46 CFR 56.60-25 - Nonmetallic materials.

Regulations last checked for updates: Oct 17, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Oct 15, 2024

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Table of Contents

§ 56.60-1 - Acceptable materials and specifications (replaces 123 and Table 126.1 in ASME B31.1).

§ 56.60-2 - Limitations on materials.

§ 56.60-3 - Ferrous materials.

§ 56.60-5 - Steel (High temperature applications).

§ 56.60-10 - Cast iron and malleable iron.

§ 56.60-15 - Ductile iron.

§ 56.60-20 - Nonferrous materials.

§ 56.60-25 - Nonmetallic materials.

§ 56.60-1 - Acceptable materials and specifications (replaces 123 and Table 126.1 in ASME B31.1).

(a)(1) The material requirements in this subpart must be followed in lieu of those in 123 in ASME B31.1 (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2).

(2) Materials used in piping systems must be selected from:

(i) The pipe, tubing, and fitting specifications that appear in table 1 to § 56.60-1or the accepted materials for use as piping system components that appear in table 1 to § 56.60-2;

(ii) ASTM F1155 (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2); or

(iii) The material specifications of Sections I or VIII of the ASME BPVC (both incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2) if not prohibited by a regulation of this subchapter.

(3) Materials conforming to specifications not described in paragraph (a)(2) of this section must receive the specific approval of the Marine Safety Center.

(4) Materials listed in Table 126.1 of ASME B31.1 are not accepted unless specifically permitted by this paragraph.

(b) Components made in accordance with the commercial standards listed in table 2 to § 56.60-1 and made of materials complying with paragraph (a) this section may be used in piping systems within the limitations of the standards and within any further limitations specified in this subchapter.

Table 1 to § 56.60-1—Adopted Specifications and Standards

ASTM standards	ASME standards	Notes
Pipe, seamless:
F1155 Carbon steel	B31.1
F1155 Ferritic alloy steel	B31.1
A376/A376M Austenitic alloys	B31.1	( ¹).
Pipe, seamless and welded:
A53/A53M	B31.1	( ² ³ ⁴).
A312/A312M Austenitic steel (welded with no filler metal)	B31.1, B31.3	( ¹ ⁴).
A333/A333M Low temperature steel pipe	Sec. VIII of the BPVC, B31.3	( ⁵ ⁶).
Pipe, welded:
F1155 Electric-Fusion welded Arc-welded steel	See footnote 7	( ⁷).
A135/A135M ERW pipe	B31.1	( ³).
F1155 Electric-fusion welded arc-welded steel pipe	B31.1	( ⁸).
A358/A358M Electric fusion welded pipe, high temperature, austenitic	B31.1	( ¹ ⁴ ⁹).
Pipe, forged and bored:
A358/A358M Ferritic alloy	B31.1
Tube, seamless:
F1155 Seamless Cold-drawn Low Carbon steel heat exchanger and condenser tubes	UCS23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC	( ¹⁰).
F1155 Seamless Carbon steel boiler tubes	PG23.1, Sec. I of the BPVC	( ¹⁰).
A210/A210M Medium carbon boiler tubes	PG23.1, Sec. I of the BPVC
F1155 Seamless Ferritic and Austenitic Alloy-Steel Boiler tubes	PG23.1, Sec. I of the BPVC	( ¹).
Tube, seamless and welded:
A268/A268M Seamless and ERW ferritic stainless tubing	PG23.1, Sec. I of the BPVC	( ⁴).
A334/A334M Seamless and welded carbon and alloy-steel tubes for low-temperature service	UCS23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC	( ⁴ ⁵).
Tube, welded:
F1155 ERW Carbon steel and carbon manganese boiler tubes	PG23.1, Sec. I of the BPVC	( ¹⁰ Grade A) ( ⁴).
F1155 ERW Carbon steel heat exchanger and condenser tubes	UCS27, Sec. VIII of the BPVC
F1155 Welded austenitic boiler and heat exchanger tubes	PG23.1, Sec. I of the BPVC	( ¹ ⁴).
Wrought fittings (factory made):
F1155 Carbon steel and alloy steel for moderate and high temperature service	Conforms to applicable American National Standards (B16.11)	( ¹¹).
A403/A403M Austenitic alloys	. . . . . . do	( ¹¹).
A420/A420M Low temperature carbon and steel alloy	. . . . . . do	( ¹¹).
Castings, ¹² iron:
A47/A47M Malleable iron	Conform to applicable American National Standards or refer to UCI-23 or UCD-23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC	( ¹³).
A126 Gray iron	. . . . . . do	( ¹³).
A197/A197M Malleable iron	. . . . . . do	( ¹³).
F1155 Ferritic Ductile iron	UCD-23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC	( ¹³).
F1155 Ductile iron castings	See footnote 18	( ¹⁸).
Nonferrous Materials ¹⁴
Pipe, seamless:
B42 Copper	UNF23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC	( ¹⁵).
B43 Red brass	. . . . . . do
B241/B241M Aluminum alloy	. . . . . . do
Pipe and tube, seamless:
B161 Nickel	. . . . . . do
B165 Nickel-copper	. . . . . . do
B167 Ni-Cr-Fe	. . . . . . do
B315 Copper-silicon	. . . . . . do
Tube, seamless:
B68/B68M Copper	See footnote 16	( ¹⁵ ¹⁶ ¹⁷).
B75/B75M Copper	UNF23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC	( ¹⁵).
F1155 Seamless Copper water tube	See footnote 16	( ¹⁵ ¹⁶).
B111/B111M Copper and copper alloy	UNF23, Sec. VIII of the BPVC
B210/B210M Aluminum alloy, drawn	. . . . . . do
B234 Aluminum alloy, drawn	. . . . . . do
B280 Copper tube for refrigeration service	See footnote 16	( ¹⁵ ¹⁶).
Welding fittings:
B361 Wrought aluminum welding fittings	Must meet ASME Standards

