(a) Cotton, Class 9, NA 1365, Cotton, wet, Division 4.2, UN 1365, and other vegetable fibers, Division 4.1, being transported on a vessel must be securely baled and bound. Each bale of cotton or vegetable fibers must be covered with bagging on at least three-fourths of its surface, including both ends. Cut cotton linters may be accepted for transportation by vessel when baled and covered with bagging on the soft sides only if the bale is compressed to a density of at least 512 kg/m 3 (32 pounds per cubic foot) and it is bound with at least six bands per bale. Any poorly compressed bale or any bale having damaged bindings may not be transported by vessel.

(b) Each bale of Cotton, wet, Division 4.2, UN 1365 must be stowed separately from any bales of dry cotton or vegetable fibers, in a 'tween deck space, and not overstowed. Any bale of cotton or vegetable fibers which is saturated with water may not be transported by vessel.

(c) Bales of cotton or vegetable fibers showing contact with oil or grease may not be accepted for transportation by vessel.

(d) Cotton or vegetable fibers must be stowed in a hold or compartment in accordance with the following requirements:

(1) All traces of oil or residue in the hold or compartment must be removed;

(2) A recently painted hold or compartment may not be used unless it is thoroughly dry;

(3) Each ventilation cowl serving the hold or compartment must be fitted with a spark screen;

(4) When a bulkhead of the hold or compartment is common with a boiler room, engine room, coal bunker, or galley and subjected to heat, a wooden bulkhead must be erected between the bulkhead and any cotton or vegetable fibers. This wooden bulkhead must be at least 15 cm (6 inches) from a boiler room bulkhead, and at least 5 cm (2 inches) from an engine room, coal bunker, or galley bulkhead;

(5) Each 'tween deck hatch must be closed with hatch covers, tarpaulins, and dunnage; however, metal hatch covers which are sealed by other means to provide equivalent protection may be used;

(6) Each hold or compartment must be equipped with a carbon dioxide or overhead water sprinkler system or other approved fixed extinguishing system. Before loading, the extinguishing system must be examined to ensure that it is in good working condition; and

(7) Each hold or compartment must be clear of all debris and swept as clean as practicable before loading.

(e) Naked lights or any fire likely to produce sparks are not permitted on the vessel, dock area, or on any lighters alongside a vessel during loading or unloading of cotton or vegetable fibers.

(f) Upon completion of stowage, each opening must be completely closed. Where required, tarpaulins must be fitted and secured in place to provide a tight hold. During a period of temporary stoppage of loading or unloading, a hatch may be left open. However, during that period, a fire watch, designated by the master or officer-in-charge, must be stationed in the hold or compartment in which the cotton or vegetable fibers are stowed.

(g) At least one fire hose must be connected while cotton or vegetable fibers are being loaded or unloaded. Each fire pump must be operated before any loading or unloading. Pressure must be maintained on each fire main during the loading and the fire hose laid out ready for immediate use. Portable fire extinguishers must be placed to be readily available. The fire hose, fire pumps, and fire extinguishers may be the vessel's equipment or shore equipment.

(h) Smoking is not permitted on a vessel during the loading or unloading of cotton or vegetable fibers except at those times and in those places designated by the master. “NO SMOKING” signs must be conspicuously posted in appropriate places, and the responsible person in charge of the loading or unloading (see § 176.57 of this part) must ensure that they are observed.

(i) Cotton or vegetable fibers may be stowed in the same hold over bulk sulfur if the sulfur has been trimmed and leveled and the hold is thoroughly cleaned of sulfur dust. A tight floor of two layers of 2.54 cm (1 inch) crossed clean dunnage boards must be laid on the sulfur before cotton or vegetable fibers are stowed. These substances may be stowed alongside each other in the same hold if they are separated by a tight dustproof wood bulkhead.

(j) Cotton or vegetable fibers may not be stowed in a 'tween deck hold over bulk sulfur in a lower hold unless the 'tween deck hold has been thoroughly cleaned of all sulfur dust and the 'tween deck hatch covers are in place and covered with tarpaulins and dunnage.

(a) Unless impracticable, cotton or vegetable fibers being transported on a vessel may not be stowed in the same hold or compartment with rosin or pitch being transported on the same vessel.

