Title 46—Shipping--Volume 1
PART 91—INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION
§ 91.01-1   Preemptive effect.
The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.
§ 91.01-2   When required.
(a) Except as noted in this subpart or subpart 91.05, no vessel subject to inspection and certification shall be operated without a valid certificate of inspection.
§ 91.01-5   Posting.
(a) On vessels of over 25 gross tons, the original certificate of inspection shall, in general, be framed under glass and posted in a conspicuous place where it will be most likely to be observed. On vessels not over 25 gross tons, and on other vessels such as barges, where the framing of the certificate under glass would be impracticable, the original certificate of inspection shall be kept on board to be shown on demand.
§ 91.01-10   Period of validity for a Certificate of Inspection.
(a) Certificates of inspection will be issued for a period of 5 years. Application may be made by the master, owner, or agent for inspection and issuance of a new certificate of inspection at any time during the period of validity of the current certificate.
(b) Certificates of inspection may be revoked or suspended by the Coast Guard where such process is authorized by law. This may occur if the vessel does not meet the requirements of law or regulations in this chapter or if there is a failure to maintain the safety requirements requisite to the issuance of a certificate of inspection.
(c) The master or owner of a seagoing barge for which inspection and certification is required by 46 CFR 90.05-25(a), or the master or owner's agent, may apply for a certificate of inspection that is valid for a specific period less than 5 years, or for a specific voyage. The certificate will describe the conditions under which it is issued, and will be endorsed as applying to an unmanned seagoing barge. Paragraph (c) of this section applies if the seagoing barge-
(1) Makes a voyage beyond the Boundary Line for the sole purpose of changing employment; or
(2) Makes a voyage beyond the Boundary Line only infrequently and after doing so returns to its port of departure.
§ 91.01-15   Temporary certificate.
(a) If necessary to prevent delay of the vessel, a temporary certificate of inspection, Form CG-854, shall be issued pending the issuance and delivery of the regular certificate of inspection. Such temporary certificate shall be carried in the same manner as the regular certificate and shall in all ways be considered the same as the regular certificate of inspection which it represents.
§ 91.01-20   Expired certificate.
(a) Nothing in this subpart shall prevent a vessel upon a regularly established line from a port in the United States to a port of a foreign country not contiguous to the United States whose certificate of inspection expires at sea or while said vessel is in a foreign port or a port of Hawaii from lawfully completing her voyage without the valid certificate of inspection or temporary certificate required by this subpart: Provided, That the certificate of inspection did not expire within 15 days after the vessel left the last port of the United States, and that the voyage shall be completed within 30 days after the expiration of the certificate of inspection.
§ 91.01-25   Emergency carriage of more than 16 persons in addition to the crew on vessels not engaged in international voyages.
(a) When a District Commander finds that an emergency situation exists, he authorizes the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to issue amendments to vessels' certificates of inspection authorizing the carriage of more than 16 persons in addition to the crew.
(b) Upon receipt of an application from a vessel's owner or operator, the Local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, amends the vessel's certificate of inspection after—
(1) Additional lifesaving and firefighting equipment found necessary by the OCMI has been provided;
(2) A stability evaluation has been performed; and
(3) Any other conditions considered necessary by the OCMI have been satisfied.
§ 91.05-1   When issued.
(a) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may issue a permit to proceed to another port for repair, Form CG-948 to a vessel, if in his judgment it can be done with safety, even if the certificate of inspection of the vessel has expired or is about to expire.
§ 91.05-5   To whom issued.
(a) Such permit will only be issued upon the written application of the master, owner, or agent of the vessel.
§ 91.05-10   Conditions of permit.
(a) The permit will state upon its face the conditions under which it is issued and whether or not the vessel is permitted to carry freight or passengers.
§ 91.05-15   Posting.
(a) The permit shall be carried in a manner similar to that described in § 91.01-5 for a certificate of inspection.
§ 91.15-1   Standards in inspection of hulls, boilers, and machinery.
In the inspection of hulls, boilers, and machinery of vessels, the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, see part 90, subpart 90.35 of this chapter, respecting material and inspection of hulls, boilers, and machinery, and the certificate of classification referring thereto, except where otherwise provided for by the rules and regulations in this subchapter, subchapter E (Load Lines), subchapter F (Marine Engineering), subchapter J (Electrical Engineering), and subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter, shall be accepted as standard by the inspectors.
§ 91.15-5   Alternate compliance.
(a) In place of compliance with other applicable provisions of this subchapter, the owner or operator of a vessel subject to plan review and inspection under this subchapter for initial issuance or renewal of a Certificate of Inspection may comply with the Alternate Compliance Program provisions of part 8 of this chapter.
(b) For the purposes of this section, a list of authorized classification societies, including information for ordering copies of approved classification society rules and supplements, is available at Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509; telephone 202-372-1372 or fax 202-372-1925. Approved classification society rules and supplements are incorporated by reference into 46 CFR 8.110(b).
§ 91.20-1   Prerequisite of certificate of inspection.
