Title 46—Shipping--Volume 1
PART 160—LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT
§ 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. The manufacturer must—
(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. The manufacturer must maintain records in accordance with 46 CFR 159.007-13. The manufacturer must keep records of all items listed in this section for at least 5 years from the date of termination of approval of each rescue boat. The records must include—
(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. The independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, the inspections and tests under paragraph (e) in this section for each Coast Guard-approved rescue boat to be installed on a U.S.-flagged vessel. If the manufacturer also produces rescue boats for approval by other maritime safety administrations, the inspections may be coordinated with inspection visits for those administrations.
(e) Production inspections and tests. Each approved rescue boat must be inspected and tested in accordance with each of the following procedures:
(1) In-process inspections and tests. Each production rescue boat must be examined during lay-up of the hull to verify that the lay-up conforms to the approved drawings. Each FRP major component, such as the hull, canopy, and inner liner, must be examined and weighed after it is completed but before 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. Laboratory tests of laminates must be conducted at this time. Test samples must be cut out from the rescue boat itself 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 described in the applicable test specified in this paragraph.
(i) Weight. The weight of each FRP section, such as hull, canopy, and inner liner, must be within 10 percent of similar sections of the prototype rescue boat. These weights must be the bare laminate weights. Backing plates that are molded into the laminate may be included.
(ii) Thickness. The average thickness of each section of sprayed-up laminate must be within 20 percent of the corresponding sections of the prototype.
(iii) Resin content. Laminate samples from the hull, canopy, and inner liners must be tested in accordance with ASTM D 2584 or ISO 1172 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). The resin content must be within 8 percentage points of the prototype results. If the resin content does not comply, flexural ultimate strength and tensile tests in paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section must be conducted.
(iv) Flexural ultimate strength and tensile tests. Each laminate sample from each major component, such as hull and liner, that does not comply with the resin content requirement in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section, and from each component of every fifth production rescue boat, must be subjected to the flexural ultimate strength and tensile strength tests as described in § 160.156-11(c)(2)(i)(B) of this subpart. The values must be at least 90 percent of the prototype results.
(v) Buoyancy material. If block foam buoyancy material is used, each piece must be weighed after it is cut and shaped to make sure that the correct amount of foam is installed. If foamed-in-place buoyancy material is used, a separate sample of the foam must be poured, and used to make a density determination after it has set. The density must be 32 ±8 kg/m 3 (2 ±0.5 lb/ft 3 ).
(vi) Steel sheet and plate. Steel sheet and plate for the hull, floors, and other structural components must meet ASTM A 36 and ASTM A 653 as applicable (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). Non-corrosive resistant steel must meet the coating mass and bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653. Compliance for this paragraph can be ascertained through supplier's certification papers or through conducting actual tests.
(vii) Fabric. The coated fabric for inflatable collars, when used, for the construction of each rescue boat must meet ISO 15372 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart). This compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's certification papers or through witnessing actual tests.
(viii) Fuel tank. Each fuel tank must be tested by a static head above the tank top of 3 m (10 ft) of water without showing any leaks or signs of permanent distortion.
(ix) Welding. It must be determined that structural components joined by welding was performed by welders who are appropriately qualified and that the welding procedure and materials are as per the plans approved under § 160.156-13(h) of this subpart.
(2) Post assembly tests and inspections. The finished rescue boat must be visually inspected inside and out. The manufacturer must develop and maintain a visual inspection checklist designed to ensure that all applicable requirements have been met and the rescue boat is equipped in accordance with approved plans. Each production rescue boat of each design must pass each of the tests described in the IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2, section 5.3 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.156-5 of this subpart).
§ 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.
§ 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 means the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division. Address: 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; telephone 202-372-1392 or fax 202-372-1924.
Full load means the weight of the complete rescue boat including all required equipment, provisions, fuel (if applicable), and the number of persons for which it is approved. This is also known as the “condition B” weight.
Independent laboratory has the same meaning as 46 CFR 159.001-3. A list of accepted independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at http://cgmix.uscg.mil.
Light load means the weight of the complete rescue boat empty and does not include fuel, required equipment, or the equivalent weight of persons. This is also known as the “condition A” weight.
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means an officer of the Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who fulfills the duties described in 46 CFR 1.01-15(b). The “cognizant OCMI” is the OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over a vessel or geographic area for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.
SOLAS means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.
§ 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 typeapproval@uscg.mil or visit https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The material may be obtained from the sources in the following paragraphs of this section.
(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”).
§ 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. All functions of the release mechanism, including removal of interlocks, operation of the release handle, resetting the hooks, and reattaching the falls to the hooks, must be designed to be operable by persons wearing immersion suits;
(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. Each major structural component of each release mechanism must be constructed of steel. Other materials may be used if accepted by the Commandant as equivalent or superior. Sheet steel and plate must be low-carbon, commercial quality, either corrosion resistant or galvanized as per ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart), coating designation G115. Structural steel plates and shapes must be carbon steel as per ASTM A 36 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). All steel products, except corrosion resistant steel, must be galvanized to provide high-quality zinc coatings suitable for the intended service life in a marine environment. Each fabricated part must be galvanized after fabrication. Corrosion resistant steel must be a type 302 stainless steel per ASTM A 276, ASTM A 313 or ASTM A 314 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) or another corrosion resistant stainless steel of equal or superior corrosion resistant characteristics;
(4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the Commandant, a classification society recognized by the Commandant in accordance with 46 CFR 8.220, the U.S. Navy, or the national body where the release mechanism is constructed or the national body's designated recognized organization. Only electrodes intended for use with the material being welded may be used. All welds must be checked using appropriate non-destructive tests;
(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. To seek Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism, the manufacturer must submit an application to the Commandant meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5 for preapproval review. To meet the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5(a)(2), the manufacturer must submit—
(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. The plans and specifications submitted to the Commandant under this section must—
(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. Alternatives in materials, parts, or construction, and each item replaced by an alternative, must be clearly indicated as such in the plans and specifications submitted to the Commandant under this section.
(f) Coast Guard review. If the plans or specifications do not comply with the requirements of this section, Coast Guard review may be suspended, and the applicant notified accordingly.
§ 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. To proceed with approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must—
(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. (1) Prototype release mechanism readiness. All tests must be conducted on a complete release mechanism.
(2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. Each prototype release mechanism of each design must pass each of the tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, paragraph 8.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). Tests must be conducted in accordance with these paragraphs of IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, with the following modifications:
(i) Visual inspection. Each release mechanism must be visually inspected to confirm—
(A) Compliance with this subpart;
(B) Conformance with the examined plans; and
(C) Ease of operation and maintenance.
(ii) Materials. Steel meeting ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) must meet the coating mass and bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653 after galvanizing or other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's certification or by conducting actual tests.
(iii) Tensile tests. The release mechanism hook assembly and supporting structure must be tensile tested in a jig built to load the hook assembly in the same way or ways it would be loaded when used with a liferaft or rescue boat. The hook assembly will be approved for a maximum of one-sixth of the highest load applied.
(iv) Universal joints. This test is required if the release mechanism employs universal joints to transmit the release power from the control to the hook release. One of each type and size of universal joint must be set up in a jig with the angles of leads set at 0 (zero), 30, and 60 degrees, respectively. A torque of 540 Nm (400 ft lb) must be applied. This torque must be applied with the connecting rod secured beyond the universal and with the lever arm in the horizontal position. There must be no permanent set, or undue stress, as a result of this test.
(v) Hydraulic controls. If the release mechanism includes a fluid power and control system, a test of the hydraulic controls must be conducted in accordance with 46 CFR 58.30-35.
(e) Test waiver. The Commandant may waive certain tests for a release mechanism identical in construction to smaller and larger release mechanisms that have successfully completed the tests. However, stress calculations in accordance with § 160.170-9(b) of this subpart must still be submitted. Tests associated with release mechanism components that have already been accepted by the Commandant are not required to be repeated.
(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. The manufacturer must—
(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. The manufacturer must maintain records in accordance with 46 CFR 159.007-13. The manufacturer must keep records of all items listed in this section for at least 5 years from the date of termination of approval of each release mechanism. The records must include—
(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. The independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, the inspections and tests under paragraph (e) of this section for each Coast Guard-approved release mechanism to be installed on a U.S.-flagged vessel. If the manufacturer also produces release mechanisms for approval by other maritime safety administrations, the inspections may be coordinated with inspection visits for those administrations.
(e) Production inspections and tests. Each finished release mechanism must be visually inspected. The manufacturer must develop and maintain a visual inspection checklist designed to ensure that all applicable requirements have been met. Each approved release mechanism constructed with non-corrosion resistant steel must be confirmed to have met the coating mass and bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) after galvanizing or other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's certification papers or through conducting actual 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.
