---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 155.815"
title: "33"
number: "155.815"
heading: "Tank vessel integrity."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/155.815"
---

# §155.815. Tank vessel integrity.

- (a) Except as provided in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, a tank vessel underway or at anchor must have all closure mechanisms on the following openings properly closed:
  - (1) Expansion trunk hatches;
  - (2) Ullage openings;
  - (3) Sounding ports;
  - (4) Tank cleaning openings; and
  - (5) Any other tank vessel openings that maintain the seaworthy condition of the tank vessel and prevent the inadvertent release of oil or hazardous material in the event of a tank vessel accident.
- (b) No person may open any of the closure mechanisms in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section while the tank vessel is underway or at anchor except when authorized and supervised by a licensed or credentialed officer or the tankerman required by [46 CFR 31.15-5(a)](/cfr/46/31.15-5.md?p=a).

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 75-124, 45 FR 7175, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86-034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990; USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11212, Mar. 16, 2009]

### Authority

Authority: 3 U.S.C. 301 through 303; 33 U.S.C. 1321(j), 1903(b), 2735; 46 U.S.C. 70011; 70034; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. Section 155.1020 also issued under section 316 of Pub. L. 114-120. Section 155.480 also issued under section 4110(b) of Pub. L. 101-380.

### Amendments

[CGD 75-124, 45 FR 7175, Jan. 31, 1980, as amended by CGD 86-034, 55 FR 36255, Sept. 4, 1990; USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11212, Mar. 16, 2009]