¹ For austenitic materials where two sets of stresses appear, use the lower values.

² Type F (Furnace welded, using open hearth, basic oxygen, or electric furnace only) limited to Class II applications with a maximum service temperature of 450 °F. Type E (ERW grade) limited to maximum service temperature of 650 °F, or less.

³ Electric resistance welded pipe or tubing of this specification may be used to a maximum design pressure of 350 psig.

⁴ Refer to limitations on use of welded grades given in § 56.60-2(b).

⁵ Use generally considered for Classes I-L and II-L applications. For Class I-L service only, the seamless grade is permitted. For other service refer to footnote 4 and to § 56.50-105.

⁶ Furnace lap or furnace butt grades only. Limited to Class II applications only where the maximum service temperature is 450 °F, or less.

⁷ Limited to Class II applications only where maximum service temperature is 300 °F or less for straight seam, and 200 °F or less for spiral seam.

⁸ Limited to Class II applications where the maximum service temperature is 300 °F or less for straight seam and 200 °F or less for spiral seam.

⁹ For Class I applications only the Class I Grade of the specification may be used.

¹⁰ When used in piping systems, a certificate must be furnished by the manufacturer certifying the mechanical properties at room temperature. Without this certification, use is limited to applications within heat exchangers.

¹¹ Hydrostatic testing of these fittings is not required but all fittings must be capable of withstanding a hydrostatic test of 1.5 times the design pressure.

¹² Other acceptable iron castings are in UCI-23 and UCD-23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC. (See also §§ 56.60-10 and 56.60-15.) Acceptable castings of materials other than cast iron may be found in Sections I or VIII of the ASME BPVC.

¹³ Acceptable when complying with ANSI standards. Ductile iron is acceptable for temperatures not exceeding 650 °F. For pressure temperature limitations refer to UCD-3 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC. Other grades of cast iron are acceptable for temperatures not exceeding 450 °F. For pressure temperature limitations refer to UCI-3 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC.

¹⁴ For limitations in use refer to §§ 56.10-5(c) and 56.60-20.

¹⁵ Copper pipe must not be used for hot oil systems except for short flexible connections at burners. Copper pipe must be annealed before installation in Class I piping systems. See also §§ 56.10-5(c) and 56.60-20.

¹⁶ The stress values must be taken from UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for B75 annealed and light drawn temper as appropriate.

¹⁷ B68 is acceptable if provided with a mill hydrostatic or eddy current test.

¹⁸ Limited to pipe fittings and valves. See § 56.60-15(d) for additional information.

