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46 CFR Part 160 — Lifesaving Equipment

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PART 160—LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234; 45 FR 58801; 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; and DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4. Editorial Note: Nomenclature changes to part 160 appear by USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59785, 59786, Oct. 1, 2012, and by USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76701, Sept. 18, 2024. Subparts 160.001-160.009 [Reserved] Subpart 160.010—Buoyant Apparatus for Merchant Vessels Source: CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, unless otherwise noted. § 160.010-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of change in the Federal Register http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. (b) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, Office of the FAS Commissioner, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202, 703-605-5400. (1) Federal Standard 595C, Colors Used in Government Procurement, (January 16, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.010-4 (“FED-STD-595C”). (2) [Reserved] (c) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for § 160.010-3. (2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for § 160.010-3. (d) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (1) MIL-P-19644C, Military Specification, Plastic Molding Material (Polystyrene Foam, Expanded Bead), (July 10, 1970), IBR approved for § 160.010-5 (“MIL-P-19644C”). (2) MIL-P-21929B, Military Specification, Plastic Material, Cellular Polyurethane, Foam-In-Place, Rigid (2 and 4 Pounds per Cubic Foot), (August 11, 1969), IBR approved for § 160.010-5 (“MIL-P-21929B”). (3) MIL-P-40619A, Military Specification, Plastic Material, Cellular, Polystyrene (For Buoyancy Applications), (December 9, 1968), IBR approved for § 160.010-5 (“MIL-P-40619A”). (4) MIL-R-21607E(SH), Military Specification, Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire-Retardant, (May 25, 1990), IBR approved for § 160.010-5 (“MIL-R-21607E(SH)”). [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62974, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.010-2 Definitions. Buoyant apparatus. Box-float. Commandant Peripheral-body. Inflatable buoyant apparatus. [CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62974, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.010-3 Inflatable buoyant apparatus. (a) Design and performance. (1) Canopy requirements (IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/4.1.1.5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.010-1 of this subpart)). (2) Capacity (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.1.2.1). (3) Floor insulation (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.2.2). (4) Stability (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.5.4). (5) Righting (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.5.2). (6) One with a capacity of 13 or more persons must be reversible, with the floor arranged between the buoyancy chambers so that the apparatus can, floating either side up, accommodate the number of persons for which it is approved. One with a capacity of 12 or fewer persons must either be reversible in the same manner, or be designed so that it can be readily righted by one person. (7) One with a capacity of 25 or more persons must be provided with self-bailing floor drains. If the floor of a reversible one includes one or more drains, each drain must be arranged to completely drain the floor of water when the device is fully loaded, and must prevent water from flowing back onto the floor. (8) If the buoyancy tubes are not vivid reddish orange, vivid yellow, or a fluorescent color of a similar hue, panels of such hue must be secured to the buoyancy chambers so that a minimum of 1 m 2 2 (9) Boarding ramp (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.4.1). (i) For an apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons, at least one ramp must be provided; (ii) For an apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons, at least two ramps must be provided; and (iii) The boarding ramps required by this paragraph must allow persons to board with either side of a reversible apparatus floating up, or the full number of ramps required must be installed on each side. (10) Boarding ladder (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.4.2). (i) One ladder must be provided on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons, except that, for an apparatus with a capacity of 13 or more persons that is not equipped with a boarding ramp, two ladders must be provided. (ii) Two ladders must be provided on each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons. (iii) The ladders required by this paragraph must allow persons to board with either side of a reversible apparatus floating up, or the full number of ladders required must be installed on each side. (11) One or more exterior canopy lamps meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 160.151-15(n) must be provided such that— (i) On a non-reversible inflatable buoyant apparatus, one lamp is mounted so that it is on the uppermost surface of the floating apparatus; and (ii) On a reversible apparatus, two lamps are mounted so that one lamp is on the uppermost surface of the apparatus, whichever side is floating up. (12) Equipment. (i) Rescue quoit and heaving line. (ii) Knives. (iii) Bailer. (iv) Sponge. (v) Paddles. (vi) Flashlight. (vii) Signaling mirror. (viii) Repair outfit. (ix) Pump or bellows. (x) Sea anchor. (13) Marking and labeling. (14) Drop test. (15) Loading and seating test. (16) Cold-inflation test. (b) Production inspections and tests. (c) Servicing. (d) Instruction placard. (e) Requirements for “open reversible liferafts” Annex 11 to IMO Res. MSC.97(73). (1) The apparatus must be reversible regardless of size. (2) The surface of the buoyancy tubes must be of a non-slip material. At least 25 percent of the surface of the buoyancy tubes must meet the color requirements of § 160.151-15(e). (3) The length of the painter should be such that the apparatus inflates automatically upon reaching the water. (4) An additional bowsing-in line must be fitted to an apparatus with a capacity of more than 30 persons. (5) The apparatus must be fitted with boarding ramps regardless of size. (6) An apparatus with a capacity of 30 or fewer persons must be fitted with at least one floor drain. (7) In addition to the equipment specified in § 160.010-3(a)(12), the apparatus must be provided with— (i) Sponge. (ii) First-aid kit. (iii) Whistle. (iv) Hand flares. (8) Marking and labeling of the apparatus must be in accordance with § 160.151-33, except that the device must be identified as a “NON-SOLAS REVERSIBLE”, and the equipment pack must be identified as an “HSC Pack”. (9) Stability. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62974, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2020-0107, 87 FR 68304, Nov. 14, 2022] § 160.010-4 General requirements for buoyant apparatus. (a) Each buoyant apparatus must be capable of passing the tests in § 160.010-7. (b) Materials not covered in this subpart must be of good quality and suitable for the purpose intended. (c) Buoyant apparatus must be effective and stable, floating either side up. (d) Each buoyant apparatus must be of such size and strength that it can be handled without the use of mechanical appliances, and its weight must not exceed 185 kg (400 lb.). (e) The buoyant material must be as near as possible to the sides of the apparatus. (f) Each buoyant apparatus must have a life line securely attached around the outside, festooned in bights no longer than 1 m (3 ft.), with a seine float in each bight, unless the line is of an inherently buoyant material and absorbs little or no water. The life line must be at least 10 mm ( 3/8 (g) Pendants must be fitted approximately 450 mm (18 in.) apart around the outside of each buoyant apparatus. Each pendant must be at least 6 mm ( 1/4 (h) Each peripheral body type buoyant apparatus without a net or platform on the inside must also have a life line and pendants around the inside. (i) Synthetic line or webbing must not be used unless it is of a type represented by its manufacturer as ultraviolet light resistant, or it is pigmented in a dark color. A typical method of securing lifelines and pendants to straps of webbing is shown in Figure 160.010-3(i). If webbing is used to secure life lines and pendants, it must be at least 50 mm (2 in.) wide and must have a breaking strength of at least 3.4 kN (750 lb.) for apparatus of under 25 persons capacity, and 6.7 kN (1,500 lb.) for apparatus of 25 persons capacity and higher. (j) Buoyant apparatus must have a fitting with an inside diameter of at least 50 mm (2 in.) for the attachment of a painter. (k) Each edge and exposed corner must be well rounded. Buoyant apparatus with a rectangular cross-section must have corners rounded to a radius of at least 75 mm (3 in.). (l) Buoyant apparatus must not have any evident defects in workmanship. (m) Each metal part of a buoyant apparatus must be— (1) 410 stainless steel or have salt water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal or superior to 410 stainless steel; and (2) Galvanically compatible with each other metal part in contact with it. (n) The color of the buoyant apparatus must be primarily vivid reddish orange as defined by sections 13 and 14 of FED-STD-595C (incorporated by reference, see § 160.010-1 of this subpart). (o) When fibrous-glass-reinforced plastic is used in the construction of a buoyant apparatus, each cut edge of laminate must be protected from entry of moisture by resin putty or an equivalent method. (p) Each buoyant apparatus must have Type II retroreflective material meeting subpart 164.018 of this chapter on each side and end. The material must be in strips at least 50 mm (2 in.) wide extending from top to bottom over the side or end and continuing over the top and bottom surfaces of the apparatus. For peripheral body apparatus, each strip must extend completely over the top and bottom surface of the body. For box type apparatus, the strip must extend at least 300 mm (12 in.) inboard from the edge over the top and bottom surface. Each strip must be positioned near the center of the side or end, but so that it is not obscured by any strap. A typical arrangement is shown in Figure 160.010-3(p). [CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982. Redesignated by CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62974, Oct. 11, 2011] § 160.010-5 Buoyant apparatus with plastic foam buoyancy. (a) Buoyant apparatus with plastic foam buoyancy must have a plastic foam body with an external protective covering. The body may be reinforced as necessary to meet the tests in § 160.010-7. (b) Plastic foam used in the construction of buoyant apparatus must be a unicellular type accepted by the Commandant (CG-ENG-4) as meeting one of the following: (1) Subpart 164.015 of this chapter. (2) MIL-P-19644C (incorporated by reference, see § 160.010-1 of this subpart). (3) MIL-P-21929B (incorporated by reference, see § 160.010-1 of this subpart). (4) MIL-P-40619A (incorporated by reference, see § 160.010-1 of this subpart). (c) The external protective covering must be— (1) Fibrous-glass-reinforced plastic, constructed of a polyester resin listed on the current Qualified Products List for MIL-P-21607E(SH) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.010-1 of this subpart), or accepted by the Commandant (CG-ENG-4) as meeting MIL-P-21607; (2) Elastomeric vinyl accepted by the Commandant (CG-ENG-4) as meeting § 160.055-3(j) of this chapter; or (3) Any other material accepted by the Commandant (CG-ENG-4) as providing equivalent protection for the body of the apparatus. [CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996. Redesignated by CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, Oct. 11, 2011] § 160.010-6 Capacity of buoyant apparatus. (a) The number of persons for which a buoyant apparatus is approved must be the lowest number determined by the following methods: (1) Final buoyancy of the buoyant apparatus in Newtons after the watertight integrity test as described in § 160.010-7 (e) and (f), divided by 145 (divided by 32 if buoyancy is measured in pounds). The divisor must be changed to 180 (40 if buoyancy is measured in pounds) if the apparatus is designed so that persons supported are only partially immersed or where facilities are provided for climbing on top of the apparatus. (2) Number of 300 mm (1 ft.) increments in the outside perimeter of the buoyant apparatus. The inside edge of peripheral-body type buoyant apparatus is not considered in determining the capacity. (b) [Reserved] § 160.010-7 Methods of sampling, inspections and tests. (a) General. (b) Sampling of production lots. Table 160.010-7( b Lot size Sample size 1 to 30 1 31 to 60 2 61 to 90 3 91 to 300 4 (c) Testing of sample buoyant apparatus from production lots. (d) Strength tests. (1) Drop test. (2) Beam loading test. Note: Because of the lever ratio of the beam loading apparatus described here, the actual loads applied to the apparatus are twice the loads shown in the Table. Table 160.010-7( d Size of buoyant apparatus (persons) Test load (kg (lb.)) Maximum permissible drop (kg (lb.)) 60 2,400 (5,280) 120 (264) 40 1,800 (3,960) 90 (198) 25 1,500 (3,300) 75 (165) 15 1,200 (2,640) 60 (132) 10 900 (1,980) 45 (100) (e) Buoyancy test. (1) Uses the same plastic buoyancy foam used in previous production lots, (2) Determines that the density of each batch of foam used is within a range specified on the approved plans, and (3) Closely controls the amount of foam used in each apparatus. (f) Watertight integrity test. (g) Painter attachment strength test. (h) Stability test. (i) Weight test. (j) Lot acceptance or rejection. [CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.010-8 Nameplate and marking. (a) A substantial nameplate must be permanently attached to each buoyant apparatus. The nameplate must contain the name of the manufacturer, lot designation or serial number, approval number, dimensions, and number of persons capacity. Space must be provided for the date, and the identification of the independent laboratory. (b) The nameplates of buoyant apparatus accepted must be marked with the identification of the independent laboratory and the date. § 160.010-9 Procedure for approval. (a) A buoyant apparatus is approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) The test required for approval are those in § 160.010-7, and must be performed on the first production lot of buoyant apparatus produced by the manufacturer. § 160.010-10 Independent laboratory. (a) The approval and production tests in this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subparts 160.011-160.015 [Reserved] Subpart 160.016—Lamps, Safety, Flame, for Merchant Vessels Source: CGFR 50-12, 15 FR 3093, May 20, 1950, unless otherwise noted. § 160.016-1 Applicable specification. (a) The following specification of the issue in effect on the date flame safety lamps are manufactured forms a part of this subpart: (1) Military specification: MIL-L-1204, Lamps, Safety, Flame. (b) A copy of the above specification shall be kept on file by the manufacturer together with the approved plan and certificate of approval issued by the Coast Guard. § 160.016-2 Requirements. (a) Flame safety lamps for use on merchant vessels shall comply with the construction requirements of Military Specification MIL-L-1204. (b) [Reserved] § 160.016-4 Marking. (a) Flame safety lamps shall be permanently and legibly marked with the name and address of the manufacturer and the type or model designation for the lamp. (b) [Reserved] § 160.016-5 Procedure for approval. (a) General. (b) Pre-approval sample and plan. [CGFR 50-12, 15 FR 3093, May 20, 1950, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] Subpart 160.017—Chain Ladder Source: CGD 74-140, 46 FR 63286, Dec. 31, 1981, unless otherwise noted. § 160.017-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains standards and approval and production tests for chain ladders used on a merchant vessel to get on and off the vessel in an emergency. (b) The requirements in this subpart apply to a chain ladder designed for use along a vertical portion of a vessel's hull. § 160.017-7 Independent laboratory. The approval and production tests in this subpart must be conducted by or under the supervision of an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of this chapter. § 160.017-9 Approval procedure. (a) General. (b) Approval testing. (c) Approval of alternatives. § 160.017-11 Materials. (a) Suspension members. (b) Metal parts. (c) Wooden parts. (d) Wood preservative. (e) Lashing rings. § 160.017-13 Construction. (a) General. (b) Suspension member. (c) Lashing rings. (d) Thimble or wear plate. (e) Steps. (f) Rungs. (1) Each rung must be wooden, or a material of equivalent strength, durability, handhold, and step surface characteristics. (2) In order to provide a suitable handhold and step surface, the width of each rung must be at least 40 mm (1 1/2 1/2 (3) The distance between the rungs in each step must be uniform. This distance must be between 40 mm (1 1/2 1/2 (4) Each rung must be attached to a spacer ear by a method that prevents the rung from rotating and that supports it in a horizontal position when the ladder is hung vertically. (g) Spacer ears. (1) All spacer ears on a ladder must be the same size and shape. (2) The top and bottom of each spacer ear must be attached to a suspension member. (3) The top point of attachment must be at least 100 mm (4 in.) above the top surfaces of the rungs attached to the spacer ear. (4) Each spacer ear made of sheet metal must have features such as formed ribs, rolled flange edges, and stress relief holes at the ends of cuts, to prevent the ear from bending or tearing. (h) Fasteners. (i) Workmanship. § 160.017-15 Performance. (a) Each chain ladder must be capable of being rolled up for storage. (b) Each ladder when rolled up must be able to unroll freely and hang vertically. § 160.017-17 Strength. (a) Each chain ladder must be designed to pass the approval tests in § 160.17-21. (b) [Reserved] § 160.017-21 Approval tests. (a) General. (b) Visual examination. (c) The following approval tests must be conducted: (1) Strength test #1. (2) Strength test #2. (3) Strength test #3. § 160.017-25 Marking. (a) Each chain ladder step manufactured under Coast Guard approval must be branded or otherwise permanently and legibly marked on the bottom with— (1) The name of the manufacturer; (2) The manufacturer's brand or model designation; (3) The lot number and date of manufacture; and (4) The Coast Guard approval number. (b) [Reserved] § 160.017-27 Production tests and examination. (a) General. (b) Test #1: Steps. (c) Test #2: Ladders. (d) Independent laboratory. (e) Visual examination. Subpart 160.021—Hand Red Flare Distress Signals Source: CGD 76-048a and 76-048b, 44 FR 73060, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.021-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following is incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) “The Universal Color Language” and “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, (b) NBS Special Publication 440 may be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10:440). (c) Approval to incorporate by reference the publication listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1, 1979. The publication is on file at the Federal Register Library. § 160.021-2 Type. (a) Hand red flare distress signals specified by this subpart shall be of one type which shall consist essentially of a wooden handle to which is attached a tubular casing having a sealing plug at the handle end, the casing being filled with a flare composition and having a button of ignition material at the top, with a removable cap having a friction striking material on its top which may be exposed for use by pulling a tear strip. The flare is ignited by scraping the friction striker on top of the cap against the igniter button on top of the flare. The general arrangement of the flare is shown by Figure No. 160.021-2(a). Alternate arrangements which conform to all the performance requirements of this specification (and other arrangements which conform with all performance requirements except candlepower and burning time, but provide not less than 3,000 candela-minutes with a minimum of 1/3 (b) [Reserved] § 160.021-3 Materials, workmanship, construction and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction. (d) Performance. § 160.021-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Lot size. (2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational tests. (1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. (2) Test procedure. (i) Conditioning of test specimens—water resistance. (ii) Waterproofing of igniter button. (iii) Ignition and burning characteristics. (iv) Burning time. Table 160.021-4( c Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumulative sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 280 or 8 First 8 ( 2 400 less. Second 16 100 500 Third 24 200 600 Fourth 32 300 700 Fifth 40 500 800 Sixth 48 700 900 Seventh 56 950 951 281 to 13 First 13 0 400 500. Second 26 100 600 Third 39 300 800 Fourth 52 500 1,000 Fifth 65 700 1,100 Sixth 78 1,000 1,200 Seventh 91 1,350 1,351 501 to 20 First 20 0 500 1,200. Second 40 300 800 Third 60 600 1,000 Fourth 80 800 1,300 Fifth 100 1,100 1,500 Sixth 120 1,400 1,700 Seventh 140 1,850 1,851 1,201 to 32 First 32 100 700 3,200. Second 64 400 1,000 Third 96 800 1,300 Fourth 128 1,200 1,700 Fifth 160 1,700 2,000 Sixth 192 2,100 2,300 Seventh 224 2,550 2,551 More 50 First 50 200 900 than Second 100 700 1,400 3,201. Third 150 1,300 1,900 Fourth 200 1,900 2,500 Fifth 250 2,500 2,900 Sixth 300 3,100 3,300 Seventh 350 3,750 3,751 1 2 Table 160.021-4( c Kind of defects Percentage of failure a. Failure to ignite 100 b. Ignites or burns dangerously 50 c. Nonuniform burning intensity 50 d. Chimneys so as to materially obscure the flame 25 e. Fire flashes down between casing and handle so as to endanger burning the hand 50 f. Burning time less than 70 pct of specified time 100 g. Burning time at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct of specified time 75 h. Burning time at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of specified time 50 i. Burning time at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of specified time 25 (d) Technical tests. (1) Underwater burning. (2) Bending strength. (3) Tensile strength. (4) Luminous intensity. (5) Elevated temperature, humidity and storage. (6) Spontaneous ignition. (7) Chromaticity. (8) Heptane ignition. 1/2 (ii) The test must be conducted in a draft-free location. The ambient temperature, the temperature of the water, and the temperature of the heptane must all be between 20 °C (68 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) at the time of the test. (iii) The signal under test must be held with the flame end pointing upward at an angle of approximately 45°, 1.2 m (4 ft.) directly above the center of the pan. The signal must be ignited as soon as the heptane is observed to spread out over the water in continuous layer. The signal must be allowed to burn completely, and must remain in position until it has cooled. (iv) The heptane must not be ignited by the flare or by material from the flare. Caution: [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73060, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 80-021, 45 FR 45280, July 3, 1980; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.021-5 Labeling and marking. (a) Labeling. (Company brand or style designation) Hand Red Flare Distress Signal 500 Candela—2 Minutes Burning Time Use Only When Aircraft or Vessel Is Sighted Directions: Caution: Service Life Expiration Date (Month and year to be inserted by manufacturer) (Month and year manufactured) (Lot No.____). Manufactured by (Name and address of manufacturer). U.S. Coast Guard Approval No.____ (b) Marking of expiration date. (c) Other marking. 1/8 (2) In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box containing hand red flare distress signals, such cartons or boxes shall be plainly and permanently marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot number. (3) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.021-6 Container. (a) General. (b) Watertightness test for containers. (c) Marking of container. 1/2 § 160.021-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.022—Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes) Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73067, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.022-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following are incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, (2) “Development of a Laboratory Test for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Smoke Signals,” National Bureau of Standards Report 4792, July 1956. (b) NBS Special Publication 440 may be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10:440). (c) NBS Report 4792 may be obtained from the Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509. (d) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1 and 29, 1979. The materials are on file in the Federal Register Library. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73067, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 82-063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.022-2 Type. (a) Floating orange smoke distress signals, specified by this subpart shall be of one type which shall consist essentially of an outer container, ballast, an air chamber, an inner container, the smoke producing composition, and an igniter mechanism. Alternate arrangements which conform to the performance requirements of this specification will be given special consideration. (b) [Reserved] § 160.022-3 Materials, workmanship, construction, and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction. (d) Performance. § 160.022-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Lot size. (i) Any change in construction details, (ii) Any change in sources of raw materials, or (iii) The start of production on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line. (2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational tests. (1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. (2) Test Procedure. (i) Conditioning of test specimens—water-resistance. (ii) Smoke emitting time. (iii) Ignition and smoke emitting characteristics. Table 160.022-4( c Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumulative sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 280 or 8 First 8 ( 2 400 less. Second 16 100 500 Third 24 200 600 Fourth 32 300 700 Fifth 40 500 800 Sixth 48 700 900 Seventh 56 950 951 281 to 13 First 13 0 400 500. Second 26 100 600 Third 39 300 800 Fourth 52 500 1,000 Fifth 65 700 1,100 Sixth 78 1,000 1,200 Seventh 91 1,350 1,351 501 to 20 First 20 0 500 1,200. Second 40 300 800 Third 60 600 1,000 Fourth 80 800 1,300 Fifth 100 1,100 1,500 Sixth 120 1,400 1,700 Seventh 140 1,850 1,851 1,201 to 32 First 32 100 700 3,200. Second 64 400 1,000 Third 96 800 1,300 Fourth 128 1,200 1,700 Fifth 160 1,700 2,000 Sixth 192 2,100 2,300 Seventh 224 2,550 2,551 More 50 First 50 200 900 than Second 100 700 1,400 3,201. Third 150 1,300 1,900 Fourth 200 1,900 2,500 Fifth 250 2,500 2,900 Sixth 300 3,100 3,300 Seventh 350 3,750 3,751 1 2 Table 160.022-4( c Kind of defects Percentage of failure a. Failure to ignite 100 b. Ignites or burns dangerously 50 c. Nonuniform smoke emitting rate 50 d. Smoke-emitting time less than 70 pct of specified time 100 e. Smoke-emitting time at least 70 pct but less than 30 pct of specified time 75 f. Smoke-emitting time at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of specified time 50 g. Smoke-emitting time at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of specified time 25 (d) Technical tests. (1) Smoke emission in waves. (2) Underwater smoke emission. (3) Elevated temperature, humidity, and storage. (4) Spontaneous ignition. (5) Susceptibility to explosion. (6) Corrosion resistance. (7) Color of smoke. (8) Volume and density of smoke. 1/2 3 § 160.022-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. 1/8 3/16 1/8 (b) Other markings. 3/16 (2) In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box containing floating orange smoke distress signals, such cartons or boxes shall be plainly and indelibly marked to show the service life expiration date, the month and year of manufacture, and the lot number. (3) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” (c) Marking of expiration date. Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.022-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.023—Hand Combination Flare and Smoke Distress Signals Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73070, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.023-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following are incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) Military specifications MIL-S-18655 C, 3 May 1971—Signal, Smoke and Illumination, Marine, Mark 13, Mod 0. (b) The military specification may be obtained from Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (c) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1, 1979. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73070, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.023-2 Type. (a) Hand combination flare and smoke distress signals specified by this subpart shall be of the type described in specification MIL-S-18655. (b) [Reserved] § 160.023-3 Materials, workmanship, construction, and performance requirements. (a) The materials, construction, workmanship, general and detail requirements shall conform to the requirements of specification MIL-S-18655, except as otherwise specifically provided by this subpart. (b) [Reserved] § 160.023-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (2) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. § 160.023-5 Labeling and marking. (a) Labeling. (b) Marking of expiration date. (c) Other marking. (2) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.023-6 Container. (a) General. (b) [Reserved] § 160.023-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.024—Pistol-Projected Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73071, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.024-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following is incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) “The Universal Color Language” and “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, (b) NBS Special Publication 440 may be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10:440). (c) Approval to incorporate by reference the publication listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1, 1979. The publication is on file at the Federal Register Library. § 160.024-2 Type. (a) Pistol-projected parachute red flare distress signals specified by this subpart shall be of one type which shall consist essentially of a cartridge having centered primer, propelling charge, and projectile consisting of a case, delay element, expelling charge, and pyrotechnic candle attached to a parachute by shroud lines; the cartridge to be of such dimensions that it can be fitted into and fired from a signal pistol with chamber and bore dimensions within the limits provided by Figure 160.028-2(a) of subpart 160.028 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] § 160.024-3 Materials, workmanship, construction, and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction. (d) Performance. § 160.024-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Lot size. (2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational tests. (1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. (2) Test procedure. (i) Conditioning of test specimens—water resistance. (ii) Firing and operating characteristics. (iii) Altitude. (iv) Rate of descent. (v) Burning time. Table 160.024-4( c Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumulative sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 280 or 8 First 8 ( 2 400 less. Second 16 100 500 Third 24 200 600 Fourth 32 300 700 Fifth 40 500 800 Sixth 48 700 900 Seventh 56 950 951 281 to 13 First 13 0 400 500. Second 26 100 600 Third 39 300 800 Fourth 52 500 1,000 Fifth 65 700 1,100 Sixth 78 1,000 1,200 Seventh 91 1,350 1,351 501 to 20 First 20 0 500 1,200. Second 40 300 800 Third 60 600 1,000 Fourth 80 800 1,300 Fifth 100 1,100 1,500 Sixth 120 1,400 1,700 Seventh 140 1,850 1,851 1,201 to 32 First 32 100 700 3,200. Second 64 400 1,000 Third 96 800 1,300 Fourth 128 1,200 1,700 Fifth 160 1,700 2,000 Sixth 192 2,100 2,300 Seventh 224 2,550 2,551 More 50 First 50 200 900 than Second 100 700 1,400 3,201. Third 150 1,300 1,900 Fourth 200 1,900 2,500 Fifth 250 2,500 2,900 Sixth 300 3,100 3,300 Seventh 350 3,750 3,751 1 2 Table 160.024-4( c Kind of defect Percentage of failure a. Failure to fire (when attributable to the primer and not to the malfunction of the pistol) 100 b. Failure to eject projectile contents 100 c. Failure to ignite pyrotechnic candle 75 d. Failure of parachute to open completely 75 e. Complete carrying away or destruction of parachute 75 f. Altitude less than 70 pct of that required 100 g. Altitude at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct of that required 75 h. Altitude at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of that required 50 i. Altitude at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of that required 25 j. Average rate of descent greater than 4 times maximum permitted 100 k. Average rate of descent less than 4 but greater than 3 times maximum permitted 75 l. Average rate of descent less than 3 but greater than 2 times maximum permitted 50 m. Average rate of descent less than twice but greater than maximum permitted 25 n. Burning time less than 70 pct of that required 100 o. Burning time at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct of that required 75 p. Burning time at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of that required 50 q. Burning time at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of that required 25 (d) Technical tests. (1) Luminous intensity. (2) Elevated temperature, humidity, and storage. (3) Spontaneous ignition. (4) Chromaticity. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73071, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2014-0668, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.024-5 Marking. (a) Cartridge. Pistol-Projected Parachute Red Flare Distress Signal 20,000 candela—30 seconds burning time use only when aircraft or vessel is sighted directions Service Life Expiration Date (date to be inserted by manufacturer) (Month and year manufactured) Lot No.______ Manufactured by (Name and address of manufacturer) U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVAL NO.______. (b) Marking of expiration date. (c) Other marking. 1/8 (2) The pyrotechnic candle shall be legibly marked with the month and year of manufacture. (3) In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box containing cartridges, each carton or box shall be plainly and permanently marked to show the service life expiration date, the date of manufacture, and the lot number. (4) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.024-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.026 [Reserved] Subpart 160.027—Life Floats for Merchant Vessels Source: CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41376, Sept. 20, 1982, unless otherwise noted. § 160.027-2 Type. (a) Each life float must meet the requirements in subpart 160.010 of this chapter for a peripheral body type buoyant apparatus designed so that persons supported are only partially immersed (180 N (40 lb.) of buoyancy per person required). (b) [Reserved] § 160.027-3 Additional requirements for life floats. (a) Each life float must have a platform designed to drop through the center of the float, whichever way the life float is floating. A typical arrangement is shown in Figure 160.027-3(a). (b) The platform must meet the requirements of one of the following paragraphs: (1) A lattice type platform must be of western red cedar, port orford cedar, sitka spruce, northern white pine, or southern cypress slats constructed on an oak frame. The slats must have nominal cross-section dimensions not less than 90 mm (3 5/8 3/8 1/2 (i) Frame members, (ii) Slats, and (iii) Frame members and slats. (2) A plywood platform must be made of exterior or marine type plywood with surfaces that are either “A” or “B” grade as commonly designated in the plywood industry. Holes 35 mm (1 3/8 (i) 12.5 mm ( 1/2 (ii) 16 mm ( 5/8 (iii) 19 mm ( 3/4 (3) A platform of construction differing from that described in either (1) or (2) of this paragraph will be approved if it has holes to permit the passage of water and if it passes the tests in § 160.027-7. The number of holes must be the same as required for a plywood platform. If the platform is netting on a frame, the netting must be constructed of cordage with a breaking strength of at least 1600 N (355 lb.). The netting must be constructed on not more than 5 cm (2 in.) centers and must be knotted together at each point where the lines intersect. (c) Each platform must be of a material that is resistant to deterioration by exposure to weather or must have a surface that protects it from deterioration by exposure to weather. For a wood platform, this surface must be at least two coats of water resistant spar varnish, or two coats of marine paint. (d) Each part of the platform, including surfaces, edges, and rivets must be smooth and must not have cutting edges, points, or splinters which would be dangerous for bare feet. (e) The platform must be arranged so that under normal stowed conditions, it can be retained in the center of the float and can be readily released from this position for use. (f) The platform must be suspended from the body of the float by a net or an equivalent arrangement, which when fully extended, holds the top of the platform approximately 900 mm (36 in.) below the center of the float body. (1) The net must be constructed of cordage with a minimum breaking strength of 1600 N (355 lb.). The net must be attached to the platform through holes on centers that do not exceed 165 mm (6 1/2 (2) If the platform is suspended from the body of the float by an arrangement other than a net as described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the arrangement must be of equivalent to the net in terms of strength, resistance to tangling, and allowing the platform to freely pass through the center of the life float body. § 160.027-7 Pre-approval tests for alternate platform designs. (a) The tests in this section are for life float platforms that do not meet the requirements of either § 160.027-3(b) (1) or (2). (b) The float body must be supported so that the platform is suspended in the air by the net or equivalent supporting arrangement. The platform must be loaded evenly with a weight equal to 60 percent of the weight of the total number of persons for which the float is to be rated, assuming a weight of 75 kg (165 lb.) per person. The weight must be allowed to remain on the platform for ten minutes after which it is removed. The supporting arrangement and platform must not show any evidence of damage or permanent deformation as a result of this test. (c) The float body must be supported so that the platform is suspended in the air by the net or equivalent supporting arrangement. A bag of sand, shot or similar granular material weighing 90 kg (200 lb.) must be dropped onto the center of the platform from a height of 3 m (10 ft.). The supporting arrangement and platform must not show any damage that would affect the serviceability of the float or platform. (d) As part of the buoyancy test required in § 160.010-7(e) of this chapter, the platform must be loaded with weights equal to 1/2 Note: Since the weights on the platform will be submerged during this test, allowance must be made for the displacement of the submerged weights. The weight required is calculated by the formula W = (18d)/(d-4895), where W is the required submerged weight per person (in kg) and d is the density of the material (in kg/m 3 3 Subpart 160.028—Signal Pistols for Red Flare Distress Signals Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73078, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.028-2 Type. (a) Each signal pistol for launching a parachute distress signal that meets subpart 160.024 of this part must be of the center-firing type having chamber and bore dimensions within the limits indicated by Figure No. 160.028-2(a). (b) A signal pistol for launching an aerial flare not under paragraph (a) of this section may have any chamber and bore dimensions if they are not the dimensions for a conventional round of ammunition. § 160.028-3 Materials, workmanship, construction, and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction and performance requirements. (Pistols intended for signals meeting Subpart 160.024). § 160.028-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval test. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (2) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational test. (1) Check the chamber and bore dimensions of the pistol. (2) Fire a dummy cartridge simulating a normal signal in size and weight, but with a charge double the normal charge. (3) Fire a normal signal. (4) Recheck the chamber and bore dimensions. (5) The pistol must fire the signal properly, must not have any visible deformation or damage as a result of the test, and must not have any change in the chamber and bore dimensions. § 160.028-5 Marking. (a) General. (b) [Reserved] § 160.028-6 Container. (a) General. (b) [Reserved] § 160.028-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.031—Line-Throwing Appliance, Shoulder Gun Type (and Equipment) Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73080, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.031-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following Federal specification is incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) T-R-605 b, December 13, 1963 and Amendment 3, April 17, 1973—Rope, Manila, and Sisal. (b) The Federal specification may be obtained from Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (c) Approval to incorporate by reference the material listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on September 24, 1979. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73080, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.031-2 Type and size. (a) The shoulder gun type line-throwing appliance shall be breech-loading for the cartridge and muzzle-loading for the projectile, of not more than 13 mm (0.50 in.) caliber, chambered for blank rifle cartridges, smooth bored, and properly stocked, with shot line canister attached in a position below the barrel. (b) [Reserved] § 160.031-3 Materials, construction, workmanship, and performance requirements. (a) All materials used in the construction of shoulder gun type line-throwing appliances and equipment shall be of good quality, suitable for the purpose intended, and shall conform to the requirements of this specification. The choice of materials shall be such that resistance to corrosion by salt water or spray, shock, temperature change, and wear will be obtained. The use of dissimilar metals in combination shall be avoided wherever possible, but when such contacts are necessary, provision shall be made to prevent such deleterious effects as galvanic corrosion, freezing or buckling of moving parts, and loosening or tightening of joints due to difference in coefficients of thermal expansion. (b) The design and construction shall be proper and substantial for effective and safe operation aboard ship. (c) The workmanship shall be first class and free from any imperfections of manufacture affecting appearance or serviceability of the gun. (d) The gun, when loaded and fired in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, shall be capable of propelling through relatively still air, the service projectile with service line attached, for a distance of not less than 75 m (250 ft.) with deviation from the target not to exceed 4.5 m (15 ft.) either side. § 160.031-4 Equipment for shoulder gun type line-throwing appliance. (a) Ten service projectiles, each machined from steel or bronze, weighing about 225 g (8 oz.), and having a shank of sufficient length to project slightly beyond the muzzle, with an eye at the upper end for securing the service line. (b) Four service lines, each not less than 180 m (600 ft.) in length, of 1.5 mm ( 1/16 (c) One auxiliary line consisting of at least 150 m (500 ft.) of 7.5 mm (3 in.) circumference manila complying with federal specification T-R-605. (d) Twenty-five cartridges of the caliber and loading specified in the instructions furnished by the manufacturer of the gun. The cartridges shall be blank with waterproof paper wad. (e) One cleaning rod with brush. (f) One can of oil suitable for cleaning the gun and preserving the finish of the metal parts. (g) Twelve wiping patches of a size suitable for cleaning the bore. (h) One set of instructions including a list of the equipment furnished with the gun, the proper caliber and loading of the cartridges to be used in firing the gun, information as to the proper maintenance of the gun and equipment, and directions for loading and firing in service use shall be permanently engraved in plastic and mounted conspicuously in the case or box required by § 160.031-4(i). (i) A suitable case or box, properly compartmented for stowage of the appliance and auxiliary equipment, is required for stowage on merchant vessels. The auxiliary line need not be stowed in the case. § 160.031-5 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval test. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (2) Inspections and test by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational test. (1) Three rounds must be fired by the gun, at least one of which must be with a service line attached to a projectile. (2) The projectile must be fired first by aiming it down an open course, and measuring the distance and deviation of the projectile. (3) After the projectile is fired, the other two rounds must be fired. (4) The distance and deviation of the projectile must be in accordance with § 160.031-3(d) the gun must fire each round properly and the gun must not be fractured or damaged by the test. § 160.031-6 Marking. (a) Gun. (b) Projectile. (c) Line and container. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73080, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.031-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Shoulder gun line throwing appliances are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.032-035 [Reserved] Subpart 160.036—Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73081, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.036-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following is incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) “The Universal Color Language” and “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, (b) NBS Special Publication 440 may be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10:440). (c) Approval to incorporate by reference the material listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1, 1979. The material is on file in the Federal Register library. § 160.036-2 Type. (a) Handheld rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signals specified by this subpart shall be of one type which shall consist essentially of a completely self-contained device which can be fired from the hand to provide a rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signal. (b) [Reserved] § 160.036-3 Materials, workmanship, construction and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction. (d) Performance. § 160.036-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Lot size. (i) Any change in construction details, (ii) Any changes in sources of raw materials, or (iii) The start of production on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line. (2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (3) Inspections and test by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational tests. (1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. (2) Test procedure. (i) Conditioning of test specimens—water resistant. (ii) Firing and operating characteristics. (iii) Altitude. (iv) Rate of descent. (v) Burning time. Table 160.036-4( c Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumulative sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 280 or 8 First 8 ( 2 400 less. Second 16 100 500 Third 24 200 600 Fourth 32 300 700 Fifth 40 500 800 Sixth 48 700 900 Seventh 56 950 951 281 to 13 First 13 0 400 500. Second 26 100 600 Third 39 300 800 Fourth 52 500 1,000 Fifth 65 700 1,100 Sixth 78 1,000 1,200 Seventh 91 1,350 1,351 501 to 20 First 20 0 500 1,200. Second 40 300 800 Third 60 600 1,000 Fourth 80 800 1,300 Fifth 100 1,100 1,500 Sixth 120 1,400 1,700 Seventh 140 1,850 1,851 1,201 to 32 First 32 100 700 3,200. Second 64 400 1,000 Third 96 800 1,300 Fourth 128 1,200 1,700 Fifth 160 1,700 2,000 Sixth 192 2,100 2,300 Seventh 224 2,550 2,551 More 50 First 50 200 900 than Second 100 700 1,400 3,201. Third 150 1,300 1,900 Fourth 200 1,900 2,500 Fifth 250 2,500 2,900 Sixth 300 3,100 3,300 Seventh 350 3,750 3,751 1 2 Table 160.036-4( c Kind of defect Percentage of failure a. Failure to fire 100 b. Failure to eject projectile contents 100 c. Failure to ignite pyrotechnic candle 100 d. Failure of parachute to open completely 75 e. Complete carrying away or destruction of parachute 75 f. Altitude less than 70 pct of that required 100 g. Altitude less than 70 pct but less than 80 pct of that required 75 h. Altitude at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of that required 50 i. Altitude at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of that required 25 j. Average rate of descent greater than four times maximum permitted 100 k. Average rate of descent less than 4 but greater than 3 times maximum permitted 75 l. Average rate of descent less than 3 but greater than 2 times maximum permitted 50 m. Average rate of descent less than twice but greater than maximum permitted 25 n. Burning time less than 70 pct of that required 100 o. Burning time at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct of that required 75 p. Burning time at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of that required 50 q. Burning time at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of that required 25 (d) Technical tests. (1) Luminous intensity. (2) Elevated temperature, humidity, and storage. (3) Spontaneous ignition. (4) Chromaticity. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73081, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.036-5 Marking. (a) General. (Company brand or style designation) Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signal Use Only When Aircraft or Vessel Is Sighted. Directions (b) Marking of expiration date. (c) Other marking. 1/8 (2) The pyrotechnic candle shall be legibly marked with the month and year of manufacture. (3) In addition to any other marking place on the smallest packing carton or box containing signals, each carton or box shall be plainly and permanently marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot number. (4) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.036-6 Container. (a) General. Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals (b) [Reserved] § 160.036-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.037—Hand Orange Smoke Distress Signals Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73085, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.037-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following are incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, (2) “Development of a Laboratory Test for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Smoke Signals,” National Bureau of Standards Report 4792, July 1956. (b) NBS Special Publication 440 may be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10:440). (c) NBS Report 4792 may be obtained from Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509. (d) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1 and 29, 1979. The materials are on file in the Federal Register library. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73085, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 82-063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.037-2 Type. (a) Hand orange smoke distress signals specified by this subpart shall be one type which shall consist essentially of a wooden handle to which is attached a tubular casing having a sealing plug at the handle end, the casing being filled with a smoke producing composition and fuse with button of ignition material at the top, and a removable cap having a friction striking material on its top which may be exposed for use by pulling a tear strip. The signal is ignited by scraping the friction striker on top of the cap against the igniter button on top of the body of the signal. Alternate arrangements which conform to the performance requirements of this specification will be given special consideration. (b) [Reserved] § 160.037-3 Materials, workmanship, construction, and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction. (d) Performance. § 160.037-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Lot size. (i) Any change in construction details, (ii) Any change in sources of raw materials, or (iii) The start of production on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line. (2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational tests. (1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. (2) Test procedure. (i) Conditioning of test specimens—water resistance. (ii) Waterproofing of igniter button. (iii) Smoke emitting time. (iv) Ignition and smoke emitting characteristics. Table 160.037-4( c Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumula- tive sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 280 or 8 First 8 ( 2 400 less. Second 16 100 500 Third 24 200 600 Fourth 32 300 700 Fifth 40 500 800 Sixth 48 700 900 Seventh 56 950 951 281 to 13 First 13 0 400 500. Second 26 100 600 Third 39 300 800 Fourth 52 500 1,000 Fifth 65 700 1,100 Sixth 78 1,000 1,200 Seventh 91 1,350 1,351 501 to 20 First 20 0 500 1,200. Second 40 300 800 Third 60 600 1,000 Fourth 80 800 1,300 Fifth 100 1,100 1,500 Sixth 120 1,400 1,700 Seventh 140 1,850 1,851 1,201 to 32 First 32 100 700 3,200. Second 64 400 1,000 Third 96 800 1,300 Fourth 128 1,200 1,700 Fifth 160 1,700 2,000 Sixth 192 2,100 2,300 Seventh 224 2,550 2,551 More 50 First 50 200 900 than Second 100 700 1,400 3,201. Third 150 1,300 1,900 Fourth 200 1,900 2,500 Fifth 250 2,500 2,900 Sixth 300 3,100 3,300 Seventh 350 3,750 3,751 1 2 Table 160.037-4( c Kind of defects Percentage of failure a. Failure to ignite 100 b. Ignites or burns dangerously 50 c. Non-uniform smoke-emitting rate 50 d. Smoke-emitting time less than 70 pct of specified time. 100 e. Smoke-emitting time at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct of specified time. 75 f. Smoke-emitting time at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct of specified time. 50 g. Smoke-emitting time at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct of specified time. 25 (d) Technical tests. (1) Underwater smoke emission. (2) Bending strength. 1/4 (3) Tensile strength. 1/2 (4) Elevated temperature, humidity and storage. (5) Spontaneous ignition. (6) Susceptibility to explosion. (7) Color of smoke. (8) Volume and density of smoke. 1/2 3 § 160.037-5 Labeling and marking. (a) Labeling. (Company brand or style designation) Hand Orange Smoke Distress Signal For daytime use—50 seconds burning time Use Only When Aircraft or Vessel is Sighted Directions: Caution: Service Life Expiration Date (Month and year to be inserted by manufacturer) (Month and year manufactured) (Lot No. ____). Manufactured by (Name and address of manufacturer). U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. ____. (b) Marking of expiration date. (c) Other marking. 1/8 (2) In addition to any other marking place on the smallest packing carton or box containing hand orange smoke distress signals such cartons or boxes shall be plainly and permanently marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot number. (3) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.037-6 Container. (a) General. (b) [Reserved] § 160.037-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.038—Magazine Chests, Portable, for Merchant Vessels Source: CGFR 49-43, 15 FR 122 Jan. 11, 1950, unless otherwise noted. § 160.038-1 Applicable specifications. (a) There are no other specifications applicable to this subpart. (b) [Reserved] § 160.038-2 Type. (a) Portable magazine chests shall be of a type suitable for stowage of pyrotechnic distress signals, rockets, or powder for line-throwing guns, and shall be of a size not less than 6 nor more than 40 cubic feet capacity. Alternate types of construction to that specified below will be given special consideration. (b) [Reserved] § 160.038-3 Materials, workmanship, and construction. (a) Portable magazine chests shall be constructed of metal and lined with wood. (b) The lining shall be so fitted and finished as to form a smooth surface within the interior of the chest. Fastenings shall be recessed below the surface to avoid projections within the interior. Construction shall be such as to separate all containers of explosives or pyrotechnics from contact with metal surfaces. (c) The metal shall be 1/8 3/4 3/8 § 160.038-4 Inspections and tests. (a) Portable magazine chests specified by this subpart are not ordinarily subject to regularly s scheduled factory inspections. (b) [Reserved] § 160.038-5 Marking. (a) Portable magazine chests used for the stowage of pyrotechnic signals, rockets, and powder for line-throwing guns shall be marked, in letters at least 3 inches high, with the following legend: “Portable Magazine Chest, Inflammable—Keep Lights and Fire Away.” (b) [Reserved] § 160.038-6 Procedure for approval. (a) Portable magazine chests are not subject to formal approval, but will be accepted by the inspector on the basis of this subpart at annual inspections and reinspections of vessels. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.039 [Reserved] Subpart 160.040—Line-Throwing Appliance, Impulse-Projected Rocket Type (and Equipment) Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73089, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.040-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following military specifications are incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) MIL-R-23139 B, 16 August 1965—Rocket Motors, Surface Launched, Development and Qualification Requirements for. (2) MIL-R-45505 A, 2 April 1971—Line Throwing Apparatuses, Rocket and Projectile Units. (b) The military specifications may be obtained from Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (c) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on September 24, 1979. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73089, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60156, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.040-2 Type and size. (a) Impulse-projected rocket type line-throwing appliances required by this subpart shall be of a type consisting essentially of a pistol or launcher, which can be hand held and hand directed, or suitably supported and hand directed. (b) Impulse-projected rocket type line-throwing appliances shall weigh (complete with one rocket, bridle, and leader) not to exceed 16 kg (35 lb.) and shall be of a size easily manageable by one person. (c) Alternate arrangements which meet the performance requirements of this subpart will be given special consideration. Line-throwing appliances meeting the requirements of MIL-L-45505 Type I will be considered as meeting the requirements of this subpart subject to approval of the Commandant. § 160.040-3 Materials, construction, workmanship, and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Construction. (c) Workmanship. (d) Performance. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73089, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.040-4 Equipment for impulse-projected rocket type line-throwing appliance. (a) Four rocket projectiles, each complete with bridle and leader of fire-resistant materials. Two of the projectiles shall be of the buoyant type. (b) Not less than 4 primer-ejector cartridges which fit the chamber of the pistol, gun, or launcher. (c) Four service lines, each 4 mm ( 5/32 (d) [Reserved] (e) One cleaning rod with wire brush of non-ferrous metal, prongs arranged in a spiral of sufficient rigidity and size to clean the bore. (f) One can of oil suitable for cleaning and preserving the appliance. (g) Twelve flannel wiping patches of sufficient size to cover the brush and suitable for wiping the bore clean. (h) One set of instructions including a list of the equipment furnished with the appliance, information as to the proper maintenance of the appliance and equipment, and directions for loading and firing the appliance in service use shall be permanently engraved in plastic and mounted conspicuously in the case or box required by paragraph (i) of this section. (i) A suitable case or box, properly compartmented for stowage of the appliance and auxiliary equipment, is required for stowage on merchant vessels. The service line and auxiliary line need not be stowed in the case. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73089, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.040-5 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (2) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Performance tests Appliances. (2) Rockets. (3) Primer-ejector cartridges. § 160.040-6 Marking and labeling. (a) The appliance shall be permanently and legibly marked by die-stamping or raised letters with the model designation of the appliance, the manufacturer's serial number for the appliance, the official Coast Guard approval number, and the name of the manufacturer. The rocket-projectiles shall be legibly marked with the name of the manufacturer, the model designation, the official Coast Guard approval number, and month and year manufactured. Primer-ejector cartridges shall be permanently and legibly marked with the name of the manufacturer, and the model designation, the official Coast Guard approval number, and the month and year manufactured. (b) The containers of new service lines shall bear the name of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, and a statement to the effect that in all respects the line meets the requirements of this subpart for service lines. Line faking boxes and reels shall bear the name of the manufacturer. Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.040-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Rocket type line-throwing appliances are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.041 [Reserved] Subpart 160.042—Skids, Liferaft, for Merchant Vessels Source: CGFR 50-12, 15 FR 3095, May 20, 1950, unless otherwise noted. § 160.042-1 Applicable specification. (a) The following specification, of the issue in effect on the date life raft skids are manufactured, forms a part of this subpart: (1) Coast Guard specification: 160.018, Life Rafts. (b) [Reserved] § 160.042-2 General requirements. (a) The requirements of this subpart provide for a standard life raft skid for use on ocean and coastwise vessels in conjunction with the stowage of Type A rafts which may be used on such vessels. (b) Life raft skids shall be constructed and arranged so as to properly support a Type A life raft in the stowed position and permit the launching of the life raft directly into the water without the application of any force other than that necessary to release the gripping arrangement and operate the release mechanism. (c) Arrangements other than those specified by this subpart will be given special consideration. § 160.042-3 Construction. (a) The trackways of the skids shall be constructed of 6″ × 3 1/2 1/2 1/2 1/2 (b) The lower end of the life raft shall be supported by a base plate so arranged as to permit launching of the raft by a quick release assembly. (c) All bearing surfaces of the quick release mechanism shall be constructed of non-corrosive metal. Alemite fittings shall be provided to insure positive lubrication of all bearing surfaces. § 160.042-4 Inspection. (a) Life raft skids covered by this subpart are not subject to inspection at the place of manufacture, but are inspected on the basis of this specification during the annual or other inspection of the vessel upon which they are placed. (b) [Reserved] § 160.042-5 Procedure for approval. (a) Life raft skids are not subject to formal approval by the Commandant, but for each merchant vessel on which Type A life rafts are to be installed, plans showing the construction and arrangement of the life raft stowage and launching device on the vessel are required to be submitted for approval to the Commandant through the Commander of the Coast Guard District prior to the actual installation. Life raft skids should comply with the requirements of this specification in order to be acceptable for use in such installations. (b) Correspondence pertaining to the subject matter of this specification should be addressed to the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the skids are to be installed. Subparts 160.043-160.044 [Reserved] Subpart 160.045—Recreational Throwable PFDs Source: USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97388, Dec. 6, 2024, unless otherwise noted. § 160.045-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards for approval of throwable PFDs for use on recreational vessels, as well as requirements for production follow-up inspections, associated manuals, information pamphlets or placards, and markings. (b) Throwable PFDs approved under this subpart may rely entirely on inherently buoyant material, or rely entirely or partially upon inflation to achieve the minimum buoyancy. (c) Throwable PFDs approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for uninspected commercial vessels under 40 ft (12 m) not carrying passengers for hire and recreational boats, in accordance with 33 CFR part 175. § 160.045-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected]. First quality workmanship Recognized laboratory § 160.045-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected]. www.ul.com. (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.045-15(e). (b) ANSI/UL 1123, Standard for Safety Marine Buoyant Devices, Seventh Edition, October 1, 2008 (including revisions through November 23, 2020); IBR approved for §§ 160.045-7(e); 160.045-13(d). (c) ANSI/UL 1175, Standard for Safety Buoyant Cushions, Fourth Edition, April 20, 2007 (including revisions through January 10, 2020); IBR approved for §§ 160.045-7(e); 160.045-13(d). § 160.045-7 Design, construction, and performance of throwable PFDs. (a) General. (b) Designs and constructions. (c) Materials. (d) Standard construction. (e) Nonstandard construction. (f) Buoyancy. 1/2 (2) Foam cushions must have 18 pounds or more of buoyancy. (3) A device other than those standard devices specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (2) of this section must have 20 pounds or more of buoyancy. (g) Workmanship. § 160.045-9 Approval procedures for throwable PFDs. (a) Each application for approval of a throwable PFD must be submitted directly to a Coast Guard recognized laboratory. (b) The recognized laboratory must determine if a throwable PFD with novel design features requires a preliminary review by the Coast Guard prior to testing. Submissions requiring preliminary review must be sent to [email protected] § 160.045-11 Recognized laboratory. (a) The approval inspections and tests required by § 160.045-13, and production inspections, tests, and quality control required by § 160.045-15, must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR subpart 159.010 to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at: https://cgmix.uscg.mil (b) The same laboratory that performs the approval tests must also perform production oversight unless the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing, as determined by the Commandant. § 160.045-13 Approval inspections and tests. (a) Each throwable PFD must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of this subpart. Approval tests must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval. (b) Each throwable PFD design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart. (c) Standard PFDs must be submerged in fresh water for 24 or more continuous hours. The measured buoyancy after the 24 hours of submersion must be the buoyancy specified in § 160.045-7(f). (d) Non-standard throwable PFDs must be subjected to approval tests specified in ANSI/UL 1123 or ANSI/UL 1175 (both incorporated by reference, see § 160.045-5) or another test program accepted by the Commandant. Approval tests must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using throwable PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval. (e) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs. § 160.045-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control of throwable PFDs. (a) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. (b) Laboratory inspections and tests. (c) Test facilities. (d) Additional tests, etc. (e) Follow-up program. § 160.045-17 Marking and Labeling. (a) Each throwable PFD must be marked in accordance with the recognized laboratory's listing and labeling requirements in accordance with § 160.045-3(a). At a minimum, all labels must include— (1) Size information, as appropriate; (2) The Coast Guard approval number; (3) Manufacturer's contact information; (4) Model name/number; (5) Lot number, manufacturer date; and (6) Any limitations or restrictions on approval or special instructions for use. (b) Marking must be of a type that will be durable and legible for the expected life of the device. (c) The Commandant may prescribe additional marking requirements for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. § 160.045-21 PFD manuals. (a) An owner's manual must be provided with each fully or partially inflatable throwable PFD sold or offered for sale. The text of each manual is reviewed with the application for approval. (b) The Commandant may prescribe additional information in the manual for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. (c) Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included in the owner's manual if there is no contradiction to the required information. § 160.045-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized laboratory for approval before changing throwable PFD production methods. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials may be made only by the Commandant or a designated representative. § 160.045-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval of a throwable PFD if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. Subpart 160.046—Emergency Provisions Source: USCG-2020-0107, 87 FR 68304, Nov. 14, 2022, unless otherwise noted. § 160.046-1 Scope. This subpart applies to emergency provisions approved to be carried in lifeboats and liferafts, in accordance with 46 CFR 199.175(b)(22). § 160.046-3 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; email: [email protected]; www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected]; www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland; phone: +41 22 749 01 11; email: [email protected]; www.iso.org. (1) ISO 18813:2006(E), Ships and marine technology—Survival equipment for survival craft and rescue boats, First edition, April 1, 2006; IBR approved for §§ 160.046-5; 160.046-7; 160.046-11. (2) [Reserved] § 160.046-5 General requirements for emergency provisions. Emergency provisions must meet the requirements found in ISO 18813:2006(E) paragraph 4.31 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.046-3). § 160.046-7 Independent laboratory. Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010, must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by ISO 18813:2006(E) paragraph 4.31 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.046-3). Approval and production tests of emergency provisions must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspections in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007, and in this section unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. § 160.046-9 Manufacturer certification and labeling. (a) Each provision must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with the requirements of this subpart. (b) The container should be clearly and permanently marked with: (1) The name and address of the approval holder; (2) The U.S. Coast Guard Approval number; (3) The total food energy value of provisions in the container in calories and kiloJoules; (4) The lot number; (5) The month and year the provision was packed; and (6) The month and year of expiration (5 years after the date of packing). (c) The emergency provision must include waterproof instructions for use, assuming consumption of 3350 kiloJoules per person per day. § 160.046-11 Manufacturer notification. (a) Each manufacturer of emergency provisions approved in accordance with the specifications of this subpart must send a test report required by ISO 18813:2006(E) paragraph 4.31.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.046-3) to the Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509 or email [email protected]: (1) With the application for approval; (2) Every year as long as the manufacturer continues to produce provisions; and (3) Each time the contents of the emergency provisions change. (b) [Reserved] Subparts 160.047-160.048 [Reserved] Subpart 160.049—Specification for a Buoyant Cushion Plastic Foam § 160.049-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) Specifications and Standards. (1) Federal Specifications: CCC-C-700G-Cloth, Coated, Vinyl, Coated (Artificial Leather). CCC-C-426D-Cloth, Cotton Drill. (2) Federal standard: No. 751—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings. (3) Coast Guard specifications: 160.055—Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child. 164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular, Buoyant, Sheet and Molded Shapes. (4) Military specifications. MIL-C-43006—Cloth, Laminated, Vinyl-Nylon, High Strength, Flexible. (b) Plan. (1) Coast Guard Dwg. No. 160.049-1. (c) Copies on file. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19964, Dec. 30, 1970; CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988; USCG-1999-6216, 64 FR 53228, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60157, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.049-2 Types and sizes. (a) Type. (b) Sizes. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998] § 160.049-3 Materials. (a) General. (b) Unicellular plastic foam. (c) Cover. (1) Cotton fabrics. (2) Coated upholstery cloth. (3) Vinyl-dip. (4) Adhesive. (5) Reinforcing fabric. (d) Grab Straps. (e) Thread. (f) Welting. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19964, Dec. 30, 1970; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 84-068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993] § 160.049-4 Construction and workmanship. (a) General. (b) Cover. (c) Buoyant material. (1) Molded in one piece; or (2) Built up from sheet material if it is formed from: (i) Three pieces or less in each layer, cemented together with an all-purpose vinyl adhesive such as or equivalent to U.S. Rubber No. M-6256 or Minnesota Mining No. EC-870 and No. EC-1070; (ii) Three layers or less that may be cemented; and (iii) Staggered butts and seams of adjacent layers. (d) Grab Straps. (e) Seams and stitching. 3/8 (f) Workmanship. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28, 1973] § 160.049-5 Inspections and tests. 1 1 (a) General. (b) Lot size and sampling. Table 160.049-5( b Lot size Number of cushions in sample 200 and under 1 201 to 400 2 401 to 600 3 601 to 1,000 4 (c) Additional tests. (d) Test facilities. (e) Buoyancy Buoyancy test method. (i) Weigh the empty wire basket under water. (ii) Place the cushion inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of the basket is at least 2 inches below the surface of the water for 24 hours. The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. It is important that after the cushion has once been submerged that it shall remain submerged for the duration of the test, and at no time during the course of the test shall it be removed from the tank or otherwise exposed to air. (iii) After the 24-hour submergence period unlock or unseal the tank and weigh the weighted wire basket with the cushion inside while both are still under water. (iv) The buoyancy is computed as (i) minus (iii). (2) Buoyancy required. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11587, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19964, Dec. 30, 1970; CGD 75-008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978] § 160.049-6 Marking. (a) Each buoyant cushion must have the following information clearly marked in waterproof lettering: (1) In letters that can be read at a distance of 2 feet: Type IV Personal Flotation Device. Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. (Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of 20 lb. Dry out thoroughly when wet. Approved for use on recreational boats only as a throwable device. U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.049/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.). (Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.). (Lot No.). (Size; width, thickness, and length, including both top and bottom for trapezoidal cushions.). (2) In letters that are distinctively set off or larger than all other marking, and are at least one-fourth of an inch in height: WARNING: DO NOT WEAR ON BACK (b) Waterproofness of marking. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19964, Dec. 30, 1970; CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 75-008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; CGD 92-045, 58 FR 41608, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30, 1997] § 160.049-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Group approval. (b) Special approvals. (c) A buoyant cushion is approved when it bears the compliance label of the recognized laboratory. [CGFR 70-143, 35 FR 19964, Dec. 30, 1970, as amended by CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 93-055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996] § 160.049-8 Recognized laboratory. (a) A manufacturer seeking Coast Guard approval of a product under this subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are recognized under § 159.010-7 of this part, to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart: Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3995, (919) 549-1400. (b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that performs the approval tests unless, as determined by the Commandant, the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing. [CGD 93-055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996] Subpart 160.050—Specification for a Buoy, Life Ring, Unicellular Plastic § 160.050-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) Standard. (b) Copies on file. [USCG-1999-6216, 64 FR 53228, Oct. 1, 1999] § 160.050-2 Types and sizes. (a) Type. (b) Sizes. Table 160.050-2( b Size Dimensions (inches) Finished ring 30-inch 30 24-inch 24 20-inch 20 [CGFR 54-46, 19 FR 8707, Dec. 18, 1954, as amended by CGFR 62-17, 27 FR 9045, Sept. 11, 1962] § 160.050-3 Materials. (a) General. (b) Unicellular plastic. Note: On vessels on an international voyage, all ring life buoys shall be international orange in color.) (c) Grab line. 3/8 (d) Beckets. (e) Thread. [CGFR 65-9, 30 FR 11477, Sept. 8, 1965, as amended by CGFR 65-64, 31 FR 562, Jan. 18, 1966; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 84-068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993] § 160.050-4 Construction and workmanship. (a) General. (b) Body. (c) Grab line. (d) Beckets. (e) Weight. (f) Workmanship. [CGFR 54-46, 19 FR 8707, Dec. 18, 1954, as amended by CGFR 62-17, 27 FR 9045, Sept. 11, 1962; CGFR 65-9, 30 FR 11477, Sept. 8, 1965] § 160.050-5 Sampling, tests, and inspection. (a) General. (b) Oversight. (1) Manufacturer. (i) Perform all tests and examinations necessary to show compliance with this subpart and the subpart under which the ring life buoy is approved on each lot before any inspector's tests and inspection of the lot; (ii) Follow established procedures for maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations, and the finished product; and (iii) Allow an inspector to take samples of completed units or of component materials for tests required by this subpart and for tests relating to the safety of the design. (iv) Meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33 CFR 181.705 which requires an instruction pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats, and must make the pamphlet accessible prior to purchase. (2) Laboratory. (i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and (ii) The inspector has first observed the manufacturer's production methods and any revisions to those methods. (3) At least quarterly, the inspector shall check the manufacturer's compliance with the company's quality control procedures, examine the manufacturer's required records, and observe the manufacturer perform each of the required production tests. (c) Test facilities. (d) Lots. (e) Samples. Table 160.050-5( e Sampling for Buoyancy Tests Lot size Number of life buoys in sample 100 and under 1 101 to 200 2 201 to 300 3 301 to 500 4 501 to 750 6 751 to 1000 8 (2) For a lot next succeeding one from which any sample ring life buoy failed the buoyancy or strength test, the sample shall consist of not less than ten specimen ring life buoys to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section. (f) Tests—(1) Strength test. (2) Resistance to damage test. (3) Buoyancy test. (i) Weigh iron or other weight under water. The weight shall be more than sufficient to submerge the buoy. (ii) Attach the iron or other weight to the buoy and submerge with the top of the buoy at least 2 inches below the surface for 48 hours. (iii) After the 48-hour submergence period, weigh the buoy with the weight attached while both are still under water. (iv) The buoyancy is computed as paragraph (f)(3)(i) minus paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this section. (4) Buoyancy required. (g) Lot inspection. (1) First quality workmanship; (2) That the general arrangement and attachment of all components are as specified in the approved plans and specifications; and (3) Compliance with the marking requirements in the applicable approval subpart. (h) Lot acceptance. (i) Lot rejection. [CGFR 65-9, 30 FR 11478, Sept. 8, 1965, as amended by CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30, 1997] § 160.050-6 Marking. (a) Each ring buoy must have the following information in waterproof lettering: Type IV Personal Flotation Device. Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. (Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (32 lb. or 16 1/2 Approved for use on recreational boats only as a throwable device. U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.050/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.). (Name and address of manufacturer or distributor). (Size). USCG (Marine Inspection Office identification letters). (Lot No.). (b) A method of marking that is different from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may be given consideration by the Coast Guard. [CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by CGD 75-186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976; CGD 75-008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; 43 FR 10913, Mar. 16, 1978; CGD 92-045, 58 FR 41608, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51214, Sept. 30, 1997] § 160.050-7 Procedure for approval. (a) General. (b) Each application for approval of a ring life buoy must contain the information specified in § 159.005-5 of this chapter. The application and, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of this section, a prototype ring life buoy must be submitted to the Commandant for preapproval review. If a similar design has already been approved, the Commandant may waive the preapproval review under §§ 159.005-5 and 159.005-7 of this chapter. (c) If the ring life buoy is of a standard design, the application: (1) Must include the following: A statement of any exceptions to the standard plans and specifications, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and/or bill of materials. (2) Need not include: The information specified in § 159.005-5(a)(2). (d) If the ring life buoy is of a non-standard design, the application must include the following: (1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by § 159.005-12 of this chapter, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials. (2) The information specified in § 159.005-5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype ring life buoy sample to the Commandant. (3) Performance testing results of the design performed by an independent laboratory that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coast Guard under § 159.010-7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal flotation devices showing equivalence to the standard design's performance in all material respects. (4) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production. (5) The text of any optional marking to be included on the ring life buoy in addition to the markings required by the applicable approval subpart. (6) For any conditionally approved ring life buoy, the intended approval condition(s). (e) The description of quality control procedures required by § 159.005-9 of this chapter may be omitted if the manufacturer's planned quality control procedures meet the requirements of those accepted by the Commandant for the independent laboratory performing production inspections and tests. (f) Waiver of tests. (1) Satisfactory test results on a ring life buoy of sufficiently similar design as determined by the Commandant. (2) Engineering analysis demonstrating that the test for which a waiver is requested is not appropriate for the particular design submitted for approval or that, because of its design or construction, it is not possible for the ring life buoy to fail that test. [CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51214, Sept. 30, 1997] Subpart 160.051—Inflatable Liferafts for Domestic Service Source: CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997, unless otherwise noted. § 160.051-1 Scope. (a) This subpart prescribes requirements for approval by the Coast Guard of A, B, and Coastal Service inflatable liferafts for use only in domestic service. These liferafts must comply with all of the requirements for SOLAS A and SOLAS B liferafts in subpart 160.151 except as specified in this subpart. (b) This subpart does not apply to any A, B, and Coastal Service inflatable liferaft for use only in domestic service that has been approved by the Coast Guard before November 10, 2011, so long as the liferaft satisfies the annual servicing requirements set forth in 46 CFR 160.151-57. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 76 FR 70062, Nov. 10, 2011] § 160.051-3 Definitions. In this subpart, the term: A or B liferaft Coastal Service liferaft Commandant [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60157, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.051-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) International Maritime Organization (IMO) Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.051-7 and 160.051-9. (2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.051-7 and 160.051-11. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60157, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10030, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.051-7 Design and performance of Coastal Service inflatable liferafts. To obtain Coast Guard approval, each Coastal Service inflatable liferaft must comply with subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions: (a) Canopy requirements (IMO LSA Code chapter IV/4.1.1.5, (incorporated by reference, see § 160.051-5 of this subpart)). (1) Be of a type that is furled when the liferaft inflates and that can be set in place by the occupants. A furled canopy must be secured to the buoyancy tubes over 50 percent or more of the liferaft's circumference; (2) Be of an uninsulated, single-ply design; and (3) Have an interior of any color. (b) Viewing port (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.1.1.5.5). (c) Rainwater collection (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.1.1.5.6). (d) Capacity (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.1.2.1). (e) Floor insulation (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.2.2). (f) Boarding ramps (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.4.1). (g) Stability (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.5). (1) The total volume of the pockets must be not less than 25 percent of the minimum required volume of the principal buoyancy compartments of the liferaft. (2) The pockets must be securely attached and evenly distributed around the periphery of the exterior bottom of the liferaft. They may be omitted at the locations of inflation cylinders. (3) The pockets must be designed to deploy underwater when the liferaft inflates. If weights are used for this purpose, they must be of corrosion-resistant material. (h) Lamp (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.1.3.4). (i) Markings (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.3.6). (j) Drop test. (k) Loading and seating test. (l) Cold-inflation test. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997. Redesignated and amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, Oct. 11, 2011] § 160.051-9 Design and performance of A and B inflatable liferafts. To obtain Coast Guard approval, each A and B inflatable liferaft must comply with the requirements in subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions: (a) Capacity (IMO LSA Code chapter IV/4.1.2.1). (b) Markings (IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/4.2.6.3). [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997. Redesignated and amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, 62976, Oct. 11, 2011] § 160.051-11 Equipment required for Coastal Service inflatable liferafts. In lieu of the equipment specified in § 160.151-21, the following equipment must be provided with a Coastal Service inflatable liferaft: (a) Rescue quoit and heaving line. (b) Knife. (c) Bailer. (d) Sponge. (e) Sea anchor. (f) Paddles. (g) Whistle. (h) Flashlight. (i) Signalling mirror. (j) Survival instructions. (k) Instructions for immediate action. (l) Repair outfit. (m) Pump or bellows. (n) Plugs for pressure-relief valves. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997. Redesignated and amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62975, 62976, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2020-0107, 87 FR 68305, Nov. 14, 2022] Subpart 160.052 [Reserved] Subpart 160.053—Work Vests, Unicellular Plastic Foam Source: CGFR 59-22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, unless otherwise noted. § 160.053-1 Applicable specifications. (a) Specification. (1) Military specification: MIL-L-17653A—Life Preserver, Vest, Work Type, Unicellular Plastic. (2) [Reserved] (b) Copies on file. https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. [CGFR 59-22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as amended by CGFR 65-16, 30 FR 10899, Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 72-163, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60157, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.053-2 Type. (a) Unicellular plastic foam work vests specified by this subpart shall be of the type described in Military Specification MIL-L-17653A, but alternate designs equivalent in materials, construction, performance, and workmanship will be given consideration. (b) [Reserved] § 160.053-3 Materials, construction and workmanship. (a) General. (b) Color of envelope. 6/10 (c) Color of webbing and thread. (d) Materials; acceptance and quality. [CGFR 59-22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as amended by CGD 84-068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993] § 160.053-4 Inspections and tests. (a) General. (b) Manufacturer's inspections and tests. (c) Lot size. (d) Test facilities. (e) Buoyancy Buoyancy test method. (i) Weigh the empty wire basket under water. (ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of the basket is at least 2 inches below the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours. The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. (iii) After the 24-hour submergence period, unlock the tank and weigh the wire basket with the inserts inside while both are still under water. (iv) The buoyancy is computed as paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section. (2) Buoyancy required. 1/2 § 160.053-5 Marking. (a) Each work vest must have the following information clearly printed in waterproof lettering that can be read at a distance of 2 feet: Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations. (Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of 17 1/2 Approved for use on Merchant Vessels as a work vest. U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.053/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.). (Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.) (Lot No.) This vest is filled with (name of buoyant material), which will not be harmed by repeated wetting. Hang up and dry thoroughly when vest is wet. (b) Additional marking required. (c) Waterproofness of marking tags. [CGFR 59-22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as amended by CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 75-008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56499, Sept. 22, 2014] § 160.053-6 Procedure for approval. (a) General. (b) If the work vest is of a standard design, as described by § 160.053-3, in order to be approved, the work vest must be tested in accordance with § 160.053-4 by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR 159.010. (c) If the work vest is of a non-standard design, the application must include the following: (1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by § 159.005-12 of this chapter, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials. (2) The information specified in § 159.005-5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype work vest sample to the Commandant. (3) Performance testing results of the design performed by an independent laboratory, that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coast Guard under § 159.010-7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal flotation devices, showing equivalence to the standard design's performance in all material respects. (4) Any special purpose(s) for which the work vest is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use is intended. (5) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production. (6) The text of any optional marking to be included on the work vest in addition to the markings required by § 160.053. [CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997] Subpart 160.054 [Reserved] Subpart 160.055—Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child, for Merchant Vessels § 160.055-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains requirements for production follow-up inspections for life preservers approved under this subpart prior to January 6, 2025. (b) Life preservers approved under this subpart rely upon inherently buoyant material to achieve the minimum buoyancy. (c) Life preservers approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for wearable PFDs for uninspected passenger vessels, uninspected commercial vessels over 40 ft (12m), and for inspected vessels. (d) Each life preserver specified in this subpart is a: (1) Standard, bib type, vinyl dip coated: (i) Model 62, adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or (ii) Model 66, child (for persons weighing less than 90 pounds); or (2) Standard, bib type, cloth covered; (i) Model 63, adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or (ii) Model 67, child (for persons weighing less than 90 pounds); or (3) Nonstandard, shaped type: (i) Model, 1 (ii) Model, 1 1 [USCG-2022-0120 ,89 FR 97390, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.055-2 [Reserved] § 160.055-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected] First quality workmanship Inspector Recognized laboratory [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97390, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.055-4 [Reserved] § 160.055-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.055-15(a). (b) [Reserved] [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97390, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.055-6-160.055-10 [Reserved] § 160.055-11 Independent laboratory. The production inspections, tests, and quality control required by this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR subpart 159.010 to perform such functions. A list of accepted independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97390, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.055-12-160.055-14 [Reserved] § 160.055-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control of life preservers. (a) General. (b) Oversight. (1) Manufacturer. (i) Perform all tests and examinations necessary to show compliance with this subpart on each lot before any inspector's tests and inspection of the lot; (ii) Follow established procedures for maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations, and the finished product; and (iii) Allow an inspector to take samples of completed units or of component materials for tests required by this subpart and for tests relating to the safety of the design. (2) Laboratory. (i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and (ii) The inspector has first observed the manufacturer's production methods and any revisions to those methods. (3) At least quarterly, the inspector must check the manufacturer's compliance with the company's quality control procedures, examine the manufacturer's required records, and observe the manufacturer perform each of the required production tests. (c) Test facilities. (d) Lots. (e) Samples. Table 1 to § 160.055-15( e Lot size Number of life preservers in sample 100 and under 1 101 to 200 2 201 to 300 3 301 to 500 4 501 to 750 6 751 to 1,000 8 (2) For a lot succeeding one from which any sample life preserver failed the buoyancy test, the sample must consist of not less than ten specimen life preservers to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section. (f) Buoyancy test. (g) Buoyancy required. (h) Lot inspection. (1) First quality workmanship; (2) That the general arrangement and attachment of all components, such as body straps, closures, tie tapes, and drawstrings, are as specified in the approved plans and specifications; (3) Compliance with the marking requirements; and (4) The information pamphlet or placard specified in 33 CFR part 181 subpart G, if required, is securely attached to the device, with the PFD selection information visible and accessible prior to purchase. (i) Lot acceptance. (j) Lot rejection. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97390, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.055-16-160.055-18 [Reserved] § 160.055-19 Pamphlet or Placard. Each life preserver sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats must be provided with a pamphlet or placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase, as specified in 33 CFR part 181 subpart G. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97391, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.055-20-160.055-22 [Reserved] § 160.055-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to [email protected] (b) Only the Commandant or a designated representative may make determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97391, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.055-24 [Reserved] § 160.055-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] Subpart 160.056—Rescue Boat Source: CGFR 61-15, 26 FR 9300, Sept. 30, 1961, unless otherwise noted. § 160.056-1 General requirements. (a) Rescue boats accepted and in use prior to the effective date of this subpart may be continued in service if in satisfactory condition. (b) All rescue boats must be properly constructed, of such form as to be readily maneuverable, and be of the open rowboat type. They shall be suitable for use of three persons. (c) Rescue boats shall be constructed of materials acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction of construction. § 160.056-2 Construction. (a) General. (b) Construction. (c) Weight. (d) Seats. (e) Internal buoyancy. B W c Where: B W d c § 160.056-3 Fittings and equipment. (a) Fittings. (2) At least one eyebolt, ring, or other fitting suitable for attaching a painter shall be fitted to the bow and stern. (b) Equipment. (2) A painter shall be attached to the bow and to the stern fittings. Each shall be of suitable material, at least 3/8 § 160.056-4 Approval tests of prototype rescue boat. (a) Drop test. (b) Stability and freeboard test. (c) Rescue boarding test. (d) Rowing test. § 160.056-6 Name plate. (a) Each rescue boat shall have permanently fitted at the transom a metal name plate, galvanically compatible with the hull material, and bearing information relating to the testing and approval of the prototype boat. Either raised or indented letters shall be used. (b) The following information shall appear on the name plate: RescueBoat U.S.C.G. Specification 160.056 Prototype approved (Date) Approved by OCMI (Port) Date of manufacture (Date) Manufacturer's serial No. Manufacturer's name and address § 160.056-7 Procedure for approval. (a) The manufacturer shall submit a request for approval to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction of the place of manufacture of the rescue boat. (b) Formal plans will not be required. However, a combined general arrangement and construction plan is required, which includes principal dimensions, and descriptive data of hull material, buoyant material, and equipment. (c) When plans and data are satisfactory, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, will assign a marine inspector to conduct the tests required by § 160.056-4. (d) Upon successful completion of the test, the inspector shall submit a written report to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. A copy of this report, with plans and photographs, shall be forwarded to the Commandant for record purposes. The date of approval and the marine inspector's initials shall be indicated in this report. (e) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, shall issue a letter to the manufacturer indicating that approval of the rescue boat has been granted, and will include any conditions imposed. A copy of this approval letter shall be forwarded to the District Commander and to the Commandant. (f) If a rescue boat is required on short notice, a boat may be approved on an individual basis: Provided, [CGFR 61-15, 26 FR 9300, Sept. 30, 1961, as amended by CGFR 65-9, 30 FR 11480, Sept. 8, 1965] Subpart 160.057—Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals (15 Minutes) Source: CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73091, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.057-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) The following are incorporated by reference into this subpart: (1) “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, (2) “Development of a Laboratory Test for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Smoke Signals,” National Bureau of Standards Report 4792, July 1956. (b) NBS Special Publication 440 may be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.10:440). (c) NBS Report 4792 may be obtained from the Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509. (d) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of the Federal Register on November 1 and 29, 1979. The materials are on file in the Federal Register library. [CGD 76-048a, CGD 76-048b, 44 FR 73091, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 82-063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60157, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.057-2 Type. (a) Floating orange. smoke distress signals specified by this subpart shall be of one type which shall consist essentially of an outer container, ballast, an air chamber, an inner container, the smoke producing composition, and an igniter mechanism. Alternate arrangements which conform to the performance requirements of this specification will be given special consideration. (b) [Reserved] § 160.057-3 Materials, workmanship, construction, and performance requirements. (a) Materials. (b) Workmanship. (c) Construction. (d) Performance. § 160.057-4 Approval and production tests. (a) Approval tests. (b) Production inspections and tests. (1) Lot size. (2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. (3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. (c) Operational tests. (1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. If the cumulative failure percent falls between the accept and reject criteria, another sample is selected from the production lot and the operational tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is added to that of the previous samples to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples are tested and the tests repeated until either the accept or reject criterion for the cumulative sample size is met. If any signal in the sample explodes when fired, or ignites in a way that could burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.057-4(c)). (2) Test procedure. (i) Conditioning of test specimens—water resistance. (ii) Smoke emitting time. 1/4 (iii) Ignition and smoke emitting characteristics. Table 160.057-4( c Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumula- tive sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 150 or 2 First 2 ( 2 200 less. Second 4 ( 2 200 Third 6 0 200 Fourth 8 0 300 Fifth 10 100 300 Sixth 12 100 300 Seventh 14 299 300 151 to 3 First 3 ( 2 200 500. Second 6 0 300 Third 9 0 300 Fourth 12 100 400 Fifth 15 200 400 Sixth 18 300 500 Seventh 21 499 500 More 5 First 5 ( 2 300 than Second 10 0 300 501. Third 15 100 400 Fourth 20 200 500 Fifth 25 300 600 Sixth 30 400 600 Seventh 35 699 700 1 2 Table 160.057-4( c Kind of defects Percentage of failures a. Failure to ignite 100 b. Ignites or burns dangerously 100 c. Nonuniform smoke emitting rate 50 d. Smoke-emitting time less than 70 percent of specified time 100 e. Smoke-emitting time at least 70 percent but less than 80 percent of specified time 75 f. Smoke-emitting time at least 80 percent but less than 90 percent of specified time 50 g. Smoke-emitting time at least 90 percent but less than 100 percent of specified time 25 (d) Technical tests. (1) Drop test. (2) Wave test. (3) Underwater smoke emission. (4) Elevated Temperature, Humidity and Storage. (5) Spontaneous ignition. (6) Susceptibility to explosion. (7) Corrosion resistance. (8) Color of smoke. (9) Volume and density of smoke. 