(a) Vessels or portions of vessels subject to corrosion shall be as required by UG-25 of section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 54.01-1) except as noted otherwise in this section.

(b) The pressure portions of pressure vessels shall:

(1) Normally have a corrosion allowance of one-sixth of the calculated thickness, or one-sixteenth inch, whichever is smaller, added to the calculated thickness as determined by the applicable design formula.

(2) Be specifically evaluated in cases where unusually corrosive cargoes will be involved, for the possible increase of this corrosion allowance.

(3) Have no additional thickness required when acceptable corrosion resistant materials are used.

(4) Not normally need additional thickness allowance when the effective stress (either S or SE depending on the design formula used) is 80 percent or less of the allowable stress listed in section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for calculating thickness.

(c) Telltale holes shall not be permitted in pressure vessels containing dangerous fluids, such as acid, poison, corrosives, etc.

(d) Exemption from these corrosion allowance requirements will be granted by the Commandant in those cases where:

(1) The contents of the pressure vessel is judged to be sufficiently noncorrosive; and,

(2) Where the external surface is also protected from corrosion. A suitable vapor barrier is adequate protection, while paint or other thin coatings exposed to weather or mechanical damage are not acceptable.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18828, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 72-59R, 37 FR 6189, Mar. 25, 1972; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65167, Oct. 31, 2008]