(a) Where any structural part of a vessel protrudes so as to endanger Seaway installations, the vessel shall be equipped with only horizontal permanent fenders—
- (1) That are made of steel, are of a thickness not exceeding 15 cm, with well tapered ends, and are located along the hull, close to the main deck level; and
(2) On special application, portable fenders, other than rope hawsers, may be allowed for a single transit if the portable fenders are—
- (i) Made of a material that will float; and
- (ii) Securely fastened and suspended from the vessel in a horizontal position by a steel cable or a fiber rope in such a way that they can be raised or lowered in a manner that does not damage Seaway installations.
- (b) Tires shall not be used as fenders.
- (c) On special application, vessels of unusual design may be permitted to utilize permanent fenders not greater than 30 cm in thickness.
[61 FR 19551, May 2, 1996, as amended at 70 FR 12970, Mar. 17, 2005; 74 FR 18994, Apr. 27, 2009; 85 FR 15950, Mar. 20, 2020; 88 FR 14267, Mar. 8, 2023]