Regulations last checked for updates: Jun 01, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: May 28, 2024
§ 131.520 - Hatches and other openings.

Before any vessel leaves protected waters, the master shall ensure that the vessel's exposed cargo hatches and other openings in the hull are closed; made properly watertight by the use of tarpaulins, gaskets, or similar devices; and properly secured for sea.

authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306,6101,10104; E.O. 12234, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Section 131.990 also issued under sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905
source: CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49340, Sept. 19, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 131.520