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National
United States Regulations
46 CFR PART 164—MATERIALS

Title 46: Shipping




PART 164—MATERIALS


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Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart 164.003—Kapok, Processed
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Source: 11 FR 188, Jan. 3, 1946, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.003-1 Applicable specifications.
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(a) There are no other specifications applicable to this subpart.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 164.003-2 Grades.
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(a) Processed kapok shall be of but one grade as in this subpart.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 164.003-3 Material and workmanship.
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(a) The raw kapok fiber shall be long, clean, creamy white in color, lustrous, free from discoloration and adulteration with other fiber, and of a quality equal to that grown in Java.

(b) Kapok shall be processed by teasing in a machine using the air-blow method. Mechanical separation of fiber masses is permitted, but machines using violent beating which breaks down the fibers or causes undue powdering or pulverizing are not permitted. Provision shall be made for trapping seeds and heavy objects in gravity traps and the dust or powder in an efficient dust collector.

(c) Processed kapok shall have a buoyancy in fresh water of at least 48 pounds per cubic foot when tested in accordance with §164.003–4(d). Rejected kapok shall not be used in lifesaying products inspected by the Coast Guard.

(d) The processed kapok shall contain not more than 5 percent by weight of sticks, seeds, dirt or other foreign material and shall be free from objectionable odor and adulteration with other fibers.

§ 164.003-4 Inspections and tests.
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(a) Kapok fibers to be used in a finished product subject to inspection by the Coast Guard shall be subject to inspection and tests at the plant of the manufacturer of such product, who shall furnish the necessary testing tank, test cages, and scales.

(b) Acceptance of kapok prior to being incorporated into finished products, or during the course of manufacture, shall in no case be construed as a guarantee of the acceptance of the finished product.

(c) Not less than a one-pound sample from each 1,000 pounds of kapok shall be tested for buoyancy by the inspector. At his discretion, the inspector may select additional samples for tests if deemed advisable.

(d) The buoyancy test shall be made with 16 ounces of processed kapok uniformly packed in a rigid wire box or cage with metal reinforced edges, and submerged by weights in a tank of fresh water to a depth of 12 inches below the surface of the water, measurement made to the top of box, for 48 hours. The test box shall be cylindrical in shape, and as nearly as practicable 1/3 cubic foot in volume, 4 inches deep, 13.54 inches diameter, all inside measurements; constructed of about 0.065 inch galvanized iron wire with about 1/4 inch mesh, and lined with about 0.007 inch copper wire screen about 18 meshes to the inch, to prevent the kapok from pushing out through the larger wire meshes. At the end of forty-eight hours submergence, the buoyancy shall be determined by subtracting the submerged weight of the box, accessory weights and kapok from the submerged weight of the box and weights without the kapok, and dividing the remainder by the volume of the kapok expressed in cubic feet.

(e) Kapok fiber shall, at the option of the inspector, be subjected to a microscopic examination to detect adulteration with other fiber.

(f) Processed kapok shall, at the option of the inspector, be subjected to separation of kapok fibers from foreign matter by hand, the portions of each weighed, and percentage of foreign matter computed for compliance with §164.003–3(d).

§ 164.003-5 Procedure for approval.
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(a) Processed kapok is not subject to formal approval, but will be accepted by the inspector on the basis of this subpart for use in the manufacture of lifesaving equipment utilizing it.

(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 164.006—Deck Coverings for Merchant Vessels
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Source: CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7874, Dec. 5, 1953, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.006-1 Applicable specifications.
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(a) There are no other specifications applicable to this subpart.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 164.006-2 Grades.
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(a) Deck coverings shall be of but one grade as specified in this subpart, and shall be known as “an approved deck covering.”

(b) [Reserved]

§ 164.006-3 Construction, materials, and workmanship.
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(a) It is the intent of this specification to obtain a deck covering made largely of incombustible materials with low heat transmission qualities which will produce a minimum of smoke when exposed to high temperatures.

(b) Deck coverings shall be of such a quality as to successfully pass all of the tests set forth in §164.006–4.

§ 164.006-4 Inspection and testing.
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(a) All tests shall be conducted at the National Bureau of Standards or other laboratories designated by the Coast Guard.

(b) Smoke tests. (1) A sample of each thickness submitted shall be tested for smoke emission. Each sample shall be laid on a 1/4&inch;×12&inch;×27&inch; steel plate. Normal protective coatings and deck attachments shall be incorporated in the samples. Each sample shall be heated in a furnace whose temperature is limited to the standard decking curve reaching 1,325 degrees F. at the end of one hour. Smoke observations shall be made at intervals not greater than five minutes during the one-hour period of test.

(2) Instantaneous values of the percent of light transmission shall be calculated from the observations noted in paragraph (b)(1) of this section. A plot of light transmission values shall be made using straight lines between instantaneous values.

(3) Any instantaneous value of 10 percent light transmission or less shall be considered sufficient cause for rejection of a deck covering.

