part of the way towards the top edge; and the barrier extends in a horizontal direction, perpendicular to the plane of the plate and away from the slot.

Inventors:
MCGARIAN BRUCE (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB2015/053749
Publication Date:
June 30, 2016
Filing Date:
December 08, 2015
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
MCGARIAN BRUCE (GB)
International Classes:
B63G13/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015181049A12015-12-03
WO2016016609A12016-02-04
Foreign References:
GB2524012A2015-09-16
JP2001191983A2001-07-17
CN201350963Y2009-11-25
CN201472648U2010-05-19
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
BEATTIE, Alex (119-121 Cannon StreetLondon, Greater London EC4N 5AT, GB)
Download PDF:
Claims:
Claims

1 . A security device comprising:

a plate having a top edge and a bottom edge; and

a bulbous barrier having a top edge and a bottom edge, substantially planar sides extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and an inner face, wherein

the plate and the barrier form a slot therebetween;

the device has an outer surface that extends from the bottom edge of the plate, over the top of the device and to the bottom edge of the barrier;

the inner face extends between the sides, is spaced apart from the outer surface and extends from the bottom edge, at least a part of the way towards the top edge; and

the barrier extends in a horizontal direction, perpendicular to the plane of the plate and away from the slot.

2. A security device according to claim 1 , wherein the barrier tapers towards the bottom edge where the barrier is narrowest.

3 A security device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein proximate to the bottom edge the barrier has a downward facing portion and at least one first opening located in the downward facing portion.

4 A security device according to claim 3, wherein the at least one first opening is located proximate to the inner face of the barrier.

5 A security device according to any of claims 3-4, wherein the at least one first opening has a narrow elongate shape orientated along a width of the security device. A security device according to any of claims 3-5, wherein there are a plurality of first openings.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the slot is suitable for receiving a substantively horizontal rail raised above a surface.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier extends furthest from the slot, proximate to the top edge.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein, in use, the device rests on a rail and the barrier is arranged to overhang the side of a ship or a wall so that the plate is an inboard portion and the barrier is an outboard portion of the security device.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier at its widest point extends at 700mm, and preferably more than 750mm, measured from the slot, and proximate to the bottom edge the barrier extends up to 50mm and more preferably 30mm.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the outer surface is substantially smooth or featureless.

A security device according to any of preceding claim, wherein at least a portion of the barrier between the top edge and the bottom edge is curved.

13. A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the barrier has at least one second opening located proximate to the bottom edge and on the inner face of the barrier. A security device according to any claims 3-1 3, wherein the plate has at least one third opening located proximate to the bottom edge of the plate.

A security device according to claim 14, wherein when the second and third openings are substantially aligned.

A security device according to any of claims 13-15 when dependent on any of claims 3 to 12, wherein the at least one first opening is in fluid communication with the at least one second opening and or the at least one third opening.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plate and the barrier have substantially the same length, in a vertical direction.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the security barrier is between 0.5m and 1 .5m, and preferably approximately 1 .2m.

A security device according to any of claims 3-18, wherein when the security device rests on a ship's rail, the at least one first, second and or third openings are located in a substantially aligned position relative to the ship's kick board.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the plate has at least one attachment point, for securing the security device to a rail, preferably located towards to the bottom edge.

A security device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device has substantially uniform cross section taken in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the plane of the plate.

22. Two or more security devices, wherein each of the security devices is according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the two or more security devices rest on a raised rail with respective sides in close proximity, to form a substantially continuous barrier along the rail.

23. A security barrier substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

24. Any novel feature or combination of features disclosed herein.

Description:
Title: SHIP RAIL SECURITY DEVICE

Background to the invention

The invention relates to a security device and in particular concerns a device for improving the security of a ship.

