9 C.F.R. Subpart D—Inspection of Vessels and Accommodations
Title 9 - Animals and Animal Products
(a) The owner or operator of an ocean vessel carrying animals from the United States to a foreign country shall provide, for such animals, feed and water, space, ventilation, fittings, and other facilities aboard the carrier as set forth in this part. For animals embarked for a voyage which will be of more than 36 hours duration, there shall be provided to the satisfaction of the inspector sufficient amounts of suitable feed and fresh water, and proper accommodations shall be provided on board for storage and distribution of the water and feed. The feed shall not be exposed to the weather at sea. However, such feed and water shall not be required if it is determined by the APHIS veterinarian that the animals, if under 30 days of age will arrive in the country of destination within 24 hours after they were last fed and watered in the United States, or, in the case of other animals, within 36 hours after they were last fed and watered in the United States. (b) Owners masters, or operators of such vessels shall not accept for transportation any animal that in the judgment of the APHIS veterinarian is in an unfit condition to withstand the rigors of such transportation. Further, no animal intended for export shall be placed aboard any ocean vessel, unless in the opinion of the inspector the loading arrangements, fittings, ventilation systems, and the arrangements provided by the vessel for their use reasonably assure arrival of a viable animal in the country of destination. Halters, ropes, or other suitable equipment provided for the handling and tying of horses shall be found to be satisfactory by the APHIS veterinarian to assure humane treatment of the animals. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980, as amended at 57 FR 23047, June 1, 1992] All fittings, utensils and equipment, unless new, to be used in the loading, stowing, or other handling of animals aboard surface vessels under the provisions of this part, shall first be cleaned and disinfected under the supervision of an inspector before being used for, or in connection with, the transportation of animals from any United States port. Such disinfection of halters, ropes, and similar equipment used in handling and tying of animals shall be by immersion in an approved disinfectant. When the surface vessel has last been used to carry livestock to or from a foot-and-mouth disease infected country, the approved disinfectant shall be a freshly prepared solution of: (a) Sodium carbonate (4 percent) in the proportion of 1 pound to 3 gallons of water. (b) 4 percent sodium carbonate plus 0.1 percent sodium silicate. (c) Sodium hydroxide (Lye) prepared in a fresh solution in the proportion of not less than 1 pound avoirdupois of sodium hydroxide of not less than 95 percent purity to 6 gallons of water, or one 13 7 Due to the extreme caustic nature of sodium hydroxide solution, precautionary measures such as the wearing of rubber gloves, boots, raincoat, and goggles should be observed. An acid solution such as vinegar shall be kept readily available in case any of the sodium hydroxide solution should come in contact with the body. For carriers returning from other foreign countries, the approved disinfectant shall be a disinfectant permitted for use under §71.10, part 71 of this chapter. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated and amended at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980; 53 FR 51746, Dec. 23, 1988] It shall be the responsibility of the owners or the masters of an ocean vessel intended for use in exporting livestock to present the vessel to an inspector at a United States port of embarkation or at the descretion of the Administrator, upon request of the exporter, transporting company, or their agent, at a foreign port, for an inspection to determine if the fittings aboard the vessel are in compliance with the provisions of this part. A notarized statement from an engineering concern shall be required to certify to the rate of air exchange in each compartment. Such notarized statement shall be required upon first use of such vessel: Provided, That such notarized statement may again be required by the Administrator if substantive changes in fittings aboard the vessel have been made since the vessel was last certified. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980, and amended at 57 FR 23047, 23048, June 1, 1992] A variety of construction materials such as wood, metal plate, or pipe may be used for stalls, crates, or pens aboard ocean vessels. Pipe fittings have the advantage of smooth surfaces, easy maintenance, long range economy and spaces between pipe rails to allow for feeding, watering, cleaning and better ventilation. Material used for stalls, crates, or pens shall be properly formed, closely fitted, and rigidly secured in place. Special care shall be taken to design and finish all edges, welds, and hardware that are accessible to animals. A combination of wood and steel pipe or other steel profile construction may be accepted if the construction complies with the regulations in this part. Where the sides of pens are adjacent to the ship's sides which have steel casing, frames, stays or similar fittings, the carrier shall cover these profiles with wooden battens of at least 2 inch thick lumber or plywood of similar strength to prevent animals from injury. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980] Each underdeck compartment on which animals are being transported aboard an ocean vessel shall be equipped with a system of mechanical ventilation that will furnish a complete change of air in each compartment every 2 minutes when deck height8 is less than 8 feet and every 2 8 Deck height is the height from the ceiling to the floor. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec 31, 1980] No animals shall be stowed along the alleyways leading to the engine or boiler rooms unless the sides of said engine or boiler rooms are covered by a tongue and groove tight sheathing producing a 3-inch-wide air space except that on ships powered with internal combustion engines this sheathing may not be required at the discretion of the inspector. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980] (a) Ramps connecting one deck of a ship to another shall have a clear width of 3 feet and a clear height of not less than 6 feet 6 inches. The incline of the ramps shall not exceed 1:2 (26 (b) Alleyways running fore and aft on the ocean vessel that are used for feeding, watering, and loading animals, including horses in box stalls, shall have a minimum width of 3 feet. However, for a distance not to exceed 8 feet at the end of alleyways in the bow and the stern of ship, and where obstructions of less than 3 feet in length occur, the width may be reduced to a minimum of 24 inches. A sufficient number of athwartship alleyways at least 24 inches in width shall be provided to afford ready access to scuppers and to ends of alleyways running fore and aft. However, on exposed decks where scuppers and the end of fore and aft alleyways are readily accessible athwartship alleyways are not required and if the alleyways are to be used for feeding or watering livestock, but not for loading or unloading of livestock, such alleyways shall have a minimum width of 28 inches. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980] It shall be the responsibility of the captain of the ocean vessel to carry at least three men on board the vessel who are experienced in the handling of the kind/kinds of livestock to be carried, and a sufficient number of attendants, satisfactory to the inspector or the APHIS veterinarian at the port embarkation to insure proper care of the animals: Provided, however, That only one person experienced in the handling of the kind/kinds of livestock to be carried and a sufficient number of attendants, satisfactory to the APHIS veterinarian at the port of embarkation, to insure proper care of the animals must be carried on board the ocean vessel if less than 800 head of livestock are carried. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977, as amended at 43 FR 27171, June 23, 1978. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980, and amended at 57 FR 23047, June 1, 1992] (a) General requirements. A general space requirement for any individual animal in stalls or crates on ocean vessels shall be six inches more in height, depth, and width than the measurements of the animal concerned. The number of animals in each stall, pen or other container, the cubic inches of air available for each animal, and the ventilation capability of the transporting carrier are other criteria used to determine final space requirements for each animal. Guidelines of space requirements for storage of animals in pens are listed in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section. Final determination of space needed and manner of loading of animals for export shipment will be made by the inspector or the APHIS veterinarian at the port of embarkation, based upon the size and type of animals presented, weather, destination, route, and means of transportation employed for the export shipment. (b) Space guidelines: (c) Space guidelines for containers. Containers used aboard containerized ocean vessels measure 8 feet in width outside but vary from 7 feet 3 inches to 7 feet 9 inches in width inside and from 17 feet to 40 feet in length. For such containers the space requirements and minimum pen widths shown in the following charts shall be used whenever the length of the animal exceeds the width of the container. For ready measurement of dairy cattle only, the distance from the withers to the pin bone multiplied by 1.65 gives the approximate total length. Length of other cattle and large animals will require measurement of their total length. Other animals larger than those shown in the following charts shall be stowed subject to the approval of the inspector or the APHIS veterinarian at the port of embarkation. Maximum inside length of container pens shall be 12 feet 9 inches. (d) Special requirements. If an animal to be loaded on an ocean vessel is in the third trimester of pregnancy or the route of the carrier will be into or through a tropical area,9 9 The area situated between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. (e) Size of stalls or pens for horses on ocean vessels. Space for horses in pens on ocean vessels shall not be less than 6 feet 6 inches from roof or beams overhead to floor underfoot. Space containing up to 120 square feet may be used for stowage of horses and shall be at least 8 feet but not more than 9 feet in width (thwartship) except that upon approval of the inspector or the APHIS veterinarian at the port of embarkation, pens 7 feet wide may be allowed for medium-sized horses. Single stalls shall be not less than 2 (f)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, space in pens on ocean vessels for cattle weighing 1000 pounds or more shall be no less than 8 feet in width and 6 feet 3 inches from roof or beams overhead to flooring underfoot, except that when floors are raised over pipes and similar obstructions, a height