(4) Average values of light transmission shall be calculated for 15, 30, and 60 minutes. Averages shall be an arithmetic mean with values taken at one minute intervals from the plotted curve noted in paragraph (b)(2) of this section. If any of the three average values of light transmission is less than the values set forth below, it will be considered sufficient cause for rejection of a deck covering:


15 minutes—90 percent light transmission.

30 minutes—60 percent light transmission.

60 minutes—50 percent light transmission.


(c) Fire resistance and integrity tests. (1) A sample of each thickness submitted shall be tested for fire resistance and integrity. Each sample shall be laid on a 1/4&inch;×12&inch;×27&inch; steel plate. Normal protective coatings and deck attachments shall be incorporated in the samples. Each sample shall be heated in a furnace whose temperature is controlled according to the standard fire exposure curve reaching 1,700 degrees F. at the end of one hour. Temperature of the unexposed side as indicated by a thermocouple under a 0.40 inch asbestos pad shall be observed at intervals not greater than 5 minutes during the one-hour period of test.

(2) Data from these tests shall be analyzed to determine the thicknesses necessary to limit the average temperature rise on the unexposed surface to 250 degrees F. above the original temperature at the end of 15, 30, and 60 minutes.

(3) Excessive cracking, buckling, or disintegration may be considered cause for rejection.

(d) Organic carbon content test. (1) The organic carbon content shall be determined and shall not exceed 0.12 gram per cubic centimeter of the molded deck covering.

(e) Spot check tests. (1) Deck coverings are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections; however, the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may detail a marine inspector at any time to visit any place where deck coverings are manufactured to conduct any inspections or examinations deemed advisable and to select representative samples for further examination, inspection or tests. The marine inspector shall be admitted to any place where work is done on deck coverings or component materials.

(2) Manufacturers of approved deck coverings shall maintain quality control of materials used, manufacturing methods, and the finished product so as to meet the requirements of this specification, and any other conditions outlined on the certificate of approval, but the Coast Guard also reserves the right to make spot-check tests of approved deck coverings at any time on samples selected by a marine inspector at the place of manufacture or samples obtained from other sources in the field. The manufacturer will incur no expense for such tests, but the results shall be binding upon the approval of his product. The manufacturer will be advised in advance of the time of testing of the samples selected and may witness the tests if he so desires.

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7874, Dec. 5, 1953, as amended by CGFR 61–15, 26 FR 9302, Sept. 30, 1961]

§ 164.006-5 Procedure for approval.
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(a) If a manufacturer desires to have a deck covering approved, a request shall be presented to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, together with the following information:

(1) The trade name and designation of the deck covering.

(2) The range of thicknesses in which it is proposed to lay the deck covering together with any information the manufacturer may have as to maximum or minimum thicknesses.

(3) Description of method of attachment to or protection of the steel deck together with the trade name and designation of adhesive or protective coating if used.

(4) A sample of the molded deck covering at least 6 inches square and 1/4 inch thick. This may or may not be attached to a backing material at the manufacturer's option.

(b) The material submitted will be examined and the manufacturer advised as to the number and thicknesses of samples to be submitted together with the estimated cost of the tests.

(c) If the deck covering is indicated as being suitable, the manufacturer shall then submit the following:

(1) Two samples of each thickness to be tested laid in the manner designated on a 1/4&inch;×12&inch;×27&inch; steel plate for the purpose of the smoke test and fire resistance and integrity test noted in §164.006–4 (b) and (c).

(2) Sufficient bulk material (unmixed) to lay a sample one inch thick on an area of 12&inch;×27&inch;. If an adhesive or protective coating is used, a liberal sample shall be supplied.

(3) If the manufacturer desires to witness the tests, he should so indicate at this time.

(4) A commitment that he will reimburse the National Bureau of Standards for the cost of the tests when billed by them.

(d) The above material will be submitted to the National Bureau of Standards by the Coast Guard for testing. The tests noted in §164.006–4 will be conducted and a report submitted to the Coast Guard.

(e) A copy of the test report will be forwarded to the manufacturer and he will be advised if his material is approved under this specification, and if approved, in what thicknesses it may be laid, and in what thicknesses it must be laid to meet the requirements for Class A–60 decks without the use of any other insulating material. If approved, this information will be published in the Federal Register.

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7874, Dec. 5, 1953, as amended by CGFR 61–62, 27 FR 180, Jan. 6, 1962]

Subpart 164.007—Structural Insulations
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Source: CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17498, Oct. 29, 1969, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.007-1 Applicable specification and referenced material.
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(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the date of manufacture of the structural insulation shall form a part of the regulations of this subpart (see §§2.75–17 through 2.75–19 of subchapter A (Procedures Applicable to the Public) of this chapter:

(1) Coast Guard specification:


Subpart 164.009 of this part, Incombustible Materials for Merchant Vessels.


(b) Guidance. For guidance you may use the following technical reference: ASTM E 119–98, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. You may obtain it from The American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.

(c) Copies on file. A copy of the specification listed in paragraph (a) of this section shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval and this specification. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to have the latest issue of the specification on hand together with the certificate of approval and approved plans when manufacturing under this specification subpart.