In recent years there have been several examples of commercial cargo ships being boarded by pirates. This type of event can present a serious threat to the wellbeing of the crew of the ship, as well as being commercially damaging. It has been proposed to provide security barriers which can be placed over the rails of a ship to make it more difficult to board the ship. One example of this type of barrier is disclosed in WO2013/072704, Stevens. Removable bulwarks are attached to the peripheral edges of a ship, such as a ship's rail. The bulwarks have a skirt section which is substantially parallel with the ship's wall or railing, and a rear wall. The bulwarks have a smooth and substantially continuous outer surface that provides an overhang which projects outwardly from the ship's rail. Another barrier of this type is disclosed in GB1404192.5, McGahan. A security barrier may be attached to a ship's rail. The device has a barrier element and a support element. The barrier element has a bulbous shape which provides an overhang, when the device is attached to a ship's rail. The barrier element is attached to the support element, with the rail between the support element and the barrier element.

One aim of the devices is to provide a smooth surface, so that hooks and ropes may not be attached to the side of the ship, thereby enabling pirates to climb up the side of the ship and board the ship. Another aim is to provide an overhang that is difficult to traverse, therefore even if the pirates are able to find a way to attach a ladder or rope to climb the side of a ship, they may be prevented from boarding the ship by the overhang.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved security barrier of this type.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly one aspect provides a security device comprising: a plate having a top edge and a bottom edge; and a bulbous barrier having a top edge and a bottom edge, substantially planar sides extending from the top edge to the bottom edge, and an inner face, wherein the plate and the barrier form a slot therebetween; the device has an outer surface that extends from the bottom edge of the plate, over the top of the device and to the bottom edge of the barrier; the inner face extends between the sides, is spaced apart from the outer surface and extends from the bottom edge, at least a part of the way towards the top edge; and the barrier extends in a horizontal direction, perpendicular to the plane of the plate and away from the slot. Advantageously, the device provides a barrier and in use around all of the rails of ship, the device makes it much harder to gain access to the ship from outboard. The device has a smooth or featureless exterior surface which manes that there are no foot-holes or places where a hook or ladder could be attached. At least a portion of the barrier between the top edge and the bottom edge maybe curved. Further, the bulbous exterior surface provides an overhang. Thus, even if a person outboard of a ship could find a way to attach a ladder to climb the sides of the ship, it would then be difficult to get over the overhand to gain access. Thus, the security of a ship may be improved by using the device. Another aspect provides proximate to the bottom edge of the barrier, a downward facing portion and at least one first opening located in the downward facing portion. In conjunction with other features of the device, this allows water to drain from the deck of a ship, through the device and out over the side of the device. The first opening is arranged in such a way that it does not provide access from outboard of the ship, nor a feature which might present itself as a foot-hole. Therefore, even though the device has an opening, it still provides a barrier and thus improves the security of the ship. The at least one first opening may be located proximate to the inner face of the barrier, and may have narrow elongate shape orientated along a width of the security device. In an alternative arrangement there may be a plurality of first openings. The first opening may be suitably sized to allow water to drain freely. By locating the opening close to the inner face, it is even less likely to present an opportunity to someone who is outboard of the ship.

The slot may be suitable for receiving a substantively horizontal rail raised above a surface. Thus, the device may be places over rails and secured to them.

The barrier may extend furthest from the slot, proximate to the top edge. The barrier may taper towards the bottom edge where the barrier is narrower. When in use, the device may rests on a rail and the barrier is arranged to overhang the side of a ship or a wall so that the plate is an inboard portion and the barrier is an outboard portion of the security device. The barrier may be at its widest point extends at 700mm, and preferably more than 750mm, measured from the slot, and proximate to the bottom edge the barrier extends up to 50mm and more preferably 30mm. Having the greatest depth or width proximate to the top edge provides a shape to the barrier that makes the overhang most difficult to get over. To assist with draining through the first opening, the barrier may have at least one second opening located proximate to the bottom edge and on the inner face of the barrier and or the plate may have at least one third opening located proximate to the bottom edge of the plate. If there are both second and third openings, they may be substantially aligned. The at least one first opening is advantageously in fluid communication with the at least one second opening and or the at least one third opening.

The plate and the barrier may have substantially the same length, in a vertical direction, wherein the height of the security barrier is between 0.5m and 1 .5m, and preferably approximately 1 .2m. Thus, the device is suitably sized to fit over the rail of a ship. When the security device rests on a ship's rail, the at least one first, second and or third openings are located in a substantially aligned position relative to the ship's kick board so that water may wash over the kick board and then side of the ship.

