How many inches in diameter should rat guards be and how far from the closest point on shore should they be mounted?

Rat guards are an essential piece of equipment used on ships and vessels to prevent rodents from boarding. The diameter and positioning of rat guards are critical to ensuring their effectiveness. The correct choice indicates that rat guards should have a diameter of 36 inches and be mounted 6 feet away from the closest point on shore.

The 36-inch diameter provides a sufficiently large barrier that makes it difficult for rats to navigate around or over the guard. A larger diameter creates a wider space that rodents would have to cross, which can deter them from attempting to climb aboard.

Additionally, mounting the rat guard 6 feet away from the closest point on shore minimizes the likelihood of rodents jumping or reaching the guard from the land. This distance ensures that any potential climbing or jumping by rodents is effectively mitigated, as it increases the space between the guard and a potential point of entry.

In essence, the specifications for the diameter and placement of rat guards are designed to maximize prevention strategies against rodent access to vessels.