(a) The initial inspection is a prerequisite of the issuance of the original certificate of inspection.
§ 91.20-5   When made.
(a) The original inspection will only be made upon the written application of the owner or builder of the vessel to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, on Form CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, at or nearest the port where the vessel is located.
§ 91.20-10   Plans.
(a) Before application for inspection is made, and before construction is started, the owner or builder shall have plans approved by the Commandant indicating the proposed arrangement and construction of the vessel. The procedure for submitting plans and the list of plans to be supplied is set forth in subpart 91.55.
§ 91.20-15   Scope of inspection.
(a) The initial inspection, which may consist of a series of inspections during the construction of a vessel, shall include a complete inspection of the structure, including the outside of the vessel's bottom, the machinery, unfired pressure vessels, equipment and the inside and outside of the boilers. The inspection shall be such as to insure that the arrangements, material, and scantlings of the structure, boilers, and other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, lifesaving appliances, fire-detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, pollution prevention equipment, and other equipment fully comply with the applicable regulations for such vessel and are in accordance with approved plans, and determine that the vessel is in possession of a valid certificate issued by the Federal Communications Commission, if any. The inspection shall be such as to ensure that the workmanship of all parts of the vessel and its equipment is in all respects satisfactory and that the vessel is provided with lights, means of making sound signals, and distress signals as required by applicable statutes and regulations.
(b) When equipment is installed which is not required by applicable regulations in this subchapter, that equipment shall be inspected and tested as required for such equipment by applicable regulations in subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) of this chapter. For example, fire-detecting systems shall be inspected and tested as required by subpart 71.20 of subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) of this chapter.
§ 91.20-20   Specific tests and inspections.
The applicable tests and inspections as set forth in subpart 91.25 of this part shall be made at this time. In addition, the following specific tests and inspections shall be made by the inspector.
(a) For inspection procedures of lifesaving appliances and arrangements, see subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.
(b) For installation of carbon dioxide fire extinguishing system piping, see 46 CFR 95.15-15. For clean agent fire extinguishing piping, see 46 CFR 95.16-15.
(c) For inspection procedures of marine engineering equipment and systems, see subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.
(d) For inspection procedures of Electrical Engineering equipment and systems, see subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.
(e) For inspection and tests of tanks containing certain dangerous cargoes in bulk, see part 98 of this subchapter.
§ 91.25-1   Prerequisite of reissuance of certificate of inspection.
(a) An inspection for certification is a prerequisite of the reissuance of a certificate of inspection.
§ 91.25-5   Application for a Certificate of Inspection.
You must submit a written application for an inspection for certification to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. To renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the expiration of the tank vessel's current certificate. You must use Form CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, and submit it to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection at, or nearest to, the port where the vessel is located. When renewing a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection for certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the current Certificate of Inspection.
§ 91.25-7   Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subchapter with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, and is available from the sources listed below. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html .
(b) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, 617-770-3000, http://www.nfpa.org .
(1) NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 Edition, effective December 5, 2009, IBR approved for § 91.25-20(a).
(2) [Reserved]
§ 91.25-10   Scope of inspection.
The inspection for certification shall include an inspection of the structure, boilers, and other pressure vessels, machinery, and equipment. The inspection shall be such as to insure that the vessel, as regards the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels, and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, lifesaving appliances, fire-detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, pollution prevention equipment, and other equipment, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the applicable regulations for such vessel and determine that the vessel is in possession of a valid certificate issued by the Federal Communications Commission, if required. The lights, means of making sound signals, and distress signals carried by the vessel shall also be subject to the above mentioned inspection for the purpose of ensuring that they comply with the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.
§ 91.25-15   Lifesaving equipment.
For inspection procedures of Lifesaving appliances and arrangements, see subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.
§ 91.25-20   Fire extinguishing equipment.
(a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection and at other times necessary, the inspector will determine that all fire-extinguishing equipment is in suitable condition and may require any tests necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector will determine if the tests and inspections required by § 97.15-60 of this subchapter have been conducted. At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector will check fire-extinguishing equipment with the following tests and inspections:
(1) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 91.25-7) as amended here:
(i) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.
(ii) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.
(iii) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.
(iv) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.
Table 91.25-20( a )(1)
1 Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections and discharge hoses of semi-portable carbon dioxide and halon extinguishers must be tested or renewed, as required by §§ 147.60 and 147.65 of this chapter.
2 Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane or other toxic vaporizing liquids shall be removed from all vessels. (See § 95.50-5(e) of this subchapter.)
(2) Fixed fire-extinguishing systems must be checked as noted in Table 91.25-20(a)(2). In addition, all parts of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems, must be examined for excessive corrosion and general conditions.
Table 91.25-20( a )(2)
(3) On all fire-extinguishing systems, all piping controls, valves, and alarms must be checked to ascertain that the system is in operating condition. In this respect steam smothering lines must be checked with at least a 50 p.s.i. air pressure with the ends capped or by blowing steam through the lines at the designed pressure.
