[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: 46CFR179.360]

[Page 248]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 179_SUBDIVISION, DAMAGE STABILITY, AND WATERTIGHT INTEGRITY--Table 
of Contents
 
               Subpart C_Watertight Integrity Requirements
 
Sec. 179.360  Watertight integrity.

    (a) A hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight, except that 
the following hatches may be weathertight:
    (1) A hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 305 
millimeters (12 inches) above the weather deck;
    (2) A hatch in a cabin top; and
    (3) A hatch on a vessel that operates only on protected waters.
    (b) A hatch cover must:
    (1) Have securing devices; and
    (2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive 
chains, or other devices of substantial strength to prevent its loss.
    (c) A hatch cover that provides access to accommodation spaces must 
be operable from either side.
    (d) A weathertight door must be provided for each opening located in 
a deck house or companionway. Permanent watertight coamings must be 
provided as follows:
    (1) On a vessel on an exposed or partially protected route, a 
watertight coaming with a height of at least 150 millimeters (6 inches) 
must be provided under each weathertight door in a cockpit or a well, or 
on the main deck of a flush deck vessel.
    (2) On a vessel on a protected route, a watertight coaming with a 
height of at least 75 millimeters (3 inches) must be provided under each 
weathertight door in a cockpit or a well.
    (3) The height of the watertight coaming for a hinged watertight 
door need only be sufficient to accommodate the door.