Note 1 to table 1 to § 56.60-1: Table 1 to § 56.60-1 replaces Table 126.1 in ASME B31.1 and sets forth specifications of pipes, tubing, and fittings intended for use in piping-systems. The first column lists acceptable standards from ASTM (all incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2); the second lists those from ASME (all incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2). The Coast Guard will consider use of alternative pipes, tubing, and fittings when it receives certification of their mechanical properties.

Note 2 to table 1 to § 56.60-1: When using 104.1.2 in ASME B31.1 to compute wall thickness, the stress shown here must be applied as though taken from the stress tables. An additional factor of 0.8 may be required by § 56.07-10(c) and (e).

Table 2 to § 56.60-1—Adopted Standards Applicable to Piping Systems

[Replaces Table 126.1]


American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) International ¹
ASME B1.1	Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR Thread Form).
ASME B1.20.1	Pipe Threads, General Purpose (Inch).
ASME B1.20.3	Dryseal Pipe Threads (Inch).
ASME B16.1	Gray Iron Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings, Classes 25, 125, 250.
ASME B16.3	Malleable Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 150 and 300.
ASME B16.4	Gray Iron Threaded Fittings, Classes 125 and 250.
ASME B16.5	Pipe Flanges and Flanged Fittings NPS 1/2 Through NPS 24 Metric/Inch Standard. ³
ASME B16.11	Forged Fittings, Socket-Welding and Threaded.
ASME B16.14	Ferrous Pipe Plugs, Bushings, and Locknuts with Pipe Threads.
ASME B16.15	Cast Copper Alloy Threaded Fittings, Classes 125 and 250.
ASME B16.20	Metallic Gaskets for Pipe Flanges, Ring-Joint, Spiral-Wound, and Jacketed.
ASME B16.21	Nonmetallic Flat Gaskets for Pipe Flanges.
ASME B16.23	Cast Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings: DWV. ⁴
ASME B16.25	Buttwelding Ends.
ASME B16.29	Wrought Copper and Wrought Copper Alloy Solder Joint Drainage Fittings-DWV. ⁴
ASME B16.34	Valves—Flanged, Threaded, and Welding End. ³
ASME B18.2.1	Square, Hex, Heavy Hex, and Askew Head Bolts and Hex, Heavy Hex, Hex Flange, Lobed Head, and Lag Screws (Inch Series).
ASME B18.2.2	Nuts for General Applications: Machine Screw Nuts, Hex, Square, Hex Flange, and Coupling Nuts (Inch Series).
ASME B31.1	Power Piping, ASME Code for Pressure Piping, B31.
ASME B31.3	Process Piping, ASME Code for Pressure Piping, B31.
ASME B36.10M	Welded and Seamless Wrought Steel Pipe.
ASME B36.19M	Stainless Steel Pipe.
ASTM International (ASTM) ¹
ASTM F1006	Standard Specification for Entrainment Separators for Use in Marine Piping Applications. ⁴
ASTM F1007	Standard Specification for Pipeline Expansion Joints of the Packed Slip Type for Marine Application.
ASTM F1020	Standard Specification for Line-Blind Valves for Marine Applications.
ASTM F1120	Standard Specification for Circular Metallic Bellows Type Expansion Joints for Piping Applications. ⁴
ASTM F1123	Standard Specification for Non-Metallic Expansion Joints.
ASTM F1139	Standard Specification for Steam Traps and Drains.
ASTM F1155	Standard Practice for Selection and Application of Piping System Materials. ²
ASTM F1172	Standard Specification for Fuel Oil Meters of the Volumetric Positive Displacement Type.
ASTM F1173	Standard Specification for Thermosetting Resin Fiberglass Pipe and Fittings to be Used for Marine Applications.
ASTM F1199	Standard Specification for Cast (All Temperature and Pressures) and Welded Pipe Line Strainers (150 psig and 150 Degrees F Maximum).
ASTM F1200	Standard Specification for Fabricated (Welded) Pipe Line Strainers (Above 150 psig and 150 Degrees F).
ASTM F1201	Standard Specification for Fluid Conditioner Fittings in Piping Applications above 0 Degrees F.
Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association Inc. ¹
	Standards of the Expansion Joint Manufacturers Association, 2016
Fluid Controls Institute Inc.
FCI 69-1	Pressure Rating Standard for Steam Traps.
Manufacturers' Standardization Society of the Valve and Fittings Industry, Inc. ¹
MSS SP-6	Standard Finishes for Contact Faces of Pipe Flanges and Connecting-End Flanges of Valves and Fittings.
MSS SP-9	Spot Facing for Bronze, Iron and Steel Flanges.
MSS SP-25	Standard Marking System for Valves, Fittings, Flanges and Unions.
MSS SP-45	Bypass and Drain Connections.
MSS SP-51	Class 150LW Corrosion Resistant Flanges and Cast Flanged Fittings. ⁴
MSS SP-53	Quality Standard for Steel Castings and Forgings for Valves, Flanges and Fittings and Other Piping Components—Magnetic Particle Examination Method.
MSS SP-55	Quality Standard for Steel Castings for Valves, Flanges and Fittings and Other Piping Components—Visual Method for Evaluation of Surface Irregularities.
MSS SP-58	Pipe Hangers and Supports—Materials, Design Manufacture, Selection, Application, and Installation.
MSS SP-61	Pressure Testing of Valves.

