FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a barrier unit, which improves safety of a waterborne vessel e.g., a ship, container vessel, cruise ship etc. The barrier unit is an assembly of barrier members, which, when assembled and combined with other assembled barrier units, provides a barrier device operable to resist unauthorised boarding of such vessels e.g., by pirates.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea defines maritime piracy as "illegal acts of violence or detention" committed on the high seas against ships. Maritime piracy is a serious problem, and it poses a real threat not only to the safety of vessels, their crews and passengers, but also to the economies of affected countries.

In many parts of the world e.g., Malacca Straits, South China sea, Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Guinea, Benin, Nigeria, Somalia, Indonesia, The Arabian Sea and The Indian Ocean, the threat of maritime piracy has mushroomed enormously in the past few years.

In the present day, in areas which are vulnerable to maritime piracy many vessels using concertina razor wire attached to the outer handrails in an attempt attempted to protect the vessel from infiltration by maritime pirates. Unfortunately, this form of barrier/protection can be dangerous to handle and in many cases, it has proven to be ineffective.

GB2496757, WO 2013/051946, Chinese patent ZL 200920136418 and WO 2014/182278 each provide alternative examples of security barrier devices, which connect to the peripheral edges of a ship or vessel to prevent any unauthorised boarding of the ship e.g., by maritime pirates. EP3277571 provides another alternative and more effective barrier device than razor wire. The barrier device is constructed from a number of barrier units connected side by side and to a guardrail around the perimeter of the vessel. Each barrier unit is a moulded unitary structure that includes a mounting member and a fend plate. The mounting member connects the barrier device to the guardrail and the fend plate slopes outwardly and downwardly as a unitary member from the top of the mounting member.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention provides a barrier unit configured to be assembled and combined with additional barrier units to provide, in use, a continuous barrier device, which resists unauthorised boarding of a waterborne vessel, the barrier unit comprises: a distinct first barrier member and a distinct second barrier member, wherein the second barrier member is attachable to and detachable from the first barrier member, wherein, in use, the second barrier member is joined to the first barrier member, the first barrier member defines a substantially vertical wall and the second barrier member defines a sloping wall, which overhangs the first barrier member at a predetermined downward slant, wherein the downward slant is defined by a predetermined acute angle between the first barrier member and the second barrier member.

The configuration of the barrier unit according to the first aspect facilitates modular attachment of a barrier device to a vessel, wherein the first barrier member can be connected to a suitable structure on the vessel, e.g., a guardrail and the second barrier member can be subsequently attached to a corresponding first barrier member or attached by bridging two first barrier members, which are arranged side-by-side. In use, the first barrier member is substantially vertically orientated, and the second barrier member defines a downward slant and overhangs the first barrier member(s) to which the second barrier member is attached.

The overhang is configured to deter even the most experienced of climbers. The second barrier member may be rotationally attached to the first barrier member, wherein the first and second barrier members are attached by a hinge mechanism proximate an edge of the first and second barrier members.

The hinge mechanism may be provided by one or more hinge members proximate the edge of the first barrier member or second barrier member and a corresponding number of complementary hinge members proximate the edge of the other of the first or second barrier member, wherein joining the first and second barrier members requires engagement of the hinge members and complementary hinge members and rotation of the second barrier member about the engaged hinge members until the predetermined acute angle between the first and second barrier plates is achieved.

The hinge members may be provided by one or more hook members and the complementary hinge members may be provided a corresponding number of complementary engaging members.

The one or more hook members may include an open end and a closed end, wherein the closed end is the shape of a half-cylinder, wherein the open end is sized to correspond with a diameter of the closed end and is configured to receive the complementary engaging members, wherein the closed end defines the extent in which the complementary engaging members can be inserted into the hook member before rotation of the complementary engaging members relative to the hook member. The hook member may include a parallel substantially horizontal lead-in portion, which extends from the open end to the closed end, wherein the lead-in portion is configured to guide the complementary engaging members into the hook member whilst engaging the first and second barrier members.

The complementary engaging members may be provided by a cylindrical member which is received by the one or more hook members and rotational relative thereto. The first barrier member may include the one or more hook members and the second barrier member may include a corresponding number of complementary engaging members.

The first barrier member may include two or more hook members and the second barrier member includes a corresponding number of complementary engaging members. The first barrier member may include three hook members and the second barrier member includes three complementary engaging members.

