46 CFR 143.540: Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential systems
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets the standard for pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on vessels. They must meet the ABS rules named in paragraph (a). Towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may instead meet the ABS river rules named in paragraph (b).
Applies toVessels with essential systems, including towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways under paragraph (b).
What it says
Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on vessels must meet Part 4, Chapter 4 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length.
46 CFR 143.540(a)“Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on vessels must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length”
The ABS rules in paragraph (a) are incorporated by reference, and the text sends the reader to § 136.112 of this subchapter.
46 CFR 143.540(a)“(incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 4.”
Towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet Part 4, Chapter 3 of the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways for their essential systems' pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings.
46 CFR 143.540(b)“on towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways”
Common questions
What standard applies to pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems?
They must meet Part 4, Chapter 4 of the ABS rules for steel vessels under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in length.
“Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on vessels must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length”
Is there an alternative standard for river towing vessels?
Yes. Towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet the ABS river and intracoastal rules, Part 4, Chapter 3.
“on towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways”
The text of 46 CFR 143.540
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings for essential systems
(a) Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on vessels must meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 90 Meters (295 Feet) in Length (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 4.
(b) Pumps, pipes, valves, and fittings in essential systems on towing vessels operating exclusively on rivers or intracoastal waterways may meet ABS Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter), Part 4, Chapter 3.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.