The plate may have at least one attachment point, for securing the security device to a rail, and preferably located towards to the bottom edge. Thus, making it more difficult to remove from outboard of the ship.

The device may usefully made from a light weight and durable material. For example, the device may be moulded using a rotational moulding method.

In order that the present invention may be more readily understood, embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanied drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a side plane view of a security device;

Figure 2 illustrates a top plane view of a security device;

Figure 3 illustrates a front plane view of a security device, resting on a ship's rail; Figure 4 illustrates a front-side perspective view of a security device;

Figure 5 illustrates a back-side perspective view of a security device;

Figure 6 illustrates a front-side-bottom perspective view of a security device, resting on a ship's rail;

Figure 7 illustrates a back perspective view of a security device, resting on a ship's rail;

Figure 8 illustrates a back-side perspective view of a security device;

Figure 9 illustrates a front-side-bottom perspective view of a security device; Figure 10 illustrates a back plane view of a security device; and

Figure 1 1 illustrates a sectional view taken in a plane parallel with the plate and through the slot of a security device.

Detailed description of the invention The invention relates to a security device. In overview, the security device has an inboard portion and a bulbous outboard portion to provide an overhang. A number of devices may be secured to the rails or walls of a ship, around the periphery or edge, to make it more difficult to gain access to the ship's deck. In the specification terms such as 'top', 'bottom', 'side', 'front', 'back', 'height', 'width' and 'depth' are used. It should be understood that these refer to the components when they are installed in the manner described and depicted herein, and not in any other orientation. Figures 1 to 7 illustrate a first embodiment of the invention. Figures 8, 9 and 1 1 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a side plane view of a security device 10 according to one embodiment of the invention. To the side of the illustration the vertical direction V, and the horizontal direction H are indicated. The security device 10 has height or length 12 in the vertical direction V and depth 13 in the horizontal direction H.

Figure 2 illustrates a top plane view of a security device 10. To the side of the illustration the horizontal direction H is indicated. This is the same direction as shown in figure 1 . The security device 10 has depth 13 at the point where it extends furthest in the horizontal direction H.

Figure 3 illustrates a front plane view of a security device 10, resting on a ship's rail 61 and over a ship's kick board 62, above the ship's side wall 63. The security device 10 has width 1 1 as indicated.

The device 10 consists of two main parts, a plate 20, shown vertically in figure 1 and a barrier 30. The plate has a top edge 21 bottom edge 22. The barrier has top edge 31 , bottom edge 32, sides 33 and an inner face 34. The barrier 30 and the plate 20 are connected along the top edges 21 , 31 and the top edges 21 , 31 are integral so that there is no interface between the plate 20 and the barrier 30. An outer surface 40 of the device 10 extends from the bottom edge 22 of the plate 20, over the top of the device 10, and down to the bottom edge 32 of the barrier 30. The outer surface 40 is substantially continuous and featureless.

As can be seen in figures 1 and 2, from the top edge 21 of the plate 20, the barrier 30 extends horizontally outwardly, perpendicular to the plane of the plate 20. The barrier 30 extends from the plate 20 furthest, to depth a maximum 13 proximate to the top edge 21 , 31 and tapers towards the bottom edge 32. From the point of maximum depth 13, the outer surface 40 curves through an angle of more than 90° and tapers towards the bottom edge 32 of the barrier 30. Proximate to the bottom edge 32, the outer surface 40 curves again towards the bottom edge 32 so that there is a downward facing portion 36. The outer surface 40 meets the inner face 34 at the bottom edge 32. Between the plate 20 and the barrier 30 there is a slot 50, extending almost the entire vertical height V of the device 10. The sides of the slot 50 are defined by the plate 20 and an inner face 34 of the barrier 30. The sides of the slot 50 are substantially parallel so that the slot has uniform width in the horizontal direction H. The slot 50 is open at the bottom edge 22, 32 and extends vertically towards the top edge 21 , 31 where the plate 20 and barrier 30 meet. There is no connection between the plate 20 and the barrier 30 at the bottom. The slot 18 is suitable for receiving the rail of a ship 61 . The device 10 is preferably continuous between the plate 20 and the barrier 30 at the top edge 21 , 31 such that there is no interface between the parts at the top. The slot 50 provides a gap of approximately 5cm and has a height of approximately 120cm.

