46 CFR 144.515: One means of escape from small spaces
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section says when a space needs only one means of escape. The space must meet all four conditions listed in paragraphs (a) through (d). These cover deck area, fire sources, location of the escape, and the type of escape in an accommodation space.
Applies toSpaces that meet all four conditions in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section.
What it says
Only one means of escape is required from a space that meets all the conditions listed in this section.
“Only one means of escape is required from a space where:”
The space must have a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet).
46 CFR 144.515(a)“The space has a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet);”
The space must have no stove, heater, or other source of fire in it.
46 CFR 144.515(b)“There is no stove, heater, or other source of fire in the space;”
The means of escape must be located as far as possible from a machinery space or fuel tank.
46 CFR 144.515(c)“The means of escape is located as far as possible from a machinery space or fuel tank; and”
If the space is an accommodation space, the single means of escape must not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.
46 CFR 144.515(d)“If an accommodation space, the single means of escape does not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.”
Common questions
When is only one means of escape required from a space?
Only one means of escape is required when the space meets all four conditions in paragraphs (a) through (d). These cover deck area, fire sources, escape location, and accommodation space escape type.
“Only one means of escape is required from a space where:”
What is the maximum deck area for a space with only one means of escape?
The space must have a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet).
“The space has a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet);”
Can a single means of escape from an accommodation space be a ladder?
No. If the space is an accommodation space, the single means of escape must not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.
“If an accommodation space, the single means of escape does not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.”
Can a space with a heater have only one means of escape?
Not under this section. One of the conditions is that there is no stove, heater, or other source of fire in the space.
“There is no stove, heater, or other source of fire in the space;”
The text of 46 CFR 144.515
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
One means of escape required
Only one means of escape is required from a space where:
(a) The space has a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet);
(b) There is no stove, heater, or other source of fire in the space;
(c) The means of escape is located as far as possible from a machinery space or fuel tank; and
(d) If an accommodation space, the single means of escape does not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.
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.