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Title 46

Displaying title 46, up to date as of 10/07/2026. Title 46 was last amended 9/25/2026.
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Piping Systems

§ 169.640 General.

(a) Vital piping systems, as defined in § 169.642 of this subpart, must meet the material and pressure design requirements of Subchapter F of this chapter.

(b) Except as provided in this paragraph, nonmetallic piping system materials must meet the applicable requirements of 46 CFR 56.60-25.

(1) Rigid nonmetallic materials are acceptable for use in bilge, ballast, and machinery-connected piping systems on vessels less than 120 feet in length, provided that bilge and fire systems do not use the same piping.

(2) Nonmetallic piping is prohibited in fuel systems except where flexible hose is permitted.

(3) Rigid nonmetallic materials may be used in non-vital systems.

§ 169.642 Vital systems.

For the purpose of this part, the following are considered vital systems—

(a) A marine engineering system identified by the OCMI as being crucial to the survival of the vessel or to the protection of the personnel on board; and

(b) On vessels greater than 120 feet in length—

(1) Bilge system;

(2) Ballast system;

(3) Fire protection system;

(4) Fuel oil system; and

(5) Steering and steering control system.