- (a) All towing vessels must be operated in a manner that minimizes the risk of down-flooding and progressive flooding.
- (b) The master must ensure that all hatches, doors, and other openings designed to be watertight or weather-tight function properly.
(c) The master or officer in charge of a navigational watch must ensure all hatches and openings of the hull and deck are kept tightly closed except:
- (1) When access is needed through the opening for transit;
- (2) When operating on rivers with a tow, if the master determines the safety of the vessel is not compromised; or
- (3) When operating on lakes, bays, and sounds, without a tow during calm weather, and only if the master determines that the safety of the vessel is not compromised.
- (d) Where installed, all watertight doors in watertight bulkheads must be closed during the operation of the vessel, unless they are being used for transit between compartments; and
- (e) When downstreaming, all exterior openings at the main deck level must be closed.
- (f) Decks and bulkheads designed to be watertight or weathertight must be maintained in that condition.