(1) The Coast Guard specification may be obtained from the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.

[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17498, Oct. 29, 1969, as amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG–1999–5151, 64 FR 67185, Dec. 1, 1999]

§ 164.007-2 Purpose.
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The purpose of this specification is to set forth tests necessary to measure the insulation value of structural insulation specimens under fire exposure conditions. The tests are not intended to measure the integrity of structural components of an assembly Insulation meeting this specification is adequate to limit the average temperature rise of a steel bulkhead to 139 °C. (250 °F.) at the end of a 60-minute standard fire test.

§ 164.007-3 Conditions of approval.
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(a) Structural insulation shall be of such quality as to successfully meet the requirements for an incombustible material as set forth in subpart 164.009 of this part.

(b) Structural insulation shall be of such quality and thickness as to successfully pass all of the tests set forth in §164.007–4, and the retests required by §164.007–8.

(c) The product shall be so marked as to be readily identifiable to an inspector in the field. The marking shall include the Coast Guard approval number.

§ 164.007-4 Testing procedure.
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(a) Tests. All tests, including the retests, shall be conducted at the National Bureau of Standards or other laboratories designated by the Coast Guard.

(b) Test of physical properties. (1) Density measurement: The smallest sample for density measurements of solid materials shall be 30 cm × 30 cm (12&inch;×12&inch;) by the submitted thickness. Length and width measurements shall be made to the nearest 1 mm. ( 1/32&inch;), thickness to the nearest 0.25 mm. (0.01&inch;), allowance being made of any nonflatness of the major surfaces of the specimen. Measurements of dimensions of fibrous insulations shall be made to the nearest 1.5 mm. ( 1/16&inch;) on a nominal 30 cm. (12&inch;) cube assembled from sheets of thickness as received. The average of at least four measurements of each dimension shall be reported. The weight shall be determined with a scale or balance sensitive and accurate to 0.5 percent or less of the total weight. The dimensional and weight measurements shall not be made until the sample has been conditioned 1 week, or longer if required to reach constant weight, in an atmosphere at 23° ±1 °C. (73 °F. ±2°) and 50 percent relative humidity.

(2) Transfer to a previously dried and weighed wide-mouth weighing bottle provided with a glass stopper. Remove the stopper and heat the bottle and sample at 105° ±5 °C. (221° ±9 °F.) for 4 hours, insert the stopper, cool and weigh. Calculate the content of moisture and other volatiles as percent of the final dry weight of the sample.

(c) Preparation of fire test specimens. (1) The fire test specimens shall be conditioned to approximately constant weight with air being maintained at a relative humidity of 40 to 70 percent and a temperature of 15° to 25 °C. (50° to 77 °F.). After conditioning, but before testing, the temperature of the specimens shall not exceed 40 °C. (104 °F.).

(2) Representative samples of the structural insulation, of a thickness or thicknesses and density as specified in §164.007–9(a)(5), shall be tested as part of an assembly which forms a portion of a vertical wall of a furnace. The assembly shall be at least 100 cm. × 150 cm. (40&inch;×60&inch;) in size. More than one sample may be tested, see §164.007–7.

(3) The specimens shall be attached to a 5 ±0.3 mm. ( 3/16&inch;) thick steel plate and mounted in the furnace with the steel plate forming the exterior wall of the furnace. Any stiffening members on the steel plate shall be installed on the face not adjacent to the insulation. Spacer strips of asbestos cement board or similar material, up to 5 cm. (2&inch;) in width, shall be installed around the periphery of the panel. For fibrous insulations, the attachment to the steel plate shall be made by means of 5 mm. (0.19&inch;) diameter steel pins on 30 cm. (12&inch;) centers covered by 18-gage, 4 cm. (1 1/2&inch;) mesh expanded metal. Alternate methods will be given consideration. For other materials, typical installation practice shall be used.

(d) Furnace control. (1) The furnace temperature shall be determined by at least four mineral insulated thermocouples having rapid response, and distributed so as to represent fairly the furnace temperature and to insure as uniform heating as possible. The thermocouples shall be arranged so that the hot junction is approximately 10 cm. from the nearest point of the specimen.

(2) The furnace temperature shall be continuously controlled so as to follow the standard time-temperature curve within the accuracy specified in paragraph (d)(4) of this section.

(3) The standard time-temperature curve is defined by a smooth curve drawn through the following points:


At the beginning of the test, 20 °C. (68 °F.)

At the end of the first 5 minutes, 538 °C. (1,000 °F.).

At the end of the first 10 minutes, 704 °C. (1,300 °F.).

At the end of the first 30 minutes, 843 °C. (1,550 °F.).

At the end of the first 60 minutes, 927 °C. (1,700 °F.).


For a further definition of the time-temperature curve, see Appendix I of the ASTM Standard E–119, “Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials”.

