Title 46—Shipping--Volume 1
PART 144—CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT
§ 144.100   Purpose.
This part details the requirements for design, construction and arrangement, and verification of compliance with this part, including document review.
§ 144.105   Applicability and delayed implementation.
This part applies to each towing vessel subject to this subchapter. Note that §§ 144.200 and 144.300 only apply to an existing vessel and that the following sections only apply to a new vessel: §§ 144.205, 144.305, 144.310, 144.405, 144.410, 144.420, 144.425, 144.430, and 144.920.
(a) An existing towing vessel must comply with § 144.320 starting July 20, 2016 and it must comply with the other applicable requirements in this part no later than either July 20, 2018 or the date the vessel obtains a Certificate of Inspection (COI), whichever date is earlier.
(b) The delayed implementation provisions in paragraph (a) of this section do not apply to a new towing vessel.
(c) Alterations or modifications made to the structure or arrangements of an existing vessel that are a major conversion, made on or after the July 20, 2017, must comply with the regulations applied to a new towing vessel of this part insofar as is reasonable and practicable. Repairs conducted on an existing vessel, resulting in no significant changes to the original structure or arrangement of the vessel, must comply with the standards applicable to the vessel at the time of construction or, as an alternative, with the regulations in this part.
§ 144.120   A classed vessel.
A vessel currently classed by a recognized classification society is deemed to be in compliance with the requirements of subparts B and C of this part.
§ 144.125   A vessel with a load line.
A vessel with a valid load line certificate issued in accordance with subchapter E of this chapter may be deemed in compliance with the requirements of subparts B and C of this part.
§ 144.130   A vessel built to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, requirements.
A vessel built to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended, is considered to be in compliance with this part.
§ 144.135   Verification of compliance with design standards.
Verification of compliance with the construction and arrangement design standards of this part must be performed according to the following table:
Table 144.135—Verification of Compliance With Design Standards
§ 144.140   Qualifications.
Use the following table to determine the individual or entity that may conduct a verification of compliance with design standards required by § 144.135.
Table 144.140
§ 144.145   Procedures for verification of compliance with design standards.
(a) Verification of compliance with design standards, when required by § 144.135, must be performed by an individual or entity who meets the requirements of § 144.140.
(b) Verification of compliance with design standards must be based on objective evidence of compliance with the applicable requirements and include:
(1) A description of the vessel's intended service and route;
(2) The standards used for the vessel's design and construction;
(3) Deviations from the standards used, if any;
(4) A statement that the vessel is suitable for the intended service and route; and
(5) The identification of the individual or entity in Table 144.140 of § 144.140 who conducted the verification of compliance.
(c) Verification of compliance with design standards must include review and analyses of sufficient plans, drawings, schematics, calculations, and other documents to ensure the vessel complies with the standards used. The plans must be stamped with the seal authorized for use by the individual or entity performing the verification of compliance, or otherwise indicate that they have been reviewed and determined to meet the applicable standards by an individual or entity who meets the requirements of § 144.140.
(d) A copy of the verified plan must be provided to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) and the third-party organization (TPO) conducting the surveys, if applicable, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section.
(e) Plans verified by an authorized classification society need only be provided to the Coast Guard upon request.
(f) If the vessel is a new vessel, a copy of the verified plan must be available at the construction site.
(g) As referred to in this section, the term plan may include, but is not limited to drawings, documents, or diagrams of the following:
(1) Outboard profile.
(2) Inboard profile.
(3) Arrangement of decks.
(4) Midship section and scantling plans.
(5) Survival craft embarkation stations.
(6) Machinery installation, including, but not limited to:
(i) Propulsion and propulsion control, including shaft details;
(ii) Steering and steering control, including rudder details;
(iii) Ventilation diagrams;
(iv) Fuel transfer and service system, including tanks;
(v) Piping systems including: bilge, ballast, hydraulic, combustible and flammable liquids, vents, and overflows; and
(vi) Hull penetrations and shell connections;
(7) Electrical installation including, but not limited to:
(i) Elementary one-line diagram of the power system;
(ii) Cable lists;
(iii) Type and size of generators and prime movers;
(iv) Type and size of generator cables, bus-tie cables, feeders, and branch circuit cables;
(v) Power and lighting panelboards with number of circuits and rating of energy consuming devices;
(vi) Capacity of storage batteries;
(vii) Rating of circuit breakers and switches, interrupting capacity of circuit breakers, and rating and setting of overcurrent devices; and
(viii) Electrical plant load analysis as required by § 143.555 of this subchapter.
