---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 109.573"
title: "46"
number: "109.573"
heading: "Riveting, welding, and burning operations."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/109.573"
---

# §109.573. Riveting, welding, and burning operations.


Except as allowed by this section—

- (a) The master or person in charge shall ensure that there is no riveting, welding, or burning—
  - (1) In a fuel tank;
  - (2) On the boundary of a fuel tank;
  - (3) On pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to fuel tanks; or
  - (4) **On the boundary of spaces adjacent to tanks carrying Grades A, B, or C flammable liquids in bulk.**
- (b) The operations prohibited in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section may be allowed if—
  - (1) An inspection conducted in accordance with the “Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels to be Repaired,” N.F.P.A. No. 306-1974, is made—
    - (i) **In ports or navigable waters of the United States, its territories and possessions, by—**
      - (A) A marine chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association; or
      - (B) If a certified marine chemist is not available, a person designated by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; or
    - (ii) **In all other locations by—**
      - (A) A marine chemist certified by the National Fire Protection Association;
      - (B) If a certified marine chemist is not available, a person designated by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; or
      - (C) If the persons required in [paragraphs (b)(1)(ii)](#b-1-ii) (A) and (B) of this section are not available, the master or person in charge; or a welding supervisor designated, in writing, by the master or person in charge; and
  - (2) **A certificate is issued by the person conducting the inspection stating—**
    - (i) That he conducted the inspection in accordance with the standard in [paragraph (b)(1)](#b-1) of this section;
    - (ii) The operations that may be conducted; and
    - (iii) A list of precautions to be followed during the operations;
- (c) The master or person in charge shall ensure that the precautions in [paragraph (b)(2)(iii)](#b-2-iii) of this section are followed.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101, 10104; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56828, Dec. 4, 1978, unless otherwise noted.