CFR > Title 46 - Shipping > CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER S—SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY (parts 170 to 174) > PART 171—SPECIAL RULES PERTAINING TO VESSELS CARRYING PASSENGERS > SUBPART F—Openings in the Side of a Vessel Below the Bulkhead or Weather Deck (§171.115 to §171.119) > 171.119—Openings below the weather deck in the side of a vessel less than 100 gross tons.

171.119—Openings below the weather deck in the side of a vessel less than 100 gross tons.

(a) If a vessel operates on exposed or partially protected waters, an opening port light is not permitted below the weather deck unless—
(1) The sill is at least 30 inches (76.2 centimeters) above the deepest subdivision load line; and
(2) It has an inside, hinged dead cover.
(b) Except for engine exhausts, each inlet or discharge pipe that penetrates the hull below a line drawn parallel to and at least 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) above the deepest subdivision load line must have means to prevent water from entering the vessel if the pipe fractures or otherwise fails.
(c) A positive action valve or cock that is located as close as possible to the hull is an acceptable means for complying with paragraph (b) of this section.
(d) If an inlet or discharge pipe is inaccessible, the means for complying with paragraph (b) of this section must be a shut-off valve that is—
(1) Operable from the weather deck or other accessible location above the bulkhead deck; and
(2) Labeled at the operating point for identity and direction of closing.
(e) Any connecting device or valve in a hull penetration must not be cast iron.
(f) Each plug cock in an inlet or discharge pipe must have a means, other than a cotter pin, to prevent its loosening or removal from the body.
[CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51353, Sept. 30, 1997]