of not less than 6 feet may be permitted at the discretion of the inspector. Pens for cattle weighing less than 1,100 pounds may not exceed 226 square feet. Pens for cattle weighing 1,100 pounds or more may not exceed 610 square feet. When any such pen includes stanchions, sounding tubes, ventilators, and other obstructions, 20 percent more space for each animal shall be required. (2) Single stalls in ocean vessels for cattle weighing 1000 pounds or more shall be not less than 8 feet in length by 3 feet in width. (3) Calves and yearlings may be stowed in pens or stalls at the discretion of the inspector or the APHIS veterinarian at the port of embarkation. (g) Space for sheep, goats, and swine on ocean vessels. Space for sheep, goats, and swine on ocean vessels shall not be less than 3 feet in height and the length and width of pens shall not exceed 15×8 feet. An increase of 50 percent square footage shall be required for animals in the third trimester of pregnancy, notwithstanding other provisions in paragraph (d). [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated and amended at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980; 53 FR 40407, Oct. 17, 1988; 57 FR 23047, June 1, 1992] (a) Pens aboard an ocean vessel shall have a 3 inch concrete pavement, proportioned and mixed to give 2000 psi. compressive strength in 28 days. The pavement shall have a broom or rough finish. Steel angle bars may be used for footlocks if they are mounted into the flooring in such a way that, at the same time, the bars serve as gutterways. The angle bars shall not be less than 2 inches by 2 inches and (b)(1) Horses and cattle. Flooring shall be laid athwartship and secured by placing ends beneath the under side of foot and rump boards or under a 2&inch;×4&inch; strip nailed along these boards. Floors may be either of two types, flush or raised. The flush type shall be constructed of not less than 1&inch; thick lumber laid flat on the deck. The raised type shall be constructed of not less than 2&inch; thick lumber nailed to scantlings of at least 2&inch;×3&inch; dimensions laid 2 feet 6 inches apart. If desired, flooring may be laid in portable sections. Flooring will not be required on ships with wooden decks provided footlocks are secured to the decks. Cement or composite material diagonally scored one-half inch deep may be used on iron decks instead of wooden flooring if the footlocks are molded in the same and bolted to the deck. (2) Sheep, goats, and swine. Flooring for sheep, goats, and swine shall be the same as prescribed in this section for horses and cattle, except that the raised flooring need not be greater than 12 inch in thickness. (3) Drainage. Provisions shall be made for drainage of urine and surface water from all parts of the vessel used for carriage of animals including sufficient scuppers. A walkway shall provide easy access to the scuppers. (c)(1) Horses and cattle. In pens for horses or cattle, there shall be four footlocks of 1&inch;×4&inch; lumber laid fore and aft with flat side down, and so placed as to provide in-between spaces of 12, 14, 26, and 14 inches, beginning at inside of the footboard. Additional footlocks shall be added at 14 inch intervals in pens having a depth of 9 feet or more. They shall be well secured with nails of a length that will permit 1 inch clinch in 1 inch flooring and 2 inch penetration in 2 inch flooring. (2) Sheep, goats, and swine. Footlocks in pens for sheep, goats, and swine shall be of not less than 1&inch;×2&inch; lumber, four to each pen, equally distributed and laid in the manner prescribed in paragraph (c)(1) of this section for horses and cattle. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980, and amended at 57 FR 23047, June 1, 1992] All stalls and pens aboard an ocean vessel shall be equipped with proper troughs for feeding and watering animals as provided in this section. Racks or nets furnished for feeding hay shall be of a type acceptable to the inspector. The feeding of hay to the animals on ocean vessels may be by means of dispensing the hay from racks or nets or by placing the hay on the floor of the pens in which the animals are confined. (a) Horses and cattle. Troughs may be constructed of metal or wood and may be either removable or fixed. The space between the first footlock and footboard may be utilized for feeding cattle, provided a 2&inch;×4&inch; piece of lumber is affixed along the top surface of said footlock so that it, together with the footboard and the battens, will form an enclosure. If wooden troughs are used for feeding, an adequate supply of buckets or other metal containers shall be provided for the proper watering of the animals. (b) Sheep, goats, and swine. Pens for these animals shall have feed troughs not less than 8 inches wide and shall be equipped with proper receptacles for watering. Pens for sheep and goats shall also have ample hayracks suitable for these animals. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980] (a)(1) Pipes used for stanchions and rails for pens aboard an ocean vessel shall be made of zinc coated, galvanized, extra strong, medium carbon steel. Steel pipes or other steel profiles shall consist of not less than 4 pipes or profiles, the upper one to have 3 inch diameter and the others a diameter of not less than 2 (2) Threaded pipe connections shall not be used. All parts shall be cut from factory fabricated, seamless pipe. (3) Bolt and pin holes shall not be drilled to more than (4) Pipe shall not be deformed or weakened by welding such items as reinforcing rods or hinges thereto. Welding shall be used for such attachment to be exposed in the finished work. Pins, plates, and parts other than pipe shall be made of galvanized steel. All areas where galvanizing of the steel has eroded or has been damaged shall be finished with a rust preventative. (5) Pipe rails shall be placed in proper alignment with tops of all gates at the same height. (b) All gates of animal pens aboard an ocean vessel shall have smooth finished surfaces and the pivot-pins shall have a minimum diameter of (c) Animals may be carried on upper decks of an ocean vessel in space abutting the outside rails or bulwarks only if such rails or bulwarks are 3 feet or more in height from the deck and are of sufficient strength to hold the necessary fittings securely or if the space available is sufficient to permit securing the required fittings to provide the necessary strength. When animals are carried on upper decks, bulkheads shall be erected at all unprotected ends of stalls. (d)(1) Cattle and horses. Rail stanchions for pens aboard an ocean vessel for cattle or horses shall be constructed of not less that 4&inch; or 6&inch; lumber set 5 feet apart on centers secured to the ship's rail or bulwark with (2) Sheep, goats, and swine. Stanchions for single or double tier pens for sheep, goats, and swine shall be constructed of not less 3&inch;×4&inch; lumber set at not greater distance than 5 feet on centers and secured as outlined in paragraph (d)(1). (e) For all animals, two beams of 2&inch;×6&inch; lumber shall be bolted on each side of the stanchions using (f) All pens for carrying animals on exposed decks aboard an ocean vessel shall be roofed with not less than 1 inch thick, watertight lumber extending from outside planking to at least 2 feet beyond the line of breast boards: Provided, That, if tongue and grooved lumber is used, it must be caulked or covered so that it is watertight or if square edged lumber is used it shall be covered with a saturated roofing paper known to the trade as 30 pound roofing paper and shall be securely battened. (g) All pens for carrying animals on exposed decks shall be provided with outside planking of not less than 1 (h)(1) Horses. All stalls and pens for horses shall be equipped with breast boards of no less than 2&inch;×10&inch; dressed lumber with the top edge placed 3 feet 10 inches from the floor and securely nailed to the stanchions. Where butting occurs, the joints are to be on the stanchions and shall be covered with metal plates 3 inches square or 5 inches in diameter and not less than (2) Cattle. All stalls and pens for cattle shall be provided with boards as required for horses in paragraph (a), except that the front or breast boards shall be constructed in sets of three or more boards of 2&inch;×10&inch; dressed lumber separated by 3 inch spacers and placed on the foot board so that the front of the pen extends 48 inches or more in height from the floor. One or more of the breast boards may be left off if feed or water troughs are to be mounted externally. (3) Sheep, goats, and swine. Front boards in pens for sheep, goats, and swine shall be of not less than 1&inch;×6&inch; pieces of lumber approximately spaced and extending to the proper height for these species of animals. Provision shall be made for removing a section of front boards to allow entry of animals into pens or removal therefrom and for feeding or watering. (i)(1) Horses and cattle. Rump boards in pens for horses or cattle shall form a solid wall at least 4 feet high for cattle and 4 feet 6 inches high for horses and shall be of lumber not less than 1 (2) Sheep, goats, and swine. Pens for sheep, goats, and swine on all exposed decks shall be provided with rump boards of the specified size built to a height of 2 feet 6 inches. (j)(1) Horses and cattle. Division boards in pens for horses and cattle shall be used to separate all stalls and pens and to close the sides thereof at the ends of rows. They shall be used in sets of four boards of 2&inch;×10&inch; dressed lumber separated by 3 inch spacers, shall extend from the rump boards to the inboard stanchions, and shall be fitted into appropriate channels or slots at both ends in a manner that will permit their ready removal. (2) Sheep, goats, and swine. Division boards and those forming ends of pens for sheep, goats, and swine shall be the same as prescribed for rump boards for these animals in paragraph (i) of this section. [45 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980, and amended at 57 FR 23047, June 1, 1992] (a) Animals may be placed on hatches on exposed decks on an ocean vessel if the pens or stalls are securely lashed down. (b) Animals may be placed on hatches on underdecks on an ocean vessel provided the height requirements of §91.25 (e) and (f) are met and sufficient space shall be left clear on such hatches for passageway across ship. (c) On all hatches on which animals are carried and under which hay and feed or animals are stowed, sufficient space shall be left clear for the proper removal and handling of such hay and feed and animal carcasses. Such hatches shall be watertight. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980] If previously used fittings aboard an ocean vessel are employed, any portion thereof found by the inspector to be worn, decayed, unsound, or otherwise defective shall be replaced. [42 FR 28990, June 7, 1977. Redesignated at 45 FR 86413, Dec. 31, 1980]
Title 9: Animals and Animal Products
PART 91—INSPECTION AND HANDLING OF LIVESTOCK FOR EXPORTATION
Subpart D—Inspection of Vessels and Accommodations
§ 91.17 Accommodations for humane treatment of animals on ocean vessels.
