Each vessel that is 100 gross tons or more must comply with § 171.122 and each vessel under 100 gross tons must comply with § 171.124.

[CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51354, Sept. 30, 1997]

(a) For the purpose of this section, a partial watertight bulkhead is one in which all portions are not watertight.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, the bulkhead deck or a deck above it must be weathertight.

(c) Partial watertight bulkheads or web frames must be located in the immediate vicinity of main transverse watertight bulkheads to minimize as much as practicable the entry and spread of water above the bulkhead deck.

(d) If a partial watertight bulkhead or web frame is located on the bulkhead deck in order to comply with paragraph (c) of this section, the joint between it and the shell and bulkhead deck must be watertight.

(e) If a partial watertight bulkhead does not line up with a main transverse watertight bulkhead below the bulkhead deck, the bulkhead deck between them must be watertight.

(f) Each opening in an exposed weather deck must—

(1) Have a coaming that complies with the height requirements in table 171.124(d); and

(2) Have a means for closing it weathertight.

(g) Each port light located between the bulkhead deck and the next deck above the bulkhead deck must have an inside dead cover than can be secured watertight.

[CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51017, Nov. 4, 1983, as amended by CGD 85-080, 61 FR 945, Jan. 10, 1996; 62 FR 51354, Sept. 30, 1997]

(a) Each hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight; except that, the following hatches may be weathertight:

(1) Each hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 12 inches (30.5 centimeters) above the weather deck.

(2) Each hatch in a cabin top.

(3) Each hatch on a vessel that operates only on protected waters.

(b) Each hatch cover must—

(1) Have securing devices; and

(2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive chains, or to other devices to prevent its loss.

(c) Each hatch that provides access to crew or passenger accommodations must be operable from either side.

(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, a weathertight door with permanent watertight coamings that comply with the height requirements in table 171.124(d) must be provided for each opening located in a deck house or companionway that—

(1) Gives access into the hull; and

(2) Is located in—

(i) A cockpit;

(ii) A well; or

(iii) An exposed location on a flush deck vessel.

(e) If an opening in a location specified in paragraph (d) of this section is provided with a Class 1 watertight door, the height of the watertight coaming need only be sufficient to accommodate the door.

[CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51354, Sept. 30, 1997]