Rules and Regulations

The U.S. Coast Guard is statutorily charged with administering maritime safety on behalf of
the people of the United States. In carrying out this function, the Coast Guard monitors safety
aspects of commercial vessels from design stages throughout the vessel's useful life. Often
design standards such as those developed by the American Bureau of Shipping are used.
Codes are referenced directly by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) [6-1]. Other
countries, such as England, France, Germany, Norway, Italy and Japan have their own
standards that are analogous to those developed by ABS. Treatment of FRP materials is
handled differently by each country. This section will only describe the U.S. agencies.
U.S. Coast Guard
The Coast Guard operates on both a local and national level to accomplish their mission. On
the local level, 42 Marine Safety Offices (MSOs) are located throughout the country. These
offices are responsible for inspecting vessels during construction, inspecting existing vessels,
licensing personnel and investigating accidents. The Office of Marine Safety, Security and
Environment Protection is located in Washington, DC. This office primarily disseminates
policy, directs marine safety training, oversees port security and responds to the environmental
needs of the country. The Marine Safety Center, also located in Washington, is the office
where vessel plans are reviewed. The Coast Guard's technical staff reviews machinery,
electrical arrangement, structural and stability plans, calculations and instructions for new
construction and conversions for approximately 18,000 vessels a year.
The Coast Guard has authorized ABS for plan review of certain types of vessels. These do not
include Subchapter T vessels and novel craft. The following section will attempt to describe
the various classifications of vessels, as defined in the CFR. Table 6-1 summarizes some of
these designations. Structural requirements for each class of vessel will also be highlighted.
Subchapter C - Uninspected Vessels
The CFR regulations that cover uninspected vessels are primarily concerned with safety, rather
than structural items. The areas covered include:
Life preservers and other lifesaving equipment;
Emergency position indicating radio beacons (fishing vessels);
Fire extinguishing equipment;
Backfire flame control;
Ventilation;
Cooking, heating and lighting systems; and
Garbage retention.
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Organizations that are cited for reference:
American Boat and Yacht Council
3069 Solomon's Island Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
410-956-1050 / FAX 410-956-2737
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269-9101 USA
617-770-3000 / FAX 617-770-0700
http://www.nfpa.org/
Table 6-1 Summary of CFR Vessel Classifications [46 CFR, Part 2.01 - 7(a)]
Size or Other
Limitations
Subchapter
H -
Passenger
Subchapter T -
Small
Passenger
Subchapter K
- Small
Passenger
Subchapter I
Cargo and
Miscellaneous
Subchapter
C
Uninspected
46 CFR, Parts
70-80
46 CFR, Part 175
46 CFR, Part
114
46 CFR, Parts
90-106
46 CFR, Parts
24-26
Vessels
over 15
gross tons
except
seagoing
motor
vessels of
300 gross
tons and
over.Seago
ing motor
vessels of
300 gross
tons and
over.
Vessels over
100 gross tons
Under 100 gross
tons
All vessels
carrying more
than 150
passengers or
with overnight
accommodations
for more than 49
passengers
All vessels
carrying freight
for hire except
those covered
by H or T
vessels
All vessels
except those
covered by H,
T, K or I
vessels
All other
vessels of over
65 feet in
length carrying
passengers for
hire.
All vessels
carrying more
than 12 and
less than 150
passengers on
an international
voyage, except
yachts.
All vessels not
over 65 feet in
length which
carry more than
6 passengers.
All other vessels carrying
passengers except yachts.
Subchapter K'
refers to vessels
with 151
passengers or
61 meters (200
feet)
Vessels
not over
700 gross
tons.
Vessels over
100 gross tons
Vessels under 100
gross tons
Not applicable
All vessels carrying more than 6
passengers.
Vessels
over 700
gross tons.
All vessels carrying passengers for
hire.
Subchapter H - Passenger Vessels
Part 72 of CFR 46 is titled Construction and Arrangement. Subpart 72.01-15 Structural
Standards states:
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In general, compliance with the standards established by ABS will be considered
satisfactory evidence of structural efficiency of the vessel. However, in special
cases, a detailed analysis of the entire structure or some integral part may be
made by the Coast Guard to determine the structural requirements.
Looking at Subpart 72.05 - Structural Fire Protection, under 72.05-10 Type, location and
construction of fire control bulkheads and decks, it is noted:
The hull, structural bulkheads, decks, and deckhouses shall be constructed of
steel or other equivalent metal construction of appropriate scantlings.