¹ All standards incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2.

² In addition, for bronze valves, adequacy of body shell thickness must be satisfactory to the Marine Safety Center. Refer to § 56.60-10 of this part for cast-iron valves.

³ Mill or manufacturer's certification is not required, except where a needed portion of the required marking is deleted because of size or is absent because of age of existing stocks.

⁴ Because this standard offers the option of several materials, some of which are not generally acceptable to the Coast Guard, compliance with the standard does not necessarily indicate compliance with these rules. The marking on the component or the manufacturer or mill certificate must indicate the specification or grade of the materials as necessary to fully identify the materials. The materials must comply with the requirements in this subchapter governing the particular application.

[USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50150, June 12, 2024]

§ 56.60-2 - Limitations on materials.

The following restrictions apply to the use of welded pipe and tubing specifications when utilized in piping systems, and not when utilized in heat exchanger, boiler, pressure vessel, or similar components:

(a) Longitudinal joint. Wherever possible, the longitudinal joint of a welded pipe must not be pierced with holes for branch connections or other purposes.

(b) Class II. Use unlimited except as restricted by maximum temperature or pressure specified in table 1 to § 56.60-1 or by the requirements contained in § 56.10-5(b).

(c) Class I. (1) For those specifications in which a filler metal is used, the following applies to the material as furnished prior to any fabrication:

(i) For use in service above 800 °F full welding procedure qualifications by the Coast Guard are required. See part 57 of this subchapter.

(ii) Ultrasonic examination as required by item S-6 in ASTM A376 (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2) must be certified as having been met in all applications except where 100 percent radiography is a requirement of the particular material specification.

(2) For those specifications in which no filler material is used in the welding process, the ultrasonic examination as required by item S-6 in ASTM A376 must be certified as having been met for service above 800 °F.

Table 1 to § 56.60-2—Adopted Specifications Not Listed in the ASME BPVC

ASTM specifications	Supplementary requirements
Bar stock:
A276 (Grades 304-A, 304L-A, 310-A, 316-A, 316L-A, 321-A, 347-A, and 348-A)	Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UCS23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for the corresponding SA-182 material.
A575 and A576 (Grades 1010-1030)	Allowable stresses must be the same as in UCS23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for ASME SA-675. Physical testing must be performed the same as for ASME SA-675, except that the bend test is not required.
Bar stock:
B16 ² (soft and half hard tempers)	An ammonia vapor test in accordance with ASTM B858 must be performed on a representative model of each finished product design.
B21 (alloys A, B, and C)	Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for SB-171, naval brass.
B124:
Alloy 377 ²	An ammonia vapor test in accordance with ASTM B858 must be performed on a prototype for each product design. Tension tests must be performed to determine tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Minimum values must be those listed in Table 3 of ASTM B283
Alloy 464	Physical testing, including mercurous nitrate test, must be performed as for material manufactured to ASTM B21. Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for SB-171, naval brass.
Alloy 655	Physical testing must be performed as for material manufactured to ASTM B96. Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for SB-96 and must be limited to a maximum allowable temperature of 212 °F.
Alloy 642	An ammonia vapor test, in accordance with ASTM B858 must be performed on a prototype of each product design. Physical testing must be performed as for material manufactured to ASTM B171, alloy D. Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for SB-171, aluminum bronze D.
Alloy 630	An ammonia vapor test, in accordance with ASTM B858 must be performed on a prototype of each product design. Physical testing must be performed as for material manufactured to ASTM B171, alloy E. Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for SB-171, aluminum bronze, alloy E.
Alloy 485	Physical testing, including mercurous nitrate test, must be performed as for material manufactured to ASTM B21. Allowable stresses must be the same as those listed in UNF23 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC for SB-171, naval brass.
Forgings:
B283 ² (forging brass)	An ammonia vapor test, in accordance with ASTM B858, must be performed on a prototype for each product design. Tension tests must be performed to determine tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Minimum values must be those listed in Table 3 of ASTM B283.
Castings:
B26 2 3	Tension tests must be performed to determine tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Minimum values must be those listed in Table X-2 of ASTM B85.
B85 2 3	Tension tests must be performed to determine tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation. Minimum values must be those listed in Table X-2 of ASTM B85.

