[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 7]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR171.124]

[Page 142]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 171--SPECIAL RULES PERTAINING TO VESSELS CARRYING PASSENGERS--Table of Contents
 
          Subpart G--Watertight Integrity Above the Margin Line
 
Sec. 171.124  Watertight integrity above the margin line in a vessel less than 100 gross tons.

    (a) Each hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight; except 
that, the following hatches may be weathertight:
    (1) Each hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 12 inches 
(30.5 centimeters) above the weather deck.
    (2) Each hatch in a cabin top.
    (3) Each hatch on a vessel that operates only on protected waters.
    (b) Each hatch cover must--
    (1) Have securing devices; and
    (2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive 
chains, or to other devices to prevent its loss.
    (c) Each hatch that provides access to crew or passenger 
accommodations must be operable from either side.
    (d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a 
weathertight door with permanent watertight coamings that comply with 
the height requirements in table 171.124(d) must be provided for each 
opening located in a deck house or companionway that--
    (1) Gives access into the hull; and
    (2) Is located in--
    (i) A cockpit;
    (ii) A well; or
    (iii) An exposed location on a flush deck vessel.

                            Table 171.124(d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   Route                          Height of coaming
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exposed or partially protected............  6 inches (15.2 centimeters).
Protected.................................  3 inches (7.6 centimeters).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (e) If an opening in a location specified in paragraph (d) of this 
section is provided with a Class 1 watertight door, the height of the 
watertight coaming need only be sufficient to accommodate the door.

[CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51354, Sept. 30, 1997]