§ 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 typeapproval@uscg.mil or visit www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, visit: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html or email: fr.inspection@nara.gov. The material may be obtained from the following sources:
(a) ASTM International (ASTM). 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; phone: +1 610 832 9500; email: service@astm.org; web: 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: GSAStandards@gsa.gov; web: 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). U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institution of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899; phone: (301) 975-2000; web: 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). 1850 M. St. NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC, District of Columbia, 20036-5833; phone: (202) 296-7840; fax: (202) 872-1576; web: 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]
§ 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. An immersion suit is approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval test must be conducted in accordance with § 160.171-17 or § 160.171-19.
(c) Approval of child size and oversize adult suits. No child size or oversize adult sized suit will be approved unless the adult size of the suit has been approved.
§ 160.171-9   Construction.
(a) General. Each immersion suit must be constructed primarily of a closed-cell flexible foam that meets the buoyancy and thermal insulation requirements in § 160.171-11 (a) and (c). Each suit must be designed to cover the wearer's entire body, except for the area of the nose and eyes. It must be capable of being worn inside-out or be clearly capable of being worn in only one way and, as far as possible, incapable of being donned incorrectly.
(b) Impact resistance and body strength. The body of each suit must be designed to allow the wearer to jump from a height of at least 4.5 m into the water without injury and without dislodging or damaging the suit.
(c) Seams. Stitching in each sewn structural seam of an immersion suit must be lock type stitching that meets the requirements in Federal Standard No. 751 for one of the following:
(1) Class 300 Lockstitch.
(2) Class 700 Single Thread Lockstitch.
(d) Seam strength. Each seam must have a strength of at least 225 Newtons (50 lb.).
(e) Closures and seals. Each closure and seal must be designed so that, following a jump from a height of not less than 4.5 m into the water, there is no undue ingress of water into the suit.
(f) Hardware. All hardware of an immersion suit must be of a size and design that allows ease of operation by the wearer. The hardware must be attached to the suit in a manner that allows the wearer to operate it easily and that prevents it from attaining a position in which it can be operated improperly.
(g) Metal parts. Each metal part of an immersion suit 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.
(h) Suit exterior. The primary color of the exterior of each suit must be vivid reddish orange (color number 34 of National Bureau of Standards Publication 440). The exterior surface of the suit must resist tearing and abrasion when tested as prescribed in § 160.171-17 (n) and (o).
(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. The hand of each suit must be a glove that allows sufficient dexterity for the wearer to pick up a 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) diameter wooden pencil from a table and write with it, after being immersed in water at 5 °C for a period of one hour. The glove may not be removable unless it is attached to the arm and unless it can be secured to the arm or stowed in a pocket on the arm when not in use. A removable glove must be designed so that there is no undue ingress of water into the glove during use. Each arm with a removable glove must have a wristlet seal that meets paragraph (e) of this section.
(k) Leg construction. Each suit must be designed to minimize or reduce free air in its legs when the wearer enters the water headfirst.
(l) Foot construction. Each leg of a suit must have a foot that has a hard sole or enough room for a work shoe to be worn inside. The sole of each foot must be—
(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. Each adult suit must fit persons ranging in weight from 50 kg (110 lb.) to 150 kg (330 lb.) and in height from 1.5 m (59 in.) to 1.9 m (75 in.). Each child size suit must fit children or small adults ranging in weight from 20 kg (44 lb.) to 50 kg (110 lb.) and in height from 1.0 m (39 in.) to 1.5 m (59 in.). An oversize adult suit is intended for persons too large for the standard adult suit. Each suit must be capable of being worn comfortably over clothing and must not restrict the wearer's motion. The suit size and design must allow successful completion of the mobility tests prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(2) through (7).
(n) Retroreflective material. Each immersion suit must be fitted with Type I retroreflective material that meets subpart 164.018 of this chapter. When the wearer of an immersion suit is in any stable floating position, at least 200 cm 2 (31 sq. in.) of the material must be visible above water.
(o) PFD Light. Each immersion suit must be designed so that a light meeting the requirements of subpart 161.012 of this chapter can be attached to its front shoulder area and so that the light when attached does not damage the suit and cannot adversely affect its performance. If the manufacturer of the suit designates a specific location for the light, or designates a specific model light, this information must be clearly printed on the suit or in the instructions prescribed by § 160.171-15(c).
(p) Inflation tube. If the suit has an inflatable auxiliary means of buoyancy, each joint in the oral inflation tube must be joined with a clamping device. A flange connection between the tube and the inflatable chamber must be reinforced so that the flange on the inflation tube is secured between the material of the inflatable section and the reinforcement.
§ 160.171-11   Performance.
(a) Buoyancy. Each suit must meet the following buoyancy requirements as measured in the test conducted under § 160.171-17(h):
(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 in.) above the surface of the water. If necessary, this position may be obtained through the use of an auxiliary means of buoyancy such as an inflatable bladder behind the wearer's head.
(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. The suit must be designed to turn the body of an unconscious person in the water from any position to one where the mouth is clear of the water in not more than five seconds, without assistance or the use of any means of auxiliary buoyancy which must be inflated by the wearer; or to allow the wearer to turn from a face down to a face up position in not more than 5 seconds, without assistance or the use of any means of auxiliary buoyancy. If an automatically inflated means of auxiliary buoyancy is used to meet this paragraph, the inflation mechanism must meet the requirements for commercial hybrid PFDs in § 160.077-15(c) of this chapter, and the tests required under § 160.077-21(c)(3) of this chapter. Auxiliary buoyancy, if fitted and/or inflated, must not interfere with righting.
(c) Thermal protection. The suit must be designed to protect against loss of body heat as follows:
(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 in.) thick, closed-cell neoprene foam. The control sample of foam must have a thermal conductivity of not more than 0.055 watt/meter−° K (0.38 Btu−in./hr.−sq.ft.− °F).
(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. Each suit must be designed so that a person can don the suit correctly within two minutes after reading the donning and use instructions described in § 160.171-15(a).
(e) Vision. Each suit must be designed to allow unrestricted vision throughout an arc of 60° to either side of the wearer's straight-ahead line of sight when the wearer's head is turned to any angle between 30° to the right and 30° to the left. Each suit must be designed to allow a standing wearer to move head and eyes up and down far enough to see both feet and a spot directly overhead.
(f) Water penetration. An immersion suit must be designed to prevent undue ingress of water into the suit following a period of flotation in calm water of one hour.
(g) Splash protection. Each suit must have a means to prevent water spray from directly entering the wearer's mouth.
(h) Storage temperature. Each suit must be designed so that it will not be damaged by storage in its storage case at any temperature between −30 °C (−22 °F) and + 65 °C (149 °F).
(i) Flame exposure. Each suit must be designed to prevent sustained burning or continued melting after it is totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds.
(j) Oil resistance. Each immersion suit must be designed to be useable after a 24 hour exposure to diesel oil.
§ 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 × 11 loose-leaf format suitable for inclusion in the vessel's training manual.
§ 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. An adult size immersion suit must be tested as prescribed in this section. If the suit is also made in a child size, a child size suit must be tested as prescribed in § 160.171-19. If the suit is also made in an oversize adult size, an oversize adult suit must be tested as prescribed in § 160.171-17(g) to determine the measured buoyancy for the suit. No additional testing will be required if the oversize adult suit is of the same design as the adult suit except for extra material to provide for larger persons.
(b) Test samples. Each test prescribed in this section may be performed by using as many immersion suits as needed to make efficient use of the test subjects and test equipment, except that each subject in the impact test described in § 160.171-17(c)(11) must not use more than one suit during the test, and the suits used in the impact test must also be used in the thermal protection test described in § 160.171-17(d).
(c) Mobility and flotation tests. The mobility and flotation capabilities of each immersion suit must be tested under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test subjects. Seven males and three females must be used in the tests described in this paragraph. The subjects must represent each of the three physical types (ectomorphic, endomorphic, and mesomorphic). Each subject must be in good health. The heaviest subject, of either sex, must weigh at least 135 kg (298 lb.). The heaviest male subject must weigh at least 115 kg (254 lb.) and the lightest male subject must weigh not more than 55 kg (121 lb). The heaviest female subject must weigh at least 115 kg (254 lb.) and the lightest female subject must weigh not more than 55 kg (121 lb). Each subject must be unfamiliar with the specific suit under test. Each subject must wear a standard range of clothing consisting of:
(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. Each subject is removed from the view of the other subjects and allowed one minute to examine a suit and the manufacturer's instructions for donning and use of the suit in an emergency. At the end of this period, the subject attempts to don the suit as rapidly as possible without the aid of a chair or any support to lean on. If the subject does not don the suit completely, including gloves and any other accessories, within two minutes, the subject removes the suit and is given a demonstration of correct donning, and again attempts to don the suit. At least nine of the ten subjects must be able to don the suit completely, including time to remove shoes if necessary, in two minutes in at least one of the two attempts.
