46 CFR 169.311: Fire protection on sailing school vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets fire protection requirements for the vessel's construction and equipment. The general construction must minimize fire hazards, and the vessel must have listed fire and smoke detectors. Ignition sources must be kept clear of combustible matter, and certain lockers must be metal.
What it says
The general construction of the vessel must be designed to minimize fire hazards.
46 CFR 169.311(a)“The general construction of the vessel must be designed to minimize fire hazards.”
Each vessel that carries more than 100 persons or has overnight accommodations for more than 49 persons must meet the requirements of subpart 72.05 of this chapter.
46 CFR 169.311(a)“Each vessel which carries more than 100 persons or has overnight accommodations for more than 49 persons must meet the requirements of subpart 72.05 of this chapter.”
Each vessel certificated to carry 100 persons or less, or that had overnight accommodations for less than 50 persons, must meet the requirements of § 169.323.
46 CFR 169.311(a)“Each vessel which is certificated to carry 100 persons or less or had overnight accommodations for less than 50 persons must meet the requirements of § 169.323.”
A fire detector, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each unmanned engine space.
46 CFR 169.311(b)“A fire detector, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each unmanned engine space.”
Smoke detectors, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each berthing compartment, sail locker, and public area.
46 CFR 169.311(c)“Smoke detectors, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each berthing compartment, sail locker, and public area.”
Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and suitably insulated from any woodwork or other combustible matter.
46 CFR 169.311(d)“Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and suitably insulated from any woodwork or other combustible matter.”
Lamp, paint, oil lockers and similar compartments must be constructed of metal or wholly lined with metal.
46 CFR 169.311(e)“Lamp, paint, oil lockers and similar compartments must be constructed of metal or wholly lined with metal.”
Common questions
Where must smoke detectors be installed?
Listed smoke detectors must be installed in each berthing compartment, sail locker, and public area.
“Smoke detectors, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each berthing compartment, sail locker, and public area.”
Do unmanned engine spaces need a fire detector?
Yes. A fire detector, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each unmanned engine space.
“A fire detector, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each unmanned engine space.”
What must lamp, paint, and oil lockers be made of?
Lamp, paint, oil lockers and similar compartments must be constructed of metal or wholly lined with metal.
“Lamp, paint, oil lockers and similar compartments must be constructed of metal or wholly lined with metal.”
The text of 46 CFR 169.311
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Fire protection
(a) The general construction of the vessel must be designed to minimize fire hazards. Each vessel which carries more than 100 persons or has overnight accommodations for more than 49 persons must meet the requirements of subpart 72.05 of this chapter. Each vessel which is certificated to carry 100 persons or less or had overnight accommodations for less than 50 persons must meet the requirements of § 169.323.
(b) A fire detector, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each unmanned engine space.
(c) Smoke detectors, listed by a recognized testing laboratory, must be installed in each berthing compartment, sail locker, and public area.
(d) Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and suitably insulated from any woodwork or other combustible matter.
(e) Lamp, paint, oil lockers and similar compartments must be constructed of metal or wholly lined with metal.
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.