---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 171.119"
title: "46"
number: "171.119"
heading: "Openings below the weather deck in the side of a vessel less than 100 gross tons."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/171.119"
---

# §171.119. Openings below the weather deck in the side of a vessel less than 100 gross tons.

- (a) If a vessel operates on exposed or partially protected waters, an opening port light is not permitted below the weather deck unless—
  - (1) The sill is at least 30 inches (76.2 centimeters) above the deepest subdivision load line; and
  - (2) **It has an inside, hinged dead cover.**
- (b) Except for engine exhausts, each inlet or discharge pipe that penetrates the hull below a line drawn parallel to and at least 6 inches (15.2 centimeters) above the deepest subdivision load line must have means to prevent water from entering the vessel if the pipe fractures or otherwise fails.
- (c) A positive action valve or cock that is located as close as possible to the hull is an acceptable means for complying with [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section.
- (d) If an inlet or discharge pipe is inaccessible, the means for complying with [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section must be a shut-off valve that is—
  - (1) Operable from the weather deck or other accessible location above the bulkhead deck; and
  - (2) **Labeled at the operating point for identity and direction of closing.**
- (e) Any connecting device or valve in a hull penetration must not be cast iron.
- (f) Each plug cock in an inlet or discharge pipe must have a means, other than a cotter pin, to prevent its loosening or removal from the body.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51353, Sept. 30, 1997]

### 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 85-080, 62 FR 51353, Sept. 30, 1997]