On small passenger vessels each inlet or discharge pipe penetrating the hull less than six inches above the deepest load waterline

• A. must have means to prevent water entering if pipe fails
• B. must be sealed at all times
• C. may be left unprotected if pipe is short
• D. must be painted white

Answer: (A)

Pipes that penetrate the hull near the waterline can become flood paths if the pipe or its fitting fails. To keep the vessel watertight, there must be a practical means to prevent water from entering through that pipe if it fails. That means installing a valve, cap, flap, or another approved device that can be closed or otherwise stop backflow, isolating the pipe from the hull side. The goal is to preserve buoyancy and reduce the risk of flooding in rough conditions or if the piping system is damaged. Painting the pipe, keeping it unprotected, or assuming a short length removes the safety protection this rule provides, so they’re not acceptable solutions.