(4) The fire main system must be operated and the pressure checked at the most remote and highest outlets. All firehose must be subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure to which they may be subjected in service, but not less than 100 p.s.i.
§ 91.25-25   Hull equipment.
(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspectors shall conduct the following tests and inspections of hull equipment:
(1) All watertight doors shall be operated locally by manual power and also by hydraulic or electric power if so fitted. Where remote control is fitted, the doors shall also be operated by the remote control apparatus.
(2) The remote controls of all valves shall be operated.
(3) The owner, operator or master shall provide the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection with all current valid certificates and registers of cargo gear issued by an organization recognized by the Commandant under § 31.10-16.
(b) Every acceptable cargo gear certificate and/or register shall be properly executed by a person authorized to do so and shall:
(1) Certify as to the tests and examinations conducted;
(2) Show the dates on which the tests and examinations were conducted; and
(3) Indicate that the cargo gear described in the certificate or register complies with the standards of the organization or association authorized to issue the certificate or register.
(c) Competent persons for the purposes of this section are defined as—
(1) Surveyors of a classification society recognized by the Commandant under 46 U.S.C. 3316.
(2) Surveyors of a cargo gear organization recognized by the Commandant under § 31.10-16.
(3) Responsible officials or employees of the testing laboratories, companies, or organizations who conduct tests of pieces of loose cargo gear, wire rope, or the annealing of gear as may be required by the standards of the organization or association authorized to issue the certificate or register.
(d) The registers issued in connection with cargo gear certification must have all required entries fully completed as of the dates indicated, shall be kept current, and shall include the following:
(1) A register of the cargo handling machinery and the gear accessory thereto carried on the vessel named therein;
(2) Certification of the testing and examination of winches, derricks, and their accessory gear;
(3) Certification of the testing and examination of cranes, hoists, and their accessory gear;
(4) Certification of the testing and examination of chains, rings, hooks, shackles, swivels, and blocks;
(5) Certification of the testing and examination of wire rope;
(6) Certification of the heat-treatment of chains, rings, hooks, shackles, and swivels which require such treatment; and,
(7) Certification of the annual thorough examinations of gear not required to be periodically heat-treated.
§ 91.25-30   Electrical engineering equipment.
For inspection procedures of electrical engineering equipment and systems see subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.
§ 91.25-35   Marine engineering equipment.
(a) For inspection procedures of marine engineering equipment and systems, see subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.
§ 91.25-37   Tanks containing dangerous cargoes.
(a) For inspection and tests of tanks containing certain dangerous cargoes in bulk, see part 98 of this subchapter.
§ 91.25-38   Pollution prevention.
At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector shall examine the vessel to determine that it meets the vessel design and equipment requirements for pollution prevention in 33 CFR part 155, subpart B.
§ 91.25-40   Sanitary inspection.
(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the quarters, toilets, and washing spaces, galleys, serving pantries, lockers, etc., shall be examined by the inspector to be assured that they are in a sanitary condition.
§ 91.25-45   Fire hazards.
(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector shall examine the tank tops and bilges in the machinery spaces to see that there is no accumulation of oil which might create a fire hazard.
§ 91.25-50   Inspector not limited.
(a) Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the inspector from making such tests or inspections as he or she deems necessary to be assured of the safety and seaworthiness of the vessel.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 91.27-1   Annual and periodic inspections.
(a) Annual inspection. Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date, except as required in paragraph (b) of this section.
(1) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is required.
(2) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the inspection for certification as specified in § 91.25-10 but in less detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a major change to the vessel has occurred, the marine inspector will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the annual inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
(3) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.
(b) Periodic inspection. Your vessel must undergo a periodic inspection within 3 months before or after the second or third anniversary of the date of your vessel's Certificate of Inspection. This periodic inspection will take the place of an annual inspection.
(1) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is required.
(2) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for the inspection for certification, as specified in § 91.25-10. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will insure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the periodic inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.
(3) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(4) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.
§ 91.27-5   Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.
To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in § 91.27-1 (a) and (b) and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.
§ 91.27-13   Alternative annual inspection for offshore supply vessels less than 400 gross tons in foreign ports.
(a) The owner or operator of an offshore supply vessel of less than 400 gross tons, except liftboats as defined in § 90.10-20 of this chapter, may request authorization to conduct an alternative annual inspection in place of the annual inspection described in § 91.27-1(a) of this chapter. You must submit your request to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection responsible for conducting inspections in the country in which the vessel is operating and will be examined. To qualify for the alternative annual inspection, you must meet the following requirements:
(1) The request for authorization must be in writing and received by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection before the end of the twelfth month of each COI anniversary year.
(2) The vessel is expected to be continuously employed outside of the United States during the 3 months before and after each anniversary date of the issuance of the COI.
(b) In determining whether to grant authorization for the alternative annual inspection, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will consider the following:
(1) Information contained in previous inspection and drydock examination reports, including the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection's recommendation for participation in the alternative midperiod examination program, and the alternative annual inspection program.
