46 CFR § 160.017-11 - Materials.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s160.017-11"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 160.017-11 - Materials."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "160.017-11"
section_name: "Materials."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "Q"
subchapter_name: "EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL"
part_number: "160"
part_name: "LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT"
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, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234; 45 FR 58801; 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; and DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
cfr_part: "160"
---


# 160.017-11 Materials.

(a) *Suspension members.* Each suspension member of a chain ladder must be a continuous length of non-kinking chain, such as single loop lock link coil chain, with a minimum breaking strength of at least 16 kN (3,560 lbs.).

(b) *Metal parts.* Each metal part of a ladder must be made of corrosion-resistant metal or of steel galvanized by the hot dip process after the part is formed. If the ends of galvanized fasteners are peened over to lock them in place, a corrosion resisting surface treatment must be applied to each peened surface.

(c) *Wooden parts.* Each wooden part of a ladder must be made of hardwood that is free of defects affecting its strength or durability.

(d) *Wood preservative.* After each wooden part is formed and finished, it must be treated with water-repellant wood preservative that is properly applied.

(e) *Lashing rings.* The inside diameter of each lashing ring must be at least 75 mm (3 in.). Each lashing ring must have a minimum breaking strength of at least 16 kN (3,560 lbs.).