46 CFR § 170.255 - Class 1 doors; permissible locations.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s170.255"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 170.255 - Class 1 doors; permissible locations."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "170.255"
section_name: "Class 1 doors; permissible locations."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "S"
subchapter_name: "SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY"
part_number: "170"
part_name: "STABILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL INSPECTED VESSELS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51010, Nov. 4, 1983, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "170"
---


# 170.255 Class 1 doors; permissible locations.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, Class 1 doors within passenger, crew, and working spaces are permitted only above a deck, the molded line of which, at its lowest point at side, is at least 7 feet (2.14 meters) above the deepest load line.

(b) Class 1 doors are permitted within passenger, crew, and working spaces, wherever located, if—

(1) In the judgment of the OCMI, the door is in a location where it will be closed at all times except when actually in use; and

(2) The vessel is less than 150 gross tons and will not proceed more than 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers) from shore; or

(3) The vessel is in rivers or lakes, bays, and sounds service.

(c) Class 1 doors are permitted in any location on a vessel that—

(1) Is less than 100 gross tons; and

(2) Will operate only in the offshore oil industry trade.

(d) Quick-acting Class 1 doors are permitted in any location on a vessel that operates on the Great Lakes and is required to meet the damage stability standards of subpart H of part 172 of this chapter.

(e) For vessels required to meet the damage stability standards of subpart H of this chapter, when Class 1 doors are installed below a deck the molded line of which at its lowest point at side is less than 7 feet (2.14 meters) above the deepest load line, an indicator light for each door which warns when the door is open must be installed on the bridge.

[CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51010, Nov. 4, 1983, as amended by CGD 80-159, 51 FR 33059, Sept. 18, 1986]