The section goes on to define different types of bulkheads, based fire performance.
Subchapter I - Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels
The requirements for I vessels is slightly different than for H. Under Subpart 92.07 -
Structural Fire Protection, 92.07-10 Construction states:
The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be
constructed of steel. Alternately, the Commandant may permit the use of other
suitable materials in special cases, having in mind the risk of fire.
Subchapter T - Small Passenger Vessels
177.300 Structural Design
Except as otherwise noted by this subpart, a vessel must comply with the structural design
requirements of one of the standards listed below for the hull material of the vessel.
(c) Fiber reinforced plastic vessels:
(1) Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Yachts and Small Craft,
Lloyd's; or
(2) Rules for building and Classing Reinforced Plastic Vessels, ABS
177.405 General arrangement and outfitting
(a) The general construction of the vessel shall be such as to minimize fire
hazards insofar as reasonable and practicable. .
177.410 Structural fire protection.
(a) Cooking areas. Vertical or horizontal surfaces within 910 millimeters (3 feet) of cooking
appliances must have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-84 Surface
Burning Characteristics of Building Materials flame spread rating of not more than 75.
Curtains, draperies, or free hanging fabrics must not be fitted within 910 millimeters (3 feet) of
cooking or heating appliances.
(b) Fiber reinforced plastic.. When the hull, decks, deckhouse, or superstructure of a vessel is
partially or completely constructed of fiber reinforced plastic, including composite construction,
the resin used must have an ASTM E-84 flame spread rating of not more than 100.
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(c) Use of general purpose resin - General purpose resins may be used in lieu of those having
an ASTM E 84 flame spread rating of not more than 100 provided that the following additional
requirements are met:
(1) Cooking and Heating Appliances - Galleys must be surrounded by B-15
Class fire boundaries. This may not apply to concession stands that are not
considered high fire hazards areas (galleys) as long as they do not contain
medium to high heat appliances such as deep fat fryers, flat plate type grilles,
and open ranges with heating surfaces exceeding 121C (250F). Open flame
systems for cooking and heating are not allowed.
(2) Sources of Ignition - Electrical equipment and switch boards must be
protected from fuel or water sources. Fuel lines and hoses must be located as
far as practical from heat sources. Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler
and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and
suitability insulated from any woodwork or other combustible matter. Internal
combustion engine dry exhaust systems must be installed in accordance with
ABYC Standard P-1.
(3) Fire Detection and Extinguishing Systems - Fire detection and extinguishing
systems must be installed in compliance with 181.400 through 181.420 of this
chapter. Additionally, all fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) vessels constructed with
general purpose resins must be fitted with a smoke activated fire detection
system of an approved type, installed in accordance with 76.27 in subchapter H
of this chapter, in all accommodation spaces, all service spaces, and in isolated
spaces such as voids and storage lockers that contain an ignition source such as
electric equipment or piping for a dry exhaust system.
(4) Machinery Space Boundaries - Boundaries that separate machinery spaces
from accommodation spaces, service spaces, and control spaces must be lined
with noncombustible panels or insulation approved in accordance with 164.009
in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.
(5) Furnishings - Furniture and furnishings must comply with 116.423 in
subchapter K of this chapter.
(d) Limitations on the use of general purpose resin.
(1) Overnight Accommodations - Vessels with overnight passenger
accommodations must not be constructed with general purpose resin.
(2) Gasoline Fuel Systems - Vessels with engines powered by gasoline or other
fuels having a flash point of 43.3 C (110 F) or lower must not be constructed
with general purpose resin, except for vessels powered by outboard engines with
portable fuel tanks stored in an open area aft, if, as determined by the cognizant
OCMI, the arrangement does not produce an unreasonable hazard.
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(3) Cargo - Vessels carrying or intended to carry hazardous combustible or
flammable cargo must not be constructed with general purpose resin.
Subchapter K - Small Passenger Vessels
Subpart C - Hull Structure
116.300 Structural Design provides for steel or aluminum hulls only with alternate design
considerations based on engineering principles that show that the vessel structure provides
adequate safety and strength. Of major concern to the U.S. Coast Guard would be the added
fire threat of a composite hull. The IMO High-Speed Craft Code (see Fire Testing section)
may form the basis for an alternative acceptable criteria.
