[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 49, Volume 2] [Revised as of October 1, 2003] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 49CFR176.58] [Page 692] TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION CHAPTER I--RESEARCH AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PART 176_CARRIAGE BY VESSEL--Table of Contents Subpart C_General Handling and Stowage Sec. 176.58 Preparation of the vessel. (a) Each hold or compartment in which hazardous materials are to be stowed must be free of all debris before the hazardous materials are stowed. Bilges must be examined and all residue of previous cargo removed. (b) All decks, gangways, hatches, and cargo ports over or through which hazardous materials must be passed or handled in loading or unloading must be free of all loose materials before cargo handling operations begin. (c) No debris that creates a fire hazard or a hazardous condition for persons engaged in handling hazardous materials may be on the weather deck of a vessel during loading or unloading operations. (d) Hatch beams and hatch covers may not be stowed in a location that would interfere with cargo handling. [Amdt. 176-30, 55 FR 52689, Dec. 21, 1990]