(4) The accuracy of the furnace control shall be such that the area under the mean time-temperature curve is within 15 percent of the area under the standard time-temperature curve during the first 10 minutes of the test, within 10 percent during the first one-half hour, and within 5 percent for any period after the first one-half hour. At any time after the first 10 minutes of the test the mean furnace temperature shall not differ from the standard curve by more than 100 °C. (180 °F.). Consideration will be given to adjusting the results for variation of the furnace exposure from that prescribed. If corrections are made, they shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in the ASTM E–119.

(e) Temperature of unexposed surface. For the unexposed surface temperature measurement a thermocouple of 0.5 mm. (0.020&inch;) diameter wires shall be soldered centrally with high temperature solder to one surface of a disc of copper 12 mm. in diameter and 0.2 mm. thick. The discs shall be covered with an oven-dry asbestos pad 50 mm. × 50 mm, and 4 mm. thick. The disc and the pad may be fixed to the surface of the steel plate by pins, tape, or a suitable adhesive. The asbestos pad shall have a density of approximately 1,000 kg./m. 3 and thermal conductivity of 0.11 kcal/m/hr. × °C. at 100 °C. (212 °F.).

(f) Temperature observations. (1) All observations shall be taken at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes. The surface temperature on the exterior side of the steel plate shall be measured by thermocouples located as follows:

(i) One thermocouple located approximately in the center of each quadrant of the steel plate (four thermocouples total).

(ii) One thermocouple close to the center of the steel plate.

(iii) One thermocouple in way of or as close as possible to one of the pins or other through metallic connections (if any) used for holding the insulation in place.

(iv) Further thermocouples at the discretion of the testing laboratory or Coast Guard for the purpose of determining the temperature at points deemed likely to give a greater temperature rise than any of the above-mentioned thermocouples.

(2) The average temperature rise on the unexposed surface shall be obtained by averaging the readings of the thermocouples mentioned in paragraphs (f)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section.

(g) Other observations. Throughout the test observations shall be made of all changes and occurrences, which are not criteria of performance, but which may create hazard in case of a fire; for example the emission of appreciable volumes of smoke or noxious vapors from the unexposed side of the test specimen. The specimen shall be examined after the test for changes that have taken place and the information shall be noted in the test report.

(h) Duration of testing. The test shall be continued for at least one hour or until the maximum surface temperature rise values noted in §164.007–5(a) have been reached, whichever occurs later.

§ 164.007-5 Test requirements.
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The insulation value of the specimens for the full scale test shall be such that the average temperature of the thermocouples on the unexposed surface described in §164.007–4(f)(2) will not rise more than 139 °C. (250 °F.) above the initial temperature, nor will the temperature at any one point on the surface, including any through metallic connection, rise more than 181 °C. (325 °F.) above the original temperature at the end of 60 minutes. The results obtained on the small scale test 2'×2' (60 cm. × 60 cm.) shall be recorded.

§ 164.007-6 Test report.
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(a) The test report required shall contain at least the following:

(1) Name of manufacturer.

(2) Purpose of test.

(3) Test conditions and date of test.

(4) Description of the panel tested giving the details of the assembly comprising a steel plate, insulation (thickness and density) spacer strips and fastening and the method of mounting the panel assembly in the test furnace.

(5) Complete time-temperature data, including initial temperature, for each thermocouple together with curves of average temperature for the unexposed surface of the insulation and the thermocouple recording the highest temperature. In addition, for §164.007–9(g)(2), complete time-temperature data consisting of a numerical time-temperature table for each furnace and each surface of insulation thermocouple together with the initial temperature of each thermocouple.

(6) A log maintained by the owner relative to deflections, cracking or loosening of the insulation, smoke or gas emission, glow, flame emission, and any other important data. The time of each observation should be noted.

(7) Photographs of both sides of the panel before and after testing.

(8) Summary of test results.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 164.007-7 Analysis of results.
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(a) When only one sample is tested, the results of the test shall be binding and no analysis by the Coast Guard will be undertaken.

(b) When more than one sample of the same density material is tested simultaneously and the results are not exact, the Coast Guard may analyze the results. Data from the tests may be analyzed to determine the minimum thickness to meet the requirements of §164.007–5(a).

(c) Consideration will be given to correction for inaccurate furnace control in accordance with §164.007–4(d)(4).

[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17498, Oct. 29, 1969; 34 FR 19030, Nov. 29, 1969]

§ 164.007-8 Retests.
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(a) Manufacturers of approved structural insulation shall maintain quality control of materials used, manufacturing methods, and the finished product utilizing appropriate quality control testing so as to meet the requirements of this specification, and any other conditions outlined on the certificate of approval. Structural insulation materials are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections; however, approved materials are subject to retest for continued compliance with the requirements of this subpart on the following basis:

(1) The Coast Guard may detail a marine inspector or other Coast Guard designated inspector at any time to visit any place where structural insulation is manufactured to conduct any inspections or examinations deemed advisable and to select representative samples for further examination, inspection, or tests. The inspector shall be admitted to any place where work is done on structural insulation or component materials.