The complementary engaging member may be a cylindrical member which is received by a corresponding one of the one or more hook members and rotational relative thereto.

Mating surfaces or edges of the first and second barrier members may be configured to limit rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member to the predetermined acute angle between the first barrier member and the second barrier member. Mating surfaces or edges may be profiled such that interaction of the mating surfaces limit rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member to the predetermined acute angle between the first barrier member and the second barrier member. A physical stop member may be provided proximate the hinge mechanism on the first and/or second barrier members to limit rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member to the predetermined acute angle between the first barrier member and the second barrier member.

Each cylindrical member may be located in a cavity, which is dimensioned t o permit substantially free rotation of the second barrier member about the hook member, wherein the cavity is dimensioned to receive the hook member during rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member.

The cavity may include a surface profile behind and below the cylindrical member, wherein the surface profile provides a mating surface on the second barrier member, wherein the mating surface is configured to engage with an external surface of the first barrier member to limit rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member to the predetermined acute angle between the first barrier member and the second barrier member.

The first or second barrier member may further comprise a safety stop, which is configured, in use, to limit rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member in a disconnect direction, wherein interaction of the safety stop with the barrier member, which does not include the safety stop, prevents unintentional disconnection of the first barrier member from the second barrier member.

Provision of the rotational arrangement of the assembled first and second barrier member and the safety stop permits the second barrier member to rotate on impact by wave spla sh to prevent damage to the barrier members and the vessel to which the barrier members are attached.

The safety stop may be provided by an upstanding stop member provided on one of the first barrier member or the second barrier member, wherein the upstanding stop member is engageable with a safety stop element provided on the other of the first and second barrier members. The safety stop member may be an upstanding member and the safety stop element may be a downward protruding element, wherein each are positioned to limit upward rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member to a predetermined safe angle between the first barrier member and the second barrier member, wherein, in use, engagement of the safety stop member and the safety stop element determines the predetermined safe angle, which prevents the second barrier moving beyond a vertical orientation and prevents unintentional disconnection of the second barrier member from the first barrier member. The rotation of the second barrier member in an upward/disconnect direction may be limited to an angle of between 120 to 150 degrees.

The upstanding safety stop member may be located between hook members and the safety stop element may be provided by a profiled surface. The profiled surface may be defined between the cavity housing and the cylindrical members. In an example, the first barrier member includes three hook elements and the second barrier member includes: three cylindrical members spaced apart to correspond with the hook member for engaging the first and second barrier members, wherein the cylindrical members are spaced apart by two internal spacer members located between the cylindrical members and the second barrier member also includes two external spacer members each being located external to the cylindrical members, wherein each external spacer member is half the width of the internal spacer members, wherein the internal spacer members are dimensioned to be received between two hook members when engaging the first and second barrier members and an external spacer member from two adjacent first barrier members are dimensioned to be received between two hook members. It will be appreciated the configuration i.e., the width of the external spacer members facilitates a second barrier member bridging two first barrier members in an assembled barrier device.

Each spacer member may include a hollow body, which includes an inner surface, which provides the safety stop element, wherein the hollow body receives the safety stop member and the safety stop element engages with the safety stop member to limit upward rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member.

The second barrier member may include channels extending from a front edge partway into t he body of the second barrier member. These channels are configured to catch ropes, tethers or the like when a vessel is attacked and are configured such that the rope, tether or the like hangs vertically below a canopy provided by the overhanging second barrier member.

The second barrier member may further comprise an extendable and retractable fork element, which includes channels extending from a front edge toward the body of the second barrier member. The fork element extends the canopy provided by the second barrier member and the channels in the fork element are configured like those in the second barrier member to catch ropes, tethers or the like when a vessel is attacked and are configured such that the rope, tether or the like hangs vertically below the canopy provided by the overhanging fork element and second barrier member.

The second barrier member may include reinforcing ribs attached to or embedded in the body of the barrier member.

The second barrier member may include grooves in the upper surface to facilitate run-off of water.

The first barrier member may include at least one pair of hollow cavities on a rear face and at least one pair of protrusions on a front face. The hollow cavities and protrusions are provided to be engageable for storing and transporting multiple first barrier members.

The first barrier member may further comprise tether points on the rear face, wherein the tether points facilitate connecting the first barrier member to a structure such as a vessel's guardrail.

