46 CFR § 179.210 - Collision bulkhead.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s179.210"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 179.210 - Collision bulkhead."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "179.210"
section_name: "Collision bulkhead."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "T"
subchapter_name: "SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS)"
part_number: "179"
part_name: "SUBDIVISION, DAMAGE STABILITY, AND WATERTIGHT INTEGRITY"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
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 85-080, 61 FR 971, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "179"
---


# 179.210 Collision bulkhead.

(a) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must have a collision bulkhead.

(b) A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must have a collision bulkhead if it:

(1) Carries more than 49 passengers;

(2) Operates on exposed waters;

(3) Is of more than 12.2 meters (40 feet) in length and operates on partially protected waters; or

(4) Is constructed of wood on or after March 11, 2001, and operates in cold water.

(c) A double-ended ferry required to have a collision bulkhead must have a collision bulkhead at each end of the vessel.