(3) Field of vision. The immersion suit's field of vision must be tested as follows:
(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. A physician must always be present during this test. While wearing a suit, including a removable glove if any, and after being immersed in water at 5 °C (41 °F) for a period of one hour, each subject must be able to pick up a 9.5 mm ( 3/8 in.) diameter wooden pencil from a flat hard surfaced table using only one hand. Still using only one hand, the subject must be able to position the pencil and write with it. At least eight of the ten test subjects must be able to complete this test. This test may be performed in conjunction with the thermal protection test described in § 160.171-17(d), in which case five of the six test subjects specified in § 160.171-17(d)(1) must be able to complete the test.
(5) Walking. A 30 m (100 ft.) long walking course must be laid out on a smooth linoleum floor. The finish on the floor must allow water to lie on it in a sheet rather than in beads. The course may have gradual turns, but must not have any abrupt change in direction. Each subject is timed walking the course two times at a normal pace with the floor dry. Each subject then dons a suit and is timed again walking the course two times with the floor wet. The subject is given adequate rest between trials to avoid fatigue. The subject must not slip on the wet floor when wearing the suit. The average time for each subject to walk the course while wearing the suit must be not more than 1.25 times the subject's average time to walk the course without the suit.
(6) Climbing. A vertical ladder extending at least 5 meters (17 feet) above a level floor must be used for this test. Each subject is timed climbing the ladder twice to a rung at least 3 meters (10 feet) above the floor. The subject then dons a suit and is again timed climbing to the same rung twice. The subject is given adequate rest between trials to avoid fatigue. The average time for each subject to climb the ladder while wearing the suit must not be more than 1.25 times the subject's average time to climb the ladder without the suit.
(7) Swimming and water emergence test. A pool with an inflatable liferaft at one side must be used for this test. The liferaft must be of a type approved under Subpart 160.051 of this Chapter and must not have a boarding ramp. Each subject, wearing a life preserver but not the immersion suit, enters the water and swims 25 m. The subject must then be able to emerge from the pool onto the liferaft using only the hands placed on top of the liferaft as an aid and without pushing off of the bottom of the pool. Any subject unable to emerge onto the liferaft within 30 seconds is disqualified for this test. At least five subjects must qualify and be used for this test. If less than five subjects of the original ten qualify, substitute subjects must be used. Each qualified subject, after sufficient rest to avoid fatigue, repeats this test wearing an immersion suit instead of the life preserver. At least two-thirds of the qualified subjects must be able to swim this distance, and emerge onto the liferaft within 30 seconds, wearing the immersion suit.
(8) Stability and retroreflective material. While wearing the suit in water without any auxiliary means of buoyancy, each subject assumes a face-up position and then allows his or her body to become limp. The distance from the water surface to the lowest part of the subject's mouth or nose is measured. This procedure is repeated using the auxiliary means of buoyancy, if one is provided. For each test subject, the stable position and the distance of the mouth and nose above the water must be prescribed in § 160.171-11(a)(2) and § 160.171-11(a)(3). During this test, each subject must be viewed by observers to determine whether the retroreflective material of the suit meets § 160.171-9(n).
(9) Righting. Each subject while wearing a suit in water, without the use of any auxiliary means of buoyancy, takes a deep breath, assumes a face-down position, allows his or her body to become limp, and slowly expels air. The suit must cause the subject to turn to a position where the face is clear of the water within 5 seconds; or if the suit does not turn the subject within 5 seconds, the subject must be able to turn face up under his or her own power within 5 seconds. If the suit is provided with any means of auxiliary buoyancy, the procedure is repeated under each of the following applicable conditions:
(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. Each subject is weighed while wearing a pre-wetted suit without any auxiliary means of buoyancy. The subject jumps into water from a height that will cause the subject to be completely immersed. The subject swims or treads water for approximately one minute, emerges from the water, and is weighed within 10 seconds after emerging. The procedure is repeated with the subject entering the water headfirst. If air accumulates in the legs as the subject enters the water head-first, it must be expelled automatically. At the end of this test, the weight of the subject in the suit must not exceed the weight of the subject in the suit at the beginning of the test by more than 500 grams. Each test subject then re-enters the water and floats for a period of one hour. The subject then emerges from the water and is weighed within 10 seconds. The weight of the subject in the suit at the end of this test must not exceed the weight of the subject in the suit at the beginning of the period of flotation by more than 200 grams.
(11) Impact. While wearing a suit without any auxiliary means of buoyancy, each subject jumps into water feet first six times from a height of 4.5 m (15 ft.) above the water surface. Each subject must be able to assume a face up stable position without assistance after each jump. The suit must not tear, separate at any seam, or exhibit any characteristic that could render it unsafe or unsuitable for use in water.
(d) Thermal protection. The thermal protection capability of a suit must be tested under the following conditions and procedures;
(1) Test subjects. Male subjects must be used for this test. Each subject must be familiarized with the test procedure before starting the test. Each subject must have somatotype parameters within the following ranges according to the Heath-Carter anthropometric method: endomorphy 3.5±1.0; mesomorphy 4.0±1.5; ectomorphy 3.5±1.0.
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).
(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. The test must be conducted in calm water with a temperature between 0 °C (32 °F) and 2 °C (35.6 °F). The air temperature 300 mm (1 ft.) above the water surface must be between minus 10 °C (14 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F). Each subject must be instrumented with an electrocardiograph, a thermistor or thermocouple in the rectum placed 150 mm (6 in) beyond the anus, thermistor or thermocouple in the lumbar region, a thermistor or thermocouple on the tip of the index finger, and a thermistor or thermocouple on the tip of the great toe. Each thermistor or thermocouple must have an accuracy of 0.1 °C (0.18 °F). The suits used in this test must be the same ones previously subjected to the impact test described in § 160.171-17(c)(11).
(3) Test procedure. A physician must always be present during this test. Before donning the suit, each subject rests quietly in a room with a temperature between 10 °C (50 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) for 15 minutes. The rectal temperature is then recorded as the initial rectal temperature. The subject dons a suit as rapidly as possible without damaging the instrumentation and immediately enters the water. The subject assumes a face-up, stable floating position. No auxiliary means of buoyancy may be used during this test. The subject remains in the water engaging in activity that maintains the heart rate between 50 and 140 per minute for the first hour, and between 50 and 120 per minute during the remainder of the test, except that no attempt is made to control heart rate if the subject is shivering. Each thermistor or thermocouple reading is recorded at least every 10 minutes.
(4) Completion of testing. Testing of a subject ends six hours after he first enters the water, unless terminated sooner.
(5) Termination of test. Testing of a subject must be terminated before completion if any of the following occurs:
(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. The test results must be prepared as follows:
(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. Suit material must be tested under the following conditions and procedures, except that if the suit material meets the requirements for the control sample in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section, the test procedure in paragraph (e)(2) of this section is not required.
(1) Test equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(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. The can is held under water (which can be at room temperature) and clamped between the two pieces of the neoprene control sample so that the assembly formed conforms as closely as possible to the shape of the can, and so that water fills all void spaces between the can and the sample. When the water temperature in the can is at or above 45 °C (113 °F), the assembly is then placed in the container and submerged to a depth of 1 m (39 in.) at the highest point of the assembly. The water temperature in the container must be between 0 °C (32 °F) and 1 °C (33.8 °F) and must be maintained within this range for the remainder of the test. No part of the assembly may touch the bottom or sides of the container. Every two minutes the assembly is shaken and then inverted from its previous position. The time for the water inside the can to drop from 45 °C (113 °F) to 33 °C (91 °F) is recorded. This procedure is performed three times using the control sample and then repeated three times using the suit material instead of the control sample. The shortest time for the drop in water temperature when the suit material is used must be greater than or equal to the shortest time when the neoprene control sample is used.
(f) Storage temperature. Two samples of the immersion suits, in their storage cases, must be alternately subjected to surrounding temperatures of −30 °C to + 65 °C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately after each other and the following procedure, repeated for a total of ten cycles, is acceptable:
(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. The buoyancy of a suit must be measured under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(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. The basket is submerged so that its top edge is 50 mm (2 in.) below the surface of the water. The basket is then weighed. Thereafter, a suit is submerged in water and then filled with water, folded, and placed in the submerged basket. The basket is titled 45° from the vertical for five minutes in each of four different directions to allow all entrapped air to escape. The basket is then suspended with its top edge 50 mm (2 in.) below the surface of the water for 24 hours. At the beginning and end of this period, the basket and suit are weighed underwater. The measured buoyancy of the suit is the difference between this weight and the weight of the basket as determined at the beginning of the test. The measured buoyancy after 24 hours must not be more than 5% lower than the initial measured buoyancy. The measured buoyancy after 24 hours is used to determine adjusted buoyancy as described in paragraph (h) of this section.
(h) Adjusted buoyancy. The adjusted buoyancy of a suit is its measured buoyancy reduced by the percentage buoyancy loss factor of the buoyant suit material. The percentage buoyancy loss factor is part of the buoyancy rating code determined in accordance with UL 1191, except that the minimum number of samples required to determine each property is 10 instead of 75.
