Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.171.111 Penetrations and openings in watertight bulkheads in vessels of 100 gross tons or more

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each opening in a watertight bulkhead must have a means to close it watertight.

(b) Except in a machinery space, the means for closing each opening may not be by bolted portable plates.

(c) If a main transverse watertight bulkhead is penetrated, the penetration must be made watertight. Lead or other heat sensitive materials must not be used in a system that penetrates a main transverse watertight bulkhead if fire damage to this system would reduce the watertight integrity of the bulkhead.

(d) A main transverse watertight bulkhead must not be penetrated by valves or cocks unless they are a part of a piping system.

(e) If a pipe, scupper, or electric cable passes through a main transverse watertight bulkhead, the opening through which it passes must be watertight.

(f) A main transverse watertight bulkhead may not have non-watertight penetrations below the bulkhead deck unless—

(g) Penetrations approved in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section must comply with the following:

(h) No doors, manholes, or other access openings may be located in a watertight bulkhead that separates two cargo spaces or a cargo space and a permanent or reserve bunker.