---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 C.F.R. § 401.7"
title: "33"
number: "401.7"
heading: "Fenders."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/33/401.7"
---

# §401.7. Fenders.

- (a) Where any structural part of a vessel protrudes so as to endanger Seaway installations, the vessel shall be equipped with only horizontal permanent fenders—
  - (1) That are made of steel, are of a thickness not exceeding 15 cm, with well tapered ends, and are located along the hull, close to the main deck level; and
  - (2) On special application, portable fenders, other than rope hawsers, may be allowed for a single transit if the portable fenders are—
    - (i) Made of a material that will float; and
    - (ii) Securely fastened and suspended from the vessel in a horizontal position by a steel cable or a fiber rope in such a way that they can be raised or lowered in a manner that does not damage Seaway installations.
- (b) Tires shall not be used as fenders.
- (c) On special application, vessels of unusual design may be permitted to utilize permanent fenders not greater than 30 cm in thickness.

## Notes

### Amendments

[61 FR 19551, May 2, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 12970, Mar. 17, 2005; 74 FR 18994, Apr. 27, 2009; 85 FR 15950, Mar. 20, 2020; 88 FR 14267, Mar. 8, 2023]

### Authority

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 983(a) and 984(a)(4), as amended; 49 CFR 1.101, unless otherwise noted.

### Source

Source: 39 FR 10900, Mar. 22, 1974, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[61 FR 19551, May 2, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 12970, Mar. 17, 2005; 74 FR 18994, Apr. 27, 2009; 85 FR 15950, Mar. 20, 2020; 88 FR 14267, Mar. 8, 2023]