(2) The nature, number, and severity of any marine casualties or accidents, as defined in § 4.03-1 of this chapter, which the vessel has experienced in the last 3 years.
(3) The nature, number, and severity of any outstanding inspection requirements for the vessel.
(4) The owner or operator's history of compliance and cooperation in the alternative midperiod examination program and the alternative annual inspection program, which includes—
(i) The prompt correction of deficiencies;
(ii) The reliability of previously submitted alternative examination and annual inspection reports; and
(iii) The reliability of representations that the vessel under consideration will be, and other vessels previously examined under this section were, employed outside of the United States for the 3 month period before and after each anniversary date.
(c) If authorization is granted, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection must provide the applicant written authorization to proceed with the alternative annual inspection, including special instructions when appropriate.
(d) The following conditions must be met for the alternative annual inspection to be accepted by the Coast Guard in lieu of conducting an annual inspection in accordance with § 91.27-1(a) of this subpart.
(1) The alternative annual inspection must be conducted within 3 months before and after each anniversary date.
(2) The alternative annual inspection must be of the scope detailed in § 91.27-1(a) of this subpart and must be conducted by the vessel's master, operator, or a designated representative of the owner or operator.
(3) Upon completion of the alternative annual inspection, the person or persons conducting the inspection must prepare a comprehensive report describing the conditions found. This inspection report must contain sufficient detail to allow an evaluation to be made by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to whom the report is submitted that the vessel is fit for the service and route specified on the Certificate of Inspection. The report must include reports and receipts documenting the servicing of lifesaving and fire protection equipment, and any photographs or sketches necessary to clarify unusual circumstances. Each person preparing the report must sign it and certify that the information contained therein is complete and accurate.
(4) Unless the vessel's master participated in the alternative annual inspection and the preparation of the inspection report, the master must review the report for completeness and accuracy. The master must sign the report to indicate review and forward it to the vessel's owner or operator who requested authorization to conduct the inspection.
(5) The owner or operator of an offshore supply vessel inspected under this subpart must review and submit the report required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection who authorized the owner or operator to conduct the alternative annual inspection. The inspection report must be received by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection before the first day of the fifth month following the anniversary date. The forwarding letter or endorsement must be certified and contain the following information—
(i) That the person or persons who conducted the inspection acted on behalf of the vessel's owner or operator;
(ii) That the inspection report was reviewed by the owner or operator;
(iii) That the discrepancies noted during the inspection have been corrected or will be corrected within a stated time frame; and
(iv) That the owner or operator has sufficient personal knowledge of conditions aboard the vessel at the time of the inspection or has made necessary inquiries to justify forming a belief that the inspection report is true and correct.
(e) The form of certification required under this subpart is as follows:
I certify that the above is true and complete to the best of my knowledge and belief.
(f) Deficiencies and hazards discovered during an alternative annual inspection conducted pursuant to this section must be corrected or eliminated, if practical, before the inspection report is submitted to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection in accordance with paragraph (d)(5) of this section. Deficiencies and hazards that are not corrected or eliminated by the time the inspection report is submitted must be listed in the report as “outstanding.” Upon receipt of an inspection report indicating outstanding deficiencies or hazards, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will inform the owner or operator of the vessel in writing of the time period in which to correct or eliminate the deficiencies or hazards and the method for establishing that the corrections have been accomplished. Where a deficiency or hazard remains uncorrected or uneliminated after the expiration of the time specified for correction or elimination, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will initiate appropriate enforcement measures.
(g) Upon receipt of the report required by paragraph (d)(3) of this section, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection must evaluate it and make the following determination:
(1) Whether the alternative annual inspection is accepted in lieu of the annual inspection required by § 91.27-1(a) of this subpart.
(2) Whether the vessel is in satisfactory condition.
(3) Whether the vessel continues to be reasonably fit for its intended service and route. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection may request any additional information needed to make the determinations required by this section. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will inform the owner or operator in writing of the determinations required by this section.
(h) If the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection determines, in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, that the alternative annual inspection is not accepted in lieu of the annual inspection required by § 91.27-1(a) of this subpart, the vessel must be reinspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection as soon as practical.
(i) If the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection determines, in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section, that the alternative annual inspection is accepted in lieu of the annual inspection required by § 91.27-1(a) of this subpart, the master must complete the applicable COI endorsement.
§ 91.27-15   Inspectors not limited.
(a) Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the inspector from making such tests or inspections as he or she deems necessary to be assured of the seaworthiness of the vessel.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 91.30-1   General or partial survey.
(a) A survey, either general or partial, according to the circumstances, shall be made every time an accident occurs or a defect is discovered which affects the safety of the vessel or the efficacy or completeness of its lifesaving appliances, fire-fighting or other equipment, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made. The survey shall be such as to insure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the material and the workmanship of such repairs or renewals are in all respects satisfactory, and that the vessel complies in all respects with the regulations in this subchapter.
§ 91.35-1   When made.
