---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 140.610"
title: "46"
number: "140.610"
heading: "Hatches and other openings."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/140.610"
---

# §140.610. Hatches and other openings.

- (a) All towing vessels must be operated in a manner that minimizes the risk of down-flooding and progressive flooding.
- (b) The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly.
- (c) The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must ensure all hatches and openings of the hull and deck are kept tightly closed except:
  - (1) When access is needed through the opening for transit;
  - (2) When operating on rivers with a tow, if the master determines the safety of the vessel is not compromised; or
  - (3) When operating on lakes, bays, and sounds, without a tow during calm weather, and only if the master determines that the safety of the vessel is not compromised.
- (d) Where installed, all watertight doors in watertight bulkheads must be closed during the operation of the vessel, unless they are being used for transit between compartments; and
- (e) When downstreaming, all exterior openings at the main deck level must be closed.
- (f) Decks and bulkheads designed to be watertight or weathertight must be maintained in that condition.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1.

### Source

Source: USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted.