46 CFR § 56.97-38 - Initial service leak test (modifies 137.7).

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s56.97-38"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 56.97-38 - Initial service leak test (modifies 137.7)."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "56.97-38"
section_name: "Initial service leak test (modifies 137.7)."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "F"
subchapter_name: "MARINE ENGINEERING"
part_number: "56"
part_name: "PIPING SYSTEMS AND APPURTENANCES"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "33 U.S.C. 1321(j), 1509; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "56"
---


# 56.97-38 Initial service leak test (modifies 137.7).

(a) An initial service leak test and inspection is acceptable when other types of test are not practical or when leak tightness is conveniently demonstrable due to the nature of the service. One example is piping where shut-off valves are not available for isolating a line. Others may be systems for service water, condensate, plant and instrument air, etc., where checking out of pumps and compressors afford ample opportunity for leak tightness inspection prior to full-scale operation.

(b) The piping system must be gradually brought up to design pressure. After inspection of the piping system has proven that the installation is complete and all joints are leak-tight, the piping has met the requirements of § 56.97-1.

[CGD 73-254, 40 FR 40168, Sept. 2, 1975]