---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 154.340"
title: "46"
number: "154.340"
heading: "Access to tanks and spaces in the cargo area."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/154.340"
---

# §154.340. Access to tanks and spaces in the cargo area.

- (a) Each cargo tank must have a manhole from the weather deck, the clear opening of which is at least 600 mm by 600 mm (23.6 in. by 23.6 in.).
- (b) Each access into and through a void space or other gas-dangerous space in the cargo area, except spaces described in [paragraph (e)](#e) of the definition for “gas-dangerous space” in [§ 154.7](/cfr/46/154.7.md), must—
  - (1) Have a clear opening of at least 600 mm by 600 mm (23.6 in. by 23.6 in.) through horizontal openings, hatches, or manholes;
  - (2) Have a clear opening of at least 600 mm by 800 mm (23.6 in. by 31.5 in.) through bulkheads, frames or other vertical structural members; and
  - (3) Have a fixed ladder if the lower edge of a vertical opening is more than 600 mm (23.6 in.) above the deck or bottom plating.
- (c) Each access trunk in the cargo area must be at least 760 mm (30 in.) in diameter.
- (d) The lower edge of each access from the weather deck to gas-safe spaces in the cargo area must be at least 2.4 m (7.9 ft.) above the weather deck or the access must be through an air lock that meets [§ 154.345](/cfr/46/154.345.md).
- (e) The inner hull in the cargo area must be accessible for inspection from at least one side without the removal of any fixed structure or fitting.
- (f) The hold space insulation in the cargo area must be accessible for inspection from at least one side from within the hold space or there must be a means, that is specially approved by the Commandant, of determining from outside the hold space whether or not the hold space insulation meets this part.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 74-289, 44 FR 26009, May 3, 1979, as amended by CGD 77-069, 52 FR 31630, Aug. 21, 1987]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3703, 9101; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 74-289, 44 FR 26009, May 3, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 74-289, 44 FR 26009, May 3, 1979, as amended by CGD 77-069, 52 FR 31630, Aug. 21, 1987]