(b) When separate stowage is impracticable, the cotton or vegetable fibers may be stowed in the same hold or compartment with rosin or pitch if they are separated by clean dunnage or a cargo of a non-combustible nature. When such stowage within the same hold or compartment involves large amounts of cotton or fibers or of rosin or pitch, the rosin or pitch must be floored off with at least two layers of 2.54 cm (1 inch) dunnaging and the cotton or vegetable fibers stowed above.

Cotton or vegetable fibers being transported on a vessel may not be stowed in the same hold with coal. They may be stowed in adjacent holds if the holds are separated by a tight steel bulkhead and the cotton or vegetable fibers are dunnaged at least 5 cm (2 inches) off the bulkhead. Cotton or vegetable fibers may be stowed in a hold above or below one in which coal is stowed if there is a tight steel intervening deck and all hatch covers are in place and covered with tarpaulins.

(a) A vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, a fuel cell, batteries or a combination thereof is subject to the following requirements when carried as cargo on a vessel:

(1) Before being loaded on a vessel, each vehicle must be inspected for signs of leakage from batteries, engines, fuel cells, compressed gas cylinders or accumulators, or fuel tank(s) when applicable, and any identifiable faults in the electrical system that could result in short circuit or other unintended electrical source of ignition. A vehicle showing any signs of leakage or electrical fault may not be transported.

(2) For flammable liquid powered vehicles, the fuel tank(s) containing the flammable liquid, may not be more than one fourth full and the flammable liquid must not exceed 250 L (66 gal) unless otherwise approved by the Associate Administrator.

(3) For flammable gas powered vehicles, the fuel shut-off valve of the fuel tank(s) must be securely closed.

(4) For vehicles with batteries installed, the batteries shall be protected from damage, short circuit, and accidental activation during transport. Except for vehicles with prototype or low production lithium batteries (see § 173.185(d) of this subchapter) securely installed, each lithium battery must be of a type that has successfully passed each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), as specified in § 173.185(a) of this subchapter, unless approved by the Associate Administrator. Where a lithium battery installed in a vehicle is damaged or defective, the battery must be removed and transported according to § 173.185(f) of this subchapter, unless otherwise approved by the Associate Administrator.

(5) Whenever possible, each vehicle must be stowed to allow for its inspection during transportation.

(6) Vehicles may be refueled when necessary in the hold of a vessel in accordance with § 176.78.

(b) All equipment used for handling vehicles must be designed so that the fuel tank and the fuel system of the vehicle are protected from stress that might cause rupture or other damage incident to handling.

(c) Two hand-held, portable, dry chemical fire extinguishers of at least 4.5 kg (10 pounds) capacity each must be separately located in an accessible location in each hold or compartment in which any vehicle is stowed.

(d) “NO SMOKING” signs must be conspicuously posted at each access opening to the hold or compartment.

(e) Each portable electrical light, including a flashlight, used in the stowage area must be an approved, explosion-proof type. All electrical connections for any light must be made to outlets outside the space in which any vehicle is stowed.

(f) Each hold or compartment must be ventilated and fitted with an overhead water sprinkler system or fixed fire extinguisher system.

(g) Each hold or compartment must be equipped with a smoke or fire detection system capable of alerting personnel on the bridge.

(h) All electrical equipment in the hold or compartment other than fixed explosion-proof lighting must be disconnected from its power source at a location outside the hold or compartment during the handling and transportation of any vehicle. Where the disconnecting means is a switch or circuit breaker, it must be locked in the open position until all vehicles have been removed.

(i) Exceptions. A vehicle is not subject to the requirements of this subchapter if any of the following are met:

(1) The vehicle is stowed in a hold or compartment designated by the administration of the country in which the vessel is registered as specially designed and approved for vehicles and there are no signs of leakage from the battery, engine, fuel cell, compressed gas cylinder or accumulator, or fuel tank, as appropriate. For vehicles with batteries connected and fuel tanks containing gasoline transported by U.S. vessels, see 46 CFR 70.10-1 and 90.10-38;

(i) For vehicles powered solely by lithium batteries and hybrid electric vehicles powered by both an internal combustion engine and lithium metal or ion batteries offered in accordance with this paragraph, the lithium batteries, except for prototype or those produced in low production, must be of a type that has successfully passed each test in the UN Manual of Tests and Criteria (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter), as specified in § 173.185(a) of this subchapter. Where a lithium battery installed in a vehicle is damaged or defective, the battery must be removed.

