46 CFR § 171.073 - Treatment of stepped and recessed bulkheads in Type II subdivision.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s171.073"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 171.073 - Treatment of stepped and recessed bulkheads in Type II subdivision."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "171.073"
section_name: "Treatment of stepped and recessed bulkheads in Type II subdivision."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "S"
subchapter_name: "SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY"
part_number: "171"
part_name: "SPECIAL RULES PERTAINING TO VESSELS CARRYING PASSENGERS"
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; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1."
regulatory_source: "CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51017, Nov. 4, 1983, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "171"
---


# 171.073 Treatment of stepped and recessed bulkheads in Type II subdivision.

(a) A main transverse watertight bulkhead may not be stepped unless additional watertight bulkheads are located as shown in Figure 171.067(a) so that the distances A, B, C, and D illustrated in Figure 171.067(a) comply with the following:

(1) A and B must not exceed the maximum bulkhead spacing that permits compliance with § 171.070; and

(2) C and D must not be less than the minimum spacing specified in § 171.070(e).

(b) A main transverse watertight bulkhead may not be recessed unless all parts of the recess are inboard from the shell of the vessel as illustrated in Figure 171.067(c).

(c) If a main transverse watertight bulkhead is recessed or stepped, an equivalent plane bulkhead must be used in the calculations required by § 171.070.