§ 91.18 Cleaning and disinfection of transport carriers for export.
§ 91.19 Inspection of ocean vessels prior to loading.
§ 91.20 General construction.
§ 91.21 Ventilation.
§ 91.22 Protection from heat of boilers and engines.
§ 91.23 Loading ramps and doors.
§ 91.24 Attendants.
§ 91.25 Space requirements for animals on ocean vessels.
------------------------------------------------------------------------ Space in square feet allowed per animal_------------------------------------------------------------------------Animal weight, pounds: 100...................................................... 4.0 150...................................................... 5.0 200...................................................... 6.0 250...................................................... 6.9 300...................................................... 7.9 350...................................................... 8.9 400...................................................... 9.9 450...................................................... 10.9 500...................................................... 11.8 550...................................................... 12.5 600...................................................... 13.2 650...................................................... 13.9 700...................................................... 14.6 750...................................................... 15.3 800...................................................... 15.9 850...................................................... 16.6 900...................................................... 17.3 950...................................................... 17.8 1,000.................................................... 18.4 1,050.................................................... 18.9 1,100.................................................... 19.4 1,150.................................................... 19.9 1,200.................................................... 20.4 1,250.................................................... 21.0 1,300.................................................... 21.5 1,350.................................................... 22.0 1,400.................................................... 22.7 1,450.................................................... 23.3 1,500.................................................... 24.0 1,550.................................................... 24.6 1,600.................................................... 25.3 1,650.................................................... 25.9 1.700.................................................... 26.6 1,750.................................................... 27.2 1,800.................................................... 27.8------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 head 4 head Square feet ----------------------------------------------- Weight per head Square Square feet Width feet Width------------------------------------------------------------------------ Containers 7[foot]9[inch] in Width------------------------------------------------------------------------ 800 18.5 .......... .......... 74.0 9[foot]7[i nch] 850 19.5 .......... .......... 78.0 10[foot]1[ inch] 900 20.4 61.2 7[foot]11[ 81.6 10[foot]6[ inch] inch] 950 21.4 64.2 8[foot]4[i 85.6 11[foot]1[ nch] inch] 1,000 22.4 67.5 8[foot]9[i 90.6 11[foot]7[ nch] inch] 1,050 23.4 70.2 9[foot]1[i 93.6 12[foot]1[ nch] inch] 1,100 24.5 73.5 9[foot]6[i 98.0 12[foot]8[ nch] inch] 1,150 25.5 76.2 9[foot]10[ .......... .......... inch] 1,200 26.5 79.5 10[foot]3[ .......... .......... inch] 1,250 27.4 82.2 10[foot]6[ .......... .......... inch] 1,300 28.4 85.2 11[foot]0[ .......... .......... inch] 1,350 29.6 88.8 11[foot]6[ .......... .......... inch] 1,400 30.8 92.4 12[foot]0[ .......... .......... inch] 1,450 31.9 95.7 12[foot]4[ .......... .......... inch] 1,500 32.9 98.7 12[foot]9[ .......... .......... inch]------------------------------------------------------------------------ Containers 7[foot]3[inch] in Width------------------------------------------------------------------------ 700 16.3 .......... .......... 65.2 9[foot]9[i nch] 750 17.5 52.2 7[foot]3[i 70.0 9[foot]8[i nch] nch] 800 18.9 56.7 7[foot]9[i 75.6 10[foot]5[ nch] inch] 850 20.1 60.3 8[foot]3[i 80.4 11[foot]1[ nch] inch] 900 21.3 63.9 8[foot]9[i 85.2 11[foot]9[ nch] inch] 950 22.3 66.9 9[foot]2[i 89.2 12[foot]4[ nch] inch] 1,000 23.7 71.1 9[foot]8[i .......... .......... nch] 1,050 24.8 74.1 10[foot]1[ .......... .......... inch] 1,100 26.0 78.6 10[foot]9[ .......... .......... inch] 1,150 27.1 81.3 11[foot]3[ .......... .......... inch] 1,200 28.4 85.5 11[foot]10 .......... .......... [inch] 1,250 29.6 88.8 12[foot]3[ .......... .......... inch] 1,300 30.9 92.7 12[foot]9[ .......... .......... inch]------------------------------------------------------------------------
§ 91.26 Concrete flooring.
§ 91.27 Troughs and hayracks.
§ 91.28 Stanchions and rails.
§ 91.29 Hatches.
§ 91.30 Defective fittings.