Figure 4 illustrates a front-side perspective view of a security device 10, in which one side 33 of the barrier 30 may be seen. The side 33 is a panel and has approximately the shape of an inverted triangle with rounded corners, with the narrowest width proximate to the bottom edge 32 of the barrier 30. Parallel and opposite to the first side face 33 is a second face 33, which cannot be seen in this figure. Accordingly, the barrier portion of the outer surface 40, the sides 33 and the inner face 34 define the shape and volume of the barrier 30. The barrier 30 has a substantially uniform cross section taken in a vertical plane, perpendicular to the plane to the plate 20. The barrier 30 is substantially hollow. Further, the sides 33 of the barrier 30 are substantially featureless. One reason for this is so that opposing sides 33 of two devices 10 may be abutted or placed in close proximity to form a substantially continuous barrier of twice the width 1 1 of a single device 10. In an alternative arrangement, the sides 33 may have cooperating features so that they may be interlocked.

As mentioned above, towards the bottom of the barrier 30, the outer surface 40 curves towards the inner face 34 of the barrier 30 to provide a downward facing portion 36. Located in this portion 36 is at least one first opening 37. These features are more clearly shown in figure 6 which illustrates a perspective view of a security device 10 from a front-side-bottom direction. The first opening 37 has a narrow elongate shape, with the narrow dimension of the opening 37 along the width 1 1 of the device 10. In preferred embodiments, the first opening 37 is proximate to the inner face 34 of the barrier 30. As will be apparent from the following description, the first opening 37 does not provide an accessible opening to the device 10 from an outboard direction.

Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a security device 10 from a back-side direction. This shows one side 33 of the barrier 30, the lower part of the plate 20, and the lower part of the slot 50 in more detail. As mentioned above, the barrier 30 has an inner face 34, which is opposite to the outer surface 40. Towards the bottom edge 32, the outer surface 40 curves towards the inner face 34 so that there is a downward facing portion 36 of the outer surface 40. The outer surface 40 meets the inner face 34 at the bottom edge 32. As will be apparent, this necessitates the sides 33 to narrow, so that that narrowest part is proximate to the bottom edge 32.

The inner face 34 extends from the bottom edge 32, in the vertical direction V and defines one side of the slot 50. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the inner face 34 only extends a portion of the height of the device 10. Above the height of the inner face 34, the volume of the barrier 30 is open and the slot 50 is defined by the edges of the sides 33. Within the inner face 34, two second openings 35 may be seen. These are located proximate to but slightly above the bottom edge 32. The second openings 35 are approximately lozenge shaped but could take any shape. As the barrier 30 is hollow, the second openings 35 are in fluid communication with the first opening 37. Also, as more clearly illustrated in figure 5, it can be seen that the plate 20 includes third openings 23. These are located approximately level with the second openings 35 and have similar dimensions. They are proximate to the bottom edge 22 of the plate 20. Further, the plate 20 includes attachment points 24 just above the third openings 23.

As will be familiar to the skilled person, the deck of a ship typically has railings near its outer edge, comprising a top rail and at least one intermediate rail. These are raised above the surface of the deck. The decks of many ships also include a short upstanding kick board which runs around the perimeter of the deck, at or near the edge thereof. The kick board performs the function, among others, of preventing dropped objects from rolling off the desk of the ship. On typical vessels the kick board may have a height of 100-150mm.

The security barrier 10 preferably has a height 12 of around 1 -1 .3m, and a width 1 1 of 1 -1 .5m. The top rails provided on cargo ships are typically around

1 -1 .2m high, and the security barrier 10 should be formed to be a suitable height 12 to fit onto these rails. A series of security barriers 10 may be provided, adjacent to one another, running along the rail(s) of the ship.

Preferably, all rails at the edge of the ship's deck are provided with security barriers. In addition, barriers 10 may be placed on other rails to give an additional layer of protection, for example, on the rails surrounding the entrance to the ship's bridge.

