Special stowage.

(a) Special stowage is required for certain articles presenting both explosive and chemical hazards, such as smoke or lachrymatory (compatibility group G or H), toxic (compatibility group K), or substances and articles which present a special risk (compatibility group L). Except as permitted in paragraph (c) of this section, Class 1 (explosive) materials requiring special stowage must be stowed on deck unless such stowage is impracticable and the COTP authorizes special stowage below deck.

(b) Class 1 (explosive) materials for which special stowage is required must be stowed as far away as practicable from living accommodation, and working areas, and may not be overstowed. Steel portable magazines and freight containers in which such Class 1 (explosive) materials are stowed may not be located closer to the vessel's side than a distance equal to one-eighth of the vessel's beam or 2.5 m (8.2 feet), whichever is less.

(c) Explosive articles having UN number, UN 0015, UN 0016, UN 0018, UN 0019, UN 0301, or UN 0303 may be given ordinary stowage in a lower hold or 'tween deck. Other Class 1 (explosive) materials in compatibility groups G and H may be in open stowage out to the ship's side on a floodable lower hold or deep tank in such a position that other cargo cannot be contaminated by leakage; in all other cases such Class 1 (explosive) materials must be stowed in steel portable magazines or in freight containers. If a freight container is used for this purpose, the floor of the freight container must be leakproof; for example, an all-metal container may be used and a fillet of cement or other material worked across the bottom of the door opening.

(d) Class 1 (explosive) materials stowed in one compartment may not be of more than one compatibility group, except the COTP may allow Class 1 (explosive) materials of compatibility groups G and H in separate steel portable magazines to be stowed in the same compartment, not less than 3 m (10 feet) apart.

(e) Class 1 (explosive) materials in compatibility groups K and L must be stowed in a steel magazine regardless of the stowage position in the vessel.

[Amdt. 176-30, 55 FR 52696, Dec. 21, 1990, as amended at 56 FR 66282, Dec. 20, 1991; Amdt. 176-38, 60 FR 49111, Sept. 21, 1995; 66 FR 33438, June 21, 2001; 66 FR 45185, Aug. 28, 2001]