1/2 3 § 160.057-5 Marking. (a) Directions for use. 1/8 3/16 1/8 (b) Other markings. 3/16 (2) In addition to any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box containing floating orange smoke distress signals, such cartons or boxes shall be plainly and indelibly marked to show the service life expiration date, the month and year of manufacture, and the lot number. (3) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” (c) Marking of expiration date. Note: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of 15 U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. § 160.057-7 Procedure for approval. (a) Signals are approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.058—Desalter Kits, Sea Water, for Merchant Vessels Source: CGFR 65-9, 30 FR 11483, Sept. 8, 1965, unless otherwise noted. § 160.058-1 Applicable specification. (a) Specification. (1) Military specification. (2) [Reserved] (b) Copies on file. https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. [CGFR 65-9, 30 FR 11483, Sept. 8, 1965, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60157, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.058-2 Type. (a) Desalter kits specified by this subpart shall be of the type described in the specification listed in § 160.058-1(a)(1). (b) [Reserved] § 160.058-3 Materials, workmanship, construction and performance requirements. (a) The materials, construction, workmanship, general and detail requirements shall conform to the requirements of the specification listed in § 160.058-1(a)(1), except as otherwise specifically provided by this subpart. (b) [Reserved] § 160.058-4 Inspections. (a) Desalter kits specified by this subpart are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections; however, the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the desalter kits are manufactured may detail a marine inspector at any time to visit places where desalter kits are manufactured to check materials and construction methods and to satisfy himself that the desalter kits are being manufactured in compliance with the requirements of the specification listed in § 160.058-1(a)(1) as modified by this specification and are suitable for the intended purpose. The manufacturer shall admit the marine inspector to his plant and shall provide a suitable place and the necessary apparatus for the use of the marine inspector in conducting tests at the place of manufacture. (b) [Reserved] § 160.058-5 Labeling and marking. (a) In addition to the marking and instructions required by the specification listed in § 160.058-1(a)(1), the Coast Guard approval number shall be included. The contract number may be omitted. (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.060—Specification for a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular Polyethylene Foam, Adult and Child § 160.060-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains requirements for production follow-up inspections for buoyant vests approved under this subpart prior to January 6, 2025. (b) Buoyant vests approved under this subpart rely upon inherently buoyant material to achieve the minimum buoyancy. (c) Buoyant vests approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for wearable PFDs for uninspected passenger vessels, uninspected commercial vessels over 40 ft (12m), and for inspected vessels. (d) Each buoyant vest specified in this subpart is a standard model: (1) Standard: (i) Model AY, adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or (ii) Model CYM, child, medium (for children weighing from 50 to 90 pounds); or (iii) Model CYS, child, small (for children weighing less than 50 pounds). (2) Nonstandard: (i) Model, 1 (ii) Model, 1 (iii) Model, 1 1 [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.060-2 [Reserved] § 160.060-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected] First quality workmanship Inspector Recognized laboratory [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.060-3a [Reserved] § 160.060-4 [Reserved] § 160.060-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.060-15(h). (b) [Reserved] [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] §§160.060-6-160.060-10 [Reserved] § 160.060-11 Independent laboratory. (a) The production inspections, tests, and quality control required by this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under § 159.010 of this subchapter to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil (b) The same laboratory that performs the approval tests must also perform production oversight unless the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing, as determined by the Commandant. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] §§160.060-12-160.060-14 [Reserved] § 160.060-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control. (a) General. (1) Maintain quality control of the materials used, the manufacturing methods, and the finished product to meet the applicable requirements of this subpart by conducting sufficient inspections and tests of representative samples and components produced; (2) Make available to the recognized laboratory inspector or the Coast Guard inspector, upon request, records of tests conducted by the manufacturer and records of materials used during production of the device, including affidavits by suppliers; and (3) Permit any examination, inspection, or test required by the recognized laboratory or the Coast Guard for a produced listed and labeled device, either at the place of manufacture or some other location. (b) Lot size and sampling. (2) A new lot begins after any change or modification in materials used or manufacturing methods employed; (3) The manufacturer of the buoyant vests must notify the recognized laboratory when a lot is ready for inspection; (4) The manufacturer must select samples in accordance with the requirements in Table 1 to § 160.060-15(b)(4) from each lot of buoyant vests to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section; and Table 1 to § 160.060-15( b Lot size Number of vests in 100 and under 1 101 to 200 2 201 to 300 3 301 to 500 4 (5) If a sample vest fails the buoyancy test, the sample from the next succeeding lot must consist of 10 specimen vests or more to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section. (c) Additional compliance tests. (d) Test facilities. (1) Examine, inspect, or test a sample of a part or a material that is included in the construction of the device; and (2) Conduct any examination, inspection, or test in a suitable place and with appropriate apparatus provided by the manufacturer. (e) Buoyancy Buoyancy test method. (i) Weigh the empty wire basket under water. (ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of the basket is at least 2 inches below the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours. The tank must be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. It is important that after the inserts have once been submerged they remain submerged for the duration of the test, and at no time during the course of the test removed from the tank or otherwise exposed to air. (iii) After the 24-hour submergence period, unlock or unseal the tank and weigh the wire basket with the inserts inside while both are still under water. (iv) The buoyancy is computed as paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section. (2) Buoyancy required. 1/2 (f) Body strap test. (g) Additional approval tests for nonstandard vests. (h) Follow-up program. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] §§160.060-16-160.060-18 [Reserved] § 160.060-19 Pamphlet or placard. Each buoyant vest sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats must be provided with a pamphlet or placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase, as specified in 33 CFR part 181 subpart G. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97393, Dec. 6, 2024] §§160.060-20-160.060-22 [Reserved] § 160.060-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to [email protected] (b) Only the Commandant or a designated representative may make determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] §§160.060-24 [Reserved] § 160.060-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97392, Dec. 6, 2024] Subpart 160.061 [Reserved] Subpart 160.062—Releases. Lifesaving Equipment, Hydraulic and Manual Source: CGFR 68-32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, unless otherwise noted. § 160.062-1 Applicable specifications, and referenced material. (a) Specifications and standards. (1) Military Specifications and Standards: MIL-R-15041C—Releases, lifesaving equipment, hydraulic and manual. MIL-STD-105—Sample procedures and tables for inspection by attributes. (2) Federal Test Method Standards: Standard No. 151—Metals, test methods. (b) Technical references. (c) Copies on file. (1) The military specifications and standards may be obtained from the Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (2) The Federal standards may be obtained from the General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, Office of the FAS Commissioner, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202; telephone 703-605-5400. [CGFR 68-32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.062-2 Types. (a) The hydraulic releases referred to under § 160.062-1(a)(1) are of the diaphram-spring plunger type, which releases a buoyant load under hydrostatic pressure. (b) All hydraulic releases given an approval under this subpart shall be designed and tested to operate with spring-tensioned gripes. Such gripes shall be considered as a part of each approval. (c) Alternate designs will be given special consideration, but the expense of their preliminary investigation at a laboratory accepted by the Commandant shall be borne by the manufacturer. [CGFR 68-32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as amended by CGD 73-153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975] § 160.062-3 Materials, construction, workmanship, and performance requirements. (a) General. (b) Buoyant load capacity. (c) Release depth. § 160.062-4 Inspections and tests. (a) General. (b) Classification of tests. (1) Preapproval tests. (2) Factory inspections and tests. (3) Spot check tests. (4) Periodic servicing tests. (c) Preapproval testing. Table 160.062-4( c 1 Number of specimens Name of tests Reference 4 Visual and dimensional examination Para. 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and 4.3 of MIL-R-15041C. 4 Physical and operational tests Para. 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and 4.4 of MIL-R-15041C. 1 (1) Visual and dimensional examination. (2) Physical and operational tests. (i) Submergence test. (ii) Temperature test. (iii) Corrosion resisting test. (iv) Second temperature test. (v) Second submergence test. (d) Factory inspections and tests. (1) Visual and dimensional examination. Table 160.062-4( d 1 Number of release devices in inspection lot Number of release devices in sample Rejection number (defectives) 15 and under All 16 to 25 15 1 26 to 40 25 1 41 to 110 35 2 111 to 180 50 2 181 to 300 75 3 301 to 500 110 2 1 (2) Physical and operational tests. (i) Submergence test. (ii) Temperature test. (iii) Corrosion resisting test. (iv) Second temperature test. (v) Second submergence test. Table 160.062-4( d 1 Number of release devices in inspection lot Number release devices in sample Rejection number (failures in the tests) 15 and under 4 1 16 to 25 5 1 26 to 40 7 1 41 to 110 10 1 111 to 180 12 1 181 to 300 16 1 301 to 500 20 1 1 (3) Lot acceptance at a factory. (i) Hydraulic releases which have been rejected may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale under representation as being in compliance with this specification or as being approved for use on vessels subject to inspection under this chapter. (4) Records and test reports. (e) Spot checks. (f) Periodic Servicing and Testing. (1) Inspection for devices not installed after manufacture. (i) The word “Installed”; (ii) The installation date; and (iii) The Marine Inspection Office identification letters. (2) Inspection for devices that have been installed. (3) Devices stored longer than 24 months. (i) The device must be manually operated to determine if it releases. (ii) If the device releases, it must pass the submergence test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet and be marked as required in paragraph (f)(5) of this section. (iii) If the device fails to release or fails to pass the submergence test required in paragraph (f)(3)(ii) of this section, the device must be disassembled, repaired, and tested in accordance with the requirements contained in paragraph (f)(4) of this paragraph. (4) Disassembly and repair tests. (i) A production lot must be formed consisting of 12 or more but not exceeding 100 devices. (ii) In the presence of a marine inspector, the device must pass the submergence test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet. (iii) Any device that fails must be— (A) Repaired; (B) Placed in a subsequent lot; and (C) Submitted to the submergence test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet. (5) Marking of devices. (i) The test date; (ii) The Marine Inspection Office identification letters; and (iii) The letters “USCG”. [CGFR 68-32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as amended by CGD 73-153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975; CGD 75-186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976] § 160.062-5 Markings. (a) Hydraulic releases manufactured prior to the granting of a certificate of approval to the manufacturer may be permitted in service only to July 1, 1969. However, such hydraulic releases meeting the type and design requirements covered by a current certificate of approval may be repaired and/or reconditioned as provided in § 160.062-4(f) and be accepted as approved equipment when it bears the following markings: (1) Body marking. (2) Inspection tag markings. 1/2 3/16 1/16 (b) Hydraulic release manufactured under a certificate of approval issued under this subpart shall be provided with 2 sets of markings as follows: (1) Body marking. 1/8 (2) Inspection tag markings. 1/2 3/16 1/8 [CGFR 68-32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as amended by CGD 75-186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976] § 160.062-6 Procedure for approval. General. [CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997] § 160.062-7 Procedures for acceptance of repair facility. (a) Before a repair facility is accepted by the Commandant to perform the services required in § 160.062-4(f), it must be inspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to determine if it has— (1) The testing apparatus to perform all the tests required in § 160.062-4; (2) A source of supply of replacement parts for a hydraulic release, evidenced by a signed agreement between the facility and his source of supply, or the parts for it; all replacement parts must be in compliance with applicable specifications and standards contained in § 160.062-1; and (3) Employees competent to perform the services required in this paragraph. Each employee who is engaged in serving a hydraulic release must demonstrate his competence to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection by— (i) Disassembling a hydraulic release; (ii) Making all necessary repairs to the disassembled unit; (iii) Reassembling the unit in conformance with the specifications and standards contained in § 160.062-1(a); and (iv) Showing that the reassembled unit meets the buoyant capacity and release depth requirements contained in § 160.062-3 (b) and (c) after being inspected and tested in conformance with the requirements contained in § 160.062-4(f). (b) Based on the report of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, regarding the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commandant notifies the facility that— (1) It is an accepted repair facility for the reconditioning and testing of hydraulic releases; or (2) It is not accepted as a repair facility, lists each discrepancy noted by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, and describes the procedure for reinspection if applicable corrections are made. [CGD 73-153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975] § 160.062-8 Procedures for acceptance of testing facility. (a) The Commandant may consider the acceptance of a facility that conducts only the submergence test contained in § 160.062-4(c)(2)(i). Before a facility is accepted by the Commandant to conduct this test, it must be inspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to determine if it has— (1) The testing apparatus to perform the test required in § 160.062-4(c)(2)(i); and (2) Employees competent to perform the test required in § 160.062-4(c)(2)(i). Each employee who is engaged in testing a device must demonstrate his competence to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection by conducting a submergence test. (b) Based on the report of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, regarding the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commandant notifies each applicant, in accordance with the procedures described in § 160.062-7(b), whether or not it is an accepted testing facility. [CGD 73-153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975] Subpart 160.064—Marine Buoyant Devices § 160.064-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains requirements for production follow-up inspections for wearable PFDs and throwable PFDs approved under this subpart prior to January 6, 2025. (b) PFDs approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for PFDs for uninspected commercial vessels under 40 ft (12m) not carrying passengers for hire and recreational boats, in accordance with 33 CFR 175 and 46 CFR 25.25. (c) PFDs covered by this subpart are of two general types: those intended to be worn on the body and those intended to be thrown. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97393, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.064-2 [Reserved] § 160.064-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected] First class workmanship Inspector Recognized laboratory [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97393, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.064-4 [Reserved] § 160.064-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.064-15(e). (b) [Reserved] [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.64-6-160.64-10 [Reserved] § 160.064-11 Recognized laboratory. (a) The production inspections, tests, and quality control required by this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR subpart 159.010 to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil (b) The same laboratory that performs the approval tests must also perform production oversight unless the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing, as determined by the Commandant. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.64-12-160.64-14 [Reserved] § 160.064-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control of PFDs. (a) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. (b) Laboratory inspections and tests. (c) Test facilities. (d) Additional tests, etc. (e) Follow-up program. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] §§ 160.64-16-160.64-22 [Reserved] § 160.064-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized laboratory for approval before changing PFD production methods. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials must be made only by the Commandant or a designated representative. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.64-24 [Reserved] § 160.064-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval of a PFD design if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] Subpart 160.066—Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare Source: CGD 76-183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.066-1 Type. (a) Red aerial pyrotechnic distress signals specified by this subpart must be either self-contained or pistol launched, and either meteor or parachute assisted type. (b) [Reserved] § 160.066-5 Design, construction, and manufacturing requirements. (a) Each signal must be either: (1) A self-contained unit with all necessary components for firing the signal, or (2) A cartridge intended for firing from a signal pistol that is approved under Subpart 160.028 of this chapter. (b) Each signal unit must have an interior chamber which contains the main propulsion charge and which is constructed so that it is capable of withstanding the forces generated by ignition without rupture, crack, or deformation of any kind. (c) Signals must be constructed in lots numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot must be started when: (1) Any change in construction details occurs; (2) Any change in sources of raw materials occurs; (3) Production is started on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line; or (4) A lot exceeds 30,000 units. § 160.066-7 Performance requirements. (a) Each signal must: (1) Burn “vivid red” when tested as specified in § 160.021-4(d)(7) for at least 5.5 seconds. (2) Have a peak luminous intensity of at least 10,000 candela. (3) Burn a total of not less than 1,000 candleminutes (Cm) using the formula I × T = Cm Where: I = the luminous intensity measured as in subsection (c); T = the total burn time of the device in minutes; and Cm = the candle-minute rating of the device. (4) Burn out completely before falling back to the level of launch. (5) Function in a manner that would not cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. (6) Not malfunction in a manner that would cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. (b) Each signal must meet the requirements of paragraph (a) after: (1) Submersion in water for 24 hours, or (2) If protected by a sealed container, submersion in water for 24 hours inside the sealed container immediately followed by submersion for 10 minutes without the container, and (3) Being exposed to the Elevated Temperature, Humidity, and Storage Test in § 160.066-13(b). (c) Testing for burn time and luminous intensity pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2), respectively, shall be conducted in conformity with the following requirements and procedures: (1) The chart speed of the light measuring equipment shall not be slower than 5 seconds per inch; (2) The chart sweep of the light measuring equipment shall not be slower than .5 seconds for full scale; (3) The first and last seconds of the burn shall be eliminated in measuring luminous intensity; (4) The time during which the candle burns (excluding first and last seconds of burn) is to be used to determine the luminous intensity by averaging the readings taken during the burning; and (5) Burn time is to be measured from first light of the signal to dark. § 160.066-9 Labeling. (a) Each signal must be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information: (1) The manufacturer's name, (2) The designed burning time of the pyrotechnic candle(s), (3) The specific signal pistol for which the signal is designed, if any, (4) The lot number, (5) The Coast Guard approval number, (6) Operation and storage instructions, (7) The month and year of expiration determined by § 160.066-10, and (8) The words: “Aerial Flare. Acceptable as a Day and Night Visual Distress Signal for boats as required by 33 CFR 175.110. For Emergency Use Only”. (b) If the signal is too small to contain all of the information required by paragraph (a) and any labeling which may be required by paragraph (d), the information required by paragraphs (a) (2), (6), and (8) may be printed on a separate piece of paper packed with each signal or with the smallest container in which several signals are packed. (c) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.” (d) Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1263. § 160.066-10 Expiration date. Each approved signal must have an expiration date marked on it. That date must not be more than forty-two months from date of manufacture. § 160.066-11 Approval procedures. (a) Red aerial pyrotechnic flare distress signals are approved under the procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter. (b) The manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples for approval testing must be drawn. Approval testing must be conducted in accordance with the operational tests in § 160.066-12 and the technical tests in § 160.066-13. In order for the signal to be approved, the samples must pass both the operational and the technical tests. (c) The approval tests must be performed by an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant under Subpart 159.010 of this chapter. [CGD 76-183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 93-055, 61 FR 13931, Mar. 28, 1996] § 160.066-12 Operational tests. (a) The procedure for conducting operational tests is described in figure (1). (1) An “accept lot” decision must be reached in order to pass the operational tests. (2) If a “reject lot” decision is reached, the entire lot is rejected. (3) Signals from “reject lots” may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the deficiency for which they were rejected and be resubmitted for inspection. Records shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the “reject lot”, and the result of the second test. Signals from “reject lots” may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale as being in compliance with this specification. (b) Each signal selected for the operational tests must be conditioned by: (1) Being submerged under at least 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 24 hours without any protection other than its waterproofing; or (2) If waterproofing is provided by a sealed plastic bag or other waterproof packaging, submersion under 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 24 hours in the packaging, followed immediately by submersion under 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 10 minutes with the signal removed from the packaging. (c) After each signal selected has undergone the conditioning required by paragraph (b) of this section it must be fired as described by the manufacturer's operating instructions. The following data as observed must be recorded for each signal: (1) Burning time of the pyrotechnic candle; (2) Color; (3) Whether the pyrotechnic candle burns out above, at, or below the level of launch. (d) A signal fails the operational tests if: (1) It fails to fire, (2) The pyrotechnic candle fails to ignite, (3) The pyrotechnic candle continues to burn after it falls back to the level of launch, (4) The observed color is other than vivid red, or (5) The burning time is less than 5.5 seconds. (e) A lot is rejected if a “reject lot” decision is reached using Figure (1) and Table 1 after completion of the operational tests. Table 1—Accept and Reject Criteria for Operational Test Lots Lot size Individual sample size Sample Cumulative sample size Accept 1 Reject 1 280 or 8 First 8 ( 2 4 less. Second 16 1 5 Third 24 2 6 Fourth 32 3 7 Fifth 40 5 8 Sixth 48 7 9 Seventh 56 9 10 281 to 13 First 13 ( 2 4 500. Second 26 1 6 Third 39 3 8 Fourth 52 5 10 Fifth 65 7 11 Sixth 78 10 12 Seventh 91 13 14 501 to 20 First 20 ( 2 5 1,200. Second 40 3 8 Third 60 6 10 Fourth 80 8 13 Fifth 100 11 15 Sixth 120 14 17 Seventh 140 18 19 1,201 to 32 First 32 1 7 3,200. Second 64 4 10 Third 96 8 13 Fourth 128 12 17 Fifth 160 17 20 Sixth 192 21 23 Seventh 224 25 26 More 50 First 50 2 9 than Second 100 7 14 3,200. Third 150 13 19 Fourth 200 19 25 Fifth 250 25 29 Sixth 300 31 33 Seventh 350 37 38 1 2 § 160.066-13 Technical tests. (a) The following conditions apply to technical tests as described in this section: (1) A total of nine signals must be selected at random from the lot being tested; (2) If the signals are protected by sealed packaging, then the conditioning for the technical tests must be conducted with the signal in the sealed packaging; (3) If signals in the test sample fail to pass one of the technical tests, the entire lot is rejected; (4) Signals from “reject lots” may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the deficiency for which they were rejected and be resubmitted for inspection. Records shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the “reject lot”, and the result of the second test. Signals from “reject lots” may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale as being in compliance with this specification. (b) The Elevated Temperature, Humidity, and Storage Test must be conducted in the following manner: (1) Select three signals from the nine; (2) Place each signal in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 55 Degrees C (131 Degrees F), and at not less than 90% relative humidity, for at least 72 hours (If for any reason it is not possible to operate the oven continuously for the 72 hour period, it may be operated at the required temperature and humidity for 8 hours of each 24 during the 72 hour conditioning period.); (3) After removal from the oven immediately place each signal in a chamber: (i) At a temperature of at least 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) but not more than 25 degrees C (77 degrees F); (ii) At not less than 65% relative humidity; (iii) For ten days; (4) Then remove each signal from any sealed packaging and fire it. (5) The test sample fails the test if: (i) Any signal ignites or decomposes before firing; (ii) Any signal when fired malfunctions in a manner that would cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal, or; (iii) Two or more of the signals fail to project and ignite the pyrotechnic candle. (c) The Spontaneous Combustion Test must be performed in the following manner: (1) Select three signals from the remaining six signals and place them in a thermostatically controlled even temperature over for 48 hours at a temperature of 75 degrees C (167 degrees F). (2) The test sample fails the test if any signal ignites or decomposes during the test. (d) The Luminous Intensity and Chromaticity Test must be performed in the following manner: (1) Remove the pyrotechnic candle from the remaining three signals. (2) Ignite, measure, and record the intensity of the burning candle with a visual photometer or equivalent photometric device or automatic recorder: (i) While the specimen is supported in a horizontal position and the photometer is at right angles to the axis of the specimen, (ii) At a distance of at least 3 m (10 ft.). (3) Calculate the intensity of the candle as in § 160.066-7(c). (4) Measure and record the chromaticity of the burning candle as specified in § 160.021-4(d)(4). (5) The test sample fails the test if more than one signal has a luminous intensity of less than 10,000 candela, or more than one signal is not “vivid red”. [CGD 76-183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.066-15 Production testing. (a) Production tests must be performed under the procedures in Subpart 159.007 of this chapter. (b) The operational tests in § 160.066-12 must be performed for every lot of signals produced. (c) The technical tests in § 160.066-13 must be performed at least once every twelve months, or at least once every 10 lots, whichever occurs first. (d) If a lot is rejected on the basis of the technical tests, then each subsequent lot produced must be tested according to the technical tests until samples from a lot pass these tests. (e) An independent laboratory acceptable to the Commandant must perform or directly supervise: (1) Each technical test, and (2) All operational tests for at least four lots in a 12 month period, unless fewer than four lots are produced in a 12 month period. If less than four lots are produced in a 12 month period, each operational test must be performed or directly supervised by the independent laboratory. (f) If a lot selected by the independent laboratory for an operational test is rejected, then the operational tests for the next lot produced, and the rejected lot, if reworked, must be performed or directly supervised by the independent laboratory. The tests required by this paragraph must not be counted for the purpose of meeting the requirements of paragraph (e). (g) The independent laboratory selects the lots upon which technical tests are performed. (h) If the manufacturer produces more than four lots within a 12 month period, the independent laboratory selects the lots for which it performs or directly supervises the operational tests. (i) The operational test performed or directly supervised by the independent laboratory must occur at least once during each quarterly period, unless no lots are produced during that period. (j) The independent laboratory, when it performs or directly supervises the technical tests required by paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, must inspect the signals selected for testing and compare them with the approved plans. Each signal inspected must conform to the plans. [CGD 76-183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979,, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] Subpart 160.071 [Reserved] Subpart 160.072—Distress Signals for Boats, Orange Flag Source: CGD 76-183a, 44 FR 73054, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted. § 160.072-1 Applicability. (a) This subpart establishes standards for distress flags for boats. (b) [Reserved] § 160.072-3 General performance requirements. (a) Each flag must: (1) Be a square or rectangle at least 90 cm (36 inches) wide and at least 90 cm (36 inches) long. If the flag is a rectangle, the shorter side cannot be less than 2/3 (2) Have no less than 70% of the total area colored a bright red-orange color; (3) Display a black disc and a black square on the red-orange background on both sides arranged as follows: (i) The diameter of the disc and the length of one side of the square shall be equal, and shall each be 1/3 (ii) The disc and square must be centered on one axis of the flag parallel to the longest side of the flag as shown in Figure 160.072-3. If the flag is a square, the axis may be parallel to any side. Figure 160.072-3 (iii) The disc and square shall be separated by a distance of 1/6 (4) Be capable of passing the accelerated weathering test of § 160.072-5; (5) Have reinforced corners, each with a grommet; and, (6) Be packaged with 4 pieces of line, with a tensile strength of at least 225 N (Newtons) (50 lbs) no less than 30 cm (12 inches) long, capable of passing through the grommets freely. (b) [Reserved] § 160.072-5 Accelerated weathering test. (a) Condition the flag, folded to 1/16 (b) Unfold and suspend flag by the lines provided, secured through each grommet. (c) Subject the flag to alternate 3 minute cycles of 5% by weight sodium chloride solution at 55 degrees (±5°) C and air blasts of 40 knots at 55 degrees (±5°) C, perpendicular to and over the entire surface of one side of the flag, without interruption for a period of not less than 24 hours. (d) The flag fails the accelerated weathering test if (1) After conditioning, the flag cannot be unfolded without damage, (2) There is any tearing, (3) The flag does not retain its bright red/orange color, (4) The disc and square images no longer meet the requirements of § 160.072-3(a)(3) or, (5) There is any visible rot over more than 3% of the flag's surface. § 160.072-7 Manufacturer certification and labeling. (a) Each distress flag intended as a Day Visual Distress Signal required by 33 CFR Part 175 must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Each distress flag must be legibly and indelibly marked with: (1) The manufacturer's name; and (2) The following words— “Day Visual Distress Signal for Boats. Complies with U.S. Coast Guard Requirements in 46 CFR 160.072. For Emergency Use Only”. § 160.072-09 Manufacturer notification. (a) Each manufacturer certifying flags in accordance with the specifications of this subpart must send written notice to the Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509; (1) Within 30 days after first certifying a flag, (2) Every five years as long as the manufacturer continues to produce flags, and (3) Each time the design or construction material of the flag changes. (b) [Reserved] [CGD 76-183a, 44 FR 73054, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013] Subpart 160.073—Float-Free Link or Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus Source: CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41378, Sept. 20, 1982, unless otherwise noted. § 160.073-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains requirements for a float-free link used for connecting a life float or buoyant apparatus painter to a vessel. The float-free link is designed to be broken by the buoyant force of the life float or buoyant apparatus so that the float or apparatus breaks free of a vessel that sinks in water deeper than the length of the painter. (b) [Reserved] § 160.073-5 Certification. (a) The float-free link is not approved by the Coast Guard. The manufacturer of the link must certify that it meets all of the requirements of this subpart by application of the markings required in § 160.073-20. (b) If the manufacturer wants the link to be listed in the Coast Guard publication COMDTINST M16714.3 (Series), “Equipment Lists,” the manufacturer must send a letter requesting the listing to Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509.. [CGD 79-167, 47 FR 41378, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.073-10 Construction and performance. (a) The link must be constructed essentially as shown in figure 160.073-10. The link must be formed from a single salt water corrosion-resistant wire. A loop at least 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter must be provided at each end of the wire. Each loop must be permanently secured. (b) The breaking strength of each link must be between: (1) 450 N (100 lb.) and 600 N (134 lb.) for links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 10 persons and less capacity. (2) 900 N (200 lb.) and 1200 N (268 lb.) for links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 11 to 20 persons capacity. (3) 1800 N (400 lb.) and 2400 N (536 lb.) for links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 21 persons and more capacity. § 160.073-15 Tests. (a) The manufacturer shall perform a tensile test on the first three links made from a particular spool of wire. The test must be done by slowly loading the link until it breaks. The link must break between the limits specified in § 160.073-10(b). The break must occur in the length of wire at or between the points where the loops are secured (see Figure 160.073-10). (b) If each of the three links passes the test, each link constructed in the same manner from the same spool of wire may be certified by the manufacturer as meeting the requirements of this subpart. (c) If one or more of the three links fails the test, no link manufactured in the same manner and from the same spool of wire as the test links may be certified as meeting the requirements of this subpart. § 160.073-20 Marking. (a) Each link certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of this subpart must have a corrosion resistant, waterproof tag attached to it that has the following information on it (the manufacturer must make the appropriate entries in the indicated space): FLOAT-FREE LINK FOR LIFE FLOATS AND BUOYANT APPARATUS Of ( 10 or less 11 to 20 21 or more Normal breaking strength ____________________. Meets U.S. coast guard Requirements—46 CFR 160.073. Made by: ( name and address ( Date (b) [Reserved] Subpart 160.076—Inflatable Recreational Personal Flotation Devices Source: CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, unless otherwise noted. § 160.076-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains requirements for production follow-up inspections for inflatable recreational personal flotation devices (PFDs) approved prior to January 6, 2025. (b) Inflatable PFDs approved under this subpart rely partially or entirely upon inflation for buoyancy. (c) PFDs approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for wearable PFDs for recreational vessels and uninspected recreational submersible vessels, in accordance with 33 CFR 175.15 and 175.17. [CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as amended by USCG-2011-0076, 77 FR 19942, Apr. 3, 2012; USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-3 Definitions. As used in this part: Commandant Conditional approval First quality workmanship Inflation medium Inspector MOU Performance type PFD Plans and specifications [CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 94-110, 61 FR 13945, Mar. 28, 1996; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2006-25697; 71 FR 55747, Sept. 25, 2006; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56500, Sept. 22, 2014. Redesignated by USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.076-29(a). (b) [Reserved]. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97394, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-7 [Reserved] § 160.076-9 Conditional approval. (a) A conditionally approved inflatable PFD may be used to meet the Coast Guard PFD carriage requirements of 33 CFR part 175 only if the PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label. PFDs marked “Approved only when worn” must be worn whenever the vessel is underway and the intended wearer is not within an enclosed space if the PFD is intended to be used to satisfy the requirements of 33 CFR part 175. Note: Additional approved PFDs may be needed to satisfy the requirements of 33 CFR part 175 if “Approved only when worn” PFDs are not worn. (b) PFDs not meeting the performance specifications in UL 1180 (incorporated by reference, see [CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as amended by CGD 94-110, 61 FR 13945, Mar. 28, 1996; USCG-2011-0076, 77 FR 19942, Apr. 3, 2012; USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56500, Sept. 22, 2014] § 160.076-13 [Reserved] § 160.076-15 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in § 159.005-15 of this chapter, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval of an inflatable PFD design if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. § 160.076-17 Approval of design or material changes. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized laboratory and the Commandant for approval before changing PFD production methods. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials may be made only by the Commandant or a designated representative. § 160.076-19 Recognized laboratories. The approval and production oversight functions that this subpart requires to be conducted by a recognized laboratory must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of part 159 of this chapter to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at http://cgmix.uscg.mil. [USCG-2011-0076, 77 FR 19942, Apr. 3, 2012] § 160.076-21 [Reserved] § 160.076-23 [Reserved] § 160.076-25 [Reserved] § 160.076-27 [Reserved] § 160.076-29 Production oversight. (a) Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 9595 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.076-5) or an alternative follow-up procedure accepted by the Commandant. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that performs the approval tests unless the Commandant determines that the employees of an alternative laboratory have received training and have access to the same information as the inspectors of the laboratory that conducted the approval testing. (c) In addition to responsibilities set out in part 159 of this chapter and the accepted Laboratory Follow-up Procedures, each manufacturer of an inflatable PFD and each recognized laboratory inspector shall comply with the following, as applicable: (1) Manufacturer. (i) Perform all required tests and examinations on each PFD lot before any required inspector's tests and inspection of the lot; (ii) Follow established procedures for maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations, and the finished product; (iii) Implement a continuing program of employee training and a program for maintaining production and test equipment; (iv) Admit the inspector to any place in the factory where work is done on PFDs or component materials, and where parts or completed PFDs are stored; (v) Have an inspector observe the production methods used in producing the first PFD lot and observe any revisions in production methods made thereafter; and (vi) Allow the inspector to take samples of completed PFDs or of component materials for tests required by this subpart and for tests relating to the safety of the design. (2) Recognized laboratory oversight. (i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and (ii) The inspector has first observed the manufacturer's production methods and any revisions to those methods. (3) The inspector must perform or supervise testing and inspection of at least one in each five lots of PFDs produced. (4) During each inspection, the inspector must check for compliance with the manufacturer's quality control procedures. (d) PFD lots. (e) Samples. (1) Samples shall be selected at random from a lot in which all PFDs or materials in the lot are available for selection. Except as provided in § 160.076-31(c), samples must be selected from completed PFDs. (2) Different samples must be selected for the manufacturer's and inspector's tests, except, if the total production for any five consecutive lots does not exceed 250 PFDs, the manufacturer's and inspector's tests may be run on the same sample(s) at the same time. (f) Facilities and equipment General. (2) Calibration. (3) Facilities. [CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as amended by CGD 94-110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28, 1996; 61 FR 15868, Apr. 9, 1996; USCG-2011-0076, 77 FR 19942, Apr. 3, 2012; USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-31 Production tests and examinations. (a) Samples used in testing must be selected in accordance with the sampling plan accepted by the Commandant. (b) On each sample selected— (1) The manufacturer must conduct the tests specified in the follow-up program accepted by the Commandant; (2) The recognized laboratory inspector must conduct or supervise the tests specified in the follow-up program accepted by the Commandant; and (3) In addition to meeting the requirements of this section, each test result must meet the requirements, if any, contained in the approved plans and specifications. (c) Final lot examination and inspection General. (i) First quality workmanship; (ii) That the general arrangement and attachment of all components, such as body straps, closures, inflation mechanisms, tie tapes, and drawstrings, are as specified in the approved plans and specifications; (iii) Compliance with the marking requirements in § 160.076-39; and (iv) That the information pamphlet and owner's manual required by § 160.076-35 and 160.076-37, respectively, are securely attached to the device, with the pamphlet selection information visible and accessible prior to purchase. (2) Accept/reject criteria. (3) Manufacturer examination. (4) Independent laboratory inspection. (ii) If the inspector rejects a lot, the inspector must advise the Commandant or the recognized laboratory within 15 days. (iii) The inspector must prepare and sign the inspection record required by 159.007-13(a) of this chapter and 160.076-33(b). If the lot passes, the record must include the inspector's certification that the lot passed inspection and that no evidence of noncompliance with this section was observed. (d) Disposition of rejected PFD lot or PFD. (2) Any PFD rejected in a final lot examination or inspection may be resubmitted for examination or inspection if all defects have been corrected and reexamination or reinspection is authorized by the Commandant. (3) A rejected lot or rejected PFD may not be sold or offered for sale under the representation that it meets this subpart or that it is Coast Guard-approved. [CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as amended by CGD 94-110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28, 1996; USCG-2011-0076, 77 FR 19942, Apr. 3, 2012; USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-33 Manufacturer records. (a) Each manufacturer of inflatable PFDs shall keep the records of production inspections and tests as required by § 159.007-13 of this chapter, except that they must be retained for at least 120 months after the month in which the inspection or test was conducted. (b) In addition to the information required by § 159.007-13 of this chapter, the manufacturer's records must also include the following information: (1) For each test, the serial number of the test instrument used if more than one test instrument was available. (2) For each test and inspection, the identification of the samples used, the lot number, the approval number, and the number of PFDs in the lot. (3) For each lot rejected, the cause for rejection, any corrective action taken, and the final disposition of the lot. (4) For all materials used in production the— (i) Name and address of the supplier; (ii) Date of purchase and receipt; (iii) Lot number; and (iv) Where required by § 164.019-5 of this chapter, the certification received with standard components. (5) A copy of this subpart. (6) A copy of the approved plans and specifications. (7) The approval certificate obtained in accordance with § 2.75-1 and 2.75-5 of this chapter. (8) Certificates evidencing calibration of test equipment, including the identity of the agency performing the calibration, date of calibration, and results. (c) A description or photographs of procedures and equipment used in testing required by § 159.007-13(a)(4) of this chapter, is not required if the manufacturer's procedures and equipment meet the requirements of this subpart. (d) The records required by paragraph (b)(4) of this section must be kept for at least 120 months after preparation. All other records required by paragraph (b) of this section must be kept for at least 60 months after the PFD approval expires or is terminated. [CGD 94-110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as amended by USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-35 Information pamphlet or placard. A pamphlet or placard accepted by the Commandant must be attached to each inflatable PFD sold or offered for sale in such a way that a prospective purchaser can read the pamphlet prior to purchase. The pamphlet or placard text and layout must be submitted to the Commandant for approval. The text must be printed in each pamphlet or placard exactly as approved by the Commandant. Additional information, instructions, or illustrations must not be included within the approved text and layout. Sample pamphlet text and layout may be obtained by contacting the Commandant. This pamphlet or placard may be combined with the manual required by § 160.076-37 if PFD selection and warning information is provided on the PFD packaging in such a way that it remains visible until purchase. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-37 Owner's manual. (a) General. (b) Manual contents. [USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024] § 160.076-39 Marking. Each inflatable PFD must be marked as approved by the Commandant. At a minimum, all labels must include— (a) Size information, as appropriate; (b) The Coast Guard approval number; (c) Manufacturer's contact information; (d) Model name/number; (e) Lot number, manufacturer date; and (f) Any limitations or restrictions on approval or special instructions for use. [USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56500, Sept. 22, 2014, as amended by USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024] Subpart 160.077 [Reserved] Subpart 160.115—Launching Appliances—Winches Source: USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62976, Oct. 11, 2011, unless otherwise noted. § 160.115-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of a winch used in conjunction with a davit approved under subpart 160.132 of this part for lifeboats approved under subpart 160.135 of this part, liferafts approved under subparts 160.051 or 160.151 of this part, and rescue boats approved under subparts 160.056 or 160.156 of this part. § 160.115-3 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference, see § 160.115-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term: Commandant Independent laboratory http://cgmix.uscg.mil. Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) SOLAS [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62976, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.115-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) International Maritime Organization (IMO) Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.115-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”). (2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for § 160.115-7. (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.115-7, 160.115-13, and 160.115-15. (4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for § 160.115-13 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”). (5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.115-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”). [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62976, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10030, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.115-7 Design, construction, and performance of winches. (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a winch, a manufacturer must comply with, and each winch must meet, the requirements of the following— (1) IMO LSA Code, chapter I/1.2.2 and chapter VI/6.1. (incorporated by reference, see § 160.115-5 of this subpart) applicable to the design and intended service of the winch; (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1/8.1 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.115-5 of this subpart) applicable to the winch; (3) 46 CFR part 159; and (4) This subpart. (b) Each winch must meet each of the following requirements: (1) Materials. (ii) Metals in contact with each other must be either galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing, buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities. (iii) Screws, nuts, bolts, pins, keys, and other similar hardware, securing moving parts must be fitted with suitable lock washers, cotter pins, or locks to prevent them from coming adrift. (2) Bearings and gears. (ii) When worm gears are used, the worm wheel must operate in an oil bath. Means to easily check the oil level in the gear case must be provided. (iii) The manufacturer must furnish a lubrication chart and a plate attached to the winch indicating the lubricant recommended for extremes in temperature. (3) Guards. (4) Welding. (5) Winch drums. (i) Winch drums must either be grooved or otherwise designed to wind the falls evenly on and off each drum. (ii) The diameter of the drums must be at least 16 times the diameter of the falls. (iii) Drums must be so arranged as to keep the falls separate, and to pay out the falls at the same rate. Clutches between drums are not permitted unless bolted locking devices are used. (6) Winch motors. (i) Positive means must be provided for controlling the power to the winch, arranged so that the operator must hold the master switch or controller in the “on” or “hoist” position for hoisting, and when released, will immediately shut off the power; (ii) A clutch must be fitted to disengage the power installation during the lowering operation; (iii) A means must be provided to disconnect power to the winch before a hand crank can be engaged with the winch operating shaft, and this interruption of power must be maintained while the hand crank is so engaged; (iv) The air or electric power outlet for a portable power unit must be located adjacent to the winch where the unit is to be coupled, and the outlet must be interconnected with, and protected by, the same system of safety devices as required for a winch with built-in-motors; (v) A main line emergency disconnect switch, the opening of which disconnects all electrical potential to the winch, must be provided. This switch must be located in a position accessible to the person in charge of the boat stowage and must be in a position from which the movement of both davit arms can be observed as they approach the final stowed position; (vi) Limit switches must be provided to limit the travel of the davit arms as they approach the final stowed position and prevent overstressing the falls or davits. These switches must— (A) Be arranged so that the activation of any limit switch will stop the travel of all of the davit arms; (B) Be arranged to stop the travel of the davit arms not less than 0.3m (12 in) from their final stowed position; and (C) Remain open until the davit arms move outboard beyond the tripping position of the switches; (vii) Motor clutches, when used, must be of either frictional or positive engaging type. When one motor is used for two winches, the clutch must be so arranged that only one winch may be engaged at any one time. The clutch operating lever must be capable of remaining in any position when subject to vibration and must be so arranged that when in neutral position both lifeboats may be lowered simultaneously; (viii) Motors, switches, controls, and cables must be waterproof if installed on an open deck. Controls may be of the drip-proof type if installed in a deck house or under deck; (ix) Hydraulic systems must be in accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30; and (x) Electrical installations must comply with 46 CFR 111.01-9, 111.01-11, 111.01-19, 111.25, 111.55, 111.70, and 111.95. (7) Quick return. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62976, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44139, July 30, 2014; USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76701, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.115-9 Preapproval review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5. (b) Manufacturer requirements. (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision number, and issue date; (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions; (3) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts; (4) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.115-19 and 160.115-21 of this subpart; (5) A description of the quality control procedures and recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the winch, which must include, but is not limited to— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved winch complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (6) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the winch complies with the requirements of this subpart; (7) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the winch will be constructed; and (8) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in § 160.115-15 of this subpart. (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section; so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (d) Plan quality. (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control; (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the winch meets the construction requirements of this subpart; (3) Accurately depict the proposed winch; (4) Be internally consistent; (5) Be legible; and (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section. (e) Alternatives. (f) Coast Guard review. § 160.115-11 [Reserved] § 160.115-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype winches. (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.115-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype winch and the approval inspections and tests required under this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section. (c) Manufacturer requirements. (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notifications must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements; (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed; (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on winches or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.115-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.115-9 of this subpart; and (C) When welding is part of the construction process, is constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans reviewed under § 160.115-9 of this subpart and the welders are appropriately qualified; (ii) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (iii) Witnessing tests; and (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of winches, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the winches in which such materials were used. (d) Tests. IMO Revised recommendation on testing. (2) Visual inspection. (i) Compliance with this subpart; (ii) Conformance with the examined plans; and (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance. (3) Hydraulic controls. (4) Winch drum. (e) Test waiver. (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review— (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.115-5). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted under paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and (2) The final version of the plans required under § 160.115-9 of this subpart. (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62976, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44139, July 30, 2014] § 160.115-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and conformance of winches. (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of a winch must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Manufacturer's responsibility. (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production winches are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype winch approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales; (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section; (3) Submit to the Commandant a yearly report that contains the following— (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each winch constructed; (ii) The name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and (iii) Name of the vessel and company receiving the winch, if known; (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the winch are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.115-13(h) of this subpart; (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the winch, work or testing is performed on winches or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, below, for the purpose of— (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (ii) Witnessing tests; or (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the winches are being made in accordance with the plans approved under § 160.115-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart. (c) Recordkeeping. (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each document listed in § 160.115-5 of this subpart; (2) A copy of the approved plans, documentation, and certifications; (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved winch; (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved winches, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the winches in which such materials were used; (5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s); (6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications; (7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration; (8) The serial number of each production winch, along with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and (9) The original purchaser of each winch and the vessel on which it was installed, if known. (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. (e) Production inspections and tests. (2) The lowering tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 2, paragraph 6.1 may be performed if the installation height is known. If these tests are performed, the results must be in accordance with 46 CFR 199.153(h) through (j). § 160.115-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each winch must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed in a conspicuous place readily accessible for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the winch. (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages. (c) The plate or label must contain the— (1) Name and address of the manufacturer; (2) Manufacturer's model identification; (3) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production tests; (4) Serial number of the winch; (5) U.S. Coast Guard approval number; (6) Month and year of manufacture; (7) Safe working load of the winch; and (8) Word “SOLAS”. § 160.115-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) Each winch must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.115-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the winch. (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their complete launching systems. (c) The winch manufacturer must make operating instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to the purchaser of a winch approved by the Coast Guard. § 160.115-21 Operation and maintenance instructions. (a) Each winch must have operation and maintenance instructions that— (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.115-5 of this subpart); and (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual inspections of the winch. (b) The winch manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to the purchaser of a winch approved by the Coast Guard. (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their complete launching systems. § 160.115-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.115-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production winch. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures in § 160.115-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.115-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted. (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype winch with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.115-9 through 160.115-13 of this subpart. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. Subpart 160.132—Launching Appliances—Davits Source: USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62979, Oct. 11, 2011, unless otherwise noted. § 160.132-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of a davit used in conjunction with a winch approved under subpart 160.115 of this part for lifeboats approved under subpart 160.135 of this part, liferafts approved under subparts 160.051 or 160.151 of this part, and rescue boats approved under subparts 160.056 or 160.156 of this part. § 160.132-3 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term: Commandant Independent laboratory http://cgmix.uscg.mil. Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) SOLAS [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62979, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60158, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.132-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959. (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.132-7 (“ASTM A 36”). (2) ASTM A 216/A 216M-08, Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature Service, (approved November 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.132-7 (“ASTM A 216”). (c) International Maritime Organization (IMO) Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.132-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”). (2) International Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.132-3 and 160.132-7. (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.132-7, 160.132-13, and 160.132-15. (4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-Saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for § 160.132-13 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”). (5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.132-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”). [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62979, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10030, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.132-7 Design, construction, and performance of davits. (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a davit, a manufacturer must comply with, and each davit must meet, the requirements of following— (1) IMO LSA Code chapter I/1.2.2 and Chapter VI/6.1 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart) applicable to the design and intended service of the davit; (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 1/8.1 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart) applicable to the design and intended service of the davit; (3) 46 CFR part 159; and (4) This subpart. (b) Each davit must meet the following requirements— (1) Materials. (i) Structural steel made by the open-hearth or electric furnace process must be in accordance with ASTM A 36 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart); (ii) Steel castings not intended for fusion welding must be in accordance with ASTM A 36, Grades U-60-30, 60-30, 65-30, 65-35, and 70-36; (iii) Steel castings intended to be fabricated by fusion welding must be in accordance with ASTM A 216 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart), Grades WCA and WCB; (iv) Cast iron must not be used in the construction of a davit; and (v) Metals in contact with each other must be either galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing, buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities; (2) Bearings. (ii) Positive means of lubrication must be provided; and (iii) The manufacturer must furnish a lubrication chart for each davit together with a plate attached to the davit indicating the lubricants recommended for extremes in temperature; (3) Guards. (4) Welding. (5) Hydraulic systems, (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. § 160.132-9 Preapproval review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5. (b) Manufacturer requirements. (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision issue, and date; (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions; (3) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts; (4) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.132-19 and 160.132-21 of this subpart; (5) A description of the quality control procedures and recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the davit, which must include, but is not limited to— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved release mechanism complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (6) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the davit complies with the requirements of this subpart; (7) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the davit will be constructed; and (8) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in § 160.132-15 of this subpart. (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section; so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR subpart 159.010. (d) Plan quality. (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control; (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the davit meets the construction requirements of this subpart; (3) Accurately depict the proposed davit; (4) Be internally consistent; (5) Be legible; and (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section. (e) Alternatives. (f) Coast Guard review. § 160.132-11 [Reserved] § 160.132-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype davits. (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.132-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype davit, and the approval inspections and tests required under this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section. (c) Manufacturer requirements. (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notifications must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements; (2) Arrange a testing schedule with the cognizant OCMI that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed; (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on davits or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.132-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.132-9 of this subpart; and (C) When welding is part of the construction process, is constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans reviewed under § 160.132-9 of this subpart and the welders are appropriately qualified; (ii) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (iii) Witnessing tests; and (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of davits, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the davits in which such materials were used. (d) Tests. IMO Revised recommendation on testing. (2) Visual inspection. (i) Compliance with this subpart; (ii) Conformance with the examined plans; and (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance. (3) Hydraulic controls. (e) Test waiver. (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review— (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and (2) The final version of the plans required under § 160.132-9 of this subpart. (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13. § 160.132-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and conformance of davits. (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of davits must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Manufacturer's responsibility. (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production davits are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype davit approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales; (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section), to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section; (3) Submit to the Commandant a yearly report that contains the following— (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each davit constructed; (ii) The name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and (iii) Name of the vessel and company receiving the davit, if known; (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the davit are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.132-13(h) of this subpart; (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the davit, work or testing is performed on davits or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, below, for the purpose of— (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (ii) Witnessing tests; or (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the davits are being made in accordance with the plans approved under § 160.132-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart. (c) Recordkeeping. (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each document listed in § 160.132-5 of this subpart; (2) A copy of the approved plans, documentation, and certifications; (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved davit; (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved davits, together with records identifying the serial numbers of davits in which such materials were used; (5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s); (6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications; (7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration; (8) The serial number of each production davit, along with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and (9) The original purchaser of each davit and the vessel on which it was installed, if known. (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. (e) Production inspections and tests. § 160.132-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each davit must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed in a conspicuous place readily for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the davit. (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages. (c) The plate or label must contain the— (1) Name and address of the manufacturer; (2) Manufacturer's model identification; (3) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production tests; (4) Serial number of the davit; (5) U.S. Coast Guard approval number; (6) Month and year of manufacture; (7) Safe working load of the davit; and (8) Word “SOLAS”. § 160.132-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) Each davit must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the davit. (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their complete launching systems. (c) The davit manufacturer must make operating instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to the purchaser of a davit approved by the Coast Guard. § 160.132-21 Operation and maintenance instructions. (a) Each davit must have operation and maintenance instructions that— (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.132-5 of this subpart); and (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual inspections of the davit. (b) The davit manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to the purchaser of a davit approved by the Coast Guard. (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their complete launching systems. § 160.132-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.132-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production davit. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures in § 160.132-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.115-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted. (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype davit with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.132-9 through 160.132-13 of this subpart. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. Subpart 160.133—Release Mechanisms for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats Source: USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62983, Oct. 11, 2011, unless otherwise noted. § 160.133-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism used for davit-launched and free-fall lifeboats approved under subpart 160.135 of this part, and rescue boats approved under subpart 160.156 of this part. § 160.133-3 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.320(89) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term: Commandant Full load Independent laboratory http://cgmix.uscg.mil. Light load Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) SOLAS [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62983, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; 79 FR 44139, July 30, 2014] § 160.133-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959. (1) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.133-7 (“ASTM A 276”). (2) ASTM A 313/A 313M -08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.133-7 (“ASTM A 313”). (3) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.133-7 (“ASTM A 314”). (4) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.133-7 (“ASTM F 1166”). (c) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.133-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”). (2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 , IBR approved for §§ 160.133-3 and 160.133-7 (“IMO LSA Code”) . (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances, pages 79-254, IBR approved for §§ 160.133-7 and 160.133-13 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”). (4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for § 160.133-13 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”). (5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.133-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”). (6) Annex 4 to MSC 89/25, Report of the Maritime Safety Committee on its Eighty-Ninth Session, “Resolution MSC.320(89), Adoption of Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code,” (adopted May 20, 2011), IBR approved for §§ 160.133-3, 160.133-5(c)(6), 160.133-7(d)(1), 160.133-7(b)(8), and 160.133-7(b)(9) (“Resolution MSC.320(89)”). (7) Annex 5 to MSC 89/25, Report of the Maritime Safety Committee on its Eighty-Ninth Session, “Resolution MSC.321(89), Adoption of Amendments to the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (Resolution MSC.81(70)),” (adopted May 20, 2011), IBR approved for §§ 160.133-5(c)(7), 160.133-7(a)(2), and 160.133-13(d)(2) (“Resolution MSC.321(89)”). [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62983, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; 79 FR 44139, July 30, 2014; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10031, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.133-7 Design, construction, and performance of release mechanisms. (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism, a manufacturer must comply with, and each release mechanism must meet, the requirements of the following— (1) IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.320(89), chapter IV/4.4.7.6 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart), and a release mechanism for free-fall lifeboats must also meet the applicable provisions of chapter VI/6.1.4; (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.321(89), Part 1/6.9 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart); (3) 46 CFR part 159; and (4) This subpart. (b) Each release mechanism must meet the following requirements— (1) Design. (2) Each release mechanism should be designed following standard human engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart). Design limits should be based on a range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an immersion suit correspond to the arctic clothed dimensions of ASTM F 1166; (3) Steel. (4) Welding. (5) Metals in contact with each other must be either galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing, buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities; (6) Screws, nuts, bolts, pins, keys, and other similar hardware, securing moving parts must be fitted with suitable lock washers, cotter pins, or locks to prevent them from coming adrift; (7) The on-load operation of the release mechanism must require two separate, deliberate actions by the operator; (8) The mechanical protection required by “IMO”, LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.320(89), Chapter IV/4.4.7.6.2.2 must only be able to be engaged when the release mechanism is properly and completely reset. Proper engagement of the mechanical protection must be visually indicated; (9) The release and recovery procedures required by “IMO” LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.320(89),Chapter IV/4.4.7.6.5 must be included as an illustrated operation instruction plate or placard. The plate or placard must be corrosion resistant and weatherproof and must be marked with the word “Danger”. The illustrations must correspond exactly to those used in the instruction and maintenance manual provided by the manufacturer; (10) The release lever or control must be red in color, and the area immediately surrounding the control must be a sharply contrasting light color; (11) The release lever and its connection to the release mechanism must be of sufficient strength so that there is no deformation of the release lever or the release control assembly during on-load release; (12) Positive means of lubrication must be provided for each bearing which is not permanently lubricated. Points of lubrication must be so located that they are clearly visible and accessible in the installed position in the boat; (13) A hydraulic system, if used to activate the release mechanism, must be in accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60, except that— (i) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and FC332-X are not permitted; (ii) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm (30 in); and (iii) If a hand pump is provided, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or hand operation; (14) Each release mechanism designed to launch a boat by free-fall must not be able to carry any weight until the release mechanism is properly reset, and each of the two independent activation systems required to be operated from inside the boat must require at least two independent actions from different locations inside the boat to release the hook; and (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62983, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44139, July 30, 2014] § 160.133-9 Preapproval review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5. (b) Manufacturer requirements. (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision issue, and date; (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions; (3) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts, including the release hooks, release mechanisms, and connections; (4) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (5) Drawings of all signs and placards showing actual inscription, format, color, and size; (6) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.133-19 and 160.133-21 of this subpart; (7) A description of the quality control procedures and recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the release mechanism, which must include but is not limited to— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved release mechanism complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (8) Full details of any other unique capability; (9) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the release mechanism complies with the requirements of this subpart; (10) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the release mechanism will be constructed; and (11) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in § 160.133-15 of this subpart. (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section, so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (d) Plan quality. (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control; (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the release mechanism meets the construction requirements of this subpart; (3) Accurately depict the proposed release mechanism; (4) Be internally consistent; (5) Be legible; and (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section. (e) Alternatives. (f) Coast Guard review. § 160.133-11 [Reserved] § 160.133-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype release mechanisms. (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.133-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype release mechanism, and the approval inspections and tests required under this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section. (c) Manufacturer requirements. (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notification must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements; (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed; (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on release mechanisms or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.133-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.133-9 of this subpart; and (C) When welding is part of the construction process, is constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans reviewed under § 160.133-9 of this subpart and the welders are appropriately qualified; (ii) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (iii) Witnessing tests; and (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of release mechanisms, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials were used. (d) Tests Prototype release mechanism readiness. (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. (i) Visual inspection. (A) Compliance with this subpart; (B) Conformance with the examined plans; and (C) Ease of operation and maintenance; (ii) Operation. (iii) Tensile tests. (iv) Universal joints. (v) Hydraulic controls. (e) Test waiver. (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review— (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted under paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and (2) The final plans of the release mechanism as built. The plans must include the instructions for training and maintenance described in §§ 160.133-19 and 160.133-21 of this subpart, respectively. (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62983, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014] § 160.133-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and conformance of release mechanisms. (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of release mechanisms must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Manufacturer's responsibility. (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production release mechanisms are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype release mechanism approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales; (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section; (3) Submit to the Commandant, a yearly report that contains the following— (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each release mechanism constructed; (ii) The name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and (iii) Serial number and model of the lifeboat or rescue boat in which the release mechanism is installed, if known; (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the release mechanism are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.133-13(h) of this subpart; (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the release mechanism, work or testing is performed on release mechanism or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, for the purpose of— (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (ii) Witnessing tests; or (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the release mechanisms are being made in accordance with the approved plans approved under § 160.133-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart. (c) Recordkeeping. (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each document listed in § 160.133-5 of this subpart; (2) A copy of the approved plans, documentation, and certifications; (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved release mechanism; (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved release mechanisms, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials were used; (5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s); (6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications; (7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration; (8) The serial number of each production release mechanism, along with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and (9) The original purchaser of each release mechanism and the vessel on which it was installed, if known. (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. (e) Production inspections and tests. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62983, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014] § 160.133-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each hook body of a release mechanism must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed in a conspicuous place readily accessible for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the release mechanism. (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages. (c) The plate or label must contain the— (1) Manufacturer's name and model identification; (2) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production tests; (3) Serial number of the release mechanism; (4) U.S. Coast Guard approval number; (5) Month and year of manufacture; (6) Safe working load of the release mechanism; and (7) Word “SOLAS.” § 160.133-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) Each release mechanism must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the release mechanism. (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. (c) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available— (1) In English to purchasers of release mechanisms approved by the Coast Guard; and (2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple procedures and illustrations for operation of the release mechanism. The placard must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in) by 51 cm (20 in), and must be made of durable material and suitable for display inside a lifeboat and rescue boat and/or near launching appliances on vessels. § 160.133-21 Operation and maintenance instructions. (a) Each release mechanism must have operation and maintenance instructions that— (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.133-5 of this subpart); and (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual inspections of the release mechanism. (b) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to purchasers of a release mechanism approved by the Coast Guard. (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. § 160.133-23 Procedure for approval of design, material, or construction change. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.133-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production release mechanism. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures set forth in § 160.133-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.133-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted. (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype release mechanism with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.133-9 through 160.133-13 of this subpart. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, material, or construction will be made by the Commandant only. Subpart 160.135—Lifeboats Source: USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62987, Oct. 11, 2011, unless otherwise noted. § 160.135-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of a lifeboat. § 160.135-3 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term: Commandant Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Full load Independent laboratory http://cgmix.uscg.mil. Light load Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) Positive Stability SOLAS [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62987, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.135-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959. (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7 and 160.135-15 (“ASTM A 36”). (2) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“ASTM A 276”). (3) ASTM A 313/A 313M-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“ASTM A 313”). (4) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“ASTM A 314”). (5) ASTM A 653/A 653M-08, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process, (approved July 15, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7, 160.135-11, and 160.135-15 (“ASTM A 653”). (6) ASTM B 127-05 (Reapproved 2009), Standard Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy (UNS N04400) Plate, Sheet, and Strip, (approved October 1, 2009), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“ASTM B 127”). (7) ASTM B 209-07, Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate, (approved August 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“ASTM B 209”). (8) ASTM D 638-08, Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics, (approved April 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.135-11 (“ASTM D 638”). (9) ASTM D 790-07e1, Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials, (approved September 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.135-11 (“ASTM D 970”). (10) ASTM D 2584-08, Standard Test Method of Ignition Loss for Cured Reinforced Resins, (approved May 1, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-11 and 160.135-15 (“ASTM D 2584”). (11) ASTM D 4029-09, Standard Specification for Finished Woven Glass Fabrics, (approved January 15, 2009), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“ASTM D 4029”). (12) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1, 2007), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7 and 160.135-13 (“ASTM F 1166”). (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, Office of the FAS Commissioner, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202, 703-605-5400. (1) Federal Standard 595C, Colors Used in Government Procurement, (January 16, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“FED-STD-595C”). (2) [Reserved] (d) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective Materials on Life-Saving Appliances, (adopted October 19, 1989), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“IMO Res. 658(16)”). (2) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7 and 160.135-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”). (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-3, 160.135-7, and 160.135-13. (4) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7, 160.135-13, and 160.135-15. (5) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized life-saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7 and 160.135-13 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”). (6) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.135-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”). (7) MSC/Circ. 1006, Guidelines on Fire Test Procedures for Acceptance of Fire-Retardant Materials for the Construction of Lifeboats, June 18, 2001; IBR approved for § 160.135-7(b). (e) International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO Central Secretariat [ISO Copyright Office], Case Postale 56, CH-1211 Geneve 20, Switzerland. (1) ISO 527-1:1993(E), Plastics—Determination of tensile properties, part 1: General Principles, First Edition (June 15, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.135-11 (“ISO 527”). (2) ISO 1172:1996(E), Textile-glass-reinforced plastics—Prepregs, moulding compounds and laminates—Determination of the textile-glass and mineral-filler content—Calcination methods, Second Edition (December 15, 1996), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-11 and 160.135-15 (“ISO 1172”). (3) ISO 14125:1998(E), Fibre-reinforced plastic composites—Determination of flexural properties, First Edition (March 1, 1998), IBR approved for § 160.135-11 (“ISO 14125”). (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (1) A-A-55308, Commercial Item Description, Cloth And Strip, Laminated Or Coated, Vinyl Nylon Or Polyester, High Strength, Flexible, (May 13, 1997), IBR approved for §§ 160.135-7 and 160.135-15. (“A-A-55308”). (2) MIL-C-19663D, Military Specification, Cloth, Woven Roving, For Plastic Laminate, (August 4, 1988), IBR approved for § 160.135-7 (“MIL-C-19663D”). (3) MIL-P-17549D(SH), Military Specification, Plastic Laminates, Fibrous Glass Reinforced, Marine Structural, (August 31, 1981), IBR approved for § 160.135-11 (“MIL-P-17549D(SH)”). (4) MIL-R-21607E(SH), Military Specification, Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire-Retardant, (May 25, 1990), IBR approved for § 160.135-11, [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62987, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10031, Feb. 16, 2023; USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76701, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.135-7 Design, construction, and performance of lifeboats. (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a lifeboat, a manufacturer must comply with, and each lifeboat must meet, the requirements of the following— (1) IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart) applicable to the type of lifeboat; (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1/6 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart) applicable to the type of lifeboat; (3) 46 CFR part 159; and (4) This subpart. (b) Each lifeboat must meet the following requirements: (1) Design. (ii) Each lifeboat should be designed following standard human engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart). Design limits should be based on a range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an immersion suit correspond to the arctic clothed dimensions of ASTM F 1166. (2) Visibility from operator's station. (ii) The operator, while still being able to steer and control the speed of the lifeboat, must be able to see the water— (A) Over a 90 degree arc within 3 m (9 ft, 10 in) of each side of the lifeboat; (B) Over a 30 degree arc within 1 m (3 ft, 3 in) of each side of the lifeboat; and (C) Within 0.5 m (1 ft, 8 in) of the entrances designated for recovering persons from the water. (iii) In order to see a person in the water during recovery or docking operations, a hatch must be provided so that the operator can stand with his or her head outside the lifeboat for increased visibility, provided the operator can still steer and control the speed of the lifeboat. (3) Construction. (i) General. (ii) Steel. (iii) Aluminum. (iv) Fiber Reinforced Plastic. (A) Resin. (B) Glass reinforcement. (C) Laminate. (4) Welding. (5) Lifeboat buoyancy. 3 3 http://cgmix.uscg.mil. (ii) All voids in the hull and canopy required to provide buoyancy for positive stability and self righting must be completely filled with Coast Guard accepted buoyancy material. (6) Engines. (ii) A hydraulic system, if used to start the engine, must be in accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60, except that— (A) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and FC332-X are not permitted; and (B) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm (30 in). Longer, nonmetallic flexible hoses may be allowed in emergency steering systems at the discretion of the Commandant. (iii) If a hand pump is provided, or if the engine has a manual starting system, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or hand start operation. (7) Fuel system. (ii) Tanks constructed with— (A) Aluminum (B) Nickel-copper (C) Steel or iron (D) Fiberglass reinforced plastic (E) Roto-molded plastic (iii) Each fuel tank over 0.75 m (30 in) long must be baffled at intervals not exceeding 0.45 m (18 in). (iv) A fuel level indicator must be provided for each fuel tank. (v) Any fuel tank vent piping must be at least 6 mm (0.25 in) outside diameter tubing. (vi) A shut-off valve must be provided at the fuel tank and must not be provided at the fuel pump. The valve must be clearly labeled. The position of the valve must be clearly indicated by a permanent marking inside the lifeboat. The marking must be an arrow pointing in the direction of the valve, and the words “Fuel Shut-Off Valve” must be in a color that contrasts with their background. The marking must be legible to a person within the vicinity of the engine. (8) Starting system batteries. (9) Exhaust. (10) Propeller guard. (11) Control and steering station. (i) The throttle must be a continuous manual control and must be able to be set and locked at any position. (ii) The control and steering station must be designed and laid out in accordance with ASTM F 1166 sections 9 and 10, so that controls and displays are unambiguous, accessible, and easy to reach and use from the operator's normal seated position, while wearing an immersion suit or a lifejacket. (iii) Each control, gauge, or display must be identified by a marking posted on, above, or adjacent to the respective item. Each control must operate in a logical manner and be marked with an arrow to show direction of movement of control which will cause an increased response. Each gauge must be marked with the normal operating range and indicate danger or abnormal conditions. Each marking must be permanent and weatherproof. (iv) Gauges, and audio and visual alarms must be provided to monitor at least the following parameters— (A) Coolant temperature, for a liquid cooled engine; (B) Oil pressure, for an engine with an oil pump; (C) Tachometer, for an engine not provided with over-speed protection; and (D) State of charge, or rate of charge, for each rechargeable engine starting power source. (12) Hull drain plug. (13) Remote steering. (14) Lifelines. (15) Rails provided as handholds. (16) Storage compartments and collection and storage of rainwater. (ii) The rain water collecting device may be incorporated into the design of the canopy or may be a separate unit to be mounted outside the lifeboat. The device must have a projected horizontal area of at least 1 m 2 2 (iii) Provision must be made to continue to collect water in the storage compartment while drawing water to fill a cup. The compartment must have a means of drainage and adequate access to allow filling the graduated drinking cup required to be carried as part of the lifeboat equipment. (17) Release mechanism. (18) Painter release. (19) Canopy lamp. (20) Manually-controlled interior light. (21) Lifeboat equipment. (22) Oars. (23) Bilge pump. (24) Exterior color. (25) Self-contained air supply system and fire protection system operating instructions. (26) Navigating lights. (27) Retroreflective material. (28) Permanently attached foldable canopy. (29) Labels and notices. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62987, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2020-0107, 87 FR 68305, Nov. 14, 2022; USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76702, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.135-9 Preapproval review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5. (b) Manufacturer requirements. (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision issue, and date; (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions; (3) Seating arrangement plan, including a dimensioned seat form to scale; (4) A complete material list, with each material referenced to a U.S. national standard or, if a copy is provided in English, an equivalent international standard; (5) Plans for carriage and, in detail, stowage of equipment; (6) Hull, canopy, and critical parts lay-up schedule for a Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) lifeboat; (7) Hull and canopy construction drawings, including particulars of joints, welds, seams, and other fabricating details; (8) Weights and thickness of each major FRP structural component, including the hull, canopy, and inner liners, before outfitting; (9) Specification and identification of materials such as steel, aluminum, resin, foam, fiberglass, cloth, and plastic used in the lifeboat's manufacture; (10) Fabrication details for each major structural component, including details of each welded joint; (11) Lines plans; (12) Propulsion system specifications and arrangement and installation drawings; (13) Steering system drawings and specifications; (14) Release mechanism installation drawings and the mechanism's Coast Guard approval number; (15) Air and water spray systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (16) Plans for critical subassemblies; (17) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (18) Electrical system schematics and specifications; (19) Stability data, including righting arm curves in the light and loaded condition for both intact and flooded stability; (20) Drawings of all signs and placards, showing actual inscription, format, color, size, and location on the lifeboat; (21) Complete data pertinent to the installation and use of the proposed lifeboat, including the light load (condition A) and full load (condition B) weights; (22) Specifications for the required launching ramp length and angle, and the height of free-fall lifeboat installation above the water; (23) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.135-19 and 160.135-21 of this subpart; (24) A description of the quality control procedures and record keeping that will apply to the production of the lifeboat, which must include but is not limited to— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication, seams, and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved lifeboat complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (25) Full details of any other unique capability; (26) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the lifeboat complies with the requirements of this subpart; (27) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the lifeboat will be constructed; and (28) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in §§ 160.135-11 and 160.135-15 of this subpart. (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (d) Plan quality. (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control; (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the lifeboat meets the construction requirements of this subpart; (3) Accurately depict the proposed lifeboat; (4) Be internally consistent; (5) Be legible; and (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section. (e) Alternatives. (f) Coast Guard review. § 160.135-11 Fabrication of prototype lifeboats for approval. (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.135-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype lifeboat as set forth in this section. (b) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Prototype inspections and tests of a lifeboat must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional prototype tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (c) Fabrication of a lifeboat must proceed in the following sequence: (1) The manufacturer must arrange for an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (b) of this section) to inspect, test, and oversee the lifeboat during its fabrication and prepare an inspection and test report meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-11. (2) The independent laboratory must make such inspections as are necessary to determine that the prototype is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.135-9 of this subpart. By conducting at least one inspection during its construction, the independent laboratory must determine the prototype lifeboat conforms with those plans by inspecting— (i) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Construction. (B) The hull, canopy, and major structural laminates of each prototype FRP lifeboat must be tested for resin content, ultimate flexural strength, and tensile strength. The test samples must be cut out from the prototype lifeboat, or be laid up at the same time, using the same procedures and by the same operators as the laminate used in the lifeboat. The number of samples used for each test, and the conditions and test methods used, must be as per the applicable test specified in this paragraph. The resin content must be determined as per ASTM D 2584 or ISO 1172 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart). The flexural ultimate strength must be determined by ASTM D 790 method I (test condition “A”, flatwise, dry) or the corresponding ISO 14125 test method (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart). The tensile strength, lengthwise, must be determined as per ASTM D 638 or ISO 527 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart). (C) Each major FRP component, such as the hull, canopy, and inner liner(s), of each prototype FRP lifeboat must be examined and weighed after it is completed but before it is assembled. If the lifeboat is constructed by the spray lay-up technique, the hull and canopy thicknesses must be measured using ultrasonic or equivalent techniques; (ii) Steel construction. (iii) Coated cloth for partially enclosed lifeboats. (iv) Welding. (v) Buoyancy foam. (vi) Installation of the propulsion system; (vii) Installation of the steering system; and (viii) Installation of the water spray fire-protection and air support system(s), if fitted. (3) The independent laboratory must submit the inspection report to the Commandant. § 160.135-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype lifeboats. (a) After the Commandant notifies the manufacturer that the prototype lifeboat is in compliance with the requirements of § 160.135-11 of this subpart, the manufacturer may proceed with the prototype approval inspections and tests required under this section. The prototype lifeboat, the construction of which was witnessed under § 160.135-11 of this subpart, must be used for the tests in this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section. (c) Manufacturer requirements. (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notification must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements; (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed; (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on lifeboats or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.135-9 of this subpart and the inspection report under § 160.135-11 of this subpart; (ii) Assuring that the quality assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (iii) Witnessing tests; and (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or test; and (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of lifeboats, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the lifeboats in which such materials were used. (d) Tests. Prototype lifeboat readiness. (2) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) prototype lifeboat lay-up. (3) Fuel tank. (4) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. (i) Fire retardancy/release mechanism and engine tests (A) Paragraph 6.2; (B) Paragraphs 6.9.3 through 6.9.6; (C) Paragraph 6.10.2 through 6.10.6; and (D) Paragraphs 6.14.6 through 6.14.8. (ii) Lifeboat overload test (iii) Impact test (iv) Lifeboat seating space test (v) Flooded stability test (vi) Lifeboat operational test, Operation of engine (vii) Survival recovery test (viii) Flooded capsizing test (ix) Fire test (x) Water spray tests (xi) Measuring and evaluating acceleration forces (xii) Evaluation acceleration forces with the dynamic response model (5) Visual inspection. (i) Compliance with this subpart; (ii) Conformance with plans reviewed under § 160.135-9 of this subpart; and (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance. (e) Test waiver. (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review— (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and (2) The final plans of the lifeboat as built. The plans must include— (i) The instructions for training and maintenance described in §§ 160.135-19 and 160.135-21 of this subpart; and (ii) The final version of the plans required under § 160.135-9 of this subpart. (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13. § 160.135-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and conformance of lifeboats. (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of lifeboats must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Manufacturer's responsibility. (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production lifeboats are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype lifeboat approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales; (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section; (3) Submit to the Commandant, a yearly report that contains the following— (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each lifeboat constructed; (ii) Name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and (iii) Name of the vessel and company receiving the lifeboat, if known; and (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the lifeboat are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.135-13(h) of this subpart; (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the lifeboat, work or testing is performed on lifeboats or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, for the purpose of— (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (ii) Witnessing tests; or (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e)(2) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the lifeboats are being made in accordance with the plans approved under § 160.135-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart. (c) Recordkeeping. (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each applicable document listed in § 160.135-5 of this subpart; (2) A copy of approved plans, documentation, and certifications; (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved lifeboat; (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved lifeboats, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the lifeboats in which such materials were used; (5) Start and finish date and time of the lay-up of each major Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) component such as the hull, canopy, and inner liner and the names of the operator(s); (6) Start and finish date and time of pouring of foam-in-place rigid buoyancy foam, and name of operator(s); (7) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s); (8) Records of welder certificates, training and qualifications; (9) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration; (10) The serial number of each production lifeboat, along with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and (11) The original purchaser of each lifeboat and the vessel on which it was installed, if known. (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. (e) Production inspections and tests. (1) In-process inspections and tests. (i) Weight. (ii) Thickness. (iii) Resin content. (iv) Flexural ultimate strength and tensile tests. (v) Buoyancy material. 3 3 (vi) Steel sheet and plate. (vii) Cloth. (viii) Fuel tank. (ix) Welding. (2) Post assembly tests and inspections. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62987, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014] § 160.135-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each lifeboat must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed to the hull in a conspicuous place readily accessible for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the lifeboat. (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages. (c) The plate or label must contain the— (1) Name and address of the manufacturer; (2) Manufacturer's model identification; (3) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production test and inspections; (4) Serial number of the lifeboat; (5) U.S. Coast Guard approval number; (6) Month and year of manufacture; (7) Material of hull construction; (8) Number of persons for which the lifeboat is approved; (9) Light load and full load (condition A and condition B weight); and (10) Word “SOLAS.” § 160.135-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) Each lifeboat must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the lifeboat. (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. (c) The lifeboat manufacturer must make the instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available— (1) In English to purchasers of a lifeboat approved by the Coast Guard; and (2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple procedures and illustrations for operation of the lifeboat. The placard must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in) by 51 cm (20 in), and must be made of durable material and suitable for display near installations of lifeboats on vessels. § 160.135-21 Operation and maintenance instructions. (a) Each lifeboat must have operation and maintenance instructions that— (1) Follow the general format and content specified in MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.135-5 of this subpart); and (2) Include a checklist for use in monthly, external visual inspections of the lifeboat. (b) The lifeboat manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to purchasers of a lifeboat approved by the Coast Guard. (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. § 160.135-23 Procedure for approval of design, material, or construction change. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.135-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production lifeboat. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures in § 160.135-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.135-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted. (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype lifeboat with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.135-9 through 160.135-13 of this subpart. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. Subpart 160.151—Inflatable Liferafts (SOLAS) Source: CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, unless otherwise noted. § 160.151-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for approval by the Coast Guard of inflatable liferafts. This subpart does not apply to any inflatable liferaft approved by the Commandant before November 10, 2011, so long as the liferaft satisfies the annual servicing requirements set forth in 46 CFR 160.151-57. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62996, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 76 FR 70062, Nov. 10, 2011] § 160.151-3 Definitions. In this subpart, the term: Commandant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) Servicing SOLAS SOLAS A Liferaft SOLAS B Liferaft [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49237, Sept. 25, 2009, USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62996, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.151-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959. (1) ASTM F 1014-02 (Reapproved 2007), Standard Specification for Flashlights on Vessels, (approved May 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.151-21 (“ASTM F 1014”). (2) [Reserved] (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, Office of the FAS Commissioner, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202, 703-605-5400. (1) Federal Standard 595C, Colors Used in Government Procurement, (January 16, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.151-15 and 160.151-17 (“FED-STD-595C”). (2) [Reserved] (d) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org (1) IMO Resolution A.657(16), Instructions for Action in Survival Craft, (adopted October 1989), IBR approved for § 160.151-21 (“IMO Res. A.657(16)”). (2) IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective Materials on Life-Saving Appliances, (adopted October 19, 1989), IBR approved for § 160.151-15 (“IMO Res. A.658(16)”). (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.151-7, 160.151-15, 160.151-17, 160.151-21, 160.151-29, and 160.151-33. (4) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.151-21, 160.151-27, 160.151-29, 160.151-31, and 160.151-57. (5) Annex 7 to MSC 87/26, Report of the Maritime Safety Committee on its Eighty-Seventh Session, “Resolution MSC.293(87), Adoption of Amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code,” (adopted May 21, 2010), IBR approved for §§ 160.151-7, 160.151-15, 160.151-17, 160.151-21, 160.151-29, and 160.151-33 (“Resolution MSC.293(87)”). (6) Annex 9 to MSC 87/26, Report of the Maritime Safety Committee on its Eighty-Seventh Session, “Resolution MSC.295(87), Adoption of Amendments to the Revised Recommendation on Testing of Life-Saving Appliances (Resolution MSC.81(70)),” (adopted May 21, 2010), IBR approved for §§ 160.151-21, 160.151-27, 160.151-29, 160.151-31, and 160.151-57 (“Resolution MSC.295(87)”). (e) International Standards Organization (ISO): ISO Central Secretariat [ISO Copyright Office], Case Postale 56, CH 1211 Geneva 20, Switzerland. (1) ISO 15738:2002(E), Ships and marine technology—Gas inflation systems for inflatable life-saving appliances, First Edition (February 1, 2002), IBR approved for § 160.151-15 (“ISO 15738”). (2) ISO 17339:2002(E), Ships and marine technology—Sea anchors for survival craft and rescue boats, First Edition (November 15, 2002), IBR approved for § 160.151-21 (“ISO 17339”). (3) ISO 18813:2006(E), Ships and marine technology—Survival equipment for survival craft and rescue boats, First Edition (April 1, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.151-21 (“ISO 18813”). (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robins Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (1) MIL-C-17415F, Military Specification, Cloth, Coated, and Webbing, Inflatable Boat and Miscellaneous Use, (May 31, 1989), IBR approved for § 160.151-15 (“MIL-C-17415F”). (2) [Reserved] [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62996, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10031, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.151-7 Construction of inflatable liferafts. Except as specified in this subpart, each SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferaft must meet the requirements of Chapter III of SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart). To be approved under this subpart, inflatable liferafts must be constructed in accordance with the following provisions of the IMO LSA Code:, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87): (a) IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) Chapter I/1.2, General requirements for life-saving appliances; and (b) IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) Chapter IV/4.2, Inflatable liferafts. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62997, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-9 Independent laboratory. Tests and inspections that this subpart requires to be conducted by an independent laboratory must be conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of part 159 of this chapter to perform such tests and inspections. A list of accepted laboratories is available from the Commandant. § 160.151-11 Approval procedure. (a) A manufacturer seeking approval of an inflatable liferaft must comply with the procedures in part 159, subpart 159.005, of this chapter and in this section. (b) A manufacturer seeking approval of an inflatable liferaft must submit an application to the Commandant meeting the requirements of § 159.005-5 of this chapter for preapproval review. To meet the requirements of § 159.005-5(a)(2) of this chapter, the manufacturer shall submit— (1) General-arrangement drawing including principal dimensions; (2) Seating-arrangement plan; (3) Plans for subassemblies; (4) Plans for carriage and, in detail, stowage of equipment; (5) Plans for the inflation system; (6) Plans for the outer container; (7) Plans for any lifting shackle or ring, including diameter in cross-section, used for connecting the suspension tackle of a davit-launched inflatable liferaft to the automatic disengaging device used for its hoisting and lowering; (8) Other drawing(s) necessary to show that the inflatable liferaft complies with the requirements of this subpart; (9) Description of methods of seam and joint construction; (10) Samples and identification of each material used in the buoyancy chambers, floor, and canopy, including the identity of their manufacturers, and segments of each type of seam made from such materials; and (11) Complete data pertinent to the installation and use of the proposed inflatable liferaft, including the maximum proposed height of its installation above the water, and the maximum length of the sea painter installed in the inflatable liferaft. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62997, Oct. 11, 2011] § 160.151-13 Fabrication of prototype inflatable liferafts for approval. If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.151-11 is satisfactory to the Commandant, fabrication of a prototype inflatable liferaft must proceed in the following sequence: (a) The manufacturer shall arrange for an independent laboratory to inspect the liferaft during its fabrication and prepare an inspection report meeting the requirements of § 159.005-11 of this chapter. The independent laboratory shall conduct at least one inspection during layup of the buoyancy tubes of the liferaft, at least one inspection of the finished liferaft when fully inflated, and as many other inspections as are necessary to determine that the liferaft— (1) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans; (2) Passes the applicable inspections and tests required by § 160.151-31; and (3) Conforms with the manufacturer's plans. (b) The manufacturer shall submit the independent laboratory's inspection report to the Commandant for review. (c) If, after review of the inspection report of the independent laboratory, the Commandant notifies the manufacturer that the liferaft is in compliance with the requirements of this subpart, the manufacturer may proceed with the approval tests required under §§ 160.151-27 and 160.151-29. (d) The manufacturer shall notify the cognizant OCMI of where the approval tests required under §§ 160.151-27 and 160.151-29 will take place and arrange with the OCMI a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed. (e) The manufacturer shall admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on inflatable liferafts or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (1) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (2) Witnessing tests; and (3) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests. (f) The manufacturer shall make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of inflatable liferafts, together with records identifying the lot numbers of the liferafts in which such materials were used. (g) On conclusion of the approval testing, the manufacturer shall comply with the requirements of § 159.005-9(a)(5) of this chapter by submitting the following to the Commandant: (1) The report of the prototype testing prepared by the manufacturer. The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results. (2) The final plans of the liferaft as built. The plans must include— (i) The servicing manual described in § 160.151-37; (ii) The instructions for training and maintenance described in §§ 160.151-59 and 160.151-61, respectively; (iii) The final version of the plans required under § 160.151-11(b), including— (A) Each correction, change, or addition made during the construction and approval testing of prototypes; (B) Sufficient detail to determine that each requirement of this subpart is met; (C) Fabrication details for the inflatable liferaft, including details of the method of making seams and joints; and (D) Full details of the inflation system. (3) A description of the quality-control procedures that will apply to the production of the inflatable liferaft. These must include— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of seams and joints; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved liferaft complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997; 62 FR 35392, July 1, 1997] § 160.151-15 Design and performance of inflatable liferafts. To satisfy the requirements of the regulations of SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart), each inflatable liferaft must meet the following requirements of this section: (a) Workmanship and materials (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter I/1.2.1). (b) Seams (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter I/1.2.2.1). (c) Protection from cold inflation-gas (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) Chapter I/1.2.2.1). (d) Compatibility of dissimilar materials (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter I/1.2.2.4). (e) Color (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter I/1.2.2.6). (f) Retroreflective material (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter I/1.2.2.7). (g) Towing attachments (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.1.4) (h) Weight (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.2.2). (i) Lifelines (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.3.1). 3/8 (j) [Reserved] (k) Painter system (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.6.1). (l) Inflation cylinders (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.2.3). (1) Slings and reinforcements of sufficient strength retain the inflation cylinders in place when the liferaft is dropped into the water from its stowage height and during inflation; and (2) The painter and the inflation cylinders of the liferaft are linked to start inflation when the painter is pulled by one person exerting a force not exceeding 150 N (34 lb). (m) Inflation systems (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.2.3). (n) Boarding ladders (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.4.2). (o) Canopy lamps (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.3.3). (p) Containers (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.6.1). (1) Must include a telltale made with a seal-and-wire, or equivalent, method for indicating whether the liferaft has been tampered with or used since packing; (2) Must be designed so that the liferaft breaks free of the container when inflation is initiated, without the need to manually open or remove any closing arrangement; (3) Must have an interior surface smooth and free from splinters, barbs, or rough projections; (4) Must be of rigid construction where the liferaft is intended for float-free launching or for exposed stowage on deck; (5) If rigid, must be designed to facilitate securing the inflatable liferaft to a vessel to permit quick release for manual launching; (6) If constructed of fibrous-glass-reinforced plastic, must be provided with a means to prevent abrasion of the liferaft fabric, such as by using a gel-coated interior finish of the container, enclosing the liferaft in an envelope of plastic film, or equivalent means; and (7) Except as provided in paragraph (o)(4) of this section, may be of fabric construction. Each container of fabric construction must be made of coated cloth, include carrying handles and drain holes, and be adaptable to stowage and expeditious removal from lockers and deck-mounted enclosures adjacent to liferaft-launching stations. The weight of a liferaft in a fabric container including its container and equipment may not exceed 100 kg (220 lb). [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52192, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62997, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-17 Additional requirements for design and performance of SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts. To satisfy the requirements of the indicated regulations of SOLAS and IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart), each SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferaft must be manufactured in accordance with §§ 160.151-7 and 160.151-15, and must comply with the following additional requirements: (a) Stability (the IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.5). (2) Each liferaft manufactured under this subpart must have water-containing stability appendages on its underside to resist capsizing from wind and waves. These appendages must meet the following requirements: (i) The total volume of the appendages must not be less than 220 liters (7.77 ft 3 (ii) The total volume of the appendages for liferafts approved to accommodate more than 10 persons must be not less than 20 × N liters (0.706 × N ft 3 (iii) The appendages must be securely attached and evenly distributed around the periphery of the exterior bottom of the liferaft. They may be omitted at the locations of inflation cylinders. (iv) The appendages must consist of at least two separate parts so that damage to one part will permit at least half of the required total volume to remain intact. (v) Openings in or between the appendages must be provided to limit the formation of air pockets under the inflatable liferaft. (vi) The appendages must be designed to deploy underwater when the liferaft inflates, and to fill to at least 60 percent of their capacity within 25 seconds of deployment. If weights are used for this purpose, they must be of corrosion-resistant material. (vii) The primary color of the appendages must be vivid reddish orange (color number 12197 of FED-STD-595C (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart)), or a fluorescent color of a similar hue. (b) Boarding ramp (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.4.1). [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52192, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62997, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-21 Equipment required for SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts. To obtain Coast Guard approval, the equipment in each SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferaft must meet the following specific requirements when complying with the indicated regulations of SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart): (a) Heaving line (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.1). (b) Jackknife (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.2). (c) Bailer ((IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.3 and ISO 18813 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart)). 3 (d) Sponge (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.4). 3 3 (e) Sea anchors (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.5 and ISO 17339 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart)). (f) Paddles (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.6 and ISO 18813). (g) Tin-opener (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.7 and ISO 18813). (h) First-aid kit (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.8). (i) Whistle (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.9 and ISO 18813). (j) Rocket parachute flare (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.10). (k) Hand flare (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.11). (l) Buoyant smoke signal (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.12). (m) Electric torch (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.13). (n) Radar reflector (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.14). (o) Signalling mirror (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.15). (p) Lifesaving signals (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.16). (q) Fishing tackle (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.17). (r) Food rations (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.18). (s) Drinking water (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.19). (t) Drinking cup (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.20 and ISO 18813). (u) Anti-seasickness medicine (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.21 and ISO 18813). (v) Survival instructions (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.22 and ISO 18813). (1) Be waterproof; (2) Whatever other language or languages they may be in, be in English; (3) Meet the guidelines in IMO Res. A.657(16) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart); and (4) Be suspended in a clear film envelope from one of the arch tubes of the canopy. (w) Instructions for immediate action (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.23). (1) Be waterproof; (2) Whatever other language or languages they may be in, be in English; (3) Meet the guidelines in IMO Res. A.657(16); (4) Explain both the noise accompanying the operation of any provided pressure-relief valves, and the need to render them inoperable after they complete venting; and (5) Be suspended from the inside canopy, so they are immediately visible by survivors on entering the inflatable liferaft. They may be contained in the same envelope with the instructions on how to survive if the instructions for immediate action are visible through both faces of the envelope. (x) Thermal protective aid (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.1.5.1.24). (y) Repair outfit (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.9.1.1 and ISO 18813). (1) Six or more sealing clamps or serrated conical plugs, or a combination of the two; (2) Five or more tube patches at least 50 mm (2 in) in diameter (the Commandant will consider self-adhesive patches per ISO 18813 as an alternative); and (3) A roughing tool, if necessary to apply the patches. (z) Pump or bellows (IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.9.1.2). (aa) Plugs for pressure-relief valves. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52192, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62997, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012; USCG-2020-0107, 87 FR 68305, Nov. 14, 2022] § 160.151-25 Additional equipment for inflatable liferafts. The manufacturer may specify additional equipment to be carried in inflatable liferafts if the equipment is identified in the manufacturer's approved drawings and if the packing and inspection of the equipment is covered in the servicing manual. Any such additional equipment for which performance or approval standards are prescribed in this part or in 47 CFR part 80 must comply with those standards. § 160.151-27 Approval inspections and tests for inflatable liferafts. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, to satisfy the testing requirements of: IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), part 1, paragraphs 5.1 through 5.15; paragraph 5.16 for a davit-launched inflatable liferaft; and paragraph 5.17, a prototype inflatable liferaft of each design submitted for Coast Guard approval must meet the additional specific requirements and tests specified in paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section. (b) The Commandant may waive certain tests for a liferaft identical in construction to a liferaft that has successfully completed the tests, if the liferafts differ only in size and are of essentially the same design. (c) Tests must be conducted in accordance with the indicated paragraphs of IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), except: (1) Jump test (Paragraph 1/5.2). (2) Mooring-out test (Paragraph 1/5.5). (3) Loading and seating test (Paragraph 1/5.7). (4) Boarding test (Paragraph 1/5.8). (5) Canopy-closure test (Paragraph 1/5.12). (6) Detailed inspection (Paragraph 1/5.14). (7) Davit-launched liferafts—strength test (Paragraph 1/5.16.1). (i) The lowest breaking strength obtained for each item; or (ii) The component manufacturer's ultimate strength rating. (d) The boarding ramp on each liferaft equipped with one must be demonstrated capable of supporting one person weighing 100 kg (220 lb), sitting or kneeling and not holding onto any other part of the liferaft. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-29 Additional approval tests for SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts. To verify compliance with the requirements of IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.3.5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart), the following test must be conducted for SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts in addition to those required by § 160.151-27 and IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart: (a) Test of filling time for stability appendages. (1) The appendage must be attached to a testing jig similar in material and construction to the appendage's intended location on a liferaft. The method of attachment must be the same as used on a liferaft. The appendage and jig must be attached to a scale capable of recording peak readings, and suspended over a pool of calm water. The dry weight must be recorded. (2) The appendage and jig must then be quickly lowered into the water until the appendage is completely submerged. When the appendage has been in the water for 25 seconds, it must be smoothly lifted completely out of the water, and the peak weight after the appendage is removed from the water recorded. (3) The difference in weights measured according to paragraphs (a) (1) and (2) of this section must be at least 60 percent of the appendage's volume, calculated in accordance with § 160.151-17(a)(2)(i). (b) [Reserved] [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52192, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-31 Production inspections and tests of inflatable liferafts. (a) Production inspections and tests of inflatable liferafts must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007, and with those of this section. (b) Each liferaft approved by the Coast Guard must be identified with unique lot and serial numbers as follows: (1) Each lot must consist of not more than 50 liferafts of the same design and carrying capacity. (2) A new lot must begin whenever the liferafts undergo changes of design, material, production method, or source of supply for any essential component. (3) The manufacturer may use a running-lot system, whereby the fabrication of the individual liferafts of a lot occurs over an extended interval under an irregular schedule. Each running lot must comprise not more than 10 liferafts of the same design and carrying capacity. Each running-lot system must be in accordance with a procedure proposed by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. (4) Unless a lot is a running lot, each lot must consist of liferafts produced under a process of continuous production. (c) Among the records required to be retained by the manufacturer under 46 CFR 159.007-13 , are affidavits or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved liferafts, together with the lot numbers of the liferafts constructed with those materials. (d) Each approved liferaft must pass each of the inspections and tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), part 2, paragraphs 5.1.3 through 5.1.6 inclusive, (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart) and prescribed by paragraphs (e) through (g) of this section. For a davit-launched liferaft, these tests must be preceded by the test described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), part 2, paragraph 5.2. (e) The test described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), Paragraph 2/5.1.5, must be conducted under the following conditions: (1) The test must last 1 hour, with a maximum allowable pressure drop of 5 percent after compensation for changes in ambient temperature and barometric pressure. (2) For each degree Celsius of rise in temperature, 0.385 kPa must be subtracted from the final pressure reading (0.031 psig per degree Fahrenheit). For each degree Celsius of drop in temperature, 0.385 kPa must be added to the final pressure reading (again, 0.031 psig per degree Fahrenheit). (3) For each mm of mercury of rise in barometric pressure, 0.133 kPa must be added to the final temperature-corrected pressure reading (0.049 psig per 0.1 inch of mercury). For each mm of mercury of drop in barometric pressure, 0.133 kPa must be subtracted from the final temperature-corrected pressure reading (again, 0.049 psig per 0.1 inch of mercury). Corrections for changes in ambient barometric pressure are necessary only if a measuring instrument open to the atmosphere, such as a manometer, is used. (f) One liferaft from each lot of fewer than 30 liferafts, and two from each lot of 30 to 50 liferafts, must pass the test described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), part 2, paragraphs 5.1.1 and 5.1.2. If any liferaft fails this test— (1) The reason for the failure must be determined; (2) Each liferaft in the lot must be examined for the defect and repaired if reparable, or scrapped if irreparable; and (3) The lot test must be repeated, including random selection of the liferaft or liferafts to be tested. If any liferafts from the lot have left the place of manufacture, they must be recalled for examination, repair, and testing as necessary; or else the required actions must take place at an approved servicing facility. (g) The manufacturer shall arrange for inspections by an accepted independent laboratory at least once in each calendar quarter in which production of liferafts approved by the Coast Guard takes place. The time and date of each inspection must be selected by the independent laboratory, to occur when completed liferafts are in the manufacturing facility and others are under construction. The manufacturer shall ensure that the inspector from the independent laboratory— (1) Conducts the inspection and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (f) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the liferafts are being made in accordance with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (2) Examines the records of production inspections and tests for liferafts produced since the last inspection by an independent laboratory to verify that each required inspection and test has been carried out satisfactorily; (3) Conducts a design audit on at least one liferaft approved by the Coast Guard each year. If possible, different models of liferafts must be examined in the design audit from year to year. To retain Coast Guard approval, the manufacturer shall demonstrate to the inspector during each design audit that— (i) Each part used in the liferaft matches the part called for by the approved plans; (ii) Each part and subassembly are of the materials and components indicated on the approved plans or their bills of materials; and (iii) Each critical dimension is correct as shown either by measurement or by proper fit and function in the next-higher assembly. (h) The manufacturer must notify the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) whenever final production inspections and tests are to be performed so that the OCMI may assign a marine inspector to the factory to witness the applicable tests and to ensure that the quality assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52192, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-33 Marking and labeling. (a) Whatever other languages they may be in, markings required on each inflatable liferaft and its container must be in English. (b) The markings required on the liferaft container under IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.6.3 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart) must be on a plate or label sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the liferaft. In addition, the container must be marked with the— (1) Manufacturer's model identification; and (2) U.S. Coast Guard approval number. (c) In addition to the markings required on the inflatable liferaft under IMO LSA Code, as amended by Resolution MSC.293(87), Chapter IV/4.2.7.1, the liferaft must be marked with the— (1) Manufacturer's model identification; (2) Lot number; and (3) U.S. Coast Guard approval number. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011; USCG-2010-0048, 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-35 Servicing. (a) Inspection and repair. (b) Manufacturer's requirements. (1) Prepare a servicing manual or manuals complying with § 160.151-37 to cover each model and size of liferaft that the manufacturer produces. The manual or manuals must be submitted to the Commandant for approval. (2) At least once each year, issue a list of revisions to the manual or manuals, and issue a list of bulletins affecting the manual or manuals, that are in effect. (3) Make available to each servicing facility approved by the Coast Guard the manual or manuals, the revisions, the bulletins, the plans, and any unique parts and tools that may be necessary to service the liferaft. The plans may be either the manufacturing drawings, or special plans prepared especially for use by servicing technicians. They may be incorporated into the manual or manuals. (4) Have a training program complying with § 160.151-39 for the certification of servicing technicians. (5) Notify the OCMI for the zone in which the servicing facility is located whenever the manufacturer becomes aware of servicing at approved facilities that is not in accordance with the requirements of this subpart, or aware of falsification by an approved facility of records required by this subpart. (c) A manufacturer of liferafts not approved by the Coast Guard may establish servicing facilities approved by the Coast Guard for such liferafts in the United States if the manufacturer meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section. § 160.151-37 Servicing manual. (a) The servicing manual must provide instructions on performing the following tasks: (1) Removing the inflatable liferaft from the container for testing without damaging the liferaft or its contents. (2) Examining the liferaft and its container for damage and wear including deteriorated structural joints and seams. (3) Determining the need for repairs. (4) Performing each repair which can be made by a servicing facility. (5) Identifying repairs that the manufacturer must perform. (6) Determining when liferaft equipment must be replaced. (7) Conducting tests required by § 160.151-57. (8) Repacking the liferaft. (9) Changing the maximum height of stowage of the liferaft by changing the length of the painter. (10) Special equipment limitations or packing instructions, if any, necessary to qualify the liferaft for a particular height of stowage. (11) Changing the service of the liferaft by changing the contents of the equipment pack. (12) Proper marking of the liferaft container, including approval number, persons' capacity, maximum height of stowage, service (equipment pack), and expiration date of servicing. (13) A list of parts for— (i) Survival equipment; (ii) Compressed-gas cylinders; (iii) Inflation valves; (iv) Relief valves; and (v) Repair equipment. (14) The necessary pressures for each size of approved liferaft for conducting the “Necessary Additional Pressure” test required by § 160.151-57(k). (b) Each revision to a servicing manual, and each bulletin, that authorizes the modification of a liferaft, or that affects the compliance of a liferaft with any requirement under this subpart, must be submitted to and approved by the Commandant. Other revisions and bulletins need not be approved, but a copy of each must be submitted to the Commandant when issued. (c) Each manual provided under this section must bear the original signature of a representative of the manufacturer attesting that it is a true copy of the manual approved by the Commandant. § 160.151-39 Training of servicing technicians. (a) The training program for certification of servicing technicians must include— (1) Training and practice in packing an inflatable liferaft, repairing buoyancy tubes, repairing inflation-system valves, and other inspections and operations described in the approved servicing manual; (2) An evaluation at the end of the training to determine whether each trainee has successfully completed the training; and (3) Issuance of a certificate of competence to each technician who successfully completes the training. (b) The manufacturer shall maintain refresher training for recertification of previously trained servicing technicians. This training must include— (1) Checking the performance of the technicians in the inspections and operations described in the manual; (2) Retraining of the technicians in inspections and operations for which they are deficient; (3) Training and practice in new inspections and operations; (4) An evaluation at the end of the training to determine whether or not each trainee has successfully completed the training; and (5) Issuance of a certificate of competence to each technician who successfully completes the training. (c) Each time the manufacturer holds a course for servicing technicians who will perform servicing on liferafts approved by the Coast Guard, the manufacturer shall notify the cognizant OCMI sufficiently in advance to allow, at the option of the OCMI, for a Coast Guard inspector or inspectors to travel to the site where the training is to occur. § 160.151-41 Approval of servicing facilities. (a) To obtain and maintain Coast Guard approval as an “approved servicing facility” for a particular manufacturer's inflatable liferafts, a facility must meet the requirements, and follow the procedures, of this section. (b) The owner or operator of a servicing facility desiring Coast Guard approval shall apply to the cognizant OCMI. The application must include— (1) The name and address of the facility; (2) The name(s) of its competent servicing technician(s); (3) Identification of the manufacturer(s) of the liferafts the facility will service; and (4) Any limits or special conditions that should apply to the approval of the facility. (c) The owner or operator of the servicing facility shall arrange for an inspection with the OCMI to whom the owner or operator applied under paragraph (b) of this section. A currently trained servicing technician shall successfully demonstrate the complete service to each make and type of liferaft for which approval as a servicing facility is sought, in the presence of a Coast Guard inspector or of a third-party inspector accepted by the OCMI, or such technician shall present evidence of having performed such service at the time of initial or refresher training. The service must include: (1) Removing the liferaft from the container for testing without damaging the liferaft or its contents; (2) Examining the liferaft and its container for damage and wear; (3) Determining the need for repairs; (4) Determining whether equipment must be replaced; (5) Conducting the tests required by § 160.151-57; (6) Repacking the liferaft; (7) Inflating the fully packed liferaft using its inflation mechanism; and (8) Repairing a leak in a main buoyancy chamber, and subjecting the repaired chamber to the Necessary Additional Pressure test described in § 160.151-57(k). This repair may be done on a liferaft that actually needs it, on one condemned, or on an inflatable chamber fabricated of liferaft material specifically for this purpose. (An otherwise serviceable liferaft should not be damaged for this purpose.) (d) Whenever servicing of liferafts takes place, each servicing facility must allow Coast Guard inspectors or third-party inspectors accepted by the OCMI access to the place where the servicing occurs. (e) Each servicing facility must employ at least one servicing technician who has successfully completed the manufacturer's training described in § 160.151-39 (a) or (b), including training in the servicing of davit-launched liferafts if the facility will service these. The training must have been completed within the preceding— (1) 12 months for the facility to obtain its approval to service the liferafts of a particular manufacturer; or (2) 36 months for the facility to retain approval to service the liferafts of a particular manufacturer. § 160.151-43 Conditions at servicing facilities. (a) Each facility must maintain a room to service inflatable liferafts that— (1) Is clean; (2) Is fully enclosed; (3) Has enough space to service the number of liferafts likely to be present for service at one time; (4) Has a ceiling high enough to hold and allow overturning of a fully inflated liferaft of the largest size to be serviced, or is furnished with an equally efficient means to facilitate the inspection of bottom seams; (5) Has a smooth floor that will not damage a liferaft, can be easily cleaned, and is kept clean and free from oil, grease, and abrasive material; (6) Is well lit but free from direct sunlight; (7) Is arranged to maintain an even temperature and low humidity in each area where liferafts are pressure tested, including by mechanical air-conditioning equipment in climates where it is necessary; (8) Is arranged so that stored liferafts are not subjected to excessive loads and, if stacked one directly on top of another, does not have them stacked more than two liferafts high; (9) Is efficiently ventilated but free of drafts; and (10) Is a designated no-smoking area. (b) In addition to the room required by paragraph (a) of this section, each facility must maintain areas or rooms for storage of liferafts awaiting servicing, repair, or delivery; for repair and painting of reinforced plastic containers; for storage of pyrotechnics and other materials, such as spare parts and required equipment; and for administrative purposes. § 160.151-45 Equipment required for servicing facilities. Each servicing facility approved by the Coast Guard must maintain equipment to carry out the operations described in the manufacturer's servicing manual approved in accordance with § 160.151-35(b)(1), including— (a) A set of plans, as specified in § 160.151-35(b)(3), for each inflatable liferaft to be serviced; (b) A current copy of this subpart; (c) A current copy of the manual approved in accordance with § 160.151-35(b)(1), including all revisions and bulletins in effect as indicated on the annual list issued in accordance with § 160.151-35(b)(2); (d) Hot presses (if applicable); (e) Safety-type glue pots or equivalents; (f) Abrasive devices; (g) A source of clean, dry, pressurized air; hoses; and attachments for inflating liferafts; (h) A source of vacuum; hoses; and attachments for deflating liferafts; (i) Mercury manometer, water manometer, or other pressure-measurement device or pressure gauge of equivalent accuracy and sensitivity; (j) Thermometer; (k) Barometer, aneroid or mercury; (l) Calibrated torque-wrench for assembling the inflation system; (m) Accurate weighing scale; (n) Repair materials and equipment, and spare parts as specified in the applicable manual, except that items of limited “shelf life” need not be stocked if they are readily available; (o) A complete stock of the survival equipment required to be stowed in the liferafts, except for items of equipment that are readily available; (p) A means for load-testing davit-launched liferafts, unless the facility services only non-davit-launched liferafts; (q) A supply of parts for all inflation components and valves specified in the applicable manual; and (r) A tool board that clearly indicates where each small tool is stored, or has an equivalent means to make sure that no tools are left in the liferaft when repacked. § 160.151-47 Requirements for owners or operators of servicing facilities. To maintain Coast Guard approval, the owner or operator of each servicing facility approved by the Coast Guard must— (a) Ensure that servicing technicians have received sufficient information and training to follow instructions for changes and for new techniques related to the inflatable liferafts serviced by the facility, and have available at least one copy of each manufacturer's approved servicing manual, revision, and bulletin; (b) Calibrate each pressure gauge, mechanically-operated barometer, and weighing scale at intervals of not more than 1 year, or in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's requirements; (c) Ensure that each liferaft serviced under the facility's Coast Guard approval is serviced by or under the direct supervision of a servicing technician who has completed the requirements of either § 160.151-39 (a) or (b); (d) Ensure that each liferaft serviced under the facility's Coast Guard approval is serviced in accordance with the approved manual; (e) Specify which makes of liferafts the facility is approved to service when representing that the facility is approved by the Coast Guard; and (f) Ensure that the facility does not service any make of liferaft for an inspected vessel of the U.S. or any other U.S.