CFR > Title 46 - Shipping > CHAPTER I—COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY > SUBCHAPTER K—SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS CARRYING MORE THAN 150 PASSENGERS OR WITH OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MORE THAN 49 PASSENGERS (parts 114 to 123) > PART 116—CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT > SUBPART K—Drainage and Watertight Integrity of Weather Decks (§116.1110 to §116.1160) > 116.1160—Watertight integrity.

116.1160—Watertight integrity.

(a) A hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight, except that the following hatches may be weathertight:
(1) A hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 305 millimeters (12 inches) above the weather deck;
(2) A hatch in a cabin top; and
(3) A hatch on a vessel that operates only on protected waters.
(b) A hatch cover must:
(1) Have securing devices; and
(2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive chains, or other devices of substantial strength to prevent its loss.
(c) A hatch cover that provides access to accommodation spaces must be operable from either side.
(d) A weathertight door must be provided for each opening located in a deck house or companionway. Permanent watertight coamings must be provided as follows:
(1) On a vessel on an exposed or partially protected route, a watertight coaming with a height of at least 150 millimeters (6 inches) must be provided under each weathertight door in a cockpit or a well, or on the main deck of a flush deck vessel.
(2) On a vessel on a protected route, a watertight coaming with a height of at least 75 millimeters (3 inches) must be provided under each weathertight door in a cockpit or a well.
(3) The height of the watertight coaming for a hinged watertight door, need only be sufficient to accommodate the door.