[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: 46CFR182.720]

[Page 285-286]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 182--MACHINERY INSTALLATION--Table of Contents
 
                        Subpart G--Piping Systems
 
Sec. 182.720  Nonmetallic piping materials.

    (a) Rigid nonmetallic materials (plastic) may be used only in non-
vital systems and in accordance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of this 
section.
    (b) Flexible nonmetallic materials (hose) may be used in vital and 
non-vital systems where permitted by paragraph (e) of this section.
    (c) Nonmetallic piping must not be used in gasoline or diesel fuel 
systems. Flexible nonmetallic materials (hose) may be used where 
permitted by paragraph (e) of this section.
    (d) Where rigid nonmetallic material (plastic) is permitted for use 
in piping systems by this section, the following restrictions apply:
    (1) Penetrations of required watertight decks and bulkheads by any 
rigid plastic pipe are prohibited unless the following requirements are 
met:
    (i) Each penetration must be accomplished using an acceptable 
metallic through deck or through bulkhead fitting that is welded or 
otherwise attached to the bulkhead or deck by an accepted method; and
    (ii) One or more metallic shutoff valves must be installed adjacent 
to the fitting in one of the following ways:
    (A) Only one metallic shutoff valve must be installed if it is 
operable from above the bulkhead deck;
    (B) If two metallic shutoff valves are installed, one on either side 
of the bulkhead, they need not be operable from above the bulkhead deck 
provided immediate access to both is possible; or
    (C) Where both plastic and metallic materials are used in piping 
that penetrates a bulkhead, and the two materials exist entirely on 
opposite sides of the bulkhead, a metallic shutoff valve must be 
installed at the bulkhead in the metallic part of the system, with the 
valve being capable of operation from above the bulkhead deck, or 
locally if immediate access is possible;
    (2) Protection from mechanical damage must be specifically 
considered and all protective covering or shields must be installed to 
the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI;
    (3) Through hull fittings and shutoff valves must be metallic. In 
the case of nonmetallic hulls, materials that will

[[Page 286]]

afford an equal degree of safety and heat resistivity as that afforded 
by the hull may be approved; and
    (4) The material specification must show that the rigid nonmetallic 
material possesses characteristics adequate for its intended service and 
environment and must be approved for use by the cognizant OCMI.
    (e) Where flexible nonmetallic hose is permitted for use in piping 
systems by this section, it must meet SAE Standard J-1942, ``Hose and 
Hose Assemblies for Marine Applications,'' or be specifically approved 
by the Commandant. The following restrictions apply:
    (1) Flexible nonmetallic hose must be complete with factory-
assembled end fittings requiring no further adjustment of the fittings 
on the hose, or field attachable type fittings may be used. Hose end 
fittings must comply with SAE J-1475, ``Hydraulic Hose Fittings For 
Marine Applications.''Field attachable fittings must be installed 
following the manufacturer's recommended practice. If special equipment 
is required, such as crimping machines, it must be of the type and 
design specified by the manufacturer. If field attachable type fittings 
are used, each hose assembly must be individually hydrostatically tested 
to twice the maximum operating pressure of the system;
    (2) Flexible nonmetallic hose may be used in non-vital water and 
pneumatic systems, subject to the limitations of paragraph (d)(1) 
through (d)(4) of this section. Unreinforced hoses are limited to a 
maximum service pressure of 349 kPa (50 psig), reinforced hoses are 
limited to a maximum service pressure of 1,034 kPa (150 psig); and
    (3) Flexible nonmetallic hose may be used in lube oil, fuel oil and 
fluid power systems, subject to the following requirements:
    (i) Flexible hose may only be used at a pressure not to exceed the 
manufacturer's rating and must have a high resistance to saltwater, 
petroleum oils, and vibration;
    (ii) Flexible hose runs must be visible, easily accessible, 
protected from mechanical damage, and must not penetrate watertight 
decks or bulkheads;
    (iii) Flexible hose must be fabricated with an inner tube and a 
cover of synthetic rubber or other suitable material reinforced with 
wire braid;
    (iv) Flexible hose used for alcohol-gasoline blend fuels must meet 
the permeability requirements specified in 33 CFR part 183, subpart J; 
and
    (v) For the purpose of flexibility only, flexible hose installed in 
lengths of not more than 760 millimeters (30 inches) and subject to 
pressures of not more than 35 kPa (5 psig), may meet the following 
requirements:
    (A) Suitable compression type connection fittings may be accepted;
    (B) Flexible hose designed for use with hose clamps may be installed 
with two clamps, at both ends of the hose, which:
    (1) Do not rely on the spring tension of the clamp for compressive 
force; and
    (2) Are installed beyond the bead or flare or over the serrations of 
the mating spud, pipe, or hose fitting; and
    (C) USCG Type A1, A2, B1, or B2 flexible hose may be accepted in 
accordance with 33 CFR part 183, subpart J.

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 986, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51358, Sept. 
30, 1997]