Why don't aircraft carriers have handrails?

 Aircraft carriers are massive naval vessels that serve as mobile airbases for military aircraft. These ships are designed to accommodate a large number of aircraft and support personnel, as well as withstand the harsh conditions of the open sea. However, one thing that may surprise some people is the fact that aircraft carriers typically do not have handrails along their flight decks or other areas of the ship.

The main reason for this is that handrails would actually be a hindrance rather than a help on an aircraft carrier. When planes are taking off and landing on the carrier's flight deck, there is a tremendous amount of wind and turbulence generated by the aircraft engines. Handrails would create additional wind resistance, making it more difficult for planes to take off and land safely. They could also pose a hazard to aircraft in the event of an emergency, such as a crash or fire, by potentially obstructing emergency evacuation routes.

Instead of handrails, aircraft carriers use other safety measures to protect their crew members. Non-skid coatings are applied to the flight deck to provide traction and prevent slips and falls. Crew members also wear safety harnesses when working on the flight deck to prevent falls overboard.

In addition, the flight deck of an aircraft carrier is divided into a series of designated "danger zones" that are clearly marked with yellow and black stripes. Crew members are trained to stay clear of these zones during flight operations, and only essential personnel are allowed in these areas.

Overall, while it may seem counterintuitive at first, the lack of handrails on aircraft carriers is actually a deliberate safety feature designed to ensure the safe operation of military aircraft in even the most challenging conditions at sea.