---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 171.116"
title: "46"
number: "171.116"
heading: "Port lights."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/171.116"
---

# §171.116. Port lights.

- (a) A vessel may have port lights below the bulkhead deck if—
  - (1) It is greater than 150 gross tons; and
  - (2) **It is in ocean service.**
- (b) All port lights in a space must be non-opening if the sill of any port light in that space is below a line that—
  - (1) Is drawn parallel to the line formed by the intersection of the bulkhead deck and the shell of the vessel; and
  - (2) **Has its lowest point 2 1/2 percent of the beam of the vessel above the deepest subdivision load line.**
- (c) For the purpose of [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, the beam of the vessel is measured at or below the deepest subdivision load line.
- (d) Except as provided in [paragraph (e)](#e) of this section, no port light may be located in a space that is used exclusively for the carriage of cargo, stores, or coal.
- (e) A port light may be located in a space used alternately for the carriage of cargo or passengers.
- (f) Each port light installed below the bulkhead deck must conform to the following requirements:
  - (1) The design of each port light must be approved by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.
  - (2) Each non-opening port light must be watertight.
  - (3) Each opening port light must be constructed so that it can be secured watertight.
  - (4) Each opening port light must be installed with at least one bolt that is secured by a round slotted or recessed nut that requires a special wrench to remove. The nut must be protected by a sleeve or guard to prevent it from being removed with ordinary tools.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51017, Nov. 4, 1983, as amended by CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

### Source

Source: CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51017, Nov. 4, 1983, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51017, Nov. 4, 1983, as amended by CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988]