(i) Suit flame exposure. The suit's resistance to flame must be tested under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(i) A metal pan that is at least 300 mm (12 in.) wide, 450 mm (18 in.) long, and 60 mm (2 1/2 in.) deep. The pan must have at least 12 mm ( 1/2 in.) of water on the bottom with approximately 40 mm (1 1/2 in.) of gasoline floating on top of the water.
(ii) An arrangement to hold the suit over the gasoline.
(2) Test procedure. A suit is held from its top by the holding arrangement. The gasoline is ignited and allowed to burn for approximately 30 seconds in a draft-free location. The suit is then held with the lowest part of each foot 240 mm (9.5 in.) above the surface of the burning gasoline. After two seconds, measured from the moment the flame first contacts the suit, the suit is removed from the fire. The suit must not sustain burning or continue melting after removal from the flames. If the suit sustains any visible damage other than scorching, it must then be subjected to the stability test described in paragraph (c)(8) of this section, except that only one subject need be used; the impact test described in paragraph (c)(11) of this section, except that only one subject need be used; the thermal protection test described in paragraph (d) of this section, except that only one subject need be used; and the buoyancy test described in paragraph (g) of this section, except that the buoyancy test need be conducted for only 2 hours.
(j) Storage case flame exposure. The storage case must be tested using the same equipment required for the suit flame exposure test. The immersion suit must be inside the storage case for this test. The storage case is held from its top by the holding arrangement. The gasoline is ignited and allowed to burn for approximately 30 seconds in a draft-free location. The storage case is then held with its lowest part 240 mm (9.5 in.) above the surface of the burning gasoline. After two seconds, measured from the moment the flames first contact the case, the case is removed from the fire. If the case is burning, it is allowed to continue to burn for six seconds before the flames are extinguished. The storage case material must not burn through at any point in this test and the immersion suit must not sustain any visible damage.
(k) Corrosion resistance. Each metal part of a suit that is not 410 stainless steel, or for which published evidence of salt-spray corrosion resistance equal to or greater than 410 stainless steel is not available, must be tested as described in ASTM B 117 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.171-3). A sample of each metal under test and a sample of 410 stainless steel must be tested for 720 hours. At the conclusion of the test, each sample of test metal must show corrosion resistance equal to or better than the sample of 410 stainless steel.
(l) Body strength. The body strength of a suit must be tested under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The test apparatus shown in figure 160.171-17(1)(1) must be used for this test. This apparatus consists of—
(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. The suit is cut at the waist and wrists, or holes are cut into it as necessary to accommodate the test apparatus. The suit is immersed in water for at least two minutes. The suit is then removed from the water and immediately arranged on the test apparatus, using each closure as it would be used by a person wearing the suit. The 135 kg (300 lb.) load is applied for 5 minutes. No part of the suit may tear or break during this test. The suit must not be damaged in any way that would allow water to enter or that would affect the performance of the suit.
(m) Seam strength. The strength of each different type of seam used in a suit must be tested under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The following equipment must be used for this test.
(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. Each test sample must consist of two pieces of suit material, each of which is a 100 mm (4 in.) square. The two pieces are joined by a seam as shown in figure 160.171-17(m)(3). For each type of seam, 5 samples are required. Each sample may be cut from the suit or may be prepared specifically for this test. One type of seam is distinguished from another by the type and size of stitch or other joining method used and by the type and thickness of the materials joined at the seam.
(3) Test procedure. Each sample is conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23 °C (73.4 °F) ±2°(1.8 °F) C and 50% ±5% relative humidity. Immediately after conditioning, each sample is mounted individually in the tension device as shown in figure 160.171-17(m)(3). The jaws are separated at a rate of 5 mm/second (12 in./minute). The force at rupture is recorded. The average force at rupture must be at least 225 Newtons (50 lb.).
(n) Tear resistance. The tear resistance of suit material must be determined by the method described in ASTM D 1004. If more than one material is used, each material must be tested. If varying thickness of a material are used in the suit, samples representing the thinnest portion of the material must be tested. If multiple layers of a material are used in the suit, samples representing the layer on the exterior of the suit must be tested. Any material which is a composite formed of two or more materials bonded together is considered to be a single material. The average tearing strength of each material must be at least 45 Newtons (10 lb.).
(o) Abrasion resistance. The abrasion resistance of each type of suit material on the exterior of the suit must be determined by the method described in Federal Test Method Standard 191, Method 5304.1. If varying thicknesses of exterior suit material are used, samples representing the thinnest portion of the material must be tested. If exterior material has multiple layers, samples of the layer on the outside surface of the suit must be tested. Any exterior material which is a composite formed of two or more layers bonded together is considered to be a single material and the abradant must be applied to the surface that is on the exterior of the suit. The residual breaking strength of each material must be at least 225 Newtons (50 lb.).
(p) Test for oil resistance. After all its apertures have been sealed, an immersion suit is immersed under a 100 mm head of diesel oil, grade No. 2-D as defined in ASTM D 975 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.171-3) for 24 hours. The surface oil is then wiped off and the immersion suit subjected to the leak test prescribed in § 160.171-17(c)(10). The ingress of water must not be greater than 200 grams.
§ 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.
§ 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 typeapproval@uscg.mil or visit www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The material may be obtained from the sources in the following paragraphs of this section.
(a) ASTM International (ASTM). 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959; phone: +1 610 832 9500; email: service@astm.org; web: 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: GSAStandards@gsa.gov; web: 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). U.S. Department of Commerce, National Institution of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899; phone: (301) 975-2000; web: 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]
§ 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. A thermal protective aid is approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval test must be conducted in accordance with § 160.174-17.
§ 160.174-9   Construction.
(a) General. Each thermal protective aid must be constructed primarily of a durable insulating or heat reflecting material that meets the thermal insulation requirements in § 160.174-11(a). Each aid must be designed to cover the wearer's entire body, except for the area of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
(b) Seams. Stitching, if used in structural seams of a thermal protective aid, must be lock type stitching that meets the requirements in Federal Standard No. 751 for one of the following:
(1) Class 300 lockstitch.
(2) Class 700 single thread lock stitch.
(c) Seam strength. Each seam must have a strength of at least 225 Newtons (50 lb.).
(d) Hardware. All hardware of a thermal protective aid must be of a size and design that allows ease of operation by the wearer. The hardware must be attached to the aid in a manner that allows the wearer to operate it easily and that prevents it from attaining a position in which it can be operated improperly.
(e) Metal parts. Each metal part of a thermal protective aid must be—
(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. The primary color of the exterior surface of each thermal protective aid must be vivid reddish orange (color number 34 of National Bureau of Standards Publication 440). The exterior surface of the aid must resist tearing when tested as prescribed in § 160.174-17(i).
(g) Hand and arm construction. The hand of each thermal protective aid must be a glove that allows sufficient dexterity for the wearer to close and open the zipper or other hardware of the aid and to open and eat survival rations, unless the glove is removable. The glove may not be removable unless it is attached to the arm and unless it can be secured to the arm or stowed in a pocket on the arm when not in use.
(h) Retroreflective material. Each thermal protective aid must be fitted with at least 200 cm 2 (31 sq. in.) of Type I retroreflective material that meets subpart 164.018 of this chapter.
(i) Size. Each thermal protective aid must fit persons ranging in weight from 50 kg. (110 lbs.) to 150 kg. (330 lbs.) and in height from 1.5 m. (59 in.) to 1.9 m. (75 in.).
(j) Lifejacket. Each thermal protective aid must be designed so that any Type I Personal Flotation Device meeting the requirements of this chapter can be worn inside the aid and, when worn, will not damage the aid and will not adversely affect its performance.
§ 160.174-11   Performance.
(a) Thermal protection. The thermal protective aid must be designed to protect against loss of body heat as follows:
(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. Each thermal protective aid must be designed to enable a person to don the aid correctly within one minute after reading the donning and use instructions described in § 160.174-15(a).
(c) Storage Temperature. A thermal protective aid must not be damaged by storage in its storage case at any temperature between −30 °C (−22 °F) and + 65 C (149 °F).
(d) In water performance. The thermal protective aid must be designed to permit the wearer to remove it in the water within two minutes, if it impairs ability to swim.
(e) Water penetration. The fabric from which the thermal protective aid is constructed must maintain its watertight integrity when supporting a column of water 2 meters high.
(f) Oil resistance. Each thermal protective aid must be designed to be useable after 24 hours exposure to diesel oil.
§ 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 × 11 inch loose-leaf format for inclusion in the vessel's training manual.
§ 160.174-17   Approval testing.
(a) General. A thermal protective aid must be tested as prescribed in this section.
