Bow visor

A bow visor, also commonly called the bow ramp, is a pivotable closure of the opening of the prow of a ro-ro ferry, open that allows the entry and exit of vehicles. Usually, wave them like the visor of a helmet either in one piece up or divided into two to the side.

The so-called Atlantic lock secures the bow visor by lateral pin against accidental opening. Also the interior of the ship at sea by a bulkhead that serves as a vehicle ramp in the rule, or an additional offshore bulkhead is protected against water ingress.

The term bow visor was in the ship disasters of the Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987 and Estonia in 1994 by the media. In both cases led water inlet on the bow opening the sinking of the ships as the continuous car decks separate, watertight sections were secured from each other not by Scots and. Partial renounced it afterwards with new ships on a bow door or welded to existing bow visors fitted.