Subpart D - Fire Protection
116.400 Application.
(a) This subpart applies to:
(1) Vessels carrying more than 150 passengers; or
(2) Vessels with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers but not
more than 150 passengers.
(b) A vessel with overnight accommodations for more than 150 passengers must comply with
72.05 in subchapter H of this chapter.
116.405 General arrangement and outfitting.
(a) Fire hazards to be minimized. The general construction of the vessel must be such as to
minimize fire hazards insofar as it is reasonable and practicable.
(b) Combustible materials to be limited. Limited amounts of combustible materials such as
wiring insulation, pipe hanger linings, nonmetallic (plastic) pipe, and cable ties are permitted in
concealed spaces except as otherwise prohibited by this subpart.
(c) Combustibles insulated from heated surfaces. Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler
and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and suitably insulated
from combustible material.
(d) Separation of machinery and fuel tank spaces from accommodation spaces. Machinery
and fuel tank spaces must be separated from accommodation spaces by boundaries that prevent
the passage of vapors.
(e) Paint and flammable liquid lockers. Paint and flammable liquid lockers must be
constructed of steel or equivalent material, or wholly lined with steel or equivalent material.
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(f) Nonmetallic piping in concealed spaces. The use of short runs of nonmetallic (plastic)
pipe within a concealed spaces in a control space, accommodation space, or service space is
permitted in nonvital service only, provided it is not used to carry flammable liquids (including
liquors of 80 proof or higher) and:
(1) Has flame spread rating of not more than 20 and a smoke developed rating
of not more than 50 when filled with water and tested in accordance with
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM E 84 Test for Surface
Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,) or Underwriters Laboratories
(UL) 723 Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, by
an independent laboratory; or
(2) Has a flame spread rating of not more than 20 and a smoke developed
rating of not more than 130 when empty and tested in accordance with ASTM E
84 or UL 723 by an independent laboratory
(g) Vapor barriers. Vapor barriers must be provided where insulation of any type is used in
spaces where flammable and combustible liquids or vapors are present, such as machinery
spaces and paint lockers.
(h) Interior finishes. Combustible interior finishes allowed by 116.422 (d) of this part must
not extend into hidden spaces, such as behind linings, above ceilings, or between bulkheads.
(i) Waste Receptacles. Unless other means are provided to ensure that a potential waste
receptacle fire would be limited to the receptacle, waste receptacles must be constructed of
noncombustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom.
(f) Mattresses. All mattresses must comply with either:
(1) The U.S. Department of Commerce Standard for Mattress Flammability (FF
4-72.16), 16 CFR Part 1632, Subpart A and not contain polyurethane foam; or
(2) International Maritime Organization Resolution A.688(17) Fire Test
Procedures For Ignitability of Bedding Components. Mattresses that are tested
to this standard may contain polyurethane foam.
116.415 Fire control boundaries.
(a) Type and construction of fire control bulkheads and decks.
(1) Major hull structure - The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and
stanchions, superstructures, and deckhouses must be composed of steel or
equivalent material, except that where C'-Class construction is permitted by
Tables 116.415 (b) and (c), bulkheads and decks may be constructed of
approved noncombustible materials.
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Rules and Regulations Marine Composites
(2) Bulkheads and decks - Bulkheads and decks must be classed as A-60,
A- 30, A-15, A-0, B-15, B-0, C, or C' based on the following:
(i) A-Class bulkheads or decks must be composed of steel or equivalent
material, suitably stiffened and made intact with the main structure of the vessel,
such as the shell, structural bulkheads, and decks. They must be so constructed
that, if subjected to the standard fire test, they are capable of preventing the
passage of smoke and flame for one hour. In addition, they must be so insulated
with approved structural insulation, bulkhead panels, or deck covering so that, if
subjected to the standard fire test for the applicable time period listed below, the
average temperature on the unexposed side does not rise more than 139C
(250F) above the original temperature, nor does the temperature at any one
point, including any joint, rise more than 181C (325F) above the original
temperature:
A-60 Class 60 minutes
A-30 Class 30 minutes
A-15 Class 15 minutes
A-0 Class 0 minutes
(ii) Penetrations in A-Class fire control boundaries for electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts,
etc. must be constructed to prevent the passage of flame and smoke for one hour. In addition,
the penetration must be designed or insulated so that it will withstand the same temperature rise
limits as the boundary penetrated.