The tether points may be provided by cavities including a bar across the cavity to facilitate passing a tether or strap into the cavity and over the bar to secure the barrier member to the structure.

The first barrier member may further comprise a storage cavity configured to hold tethers or the like when multiple first barrier members are stored together.

The first barrier member may further comprise channels on a bottom edge to facilitate drainage when the first barrier member is secured to the structure.

The extent of rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member in operational mode may be greater than 45 degrees and less than 90 degrees.

The extent of rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member in operational mode may be between 50 degrees and 85 degrees.

The extent of rotation of the second barrier member relative to the first barrier member in operational mode may be between 60 to 75 degrees. The second barrier member may include a convexly curved rear edge. This prevents hook or rope attachment by an infiltrator/attacker.

The second barrier member may include a substantially rectangular form with a substantially L- shaped profile, wherein for storage and stacking second barrier members are stored in pairs with underside facing underside and in a nose-to-tail arrangement.

The first barrier member may be attachable to a vessel's guardrail. Having the first barrier member attachable to the vessel's guardrail provides a simple and convenient attachment point to allow easy deployment of the barrier unit. It also provides quick access to each barrier member/barrier unit should maintenance or replacement of any part of the barrier be required.

The first barrier members may include side edge tether points, which facilitate connecting first barrier member to first barrier member to form a solid vertical wall about a perimeter of a vessel or the like.

The tether points may include holes, which align such that fasteners can be inserted and secured.

The first barrier members may include a protruding member extending from a vertical edge and a socket on an opposite edge, wherein the protruding member on one first barrier member is engageable with a socket on an adjacent first barrier member. This arrangement ensures that the first barrier members are correctly orientated for correctly attaching a second barrier member to each first barrier member or to bridge two first barrier members. Engagement of the protruding memberand the sockets of adjacent barrier members provides, in use a continuous vertical wall.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a barrier device comprising a plurality of barrier units according to the first aspect arranged in a side-by-side arrangement thereby forming a continuous barrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an assembled barrier unit including a first barrier member and a second barrier member;

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the assembled barrier unit of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a front perspective view of a barrier device including a plurality of barrier units shown in Fig.1, where a second barrier member bridges two first barrier members;

Fig. 4 is a front perspective view of a barrier device including a plurality of barrier units shown in Fig.1, arranged side by side;

Fig. 5 is a rear perspectfive view of a second barrier member;

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of a first barrier member;

Fig. 7 is top perspective view of a hook member forming a top edge of the first barrier member;

Fig. 8 is an end view displaying engagement of the first barrier member and the second barrier member;

Fig. 9a to 9d illustrate assembly of the first and second barrier members from initial engagement (Fig. 9a) to operational orientation (Fig. 9c and 9d), where t he second barrier member defines a downward slope relative to the first barrier member;

Fig. 10a and 10b illustrate an example safety stop, which is configured to prevent unintentional disconnection of the first and second barrier members when assembled for operation;

Fig. 11 illustrates a fork extension to the second barrier member/fend plate; and Fig. 12 illustrates an underside view the second barrier member/fend plate showing reinforcing members/ribs.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Respectively, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrate a front perspective view and rear perspective view of an assembled barrier unit 10.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show how the assembled barrier unit 10 of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 can be combined with other assembled barrier units 10 to provide a perimeter barrier device 100, 110 on a waterborne vessel (not illustrated) to protect the vessel from infiltration by marine pirates and the like.

The barrier unit 10 (see all Figs) includes a first barrier member 12 and a second barrier member 14.

In use, the first barrier member 12 is vertically oriented and provides a solid backplate of the assembled barrier unit 10. The first barrier member/backplate 12 is configured for attachment to a perimeter structure e.g., a guardrail of a vessel and to adjacent barrier units 10 as illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4 and as described further below.

In use, the second barrier member 14 provides a fend plate, which is attachable to and detachable from the first barrier member 12, as described further below. The fend plate 14, as the name suggests, defends the vessel and wards off unwanted attackers of the vessel e.g., marine pirates.

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show the arrangement of the first barrier member/backplate 12 and the second barrier member/fend plate 14 when combined to form a barrier unit 10. When fully assembled, the fend plate 14 extends outward and slopes downward from a top/upper edge 16 of the backplate 12.