-flag vessel required to carry approved liferafts, unless the facility is approved by the Coast Guard to service that make of liferafts. § 160.151-49 Approval of servicing facilities at remote sites. A servicing facility may be approved for servicing liferafts at a remote site, provided that appropriate arrangements have been made to ensure that each such site meets the requirements of §§ 160.151-41(e), 160.151-43, and 160.151-45. The facility must have a portable assortment of test equipment, spare parts, and replacement survival equipment to accompany the technician doing the servicing. However, if repair of liferafts will not be attempted at a remote site, equipment needed for repair does not need to be available at that site. A facility must be specifically authorized in its letter of approval to conduct servicing at a remote site. § 160.151-51 Notice of approval. If the cognizant OCMI determines that the servicing facility meets the applicable requirements of §§ 160.151-39 through 160.151-47, the OCMI notifies the facility that it is approved and notifies the Commandant. The Commandant issues an approval letter to the servicing facility with copies to the OCMI and to the manufacturer(s) whose liferafts the facility is approved to service. The letter will specify any limits on the approval, and will assign the facility's approval code for use on the inspection sticker required by § 160.151-57(m)(3). The Commandant will maintain a current list of approved facilities. § 160.151-53 Notice to OCMI of servicing. (a) Before servicing an inflatable liferaft under the servicing facility's Coast Guard approval, the owner or operator of the facility must tell the cognizant OCMI for each liferaft to be serviced— (1) The make and size of the liferaft; (2) The age of the liferaft; and (3) Whether the liferaft is due for a five-year inflation test. (b) The OCMI will inform the servicing facility whether the servicing of the liferaft must be witnessed by an inspector. (c) If the OCMI requires the servicing of the liferaft to be witnessed by an inspector— (1) The servicing facility must arrange a schedule with the OCMI that will allow a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the servicing is to occur; (2) The owner or operator of the servicing facility, by permission of the OCMI, may arrange for the servicing to be witnessed instead by a third-party inspector accepted by the OCMI if a Coast Guard marine inspector is not available in a timely manner; and (3) The servicing facility must not begin servicing the liferaft until the inspector arrives at the site. (d) No deviation from servicing-manual procedures may occur without the prior approval of the OCMI. To request the approval of a deviation, the owner or operator of the servicing facility shall notify the OCMI of the proposed deviation from the procedures, and must explain to the OCMI the need for the deviation. § 160.151-55 Withdrawal of approval. (a) The OCMI may withdraw the approval of the servicing facility, or may suspend its approval pending correction of deficiencies, if the Coast Guard inspector or accepted third-party inspector finds that— (1) The facility does not meet the requirements of §§ 160.151-41 through 160.151-47, or (2) The servicing is not performed in accordance with § 160.151-57. (b) A withdrawal of approval may be appealed in accordance with part 1, subpart 1.03, of this chapter. (c) The OCMI may remove a suspension pending correction of deficiencies if the servicing facility demonstrates that the deficiencies have been corrected. § 160.151-57 Servicing procedure. (a) Each inflatable liferaft serviced by a servicing facility approved by the Coast Guard must be inspected and tested in accordance with paragraphs (b) through (r) of this section, and the manufacturer's servicing manual approved in accordance with § 160.151-35(b)(1). (b) The following procedures must be carried out at each servicing: (1) The working-pressure leakage test described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87), paragraph 2/5.1.5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.151-5 of this subpart), must be conducted. (2) Inflation hoses must be pressurized and checked for damage and leakage as part of the working-pressure leakage test, or in a separate test. (3) An inflatable floor must be inflated until it is firm, and let stand for one hour. The inflatable floor must still be firm at the end of the hour. (4) The seams connecting the floor to the buoyancy tube must be checked for slippage, rupture, and lifting of edges. (5) Each item of survival equipment must be examined, and— (i) Replaced at the time of servicing if there is less than 6 months remaining before the expiration date; and (ii) Otherwise, repaired or replaced if it is damaged or unserviceable. (6) Each battery must be replaced with a fresh one if— (i) Its expiration date has passed; (ii) It has no expiration date; or (iii) It is to return to service in an item of survival equipment, but its measured voltage is less than its rated voltage. (7) Each power cell for the top and inside canopy lights must be inspected and tested as prescribed in the servicing manual unless it is a battery serviced in accordance with paragraph (b)(6) of this section. Each cell that is tested and found satisfactory may be reinstalled. Each cell that is outdated, is not tested, or fails the test must be replaced. (8) If the liferaft is equipped with an Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or a Search and Rescue Transmitter (SART), the EPIRB or SART must be inspected and tested in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. An EPIRB must be tested using the integrated test circuit and output indicator to determine whether it is operative. Each EPIRB or SART not operative must be repaired or replaced. (9) The manual inflation-pump must be tested for proper operation. (10) Each damaged, faded, or incorrect instruction label or identification label on the liferaft or its container must be replaced. (11) Each liferaft must be examined to ensure that it is properly marked with retroreflective material. The arrangement of the retroreflective material must meet the requirements of IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87). Damaged or missing retroreflective material must be replaced with Type I material approved under 46 CFR part 164, subpart 164.018, as complying with SOLAS. (12) Each inflation cylinder must be weighed. If its weight loss exceeds five percent of the weight of the charge, it must be recharged. (c) When an inflation cylinder is recharged for any reason, the following inflation-head components must be renewed: (1) The poppet-pin assembly, if any. (2) Each plastic or elastomeric seal, and each other part that deteriorates with age. (d) Each recharged inflation cylinder must stand for at least two weeks and be checked for leakage by weighing before being installed in a liferaft. An alternative mechanical or chemical test for fast detection of leakage may be used if the servicing manual approved by the Commandant in accordance with § 160.151-35(b)(1) provides for it. (e) Each inflation cylinder that requires a hydrostatic test under 49 CFR 180.205 must be tested and marked in accordance with that section. (f) At every second servicing of a davit-launched liferaft, the launching-load test in paragraph 2/5.2 of IMO Revised recommendation on testing, as amended by Resolution MSC.295(87) must be conducted. (g) At every fifth annual servicing, before the conduct of the tests and inspections required in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section, each liferaft must be removed from its container and, while still folded, inflated by the operation of its gas-inflation system. (h) Each liferaft showing minor leaks during the gas inflation test conducted in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, may be repaired. (i) Each liferaft ten or more years past its date of manufacture must be condemned if it leaks extensively, or shows fabric damage other than minor porosity, during the gas inflation test conducted in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section. (j) After the gas inflation test conducted in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, the liferaft may be evacuated and refilled with air for the tests in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section. (k) At each annual servicing of a liferaft ten or more years past its date of manufacture during which the gas-inflation test in paragraph (g) of this section is not conducted, a “Necessary Additional Pressure” (NAP) test must be conducted. Before the tests and inspections required in paragraphs (b) through (f) of this section are conducted, the NAP test must be completed, using the following procedure: (1) Plug or otherwise disable the pressure-relief valves. (2) Gradually raise the pressure to the lesser of 2 times the design working pressure, or that specified in the manufacturer's servicing manual as sufficient to impose a tensile load on the tube fabric of 20 percent of its minimum required tensile strength. (3) After 5 minutes, there should be no seam slippage, cracking, other defects, or pressure drop greater than 5 percent. If cracking in the buoyancy tubes is audible, accompanied by pressure loss, condemn the liferaft. If it is not, reduce the pressure in all buoyancy chambers simultaneously by enabling the pressure-relief valves. (l) At each annual servicing of a liferaft 10 or more years past its date of manufacture, the integrity of the seams connecting the floor to the buoyancy tube must be checked by the following procedure, or an equivalent procedure specified in the manufacturer's approved servicing manual: (1) With the buoyancy tube supported a sufficient distance above the floor of the servicing facility to maintain clearance during the test, a person weighing not less than 75 kg (165 lb) shall walk or crawl around the entire perimeter of the floor of the liferaft. (2) The seams connecting the floor to the buoyancy tube must then be inspected for slippage, rupture, and lifting of edges. (m) The servicing facility must complete the following for each liferaft that passes these inspections and tests: (1) Permanently mark the liferaft on its outside canopy, or on a servicing-record panel on an interior portion of one of its buoyancy tubes near an entrance, with— (i) The date of the servicing; (ii) The identification and location of the servicing facility; and (iii) If applicable, an indication that the special fifth-year servicing was performed. (2) Permanently and legibly mark on the identification device provided in accordance with § 160.151-17(c), or on the outside canopy of the liferaft, the name, if known, of the vessel on which the raft will be installed or the name, if known, of the vessel owner. (3) Affix an inspection sticker to the liferaft container or valise. The sticker must be of a type that will remain legible for at least 2 years when exposed to a marine environment, and that cannot be removed without being destroyed. The sticker must be about 100 mm × 150 mm (4 by 6 inches), with the last digit of the year of expiration superimposed over a background color that corresponds to the colors specified for the validation stickers for recreational-boat numbers in 33 CFR 174.15(c), and be marked with the Coast Guard identifying insignia in accordance with the requirements of 33 CFR 23.12. The sticker must also contain the following: (i) The name of the manufacturer of the liferaft. (ii) The year and month of expiration determined in accordance with paragraph (n) of this section. (iii) Identification of the servicing facility, printed on the sticker or indicated on the sticker by punch using an approval code issued by the Commandant. (n) The expiration date of the servicing sticker is 12 months after the date the liferaft was repacked, except that: (1) For a new liferaft, the expiration date may be not more than two years after the date the liferaft was first packed, if— (i) Dated survival equipment in the liferaft will not expire before the sticker expiration date; and (ii) The liferaft will not be installed on a vessel certificated under SOLAS. (2) For a liferaft stored indoors, under controlled temperatures (between 0 °C (32 °F) and 45 °C (113 °F)), for not more than 6 months from the date it was serviced or first packed, the expiration date may be extended up to the length of time the liferaft remained in storage. (3) For a liferaft stored indoors, under controlled temperatures (between 0 °C (32 °F) and 45 °C (113 °F)), for not more than 12 months from the date it was serviced or first packed, the expiration date may be extended up to the length of time the liferaft remained in storage, if the liferaft is opened, inspected, and repacked in a servicing facility approved in accordance with §§ 160.151-49 and 160.151-51. When the liferaft is opened— (i) The condition of the liferaft must be visually checked and found to be satisfactory; (ii) The inflation cylinders must be checked and weighed in accordance with paragraph (b)(12) of this section; (iii) All survival equipment whose expiration date has passed must be replaced; and (iv) All undated batteries must be replaced. (o) The servicing facility must remove and destroy the markings of Coast Guard approval on each liferaft condemned in the course of any servicing test or inspection. (p) The servicing facility must issue a certificate to the liferaft owner or owner's agent for each liferaft it services. The certificate must include— (1) The name of the manufacturer of the liferaft; (2) The serial number of the liferaft; (3) The date of servicing and repacking; (4) A record of the fifth-year gas-inflation test required in paragraph (g) of this section, whenever that test is performed; (5) A record of the hydrostatic test of each inflation cylinder required in paragraph (e) of this section, whenever that test is performed; (6) A record of any deviation from the procedures of the manufacturer's servicing manual authorized by the OCMI in accordance with § 160.151-53(d); (7) The identification of the servicing facility, including its name, address, and the approval code assigned by the Commandant in accordance with § 160.151-51; (8) The name, if known, of the vessel or vessel owner receiving the liferaft; and (9) The date the liferaft is returned to the owner or owner's agent. (q) The servicing facility must keep a record of each liferaft approved by the Coast Guard that it services for at least five years, and must make those records available to the Coast Guard upon request. Those records must include— (1) The serial number of the liferaft; (2) The date of servicing and repacking; (3) The identification of any Coast Guard or third-party inspector present; (4) The name, if known, of the vessel or vessel owner receiving the liferaft; and (5) The date the liferaft is returned to the owner or owner's agent. (r) The servicing facility must prepare and transmit to the OCMI, at least annually, statistics showing the nature and extent of damage to and defects found in liferafts during servicing and repair. The facility must notify the OCMI immediately of any critical defects it finds that may affect other liferafts. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52192, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG-2010-0759, 75 FR 60004, Sept. 29, 2010, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011; 77 FR 9865, Feb. 21, 2012] § 160.151-59 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) The liferaft manufacturer shall make operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual available in English to purchasers of inflatable liferafts approved by the Coast Guard, to enable vessel operators to meet SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 35 (III/35). (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for hydrostatic releases or launching equipment, and must explain— (1) Release of the inflatable liferaft from its stowage position; (2) Launching of the liferaft; (3) Survival procedures, including instructions for use of survival equipment aboard; and (4) Shipboard installations of the liferaft. (c) The operating instructions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must also be made available in the form of an instruction placard. The placard must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in.) by 51 cm (20 in.), made of durable material and suitable for display near installations of liferafts on vessels, providing simple procedures and illustrations for launching, inflating, and boarding the liferaft. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011] § 160.151-61 Maintenance instructions. (a) The liferaft manufacturer shall make maintenance instructions available in English to purchasers of inflatable liferafts approved by the Coast Guard, to enable vessel operators to meet SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 36 (III/36). (b) The maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section must include— (1) A checklist for use in monthly, external, visual inspections of the packed liferaft; (2) An explanation of the requirements for periodic servicing of the liferaft by an approved servicing facility; and (3) A log for maintaining records of inspections and maintenance. [CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as amended by USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011] Subpart 160.156—Rescue Boats and Fast Rescue Boats (SOLAS) Source: USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011, unless otherwise noted. § 160.156-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of a rescue boat, including a fast rescue boat, complying with SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, for use on waters other than protected waters as defined in 46 CFR 175.400. § 160.156-3 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term: Commandant Full load Independent laboratory http://cgmix.uscg.mil. Light load Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) SOLAS [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.156-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7 and 160.156-15 (“ASTM A 36”). (2) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“ASTM A 276”). (3) ASTM A 313/A 313M-08, (approved October 1, 2008), Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire, IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“ASTM A 313”). (4) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“ASTM A 314”). (5) ASTM A 653/A 653M-08, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process, (approved July 15, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7, 160.156-11 and 160.156-15 (“ASTM A 653”). (6) ASTM B 209-07, Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate, (approved August 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“ASTM B 209”). (7) ASTM D 638-08, Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics, (approved April 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.156-11 (“ASTM D 638”). (8) ASTM D 790-07e1, Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials, (approved September 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.156-11 (“ASTM D 790”). (9) ASTM D 2584-08, Standard Test Method of Ignition Loss for Cured Reinforced Resins, (approved May 1, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-11 and 160.156-15 (“ASTM D 2584”). (10) ASTM D 4029-09, Standard Specification for Finished Woven Glass Fabrics, (approved January 15, 2009), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“ASTM D 4029”). (11) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1, 2007), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7 and 160-156-13 (“ASTM F 1166”). (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service, Office of the FAS Commissioner, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202, 703-605-5400. (1) Federal Standard 595C, Colors Used in Government Procurement, (January 16, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 “(FED-STD-595C”). (2) [Reserved] (d) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective Materials on Life-Saving Appliances, (adopted October 19, 1989), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“IMO Res. A.658(16)”). (2) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7 and 160.156-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”). (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-3, 160.156-7 and 160.156-13. (4) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7, 160.156-13. (5) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7 and 160.156-13, and 160.156-15 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”). (6) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.156-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”). (7) MSC/Circ. 1006, Guidelines On Fire Test Procedures For Acceptance Of Fire-Retardant Materials For The Construction Of Lifeboats, June 18, 2001; IBR approved for § 160.156-7. (e) International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO Central Secretariat [ISO Copyright Office], Case Postale 56, CH-1211 Geneve 20, Switzerland. (1) ISO 527-1:1993(E), Plastics—Determination of tensile properties, Part 1: General Principles, First Edition (June 15, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.156-11 (“ISO 527”). (2) ISO 1172:1996(E), Textile-glass-reinforced plastics—Prepregs, moulding compounds and laminates—Determination of the textile-glass and mineral-filler content—Calcination methods, Second Edition (December 15, 1996), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-11 and 160.156-15 (“ISO 1172”). (3) ISO 14125:1998(E), Fibre-reinforced plastic composites—Determination of flexural properties, First Edition (March 1, 1998), IBR approved for § 160.156-11 (“ISO 14125”). (4) ISO 15372:2000(E), Ships and marine technology—Inflatable rescue boats—Coated fabrics for inflatable chambers, First Edition (December 1, 2002), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7 and 160.156-15 (“ISO 15372”). (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robins Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/. (1) MIL-C-19663D, Military Specification, Cloth, Woven Roving, For Plastic Laminate, (August 4, 1988), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“MIL-C-19663D”). (2) MIL-P-17549D(SH), Military Specification, Plastic Laminates, Fibrous Glass Reinforced, Marine Structural, (August 31, 1981), IBR approved for §§ 160.156-7 and 160.156-11 (“MIL-P-17549D(SH)”). (3) MIL-R-21607E(SH), Military Specification, Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire-Retardant, (May 25, 1990), IBR approved for § 160.156-11 (“MIL-R-21607E(SH)”). (g) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096. (1) SAE J1527 (Revised JAN93), Marine Fuel Hoses, (February 5, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“SAE J1527”). (2) [Reserved] (h) Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 NW., Lake Rd, Camas, WA 98607-8542. (1) UL 1102, UL Standard for Safety for Nonintegral Marine Fuel Tanks, Fifth Edition (February 4, 1999), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“UL 1102”). (2) UL 1185, Standard for Safety for Portable Marine Fuel Tanks, Fourth Edition (September 26, 1996), IBR approved for § 160.156-7 (“UL 1185”). [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10031, Feb. 16, 2023; USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76702, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.156-7 Design, construction and performance of rescue boats and fast rescue boats. (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a rescue boat, including a fast rescue boat, a manufacturer must comply with, and each rescue boat must meet, the requirements of the following: (1) IMO LSA Code chapter V (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart); (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 1/7 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart) applicable to the type of rescue boat; (3) 46 CFR part 159; and (4) This subpart. (b) Each rescue boat must meet the following requirements: (1) Design. (ii) Each rescue boat should be designed following standard human engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). Design limits should be based on a range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an immersion suit correspond to the arctic-clothed dimensions of ASTM F 1166. (2) Visibility from operator's station. (ii) The operator, while still being able to steer and control the speed of the rescue boat, must be able to see the water— (A) Over a 90 degree arc within 3 m (10 ft) of each side of the rescue boat; (B) Over a 30 degree arc within 1 m (3 ft, 3 in) of each side of the rescue boat; and (C) Within 0.5 m (1 ft, 8 in) of the entrances designated for recovering persons from the water. (iii) In order to see a person in the water during recovery or docking operations, a hatch must be provided in fully enclosed rescue boats so that the operator can stand with his or her head outside the rescue boat for increased visibility, provided the operator can still steer and control the speed of the rescue boat. (3) Construction. (i) General. (ii) Steel. (iii) Aluminum. (iv) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP). (A) Resin. (B) Glass reinforcement. (C) Laminate. (4) Welding. (5) Rescue boat buoyancy. 3 3 (ii) All voids in the hull and canopy required to provide buoyancy for positive stability and self righting must be completely filled with Coast Guard-accepted buoyancy material. (iii) Air in the inflated collar of a rigid-hull inflatable rescue boat will not be considered inherently buoyant material for the purposes of meeting the additional 280 N/person requirement of the LSA Code, chapter IV/4.4.4. (6) Coated fabric. (7) Engines. (ii) A hydraulic system, if used to start the engine, must be in accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60 except that— (A) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and FC332-X are not permitted; and (B) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm (30 in). Longer nonmetallic flexible hoses may be allowed in emergency steering systems at the discretion of the Commandant. (iii) If a hand pump is provided, or if the engine has a manual starting system, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or hand start operation. (8) Fuel system. (ii) The fuel tank and fuel system must be in accordance with paragraph (b)(8)(ii)(A), (B), or (C) of this section, as follows: (A) Permanently installed fuel systems must meet the requirements in 46 CFR 160.135-7. (B) Portable fuel systems for outboard engines must meet UL 1185 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart) or equivalent, except that hoses must be Coast Guard Type A per SAE J1527 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart), and hose clamps, primers, filters, and strainers must be successfully tested in accordance with 33 CFR 183.590. Anti-siphon devices must be provided in the fuel system to prevent fuel spillage when the hose is disconnected. Arrangements must be provided to secure the fuel tank in its normal operating position on the rescue boat. (C) Fuel systems for outboard engines using non-integral, permanently installed fuel tanks must meet the requirements of 33 CFR part 183, subpart J—Fuel Systems. UL 1102 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart) meets these requirements for fuel tanks. (9) Starting system batteries. (10) Exhaust. (11) Propeller guard. (12) Control and steering station. (i) The throttle must be a continuous manual control and must be able to be set and locked at any position. (ii) The control and steering station must be designed and laid out in accordance with ASTM F 1166 sections 9 and 10, so that controls and displays are unambiguous, accessible, and easy to reach and use from the operator's normal seated position, while wearing an immersion suit or a lifejacket. (iii) Each control, gauge, or display must be identified by a marking posted on, above, or adjacent to the respective item. Each control must operate in a logical manner and be marked with an arrow to show direction of movement of control which will cause an increased response. Each gauge must be marked with the normal operating range and indicate danger or abnormal conditions. Each marking must be permanent and weatherproof. (iv) Gauges, and audio and visual alarms, must be provided to monitor at least the following parameters on inboard engines— (A) Coolant temperature, for a liquid cooled engine; (B) Oil pressure, for an engine with an oil pump; (C) Tachometer, for an engine not provided with over-speed protection; and (D) State of charge, or rate of charge, for each rechargeable engine starting power source. (13) Drain plug. (14) Remote steering. (15) Lifelines. (16) Rails provided as handholds. (17) Equipment list. (18) Release mechanism. (19) Painter/painter release. (20) Canopy lamp. (21) Manually controlled interior light. (22) Manual bilge pump. (23) Labels and notices. (24) Stowage. (25) Rescue boat equipment. (26) Exterior color. (27) Navigation light. (28) Retroreflective material. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014; USCG-2020-0107, 87 FR 68305, Nov. 14, 2022; USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76702, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.156-9 Preapproval review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5. (b) Manufacturer requirements. (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision issue, and date; (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions; (3) Seating-arrangement plan, including a dimensioned seat form to scale; (4) A complete material list, with each material referenced to a U.S. national standard or, if a copy is provided in English, an equivalent international standard; (5) Plans for carriage and, in detail, stowage of equipment; (6) Hull, canopy, and critical parts lay-up schedule for Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) rescue boats, including fast rescue boats; (7) Hull and canopy construction drawings, including particulars of joints, welds, seams, and other fabricating details; (8) Weights and thickness of each major FRP structural component, including the hull, canopy, and inner liners, before outfitting; (9) Specification and identification of materials such as steel, aluminum, resin, foam, fiberglass, coated fabric, and plastic used in the rescue boat's manufacture; (10) Fabrication details for each major structural component, including details of each welded joint; (11) Lines plans; (12) Propulsion system specifications and arrangement and installation drawings; (13) Steering system drawings and specifications; (14) Release mechanism installation drawings and the mechanism's Coast Guard approval number; (15) Plans for critical subassemblies; (16) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (17) Electrical system schematics and specifications; (18) Stability data, including righting arm curves in the light load and load condition for both intact and flooded; (19) Drawings of all signs and placards, showing actual inscription, format, color, size, and location on the rescue boat; (20) Complete data pertinent to the installation and use of the proposed rescue boat, including— (i) The light load (condition A) and full load (condition B) weights; and (ii) Complete details of the lifting arrangement to include enough detail for operators of the rescue boat to select a suitable release mechanism approved under subpart 160.133 or 160.170 of this part; (21) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.156-19 and 160.156-21 of this subpart; (22) A description of the quality control procedures and record keeping that will apply to the production of the rescue boat, which must include but is not limited to— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication, seams, and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved rescue boat complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (23) Full details of any other unique capability; (24) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the rescue boat complies with the requirements of this subpart; (25) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the rescue boat will be constructed; and (26) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in §§ 160.156-11 and 160.156-15 of this subpart. (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (d) Plan quality. (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control; (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the rescue boat meets the construction requirements of this subpart; (3) Accurately depict the proposed rescue boat; (4) Be internally consistent; (5) Be legible; and (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section. (e) Alternatives. (f) Coast Guard review. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014] § 160.156-11 Fabrication of prototype rescue boats and fast rescue boats for approval. (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.156-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype rescue boat as set forth in this section. (b) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Prototype inspections and tests of a rescue boat must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional prototype tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (c) Fabrication of a rescue boat must proceed in the following sequence: (1) The manufacturer must arrange for an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (b) of this section) to inspect, test, and oversee the rescue boat during its fabrication and prepare an inspection and test report meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-11. (2) The independent laboratory must make such inspections as are necessary to determine that the prototype is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.156-9 of this subpart. By conducting at least one inspection during its construction, the independent laboratory must determine the prototype rescue boat conforms with those plans by inspecting— (i) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Construction. (B) The hull, canopy, and major structural laminates of each prototype FRP rescue boat must be tested for resin content, ultimate flexural strength, and tensile strength. The test samples must be cut out from the prototype rescue boat, or be laid up at the same time, using the same procedures and by the same operators as the laminate used in the rescue boat. The number of samples used for each test, and the conditions and test methods used, must be as per the applicable test specified in this paragraph. The resin content must be determined as per ASTM D 2584 or ISO 1172 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). The flexural ultimate strength must be determined by ASTM D 790 method I (test condition “A”, flatwise, dry) or the corresponding ISO 14125 test method (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). The tensile strength, lengthwise, must be determined as per ASTM D 638 or ISO 527 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). (C) Each major FRP component, such as the hull, canopy, and inner liner(s) of each prototype FRP rescue boat, must be examined and weighed after it is completed but before it is assembled. If the rescue boat is constructed by the spray lay-up technique, the hull and canopy thicknesses must be measured using ultrasonic or equivalent techniques; (ii) Steel construction. (iii) Welding. (iv) Buoyancy material. 3 3 (v) Coated fabric. (vi) Installation of the propulsion system; and (vii) Installation of the steering system. (3) The independent laboratory must submit the inspection report to the Commandant. § 160.156-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype rescue boats and fast rescue boats. (a) After the Commandant notifies the manufacturer that the prototype rescue boat is in compliance with the requirements of § 160.156-11 of this subpart, the manufacturer may proceed with the prototype approval inspections and tests required under this section. The prototype rescue boat, the construction of which was witnessed under § 160.135-11 of this part, must be used for the tests in this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section. (c) Manufacturer requirements. (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notification must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements; (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed; (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on rescue boats or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.156-9, and the inspection report under § 160.156-11, of this subpart; (ii) Assuring that the quality assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (iii) Witnessing tests; and (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of rescue boats, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the rescue boats in which such materials were used. (d) Tests. Prototype rescue boat readiness. (2) FRP prototype rescue boat lay-up. (3) Fuel tank. (4) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. (i) Fire retardancy/release mechanism and engine tests (A) Paragraphs 6.9.3 through 6.9.6; (B) Paragraphs 6.10.2 through 6.10.6; and (C) Paragraphs 6.14.6 through 6.14.8. (ii) Impact test (iii) Flooded stability test for rigid rescue boats only (iv) Rescue boat operational test, operation of engine (v) Survival recovery test (vi) Rescue boat seating space test (5) Visual inspection. (i) Compliance with this subpart; (ii) Conformance with the plans reviewed under § 160.156-9 of this subpart; and (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance. (e) Test waiver. (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review— (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and (2) The final plans of the rescue boat as built. The plans must include— (i) The instructions for training and maintenance described in §§ 160.156-19 and 160.156-21 of this subpart; and (ii) The final version of the plans required under § 160.156-9 of this subpart. (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and, if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13. § 160.156-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and conformance of rescue boats and fast rescue boats. (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of rescue boats must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Manufacturer's responsibility. (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production rescue boats are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype rescue boat approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales; (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section; (3) Submit to the Commandant, a yearly report that contains the following— (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each rescue boat constructed; (ii) Name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and (iii) Name of the vessel and company receiving the rescue boat, if known; (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the rescue boat are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.156-13(h) of this subpart; (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the rescue boat, work or testing is performed on rescue boats or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, for the purpose of— (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (ii) Witnessing tests; or (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the rescue boats are being made in accordance with the plans approved under § 160.156-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart. (c) Recordkeeping. (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each applicable document listed in § 160.156-5 of this subpart; (2) A copy of approved plans, documentation, and certifications; (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved rescue boat; (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved rescue boats, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the rescue boats in which such materials were used; (5) Start and finish date and time of the lay-up of each major Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) component such as the hull, canopy, and inner liner and the names of the operator(s); (6) Start and finish date and time of pouring of foam-in-place rigid buoyancy foam, and name of operator(s); (7) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s); (8) Records of welder certificates, training and qualifications; (9) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration; (10) The serial number of each production rescue boat, along with records of its inspections and test carried out under this section; and (11) The original purchaser of each rescue boat and the vessel on which it was installed, if known. (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. (e) Production inspections and tests. (1) In-process inspections and tests. (i) Weight. (ii) Thickness. (iii) Resin content. (iv) Flexural ultimate strength and tensile tests. (v) Buoyancy material. 3 3 (vi) Steel sheet and plate. (vii) Fabric. (viii) Fuel tank. (ix) Welding. (2) Post assembly tests and inspections. [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 62999, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by 79 FR 44140, July 30, 2014] § 160.156-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each rescue boat must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed to the hull in a conspicuous place readily accessible for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the rescue boat. (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages. (c) The plate or label must contain the— (1) Name and address of the manufacturer; (2) Manufacturer's model identification; (3) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production tests; (4) Serial number of the rescue boat; (5) U.S. Coast Guard approval number; (6) Month and year of manufacture; (7) Material of hull construction; (8) Number of persons for which the rescue boat is approved; (9) Light load and full load (condition A and condition B weight); and (10) Word “SOLAS.” § 160.156-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) Each rescue boat must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual, that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the rescue boat. (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. (c) The rescue boat manufacturer must make the instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available— (1) In English to purchasers of a rescue boat approved by the Coast Guard; and (2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple procedures and illustrations for operation of the rescue boat. The placard must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in) by 51 cm (20 in), and must be made of durable material and suitable for display near installations of rescue boats on vessels. § 160.156-21 Operation and maintenance instructions. (a) In order to comply with SOLAS, each rescue boat must have operation and maintenance instructions that— (1) Follows the general format and content specified in MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart); and (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external inspections of the rescue boat. (b) The rescue boat manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to purchasers of a rescue boat approved by the Coast Guard. (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. § 160.156-23 Procedure for approval of design, material, or construction change. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.156-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production rescue boat. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures set forth in § 160.156-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.156-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted. (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype rescue boat with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.156-9 through 160.156-13 of this subpart. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. Subpart 160.170—Davit-Launched Liferaft Automatic Release Hooks (SOLAS) Source: USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 63007, Oct. 11, 2011, unless otherwise noted. § 160.170-1 Scope. This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of an automatic release mechanism complying with SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, for use with davit-launched liferafts approved under subparts 160.051 or 160.151 of this part, and single-fall rescue boats approved under subpart 160.156 of this part. § 160.170-3 Definitions. In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term: Commandant Full load Independent laboratory http://cgmix.uscg.mil. Light load Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) SOLAS [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 63007, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.170-5 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 36”). (2) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 276”). (3) ASTM A 313/A 313M-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 313”). (4) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 314”). (5) ASTM A 653/A 653M-08, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process, (approved July 15, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.170-7, 160.170-13, and 160.170-15 (“ASTM A 653”). (6) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM F 1166”). (c) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/. (1) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.170-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”). (2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.170-3 and 160.170-7. (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.170-7, 160.170-13, 160.170-15, and 160.170-17. (4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for § 160.170-13 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”). (5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.170-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”). [USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 63007, Oct. 11, 2011, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10031, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.170-7 Design, construction, and performance of automatic release mechanisms. (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism, a manufacturer must comply with, and each release mechanism must meet, the requirements of the following— (1) IMO LSA Code, Chapter VI/6.1.5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart); (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing Part 1/8.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). (3) 46 CFR part 159; and (4) This subpart. (b) Each release mechanism must meet the following requirements— (1) Design. (2) Each release mechanism should be designed following standard human engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). Design limits should be based on a range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an immersion suit correspond to the arctic-clothed dimensions of ASTM F 1166; (3) Steel. (4) Welding. (5) Metals in contact with each other must be either galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing, buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities; (6) Screws, nuts, bolts, pins, keys, and other similar hardware, securing moving parts must be fitted with suitable lock washers, cotter pins, or locks to prevent them from coming adrift; (7) The on-load operation of the release mechanism must require two separate, deliberate actions by the operator; (8) To prevent an accidental release during recovery of the boat, the release hooks must not be able to carry any weight until the release mechanism is properly reset; (9) The release and recovery procedures must be included as an illustrated operation instruction plate or placard. The plate or placard must be corrosion resistant and weatherproof and must be marked with the word “Danger”. The illustrations must correspond exactly to those used in the instruction and maintenance manual provided by the manufacturer; (10) The release lever or control must be red in color, and the area immediately surrounding the control must be a sharply contrasting light color; (11) Each load carrying part of the release mechanism, including its connection to the boat, must be designed with a safety factor of six based on the ultimate strength of the materials used; (12) The release lever and its connection to the release mechanism must be of sufficient strength so that there is no deformation of the release lever or the release control assembly during on-load release; (13) Positive means of lubrication must be provided for each bearing which is not permanently lubricated. Points of lubrication must be so located that they are clearly visible and accessible in the installed position in the boat; and (14) A hydraulic system, if used to activate the release mechanism, must be in accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60, except that— (i) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and FC332-X are not permitted; (ii) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm (30 in); and (iii) If a hand pump is provided, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or hand operation. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. § 160.170-9 Preapproval review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5. (b) Manufacturer requirements. (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision issue, and date; (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions; (3) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts, including the release hooks, release mechanisms, and connections; (4) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed; (5) Drawings of all signs and placards showing actual inscription, format, color, and size; (6) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.170-19 and 160.170-21 of this subpart; (7) A description of the quality control procedures and recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the release mechanism, which must include but is not limited to— (i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers; (ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials; (iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved release mechanism complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart; (8) Full details of any other unique capability; (9) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the release mechanism complies with the requirements of this subpart; (10) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the release mechanism will be constructed; and (11) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in § 160.170-15 of this subpart. (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section, so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (d) Plan quality. (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control; (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the release mechanism meets the construction requirements of this subpart; (3) Accurately depict the proposed automatic release hook; (4) Be internally consistent; (5) Be legible; and (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section. (e) Alternatives. (f) Coast Guard review. § 160.170-11 [Reserved] § 160.170-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype automatic release mechanisms. (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.170-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype release mechanism, and the approval inspections and tests required under this section. (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section. (c) Manufacturer's requirements. (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notification must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements; (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed; (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on release mechanisms or their component parts and materials for the purpose of— (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype— (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart; (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart; and (C) When welding is part of the construction process, is constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart, and the welders are appropriately qualified; (ii) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (iii) Witnessing tests; and (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of release mechanisms, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials were used. (d) Tests. Prototype release mechanism readiness. (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. (i) Visual inspection. (A) Compliance with this subpart; (B) Conformance with the examined plans; and (C) Ease of operation and maintenance. (ii) Materials. (iii) Tensile tests. (iv) Universal joints. (v) Hydraulic controls. (e) Test waiver. (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010. (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review— (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and (2) The final plans of the release mechanism as built. The plans must include the instructions for training and maintenance described in §§ 160.170-19 and 160.170-21 of this subpart, respectively. (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13. § 160.170-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and conformance of release mechanisms. (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of release mechanisms must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart. (b) Manufacturer's responsibility. (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production release mechanisms are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype release mechanism approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales; (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section; (3) Submit to the Commandant, a yearly report that contains the following— (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each release mechanism constructed; (ii) The name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and (iii) Serial number and model name of the liferaft or rescue boat with which the release hook is to be used, if known; (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the release mechanism are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart; (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the release mechanism, work or testing is performed on release mechanisms or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, for the purpose of— (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory; (ii) Witnessing tests; or (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the release mechanisms are being made in accordance with the plans approved under § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart. (c) Recordkeeping. (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each document listed in § 160.170-5 of this subpart; (2) A copy of the approved plans and documentation; (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved release mechanism; (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved release mechanisms, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials were used; (5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s); (6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications; (7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration; (8) The serial number of each production release gear, along with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and (9) The original purchaser of each release gear and the vessel on which it was installed, if known. (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. (e) Production inspections and tests. (f) Each approved release mechanism must pass each of the tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2, paragraph 6.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). However, each approved release mechanism for installation of a single-fall rescue boat must pass each of the tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2, paragraph 5.3.1 and 5.3.4. § 160.170-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each hook body of a release mechanism must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed in a conspicuous place readily accessible for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the release mechanism. (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages. (c) The plate or label must contain the— (1) Manufacturer's name and model identification; (2) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production tests; (3) Serial number of the release mechanism; (4) U.S. Coast Guard approval number; (5) Month and year of manufacture; (6) Safe working load of the release mechanism; (7) Number of the test certificate in accordance with IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2/6.2.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart); and (8) Word “SOLAS.” § 160.170-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's training manual. (a) In order to comply with SOLAS, each release mechanism must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the winch. (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. (c) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available— (1) In English to purchasers of release mechanisms approved by the Coast Guard; and (2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple procedures and illustrations for operation of the release mechanism. The placard must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in) by 51 cm (20 in), and must be made of durable material and suitable for display inside a lifeboat and rescue boat, and near launching apparatuses on vessels. § 160.170-21 Operation and maintenance instructions. (a) Each release mechanism must have operation and maintenance instructions that— (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart); and (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external inspections of the release mechanism. (b) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to purchasers of a release mechanism approved by the Coast Guard. (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems. § 160.170-23 Procedure for approval of design, material, or construction change. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production release mechanism. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures in § 160.170-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted. (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype release mechanism with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.170-9 through 160.170-13 of this subpart. (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only. Subpart 160.171—Immersion Suits Source: CGD 84-069a, 52 FR 1188, Jan. 12, 1987, unless otherwise noted. § 160.171-1 Scope. This subpart contains construction and performance requirements, and approval tests for adult and child insulated, buoyant immersion suits that are designed to prevent shock upon entering cold water and lessen the effect of hypothermia (extreme body heat loss due to immersion in cold water). Immersion suits approved under this subpart will meet the requirements of Regulation 33 of Chapter III of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, under the Second Set of Amendments adopted 17 June 1983. § 160.171-3 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; email [email protected] www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html [email protected]. (a) ASTM International (ASTM). [email protected]; www.astm.org. (1) ASTM B117-97, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus (“ASTM B117”); IBR approved for § 160.171-17(k). (2) ASTM C177-85 (1993), Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus (“ASTM C177”); IBR approved for § 160.171-17(e). (3) ASTM C518-91, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus (“ASTM C518”); IBR approved for § 160.171-17(e). (4) ASTM D975-14, Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, approved February 1, 2014 (“ASTM D975”); IBR approved for § 160.171-17(p). (5) ASTM D1004-94a, Standard Test Method for Initial Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting (“ASTM D1004”); IBR approved for § 160.171-17(n). (b) General Services Administration (GSA). [email protected]; https://fedspecs.gsa.gov/s/federal-specifications. (1) Federal Test Method Standard No. 191a dated July 20, 1978, Method 5304.1, Abrasion Resistance of Cloth, Oscillatory Cylinder (Wyzenbeek) Method, dated July 9, 1971 (“Federal Test Method Standard 191, Method 5304.1”); IBR approved for § 160.171-17(o). (2) Federal Standard No. 751a, Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings, dated January 25, 1965 (“Federal Standard No. 751”); IBR approved for § 160.171-9(c). (c) National Institution of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly National Bureau of Standards). www.nist.gov. (1) National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440—Color, Universal Language and Dictionary of Names; December 1976 (“National Bureau of Standards Publication 440”); IBR approved for § 160.171-9(h). (Available at https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/SP/nbsspecialpublication440.pdf (2) [Reserved] (d) Underwriters Laboratories (UL). www.ul.com. (1) UL 1191, Standard for Components for Personal Flotation Devices, First Edition, as revised March 29, 1977; IBR approved for § 160.171-17(h). (2) [Reserved] [USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76702, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.171-5 Independent laboratory. The approval and production tests in this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of this chapter. § 160.171-7 Approval procedures. (a) General. (b) Approval testing. (c) Approval of child size and oversize adult suits. § 160.171-9 Construction. (a) General. (b) Impact resistance and body strength. (c) Seams. (1) Class 300 Lockstitch. (2) Class 700 Single Thread Lockstitch. Other stitches which are not true lock stitches may be used to reinforce a glued seam provided the adhesive alone has the required seam strength after the non-standard stitch has been removed. (d) Seam strength. (e) Closures and seals. (f) Hardware. (g) Metal parts. (1) 410 stainless steel or have salt water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal or superior to 410 stainless steel; and (2) Galvanically compatible with each other metal part in contact with it. (h) Suit exterior. (i) Buoyant materials and compartments. Buoyant materials used in a suit must not be loose or granular. The suit must not have an inflated or inflatable chamber, except as prescribed in § 160.171-11(a)(2). (j) Hand and arm construction. (k) Leg construction. (l) Foot construction. (1) Natural or synthetic rubber that is ribbed or bossed for skid resistance; and (2) Designed to prevent the wearer from slipping when the suit is tested as prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(5). (m) Size. (n) Retroreflective material. 2 (o) PFD Light. (p) Inflation tube. [CGD 84-069a, 52 FR 1188, Jan. 12, 1987, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.171-11 Performance. (a) Buoyancy. (1) The adjusted buoyancy of each adult and each oversize adult size suit must be at least 100 N (22 lb.). The adjusted buoyancy of each child size suit must be at least 50 N (11 lb.) The measured buoyancy must not be reduced by more than 5% after 24 hours submersion in fresh water. (2) Each suit must have a stable floating position in which the wearer's head must be tilted to a position between 30° and 80° above the horizontal, with the mouth and nose at least 120 mm (4 3/4 (3) If an auxiliary means of buoyancy is necessary to meet paragraph (a)(2) of this section, the suit must have a stable floating position without the auxiliary means of buoyancy in which the mouth and nose of the wearer are at least 50 mm (2 in.) above the surface of the water. (4) The buoyancy of any auxiliary means of buoyancy must not be counted when determining the buoyancy of the suit. (b) Righting. (c) Thermal protection. (1) The thermal conductivity of the suit material when submerged 1 m (39 in.) in water must be less than or equal to that of a control sample of 4.75 mm ( 3/16 (2) The suit must provide the wearer with sufficient thermal insulation, following one jump into the water from a height of 4.5 m, to ensure that the wearer's body core temperature does not fall more than 2 °C (3.6 °F) after a period of 6 hours immersion in calm circulating water at a temperature of between 0 °C (32 °F) and 2 °C (35.6 °F). (d) Donning time. (e) Vision. (f) Water penetration. (g) Splash protection. (h) Storage temperature. (i) Flame exposure. (j) Oil resistance. § 160.171-13 Storage case. (a) Each suit must have a storage case made of vinyl coated cloth or material that provides an equivalent measure of protection to the suit. (b) Each storage case must be designed so that it is still useable after two seconds contact with a gasoline fire. § 160.171-15 Instructions. (a) Each suit must have instructions for its donning and use in an emergency. The instructions must be in English and must not exceed 50 words. Illustrations must be used in addition to the words. These instructions must be on the exterior of the storage case or printed on a waterproof card attached to the storage case or to the suit. (b) If the suit has an inflatable auxiliary means of buoyancy, separate instructions covering the use of the inflation valve must be provided on the suit near the valve or on a waterproof card attached near the valve. (c) Instructions for donning and use of the suit in an emergency must also be available in a format suitable for mounting on a bulkhead of a vessel. This placard must be in English, must include illustrations, and must include a warning as to the risk of entrapment in a submerged compartment due to the buoyancy of the suit. (d) Instructions for donning and use of the suit in an emergency, instructions for care and repair of the suit, and any additional necessary information concerning stowage and use of the suit on a vessel must be available in 8 1/2 § 160.171-17 Approval testing for adult size immersion suit. Caution: During each of the in-water tests prescribed in this section, a person ready to render assistance when needed should be near each subject in the water. (a) General. (b) Test samples. (c) Mobility and flotation tests. (1) Test subjects. (i) Underwear (short sleeved, short legged); (ii) Shirt (long sleeved); (iii) Trousers (not woolen); (iv) Woolen or equivalent synthetic socks; (v) Rubber soled work shoes. (2) Donning time. (3) Field of vision. (i) While wearing a suit, each subject sits upright and faces straight ahead. An observer is positioned to one side of the subject at an angle of 60° away from the subject's straight-ahead line of sight. The observer must be able to see the subject's closest eye at this position. The observer then walks past the front of the subject to a position on the subject's other side that is at an angle of 60° away from the subject's straight-ahead line of sight. The suit must not obstruct the observer's view of the subject's eyes at any point between the two positions. (ii) While wearing the suit, each subject stands upright and faces straight ahead. An observer is positioned to one side of the subject at an angle of 90° away from the subject's straight-ahead line of sight. The subject then turns his or her head through an arc of 30° toward the position of the observer. This procedure is repeated with the observer positioned on the other side of the subject at an angle of 90° away from the subject's straight ahead line of sight. The suit must not obstruct the observer's view of the subject's eyes when the subject's head is turned 30° toward the observer. (iii) While wearing the suit, each subject stands upright and faces straight ahead. Through a combination of head and eye movement, the subject looks first at a spot directly overhead, then looks at a spot on or between the feet. An observer must verify that the subject can make the necessary head and eye movements while wearing the suit. (4) Hand dexterity. 3/8 (5) Walking. (6) Climbing. (7) Swimming and water emergence test. (8) Stability and retroreflective material. (9) Righting. (i) With any means of auxiliary buoyancy attached but not inflated; (ii) With any means of auxiliary buoyancy which must be inflated by the wearer inflated according to the instructions; or (iii) With any means of auxiliary buoyancy which inflates automatically inflated by its automatic mechanism. (10) Water and air penetration. (11) Impact. (d) Thermal protection. (1) Test subjects. Note: The following publication, among others, contains guidance for use of the Heath-Carter anthropometric method: “Body Type and Performance,” Hebbelinck and Ross; FITNESS, HEALTH AND WORK CAPACITY, INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS FOR ASSESSMENT; Larson, L. A. (Ed.); International Committee for the Standardization of Physical Fitness Tests; Macmillan; New York; 1974 (pp. 266-283). Each subject must have had a normal night's sleep before the test, a well-balanced meal 1 to 5 hours before the test, and no alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before the test. In addition to the suit, each subject must wear: (i) Underwear (short sleeved, short legged); (ii) Shirt (long sleeved); (ii) Trousers (not woolen); (iv) Woolen or equivalent synthetic socks; (v) Work shoes, if the suit is designed for shoes to be worn inside. (2) Test equipment. (3) Test procedure. (4) Completion of testing. (5) Termination of test. (i) The physician determines that the subject should not continue. (ii) The subject requests termination due to discomfort or illness. (iii) The subject's rectal temperature drops more than 2 °C (3.6 °F) below the initial rectal temperature, unless the physician determines that the subject may continue. (iv) The subject's lumbar, finger, or toe temperature drops below 10 °C (50 °F), unless the physician determines that the subject may continue. (6) Test results. (i) The total rectal temperature drop during the test period and the average lumbar, finger and toe temperature at the end of the test must be determined for each subject in the test, except subjects who did not complete testing for a reason stated in paragraph (d)(5)(i) or (d)(5)(ii) of this section. These temperatures and temperature drops must then be averaged. The average drop in rectal temperature must not be more than 2 °C (3.6 °F), and the average lumbar, toe and finger temperature must not be less than 5 °C (41 °F). Data from at least four subjects must be used in making these temperature calculations. (ii) Rates of toe, finger, lumbar, and rectal temperature drop for each subject who did not complete testing for a reason stated in paragraph (d)(5)(iii) or (d)(5)(iv) of this section must be determined using the highest temperature measured and the temperature measured immediately before testing was terminated. These rates must be used to extrapolate to 6 hours the estimated rectal, finger, lumbar, and toe temperature at the end of that time. These estimated temperatures must be the temperatures used in computing the average temperatures described in paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section. (e) Insulation. (1) Test equipment. (i) A sealed copper or aluminum can that has at least two parallel flat surfaces and that contains at least two liters (two quarts) or water and no air. One possible configuration of the can shown in figure 160.171-17(e)(1)(i). (ii) A thermistor or thermocouple that has an accuracy of ±0.1 °C (±0.18 °F) and that is arranged to measure the temperature of the water in the can. (iii) A control sample of two flat pieces of 4.75 mm (3/16 in.) thick, closed cell neoprene foam of sufficient size to enclose the can between them. The control sample must have a thermal conductivity of not more than 0.055 watt/meter−° K (0.38 Btu−in./hr.−sq.ft.− °F). The thermal conductivity of the control sample must be determined in accordance with the procedures in ASTM C 177 or ASTM C 518 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.171-3). (iv) Two flat pieces of suit material of sufficient size to enclose the can between them. The surface covering, surface treatment, and number of layers of the material tested must be the same as those of material used in the suit. If the material used in the suit varies in thickness or number of layers, the material tested must be representative of the portion of the suit having the least thickness or number of layers. (v) A clamping arrangement to form a watertight seal around the edges of the material when the can is enclosed inside. A sealing compound may be used. Figure 160.171-17(e)(1)(v) shows one possible arrangement of the clamping arrangement. (vi) A container of water deep enough to hold the entire assembly of the can, material, and clamp at least 1 meter (39 in.) below the surface of the water. (vii) A means to control the temperature of the water in the container between 0 °C (32 °F) and 1 °C (33.8 °F). (viii) A thermistor or thermocouple that has an accuracy of ±0.1 °C (0.18 °F) and that is arranged to measure the temperature of the water in the container at the depth at which the can, material, and clamp are held. (2) Test procedure. (f) Storage temperature. (1) 8 hours conditioning at 65 °C to be completed in one day; (2) The specimens removed from the warm chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day; (3) 8 hours conditioning at −30 °C to be completed the next day; and (4) The specimens removed from the cold chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day. At the conclusion of the final cycle of cold storage, two test subjects who successfully completed the donning test in paragraph (c)(2) of this section enter the cold chamber, unpack and don the immersion suits. Alternatively, the suits may be unpacked in the chamber, then removed and immediately donned. Neither of the suits must show damage such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities. (g) Measured buoyancy. (1) Test equipment. (i) A mesh basket that is large enough to hold a folded suit, and that is weighted sufficiently to overcome the buoyancy of the suit when placed in the basket. (ii) A tank of water that is large enough to contain the basket submerged with its top edge 50 mm (2 in.) below the surface of the water. (iii) A scale or load cell that has an accuracy of 0.15 Newtons (1/2 oz.) and that is arranged to support and weigh the basket in the tank. (2) Test procedure. (h) Adjusted buoyancy. (i) Suit flame exposure. (1) Test equipment. (i) A metal pan that is at least 300 mm (12 in.) wide, 450 mm (18 in.) long, and 60 mm (2 1/2 1/2 1/2 (ii) An arrangement to hold the suit over the gasoline. (2) Test procedure. (j) Storage case flame exposure. (k) Corrosion resistance. (l) Body strength. (1) Test equipment. (i) Two rigid cylinders each 125 mm (5 in.) in diameter, with an eye or ring at each end; (ii) A weight of 135 kg (300 lb.); and (iii) Ropes or cables of sufficient length to allow the suit to be suspended as shown in Figure 160.171-17(1)(1). (2) Test procedure. (m) Seam strength. (1) Test equipment. (i) A chamber in which air temperature can be kept at 23 °C (73.4 °F) ±2 °C (1.8 °F) and in which relative humidity can be kept at 50% ±5%. (ii) A device to apply tension to the seam by the means of a pair of top jaws and a pair of bottom jaws. Each set of jaws must grip the material on both sides so that it does not slip when the load is applied. (2) Test samples. (3) Test procedure. (n) Tear resistance. (o) Abrasion resistance. (p) Test for oil resistance. [CGD 84-069a, 52 FR 1188, Jan. 12, 1987; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.171-19 Approval testing for child size immersion suit. A child size suit must pass the following tests: (a) The stability test prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(8), except that only six children need be used as test subjects and they can be of either sex. The subjects must be within the ranges of weight and height prescribed in § 160.171-9(m). The heaviest subject must weigh at least 10 kg (22 lb.) more than the lightest subject. During this test the face seal, neck and chin fit are evaluated and must be comparable to the fit of the corresponding adult size suit on an adult. (b) The buoyancy test prescribed in § 160.171-17(g). (c) The body strength test prescribed in § 160.171-17(k) except that the cylinders must be 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter and the test weight must be 55 kg (120 lb.). § 160.171-23 Marking. (a) Each immersion suit must be marked with the words “IMMERSION SUIT—COMPLIES WITH SOLAS 74/83,” the name of the manufacturer, the date of manufacturer, the model, the size, and the Coast Guard approval number. (b) Each storage case must be marked with the words “immersion suit” and the size. (c) The markings for the child size immersion suits required under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must also include the following statements in print smaller than the word “child”: “(Small Adult Under 50 kg. (110 lb.))”, and “Children Require Adult Assistance for Donning and Use.” (d) If an auxiliary means of buoyancy is removable and is needed to meet § 160.171-11(a)(2), the marking on the suit must indicate that the suit is not Coast Guard approved unless the auxiliary means of buoyancy is attached. § 160.171-25 Production testing. (a) Immersion suit production testing is conducted under the procedures in this section and subpart 159.007 of this chapter. (b) One out of every 100 immersion suits produced must be tested as prescribed in § 160.171-17(g) and must be given a complete visual examination. The suit must be selected at random from a production lot of 100 suits and tested by or under the supervision of the independent laboratory. A suit fails this test if— (1) The measured buoyancy of the suit differs by more than 10% from the measured buoyancy of the suit tested for approval, (2) The adjusted buoyancy of the suit calculated using the buoyancy loss factor determined during approval testing is less than that required in § 160.171-11(a)(1), or (3) The visual examination shows that the suit does not conform to the approved design. (c) If the suit fails to pass the test as prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section, 10 additional suits from the same lot must be selected at random and subjected to the test. If a defect in the suit is detected upon visual examination, 10 additional suits from the same lot must be selected at random and examined for the defect. (d) If one or more of the 10 suits fails to pass the test or examination, each suit in the lot must be tested or examined for the defect for which the lot was rejected. Only suits that pass the test or that are free of defects may be sold as Coast Guard approved. (e) The manufacturer must ensure that the quality control procedure described in the test plans previously submitted for approval under § 159.005-9(a)(5)(iii) is followed. Figure 160.171(e)(1)(i). Water can for insulation test Figure 160.171-17(e)(1)(v). Insulation Test Assembly Subpart 160.174—Thermal Protective Aids Source: CGD 84-069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986, unless otherwise noted. § 160.174-1 Scope. This subpart contains construction and performance requirements, and approval tests for thermal protective aids that are designed to minimize the occurrence of or aid in the recovery from hypothermia (lowered body temperature) during long periods in a survival craft. § 160.174-3 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; email [email protected] www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (a) ASTM International (ASTM). [email protected]; www.astm.org. (1) ASTM C177-85 (1993), Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded-Hot-Plate Apparatus (“ASTM C 177”); IBR approved for § 160.174-17(f) and (g). (2) ASTM C518-91, Standard Test Method for Steady-State Heat Flux Measurements and Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter Apparatus (“ASTM C 518”); IBR approved for § 160.174-17(f) and (g). (3) ASTM D975-14, Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, approved February 1, 2014 (“ASTM D 975”); IBR approved for § 160.174-17(g). (4) ASTM D1004-94a, Standard Test Method for Initial Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting (“ASTM D 1004”); IBR approved for § 160.174-47(i). (5) ASTM D1518-85 (1990), Standard Test Method for Thermal Transmittance of Textile Materials (“ASTM D 1518”); IBR approved for § 160.174-17(f). (b) General Services Administration (GSA). [email protected]; https://fedspecs.gsa.gov/s/federal-specifications. (1) Federal Standard No. 751a, Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings, dated January 25, 1965 (“Federal Standard No. 751”); IBR approved for § 160.174-9(b). (2) [Reserved] (c) National Institution of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly National Bureau of Standards). www.nist.gov. (1) National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440—Color, Universal Language and Dictionary of Names (“National Bureau of Standards Publication 440”); December 1976; IBR approved for § 160.174-9(f). (Available at https://nvlpubs.nist.gov/nistpubs/Legacy/SP/nbsspecialpublication440.pdf (2) [Reserved] [USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76702, Sept. 18, 2024] § 160.174-5 Independent laboratory. (a) The approval and production tests and inspections in this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of this chapter. (b) [Reserved] § 160.174-7 Approval procedures. (a) General. (b) Approval testing. § 160.174-9 Construction. (a) General. (b) Seams. (1) Class 300 lockstitch. (2) Class 700 single thread lock stitch. (c) Seam strength. (d) Hardware. (e) Metal parts. (1) 410 stainless steel or have salt water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal to or superior to 410 stainless steel; and (2) Galvanically compatible with each other metal part in contact with it. (f) Thermal protective aid exterior. (g) Hand and arm construction. (h) Retroreflective material. 2 (i) Size. (j) Lifejacket. § 160.174-11 Performance. (a) Thermal protection. (1) The thermal conductivity of the material from which the thermal protective aid is constructed must be not more than 0.25 W/(m−°K). (2) The thermal protective aid must prevent evaporative heat loss. (3) The aid must function properly at an air temperature of −30 °C (−22 °F) to + 20 °C (68 °F). (b) Donning Time. (c) Storage Temperature. (d) In water performance. (e) Water penetration. (f) Oil resistance. § 160.174-13 Storage case. Each thermal protective aid must be provided with a ziplock bag or equivalent storage case. § 160.174-15 Instructions. (a) Each thermal protective aid must have instructions for its donning and use in an emergency. The instructions must be in English and must not exceed 50 words. Illustrations must be used in addition to the words. The instructions must include advice as to whether to swim in the aid or discard it if the wearer is thrown into the water. (b) The instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section must be on the exterior of the storage case, printed on a waterproof card attached to the storage case, or printed on the thermal protective aid and visible through a transparent storage case. The instructions must also be available in 8 1/2 § 160.174-17 Approval testing. (a) General. (b) Mobility and swimming tests. (1) Test subjects. (i) Underwear (short sleeved, short legged); (ii) Shirt (long sleeved); (iii) Trousers (not woolen); (iv) Woolen socks; (v) Rubber soled shoes; and (vi) A life preserver. (2) Donning test. (3) Discarding test. (i) Unless the manufacturer specifies in the instructions that the thermal protective aid does impair ability to swim and should always be discarded in the water, each subject, wearing a life preserver, enters the water and swims 25 meters. The subject, after sufficient rest to avoid fatigue, repeats this test wearing a thermal protective aid in addition to the life preserver. At least nine out of ten subjects must be able to swim this distance wearing the thermal protective aid in not more than 125% of the time taken to swim the distance wearing only a life preserver, or the aid will be determined to impair the ability to swim. (ii) If the thermal protective aid is determined by the above test or specified by the manufacturer to impair the ability to swim, each subject, after entering the water from a height of one meter (three feet), attempts to remove the aid and discard it. At least nine out of ten subjects must be able to discard the device within two minutes. (c) [Reserved] (d) Storage temperature. (1) 8 hours conditioning at 65 °C to be completed in one day; (2) The specimens removed from the warm chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day; (3) 8 hours conditioning at −30 °C to be completed the next day; and (4) The specimens removed from the cold chamber that same day and left exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day. At the conclusion of step (3) of the final cycle of cold storage, two test subjects who successfully completed the donning test previously enter the cold chamber, unpack and don the thermal protective aids. The aids must not show any damage, such as shrinking, cracking, swelling, dissolution or change of mechanical qualities. (e) Water penetration. (f) Insulation. (g) Test for oil resistance. (h) Seam strength. (1) Test equipment. (i) A chamber in which air temperature can be kept at 25 °C (73.4 °F) ±2 °C (1.8 °F) and in which relative humidity can be kept at 50% ±5%. (ii) A device to apply tension to the seam by means of a pair of top jaws and a pair of bottom jaws. Each set of jaws must grip the material on both sides so that it does not slip when the load is applied. Each front jaw must be 25 mm (1 inch) wide by 25 mm (1 inch) long. The distance between the jaws before the load is applied must be 75mm (3 inches). (2) Test samples. (3) Test procedure. (i) Tear resistance. [CGD 84-069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986, as amended by CGD 84-069a, 52 FR 1197, Jan. 12, 1987; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000] § 160.174-23 Marking. (a) Each thermal protective aid must be marked with the words “Thermal Protective Aid,” the name of the manufacturer, the model, the date of manufacture or a lot number from which the date of manufacture may be determined, and the Coast Guard approval number. (b) Each storage case must be marked with the words “Thermal Protective Aid” or the thermal protective aid must have a similar marking which is visible through a transparent storage case. § 160.174-25 Production testing. (a) Thermal protective aid production testing is conducted under the procedures in this section and subpart 159.007 of this chapter. (b) One out of every 100 thermal protective aids produced must be given a complete visual examination. The sample must be selected at random from a production lot of 100 thermal protective aids and examined by or under the supervision of the independent laboratory. The sample fails if the visual examination shows that the aid does not conform to the approved design. (c) If a defect in the thermal protective aid is detected upon visual examination, 10 additional samples from the same lot must be selected at random and examined for the defect. (d) If one or more of the 10 samples fails the examination, each thermal protective aid in the lot must be examined for the defect for which the lot was rejected. Only thermal protective aids that are free of defects may be sold as Coast Guard approved. [CGD 84-069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986; 51 FR 20650, June 6, 1986] Subpart 160.176—Inflatable Lifejackets Source: CGD 78-174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, unless otherwise noted. § 160.176-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards and procedures for approval of inflatable lifejackets, as well as requirements for associated manuals, servicing programs, and shore-side service facilities. (b) Other regulations in this chapter provide that inflatable lifejackets must be: (1) Serviced annually at designated servicing facilities; and (2) Maintained in accordance with their user manuals. (c) Inflatable lifejackets approved under this subpart— (1) Rely entirely upon inflation for buoyancy; (2) Meet the requirements for lifejackets in the 1983 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83); (3) Have performance equivalent to Type I Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) with any one chamber deflated; and (4) Are designed to be worn by adults. § 160.176-2 Application. (a) Inflatable lifejackets approved under this subpart may be used to meet carriage requirements for Type I PFD's only on: (1) Uninspected submersible vessels; and (2) Inspected vessels for which a servicing program has been approved by the Commandant. (b) [Reserved] § 160.176-3 Definitions. (a) Commandant (b) First quality worksmanship (c) Functional deterioration (1) Damage such as deformation in hardware or a rip, tear, or loose stitches; (2) Decline in any performance characteristic; or (3) Any other change making the lifejacket unfit for use. (d) Functional residual capacity (e) Inflation medium (f) Inspector (g) PFD (h) Reference vest (i) [Reserved] (j) Second stage donning [CGD 78-174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49238, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013] § 160.176-4 Incorporation by reference. (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. [email protected], www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. (b) ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, 877-909-2786, http://www.astm.org. (1) ASTM B 117-97, Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 160.176-8; 160.176-13. (2) ASTM D 751-95, Standard Test Methods for Coated Fabrics, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-13. (3) ASTM D 975-98, Standard Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-13. (4) ASTM D1434-82 (Reapproved 2009) ε1 (c) Federal Aviation Administration, Aircraft Certification Service, 800 Independence Avenue SW., Washington, DC 20591, 202-385-6346, http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/air_cert/design approvals/tso. (1) TSO-C13d, Federal Aviation Administration Standard for Life Preservers, January 3, 1983, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-8. (2) [Reserved] (d) DLA Document Services, 700 Robbins Avenue, Building 4/D, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, 215-697-6396, http://www.asistdocs.com. (1) In Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A (dated July 20, 1978) the following methods: (i) Method 5100, Strength and Elongation, Breaking of Woven Cloth; Grab Method, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-13. (ii) Method 5132, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Falling-Pendulum Method, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-13. (iii) Method 5134, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Tongue Method, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-13. (iv) Method 5804.1, Weathering Resistance of Cloth; Accelerated Weathering Method, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-8. (v) Method 5762, Mildew Resistance of Textile Materials; Soil Burial Method, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-8. (2) Federal Standard No. 751a, Stitches, Seams, and Stitching, January 25, 1965, incorporation by reference (3) MIL-L-24611—Life Preserver Support Package For Life Preserver, MK 4, dated May 18, 1982, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-8. (e) National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (formerly National Bureau of Standards), c/o Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, 202.512.1800, http://www.gpo.gov. (1) Special Pub. 440, Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names; (2) [Reserved] (f) Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), 12 Laboratory Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-3995, 919-549-1400, http://www.ul.com. (1) UL 1191, “Components for Personal Flotation Devices”, November 11, 1984, incorporation by reference approved for §§ 160.176-8; 160.176-13. (2) [Reserved] [USCG-2012-0866, 78 FR 13252, Feb. 27, 2013, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60159, Sept. 30, 2013; USCG-2022-0323, 88 FR 10031, Feb. 16, 2023] § 160.176-5 Approval procedures. (a) Modifications to general procedures. (1) Preapproval review under §§ 159.005-5 and 159.005-7 may be omitted if a similar design has already been approved. (2) The information required under § 159.005-5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter must be included in the application. (3) The application must also include the following: (i) The Type of performance (i.e. Type I or Type V) that the lifejacket is designed to provide. (ii) Any special purpose(s) for which the lifejacket is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use is planned. (iii) Buoyancy and torque values along with tolerances to be allowed in production. The Coast Guard normally will approve tolerances of up to ±10% unless prototypes are tested at greater extremes or greater tolerances are otherwise justified. (iv) The text of any optional marking to be provided in addition to required text. (v) The service manual and written guidelines required by §§ 160.176-19(c) and 160.176-19(d) of the part and the user's manual required by § 160.176-21 of this part. (vi) A list of proposed servicing facilities. (4) The description of quality control procedures required by § 159.005-9 of this chapter to be submitted with the test report may be omitted as long as the manufacturer's planned quality control procedures comply with § 160.176-15 of this part. (5) The test report must include, in addition to information required by § 159.005-9 of this chapter, a report of inspection of each proposed servicing facility. The report must include the time, date, place, and name of the person doing the inspection and observations that show whether the facility meets §§ 160.176-19(b)(2), 160-176-19(b)(4), and 160.176-19(d) of this part. (6) The certificate of approval, when issued, is accompanied by a letter to the manufacturer listing the servicing facilities that have been approved. Copies of the letter are also provided for each facility. (7) An approval will be suspended or terminated under § 159.005-15 of this chapter if the manufacturer fails to maintain approved servicing facilities that meet § 160.176-19 of this part. (b) Manuals and guidelines. (c) Approval of servicing facilities. (2) Other servicing facilities may subsequently be considered for approval, upon submission of a letter of application to Commandant containing each of the applicable items required of manufacturers and laboratories under § 159.005-5 of this chapter and the following: (i) A copy of guidelines meeting § 160.176-19(d) of this part, if different from those originally approved with the lifejacket; (ii) A list of the sources the servicing facility proposes to use for parts and manuals for the servicing of the make and model of lifejacket applied for; and (iii) A report of inspection prepared by an independent laboratory which includes the time, date, and place of the inspection, the name of the inspector, and observations that show whether the facility meets §§ 160.176-19(b)(2) through 160.176-19(b)(4) and 160.176-19(d) of this part. (3) To conduct servicing at a remote or mobile site, the servicing facility must be authorized in its letter of approval to conduct this type of servicing. Approval for servicing at these sites is obtained according to paragraph (c)(2) of this section except that portable or mobile equipment must be available when evaluating the compliance with § 160.176-19(b)(3) of this part. (4) Each change to equipment, procedure, or qualification and training of personnel of an approved servicing facility must be also approved. (d) Waiver of tests. (1) Acceptable test results on a lifejacket of sufficiently similar design. (2) Engineering analysis showing that the test is not applicable to the particular design or that by design or construction the lifejacket cannot fail the test. (e) Alternative requirements. (1) Meets other requirements prescribed by the Commandant in place of or in addition to requirements in this subpart; and (2) Provides at least the same degree of safety provided by other lifejackets that do comply with this subpart. [CGD 78-1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78-174b, 56 FR 29441, June 27, 1991; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58285, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.176-6 Procedure for approval of design or material revision. (a) Each change in design, material, or construction must be approved by the Commandant before being used in lifejacket production. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials may only be made by the Commandant. § 160.176-7 Independent laboratories. A list of independent laboratories which have been accepted by the Commandant for conducting or supervising the following tests and inspections required by this subpart, may be obtained from the Commandant: (a) Approval tests. (b) Production tests and inspections. (c) Inspection of approved servicing facilities. (d) Testing of materials for the purpose of making the certification required by § 160.176-8(a)(3) of this part. § 160.176-8 Materials. (a) General Acceptance, certification, and quality. (2) Condition of materials. (3) Temperature range. (4) Weathering resistance. (5) Fungus resistance. (6) Corrosion resistance. (i) Be galvanically compatible with each other metal part in contact with it; and (ii) Unless it is expendable (such as an inflation medium cartridge), be 410 stainless steel, have salt water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal or superior to 410 stainless steel, or perform its intended function and have no visible pitting or other damage on any surface after 720 hours of salt spray testing according to ASTM B 117 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4). (7) Materials not covered. (b) Fabric All fabric. (i) Be of a type accepted for use on Type I life preservers approved under subpart 160.002 of this part; or (ii) Meet the Type V requirements for “Fabrics for Wearable Devices” in UL 1191 except that breaking strength must be at least 400 N (90 lb.) in both directions of greater and lesser thread count. (2) Rubber coated fabric. (c) Inflation chamber materials All materials. (ii) The average grab breaking strength and tear strength of the material, determined according to the procedures specified in §§ 160.176-13(y)(1) and 160.176-13(y)(2) of this part, must be at least 90% of the grab breaking strength and tear strength determined from testing prescribed in §§ 160.176-13(y)(1) and 160.176-13(y)(2) of this part. No individual sample result for breaking strength or tear strength may be more than 20% below the results obtained in approval testing. (2) Fabric covered chambers. (i) “Bladder” materials in section 3.2.6 of MIL-L-24611(SH) if the material is an unsupported film; or (ii) Coated fabric in section 3.1.1 of TSO-C13d if the material is a coated fabric. (3) Uncovered chambers. (d) Thread. (e) Webbing. (f) Closures Strength. (2) Means of Locking. (3) Zipper. (i) Easily initiated; (ii) Non-jamming; (iii) Right handed; (iv) Of a locking type; and (v) Used in combination with another type of closure that has a quick and positive means of locking. (g) Inflation medium. 