46 CFR 28.385: Structural fire protection for vessels with over 49 people
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets structural fire protection rules for vessels that operate with more than 49 individuals on board. These vessels must meet it in addition to § 28.380. It requires a steel hull and structure, noncombustible superstructures and deckhouses, and noncombustible bulkheads or decks around accommodation spaces.
Applies toEach vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board.
What it says
Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must comply with this section in addition to the requirements of § 28.380.
46 CFR 28.385(a)“Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must comply with the requirements of this section in addition to the requirements of § 28.380.”
The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and stanchions must be composed of steel.
46 CFR 28.385(b)“The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and stanchions must be composed of steel.”
Superstructures and deckhouses must be constructed of noncombustible material.
46 CFR 28.385(b)“Superstructures and deckhouses must be constructed of noncombustible material.”
A bulkhead or deck that separates an accommodation space from a control station, machinery space, cargo space, or service space must be constructed of noncombustible material.
46 CFR 28.385(c)“A bulkhead or deck separating an accommodation space from a control station, machinery space, cargo space, or service space must be constructed of noncombustible material.”
Common questions
Which vessels must follow 46 CFR 28.385?
Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must comply. It must also meet the requirements of § 28.380.
“Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must comply with the requirements of this section in addition to the requirements of § 28.380.”
What must the hull of a vessel with more than 49 people on board be made of?
The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and stanchions must be composed of steel.
“The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and stanchions must be composed of steel.”
What material must superstructures and deckhouses be made of?
Superstructures and deckhouses must be constructed of noncombustible material.
“Superstructures and deckhouses must be constructed of noncombustible material.”
The text of 46 CFR 28.385
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Structural fire protection for vessels that operate with more than 49 individuals on board
(a) Applicability. Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must comply with the requirements of this section in addition to the requirements of § 28.380.
(b) Construction. The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and stanchions must be composed of steel. Superstructures and deckhouses must be constructed of noncombustible material.
(c) Protection of accommodation spaces. A bulkhead or deck separating an accommodation space from a control station, machinery space, cargo space, or service space must be constructed of noncombustible material.
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.