¹ For limitations in use refer to § 56.60-5.

² Limited to air and hydraulic service with a maximum design temperature of 150 °F. The material must not be used for saltwater service or other fluids that may cause dezincification or stress corrosion cracking.

³ Those alloys with a maximum copper content of 0.6 percent or less are acceptable under this specification. Cast aluminum must not be welded or brazed.

Note 1 to table 1 to § 56.60-2: This table 1 to § 56.60-2 is a listing of adopted bar stock and nonferrous forging and casting specifications not listed in the ASME BPVC. Particular attention should be given to the supplementary testing requirements and service limitations contained in the table and footnotes. All ASTM and ASME standards referred to in this table 1 to § 56.60-2 are incorporated by reference (see § 56.01-2).

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9978, June 17, 1970; CGD 72-104R, 37 FR 14233, July 18, 1972; CGD 73-248, 39 FR 30839, Aug. 26, 1974; CGD 73-254, 40 FR 40165, Sept. 2, 1975; CGD 77-140, 54 FR 40612, Oct. 2, 1989; CGD 95-012, 60 FR 48050, Sept. 18, 1995; CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51201, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52190, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-1999-5151, 64 FR 67180, Dec. 1, 1999; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65182, Oct. 31, 2008; USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50153, June 12, 2024]

§ 56.60-3 - Ferrous materials.

(a) Ferrous pipe used for saltwater service must be protected against corrosion by hotdip galvanizing or by the use of extra heavy schedule material.

(b) (Reproduces 124.2.C.) Carbon or alloy steel having carbon content of more than 0.35 percent must not be used in welded construction, nor be shaped by oxygen-cutting process or other thermal-cutting process.

[CGD 73-254, 40 FR 40165, Sept. 2, 1975, as amended by USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65183, Oct. 31, 2008; USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50153, June 12, 2024]

§ 56.60-5 - Steel (High temperature applications).

(a) (Reproduces 124.2.A.) Upon prolonged exposure to temperatures above 800 °F (427 °C), the carbide phase of plain carbon steel, plain nickel-alloy steel, carbon-manganese-alloy steel, manganese-vanadium-alloy steel, and carbon-silicon steel may convert to graphite.

(b) (Reproduces 124.2.B.) Upon prolonged exposure to temperatures above 875 °F (468 °C), the carbide phase of alloy steels, such as carbon-molybdenum, manganese-molybdenum-vanadium, manganese-chromium-vanadium, and chromium-vanadium, may convert to graphite.

(c) The design temperature of a piping system employing one or more of the materials listed in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must not exceed the lowest graphitization temperature specified for materials used.

§ 56.60-10 - Cast iron and malleable iron.

(a) The low ductility of cast iron and malleable iron should be recognized and the use of these metals where shock loading may occur should be avoided. Cast iron and malleable iron components must not be used at temperatures above 450 °F. Cast iron and malleable iron fittings conforming to the specifications of table 1 to § 56.60-1 may be used at the pressure limits of the applicable standards at temperatures not exceeding 450 °F. Valves of either of these materials may be used if they conform to the standards for class 125 and class 250 flanges and flanged fittings in ASME B16.1 (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2).

(b) Cast iron and malleable iron must not be used for valves or fittings in lines carrying flammable or combustible fluids which are directly connected to, or in the proximity of, equipment or other lines having open flame, or any parts operating at temperatures above 500 °F. Cast iron must not be used for hull fittings, or in systems conducting lethal products.

Note 1 to paragraph (b):

For definitions of flammable or combustible fluids, see §§ 30.10-15 and 30.10-22 of subchapter D of this chapter.