(8) Lifesaving equipment locations and installation;
(9) Fire protection equipment installation including, but not limited to:
(i) Fire main system plans and calculations;
(ii) Fixed gas fire extinguishing system plans and calculations;
(iii) Fire detecting system and smoke detecting system plans;
(iv) Sprinkler system diagram and calculations; and
(v) Portable fire extinguisher types, sizes, and locations;
(10) Lines and offsets, curves of form, cross curves of stability, tank capacities including size and location on vessel, and other stability documents needed to show compliance; and
(11) Towing arrangements.
§ 144.155   Verification of compliance with design standards for a sister vessel.
(a) Verification of compliance required by § 144.135 is not required for a sister vessel, provided that:
(1) The original vessel has been verified as complying with this part;
(2) The owner authorizes the use of the plans for the original vessels for the new construction of the sister vessel;
(3) The standards used in the design and construction of the original vessel have not changed since the original verification of compliance;
(4) The sister vessel is built to the same verified plans, drawings, schematics, calculations, and other documents and equipped with machinery of the same make and model as the original vessel, and has not been subsequently modified;
(5) The sister vessel is built in the same shipyard facility as the original vessel; and
(6) For a sister vessel subject to a stability standard, that the conditions in Table 144.155 of this section are met:
Table 144.155
(b) A statement that verifies sister vessel status for each element of paragraph (a) of this section from an individual or entity meeting the requirements of § 144.140 must be retained and produced upon request.
§ 144.160   Marking.
(a) The hull of each documented vessel must be marked as required by part 67 of this chapter.
(b) The hull of each undocumented vessel must be marked with its name and hailing port.
(c) A vessel complying with either § 144.300(a) or § 144.305 must have draft marks that meet the requirements of § 97.40-10 of this chapter.
(d) Each vessel assigned a load line must have the load line marks and the deck line permanently scribed or embossed as required by subchapter E of this chapter.
(e) Each watertight door and watertight hatch must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high: “WATERTIGHT DOOR—KEEP CLOSED” or “WATERTIGHT HATCH—KEEP CLOSED”.
(f) Each escape hatch and emergency exit used as means of escape must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) high: “EMERGENCY EXIT, KEEP CLEAR”.
§ 144.200   Structural standards for an existing vessel.
An existing vessel may be deemed by the OCMI, or TPO, to be in compliance with this subpart provided that either:
(a) The vessel is built, equipped, and maintained to conform to the rules of a recognized classification society appropriate for the intended service and routes, but not classed; or
(b) The vessel has been both in satisfactory service insofar as structural adequacy is concerned and does not cause the structure of the vessel to be questioned by either the OCMI, or TPO engaged to perform an audit or survey.
§ 144.205   Structural standards for a new vessel.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, a new vessels must comply with the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) as provided in the following table.
Table 144.205( a )—Structural Standards for a New Vessel
(b) Alternate design standards to comply with this subpart may be approved in accordance with § 136.115 of this subchapter.
(c) The current standards of a recognized classification society, other than ABS, may be used provided they are accepted by the Coast Guard as providing an equivalent level of safety.
(d) The structural standard selected must be applied throughout the vessel including design, construction, installation, maintenance, alteration, and repair. Deviations are subject to approval by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.
§ 144.215   Special consideration.
The cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to the structural requirements for a vessel if that vessel is:
(a) Not greater than 65 feet in length;
(b) Operating exclusively within a limited geographic area; or
(c) Of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping or other recognized classification society.
§ 144.300   Stability standards for an existing vessel.
(a) The owner or managing operator of an existing vessel operating under a stability document must be able to readily produce a copy of such document.
(b) The owner or managing operator of an existing vessel not operating under a stability document must be able to show at least one of the following:
(1) The vessel's operation or a history of satisfactory service does not cause the stability of the vessel to be questioned by either the Coast Guard or a TPO engaged to perform an audit or survey.
(2) The vessel performs successfully on operational tests to determine whether the vessel has adequate stability and handling characteristics.