(b) Mobility and swimming tests. The mobility and swimming capabilities of each thermal protective aid must be tested under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test subjects. Seven males and three females must be used in the tests described in this paragraph. The subjects must represent each of the three physical types (ectomorphic, endomorphic, and mesomorphic). Each subject must be in good health. The heaviest male subject must weigh at least 25 kg (55 lb) more than the lightest male subject. The heaviest female subject must weigh at least 25 kg (55 lb) more than the lightest female subject. The heaviest subject must weigh 150±5 Kg (330±11 lbs.) and the lightest subject must weigh 50±5 Kg (110±11 lbs.). Each subject must be unfamiliar with the specific thermal protective aid under test. Each subject must wear a standard range of clothing consisting of:
(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. Each subject is removed from the view of the other subjects and allowed one minute to examine the thermal protective aid and the manufacturer's instructions for donning and use of the aid in an emergency. At the end of this period, the subject attempts to don the thermal protective aid as rapidly as possible. If the subject does not don the thermal protective aid completely, including gloves and any other accessories, within 60 seconds, the subject removes the aid and is given a demonstration of correct donning, and again attempts to don the aid. At least nine out of ten subjects must be able to don the thermal protective aid completely in 60 seconds on at least one of the two attempts.
(3) Discarding test. If the thermal protective aid impairs the ability of the wearer to swim, it must be demonstrated that it can be discarded by the test subjects, when immersed in water, in not more than two minutes. 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.
(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. Two samples of the thermal protective aids, in their storage cases, are alternately subjected to surrounding temperatures of −30 °C to + 65 °C. These alternating cycles need not follow immediately after each other and the following procedure, repeated for a total of ten cycles, is acceptable:
(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. A sample of the fabric from which the thermal protective aid is constructed is installed as a membrane at one end of a tube of at least 2.5 cm (one inch) diameter and 2 meters long. The tube is fixed in a vertical position with the membrane at the bottom, and filled with water. After one hour the membrane must continue to support the column of water with no leakage.
(f) Insulation. The material from which the thermal protective aid is constructed is tested in accordance with the procedures in ASTM C 177, ASTM C 518, or ASTM D 1518. The material must have a thermal conductivity of not more than 0.25 W/(m−°K) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.174-3).
(g) Test for oil resistance. After all its apertures have been sealed, a thermal protective aid is immersed under a 100 mm head of diesel oil, grade no. 2-D as defined in ASTM D 975 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.174-3), for 24 hours. The surface oil is then wiped off and a sample of the material from the aid is again tested in accordance with the procedures in ASTM C 177 or ASTM C 518 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.174-3). The material must still have a thermal conductivity of not more than 0.25 W/(m−° K).
(h) Seam strength. The strength of each different type of seam used in a thermal protective aid must be tested under the following conditions and procedures.
(1) Test equipment. The following equipment must be used in this test:
(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. Each test sample consists of two pieces of the material from which the thermal protective aid is constructed, each of which is 100 mm (4 inches) square. The two pieces are joined by a seam as shown in figure 160.171-17(m)(3). For each type of seam, 5 samples are required. Each sample may be cut from a thermal protective aid or may be prepared specifically for this test. One type of seam is distinguished from another by the type and size of stitch or other joining method used (including orientation of warp and fill, if any) and by the type and thickness of the materials joined at the seam.
(3) Test procedure. Each sample is conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23 °C±2 °C and 50% ±5% relative humidity. Immediately after conditioning, each sample is mounted individually in the tension device as shown in figure 160.171-17(m)(3). The jaws are separated at a rate of 5 mm/second (12 in/minute). The maximum force to achieve rupture is recorded. The average force at rupture must be at least 225 Newtons (50 lb).
(i) Tear resistance. The tear resistance of the material from which a thermal protective aid is constructed must be determined by the method described in ASTM D 1004 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.174-3). If more than one material is used, each material must be tested. If varying thicknesses of a material are used in the aid, samples representing the thinnest portion of the material must be tested. If multiple layers of a material are used in the aid, samples representing the layer on the exterior of the aid must be tested. Any material that is a composite formed of two or more materials bonded together is considered to be a single material. The average tearing strength of each material must be at least 45 Newtons (10 lb).
§ 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.
§ 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 means the Commandant means the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division. Address: 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; telephone 202-372-1392 or fax 202-372-1924.
(b) First quality worksmanship means construction which is free from any defect materially affecting appearance or serviceability.
(c) Functional deterioration means—
(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 (FRC) means the amount of lung volume a person has remaining at the bottom of the normal breathing cycle when at rest.
(e) Inflation medium means any solid, liquid, or gas, that, when activated, provides inflation for buoyancy.
(f) Inspector means an independent laboratory representative assigned to perform the duties described in § 160.176-15 of this subpart.
(g) PFD means personal flotation device as defined in 33 CFR 175.13.
(h) Reference vest means a model AK-1 PFD meeting subpart 160.047 of this part, except that, in lieu of the weight and displacement values prescribed in Tables 160.047-4(c)(2) and § 160.047-(4)(c)(4), each front insert must have a weight of kapok of at least 8.25 oz. and a volume displacement of 9.0 ±0.25 lb., and the back insert must have a weight of kapok of at least 5.5 oz. and a volume displacement of 6.0 ±0.25 lb. To achieve the specified volume displacement, front insert envelopes may be larger than the dimensions prescribed by § 160.047-1(b).
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Second stage donning means adjustments or steps necessary to make a lifejacket provide its intended flotation characteristics after the device has been properly donned and then inflated.
§ 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 typeapproval@uscg.mil or visit https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: fr.inspection@nara.gov, or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The material may be obtained from the sources in the following paragraphs of this section.
(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 , Standard Test Method for Determining Gas Permeability Characteristics of Plastic Film and Sheeting—(approved May 1, 2009), incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-13.
(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; “The Universal Color Language” and “The Color Names Dictionary”, 1976, incorporation by reference approved for § 160.176-9.
(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]
§ 160.176-5   Approval procedures.
(a) Modifications to general procedures. Subpart 159.005 of this chapter contains the approval procedures. Those procedures must be followed, except as modified in this paragraph.
(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. The manuals and servicing facility guidelines required by this subpart are reviewed with the application for lifejacket approval. Changes will be required if needed to comply with §§ 160.176-19 and 160.176-21 of this part.
(c) Approval of servicing facilities. (1) Approval of servicing facilities initially proposed for use is considered during and as a part of the lifejacket approval process described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(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. If a manufacturer requests that any test in this subpart be waived, one of the following must be provided to the Commandant as justification for the waiver:
(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. A lifejacket that does not meet requirements in this subpart may still be approved if the device—
(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.
§ 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 —(1) Acceptance, certification, and quality. All components used in the construction of lifejackets must meet the requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter.
(2) Condition of materials. All materials must be new.
(3) Temperature range. Unless otherwise specified in standards incorporated by reference in this section, all materials must be usable in all weather conditions throughout a temperature range of −30 °C to + 65 °C (−22 °F to + 150 °F).
(4) Weathering resistance. Each non-metallic component which is not suitably covered to shield against ultraviolet exposure must retain at least 40% of its strength after being subjected to 300 hours of sunshine carbon arc weathering as specified by Method 5804.1 of Federal Test Method Standard Number 191A.
(5) Fungus resistance. Each non-metallic component must retain at least 90% of its strength after being subjected to the mildew resistance test specified by Method 5762 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A when untreated cotton is used as the control specimen. Also, the gas transmission rate of inflation chamber materials must not be increased by more than 10% after being subjected to this test. Materials that are covered when used in the lifejacket may be tested with the covering material.
(6) Corrosion resistance. Each metal component must—
(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. Materials having no additional specific requirements in this section must be of good quality and suitable for the purpose intended.
(b) Fabric —(1) All fabric. All fabric must—
(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. Rubber coated fabric must be of a copper-inhibiting type.
(c) Inflation chamber materials —(1) All materials. (i) The average permeability of inflation chamber material, determined according to the procedures specified in § 160.176-13(y)(3) of this part, must not be more than 110% of the permeability of the materials determined in approval testing prescribed in § 160.176-13(y)(3) of this part.
(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. Each material used in the construction of inflation chambers that are covered with fabric must meet the requirements specified for—
(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. Each material used in the construction of inflation chambers that are not covered with fabric must meet the requirements specified in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this section.
(d) Thread. Each thread must meet the requirements of subpart 164.023 of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam. Thread and fabric combinations must have similar elongation and durability characteristics.
(e) Webbing. Webbing used as a body strap, tie tape or drawstring, or reinforcing tape must meet § 160.002-3(e), § 160.002-3(f), § 160.002-3(h) of this part respectively. Webbing used for tie tape or drawstring must easily hold a knot and be easily tied and untied. Webbing used as reinforcing tape must not chafe the wearer.
(f) Closures —(1) Strength. Each buckle, snap hook, dee ring or other type of fastening must have a minimum breaking strength of 1600 N (360 lbs). The width of each opening in a closure, through which body strap webbing passes, must be the same as the width of that webbing.