(c) Malleable iron and cast-iron valves and fittings, designed, and marked for Class 300 refrigeration service, may be used for such service up to a pressure limitation of 300 psig. Malleable iron flanges of this class may also be used in sizes 4 inches and smaller (oval and square design).

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9978, June 17, 1970; CGD 73-254, 40 FR 40165, Sept. 2, 1975; CGD 77-140, 54 FR 40612, Oct. 2, 1989; CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65183, Oct. 31, 2008; USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50153, June 12, 2024]

§ 56.60-15 - Ductile iron.

(a) Ductile cast iron components made of material conforming to ASTM F1155 (incorporated by reference, see § 56.01-2) may be used within the service restrictions and pressure-temperature limitations of UCD-3 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2).

(b) Ductile iron castings conforming to ASTM F1155 may be used in hydraulic systems at pressures in excess of 7500 kPa (1000 psi) gage, provided the following:

(1) The castings receive a ferritizing anneal when the as-cast thickness does not exceed 1 inch;

(2) Large castings for components, such as hydraulic cylinders, are examined as specified for a casting quality factor of 90 percent in accordance with UG-24 of Section VIII of the ASME BPVC; and

(3) The castings are not welded, brazed, plugged, or otherwise repaired.

(c) After machining, ductile iron castings must be hydrostatically tested to twice their maximum allowable working pressure and must show no leaks.

(d) Ductile iron castings exhibiting less than 12 percent elongation in 50 millimeters (2 inches) when subjected to a tensile test must meet the requirements for cast iron in this part.

[CGD 77-140, 54 FR 40612, Oct. 2, 1989, as amended by CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58460, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65183, Oct. 31, 2008; USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50153, June 12, 2024]

§ 56.60-20 - Nonferrous materials.

Nonferrous materials listed in this subpart may be used in piping systems under the following conditions (see also § 56.10-5(c)):

(a) The low melting points of many nonferrous metals and alloys, such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, must be recognized. These types of heat sensitive materials must not be used to conduct flammable, combustible, or dangerous fluids, or for vital systems unless approved by the Marine Safety Center.

Note 1 to paragraph (a):

For definitions of flammable or combustible fluids, see §§ 30.10-15 and 30.10-22 of this chapter or parts 151-154 of this subchapter. Dangerous fluids are those covered by regulations in part 98 of this chapter.

(b) The possibility of galvanic corrosion due to the relative solution potentials of copper and aluminum and their alloys should be considered when used in conjunction with each other or with steel or with other metals and their alloys when an electrolyte is present.

(c) A suitable thread compound must be used in threaded joints in aluminum pipe to prevent seizing. Pipe in the annealed temper should not be threaded.

(d) The corrosion resistance of copper bearing aluminum alloys in a marine atmosphere is poor and alloys with copper contents exceeding 0.6 percent should not be used. Refer to table 1 to § 56.60-2 for further guidance.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 77-140, 54 FR 40612, Oct. 2, 1989; CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996; USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50153, June 12, 2024]

§ 56.60-25 - Nonmetallic materials.

Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 76697, Sept. 18, 2024.

(a) Plastic pipe installations must be in accordance with IMO Resolution A.753(18) and IMO Resolution MSC.313(88) (both incorporated by reference, see § 56.01-2) and the following supplemental requirements.

(1) Plastic pipe and associated fittings must be approved to approval series 164.141 as follows:

(i) All piping, except pipe used on open decks, in cofferdams, void spaces, or ducts, must meet the flame spread requirements of Appendix 3 of IMO Resolution A.753(18).

(ii) Where fire endurance is required in Appendix 4 of IMO Resolution A.753(18) the pipe must, at a minimum, be approved as meeting the fire endurance level required in Appendix 4. Ratings of “0” in Appendix 4 indicate that no fire endurance test is required. Ratings of “N/A” or “X” indicate that plastic pipe is not permitted.

(iii) Piping in accommodation, service and control spaces must be approved for use in those spaces.

(2) Plastic pipe that has not been approved for use in accommodation, service and control spaces is permitted in a concealed space in an accommodation, service or control space, such as behind ceilings or linings or between double bulkheads if:

(i) The piping is enclosed in a trunk or duct constructed of “A” class divisions; or

(ii) An approved smoke detection system is fitted in the concealed space and each penetration of a bulkhead or deck and each installation of a draft stop is made in accordance with IMO Resolution A.753(18) and IMO Resolution MSC.313(88) to maintain the integrity of fire divisions.