(2) At a frequency of not less than once every 5 years following issuance of approval, samples of an approved material selected from production stock shall be forwarded by the inspector to the Commandant for testing in accordance with the requirements of this subpart. Where the plant is outside the jurisdiction of a Coast Guard District Commander, the frequency of such testing shall be once every 2 years. The cost of such testing shall be borne by the manufacturer. The nature of the product or its production may dictate a differing retest frequency.

(3) The Coast Guard reserves the right to make spot-check tests of approved structural insulation at any time on samples selected by a marine inspector obtained during installation on a vessel. The manufacturer will incur no expense for such tests, but the results, shall be binding upon the approval of his product.

(b) A small scale furnace test (2'×2' furnace test 60 cm. × 60 cm.) shall be conducted. The time of failure shall not vary from the original small scale test values by more than 10 percent. In addition tests shall be conducted to determine incombustibility (§164.009), density and thickness. Values of retesting for density and thickness shall not vary from the original test values by more than 10 percent.

§ 164.007-9 Procedure for approval.
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The following items shall be accomplished in sequential order.

(a) Test request information. If a manufacturer desires to have a structural insulation approved, a written request shall be submitted to the Commandant of the Coast Guard together with the following:

(1) If the material has already been approved as an incombustible material under subpart 164.009 of this part, the approval number of the material shall be indicated. If not, the procedure set forth in subpart 164.009 of this part shall be followed; and such approval shall be obtained prior to submittal under this specification.

(2) A description and trade name of the structural insulation.

(3) A statement of the composition of the material and the percentage of each component.

(4) A sample of the material at least 1 foot square in the thickness and density proposed by the manufacturer to be tested. When more than one thickness of a material of the same density is to be tested, only a sample of a single thickness need be submitted.

(5) The range of thicknesses and densities in which it is proposed to manufacture or use the material together with any information or recommendations that the manufacturer may have as to maximum or minimum thickness or density.

(6) The location of the place or places where the material will be manufactured.

(7) Description of attachment to or protection of the bulkhead or deck. If an adhesive is used, a liberal sample shall be supplied.

(8) A sketch showing typical installation methods and indicating limitations if any.

(9) A general statement describing manufacturing procedures indicating the degree of quality control exercised and the degree of inspection performed by outside organizations.

(10) A statement indicating proposed methods for field identification of the products as being approved. Identification shall include the Coast Guard approval numbers.

(b) Test suitability. The above information will be examined by the Coast Guard, and if it is indicated that the material is in all respects suitable for testing, the manufacturer will be so advised. Coast Guard comments on the manufacturer's recommended thickness and density of the sample or samples for the fire resistance test will be given at this time, together with the estimated cost of the required test.

(c) Samples to be submitted. If the material is indicated as being suitable for testing, the manufacturer shall submit a 100 cm. × 150 cm. (40&inch;×60&inch;) sample, a 30 cm. × 30 cm. (12&inch;×12&inch;) sample and a 60 cm. × 60cm. (24&inch;×24&inch;) sample for each thickness and density proposed to the Fire Research section of the National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC 20234, and shall advise the Coast Guard of the shipment. A separate test will be made for each density of the material for which approval is desired.

(d) Pretest information. At this time the manufacturer shall submit to the Coast Guard the following:

(1) A statement that the material is offered for testing as described pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) of this section is completely representative of the product which will be manufactured and sold under U.S. Coast Guard approval if such approval is granted and that the shipbuilder will be advised of the proper installation methods and the limitations of the approval.

(2) A commitment that he will reimburse the National Bureau of Standards for the cost or review of the tests when billed by them.

(3) If the manufacturer desires to witness the test, he should so indicate at this time.

(e) Test authorization. The National Bureau of Standards will then be authorized to conduct the tests noted in §164.007–4 and, upon completion of all testing, the manufacturer will be billed directly by the National Bureau of Standards. Four copies of the test report containing the information required by §164.007–6 will be submitted to the Coast Guard.

(f) Notification of results. A copy of the report will be forwarded to the manufacturer and he will be advised if his material is approved under this subpart. If approved, any stipulations of the approval will be specified. This information will be published in the Federal Register, and a certificate of approval will be issued to the manufacturer.

(g) Other laboratories. (1) If the manufacturer desires to have the test conducted at some laboratory other than the National Bureau of Standards, this information shall be supplied at the time of initial contact with the Coast Guard. If the proposed laboratory is acceptable to the Coast Guard, the manufacturer will be so advised, and any special testing requirements together with any estimated cost of expenses incurred by the National Bureau of Standards for their review will be specified at this time. The Coast Guard shall be notified in advance of the date of the test so that a representative may be present.

(2) The laboratory shall submit four copies of a detailed test report to the Coast Guard together with representative samples of the material taken before and after testing. The test report and samples will be examined by the National Bureau of Standards for compliance with this subpart. The test report shall include the information required by §164.007–6 together with any other pertinent data.

Subpart 164.008—Bulkhead Panels
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Source: CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17500, Oct. 29, 1969, unless otherwise noted.

