46 CFR § 144.320 - Watertight or weathertight integrity.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s144.320"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 144.320 - Watertight or weathertight integrity."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "144.320"
section_name: "Watertight or weathertight integrity."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "M"
subchapter_name: "TOWING VESSELS"
part_number: "144"
part_name: "CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2."
regulatory_source: "USCG-2006-24412, 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "144"
---


# 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.