---identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s174.220"source: "ecfr"legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"title: "46 CFR § 174.220 - Hatches and coamings."title_number: 46title_name: "Shipping"section_number: "174.220"section_name: "Hatches and coamings."chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"subchapter_number: "S"subchapter_name: "SUBDIVISION AND STABILITY"part_number: "174"part_name: "SPECIAL RULES PERTAINING TO SPECIFIC VESSEL TYPES"positive_law: falsecurrency: "2026-04-05"last_updated: "2026-04-05"format_version: "1.1.0"generator: "[email protected]"authority: "42 U.S.C. 9118, 9119, 9153; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Section 174.180 also issued under sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905."regulatory_source: "CGD 79-023, 48 FR 51048, Nov. 4, 1983, unless otherwise noted."cfr_part: "174"---
Identifier
/us/cfr/t46/s174.220
Currency
2026-04-05
Positive Law
No
Updated
2026-04-05
Chapter
Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Authority
42 U.S.C. 9118, 9119, 9153; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Section 174.180 also issued... 42 U.S.C. 9118, 9119, 9153; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Section 174.180 also issued under sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905.
# 174.220 Hatches and coamings.(a) Each hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight, except that the following hatches may be only weathertight:(1) Each hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 430 millimeters (17 inches) above the weather deck.(2) Each hatch in a cabin top.(b) Each hatch cover must—(1) Have securing-devices; and(2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive chains, or other devices to prevent its loss.(c) Each hatch that provides access to quarters or to accommodation spaces for crew members or offshore workers must be capable of being opened and closed from either side.(d) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, a weathertight door with a permanent watertight coaming at least 380 millimeters (15 inches) high must be installed for each opening in a deckhouse or companionway that—(1) Gives access into the hull; and(2) Is in an exposed place.(e) If an opening in a deckhouse or companionway has a Class-1 watertight door installed, the height of the watertight coaming need only accommodate the door.