(iii) B-Class bulkheads and decks must be constructed of noncombustible materials and made
intact with the main structure of the vessel, such as shell, structural bulkheads, and decks,
except that a B-Class bulkhead need not extend above an approved continuous B-Class ceiling.
They must be so constructed that, if subjected to the standard fire test, they are capable of
preventing the passage of flame for 30 minutes. In addition, their insulation value must be
such that, if subjected to the standard fire test for the applicable time period listed below, the
average temperature of the unexposed side does not rise more than 139C (250F) above the
original temperature, nor does the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more
than 225 C (405 F) above the original temperature:
B-15 Class 15 minutes
B-0 Class 0 minutes
(iv) Penetrations in B-Class fire control boundaries for electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts,
etc. must be constructed to prevent the passage of flame for 30 minutes. In addition, the
penetration must be designed or insulated so that it will withstand the same temperature rise
limits as the boundary penetrated.
(v) C-Class bulkheads and decks must be composed of noncombustible materials.
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(vi) C'-Class bulkheads and decks must be constructed of noncombustible materials and
made intact with the main structure of the vessel, such as shell, structural bulkheads, and decks,
except that a C'-Class bulkhead need not extend above a continuous B-Class or C'-Class
ceiling. C'-Class bulkheads must be constructed to prevent the passage of smoke between
adjacent areas. Penetrations in C'-Class boundaries for electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts,
etc. must be constructed so as to preserve the smoke-tight integrity of the boundary.
(vii) Any sheathing, furring, or holding pieces incidental to the securing of structural
insulation must be an approved noncombustible material.
(b) Bulkhead requirements. Bulkheads between various spaces must meet the requirements of
Table 116.415(b).
(c) Deck requirements. Decks between various spaces must meet the requirements of Table
116.415(c), except that where linings or bulkhead panels are framed away from the shell or
structural bulkheads, the deck within the void space so formed need only meet A-0 Class
requirements.
(d) Main vertical zones.
(1) The hull, superstructure, and deck houses of a vessel, except for a vehicle space on a
vehicle ferry, must be subdivided by bulkheads into main vertical zones which:
(i) Are generally not more than 40 meters (131 feet) in mean length on any one deck;
(ii) Must be constructed to:
(A) The greater of A-30 Class or the requirements of paragraph (b) of this
section, or;
(B) Minimum A-0 Class where there is a Type 8, 12 or 13 space on either
side of the division; and
The CFR specifies specific fire boundaries via tables that cross reference hot and cold side
space designations. Space designations are determined based on overall fire risk.
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Ameri can Bu reau of Ship ping
The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) is a nonprofit organization that develops rules for the
classification of ship structures and equipment. ABS publishes about 90 different rules and
guides, written in association with industry. Although ABS is primarily associated with large,
steel ships, their involvement with small craft dates back to the 1920s, when a set of rules for
wood sailing ship construction was published. The recent volume of work done for FRP
yachts is summarized in Table 6-2. The publications and services offered by ABS are detailed
below. [6-2]
Rules for Building and Classing Reinforced Plastic Vessels 1978
This publication gives hull structure, machinery and engineering system requirements for
commercial displacement craft up to 200 feet in length. It contains comprehensive sections on
materials and manufacture and is essentially for E-glass chopped strand mat and woven roving
laminates with a means of approving other laminates given.
These general Rules have served and continue to service industry and ABS very well - they are
adopted as Australian Government Regulations and are used by the USCG. They are applied
currently by ABS to all commercial displacement craft in unrestricted ocean service.
Table 6-2 Statistics on ABS Services for FRP Yachts During the Past Decade
[Curry, American Bureau of Shipping]
ABS Service
Sailing
Yachts
Motor
Yachts
Completed or contracted for class or
hull certification as of 1989
336 94
Plan approval service only as of
1989
160 9
Currently in class (as of 1989) 121 164
Plan approval service from 1980 to
1989
390 35
Guide for Building and Classing Offshore Racing Yachts, 1986
This guide developed by ABS at the request of the Offshore Racing Council (ORC) 1978-1980
out of their concern for ever lighter advanced composite boats and the lack of suitable
standards. At that time, several boats and lives had been lost. ABS staff referred to the design
and construction practice for offshore racing yachts reflected in designers' and builders' practice
and to limited full-scale measured load data and refined the results by analysis of many
existing proven boats and analysis of damaged boat structures.
