[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 7]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR171.111]

[Page 139]
 
                           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 E_Penetrations and Openings in Watertight Bulkheads
 
Sec. 171.111  Penetrations and openings in watertight bulkheads in 
vessels of 100 gross tons or more.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each 
opening in a watertight bulkhead must have a means to close it 
watertight.
    (b) Except in a machinery space, the means for closing each opening 
may not be by bolted portable plates.
    (c) If a main transverse watertight bulkhead is penetrated, the 
penetration must be made watertight. Lead or other heat sensitive 
materials must not be used in a system that penetrates a main transverse 
watertight bulkhead if fire damage to this system would reduce the 
watertight integrity of the bulkhead.
    (d) A main transverse watertight bulkhead must not be penetrated by 
valves or cocks unless they are a part of a piping system.
    (e) If a pipe, scupper, or electric cable passes through a main 
transverse watertight bulkhead, the opening through which it passes must 
be watertight.
    (f) A main transverse watertight bulkhead may not have non-
watertight penetrations below the bulkhead deck unless--
    (1) The margin line is more than 9 inches (23 centimeters) below the 
bulkhead deck at the intersection of the margin line and the line formed 
by the intersection of the plane of the main transverse watertight 
bulkhead and the shell; and
    (2) Making all penetrations watertight is impracticable.
    (g) Penetrations approved in accordance with paragraph (f) of this 
section must comply with the following:
    (1) The bottom of the penetration must not be located--
    (i) More than 24 inches (61 centimeters) below the bulkhead deck; 
nor
    (ii) Less than 9 inches (23 centimeters) above the margin line.
    (2) The penetration must not be located outboard from the centerline 
more than \1/4\ of the beam of the vessel measured--
    (i) On the bulkhead deck; and
    (ii) In the vertical plane of the penetration.
    (h) No doors, manholes, or other access openings may be located in a 
watertight bulkhead that separates two cargo spaces or a cargo space and 
a permanent or reserve bunker.