46 CFR § 116.1160 - Watertight integrity.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s116.1160"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 116.1160 - Watertight integrity."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "116.1160"
section_name: "Watertight integrity."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "K"
subchapter_name: "SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS CARRYING MORE THAN 150 PASSENGERS OR WITH OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR MORE THAN 49 PASSENGERS"
part_number: "116"
part_name: "CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277, DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGD 85-080, 61 FR 900, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "116"
---


# 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.