QUESTION: During an annual survey a question was raised on whether a vessel must have flame screens on vent pipes for fuel oil. I thought was a requirement for all Sub M vessels, where can I this requirement?
RESPONSE: 46 CFR 143.265
46 CFR 143.265 Additional fuel system requirements for towing vessels built after January 18, 2000.
(c) Vent pipes for integral fuel tanks. Each integral fuel tank must have a vent that connects to the highest point of the tank, discharges on a weather deck through a bend of 180 degrees, and is fitted with a 30-by- 30-mesh corrosion-resistant flame screen. Vents from two or more fuel tanks may combine in a system that discharges on a weather deck. The net cross-sectional area of the vent pipe for the tank must be not less than 312.3 square millimeters (0.484 square inches), for any tank filled by gravity. The cross-sectional area of the vent pipe, or the sum of the vent areas when multiple vents are used, must not be less than that of the fill pipe cross-sectional area for any tank filled by pump pressure.