§ 164.008-1 Applicable specification and reference material.
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(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the date of manufacture of the bulkhead panel shall form a part of the regulations of this subpart (see §§2.75–17 through 2.75–19 of subchapter A, Procedures Applicable to the Public, of this chapter):

(1) Coast Guard specification:


Subpart 164.009 of this part, Incombustible Materials for Merchant Vessels.


(b) Guidance. For guidance you may use the following technical reference: ASTM E 119–98, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. You may obtain it from the American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.

(c) Copies on file. A copy of the specification listed in paragraph (a) of this section shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval and this specification. It is the manufacturer's responsibility to have the latest issue of the specification on hand together with the certificate of approval and approved plans when manufacturing under this specification subpart.

(1) The Coast Guard specification may be obtained from the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.

[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17500, Oct. 29, 1969, as amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4783, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34537, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG–1999–5151, 64 FR 67185, Dec. 1, 1999]

§ 164.008-2 Conditions of approval.
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(a) Bulkhead panel material shall be of such quality as to successfully meet the requirements for an incombustible material as set forth in subpart 164.009 of this part.

(b) Bulkhead panels used in Class B–15 construction and as a component in Class A–30 or Class A–15 construction shall meet the thermal insulation requirements of §164.008–4(a) for at least 15 minutes, and the integrity requirements of §164.008–4(b) for at least 30 minutes.

(c) Bulkhead panels for use as a component in Class A–60 construction shall meet the thermal insulation requirements of §164.008–4(a) for at least 15 minutes and the integrity requirements of §164.008–4(b) for at least 60 minutes.

(d) The product shall be so marked as to be readily identifiable to an inspector in the field. The marking shall include the Coast Guard approval number.

(e) The specimen to be tested shall be representative of the typical installation on board a vessel and any limitations shall be shown on the sketch required by §164.008–7(a)(7).

(f) The bulkhead panel shall successfully pass the retests required by §164.008–6.

§ 164.008-3 Testing procedure.
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(a) Tests. All tests, including the retests, shall be conducted at the National Bureau of Standards or other laboratories designated by the Coast Guard.

(b) Preparation of test specimen. (1) The test specimens shall be conditioned to approximately constant weight with the air being maintained at a relative humidity of 40 to 70 percent and a temperature of 15° to 25 °C. (59° to 77 °F.). After conditioning, but before testing, the temperature of the specimen should not exceed 40 °C. (104 °F.).

(2) The specimens shall be mounted in the furnace in a vertical position in such a way as to give an exposed surface of at least 4.65 square meters (50 square feet) and a height of at least 2.44 meters (8 feet).

(3) The specimen shall be supported at the top and secured on the vertical sides and at the bottom in a manner representative of conditions in service. If provision for movement at the edges of a bulkhead panel is made for a particular construction in service, the specimen should stimulate these conditions.

(4) The method of securing shall be such that there is no possibility of misinterpretation of test results due to the passage of flame at the edges of the specimen when the method of fixing is not the subject of the test.

(c) Furnace control. (1) The furnace temperature shall be determined by at least four mineral insulated thermocouples having rapid response and distributed so as to represent fairly the furnace temperature and to insure as uniform heating as possible. The thermocouples shall be arranged so that the hot junction is approximately 10 cm. (4&inch;) from the nearest point of the specimen.

(2) The furnace temperature shall be continuously controlled so as to follow the standard time-temperature curve within the accuracy specified in paragraph (c)(4) of this section.

(3) The standard time-temperature curve is defined by a smooth curve drawn through the following points:


At the beginning of the test, 20 °C. (68 °F.).

At the end of the first 5 minutes, 538 °C. (1,000 °F.).

At the end of the first 10 minutes, 704 °C. (1,300 °F.).

At the end of the first 30 minutes, 843 °C. (1,550 °F.).

At the end of the first 60 minutes, 927 °C. (1,700 °F.).


For a further definition of the time-temperature curve, see Appendix I of the ASTM Standard E119, “Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials”.

(4) The accuracy of the furnace control shall be such that the area under the mean time-temperature curve is within 15 percent of the area under the standard curve during the first 10 minutes of the test, within 10 percent during the first one-half hour, and within 5 percent for any period after the first one-half hour. At any time after the first 10 minutes of the test the mean furnace temperature shall not differ from the standard curve by more than 100 °C. (180 °F.). Consideration will be given to adjusting the results for variation of the furnace exposure from that prescribed. If corrections are made, they shall be in accordance with the procedures set forth in ASTM E–119.

(5) The pressure in the furnace shall be equal to that in the laboratory at about one-third of the height of the specimen.

(d) Temperature of unexposed surface. For the unexposed surface temperature measurement, a thermocouple of 0.5 mm. (0.020&inch;) diameter wires shall be soldered centrally with high temperature solder to one surface of a disc of copper 12 mm. diameter and 0.2 mm. thick. The discs shall be covered with an oven-dry asbestos pad 50 mm. × 50 mm. and 4 mm. thick. The disc and the pad may be fixed to the surface of the specimen by pins, tape or a suitable adhesive, depending on the nature of the specimen material. The asbestos pad shall have a density of approximately 1,000 kg./m. 3 and thermal conductivity of 0.11 kcal./m./hr. × C. at 100 °C. (212 °F.).