(2) Means of Locking. Each closure used to secure a lifejacket to the body, except a zipper, must have a quick and positive locking mechanism, such as a snap hook and dee ring.
(3) Zipper. If a zipper is used to secure the lifejacket to the body, it must be—
(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. (1) No inflation medium may contain any compound that is more toxic than CO 2 if inhaled through any of the oral inflation mechanisms.
(2) Any chemical reaction of inflation medium during inflation must not produce a toxic residue.
(h) Adhesives. Adhesives must be waterproof and acceptable for use with the materials being bonded.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Retroreflective Material. Each lifejacket must have at least 200 sq. cm. (31 sq. in.) of retroreflective material on its front side, at least 200 sq. cm. on its back side, and at least 200 sq. cm. of material on each reversible side. The retroreflective material must be Type I material that is approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter. The retroreflective material attached on each side must be divided equally between the upper quadrants of the side. Attachment of retroreflective material must not impair lifejacket performance or durability.
(k) PFD light. Each lifejacket must have a PFD light that is approved under subpart 161.012 of this chapter and that meets the requirements of Regulations III/30.2 and III/32.3 of the 1983 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83). The light must be securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket. Attachment of the light must not impair lifejacket performance.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Whistle. Each lifejacket must have a whistle of the ball type or multi-tone type and of corrosion-resistant construction. The whistle must be securely attached to the lifejacket by a lanyard. The lanyard must be long enough to permit the whistle to reach the mouth of the wearer. If the lanyard would normally allow the whistle to hang below the waist of the average size wearer, the whistle must be stowed in a pocket on the lifejacket. The attachment of the whistle must not impair lifejacket performance.
§ 160.176-9   Construction.
(a) General Features. Each inflatable lifejacket must—
(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. (1) Each chamber must have its own 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. Stitching used in each structural seam of a lifejacket must provide performance equal to or better than a Class 300 Lockstitch meeting Federal Standard No. 751a.
(e) Textiles. All cut edges of textile materials must be treated or sewn to minimize raveling.
(f) Body strap attachment. Each body strap assembly must be securely attached to the lifejacket.
§ 160.176-11   Performance.
(a) General. Each inflatable lifejacket must be able to pass the tests in § 160.176-13 of this part.
(b) Snag Hazard. The lifejacket must not present a snag hazard when properly worn.
(c) Chamber Attachment. Each inflation chamber on or inside an inflatable lifejacket must not be able to be moved to a position that-
(1) Prevents full inflation; or
(2) Allows inflation in a location other than in its intended location.
(d) Comfort. The lifejacket must not cause significant discomfort to the wearer during and after inflation.
§ 160.176-13   Approval Tests.
(a) General. (1) This section contains requirements for approval tests and examinations of inflatable lifejackets. Each test or examination must be conducted or supervised by an independent laboratory. The tests must be done using lifejackets that have been constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications in the application for approval. Unless otherwise specified, only one lifejacket, which may or may not have been subjected to other tests, is required to be tested in each test. One or more lifejackets that have been tested as prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for the tests prescribed in paragraphs (j), (n), (q), and (r) of this section. The tests prescribed in paragraph (y) of this section require one or more lifejackets as specified in that paragraph.
(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.
Some tests have inherent hazards for which adequate safeguards must be taken to protect personnel and property in conducting the tests.
(b) Donning. (1) No second stage donning is allowed in the tests in this paragraph. Test subjects may read the donning instructions to be provided with the device, if any. An uninflated lifejacket with size adjustment at its mid-range is given to each test subject with the instruction: “Please don as quickly as possible, adjust to fit snugly, and inflate.” Each subject must, within one minute, don the uninflated lifejacket, adjust it to fit snugly, and then activate the manual inflation mechanism.
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. No second stage donning is allowed in the tests in this paragraph. A lifejacket with each automatic inflation mechanism disabled must be used for the tests prescribed in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section. For the tests prescribed in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, remove any non-reusable cover or packaging from the lifejacket, but do not open any cover or closure which is intended to be closed when the lifejacket is worn in the uninflated condition.
(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 —(1) Uninflated flotation stability. Lifejackets with their automatic inflation mechanisms disabled must be used for this test. Each subject dons an uninflated lifejacket, enters the water, and assumes an upright, slightly back of vertical, position. Each subject then relaxes. For each subject that floats, the uninflated lifejacket must not tend to turn the wearer face-down when the head is allowed to fall back.
(2) Righting action. (i) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket, enters the water, allows the automatic inflation mechanism to inflate the lifejacket, and swims for 30 seconds. While swimming, freedom of movement and comfort are observed and noted by the person conducting the test. Freedom of movement and comfort must comply with § 160.176-11(d). Also, each subject must demonstrate that the lifejacket can be adjusted while the subject is in the water.
(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. At the end of each test with each subject in § 160.176-13(d)(2)(ii), through § 160.176-13(d)(2)(v)—
(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. The test results for all subjects must be averaged for the following static measurements and must comply with the following:
(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. Starting in a relaxed, face-up position of static balance, each subject brings the legs and arms in towards the body so as to attain the “HELP” position (a fetal position, but holding the head back). The lifejacket must not turn the subject face down in the water.
(e) Jump test. (1) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket and with hands above head, jumps feet first, into the water from a height of 4.5 m (15 ft.). No second stage donning is allowed during this test and the lifejacket must—
(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.
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 —(1) Equipment. A pool with a wooden platform at one side must be used for this test. The platform must be 300 mm (12 in.) above the water surface and must not float on the water. The platform must have a smooth painted surface. Alternatively, a Coast Guard approved inflatable liferaft may be used in lieu of a platform.
(2) Qualifying. Each test subject enters the water wearing only a bathing suit and swims 25 m. The subject must then be able to emerge from the pool onto the platform using only his or her hands on the top of the platform as an aid and without pushing off of the bottom of the pool. Any subject unable to emerge onto the platform within 30 seconds is disqualified for this test. If less than 2/3 of the test subjects qualify, substitute subjects must be used.
(3) Test. Each qualified subject dons an inflated lifejacket, enters the water and swims 25 m. Afterward, at least 2/3 of the qualified subjects must then be able to climb out of the pool in the manner prescribed in paragraph (f)(2) of this section within 45 seconds while wearing the lifejacket. If marking on the lifejacket so indicates, and if the wearer can read the marking while the lifejacket is being worn, the subjects may deflate the device during the 45 second attempt.
(g) Lanyard pull test and strength. (1) An uninflated lifejacket is placed on a rigid metal test form built according to Figure 160.176-13(n)(2) and suspended vertically.
(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. (1) Three uninflated lifejackets, 2 packed and 1 unpacked, are maintained at room temperature (20 ±3 °C (68 + 6 °F)) for 4 hours and then at a temperature of 65 ±2 °C (150 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. The lifejackets are then maintained at room temperature for at least 4 hours, after which they are maintained at a temperature of minus 30 ±2 °C (−22 ±5 °F) for 20 hours. This cycle is then repeated once.
(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. A lifejacket which has been used in the tests in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for this test.
(1) Equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(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. One inflation chamber is inflated using its automatic inflation mechanism. The lifejacket is placed in the basket. The basket is then suspended from the scale and submerged in the test tank with the lifejacket and basket completely below the water surface. An initial reading of the scale is taken after 30 minutes and again after 24 hours. The buoyancy of the lifejacket is the submerged weight of the basket minus the submerged weight of the basket with the lifejacket inside. This test is repeated as many times as necessary until each chamber has been tested. On each chamber that does not have an automatic inflation mechanism the manual or oral inflation mechanism may be used.
(3) Requirement. The buoyancy of each inflation chamber must be within the tolerances specified in the plans and specifications for the lifejacket required by § 160.176-5(a)(2) of this part. Each inflation chamber must retain at least 95% of its initial buoyancy after being submerged for 24 hours.
(k) Uninflated floatation test. A packed lifejacket, with all automatic inflation mechanisms disabled, is dropped from a height of 1 m (3 ft.) into fresh water. The lifejacket must remain floating on the surface of the water for at least 30 minutes. This test is repeated with an unpacked, uninflated lifejacket, with all automatic inflation mechanisms disabled.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Environmental tests —(1) Salt spray exposure. An uninflated lifejacket is subjected to 720 hours of salt spray as specified by ASTM B 117 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4). The automatic inflation mechanism(s) must not be activated by the salt spray. The lifejacket is then inflated first using the automatic inflation mechanism(s) and then twice more using first the manual mechanisms and then the oral mechanisms. The lifejacket must show no functional deterioration.
(2) Rain exposure. An uninflated lifejacket is mounted on a rigid metal test form built according to Figure 160.176-13(n)(2). The test form must be vertical. Spray nozzles that deliver 0.05 mm of water per second (0.7 inch/hour) over the area of the lifejacket at a temperature between 2 and 16 °C (35 and 60 °F) and at a 45° angle below horizontal toward the lifejacket are mounted 1.5 m (4.5 ft.) above the base of the test form. There must be at least 4 nozzles evenly spaced around the lifejacket at a horizontal distance of 1 m from the center of the lifejacket and each nozzle must deliver water at the same rate. Water is then sprayed on the lifejacket for 1 hour. The lifejacket must not inflate during the test.