(3) The vessel has a satisfactory stability assessment by means of giving due consideration to each item that impacts a vessel's stability characteristics which include, but are not limited to, the form, arrangement, construction, number of decks, route, and operating restrictions of the vessel.
§ 144.305   Stability standards for a new vessel.
Each new vessel must meet the applicable stability requirements of part 170 and, if applicable, of part 173, subpart E, of this chapter in addition to the requirements in the following table:
Table 144.305—Stability Standards for a New Vessel
§ 144.310   Lifting requirements for a new vessel.
Each new vessel equipped for lifting must meet the requirements of part 173, subpart B, of this chapter.
§ 144.315   Weight and moment history requirements for a vessel with approved lightweight characteristics.
(a) A weight and moment history of changes to the vessel since approval of its lightweight characteristics (displacement, Longitudinal Center of Gravity (LCG) and Vertical Center of Gravity (VCG)) must be maintained. All weight modifications to the vessel (additions, removals, and relocations) including a calculation of the aggregate weight change (absolute total of all additions, removals, and relocations) must be recorded in the history, along with a description of the change(s), when and where accomplished, moment arms, etc. After each modification, the lightweight characteristics must be recalculated.
(b) When the aggregate weight change is more than 2 percent of the vessel's approved lightweight displacement, or the recalculated change in the vessel's lightweight LCG is more than 1 percent of the LBP, a deadweight survey must be performed to determine the vessel's current lightweight displacement and LCG. Use the following table to determine when the deadweight survey results or the vessel's aggregate weight change requires the vessel to undergo a specified stability test:
Table 144.315
§ 144.320   Watertight or weathertight integrity.
(a) Each vessel fitted with installed bulwarks around the exterior of the main deck must have sufficient freeing ports or scuppers or a combination of freeing ports and scuppers to allow water to run off the deck quickly without adversely affecting the stability of the vessel.
(b) Closure devices must be provided for deckhouse or hull penetrations, which open to the exterior of the vessel and which may allow water to enter the vessel. These devices must be suitable for the expected route.
§ 144.330   Review of a vessel's watertight and weathertight integrity.
The cognizant OCMI may require review of a vessel's watertight and weathertight integrity. This review may be performed by an individual who meets the requirements of § 144.140. The review may include an examination of a plan that shows the original placement of decks and bulkheads.
§ 144.400   Applicability.
Except for § 144.415, which applies to each new and existing vessel, this subpart applies to each new towing vessel.
§ 144.405   Fire hazards to be minimized.
Each vessel must be designed and constructed to minimize fire hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable.
§ 144.410   Separation of machinery and fuel tank spaces from accommodation spaces.
Machinery and fuel tank spaces must be separated from accommodation spaces by bulkheads. Doors may be installed provided they are the self-closing type.
§ 144.415   Combustibles insulated from heated surfaces.
Internal combustion engine exhaust ducts, galley exhaust ducts and similar ignition sources must be insulated with noncombustible insulation if less than 450 mm (18 inches) away from combustible material. Installations in accordance with ABYC P-1 or NFPA 302 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) will be considered as meeting the requirements of this section.
§ 144.425   Waste receptacles.
Unless other means are provided to ensure that a potential waste receptacle fire would be limited to the receptacle, waste receptacles must be constructed of noncombustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom.
§ 144.430   Mattresses.
Each mattress must comply with either:
(a) The Consumer Product Safety Commission Standard for Mattress Flammability (FF 4-72, Amended), 16 CFR part 1632, subpart A, and not contain polyurethane foam; or
(b) IMO Resolution A.688(17) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) in which case the mattress may contain polyurethane foam.
§ 144.500   Means of escape.
Where practicable and except as provided in § 144.515, each space where crew may be quartered or normally employed must have at least two means of escape. Arrangements on an existing vessel may be retained if it is impracticable or unreasonable to provide two means of escape.
§ 144.505   Location of escapes.
The two required means of escape must be widely separated and, if possible, at opposite ends or sides of the space. Means may include normal and emergency exits, passageways, stairways, ladders, deck scuttles, doors, and windows.
§ 144.510   Window as a means of escape.