(e) Flame penetration. (1) Where cracks or openings are formed during the test, an ignition test as prescribed in §164.008–4(b) shall take place immediately after the appearance of cracks or damage, followed by similar tests at frequent intervals. The purpose of the test is to indicate whether cracks and openings formed during the test are such that they would lead to passage of flame.

(2) The cotton wool used for the tests prescribed in §164.008–4(b) shall consist of new undyed soft fibers without any admixture of artificial fibers, and shall be free from thread, leaf, and shell fiber dust. A suitable material for this purpose is sold in the form of rolls for surgical use. A pad shall be cut measuring 10 cm. × 10 cm. approximately 2 cm. thick and weighing between 3 and 4 grams. It shall be oven-dried prior to the test. The pad shall be attached by means of wire clips to a 10 cm. × 10 cm. frame of 1 mm. diameter. A wire handle approximately 75 cm. long attached to the frame would facilitate its use on the specimen.

(3) When testing for cracks or openings during the test, the pad shall be held in a vertical position facing the crack or opening with the aperture located in a central part of the cotton wool. The pad may be reused if it has not absorbed any moisture or become charred during the previous application.

(f) Temperature observations. (1) All observations shall be taken at intervals not exceeding 5 minutes. The surface temperatures on the unexposed side of the test specimen shall be measured by thermocouples located as follows:

(i) One thermocouple located approximately in the center of each quadrant of the steel plate (four thermocouples total).

(ii) One thermocouple close to the center of the test specimen, but away from the joint, if any.

(iii) At least one thermocouple at the vertical joint of the test specimen.

(iv) Further thermocouples at the discretion of the testing laboratory or Coast Guard for the purpose of determining the temperature at points deemed likely to give a greater temperature rise than any of the above mentioned thermocouples.

(2) The average temperature rise on the unexposed surface shall be obtained by averaging the readings of the thermocouples mentioned in paragraphs (f)(1) (i) and (ii) of this section.

(g) Other observations. Throughout the test, observations shall be made of all changes and occurrences, which are not criteria of performance but which may create hazard in case of a fire; for example the emission of appreciable volumes of smoke or noxious vapors from the unexposed side of the test specimen. The specimen shall be examined after the test for changes that have taken place and the information shall be noted in the test report.

(h) Duration of testing. The test shall be continued for at least 30 minutes to meet the requirements of §164.008–2(b) or at least 60 minutes to meet the requirements of §164.008–2(c). In either case, the test shall be continued until the maximum surface temperature rise values noted in §164.008–4(a) have been reached, or until cracks which lead to flaming as specified in §164.008–4(b) are formed.

§ 164.008-4 Test requirements.
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(a) Thermal insulation: The insulation value of the specimens for the full scale test shall be such that the average temperature of thermocouples on the unexposed surface described in §164.008–3(f)(2) will not rise more than 139 °C. (250 °F.) above the initial temperature, nor will the temperature at any point on the surface, including any joint, rise more than 225 °C. (405 °F.) above the initial temperature at the end of 15 minutes. When failure is due to excessive temperature rise on the joint, consideration will be given to alternate joint construction. The results obtained on the small scale test (2'×2') (60 cm. × 60 cm.) shall be recorded.

(b) The test shall determine the length of time, up to one hour, that the bulkhead panel, including the joint can withstand the passage of flame. Cracks and openings shall not be such as to lead to flaming of a cotton wool test pad as prescribed in §164.008–3(e)(3) held facing the aperture at about 25 mm. for a period of 30 seconds. If no flaming occurs, the pad shall be removed and reapplied after a suitable interval.

§ 164.008-5 Test report.
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(a) The test report required by §164.008–7 (e) and (g) shall include at least the following:

(1) Name of manufacturer.

(2) Purpose of test.

(3) Test conditions and date of test.

(4) Description of the panel tested giving size, thickness, density, detail of joint and method of assembling in test furnace.

(5) Complete time-temperature data, including initial temperature, for each thermocouple together with curves of average temperature for the unexposed surface of the insulation and the thermocouple recording the highest temperature. In addition, for §164.008–7(g)(2) complete time-temperature data consisting of a numerical time-temperature table for each furnace and each surface of insulation thermocouple together with the initial temperature of each thermocouple.

(6) A log setting forth the observer's notes relative to deflections, smoke or gas emission, glow, flame emission, and any other important data. The time of each observation should be noted.

(7) Complete observations on the appearance of cracks and data on the testing of the cracks as specified in §164.008–4(b).

(8) Photographs of both sides of the panel before and after testing.

(9) Summary of test results.