(ii) [Reserved]

(2) The vehicle is powered by a flammable liquid that has a flashpoint of 38 °C (100 °F) or above, the fuel tank contains 450 L (119 gallons) of fuel or less, there are no leaks in any portion of the fuel system, and installed batteries are protected from short circuit;

(3) The vehicle is powered by a flammable liquid fuel that has a flashpoint less than 38 °C (100 °F), the fuel tank is empty, and installed batteries are protected from short circuit. Vehicles are considered to be empty of flammable liquid fuel when the fuel tank has been drained and the vehicles cannot be operated due to a lack of fuel. Engine components such as fuel lines, fuel filters and injectors do not need to be cleaned, drained or purged to be considered empty. The fuel tank does not need to be cleaned or purged;

(4) The vehicle is powered by a flammable gas (liquefied or compressed), the fuel tanks are empty and the positive pressure in the tank does not exceed 2 bar (29 psig), the fuel shut-off or isolation valve is closed and secured, and installed batteries are protected from short circuit;

(5) The vehicle is solely powered by a wet or dry electric storage battery or a sodium battery, and the battery is protected from short circuit; or

(6) The vehicle is powered by a fuel cell engine, the engine is protected from inadvertent operation by closing fuel supply lines or by other means, and the fuel supply reservoir has been drained and sealed.

(j) Except as provided in § 173.220(f) of this subchapter, the provisions of this subchapter do not apply to items of equipment such as fire extinguishers, compressed gas accumulators, airbag inflators and the like which are installed in the vehicle if they are necessary for the operation of the vehicle, or for the safety of its operator or passengers.

(a) Any engine or machinery powered by internal combustion systems, with or without batteries installed, is subject to the following requirements when carried as cargo on a vessel:

(1) Before being loaded on a vessel, each engine or machinery must be inspected for fuel leaks and identifiable faults in the electrical system that could result in short circuit or other unintended electrical source of ignition. Engines or machinery showing any signs of leakage or electrical fault may not be transported.

(2) The fuel tanks of an engine or machinery powered by liquid fuel may not be more than one-fourth full.

(3) Whenever possible, each engine or machinery must be stowed to allow for its inspection during transportation.

(b) All equipment used for handling engines or machinery must be designed so that the fuel tank and the fuel system of the engines or machinery are protected from stress that might cause rupture or other damage incident to handling.

(c) Two hand-held, portable, dry chemical fire extinguishers of at least 4.5 kg (10 pounds) capacity each must be separately located in an accessible location in each hold or compartment in which engine or machinery is stowed.

(d) “NO SMOKING” signs must be conspicuously posted at each access opening to the hold or compartment.

(e) Each portable electrical light, including a flashlight, used in the stowage area must be an approved, explosion-proof type. All electrical connections for any light must be made to outlets outside the space in which any engine or machinery is stowed.

(f) Each hold or compartment must be ventilated and fitted with an overhead water sprinkler system or fixed fire extinguisher system.

(g) Each hold or compartment must be equipped with a smoke or fire detection system capable of alerting personnel on the bridge.

(h) All electrical equipment in the hold or compartment other than fixed explosion-proof lighting must be disconnected from its power source at a location outside the hold or compartment during the handling and transportation of any engine or machinery. Where the disconnecting means is a switch or circuit breaker, it must be locked in the open position until all engines or machinery has been removed.

(i) Exceptions. (1) An engine or machinery is not subject to the requirements of this subchapter if the engine or machinery is empty of liquid or gaseous fuel(s), does not contain other dangerous goods, and installed batteries are protected from short circuit. An engine and machinery is considered to be empty of fuel when:

(i) For liquid fuels, the liquid fuel tank has been drained and the mechanical equipment cannot be operated due to a lack of fuel. Engine and machinery components such as fuel lines, fuel filters and injectors do not need to be cleaned, drained or purged to be considered empty of liquid fuels. In addition, the liquid fuel tank does not need to be cleaned or purged;

(ii) For gaseous fuels, the gaseous fuel tanks are empty of liquid (for liquefied gases), the positive pressure in the tanks does not exceed 2 bar (29 psig) and the fuel shut-off or isolation valve is closed and secured; or

(iii) The engine or machinery is powered by a fuel cell engine and the engine is protected from inadvertent operation by closing fuel supply lines or by other means, and the fuel supply reservoir has been drained and sealed.