On a vessel of 65 feet (19.8 meters) or less in length, a window or windshield of sufficient size and proper accessibility may be used as one of the required means of escape from an enclosed space, provided it:
(a) Does not lead directly overboard;
(b) Is suitably marked; and
(c) Has a means to open the window or break the glass.
§ 144.515   One means of escape required.
Only one means of escape is required from a space where:
(a) The space has a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet);
(b) There is no stove, heater, or other source of fire in the space;
(c) The means of escape is located as far as possible from a machinery space or fuel tank; and
(d) If an accommodation space, the single means of escape does not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.
§ 144.600   Ventilation for accommodations.
Each accommodation space on a vessel must be ventilated in a manner suitable for the purpose of the space.
§ 144.605   Means to stop fans and close openings.
Means must be provided for stopping each fan in a ventilation system serving machinery spaces and for closing, in case of fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and other openings into such spaces.
§ 144.610   Ventilation in a vessel more than 65 feet in length.
A vessel of more than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length with overnight accommodations must have a mechanical ventilation system unless a natural system, such as opening windows, portholes, or doors, will provide adequate ventilation in ordinary weather.
§ 144.700   General requirements.
(a) A crew accommodation space and a work space must be of sufficient size, adequate construction, and with suitable equipment to provide for the safe operation of the vessel and the protection and accommodation of the crew in a manner practicable for the size, facilities, service, route, and modes of operation of the vessel.
(b) The deck above a crew accommodation space must be located above the deepest load waterline.
§ 144.710   Overnight accommodations.
Overnight accommodations must be provided for crewmembers if it is operated more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period, unless the crew is put ashore and the vessel is provided with a new crew.
§ 144.720   Crew rest consideration.
The condition of the crew accommodations must consider the importance of crew rest. Factors to consider include vibrations, ambient light, noise levels, and general comfort. Every effort must be made to ensure that quarters help provide a suitable environment for sleep and off-duty rest.
§ 144.800   Handrails and bulwarks.
(a) Rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks accessible to crew. Equivalent protection may include lifelines, wire rope, chains, and bulwarks that provide strength and support equivalent to fixed rails.
(b) In areas where space limitations make deck rails impractical, such as at narrow catwalks in way of deckhouse sides, hand grabs may be substituted.
§ 144.810   Storm rails.
On a vessel in oceans or coastwise service, suitable storm rails or hand grabs must be installed in all passageways and at the deckhouse sides where persons onboard might have normal access.
§ 144.820   Guards in dangerous places.
An exposed hazard such as gears and rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard or rail. This is not meant to restrict access to towing equipment such as winches, drums, towing gear or steering compartment equipment necessary for the operation of the vessel.
§ 144.830   Protection against hot piping.
Each exhaust pipe from an internal combustion engine which is within reach of personnel must be insulated or otherwise guarded to prevent burns. On a new vessel, each pipe that contains vapor, gas, or liquid that has a temperature exceeding 150 °F (65.5 °C) which is within reach of personnel must be insulated where necessary or otherwise guarded to prevent injury.
§ 144.905   Operating station visibility.
(a) Windows and other openings at the operating station must be of sufficient size and properly located to provide a clear field of vision for safe operation in any condition.
(b) Means must be provided to ensure that windows immediately forward of the operating station in the pilothouse allow for adequate visibility to ensure safe navigation regardless of weather conditions. This may include mechanical means such as windshield wipers, defoggers, clear-view screens, or other such means, taking into consideration the intended route of the vessel.
(c) The field of vision from the operating station on a new vessel must extend over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.
(d) If a new vessel is towing astern, the operating station must be provided with a view aft.
(e) In a new vessel, glass or other glazing material used in windows at the operating station must have a light transmission of not less than 70 percent according to Test 2 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996 (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter) and must comply with Test 15 of ANSI/SAE Z 26.1-1996 for Class I Optical Deviation.
§ 144.920   Window or portlight strength in a new vessel.
(a) Each window or portlight, and its means of attachment to the hull or the deckhouse, must be capable of withstanding the maximum expected load from wind and waves, due to its location on the vessel and the vessel's authorized route.
(b) Any covering or protection placed over a window or porthole that could be used as a means of escape must be able to be readily removed or opened from within the space.
(c) Glass and other glazing materials used in windows of a new towing vessel must be materials that will not break into dangerous fragments if fractured.