(3) Requests for the use of plastic pipe for non-vital systems, as defined in § 56.07-5, containing non-flammable or non-combustible liquids in locations that do not require fire endurance testing, as indicated in Appendix 4 of IMO Resolution A.753(18), must be submitted to the Marine Safety Center for review. The proposed piping must meet the following requirements:

(i) The length of pipe must be 30 inches or less;

(ii) The pipe must be contained within the space and does not penetrate any bulkhead, overhead or deck; and

(iii) Material specifications must be provided with the installation proposal.

(4) Pipe that is to be used for potable water must bear the appropriate certification mark of a nationally-recognized, ANSI-accredited third-party certification laboratory. Plastic pipe fitting and bonding techniques must follow the manufacturer's installation guidelines. Bonders must hold certifications required by the manufacturer's guidelines and provide documentation of current certification to the Marine Inspector when requested.

(5) Systems identified by § 56.97-40(a)(1) through (c) that contain plastic piping must be tested to 1.5 MAWP as required by § 56.97-40(a).

(6) Plastic pipe used outboard of the required metallic shell valve in any piping system penetrating the vessel's shell (see § 56.50-95(f)) must have the same fire endurance as the metallic shell valve. Where the shell valve and the plastic pipe are in the same unmanned space, the valve must be operable from above the freeboard deck.

(7) Pipe that is to be used for potable water must bear the appropriate certification mark of a nationally-recognized, ANSI-accredited, third-party certification laboratory.

(8) Plastic pipe must also comply with appropriate requirements for specific uses and arrangements of pipe given elsewhere in this part.

(b)(1) Nonmetallic flexible hose must be in accordance with SAE J1942 (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2) and may be installed only in vital and nonvital fresh and saltwater systems, nonvital pneumatic systems, lube oil and fuel systems, and fluid power systems.

(2) Nonmetallic flexible hose may be used in vital fresh and saltwater systems at a maximum service pressure of 1,034 kPa (150 psi). Nonmetallic flexible hose may be used in lengths not exceeding 76 cm (30 inches) where flexibility is required, subject to the limits in paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section. Nonmetallic flexible hose may be used for plastic pipe in duplicate installations in accordance with this paragraph (b).

(3) Nonmetallic flexible hose may be used for plastic pipe in non-vital fresh and saltwater systems and non-vital pneumatic systems, subject to the limits of paragraphs (a)(1) through (4) of this section. Unreinforced hoses are limited to a maximum service pressure of 345 kPa (50 psi); reinforced hoses are limited to a maximum service pressure of 1,034 kPa (150 psi).

(4) Nonmetallic flexible hose may be used in lube oil, fuel oil and fluid power systems only where flexibility is required and in lengths not exceeding 30 inches.

(5) Nonmetallic flexible hose must have factory-assembled end fittings requiring no further adjustment or field attachable fittings. Hose end fittings must comply with SAE J1475 (incorporated by reference, see § 56.01-2). Field attachable fittings must be installed following the manufacturer's recommended practice. A hydrostatic test of each hose assembly must be conducted in accordance with § 56.97-5.

(6) The fire-test procedures of ISO 15540 (incorporated by reference; see § 56.01-2) are an acceptable alternative to those procedures of SAE J1942. All other tests of SAE J1942 are still required.

(c) Plastic valves, fittings, and flanges must be designed, fabricated, tested, and installed to satisfy the requirements for plastic pipe contained in this section.

(d) Requests to use nonmetallic materials other than those specified in this section must be submitted to the Commandant for consideration.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 FR 9979, June 17, 1970; CGD 72-104R, 37 FR 14234, July 18, 1972; CGD 73-254, 40 FR 40165, Sept. 2, 1975; CGD 77-140, 54 FR 40613, Oct. 2, 1989; CGD 88-032, 56 FR 35822, July 29, 1991; CGD 83-043, 60 FR 24775, May 10, 1995; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50462, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50728, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51201, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2002-13058, 67 FR 61278, Sept. 30, 2002; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65183, Oct. 31, 2008; USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48251, July 22, 2016; USCG-2020-0634, 89 FR 50155, June 12, 2024]

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; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.3

source: CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18843, Dec. 18, 1968, unless otherwise noted.

cite as: 46 CFR 56.60-25