(2) An engine or machinery is not subject to the requirements of this subchapter except for § 173.185 of this subchapter and the vessel stowage provisions of column (10) of table § 172.101 of this subchapter, if the following are met:

(i) Any valves or openings (e.g. venting devices) for liquid fuels must be closed during transport;

(ii) The engines or machinery must be oriented to prevent inadvertent leakage of dangerous goods and secured by means capable of restraining the engines or machinery to prevent any shifting during transport which would change the orientation or cause them to be damaged;

(iii) For UN 3528 and UN 3530:

(A) Where the engine or machinery contains more than 60 L (16 Gal) of liquid fuel and has a capacity of not more than 450 L (119 Gal), it shall be labeled in accordance with subpart E of part 172 of this subchapter;

(B) Where the engine or machinery contains more than 60 L of liquid fuel and has a capacity of more than 450 L (119 Gal) but not more than 3,000 L (793 Gal), it shall be labeled on two opposing sides in accordance with § 172.406(e) of this subchapter;

(C) Where the engine or machinery contains more than 60 L (16 Gal) of liquid fuel and has a capacity of more than 3,000 L (793 Gal), it shall be placarded on two opposing sides in accordance with subpart F of part 172 of this subchapter; and

(D) For UN 3530 the marking requirements of § 172.322 of this subchapter also apply.

(iv) For UN 3529:

(A) Where the fuel tank of the engine or mechanical equipment has a water capacity of not more than 450 L (119 Gal), the labeling requirements of subpart E of part 172 of this subchapter shall apply;

(B) Where the fuel tank of the mechanical equipment has a water capacity of more than 450 L (119 Gal) but not more than 1,000 L (264 Gal), it shall be labeled on two opposing sides in accordance with § 172.406(e) of this subchapter;

(C) Where the fuel tank of the mechanical equipment has a water capacity of more than 1,000 L (264 Gal), it shall be placarded on two opposing sides in accordance with subpart F of part 172 of this subchapter.

(v) Except for engines or machinery offered in accordance with paragraph (i)(1) of this section, a shipping paper prepared in accordance with part 172 of this subchapter is required and shall contain the following additional statement “Transport in accordance with § 176.906.” For transportation in accordance with the IMDG Code (IBR, see § 171.7 of this subchapter) the following alternative statement is authorized “Transport in accordance with IMDG Code special provision 363.”

(j) Except as provided in § 173.220(f) of this subchapter, the provisions of this subchapter do not apply to items of equipment such as fire extinguishers, compressed gas accumulators, airbag inflators and the like which are installed in the engine or machinery if they are necessary for the operation of the engine or machinery, or for the safety of its operator or passengers.

(a) When transported in cargo transport units, the cargo transport units must provide an adequate exchange of air in the unit. This adequate exchange of air may be accomplished by utilizing a ventilated container, an open-top container, or a container in one door off operation. When cargo transport units with venting devices are used these devices should be kept clear and operable. If mechanical devices are used for ventilation, they must be explosion-proof.

(b) As an alternative to the options presented in paragraph (a) of this section to ensure an adequate exchange of air; a refrigerated cargo transport unit may be used.

(c) The requirements in paragraph (a) and (b) of this section do not apply if the hazardous material is:

(1) Packed in hermetically sealed packagings or IBC's which conform to packing group II performance level for liquid dangerous goods with a total pressure in the packaging (i.e., the vapor pressure of the material plus the partial pressure of air or other inert gases, less 100kPa (15 psia)) at 55 °C (131 °F), determined on the basis of the hazardous material not completely filling the receptacle at a temperature of 55 °C (131 °C) or less at a filling temperature of 15 °C (59 °F), will not exceed two-thirds of the marked test pressure.

(2) [Reserved]

(d) Cargo transport units must be marked with a warning mark including the words “CAUTION—MAY CONTAIN FLAMMABLE VAPOR” or “CAUTION—MAY CONTAIN FLAMMABLE VAPOUR” with lettering having a height of at least 25 mm (1 inch). The mark must be affixed to each access point in a location where it will be easily seen by persons prior to opening or entering the cargo transport unit and must remain on the cargo transport unit until the following provisions are met:

(1) The cargo transport unit has been completely ventilated to remove any hazardous concentrations of vapor or gas;

(2) The immediate vicinity of the cargo transport unit is clear of any source of ignition; and

(3) The hazardous materials have been unloaded.