Figure 6 illustrates a front-side-bottom perspective view of a security device 10, resting on a ship's rail 61 . The rail 61 has a top rail and two intermediate rails. Immediately next to the deck 64, is a kick board 62, in-line with the rail 61 . As shown in the drawing, typically the rail 61 is slightly set back from the very edge of the ship. The deck 64 is flat and curves over (in the example shown) to form the side of the ship 63. An embodiment of the security device 10 rests on the top rail 61 and has substantially the same height 12 as the rail 61 , so that the rail 61 is covered from the top to the deck 64, including the kick board 62. The device 10 is arranged so that the plate 20 is inboard and the barrier 30 is outboard, relative to the rail 61 . As the rail 61 is slightly set back from the wall 63 of the ship, the device 10 may be advantageously proportioned so that the downward facing portion 36 of the barrier 30 does not extend beyond the edge of the ship. Above the downward facing portion 36, the outer surface 40 of the device 10 extends beyond the edge of the ship, providing an outboard overhang. From the perspective of the illustration in figure 6, the first opening 37 can clearly be seen proximate to the deck 64 of the ship. Therefore, water may drain from the opening 37 over the side of the ship 63. However, as the first opening 37 does not extend a significant distance upwards from the deck 64, access to the first opening 37 is very limited and it would be extremely difficult for a tool or hook to enter the opening 37 and hook on to the bottom edges of the second openings 35 or over the kick board 62. Furthermore, as the sides 33 of the barrier 30 are panels, there are no features which would provide a hook position between adjacently positioned security devices 10, were a series of devices arranged along the length of the rail 61 . From the front plane view perspective of figure 3, the rail 61 , and the kick board 62, can be seen to extend either side of the device 10. From this perspective, it is readily apparent how access to an attachment point for a hook through the device 10 is extremely limited. The first opening 37 is barely visible when viewed from this angle. It will be apparent that positioning a series of barriers abutting or in close proximity along a length of rail will avoid presenting handhold or securement point to unwanted boarders or pirates who are outboard of the ship.

Figure 7 illustrates a back perspective view of a security device 10, resting on a ship's rail. As can be seen, the third openings 23 of the plate 20 are inboard from the ship's kick board 62, and the second openings 35 are outboard from the kick board 62. The second and third openings 35, 23 are positioned such that they are partially, but not entirely, obscured by the kick board 62. Therefore, water on the deck of a ship, is able to freely pass through the third openings 23, wash over the kick board 62 and then through the second openings 35 to drain over the side of the ship 63 through the first opening 37.

Figures 8, 9 and 1 1 illustrate an alternative second embodiment of the security device 10. The main differences between the embodiment of figures 8 and 9 and the first embodiment of figures 1 to 7 will now be discussed. Like features are referred to with like reference numerals.

In the first embodiment described above, the barrier 30, towards the bottom, curves towards the bottom edge 32 to provide the downward facing portion 36, and a single first opening 37 is located in the downward facing portion 36. In the second arrangement, the lower part of the barrier 30 does not curve towards the bottom edge 32 to provide the downward facing portion 36. Instead, at the bottom of the barrier 30 a flat downward facing portion or face 38 is provided.

The face 38 comprises a plurality of first openings 37. This is most clearly seen in figure 9 which illustrates the second embodiment from a front-side- bottom perspective. Also as shown in figure 1 1 , which illustrates a sectional view taken through the device parallel with the plate 20, is an alternative arrangement of the inner face 34 of the barrier 30. Instead of being a panel, as in the first embodiment, the inner face 34 according to the second embodiment, is merely a bar or strut forming one side of a frame around the edges of the sides 33. The barrier 30 is almost entirely open opposite the outer surface 40. Therefore, the second embodiment does not have a need to include second openings 35.

Finally, in the alternative second embodiment, the third openings 23 in the plate 20 have a different shape. This is most clearly seen in figure 8 which illustrates a back-side perspective of the security device 10.

In another embodiment, the inner face may not be present. Therefore, the inner face is optional.