The backplate 12 when combined with other backplates 12 of other barrier units 10 provides a solid vertical wall defence around the perimeter of a vessel and adds additional height to the perimeter of the vessel as a visible and active deterrent to infiltrators/attackers such as marine pirates. The overhanging and downward sloping fend plate 14 creates a canopy around the vessel perimeter, which provides no footholds or hand holds so adds to the resistance against infiltration by attackers such as marine pirates. It will be appreciated the overhang and slope of the fend plate 14 resists hooks and ropes reaching and attaching to a top edge of the barrier device 100, 110 (Fig, 3 and Fig. 4) or other structures on the vessel.

The sloping fend plate 14 also facilitates water run-off.

Referring to Fig. 5 and 6, the backplate 12 and fend plate 14 are manufactured as discrete/distinct products, that are joined together to form the barrier unit 10 as illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2.

In the illustrated example, the fend plate 14 (Fig. 5) is provided by a moulded body, which in plan view is substantially rectangular in shape and when viewed from the side is substantially L-shaped (see Fig. 12). A first leg of the L-shape is defined by an increasing taper 19 from a front edge 20 towards a rear edge 22 of the body. Where the taper 19 meets the rear edge 22, the rear edge 22 curves a nd continues to curve towards the underside 24 of the fend plate 14. The curved rear edge 22 ends with a substantially 90-degree turn to provide a substantially horizontal, flat underside 26 which extends only part way along the length of the fend plate 14. The flat underside 26 ends with a substantially 90-degree turn, which defines the second leg 27 of the L-shape profile.

Referring to Fig. 5 and Fig. 12, in the illustrated example, the rear edge 22 of the fend plate 14 is defined by four curved spacers 30, 32, 34, 36, which include two outer spacers 30, 36 and two inner spacers 32, 34. The outer spacers 30, 36 are dimensioned half the width of the inner spacers 32, 34 such that when assembling the barrier device 100, a fend plate 14 can extend across two backplates 12 e.g., see Fig. 3.

Between the spacers 30, 32, 34, 36 the fend plate 14 includes three equally spaced and equally dimensioned cylindrical members i.e., rods/pins 38. The rods/pins 38 facilitate physical connection of the fend plate 14 to the backplate 12 via interaction of each rod/pin 38 with a corresponding hook member 50 provided on an upper edge 16 of the backplate 12.

In the illustrated example (Fig. 6), the backplate 12 includes three hook members 50. The hook members 50 and other features of the backplate 14 are described further below.

Referring again to the features of the fend plate 14, the rods/pins 38 each extend across a cavity 40 defined between each curved spacer 30, 32, 34, 36. Each cavity 40 provides clearance to permit the rotation of the fend plate 14 over the hook member 50 relative to the backplate 10 into the operational position (Fig. 9c and 9d).

In the illustrated example, each cavity 40 includes two stop members 42, spaced behind and extending lower than each rod/pin 38. The stop members 42 are profiles formed as part of the moulded structure and are shaped to correspond with the profile of the external face of the corresponding hook member 50 of the backplate 12.

In the assembled barrier unit 10, interaction between the stop member/members 42 and the hook member 50 limit rotation of the fend plate 14 relative to the backplate 12 to the operating/working position as illustrated in Fig. 9c and Fig. 9d.

Referring to Fig. 10a, 10b and 12, the moulded structure that defines each curved spacer 30, 32, 34, 36 includes an undercut 44. The undercut 44 incorporates a safety stop element 46, which is configured to interact with an upstanding stop member 54 located between each hook member 50 on the backplate 12.

The safety stop element 46 on the fend plate 14 is provided by a profiled back face of each undercut 44.

In the assembled barrier unit 10, interaction between the safety stop element 46 and the upstanding stop member 54 limits upward rotation of the fend plate 14 relative to the backplate 12. In use, upward rotation of the fend plate 14 may be caused by wave splash during stormy weather or when the vessel is under attack.

Interaction between the safety stop element 46 and the upstanding stop member 54 defines a maximum upward rotation and prevents unintentional detachment of the fend plate 14 from the backplate 12.

Provision of the rotational arrangement of the assembled backplate 12 and fend plate 14 and the safety stop element 46 and safety stop member 54 permits the fend plate 14 to rotate on impact by wave splash to prevent damage to the barrier unit 10, barrier device 100 and even the vessel to which the barrier units 10/barrier device 100 are attached.