As the Guide was to provide for all possible hull materials, including advanced composites, it was
essential that it be given in a direct engineering format of design loads and design stresses, based on
ply, laminate and core material mechanical properties. Such a format permits the designer to readily
see the influence of design loads, material mechanical properties and structural arrangement on the
requirements, thereby giving as much freedom as possible to achieve optimum use of materials.
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ABS is revising their approach for yachts, with special emphasis on vessels over 24 meters (78.7
feet). The initiative combines revised structural and machinery criteria and requirements for structural
fire protection and one compartment damage stability. ABS will no longer offer other services (such
as plan approval only) for yachts over 24 meters and no services for yachts under 24 meters will be
available.
Guide for Building and Classing High Speed Craft
Since 1980, ABS has had specific in-house guidance for the hull structure of planing and
semi-planing craft in commercial and government service. The High-Speed Craft Guide was
first published in 1990 and is under revision for publication in 1997.
This Guide, for vessels up to 200 feet in length, covers glass fiber reinforced plastic, advanced
composite, aluminum and steel hulls. Requirements are given in a direct engineering format
expressed in terms of design pressures, design stresses, and material mechanical properties. Design
planing slamming pressures for the bottom structure have been developed from the work of
Heller and Jasper [6-3] Savitsky and Brown, [6-4] Allen and Jones [6-5], and Spencer [6-6].
Those for the side structure are based on a combination of hydrostatic and speed induced
hydrodynamic pressures.
In establishing the bottom design pressures and dynamic components of side structure,
distinction is made for example between passenger-carrying craft, general commercial craft,
and mission type craft, such as patrol boats. Design pressures for decks, superstructures,
houses and bulkheads are from ABS and industry practice.
Design stresses, have been obtained from ABS in-house guidance and from applying the
various design pressures to many existing, proven vessels processed over the years by ABS. In
providing requirements for advanced composites, criteria are given for strength in both 0 and
90 axes of structural panels.
Anticipating the desirability of extending the length of boats using standard or advanced
composites, the Guide contains hull-girder strength requirements for vessels in both the
displacement and planing modes. The former comes from current ABS Rules. The latter from
Heller and Jasper bending moments together with hull-girder bending stresses obtained by
applying these moments to many existing, proven planing craft designs. As might be expected,
design stresses for the planing mode bending moments are relatively low, reflecting a need for
design that accounts for fatigue strength.
Particularly for fiber reinforced plastic boats, criteria were established for hull-girder stiffness,
by which, one of the potential limitations of fiber reinforced plastic, low tensile and
compressive modulii, can be avoided by proper design.
Although the Guide contains specific, detailed standards for planing craft hull structures, it is
not confined to these form hulls and operational modes. Brief, general requirements for
surface effect, air cushion and hydrofoil craft are also included. The updated Guide will cover
monohull vessels to 450 feet and catamarans to 350 feet. A dedicated machinery and structural
fire protection section is to be added. Panel testing of hull bottom and topsides will be
required, as will be builder's process descriptions. A laminate stack program will be
included.
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Guide for High Speed and Displacement Motor Yachts
As with high speed commercial and government service craft, ABS has utilized in-house
guidance for many years for planing motor yachts. This has also been developed over the last
few years into the Guide for High Speed and Displacement Motor Yachts.
The standards for high speed motor yachts parallel those for high speed commercial and
government service craft and the preceding description of the Guide for the high speed
commercial, patrol, and utility craft is equally applicable with the qualification that the design
pressures for motor yachts reflect the less rigorous demands of this service.
Probably 80% to 90% of the motor yachts today are, by definition of this Guide, high speed.
However to provide complete standards, the Guide also includes requirements for displacement
motor yachts. Design loads and design stresses for these standards developed from ABS Rules
for Reinforced Plastic Vessels, modified appropriately for advanced composite, aluminum and
steel hulls and fine-tuned by review of a substantial number of existing proven, displacement
hull motor yacht designs. In addition to hull structural standards, this Guide includes
requirements for propulsion systems and essential engineering systems.
ABS has reviewed approximately 50 motor pleasure yachts since 1990. The average waterline
length is 100 feet with a top speed of 24 knots. Figure 6-1 graphically depicts the ABS
classification process.
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Figure 6-1 Flow Chart for ABS Clas si fi ca tion Proc ess [Curry, Ameri can Bu reau of
Ship ping]