---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 171.117"
title: "46"
number: "171.117"
heading: "Dead covers."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/171.117"
---

# §171.117. Dead covers.

- (a) Except as provided in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section, each port light with the sill located below the margin line must have a hinged, inside dead cover.
- (b) The dead cover on a port light located in an accommodation space for passengers other than steerage passengers may be portable if—
  - (1) The apparatus for stowing the dead cover is adjacent to its respective port light;
  - (2) The port light is located above the deck that is immediately above the deepest subdivision load line;
  - (3) The port light is aft of a point one-eighth of the LBP of the vessel from the forward perpendicular; and
  - (4) **The port light is above a line that—**
    - (i) Is parallel to the line formed by the intersection of the bulkhead deck and the side of the vessel; and
    - (ii) Has its lowest point at a height of 12 feet (3.66 meters) plus 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) Each dead cover must be designed so that—
  - (1) It can be secured watertight; and
  - (2) It is not necessary to release any of the special nuts required in [§ 171.116(f)(4)](/cfr/46/171.116.md?p=f-4) in order to secure the dead cover.

## Notes

### 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.