46 CFR §169.640
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Vital piping systems, as defined in § 169.642 of this subpart, must meet the material and pressure design requirements of Subchapter F of this chapter.
- (b)Except as provided in this paragraph, nonmetallic piping system materials must meet the applicable requirements of 46 CFR 56.60-25.
- (1)Rigid nonmetallic materials are acceptable for use in bilge, ballast, and machinery-connected piping systems on vessels less than 120 feet in length, provided that bilge and fire systems do not use the same piping.
- (2)Nonmetallic piping is prohibited in fuel systems except where flexible hose is permitted.
- (3)Rigid nonmetallic materials may be used in non-vital systems.