(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17500, Oct. 29, 1969; 34 FR 19030, Nov. 29, 1969]

§ 164.008-6 Retests.
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(a) Manufacturers of approved bulkhead panels shall maintain quality control of materials used, manufacturing methods, and the finished product utilizing appropriate quality control testing so as to meet the requirements of this specification, and any other conditions outlined on the certificate of approval. Bulkhead panels are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections; however, approved bulkhead panels are subject to retest for continued compliance with the requirements of this subpart on the following basis:

(1) The Coast Guard may detail a marine inspector or other Coast Guard designated inspector at any time to visit any place where bulkhead panels are manufactured to conduct any inspections or examinations deemed advisable and to select representative samples for further examination, inspection, or tests. The inspector shall be admitted to any place where work is done on bulkhead panels or component materials.

(2) At a frequency of not less than once every 5 years following issuance of approval, samples of an approved bulkhead panel selected from production stock shall be forwarded by the inspector to the Commandant for testing in accordance with the requirements of this subpart. Where the plant is outside the jurisdiction of a Coast Guard District Commander, the frequency of such selection and testing shall be every 2 years. The cost of such testing shall be borne by the manufacturer. The nature of the product or its production may dictate a differing retest frequency.

(3) The Coast Guard reserves the right to make spot-check tests of approved bulkhead panels at any time on samples selected by a marine inspector obtained during installation on a vessel. The manufacturer will incur no expense for such tests, but the results shall be binding upon the approval of his product.

(b) A small scale furnace test (2'×2' furnace test) shall be conducted. The time of failure shall not vary from the original (2'×2' furnace) test values by more than 10 percent. In addition, tests shall be conducted to determine incombustibility (§164.009), density and thickness. Values on retesting for density and thickness shall not vary from the original test values by more than 10 percent.

§ 164.008-7 Procedure for approval.
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The following items shall be accomplished in sequential order.

(a) Test request information. If a manufacturer desires to have a bulkhead panel approved, a written request shall be submitted to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, together with the following:

(1) If the material has already been approved as an “Incombustible Material” under subpart 164.009 of this part, the approval number of the material shall be indicated. If not, the procedure set forth in subpart 164.009 of this part shall be followed; and such approval shall be obtained prior to submittal under this specification.

(2) The description and trade name of the bulkhead panel.

(3) A statement of the composition of the material and the percentage of each component.

(4) A sample of the material at least 1 foot square in each thickness and density of the material as manufactured.

(5) The range of thicknesses and/or densities in which it is proposed to manufacture or use the material, together with any information or recommendations the manufacturer may have as maximum or minimum thickness or density.

(6) The location of the place or places where the material will be manufactured.

(7) A sketch showing typical installation methods and indicating limtations, if any.

(8) A general statement describing manufacturing procedures indicating the degree of quality control exercised and the degree of inspection performed by outside organizations.

(9) A statement indicating proposed methods for field identification of the products as being approved. Identification shall include the Coast Guard approval number.

(b) Test suitability. The above information will be examined by the Coast Guard and if it is indicated that the material is in all other respects suitable for testing, the manufacturer will be so advised. Coast Guard comments on the manufacturer's recommended thickness and density of the panel for the fire resistance and integrity test will be given at this time together with the estimated cost of the tests.

(c) Samples to be submitted. If the material is indicated as being suitable for testing, the manufacturer shall submit the samples required by paragraph (c)(1) of this section to the Fire Research Section of the National Bureau of Standards, Washington, DC 20234, and shall advise the Coast Guard of the shipment.

(1) One representative panel of the material having a surface approximately 4.65 square meters (50 square feet) and a height of 2.44 meters (8 feet) containing at least one vertical joint, located at approximately one-third panel width from one edge (20–24 inches), and one representative panel of the material having 60 cm. × 60 cm. (2'×2') dimensions. If the manufacturer desires to submit the panel in thickness or size other than that recommended, prior approval shall be obtained from the Commandant. The manufacturer shall supply any labor required for fabrication of the panel and for attaching the panel to the frame for testing.

(d) Pretest information. At this time the manufacturer shall submit to the Coast Guard the following:

(1) A statement that the material as offered for testing and as described pursuant to §164.008–6(a)(3) is completely representative of the product which will be manufactured and sold under U.S. Coast Guard approval if such approval is granted and that the shipbuilder will be advised of the proper installation methods and the limitations of the conditions of approval.

(2) A commitment from the manufacturer that he will reimburse the National Bureau of Standards for the cost of the tests or review when billed by them.

(3) If the manufacturer desires to witness the test, he should so indicate at this time.

(e) Test authorization. The National Bureau of Standards will then be authorized to conduct the test noted in §164.008–4(a) and, upon completion of all testing, the manufacturer will be billed directly by the National Bureau of Standards, four copies of the report containing the information required by §164.008–5 shall be submitted to the Coast Guard.

(f) Notification of results. A copy of the report will be forwarded to the manufacturer, and he will be advised if his material is approved under this subpart. If approved, any stipulations of the approval will be specified. This information will be published in the Federal Register, and a certificate of approval will beissued to the manufacturer. (continued)