(n) Tensile tests. Two lifejackets that have been subjected to the tests in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for these tests.
(1) Body tensile test. (i) In this test one lifejacket must be fully inflated and the other deflated.
(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. Each shoulder section of a lifejacket is subjected to this test separately. A fully inflated lifejacket, with all closures fastened, must be secured to a rigid metal test form built according to Figure 160.176-13(n)(2). A 2 ± 1/4 in. wide web is passed through the shoulder section of the lifejacket and is connected to a winch or pulley system. The bottom portion of the form is connected to a dead weight load which when combined with the weight of the form and the linkage equals 90 kg. (200 lb.). The winch or pulley system is operated to raise the weight off of its support. The weight is left suspended for 30 minutes. There must be no functional deterioration of any component of the lifejacket during the test.
(3) Strength of attachment of inflation mechanism. (i) A fully inflated lifejacket is secured to a rigid metal test form as in Figure 160.176-13(n)(2), and the pressure of each inflated chamber is measured. The top portion of the form is then connected to a winch or pulley system. A 35 kg (75 lb.) weight is attached by a line to one of the inflation mechanisms as close as possible to the point of attachment on the lifejacket. The winch or pulley system is operated to raise the weight off of its support. The weight is left suspended for 5 minutes and then released. The inflation chamber to which the inflation mechanism is attached must not lose more than 3 kPa (0.4 psig) or 20% of its original pressure.
(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. (1) an uninflated lifejacket is secured to the test form shown in Figure 160.176-13(n)(2). The lifejacket, with the automatic inflation mechanism disabled, is secured to the form as it is intended to be worn. The lifejacket is accelerated to 25 m/s (50 mph) horizontally and is then dropped from a height of not more than 0.5 m (1.5 ft.) into the water in the following positions:
(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. A lifejacket that has been subjected to the tests in paragraph (h) of this section must be used for this test.
(1) Equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(i) A test pan 300 mm by 450 mm by 60 mm (12 in. by 18 in. by 2 1/2 in.) containing 12 mm ( 1/2 in.) of water under 25 mm (1 in.) of N-heptane.
(ii) an arrangement to hold the lifejacket over the N-heptane.
(2) Method. The test is only conducted when there is no significant air movement other than that caused by the fire. The N-heptane is ignited and allowed to burn for 30 seconds. A lifejacket which has been fully inflated with air is then passed through the flames in an upright, forward, vertical, free-hanging position with the bottom of the lifejacket 240 mm C 9 1/2 in.) above the top edge of the test pan. The lifejacket is exposed to the flames for 2 seconds.
(3) Requirement. The lifejacket must not burn or melt for more than 6 seconds after being removed from the flames. The lifejacket must remain inflated throughout the test. If the lifejacket sustains any visible damage other than discoloration after being exposed to the flames, the lifejacket must—
(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. Lifejackets with their automatic inflation mechanisms disabled must be used for this test. Two uninflated lifejackets that have been subjected to the tests in paragraph (h) of this section are totally submerged in diesel fuel, grade No. 2-D as defined in ASTM D 975 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4), for 24 hours. The lifejackets are then removed and the excess fuel removed. One lifejacket must fully inflate using only its manual inflation mechanisms and the other using only its oral inflation mechanisms. The lifejackets must show no functional deterioration as a result of the test.
(s) Puncture test. A fully inflated lifejacket is placed on a flat, level surface. A test point 4 mm ( 5/32 in.) in diameter tapering to a rounded point, 1 mm ( 3/64 in.) in diameter, is pressed against an inflation chamber of the lifejacket perpendicular to the surface of the chamber at a rate of 300 mm/minute (12 in./minute). The test point is applied until the inflation chamber is punctured or the chamber walls are touching each other. The force required to puncture the inflation chamber or make the chamber walls touch each other is recorded. The force required must exceed 30 N (7 lb.).
(t) Inflation chamber tests —(1) Over-pressure test. One lifejacket is used in this test. Before pressurizing the lifejacket, each over-pressure valve, if any, must be blocked. One inflation chamber is then pressurized with air to 70 kPa (10 psig) and held for 5 minutes. After the 5 minute period, there must be no sign of permanent deformation, damage, or pressure loss of more than 3.5 kPa (0.5 psig). This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to test a different chamber until each chamber has been tested in this manner.
(2) Air retention test. One inflation chamber of a lifejacket is filled with air until air escapes from the over-pressure valve or, if the lifejacket does not have an over-pressure valve, until its design pressure, as stated in the plans and specifications, is reached. After 12 hours the lifejacket must still be firm with an internal pressure of at least 14 kPa (2.0 psig). This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to test a different chamber until each chamber has been tested in this manner.
(u) Seam strength test. Samples of each type of structural sewn seam must be subjected to and pass the “Seam Strength (Sewability) Test” specified in Underwriters Laboratories Standard UL 1191 except that the breaking strength of each seam in the directions of both greater and lesser thread count must be at least 400 N (90 lb.).
(v) [Reserved]
(w) Visual examination. One complete lifejacket must be visually examined for compliance with the requirements of §§ 160.176-9 and 160.176-11 of this part
(x) [Reserved]
(y) Inflation chamber properties. The tests in this paragraph must be run after successful completion of all other approval tests. The results of these tests will be used to check the quality of incoming lifejacket components and the production process. Test samples must come from one or more lifejackets that were each used in all of the tests in paragraphs (e), (j), (p), (s), and (t) of this section.
(1) Grab breaking strength. The grab breaking strength of chamber materials must be determined according to Method No. 5100 of Federal Test Method Standard 191A or ASTM D 751 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4).
(2) Tear strength. The tear strength of chamber materials must be determined according to Method No. 5132 or 5134 of Federal Test Method Standard 191A or ASTM D 751 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4).
(3) Permeability. The permeability of chamber materials must be determined according to ASTM D 1434 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4) using CO 2 as the test gas.
(4) Seam strength. The seam strength of the seams in each inflation chamber of at least one lifejacket must be determined according to ASTM D 751 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.176-4) except that 25 by 200 mm (1 by 8 in.) samples may be used where insufficient length of straight seam is available.
(z) Additional tests. The Commandant may prescribe additional tests, if necessary, to approve novel or unique designs.
§ 160.176-15   Production tests and inspections.
(a) General. (1) Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section and subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
(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. In addition to responsibilities set out in part 159 of this chapter, each manufacturer of an inflatable lifejacket and each independent laboratory inspector must comply with the following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer must—
(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. (i) An inspector may not perform or supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(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. A lot number must be assigned to each group of lifejackets produced. No lot may exceed 1000 lifejackets. A new lot must be started whenever any change in materials or a revision to a production method is made, and whenever any substantial discontinuity in the production process occurs. Changes in lots of component materials must be treated as changes in materials. Lots must be numbered serially. The lot number assigned, along with the approval number, must enable the lifejacket manufacturer, by referring to the records required by this subpart, to determine who produced the components used in the lifejacket.
(d) Samples. (1) Samples used in testing and inspections must be selected at random. Sampling must be done only when all lifejackets or materials in the lot are available for selection.
(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
1 Samples must be selected from each lot of incoming material. The tests referenced in §§ 160.176-13(y)(1) through 160.176-13(y)(4) of this part prescribe the number of samples to select.
2 Samples selected for this test may not be the same samples selected for other tests.
3 If any sample fails the over-pressure test, the number of samples to be tested in the next lot produced must be at least 2% of the total number of lifejackets in the lot or 10 lifejackets, whichever is greater.
4 This test is required only when a new lot of materials is used and when a revised production process is used. However, the test must be run at least once every calendar quarter regardless of whether a new lot of materials or a revised process is started in that quarter.
Table 160.176-15B—Inspector's Sampling Plan
1 Samples selected for this test may not be the same lifejackets selected for other tests.
2 This test may be omitted if the manufacturer has previously conducted it on the lot and the inspector has conducted the test on a previous lot during the same calendar quarter.
3 One sample of each means of marking on each type of fabric or finish used in lifejacket construction must be tested. This test is only required when a new lot of materials is used. However, the test must be run at least once every calendar quarter regardless of whether a new lot of materials is started in that quarter.
(e) Accept/reject criteria: manufacturer testing. (1) A lifejacket lot passes production testing if each sample passes each test.
(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. (1) A lot passes production testing if each sample passes each test.
(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 —(1) General. The manufacturer must provide the test equipment and facilities described in this section for performing production tests, examinations, and inspections.