As noted above, Fig. 6 illustrates the backplate 12, which is a rectangular moulded structure, which includes three hook members 50 and two upstanding stop members 54 (as described above) extending from an upper edge 16. Each hook member 50 is configured to engage with one of the rods/pins 38 thereby facilitating assembly of the backplate 12 and fend plate 14 to make a barrier unit 10 as illustrated in Fig. 1 and 2.

Referring to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the hook members 50 include an open end 53 and a closed end 55, which is the shape of a half-cylinder. The open end 53 receives the rod/pin 38 and the closed end 55 defines the extent in which the rod/pin 38 can be inserted into the hook member 50.

The open end 53 includes a lead-in portion 56, which comprises two substantially horizontal sections 56A, 56B, which each extend, substantially in-parallel from the opening 53 and define a tangent with a corresponding side of the half-cylindrical closed end 55.

The depth of the open end 53 and the corresponding diameter of the half-cylindrical closed end 55 corresponds with the diameter of the rod/pin 38. The width of the hook member 50 is substantially the same or slightly narrower than the rod/pin 38 being engaged with the hook member 50 such that the fend plate 14 can rotate without obstruction to the operating position.

When the rods/pins 38 are fully inserted into the hook member 50 (see Fig. 8), the fend plate 14 can be rotated into the operational/working configuration as illustrated in Fig. 9c and 9d.

Assembly of the backplate 12 and the fend plate 14 to provide a barrier unit 10 is illustrated in Fig. 9a to 9d.

Fig. 9a and 9b illustrate initial engagement of the fend plate 14 with the backplate 12. To engage the fend plate 14 and the backplate 12, the fend plate 14 is orientated substantially vertically with the curved edge 22 facing downwards and the backplate 12 is orientated vertically with the hook members 50 at the top and the open ends 53 of the hook members 50 facing towards the rod/pins 38 of the fend plate 14.

The rods/pins 38 are aligned and inserted into the corresponding hook members 50 until each rod/pin 38 is fully engaged as shown in Fig. 8. When the rods/pins 38 are fully engaged with the hook members 50 the fend plate 14 is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction 60 to lower the fend plate 14 to the final operating/working position as illustrated in Fig. 9c and Fig. 9d.

As noted above the fend plate 14 includes a stop member 46 (see Fig. 12), which in the operating/working configuration rests on a complementary profile provided on the external face of the hook members 50 on the backplate 12.

In the illustrated example (see Fig. 9c and 9d), the angle of slope a of the fend plate 14 is in the region of 60 degrees. The angle of slope of the fend plate 14 relative to the backplate 12 is a predetermined acute angle defined between the fend plate 14 and the backplate 12.

As noted above the backplate 12 includes upstanding stop members 54 located between the hook members 50. In the illustrated example, the upstanding stop members 54 (see Fig. 10a and 10b) include a wedge shape moulding with a profiled face 62, which is configured to engage with the safety stop element 46 of the fend plate 14 to limit upward/clockwise rotation of the fend plate 14 to an angle of around 120 - 150 degrees (measured from the backplate 12 to the underside of the fend plate 14).

It should be appreciated, upward rotation is permitted as a safety feature when the vessel is operating in stormy or rough conditions i.e., wave splash can act on the fend plate 14 to cause upward/clockwise rotation. If the fend plate 14 and backplate 12 were tied together or rigidly connected there is a risk of damage/loss of the fend plate 14 and a risk of injury to personnel on the vessel.

It will be appreciated that connection of the backplate 12 and the fend plate 14 permits free rotation i.e., flexible rather than rigid connection such that upward/clockwise rotation is permitted.

However, upon clockwise rotation of the fend plate 14 relative to the backplate 12, interaction of the safety stop elements 46 and the stop members 54 limits the rotation to a position that prcedes the position at which the fend plate 14 detaches from the backplate 12. As such the safety feature provided by the safety stop elements 46 and stop members 54 is such that unintentional detachment of the fend plate 14 from the backplate 12 is prevented. Moreover, when the upward/clockwise rotational force e.g., due to wave splash is removed, the position of the fend plate 14 at the maximum rotation angle and the effect of gravity will return the fend plate 14 through counter clockwise rotation to the operating/working configuration as illustrated in Fig. 9d.