(a) An inspection of quarters, toilet and washing spaces, serving pantries, galleys, etc., shall be made at least once in every month. If the route of the vessel is such that it is away from a United States port for more than one month, an inspection shall be conducted at least once every trip.
§ 91.40-1   Definitions relating to hull examinations.
As used in this part—
(a) Drydock examination means hauling out a vessel or placing a vessel in a drydock or slipway for an examination of all accessible parts of the vessel's underwater body and all through-hull fittings.
(b) Internal structural examination means an examination of the vessel while afloat or in drydock and consists of a complete examination of the vessel's main strength members, including the major internal framing, the hull plating, voids, and ballast tanks, but not including cargo or fuel oil tanks.
(c) Cargo tank internal examination means an examination of the vessel while afloat or in drydock and consists of an examination of the internals of all cargo tanks; except, if the vessel is certificated to carry cargoes regulated under part 38 or subchapter O of this chapter, the cargo tank internal examination must be accomplished as specified in parts 38 and 151 of this chapter respectively.
(d) Underwater survey means the examination, while the vessel is afloat, of all accessible parts of the vessel's underwater body and all through-hull fittings.
§ 91.40-3   Drydock examination, internal structural examination, cargo tank internal examination, and underwater survey intervals.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (g) of this section, each vessel must undergo drydock, internal structural, and cargo tank internal examinations as follows:
(1) Except under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, vessels that operate in salt water must be examined in accordance with the intervals set forth in Table 91.40-3(a) of this section. Where Table 91.40-3(a) indicates a 2.5 year examination interval, it means a vessel must undergo two examinations within any five year period. No more than three years may elapse between any two examinations.
Table 91.40-3( a )—Salt Water Service Vessels Examination Intervals in Years
Note:
1 Applicable to double hull tank barges (double sides, ends, and bottoms) when the structural framing is on the internal tank surface.
2 Applicable to double hull tank barges (double sides, ends, and bottoms) when the structural framing is on the external tank surface accessible for examination from voids, double bottoms, and other similar spaces.
3 Applicable to single hull tank barges with independent cargo tanks which have a cargo containment envelope that is not a contiguous part of the hull structure and which has adequate clearance between the tanks and between the tanks and the vessel's hull to provide access for examination of all tank surfaces and the hull structure.
4 Applicable to unmanned/non-permissively manned deck cargo barge which carries cargo only above the weather deck and which provides complete access for examination of the inside of the hull structure.
5 Applicable to unmanned/non-permissively manned double hull freight barges (double sides, ends, and bottoms) the arrangement of which provides access for a complete internal structural examination as defined in § 91.40-1(b) without the necessity of entering cargo tanks or holds.
6 Or as specified in Part 151.
(2) Vessels that operate in fresh water at least six months in every 12 month period since the last drydock examination must be examined in accordance with the intervals set forth in Table 91.40-3(b) of this section. Where Table 91.40-3(b) indicates a 2.5 year examination interval, it means a vessel must undergo two examinations within any five year period. No more than three years may elapse between any two examinations.
Table 91.40-3( b )—Fresh Water Service Vessels Examination Intervals in Years
Note:
1 Applicable to double hull tank barges (double sides, ends, and bottoms) when the structural framing is on the internal tank surface.
2 Applicable to double hull tank barges (double sides, ends, and bottoms) when the structural framing is on the external tank surface accessible for examination from voids, double bottoms, and other similar spaces.
3 Applicable to single hull tank barges with independent cargo tanks which have a cargo containment envelope that is not a contiguous part of the hull structure and which has adequate clearance between the tanks and between the tanks and the vessel's hull to provide access for examination of all tank surfaces and the hull structure.
4 Applicable to unmanned/non-permissively manned deck cargo barge which carries cargo only above the weather deck and which provides complete access for examination of the inside of the hull structure.
5 Applicable to unmanned/non-permissively manned double hull freight barges (double sides, ends, and bottoms) the arrangement of which provides access for a complete internal structural examination as defined in § 91.40-1(b) without the necessity of entering cargo tanks or holds.
6 Or as specified in Part 151.
(b) During each inspection or reinspection for certification, all wing voids, rakes, cofferdams, and other void spaces on barges must be opened and checked from on-deck for the presence of water or cargo indicating hull damage or cargo tank leakage. If water or cargo is not present, these spaces need not be gas freed, ventilated, cleaned, or otherwise prepared for personnel entry. If water or cargo is present, an internal structural examination may be required.
(c) If, during an internal structural, cargo tank internal examination, or underwater survey, damage or deterioration to the hull plating, structural members, or cargo tanks is discovered, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may require the vessel to be drydocked or otherwise taken out of service to further assess the extent of the damage and to effect permanent repairs.
(d) Vessels less than 15 years of age (except wooden hull vessels) that are in salt water service with a 2.5 year drydock interval (as indicated in Table 91.40-3(a) of this section) or that are in fresh water service with a five year drydock interval (as indicated in Table 91.40-3(b) of this section) may be considered for an underwater survey instead of alternate drydock examinations, provided the vessel is fitted with an effective hull protection system. Vessel owners or operators must apply to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, for approval of underwater surveys instead of alternate drydock examinations for each vessel. The application must include the following information:
(1) The procedure to be followed in carrying out the underwater survey.
(2) The location where the underwater survey will be accomplished.
(3) The method to be used to accurately determine the diver location relative to the hull.
(4) The means that will be provided for examining through-hull fittings.
(5) The means that will be provided for taking shaft bearing clearances.
(6) The condition of the vessel, including the anticipated draft of the vessel at the time of the survey.
(7) A description of the hull protection system.
(e) Vessels otherwise qualifying under paragraph (d) of this section, that are 15 years of age or older, may be considered for continued participation in or entry into the underwater survey program on a case-by-case basis if—
(1) Before the vessel's next scheduled drydocking, the owner or operator submits a request for participation or continued participation to Commandant (CG-CVC);
(2) During the vessel's next drydocking after the request is submitted, no appreciable hull deterioration is indicated as a result of a complete set of hull gaugings; and
(3) The results of the hull gauging and the results of the Coast Guard drydock examination together with the recommendation of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, are submitted to Commandant (CG-CVC) for final approval.
(f) Each vessel which has not met with the applicable examination schedules in paragraphs (a) through (e) of this section because it is on a voyage, must undergo the required examinations upon completion of the voyage.
(g) The Commandant (CG-CVC) may authorize extensions to the examination intervals specified in paragraph (a) of this section.
§ 91.40-5   Notice and plans required.
(a) The master, owner, operator, or agent of the vessel shall notify the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, whenever the vessel is to be drydocked regardless of the reason for drydocking.
(b) Each vessel, except barges, that holds a Load Line Certificate must have on board a plan showing the vessel's scantlings. This plan must be made available to the Coast Guard marine inspector whenever the vessel undergoes a drydock examination, internal structural examination, cargo tank internal examination, or underwater survey or whenever repairs are made to the vessel's hull.
(c) Each barge that holds a Load Line Certificate must have a plan showing the barge's scantlings. The plan need not be maintained on board the barge but must be made available to the Coast Guard marine inspector whenever the barge undergoes a drydock examination, internal structural examination, or cargo tank internal examination, or underwater survey or whenever repairs are made to the barge's hull.
§ 91.43-1   When required.
(a) Each fuel oil tank with at least one side integral to the vessel's hull and located within the hull (“integral fuel oil tank”) is subject to inspection as provided in this section. The owner or operator of the vessel shall have the tanks cleaned out and gas freed as necessary to permit internal examination of the tank or tanks designated by the marine inspector. The owner or operator shall arrange for an examination of the fuel tanks of each vessel during an internal structural examination at intervals not to exceed five years.
(b) Integral non-double-bottom fuel oil tanks need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by external examination that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.
(c) Double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels less than 10 years of age need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by external examination that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.
(d) All double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels 10 years of age or older but less than 15 years of age need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by internal examination of at least one forward double-bottom fuel oil tank, and by external examination of all other double-bottom fuel oil tanks on the vessel, that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.
(e) All double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels 15 years of age or older but less than 25 years of age need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by internal examination of at least one forward, one amidships, and one aft double-bottom fuel oil tank, and by external examination of all other double-bottom fuel oil tanks on the vessel, that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.
(f) All double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels 25 years of age or older need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by internal examination of at least one double-bottom fuel oil tank in way of each cargo hold/tank, and by external examination of all other double-bottom fuel oil tanks, that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.
§ 91.45-1   Notice required.
(a) No repairs or alterations affecting the safety of the vessel with regard to the hull, machinery, or equipment, shall be made without the knowledge of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(b) Drawings of alterations shall be approved before work is started unless deemed unnecessary by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(c) Drawings will not be required for repairs in kind.
§ 91.45-5   Inspection required.
(a) An inspection either general or partial depending upon the circumstances shall be made whenever any important repairs or alterations are undertaken.
§ 91.50-1   Inspection and testing required when making alterations, repairs, or other such operations involving riveting, welding, burning or like fire-producing actions.
(a) The provisions of “Standard for The Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels to be Repaired,” NFPA No. 306, published by National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02669, shall be used as a guide in conducting the inspections and issuance of certificates required by this section.
(b) Until an inspection has been made to determine that such operation can be undertaken with safety, no alterations, repairs, or other such operations involving riveting, welding, burning, or like fire-producing actions shall be made:
(1) Within or on the boundaries of cargo tanks which have been used to carry combustible liquids or chemicals in bulk; or,
(2) Within spaces adjacent to cargo tanks which have been used to carry Grade D combustible liquid cargo, except where the distance between such cargo tanks and the work to be performed is not less than twenty-five (25) feet; or,
(3) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks; or,
(4) To pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to such cargo or fuel tanks; or,
(5) On miscellaneous vessels such as cable, salvage, pile driving, and oil drilling rig vessels that have been specially authorized to carry Grade B or Grade C flammable liquid cargo in bulk by the Commandant, within or on the boundaries of such cargo tanks or within spaces adjacent to such cargo tanks.
(c) Such inspections shall be made and evidenced as follows:
(1) In ports or places in the United States or its territories and possessions the inspection shall be made by a marine chemist certificated by the National Fire Protection Association; however, if the services of such certified marine chemist are not reasonably available, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, upon the recommendation of the vessel owner and his contractor or their representative, shall select a person who, in the case of an individual vessel, shall be authorized to make such inspection. If the inspection indicates that such operations can be undertaken with safety, a certificate setting forth the fact in writing and qualified as may be required, shall be issued by the certified marine chemist or the authorized person before the work is started. Such qualifications shall include any requirements as may be deemed necessary to maintain, insofar as can reasonably be done, the safe conditions in the spaces certified throughout the operation and shall include such additional tests and certifications as considered required. Such qualifications and requirements shall include precautions necessary to eliminate or minimize hazards that may be present from protective coatings or residues from cargoes.
(2) When not in such a port or place, and a marine chemist or such person authorized by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, is not reasonably available, the inspection shall be made by the senior officer present and a proper entry shall be made in the vessel's logbook.
(d) It shall be the responsibility of the senior officer present to secure copies of certificates issued by the certified marine chemist or such person authorized by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. It shall be the responsibility of the senior officer present, insofar as the persons under his control are concerned, to maintain a safe condition on the vessel by full observance of all qualifications and requirements listed by the marine chemist in the certificate.
§ 91.55-1   General.
(a) The following list of required plans is general in character, but includes all plans which normally show construction and safety features coming under the cognizance of the Coast Guard. In the case of a particular vessel, all of the plans enumerated may not be applicable, and it is intended that only those plans and specifications be submitted as will clearly show the vessel's arrangement, construction and required equipment.
(b) In the following list of required plans, the items which must be approved by the American Bureau of Shipping for vessels classed by that organization are indicated by an asterisk. When prints bearing record of such approval by the American Bureau of Shipping are forwarded to the Coast Guard they will in general be accepted as satisfactory except insofar as the law or the Coast Guard regulations contain requirements which are not covered by the American Bureau of Shipping.
(c) Plans and specifications for cargo gear shall be approved by either a recognized classification society or the International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc., whose home office is located at 321 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, on the Internet at http://www.icgb.com.
§ 91.55-5   Plans and specifications required for new construction.
(a) General. (1) Specifications.
(2) General Arrangement Plan of decks, holds, inner bottoms, etc., and including inboard and outboard profile.
(b) Hull structure. 1 (1) *Inner Bottom Plating and Framing.
1 The asterisk (*) indicates items which may require approval by the American Bureau of Shipping for vessels classed by that society.
(2) *Midship Section.
(3) *Shell Plating and Framing.
(4) *Stem, Stern Frame, and Rudder.
(5) *Structural Deck Plans for Strength Decks.
(6) *Pillars and Girders.
(7) *Watertight and Oiltight Bulkheads.
(8) *Foundations for Main Machinery and Boilers.
(9) *Arrangement of Ports, Doors, and Airports in Shell Plating.
(10) *Hatch Coamings and Covers in Weather and Watertight Decks.
(11) *Details of Hinged Subdivision Watertight Doors and Operating Gear.
(12) *Scuppers and Drains Penetrating Shell Plating.
(13) *Arrangement of the cargo gear including a stress diagram. The principal details of the gear and the safe working load for each component part shall be shown.
(c) Subdivision and stability. Plans and calculations as required by Subchapter S of this chapter.
(d) Fire control. (1) General arrangement plans showing for each deck the control stations, the various fire sections enclosed by fire resisting bulkheads, the arrangement of the alarm and extinguishing systems, the fire extinguishers, means of access to different compartments and decks and the ventilation system including location of ventilation shutdowns, positions of dampers and the numbers identifying each system.
(2) Ventilation diagram including dampers and other fire control features.
(3) Details of alarm systems.
(4) Details of extinguishing systems, including fire mains, carbon dioxide, clean agent, foam, and sprinkling systems.
(e) Marine engineering. For plans required for marine engineering equipment and systems, see subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.
(f) Electrical engineering. For plans required for electrical engineering, equipment and systems, see subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.
(g) Lifesaving equipment. (1) These plans are to show the location and arrangement of embarkation decks, all overboard discharges and projections in way of launching lifeboats, weights of lifeboats fully equipped and loaded, working loads of davits and winches, types and sizes of falls, the manufacturer's name and identification for all equipment, and all other relevant and necessary information.
(i) Arrangement of lifeboats.
(ii) Arrangement of davits.
(iii) Location and stowage of liferafts and buoyant apparatus.
(h) Crew's accommodations. (1) Arrangement plans showing accommodations, ventilation, escapes, hospital, and sanitary facilities for all crewmembers.
(i) Navigation bridge visibility. For vessels of 100 meters (328 feet) or more in length contracted for on or after September 7, 1990, a plan must be included which shows how visibility from the navigation bridge will meet the standards contained in § 92.03-1 of this subchapter.
§ 91.55-10   Plans required for alterations of existing vessels.
(a) In the event of alterations involving the safety of the vessel, the applicable plans shall be submitted for approval covering the proposed work except as modified by § 91.45-1. The general scope of the plans shall be as noted in § 91.55-5.
§ 91.55-15   Procedure for submittal of plans.
(a) As the relative location of shipyards, design offices, and Coast Guard offices vary throughout the country, no specific routing will be required in the submittal of plans. In general, one of the following procedures would apply, but in a particular case, if a more expeditious procedure can be used, there will be no objection to its adoption.
(1) The plans may be submitted to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in the district in which the vessel is to be built. This procedure will be most expeditious in the case of those offices where personnel and facilities are available for examination and approval of the plans locally.
(2) The plans may be submitted directly to the Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509. In this case, the plans will be returned directly to the submitter, with a copy of the action being forwarded to the interested Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(3) The plans may be submitted by visitors directly to Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, 1900 Half Street, SW., Suite 1000, Room 525, Washington, DC 20024, or transmitted by mail to: Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, 2100 2nd St., SW., Stop 7102, Washington, DC 20593-7102, in a written or electronic format. Information for submitting the VSP electronically can be found at http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/MSC. In this case, the plans will be returned directly to the submitter, with a copy of the action being forwarded to the interested Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(4) In the case of classed vessels, upon specific request by the submitter, the American Bureau of Shipping will arrange to forward the necessary plans to the Coast Guard indicating its action thereon. In this case, the plans will be returned as noted in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
§ 91.55-20   Number of plans required.
(a) Three copies of each plan are normally required so that one can be returned to the submitter. If the submitter desires additional approved plans, a suitable number should be submitted to permit the required distribution.
§ 91.60-1   Application.
The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all cargo vessels on an international voyage. (See § 91.05-10 of this chapter.)
§ 91.60-5   Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
(a) All vessels on an international voyage are required to have a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate. This certificate shall be issued by the U.S. Coast Guard or the American Bureau of Shipping to certain vessels on behalf of the United States of America as provided in Regulation 12, chapter I, of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974.
(b) All such vessels shall meet the applicable requirements of this chapter for vessels on an international voyage.
§ 91.60-10   Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.
(a) All vessels on an international voyage are required to have a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.
(b) All such vessels shall meet the applicable requirements of this chapter for vessels on an international voyage.
§ 91.60-15   Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
Every vessel equipped with a radio installation on an international voyage must have a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. Each radio installation must meet the requirements of the Federal Communication Commission and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.
§ 91.60-25   Exemption Certificate.
(a) A vessel may be exempted by the Commandant from complying with certain requirements of the Convention under his administration upon request made in writing to him and transmitted via the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(b) When an exemption is granted to a vessel by the Commandant under and in accordance with the Convention, an Exemption Certificate describing such exemption shall be issued through the appropriate Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in addition to other required certificates.
§ 91.60-30   Safety Management Certificate.
All vessels to which 33 CFR part 96 applies on an international voyage must have a valid Safety Management Certificate and a copy of their company's valid Document of Compliance certificate on board.
§ 91.60-35   Availability of Certificates.
The Convention certificates must be on board the vessel and readily available for examination at all times.
§ 91.60-40   Duration of Convention certificates.
(a) The following certificates are valid for a period of not more than 60 months.
(1) A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.
(2) A Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.
(3) A Safety Management Certificate.
(4) A Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.
(b) An Exemption certificate must not be valid for longer than the period of the certificate to which it refers.
(c) A Convention certificate may be withdrawn, revoked, or suspended at any time when it is determined that the vessel is no longer in compliance with applicable requirements. (See § 2.01-70 of this chapter for procedures governing appeals.)
§ 91.60-45   American Bureau of Shipping.
(a) The American Bureau of Shipping, with its home office at ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060, is hereby designated as an organization duly authorized to issue the “Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate” to certain cargo ships on behalf of the United States of America as provided in Regulation 12, chapter I, of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, and Executive Order 12234 and the certificate shall be subject to the requirements in this subpart. The American Bureau of Shipping is authorized to place the official seal of the United States of America on the certificate. This designation and delegation to the American Bureau of Shipping shall be in effect until terminated by proper authority and notice of cancellation is published in the Federal Register.
(b) At the option of the owner or agent of a vessel on an international voyage and on direct application to the American Bureau of Shipping, the Bureau may issue to such vessel a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, having a period of validity of not more than 60 months after ascertaining that the vessel:
(1) Has met the applicable requirements of the Convention; and,
(2) Is currently classed by the Bureau and classification requirements have been dealt with to the satisfaction of the Bureau.
(c) When the Bureau determines that a vessel to which it has issued a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate no longer complies with the Bureau's applicable requirements for classification, the Bureau shall immediately furnish to the Coast Guard all relevant information, which will be used by the Coast Guard to determine whether or not to withdraw, revoke or suspend the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.