(2) Calibration. The manufacturer must have the calibration of all test equipment checked at least every six months by a weights and measures agency or the equipment manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
(3) Equipment. The following equipment is required:
(i) A sample basket for buoyancy tests. It must be made of wire mesh and be of sufficient size and durability to securely hold a completely inflated lifejacket under water without compressing it. The basket must be heavy enough or be sufficiently weighted to submerge when holding an inflated test sample.
(ii) A tank filled with fresh water for buoyancy tests. The height of the tank must be sufficient to allow a water depth of 5 cm (2 inches) minimum between the top of the basket and water surface when the basket is not touching the bottom. The length and width of the tank must be sufficient to prevent each submerged basket from contacting another basket or the tank sides and bottom. Means for locking or sealing the tank must be provided to prevent disturbance of any samples or a change in water level during testing.
(iii) A scale that has sufficient capacity to weigh a submerged basket for buoyancy tests. The scale must be sensitive to 14 g (0.5 oz.) and must not have an error exceeding ±14 g (0.5 oz.).
(iv) Tensile test equipment that is suitable for applying pulling force in conducting body strap assembly strength subtests. The equipment assembly may be (A) a known weight and winch, (B) a scale, winch, and fixed anchor, or (C) a tensile test machine that is capable of holding a given tension. The assembly must provide accuracy to maintain a pulling force within ±2 percent of specified force. Additionally, if the closed loop test method in § 160.176-13(h)(1) of this Part is used, two cylinders of the type described in that method must be provided.
(v) A thermometer that is sensitive to 0.5 °C (1 °F) and does not have an error exceeding ±0.25 °C (0.5 °F).
(vi) A barometer that is capable of reading mm (inches) of mercury with a sensitivity of 1 mm (0.05 in.) Hg and an error not exceeding ±5 mm (0.02 in.) Hg.
(vii) A regulated air supply that is capable of supplying the air necessary to conduct the tests specified in paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5) of this section.
(viii) A pressure gauge that is capable of measuring air pressure with a sensitivity of 1 kPa (0.1 psig) and an error not exceeding ±0.5 kPa (0.05 psig).
(ix) A torque wrench if any screw fasteners are used. The wrench must be sensitive to, and have an error of less than, one half the specified tolerance for the torque values of the fasteners.
(4) Facilities: The manufacturer must provide a suitable place and the necessary apparatus for the inspector to use in conducting or supervising tests. For the final lot inspection, the manufacturer must provide a suitable working environment and a smooth-top table for the inspector's use.
(h) Production tests and examinations —(1) General. (i) Samples used in testing must be selected according to paragraph (d) of this section.
(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. Each sample must be tested according to §§ 160.176-13(y)(1) through 160.176-13(y)(3) of this part. The average and individual results of testing the minimum number of samples prescribed by § 160.176-13(y) of this part must comply with the requirements in § 160.176-8(c)(1) of this part.
(3) Seam strength. The seams in each inflation chamber of each sample must be tested according to § 160.176-13(y)(4) of this part. The results for each inflation chamber must be at least 90% of the results obtained in approval testing.
(4) Over-pressure. Each sample must be tested according to and meet § 160.176-13(t)(1) of this part.
(5) Air retention. Each sample must be tested according to and meet § 160.176-13(t)(2) of this part.
(6) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention. Each sample must be tested according to and meet § 160.176-13(j) of this part. Each buoyancy value must fall within the tolerances specified in the approved plans and specifications.
(7) Tensile strength. Each sample must be tested according to and meet § 160.176-13(n) of this part.
(8) Detailed product examination. Each sample lifejacket must be disassembled to the extent necessary to determine compliance with the following:
(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. Each sample is completely submerged in fresh water for a minimum of 30 minutes, and then removed and immediately placed on a hard surface. The markings are vigorously rubbed with the fingers for 15 seconds. If the printing becomes illegible, the sample is rejected.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Final lot examination and inspection —(1) General. On each lifejacket lot that passes production testing, the manufacturer must perform a final lot examination and an independent laboratory inspector must perform a final lot inspection. Samples must be selected according to paragraph (d) of this section. Each final lot examination and inspection must show—
(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. Each nonconforming lifejacket must be rejected. If three or more nonconforming lifejackets are rejected for the same kind of defect, lot examination or inspection must be discontinued and the lot rejected.
(3) Manufacturer examination. This examination must be done by a manufacturer's representative who is familiar with the approved plans and specifications required by § 160.176-5(a)(2) of this part, the functioning of the lifejacket and its components, and the production testing procedures. This person must not be responsible for meeting production schedules or be supervised by someone who is. This person must prepare and sign the record required by § 159.007-13(a) of this chapter and § 160.176-17(b) of this part.
(4) Independent laboratory inspection. (i) The inspector must discontinue lot inspection and reject the lot if observation of the records for the lot or of individual lifejackets shows noncompliance with this section or the manufacturer's quality control procedures.
(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. (1) A rejected lifejacket lot may be resubmitted for testing, examination or inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each defective lifejacket or, if authorized by the Commandant, reworks the lot to correct the defect.
(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.
§ 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. This section contains requirements for servicing facilities, manuals, training, guidelines, and records. Other regulations in this chapter require inflatable lifejackets to be serviced at approved facilities at 12 month intervals.
(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. Each Coast Guard approved servicing facility must meet the requirements of this paragraph and paragraph (d) of this section in order to receive and keep its approval for each make and model of lifejacket. Approval is obtained according to § 160.176-5(c) of this part.
(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. (1) Each manufacturer of an approved inflatable lifejacket must prepare a service manual for the lifejacket. The service manual must be approved by the Commandant according to § 160.176-5(b) of this part.
(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. Each servicing facility must have written guidelines that include the following:
(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. Each servicing facility must maintain records of all completed servicing. These records must be retained for at least 5 years after they are made, be made available to any Coast Guard representative and independent laboratory inspector upon request, and include at least the following:
(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. Each inflatable lifejacket must be marked with the information required by this section. Each marking must be waterproof, clear, and permanent. Except as provided elsewhere in this subpart, each marking must be readable from a distance of three feet.
(b) Prominence. Each marking required in paragraph (d) of this section, except vital care and use instructions, if any, must be less prominent and in smaller print than markings required in paragraph (c) of this section. Each optional marking must be significantly less prominent and smaller than required markings. The marking “ADULT” must be in at least 18 mm ( 3/4 inch) high bold capital lettering. If a lifejacket is stored in a package, the package must also have the marking “ADULT” or this marking must be easily visible through the package.
(c) Text. Each inflatable lifejacket must be marked with the following text in the exact order shown:
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. Each lifejacket must also be marked with the following information below the text required by paragraph (c) of this section:
(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. The text to be inserted in paragraph (c) of this section as the approved use will be one or more of the following as identified by the Commandant on the approval certificate issued according to § 159.005-13(a)(2) of this chapter:
(1) The name of the vessel.
(2) The type of vessel.
(3) Specific purpose or limitation approved by the Coast Guard.
§ 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 means the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division. Address: 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; email TypeApproval@uscg.mil .
First quality workmanship means construction that is free from any defect materially affecting appearance or serviceability.
Inspector means a recognized laboratory representative assigned to perform, supervise, or oversee the duties described in § 160.255-15 or any Coast Guard representative performing duties related to the approval.
Recognized laboratory means an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant in accordance with 46 CFR subpart 159.010, with a valid memorandum of understanding in accordance with 46 CFR 159.010-7.
§ 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 or email fr.inspection@nara.gov . The material may be obtained from UL, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062-2002; phone (847) 272-8800; website: 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 TypeApproval@uscg.mil , and must include a full description and drawings. Pictures, samples, and preliminary test results may also be submitted.
§ 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. Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with ANSI/CAN/UL 9595 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5), or an alternative follow-up procedure accepted by the Commandant. To maintain approval, the manufacturer must be in good standing under an accepted follow-up procedure.
(b) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. Manufacturers of approved lifejackets must maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods, and the finished product so as to meet the applicable requirements, and make sufficient inspections and tests of representative samples and components produced to maintain the quality of the finished product. Records of tests conducted by the manufacturer and records of materials, including affidavits by suppliers that applicable requirements are met, must be made available to the recognized laboratory inspector or to the Coast Guard marine inspector, or both, for review upon request.
(c) Laboratory inspections and tests. The laboratory inspector will conduct examinations, inspections, and tests for listed and labeled devices, as required by the recognized laboratory, at the place of manufacture or other location at the option of the laboratory.
(d) Test facilities. The inspector must be admitted to any place in the factory where work is being done on listed and labeled products, and the inspector may take samples of parts or materials entering construction or final assemblies, for further examinations, inspections, or tests. The manufacturer must provide a suitable place and the apparatus necessary for the performance of the tests done at the place of manufacture.
(e) Additional tests, etc. Unannounced examinations, tests, and inspections of samples obtained either directly from the manufacturer or through commercial channels may be made to determine the suitability of a product for listing and labeling, or to determine conformance of a labeled product to the applicable requirements. These may be conducted by the recognized laboratory or the United States Coast Guard.
§ 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.