In the illustrated example, in respect of preventing infiltration of attackers/marine pirates the front edge of the fend plate 14 includes elongated grooves 70, where the grooves extend from an open end 72 at the front edge to a closed end 74 partway into the body of the fend plate 14. These grooves 70 are configured such that if an infiltrator successfully breaches the barrier device 100, 110 by successfully attaching a rope, line or tether to an appliance on board the vessel, the rope, line or tether is expected to fall into one of the grooves 70. This action means the vertical hang of the rope/line/tether will be positioned under the body of the fend plate 14 and will make it difficult, possibly impossible for an infiltrator to overcome the hurdle provided by the overhead canopy provided by the fend plates 14 and the facing wall provided by the backplate 12 to which the fend plate 14 is connected.

An additional deterrent, that can be incorporated with the barrier unit 10 is an extending fork (see Fig. 11) member 80, which is attachable to the underside of the fend plate 14. In the illustrated example (see Fig. 11), the fork member 80 is configured to be retractable and extendable such that the extent of overhang of the fend plate 14 can be increased. The fork member 80, as the name suggests is an attachment that includes a plurality of prongs 82 and grooves 84. The grooves 84 in the fork 80 serve the same purpose as the groove 70 in the fend plate 14 i.e., the grooves 84 aligne with the grooves 70 in the fend plate 14. Therefore, the grooves 84 facilitate capturing and directing any rope/line/tether to hang vertically from the closed end 74 of the groove 70 in the fend plate 14. This means the infiltrator/attacker/pirate will be climbing into the canopy provided by the fend plates 14 above and they will be faced with overcoming the hurdle of the extended overhang defined by the fend plate 14 and the fork member 80.

In the illustrated example, see Fig. 12, the fend plate 14 includes reinforcing spines 87 to provide strength and rigidity to the fend plate 14.

Referring again to Fig. 6, and the features of the backplate 12, the back surface 11 of the backplate 12 i.e., the surface of the backplate 12 that will be visible from on board the vessel, includes a plurality of hollow cavities, which extend partway into the body of the backplate 12 and which are arranged in pairs spaced across the width of the backplate 12, where a hollow cavity of each pair is located towards a side edge 13, 15 of the backplate 12 at the same height.

In the illustrated example there are five pairs 90, 92, 94, 96, 98 of hollow cavities. The hollow cavities 90 and 98 facilitate strapping/securing each backplate 12 to a fixed unit e.g., the guardrail on a vessel. A bar 91 is provided across cavity 90 and a bar 93 is provided across cavity 98 The cavities 90, 98 and the related bar 91, 93 define a path for a strap or tether 97 (see Fig. 6) to feed through to secure the backplate 12 to the vessel structure e.g., a perimeter guardrail. A suitable strap or tether is a ratchet strap.

Cavities 92 and 96 provide access to holes 95 through the side faces 13, 15 of the backplate 12. These holes 95 facilitate connection of one backplate 12 to an adjacent backplate 12 to create a vertical solid wall around the perimeter of the vessel. A fastener, such as a bolt99 can be inserted from one backplate 12 and a nut (not shown) can be applied from an adjacent backplate 12 to secure the backplates 12 together.

As noted above, cavities 90 facilitate securing the backplate 12 to the vessel, but in the illustrated example, cavities 90 also facilitate storage and stacking the backplates 12 when they are not being used. The cavities 90 are shaped to correspond with a protrusion 101 on the front face of the backplate 12 (see Fig. 9b and 9c). The protrusions 101 engage with the cavities 90 when stacking the backplates 12 such that a stable stack is provided.

Cavities 94 are provided to store the straps or tethers when the backplates 12 are stacked and stored. This means that the straps or tethers are accessible when a barrier device 100, 110 is needed.

In the illustrated example (see Fig. 1 and 2), the bottom edge of the backplate 12 includes dome shaped channels 140 extending from front to back. The dome sha ped channels 140 are provided as water drains. Four dome-shaped channels 140 are shown, but it will be appreciated that one or more dome shaped channels will facilitate drainage.

The backplate 12 and fend plate 14 are manufactured/moulded from a material which is resistant to seawater and UV light e.g., polypropylene Each of the backplate 12 and the fend plate 14 may include recesses or channels on exposed surfaces to provide pathways to remove water from the ship's deck and/or to prevent unauthorised tethering of ropes, chains or the like to the barrier device 100, 100 or individual barrier units 10.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention.