Skip to content
LexBuild

46 CFR § 32.55-45 - Venting of cofferdams and void spaces of tank vessels constructed on or after November 10, 1936—TB/ALL.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s32.55-45"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 32.55-45 - Venting of cofferdams and void spaces of tank vessels constructed on or after November 10, 1936—TB/ALL."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "32.55-45"
section_name: "Venting of cofferdams and void spaces of tank vessels constructed on or after November 10, 1936—TB/ALL."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "D"
subchapter_name: "TANK VESSELS"
part_number: "32"
part_name: "SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, AND HULL REQUIREMENTS"
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, 3719; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4; Subpart 32.59 also issued under the authority of Sec. 4109, Pub. L. 101-380, 104 Stat. 515."
regulatory_source: "CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16671, Dec. 30, 1965, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "32"
---

# 32.55-45 Venting of cofferdams and void spaces of tank vessels constructed on or after November 10, 1936—TB/ALL.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, on all tank vessels, the construction or conversion of which was started on or after November 10, 1936, cofferdams and void spaces shall be provided with gooseneck vents fitted with a flame screen or pressure-vacuum relief valves. The diameter of a vent shall be not less than 2
1/2 inches.

(b) On unmanned tank barges not fitted with fixed bilge systems in the cofferdams and void spaces, vents for cofferdams and void spaces will not be required.