2 (2) Any chemical reaction of inflation medium during inflation must not produce a toxic residue. (h) Adhesives. (i) [Reserved] (j) Retroreflective Material. (k) PFD light. (l) [Reserved] (m) Whistle. [CGD 78-1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78-174b, 56 FR 29441, June 27, 1991; CGD 84-068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000] § 160.176-9 Construction. (a) General Features. (1) Have at least two inflation chambers; (2) Be constructed so that the intended method of donning is obvious to an untrained wearer; (3) If approved for use on a passenger vessel, be inside a sealed, non-reusable package that can be easily opened; (4) Have a retainer for each adjustable closure to prevent any part of the closure from being easily removed from the lifejacket; (5) Be universally sized for wearers weighing over 40 kg. (90 pounds) and have a chest size range of at least 76 to 120 cm. (30 to 52 in.); (6) Unless the lifejacket is designed so that it can only be donned in one way, be constructed to be donned with either the inner or outer surface of the lifejacket next to the wearer (be reversible); (7) Not have a channel that can direct water to the wearer's face to any greater extent than that of the reference vest defined in § 160.176-3(h) of this part; (8) Not have edges, projections, or corners, either external or internal, that are sharp enough to damage the lifejacket or to cause injury to anyone using or maintaining the lifejacket; (9) Have a means for drainage of entrapped water; (10) Be primarily vivid reddish orange, as defined by sections 13 and 14 of the “Color Names Dictionary,” on its external surfaces; (11) Be of first quality workmanship; (12) Unless otherwise allowed by the approval certificate— (i) Not incorporate means obviously intended for attaching the lifejacket to the vessel; and (ii) Not have any instructions indicating attachment to a vessel is intended; and (13) Meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe, if necessary, to approve unique or novel designs. (b) Inflation mechanisms. (1) Each inflatable lifejacket must have (i) At least one automatic inflation mechanism; (ii) At least two manual inflation mechanisms on separate chambers; (iii) At least one oral inflation mechanism on each chamber; and (iv) At least one manual inflation mechanism or one automatic inflation mechanism on each inflation chamber. (2) Each inflation mechanism must (i) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained wearer; (ii) Not require tools to activate the mechanism; (iii) Be located outside its inflation chamber; and (iv) Be in a ready to use condition. (3) Each oral inflation mechanism must (i) Be easily accessible after inflation for the wearer to “top off” each chamber by mouth; (ii) Operate without pulling on the mechanism; (iii) Not be able to be locked in the open or closed position; and (iv) Have a non-toxic mouthpiece. (4) Each manual inflation mechanism must (i) Provide an easy means of inflation that requires only one deliberate action on the part of the wearer to actuate it; (ii) Have a simple method for replacing its inflation medium cartridge; and (iii) Be operated by pulling on an inflation handle that is marked “Jerk to Inflate” at two visible locations. (5) Each automatic inflation mechanism must (i) Have a simple method for replacing its inflation medium cartridge and water sensitive element; (ii) Have an obvious method of indicating whether the mechanism has been activated; and (iii) Be incapable of assembly without its water sensitive element. (6) The marking required for the inflation handle of a manual inflation mechanism must be waterproof, permanent, and readable from a distance of 2.5 m (8 feet). (c) Deflation mechanism. (2) Each deflation mechanism must (i) Be readily accessible to either hand when the lifejacket is worn while inflated; (ii) Not require tools to operate it; (iii) Not be able to be locked in the open or closed position; and (iv) Have an intended method of operation which is obvious to an untrained wearer. (3) The deflation mechanism may also be the oral inflation mechanism. (d) Sewn seams. (e) Textiles. (f) Body strap attachment. § 160.176-11 Performance. (a) General. (b) Snag Hazard. (c) Chamber Attachment. (1) Prevents full inflation; or (2) Allows inflation in a location other than in its intended location. (d) Comfort. § 160.176-13 Approval Tests. (a) General. (2) All data relating to buoyancy and pressure must be taken at, or corrected to, an atmospheric pressure of 760 mm (29.92 inches) of mercury and a temperature of 20 °C (68 °F). (3) The tests in this section are not required to be run in the order listed, except where a particular order is specified. (4) Some tests in this section require a lifejacket to be tested while being worn. In each of these tests the test subjects must represent a range of small, medium, and large heights and weights. Unless otherwise specified, a minimum of 18 test subjects, including both males and females, must be used. The test subjects must not be practiced in the use of the lifejacket being tested. However, they must be familiar with the use of other Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Unless specified otherwise, test subjects must wear only swim suits. Each test subject must be able to swim and relax in the water. Note: Some tests have inherent hazards for which adequate safeguards must be taken to protect personnel and property in conducting the tests. (b) Donning. Note: For this test the manual inflation mechanism may be disabled. (2) The average time of all subjects to complete the test in paragraph (b)(1) of this section must not exceed 30 seconds. The criteria in this paragraph do not apply to the tests in paragraphs (b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section. (3) The test in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is repeated with each subject wearing an insulated, hooded parka and gloves made from heavy, cotton-jersey (knit) fabric. (4) The test in paragraph (b)(1) of this section is then repeated twice more with a fully inflated lifejacket. In the first test the subjects must wear swim suits and in the second test, parka and gloves. (c) Inflation Testing. (1) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket and is instructed to enter the water and swim for approximately 30 seconds and then, on command, inflate the lifejacket using only oral inflation mechanisms. Within 30 seconds after the command is given, the lifejacket must be sufficiently inflated to float each subject with respiration unimpeded. (2) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket and is instructed to enter the water and swim for approximately 30 seconds, bring both hands to the surface, and then, on command, inflate the lifejacket using each manual inflation mechanism. Each test subject must find and operate all the manual inflation mechanisms within 5 seconds after the command is given. The manual inflation mechanisms must inflate the lifejacket sufficiently to float the wearers within 5 seconds after the mechanisms are operated. Within 20 seconds after activation each subject must be floating in the position described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. (3) One small and one large test subject don uninflated lifejackets and jump feet first from a height of 1 meter into the water. The automatic inflation mechanisms must inflate the lifejackets sufficiently to float the wearers within 10 seconds after the subjects enter the water. Within 20 seconds after entering the water each subject must be floating in the position described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section. (4) Air at a pressure of 4.2 kPa (0.6 psig) is applied separately to each oral inflation mechanism of the lifejacket. In each application the chamber must fully inflate within 1 minute. (5) Each oral inflation mechanism of an unpacked lifejacket is connected to a regulated air source constantly supplying air at a pressure of 7 kPa (1 psig). Each mechanism must pass at least 100,000 cc of air per minute. (d) Flotation stability Uninflated flotation stability. (2) Righting action. (ii) Each subject then takes three gentle breast strokes and while still face-down in the water, relaxes completely while slowly exhaling to FRC. Each subject remains in this limp position long enough to determine if the lifejacket will turn the subject from the face-down position to a position in which the subject's breathing is not impaired. The time from the last breast stroke until breathing is not impaired is recorded. Each subject repeats these steps two additional times, and the average time for the three righting actions is calculated. This average time must not exceed 5 seconds. (iii) If the lifejacket does not have automatic inflation mechanisms for all chambers, the tests in paragraphs (d)(2)(i) and (d)(2)(ii) of this section are repeated with each lifejacket fully inflated. (iv) Each subject then performs the test in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section with one chamber of the lifejacket deflated. This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to test the lifejacket with a different chamber deflated until each chamber has been tested in this manner. (v) Each subject then performs the test in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section but exhales to FRC at the end of the third breast stroke and holds the breath prior to relaxing. (3) Static measurements. (i) The freeboard (the distance from the water surface to the bottom of the mouth) must be at least 100 mm (4.0 in.) without repositioning of any part of the body and at least 120 mm (4.75 in.) after the head is positioned on the lifejacket for maximum freeboard and then relaxed; (ii) The distance from water surface to the lower portion of the ear canal must be at least 50 mm (2 in.); (iii) The torso angle (the angle between a vertical line and a line passing through the shoulder and hip) must be between 20° and 65° (back of vertical); (iv) The face-plane angle (the angle between a vertical line and a line passing through the most forward part of the forehead and chin) must be between 15° and 60° (back of vertical); (v) The lowest mark on a vertical scale 6 m (20 ft.) from and in front of the subject which the subject can see without moving the head must be no higher than 0.3 m (12 in.) from the water level. (vi) The subject when looking to the side, must be able to see the water within 3 m (10 ft.) away; and (vii) At least 75% of the retroreflective material on the outside of the lifejacket, and the PFD light, must be above the water. (4) Average requirements. (i) The average freeboard prior to positioning the head for maximum freeboard must be at least 120 mm (4.75 in.); (ii) The average torso angle must be between 30° and 50° (back of vertical); and (iii) The average face-plane angle must be between 20° and 50° (back of vertical). (5) “HELP” Position. (e) Jump test. (i) Inflate automatically, float the subject to the surface, and stabilize the body with the mouth out of the water; (ii) Maintain its intended position on the wearer; (iii) Not be damaged; and (iv) Not cause injury to the wearer. (2) The jump test in paragraph (e)(1) of this section is repeated using a lifejacket which has been fully inflated manually. (3) The jump test in paragraph (e)(2) of this section is then conducted with one chamber deflated. This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to test the lifejacket with a different chamber deflated until each chamber has been tested in this manner. Note: Before conducting these tests at the 4.5 m height, subjects should first do the test from heights of 1 m and 3 m to lessen the possibility of injury. It is suggested that subjects wear a long-sleeve cotton shirt to prevent abrasions when testing the device in the inflated condition and that the teeth should be tightly clenched together when jumping. (f) Water emergence Equipment. (2) Qualifying. 2/3 (3) Test. 2/3 (g) Lanyard pull test and strength. (2) The inflation handle of each manual inflation mechanism is attached to a force indicator. The force indicator is then used to activate each manual inflation mechanism separately. The force required to activate each mechanism is recorded. In each test the force must be between 25 and 70 N (5 and 15 lb.). (3) A weight of 225 N (50 lb.) is in turn attached to the inflation handle of each manual inflation mechanism. The weight is then allowed to hang freely for 5 minutes from each manual inflation mechanism. The handle must not separate from the mechanism. (h) Temperature cycling tests. (2) Upon the completion of the conditioning in paragraph (h)(1) of this section all sealed or non-reusable packaging is removed from the two packed units. The lifejackets must show no functional deterioration after being inflated immediately after removal from the conditioning. The lifejackets must be inflated as follows: (i) One unit which was packed during conditioning must fully inflate within 2 minutes using only oral inflation. (ii) The other unit which was packed during conditioning must fully inflate within 45 seconds of submersion in water at 2 ±2 °C (37 ±5 °F) as a result of automatic inflation. (iii) The unit which was unpacked during conditioning must fully inflate within 30 seconds of activation of the manual inflation mechanisms. (3) The same 3 lifejackets used for the test in paragraph (h)(1) of this section are deflated and, with 2 repacked and 1 unpacked, are maintained at room temperature for 4 hours and then at a temperature of minus 30 ±2 °C (−22 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. The lifejackets are then stored at room temperature for at least 4 hours, after which they are maintained at a temperature of 65 ±2 °C (150 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. This cycle is then repeated once. The steps in paragraph (h)(2) of this section are then repeated, and the lifejackets must meet the criteria in that paragraph. (i) [Reserved] (j) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention test. (1) Equipment. (i) A wire mesh basket that is large enough to hold the inflated lifejacket without compressing it, is designed not to allow the lifejacket to float free, and is heavy enough to overcome the buoyancy of the lifejacket. (ii) A scale that is sensitive to 14 g (0.5 oz.) and that has an error of less than ±14 g (0.5 oz.). (iii) A test tank, filled with fresh water, that is large enough to hold the basket with its top 50 mm (2 in.) below the surface without the basket touching the tank. (2) Method. (3) Requirement. (k) Uninflated floatation test. (l) [Reserved] (m) Environmental tests Salt spray exposure. (2) Rain exposure. (n) Tensile tests. (1) Body tensile test. (ii) Two unconnected rigid cylinders are passed through the body portion of each lifejacket, or through the encircling body strap for yoke style devices, with one closure fastened and adjusted to its mid range, as shown in Figure 160.176-13(n)(1). Each cylinder must be 125 mm (5 inches) in diameter. The top cylinder is connected to a winch or pulley system. The bottom cylinder is connected to a test load which when combined with the weight of the lower cylinder and the linkage equals 325 kg (720 lb.). The winch or pulley system lifts the top cylinder so the test load is raised off of its support. The test load is left suspended for 30 minutes. (iii) There must be no functional deterioration of any component of either lifejacket during the test. Each friction type closure must not permit slippage of more than 25 mm (1 in.). (iv) If a lifejacket has friction type closures, the test must be repeated immediately after the lifejacket has been immersed in water for a least 2 minutes. (v) The test is repeated until each different type of closure is tested separately. (2) Shoulder tensile test. 1/4 (3) Strength of attachment of inflation mechanism. (ii) The test is paragraph (n)(3)(i) of this section is repeated until each type of inflation mechanism has been tested separately. (iii) The test is then repeated as many additional times as necessary to test each joint in each type of inflation mechanism beyond its point of attachment to an inflation chamber. In each test the point of attachment must be as close as possible to the joint being tested. (o) [Reserved] (p) Impact test. (i) Face down, shoulder forward. (ii) Face down, shoulder back. (iii) Back down, shoulder forward. (iv) Back down, shoulder back. (v) Left side down, shoulder forward. (vi) Right side down, shoulder back. (2) Following each impact, there must be no sign of functional deterioration, and the lifejacket must not come off of the test form. After each impact the closures may be readjusted as necessary. (3) Following the six impacts, the lifejacket must fully inflate using only its oral inflation mechanisms. (4) The test in this paragraph is repeated on the same lifejacket after inflating, with manual inflation mechanisms, all chambers that have those mechanism. (q) Flame exposure test. (1) Equipment. (i) A test pan 300 mm by 450 mm by 60 mm (12 in. by 18 in. by 2 1/2 1/2 (ii) an arrangement to hold the lifejacket over the N-heptane. (2) Method. 1/2 (3) Requirement. (i) pass the test in paragraph (e)(2) of this section, except that only one subject is used and the test is done six times; and (ii) pass the tensile test in paragraph (n)(1) of this section, except that a weight of 245 kg (540 lb.) is used in lieu of the 325 kg (720 lb.) weight. (r) Solvent exposure test. (s) Puncture test. 5/32 3/64 (t) Inflation chamber tests Over-pressure test. (2) Air retention test. (u) Seam strength test. (v) [Reserved] (w) Visual examination. (x) [Reserved] (y) Inflation chamber properties. (1) Grab breaking strength. (2) Tear strength. (3) Permeability. 2 (4) Seam strength. (z) Additional tests. [CGD 78-1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78-174b, 56 FR 29441, June 27, 1991; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58464, Sept. 29, 2000] § 160.176-15 Production tests and inspections. (a) General. (2) The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections if needed to maintain quality control and check for compliance with the requirements in this subpart. (b) Test and inspection responsibilities. (1) Manufacturer. (i) Perform all required tests and examinations on each lifejacket lot before the independent laboratory inspector tests and inspects the lot; (ii) Perform required testing of each incoming lot of inflation chamber material before using that lot in production; (iii) Have procedures for maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations, and the finished product; (iv) Have a continuing program of employee training and a program for maintaining production and test equipment; (v) Have an inspector from the independent laboratory observe the production methods used in producing the first lifejacket lot produced and observe any revisions made thereafter in production methods; (vi) Admit the inspector and any Coast Guard representative to any place in the factory where work is done on lifejackets or component materials, and where completed lifejackets are stored; and (vii) Allow the inspector and any Coast Guard representative to take samples of completed lifejackets or of components materials for tests prescribed in this subpart. (2) Independent laboratory. (A) The manufacturer has a current approval certificate; and (B) The inspector has first observed the manufacturer's production methods and any revisions to those methods. (ii) An inspector must perform or supervise all required tests and inspections of each lifejacket lot produced. (iii) During each inspection, the inspector must check for noncompliance with the manufacturer's quality control procedures. (iv) At least once each calendar quarter, the inspector must, as a check on manufacturer compliance with this section, examine the manufacturer's records required by § 160.176-17 of this part and observe the manufacturer in performing each of the tests required by paragraph (h) of this section. (c) Lifejacket lots. (d) Samples. (2) Each sample lifejacket selected must be complete, unless otherwise specified in paragraph (h) of this section. (3) The inspector may not select the same samples tested by the manufacturer. (4) The number of samples selected per lot must be at least the applicable number listed in Table 160.176-15A or Table 160.176-15B. Table 160.176-15A—Manufacturer's Sampling Plan Number of Samples Per Lot Lot Size 1-100 101-200 201-300 301-500 501-750 751-1000 Tests: Inflation Chamber Materials SEE NOTE (1) Seam Strength 1 1 2 2 3 4 Over-pressure 2 3 1 2 3 4 6 8 Air Retention EVERY DEVICE IN THE LOT Buoyancy & Inflation Media Retention 1 2 3 4 6 8 Tensile Strength 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 Detailed Product Examination 2 2 3 4 6 8 Retest Sample Size 2 — — 13 13 20 20 Final Lot Inspection: EVERY DEVICE IN THE LOT 1 2 3 4 Table 160.176-15B—Inspector's Sampling Plan Number of samples per lot Lot size 1-100 101-200 201-300 301-500 501-750 751-1000 Tests: Over-pressure 1 1 2 3 4 6 8 Air Retention 1 2 3 4 6 8 Buoyancy & Inflation Media Retention 1 2 3 4 6 8 Tensile Strength 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Waterproof marking SEE NOTE (3) FOR SAMPLING Detailed Product Examination 2 2 2 3 3 3 Retest Sample Size 1 10 10 13 13 20 20 Final Lot Inspection: 20 32 50 60 70 80 1 2 3 (e) Accept/reject criteria: manufacturer testing. (2) In lots of 200 or fewer lifejackets, the lot must be rejected if any sample fails one or more tests. (3) In lots of more than 200 lifejackets, the lot must be rejected if— (i) One sample fails more than one test; (ii) More than one sample fails any test or combination of tests; or (iii) One sample fails one test and in redoing that test with the number of samples specified for retesting in Table 160.176-15A, one or more samples fail the test. (4) A rejected lifejacket lot may be retested only if allowed under paragraph (k) of this section. (5) In testing inflation chamber materials, a lot is accepted only if the average of the results of testing the minimum number of samples prescribed in the reference tests in § 160.176-13(y) of this part is within the tolerances specified in § 160.176-8(c)(1) of this part. A rejected lot may not be used in production. (f) Accept/reject criteria: independent laboratory testing. (2) A lot must be rejected if— (i) One sample fails more than one test; (ii) More than one sample fails any test or combination of tests; or (iii) One sample fails one test and in redoing that test with the number of samples specified for retesting in Table 160.176-15B, one or more samples fail the test. (3) A rejected lot may be retested only if allowed under paragraph (k) of this section. (g) Facilities and equipment General. (2) Calibration. (3) Equipment. (i) A sample basket (ii) A tank filled with fresh water (iii) A scale (iv) Tensile test equipment (v) A thermometer (vi) A barometer (vii) A regulated air supply (viii) A pressure gauge (ix) A torque wrench (4) Facilities: (h) Production tests and examinations General. (ii) On each sample selected— (A) The manufacturer must conduct the tests in paragraphs (h)(2) through (h)(8) of this section; and (B) The independent laboratory inspector must conduct or supervise the tests in paragraphs (h)(4) through (h)(9) of this section. (iii) Each individual test result must, in addition to meeting the requirements in this paragraph, meet the requirements, if any, set out in the approved plans and specifications required by § 160.176-5(a)(2) of this part. (2) Inflation chamber materials. (3) Seam strength. (4) Over-pressure. (5) Air retention. (6) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention. (7) Tensile strength. (8) Detailed product examination. (i) All dimensions and seam allowances must be within tolerances prescribed in the approved plans and specifications required by § 160.176-5(a)(2) of this part. (ii) The torque of each screw type mechanical fastener must be within its tolerance as prescribed in the approved plans and specifications. (iii) The arrangement, markings, and workmanship must be as specified in the approved plans and specifications and this subpart. (iv) The lifejacket must not otherwise be defective. (9) Waterproof marking test. (i) [Reserved] (j) Final lot examination and inspection General. (i) First quality workmanship; (ii) That the general arrangement and attachment of all components such as body straps, closures, inflation mechanisms, tie tapes, drawstrings, etc. are as specified in the approved plans and specifications; and (iii) Compliance with the marking requirements in § 160.176-23 of this Part. (2) Accept/reject criteria. (3) Manufacturer examination. (4) Independent laboratory inspection. (ii) An inspector may not perform a final lot inspection unless the manufacturer has a current approval certificate. (iii) If the inspector rejects a lot, the Commandant must be advised immediately. (iv) The inspector must prepare and sign the inspection record required by § 159.007-13(a) of this chapter and § 160.176-17(b) of this part. If the lot passes, the record must also include the inspector's certification to that effect and a certification that no evidence of noncompliance with this section was observed. (v) If the lot passes, each lifejacket in the lot must be plainly marked with the words, “Inspected and Passed, (Date), (Inspection Laboratory ID).” This marking must be done in the presence of the inspector. The marking must be permanent and waterproof. The stamp which contains the marking must be kept in the independent laboratory's custody at all times. (k) Disposition of rejected lifejacket lot or lifejacket. (2) Any lifejacket rejected in a final lot examination or inspection may be resubmitted for examination or inspection if all defects have been corrected and reexamination or reinspection is authorized by the Commandant. (3) A rejected lot or rejected lifejacket may not be sold or offered for sale under representation that it meets this subpart or that it is Coast Guard approved. [CGD 78-1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78-174b, 56 FR 29442, June 27, 1991; USCG-2014-0688, 78 FR 58286, Sept. 29, 2014] § 160.176-17 Manufacturer records. (a) Each manufacturer of inflatable lifejackets must keep the records required by § 159.007-13 of this chapter except that they must be retained for at least 120 months after the month in which the inspection or test was conducted. (b) Each record required by § 159.007-13 of this chapter must also include the following information: (1) For each test, the serial number of the test instrument used if there is more than one available. (2) For each test and inspection, the identification of the samples used, the lot number, the approval number, and the number of lifejackets in the lot. (3) For each lot rejected, the cause for rejection, any corrective action taken, and the final disposition of the lot. (c) The description or photographs of procedures and apparatus used in testing is not required for the records prescribed in § 159.007-13 of this chapter as long as the manufacturer's procedures and apparatus meet the requirements of this subpart. (d) Each manufacturer of inflatable lifejackets must also keep the following records: (1) Records for all materials used in production including the following: (i) Name and address of the supplier. (ii) Date of purchase and receipt. (iii) Lot number. (iv) Certification meeting § 160.176-8(a)(3) of this part. (2) A copy of this subpart. (3) Each document incorporated by reference in § 160.176-4 of this part. (4) A copy of the approved plans and specifications required by § 160.176-5(a)(2) of this part. (5) The approval certificate. (6) Calibration of test equipment, including the identity of the agency performing the calibration, date of calibration, and results. (7) A listing of current and formerly approved servicing facilities. (e) The records required by paragraph (d)(1) of this section must be kept for at least 120 months after preparation. All other records required by paragraph (d) of this section must be kept for at least 60 months after the lifejacket approval expires or is terminated. § 160.176-19 Servicing. (a) General. (1) Each manufacturer of an approved inflatable lifejacket must provide one or more Coast Guard approved facilities for servicing those lifejackets. The manufacturer must notify the Commandant whenever an approved facility under its organization no longer provides servicing of a lifejacket make and model listed in the guidelines required by paragraph (d) of this section. (2) Each manufacturer of an approved inflatable lifejacket must make replacement parts available to Coast Guard approved independent servicing facilities. (b) Servicing facilities. (1) Each servicing facility must conduct lifejacket servicing according to its servicing guidelines and follow the procedures in the service manual required by this section. (2) Each servicing facility must have a suitable site for servicing which must be clean, well lit, free from excessive dust, drafts, and strong sunlight, and have appropriate temperature and humidity control as specified in the service manual. (3) Each servicing facility must have the appropriate service, repair, and test equipment and spare parts for performing required tests and repairs. (4) Each servicing facility must have a current manufacturer's service manual for each make and model of lifejacket serviced. (5) A servicing facility may have more than one servicing site provided that each site meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (6) Each servicing facility must be inspected at intervals not exceeding six months by an accepted independent laboratory, and a report of the inspections must be submitted to the Commandant at least annually. The report must contain enough information to show compliance with paragraphs (b) (1) through (4) of this section and paragraph (d) of this section. Where a facility uses more than one site the report must show compliance at each site at least biennially. (c) Service manual. (2) The manufacturer must make the service manual, service manual revisions, and service bulletins available to each approved servicing facility. (3) Each service manual must contain the following: (i) Detailed procedures for inspecting, servicing, and repackaging the lifejacket. (ii) A list of approved replacement parts and materials to be used for servicing and repairs, if any. (iii) A requirement to mark the date and servicing facility name on each lifejacket serviced. (iv) Frequency of servicing. (v) Any specific restrictions or special procedures prescribed by the Coast Guard or manufacturer. (4) Each service manual revision and service bulletin which authorizes the modification of a lifejacket, or which affects a requirement under this subpart, must be approved by the Commandant. Other revisions and service bulletins are not required to be approved, but a copy of each must be sent to the Commandant when it is issued. At least once each year, the manufacturer must provide to the Commandant and to each servicing facility approved to service its lifejackets a bulletin listing each service manual revision and bulletin in effect. (d) Servicing facilities guidelines. (1) Identification of each make and model of lifejacket which may be serviced by the facility as well as the manual and revision to be used for servicing. (2) Identification of the person, by title or position, who is responsible for the servicing program. (3) Training and qualifications of servicing technicians. (4) Provisions for the facility to retain a copy of its current letter of approval from the Coast Guard at each site. (5) Requirements to— (i) Ensure each inflatable lifejacket serviced under its Coast Guard approval is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's service manual; (ii) Keep servicing technicians informed of each approved servicing manual revision and bulletin and ensure servicing technicians understand each change and new technique related to the lifejackets serviced by the facility; (iii) Calibrate each pressure gauge, weighing scale, and mechanically-operated barometer at intervals of not more than one year; (iv) Ensure each inflatable lifejacket serviced under the facility's Coast Guard approval is serviced by or under the supervision of a servicing technician who meets the requirements of item (3) of this paragraph; (v) Specify each make and model of lifejacket it is approved to service when it represents itself as approved by the U.S. Coast Guard; and (vi) Not service any lifejacket for a U.S. registered commercial vessel, unless it is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to service the make and model of lifejacket. (e) Servicing records. (1) Date of servicing, number of lifejackets serviced, lot identification, approval number, and test results data for the lifejackets serviced. (2) Identification of the person conducting the servicing. (3) Identity of the vessel receiving the serviced lifejackets. (4) Date of return to the vessel. § 160.176-21 User manuals. (a) The manufacturer must develop a user's manual for each model of inflatable lifejacket. The content of the manual must be provided for approval according to §§ 160.176-5(a)(3)(v) and 160.176-5(b) of this part. (b) A user's manual must be provided with each lifejacket except that only five manuals need be provided to a single user vessel if more than five lifejackets are carried on board. (c) Each user's manual must contain in detail the following: (1) Instructions on use of the lifejacket and replacement of expendable parts. (2) Procedures for examining serviceability of lifejackets and the frequency of examination. (3) Pages for logging on board examinations. (4) Frequency of required servicing at approved servicing facilities. (5) Instructions, if any, on proper stowage. (6) Procedures for getting the lifejackets repaired by a servicing facility or the manufacturer. (7) Procedures for making emergency repairs on board. (8) Any specific restrictions or special instructions. § 160.176-23 Marking. (a) General. (b) Prominence. 3/4 (c) Text. ADULT—For a person weighing more than 90 pounds. Approved for use on (See paragraph (e) of this section for exact text to be used here). This lifejacket must be serviced, stowed, and used in accordance with ( insert description of service manual and user's manual When fully inflated this lifejacket provides a minimum buoyant force of ( insert the design buoyancy in lb. (d) Other Information. (1) U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. ( insert assigned approval number (2) Manufacturer's or private labeler's name and address. (3) Lot Number. (4) Date, or year and calendar quarter, of manufacture. (5) Necessary vital care or use instructions, if any, such as the following: (i) Warning against dry cleaning. (ii) Size and type of inflation medium cartridges required. (iii) Specific donning instructions. (e) Approved applications. (1) The name of the vessel. (2) The type of vessel. (3) Specific purpose or limitation approved by the Coast Guard. [CGD 78-1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as amended by CGD 78-174b, 56 FR 29442, June 27, 1991; USCG-2013-0263, 79 FR 56500, Sept. 22, 2014] Subpart 160.255—Commercial Lifejackets Source: USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97395, Dec. 6, 2024, unless otherwise noted. § 160.255-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards for approval of Level 100 lifejackets, as well as requirements for production follow-up inspections, markings, information placards, and associated manuals. (b) Lifejackets approved under this subpart must rely upon inherently buoyant material, inflation, or a combination to achieve the minimum buoyancy. (c) Lifejackets approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for wearable PFDs for uninspected passenger vessels, uninspected commercial vessels over 40 ft (12m) and for inspected vessels. § 160.255-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected] First quality workmanship Inspector Recognized laboratory § 160.255-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.255-15(a). (b) ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4:2020, Standard for Safety Personal Flotation Devices—Part 4: Lifejackets, Performance Level 100—Safety Requirements, First Edition, July 9, 2020 (“ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4”); IBR approved for §§ 160.255-7(a); 160.255-13(a) and (b); 160.255-17(a); 160.255-19; 160.255-21(a). § 160.255-7 Design, construction, and performance of lifejackets. (a) Each Level 100 lifejacket design must— (1) Meet the requirements in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5) for a Level 100 device, and the requirements of this subpart; and (2) For novel or unique designs, meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe. (b) Lifejackets must be of first quality workmanship and must be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability. (c) Lifejackets must not provide means intended for fastening or securing the device to a boat. § 160.255-9 Approval procedures for lifejackets. (a) Each application for approval of a Level 100 lifejacket must be submitted directly to a Coast Guard recognized laboratory. (b) The recognized laboratory must determine if a lifejacket with novel design features requires a preliminary review by the Coast Guard prior to testing. Submissions requiring preliminary review must be sent to [email protected] § 160.255-11 Recognized laboratory. (a) The approval inspections and tests, production inspections, tests, and quality control required by this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR subpart 159.010 to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil (b) The same laboratory that performs the approval tests must also perform production oversight unless the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing, as determined by the Commandant. § 160.255-13 Approval inspections and tests. (a) Each lifejacket must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5). Approval tests specified in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using prototype lifejackets constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval. (b) Each lifejacket design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart and ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5). (c) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs. § 160.255-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control of lifejackets. (a) General. (b) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. (c) Laboratory inspections and tests. (d) Test facilities. (e) Additional tests, etc. § 160.255-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each lifejacket must be marked with the appropriate label as specified in Figure 6DV of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5). (b) The Commandant may prescribe additional marking requirements for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. § 160.255-19 Placard. Each lifejacket sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase, as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5). The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4, unless otherwise approved by the Commandant. § 160.255-21 Lifejacket manuals. (a) An owner's manual in accordance with Figure 7DV of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5), must be provided with each inflatable lifejacket sold or offered for sale. The text of each manual is reviewed with the application for approval. (b) The Commandant may prescribe additional information in the manual for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. (c) Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included in the owner's manual if there is no contradiction to the required information. § 160.255-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized laboratory for approval before changing lifejacket production methods. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials must be made only by the Commandant or a designated representative. § 160.255-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval of a lifejacket design if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. § 160.255-27 Servicing for fully and partially inflatable lifejackets. (a) General. (1) Each manufacturer of an approved inflatable lifejacket must provide one or more Coast Guard-approved facilities for servicing those lifejackets. The manufacturer must notify the Commandant whenever an approved facility under its organization no longer provides servicing of a lifejacket make and model listed in the guidelines required by paragraph (d) of this section. (2) Each manufacturer of an approved inflatable lifejacket must make replacement parts available to Coast Guard-approved independent servicing facilities. (b) Servicing facilities. (1) Each servicing facility must conduct lifejacket servicing according to its servicing guidelines and follow the procedures in the service manual required by this section. (2) Each servicing facility must have a suitable site for servicing that must be clean, well lit, free from excessive dust, drafts, and strong sunlight, and have appropriate temperature and humidity control as specified in the service manual. (3) Each servicing facility must have the appropriate service, repair, and test equipment and spare parts for performing required tests and repairs. (4) Each servicing facility must have a current manufacturer's service manual for each make and model of lifejacket serviced. (5) A servicing facility may have more than one servicing site provided that each site meets the requirements of paragraph (b)(2) of this section. (6) Each servicing facility must be inspected at intervals not exceeding six months by an accepted independent laboratory, and a report of the inspections must be submitted to the Commandant at least annually. The report must contain enough information to show compliance with paragraphs (b)(1) through (4) of this section and paragraph (d) of this section. Where a facility uses more than one site the report must show compliance at each site at least biennially. (c) Service manual. (2) The manufacturer must make the service manual, service manual revisions, and service bulletins available to each approved servicing facility. (3) Each service manual must contain the following: (i) Detailed procedures for inspecting, servicing, and repackaging the lifejacket; (ii) A list of approved replacement parts and materials to be used for servicing and repairs, if any; (iii) A requirement to mark the date and servicing facility name on each lifejacket serviced; (iv) Frequency of servicing; and (v) Any specific restrictions or special procedures prescribed by the Coast Guard or manufacturer. (4) Each service manual revision and service bulletin which authorizes the modification of a lifejacket, or which affects a requirement under this subpart, must be approved by the Commandant. Other revisions and service bulletins are not required to be approved, but a copy of each must be sent to the Commandant when it is issued. At least once each year, the manufacturer must provide to the Commandant and to each servicing facility approved to service its lifejackets a bulletin listing each service manual revision and bulletin in effect. (d) Servicing facilities guidelines. (1) Identification of each make and model of lifejacket that may be serviced by the facility as well as the manual and revision to be used for servicing; (2) Identification of the person, by title or position, who is responsible for the servicing program; (3) Training and qualifications of servicing technicians; (4) Provisions for the facility to retain a copy of its current letter of approval from the Coast Guard at each site; and (5) Requirements to— (i) Ensure each inflatable lifejacket serviced under its Coast Guard approval is serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's service manual; (ii) Keep servicing technicians informed of each approved servicing manual revision and bulletin and ensure servicing technicians understand each change and new technique related to the lifejackets serviced by the facility; (iii) Calibrate each pressure gauge, weighing scale, and mechanically operated barometer at intervals of not more than one year; (iv) Ensure each inflatable lifejacket serviced under the facility's Coast Guard approval is serviced by or under the supervision of a servicing technician who meets the requirements of paragraph (d)(3) of this section; (v) Specify each make and model of lifejacket the facility is approved to service when it represents itself as approved by the U.S. Coast Guard; and (vi) Not service any lifejacket for a U.S. registered commercial vessel, unless it is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard to service the make and model of lifejacket. (e) Servicing records. (1) Date of servicing, number of lifejackets serviced, lot identification, approval number, and test results data for the lifejackets serviced; (2) Identification of the person conducting the servicing; (3) Identity of the vessel receiving the serviced lifejackets; and (4) Date of return to the vessel. Subpart 160.264—Wearable Recreational Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) Source: USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97398, Dec. 6, 2024, unless otherwise noted. § 160.264-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards for approval of Level 50 and Level 70 inherently buoyant personal flotation devices (PFDs), as well as requirements for production follow-up inspections, markings, information placards, and associated manuals. (b) PFDs approved under this subpart rely entirely upon inherently buoyant material to achieve the minimum buoyancy. (c) PFDs approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for wearable PFDs for uninspected commercial vessels under 40 ft (12m) not carrying passengers for hire and recreational boats, in accordance with 33 CFR part 175 and 46 CFR 25.25. § 160.264-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected] First quality workmanship Inspector Recognized laboratory § 160.264-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.264-15(a). (b) ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5:2022, Standard for Safety Personal Flotation Devices—Part 5: Buoyancy Aids (Level 50)—Safety Requirements, First Edition, December 31, 2015 (including revisions through January 27, 2022) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5”); IBR approved for §§ 160.264-7(a) and (b); 160.264-13(a) and (b); 160.264-17(a); 160.264-19; 160.264-21(a). § 160.264-7 Design, construction, and performance of PFDs. (a) Each Level 70 PFD design must— (1) Meet the requirements in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5) for a Level 70 device; and (2) For novel or unique designs, meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe. (b) Each Level 50 PFD design must— (1) Meet the requirements in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5) for a Level 50 device; (2) Be marked to indicate that the device must be worn to be counted as equipment required by vessels meeting USCG regulations; and (3) For novel or unique designs, meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe. (c) Buoyancy is to be provided by inherently buoyant material and not depend on loose, granulated material, gas compartments, or inflation. (d) PFDs must be of first quality workmanship and must be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability. (e) PFDs must not provide means intended for fastening or securing the device to a boat. § 160.264-9 Approval procedures for PFDs. (a) Each application for approval of a Level 50 or Level 70 PFD must be submitted directly to a Coast Guard recognized laboratory. (b) The recognized laboratory must determine if a PFD with novel design features requires a preliminary review by the Coast Guard prior to testing. Submissions requiring preliminary review must be sent to [email protected] § 160.264-11 Recognized laboratory. (a) The approval inspections and tests, production inspections, tests, and quality control required by this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR subpart 159.010 to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil (b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that performs the approval tests unless, as determined by the Commandant, the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing. § 160.264-13 Approval inspections and tests. (a) Each PFD must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5) for an inherently buoyant Level 50 or Level 70 PFD. Approval tests specified in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval. (b) Each PFD design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart and ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5). (c) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs. § 160.264-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control of PFDs. (a) General. (b) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. (c) Laboratory inspections and tests. (d) Test facilities. (e) Additional tests, etc. § 160.264-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each PFD must be marked with the appropriate label as specified in Figure 6DV of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5). (b) The Commandant may prescribe additional marking requirements for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. § 160.264-19 Placard. Each PFD sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase, as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5). The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5. § 160.264-21 PFD manuals. (a) An owner's manual in accordance with Figure 7DV of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.264-5), may be provided with each inherently buoyant PFD sold or offered for sale. The text of each manual is reviewed with the application for approval. (b) The Commandant may prescribe additional information in the manual for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. (c) Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included in the owner's manual if there is no contradiction to the required information. § 160.264-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized laboratory for approval before changing PFD production methods. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials must be made only by the Commandant or a designated representative. § 160.264-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval of a PFD design if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements. Subpart 160.276—Wearable Recreational Inflatable Personal Flotation Devices Source: USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97399, Dec. 6, 2024, unless otherwise noted. § 160.276-1 Scope. (a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards for approval of Level 50 and Level 70 inflatable recreational personal flotation devices (PFDs), as well as requirements for production follow-up inspections, associated manuals, information placards, and markings. (b) Inflatable PFDs approved under this subpart rely entirely or partially upon inflation to achieve the minimum buoyancy. (c) PFDs approved under this subpart are intended to meet the carriage requirements for uninspected commercial vessels under 40 ft (12m) not carrying passengers for hire and recreational boats, in accordance with 33 CFR part 175 and 46 CFR 25.25. § 160.276-3 Definitions. The following definitions apply to this subpart: Commandant [email protected] First quality workmanship Inspector Recognized laboratory § 160.276-5 Incorporation by reference. Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations [email protected] www.ul.com (a) ANSI/CAN/UL 9595:2021, Standard for Safety Factory Follow-Up on Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), First Edition, June 4, 2020 (including revisions through September 9, 2021) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 9595”); IBR approved for § 160.276-15(a). (b) ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5:2022, Standard for Safety Personal Flotation Devices—Part 5: Buoyancy Aids (Level 50)—Safety Requirements, First Edition, December 31, 2015 (including revisions through January 27, 2022) (“ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5”); IBR approved for §§ 160.276-7(a) and (b); 160.276-13(a) and (b); 160.276-17(a) and (b); 160.276-19; 160.276-21(a). § 160.276-7 Design, construction, and performance of inflatable PFDs. (a) Each Level 70 inflatable PFD design must— (1) Meet the requirements in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5) for a Level 70 device; and (2) For novel or unique designs, meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe. (b) Each Level 50 inflatable PFD design must— (1) Meet the requirements in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5) for a Level 50 device; (2) Be marked to indicate that the device must be worn to be counted as equipment required by vessels meeting USCG regulations; and (3) For novel or unique designs, meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe. (c) Buoyancy is to be provided by inflation, or a combination of inherently buoyant material and inflation. (d) PFDs must be of first quality workmanship and must be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability. (e) PFDs must not provide means intended for fastening or securing the device to a boat. § 160.276-9 Approval procedures for PFDs. (a) Each application for approval of a Level 50 or Level 70 PFD must be submitted directly to a Coast Guard recognized laboratory. (b) The recognized laboratory must determine if a PFD with novel design features requires a preliminary review by the Coast Guard prior to testing. Submissions requiring preliminary review must be sent to [email protected] § 160.276-11 Recognized laboratory. (a) The approval inspections and tests and production inspections, tests, and quality control required by this subpart must be conducted by an independent laboratory recognized by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR subpart 159.010 to perform such functions. A list of recognized independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil (b) The same laboratory that performs the approval tests must also perform production oversight unless the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing, as determined by the Commandant. § 160.276-13 Approval inspections and tests. (a) Each PFD must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5) for an inflatable Level 50 or Level 70 PFD. Approval tests specified in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval. (b) Each PFD design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart and ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5). (c) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs. § 160.276-15 Production inspections, tests, and quality control of PFDs. (a) General. (b) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. (c) Laboratory inspections and tests. (d) Test facilities. (e) Additional tests, etc. § 160.276-17 Marking and labeling. (a) Each inflatable PFD must be marked as specified in Figure 6DV of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5). (b) In addition to the information required by ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5, Figure 6DV, each Level 50 inflatable PFD must be marked with a statement that the device must be worn to be counted as equipment required by vessels meeting USCG regulations; and (c) The Commandant may prescribe additional marking requirements for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. § 160.276-19 Placard. Each inflatable PFD sold or offered for sale must be provided with a placard that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase, as specified in Figure 8DV.1.1a and Figure 8DV.1.1b, Choose the Device You Will Want to Wear, of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5). The required placard text must be printed exactly as set out in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5. § 160.276-21 PFD manuals. (a) An owner's manual in accordance with Figure 7DV of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.276-5), must be provided with each inflatable PFD sold or offered for sale. The text of each manual is reviewed with the application for approval. (b) The Commandant may prescribe additional information in the manual for special purpose devices or unique or novel designs. (c) Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included in the owner's manual if there is no contradiction to the required information. § 160.276-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change. (a) The manufacturer must submit any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized laboratory for approval before changing PFD production methods. (b) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials must be made only by the Commandant or a designated representative. § 160.276-25 Suspension or termination of approval. As provided in 46 CFR 159.005-15, the Commandant may suspend or terminate the approval of an inflatable PFD design if the manufacturer fails to comply with this subpart or the recognized laboratory's accepted procedures or requirements.

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