As shown in figures 1 to 7, the embodiment has small feet near the sides 33. In figures 8 and 9, there are no feet and the downward facing portion 36 is flat. Figure 10 shows an alternative arrangement of the device 10 taking from a plane back perspective. Along the bottom edge 22, 32, the device 10 has a plurality of feet. The feet only extend approximately 1 mm from the bottom edge 23, 23.

The simplicity of the shape of the security device 10 allows the security barrier 10 to be installed in either inboard or outboard facing direction on the rails 61 , and without interfering with existing components or equipment of the ship. It would also be possible to install other shaped devices alongside the security devices 10 in order to provide protection to rails which are curved or meet at a corner.

It is not necessary for the device 10 to rest on the rail 61 , when installed. Instead, the device 10 may be supported by the ship's deck 64 and secured in a vertical position to the rail 61 or another part of the ship. In the embodiments described above, the attachment points 24 are a series of small holes through which cable ties or other similar means may be threaded and secured around the railings 61 . The attachment points 24 of the device 10 may be used to releasable attach the security device 10 to the ship's rail 61 , to secure the security device 10 in position and to prevent the security device 10 from being removed by someone located outboard of the ship. Of course, other suitable attachment means as will be apparent to the skilled person are contemplated by the inventor. In the embodiments described above, the first second and third openings 37, 35, 23 are open space in their respective locations. In another arrangement, a mesh attached to the interior covering the openings 37, 35, 23 may be provided. In still another arrangement, the device 10 does not comprise any openings for draining water from the deck of a ship.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the barrier 30 is substantially hollow so that it does not take an unnecessary amount of materials to manufacture, nor becomes heavy and difficult to handle. The materials from which the security device 10 is formed may allow the components to flex sufficiently to be robust against any knocks which are likely to occur during use, and transportation.

As mentioned above, the outer surface 40 is substantially continuous and featureless. This is not an essential feature however it is preferred that the outer surface 40 provides no foot-holes or features which might assist intruders in gaining access beyond the device 10. The device 10 as shown in the figures, is provided with reinforcing ribs on the outer surface 40, which may be parallel and run vertically along all of part of the height of the device 10. The ribs may alternatively be formed in diamond or square patterns, or in any other suitable configuration. The ribs may be provided on the outer surface 40 and/or on the inside surface. The ribs should not be considered essential to the invention. Forming the ribs only on the inside surface may be preferable, as it would allow a smooth and featureless outer surface 40. The depth of the ribs may, for example, be 10-20mm.

Alternatively, the security device 10 may be provided with one or more reinforcing elements integrally formed therewith, or attached thereto after production. The reinforcing elements may be formed from a different material to the main body of the security device and may, for example, comprise metal (such as steal) strips or inserts.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the barrier 30 protrudes outwardly from the plate 20 by a distance of or has a depth of at least 700mm, and preferably more than 750mm.

It is preferred that the angle of overhang of at least a region of the lower part of the barrier 30 is at least 15° from vertical when the security barrier 10 is positioned on the ship rails 61 . In embodiments of the invention the angle of overhang may be 25° or more.

In the embodiments described above, the security device 10 rests on the upper rail of a ship's railings 61 . In other embodiments, a security device 10 may be provided that rests on a lower rail, and has a reduced overall height 12. A lower rail may be around 50%-75% of the height of the top rail. For example, the height 12 of the security device 10 may be around 0.5-0.9m. Security devices of this type may be suitable for vessels (for example, yachts) that are smaller than full-sized cargo ships.

In the embodiment described above, the plate 20 has the same height or length 12 as the barrier 30. In alternative arrangement, the plate 20 may only extend from the top edge 21 a portion of the height 12 compared with the barrier 30. In this arrangement, it may not be necessary to provide third openings 23 in the plate 20. The attachment points 24 may be re-positioned in a location suitable for securing the device 10. It will be understood that embodiments of the invention provide effective security devices which will make it difficult or impossible to board a ship equipped with the security devices 10.

The above description focuses on ships. However, it is also envisaged that the security devices described above may be used with other open water craft such as barges, hovercraft and catamarans. The security devices 10 may also be used in other situations where people may attempt to climb up and over a rail or wall. For instance, the security devices may be used on oil rigs and or other platforms or in prisons.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.