Title 46—Shipping--Volume 1
PART 161—ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
§ 161.002-1   Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (CG-ENG-4), 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) FM Global, 1151 Boston-Providence Turnpike, P.O. Box 9102, Norwood, MA 02062, 781-762-4300, http://www.fmglobal.com.
(1) ANSI/FM Approvals 3260, American National Standard for Radiant Energy-Sensing Fire Detectors for Automatic Fire Alarm Signaling, February 2004 (“ANSI/FM 3260”), IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
(2) [Reserved]
(c) International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3, rue de Varembe, P.O. Box 131, CH-1211 Geneva 20—Switzerland, +41 22 919 02 11, http://www.iec.ch.
(1) IEC 60092-504:2001(E), Electrical Installations in Ships—Part 504: Special Features—Control and Instrumentation, Third edition, March 2001, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(c) and (d), and § 161.002-15(d).
(2) [Reserved]
(d) International Maritime Organization (IMO) Publishing, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org.
(1) FSS Code, International Code for Fire Safety Systems, Second Edition, 2007 Edition (Resolution MSC.98(73)), IBR approved for § 161.002-15(b).
(2) [Reserved]
(e) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, 617-770-3000, http://www.nfpa.org.
(1) NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, 2010 Edition, effective August 26, 2009 (“NFPA 72”), IBR approved for § 161.002-10(b).
(2) [Reserved]
(f) UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories), 12 Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, 919-549-1400, http://www.ul.com.
(1) UL 38, Standard for Safety for Manual Signaling Boxes for Fire Alarm Systems, Eighth Edition, dated July 3, 2008, as amended through December 11, 2008, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
(2) UL 268, Standard for Safety for Smoke Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems, Sixth Edition, dated August 14, 2009, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
(3) UL 464, Standard for Safety for Audible Signal Appliances, Ninth Edition, dated April 14, 2009, as amended through April 16, 2012, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
(4) UL 521, Standard for Safety for Heat Detectors for Fire Protective Signaling Systems, Seventh Edition, dated February 19, 1999, as amended through October 3, 2002, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
(5) UL 864, Standard for Safety for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems, Ninth Edition, dated September 30, 2003, as amended through January 12, 2011, IBR approved for §§ 161.002-6(b) and 161.002-15(d).
(6) UL 1480, Standard for Safety for Speakers for Fire Alarm, Emergency, and Commercial and Professional Use, Fifth Edition, dated January 31, 2003, as amended through June 23, 2010, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
(7) UL 1971, Standard for Safety for Signaling Devices for the Hearing Impaired, Third Edition, approved November 29, 2002, as amended through October 15, 2008, IBR approved for § 161.002-6(b).
§ 161.002-2   Definitions.
In this subpart, the term—
Device means individual components ( e.g. detectors, control panels, alarms, etc.) that are used to comprise a fire detection system. Devices may receive Coast Guard approval in accordance with § 161.002-19.
Fire detection or fire detection and alarm systems system means a complete detection system that is designed to give warning of the presence of fire or smoke in the protected spaces. A complete system includes normal and emergency power supplies, control units, remote annunciator panels, fire detectors and/or smoke detectors, manual pull stations, and audible and visual alarms, which are distinct from the alarms of any other system not indicating fire.
Listed means equipment or materials included in a list published by an organization that is an accepted independent laboratory, as defined in 46 CFR 159.010, or a nationally recognized testing laboratory, as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7, whose listing states that either the equipment or material meets appropriate designated standards.
Nationally recognized testing laboratory (NRTL) means an organization that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recognized as meeting the requirements in 29 CFR 1910.7. These requirements are for the capability, control programs, complete independence, and reporting and complaint-handling procedures to test and certify specific types of products for workplace safety. This means, in part, that an organization must have the necessary capability both as a product safety testing laboratory and as a product certification body to receive OSHA recognition as an NRTL.
Sample extraction smoke detection systems means systems that collect and analyze air samples from protected spaces in order to detect products of combustion. A complete system includes a control unit, a blower box, accumulators, and a piping system with associated fittings.
§ 161.002-3   [Reserved]
§ 161.002-4   General requirements.
(a) The purpose of fire detection systems is to give warning of the presence of fire in the protected spaces. To meet this end, the basic requirements of these systems are reliability, sturdiness, simplicity of design, ease of servicing, and the ability to withstand shipboard shock and vibration and the adverse effects of sea humidity. All fire detection systems must be designed, constructed, tested, marked, and installed according to the applicable standards as incorporated by reference in § 161.002-1 and 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.
(b) Approvals for detection systems issued before July 22, 2017 will remain valid until July 22, 2021.
(c) Detection systems installed, with a valid approval, before July 22, 2021 may be maintained onboard vessels and repaired as indicated in 46 CFR 76.27-80(d).
§ 161.002-6   Testing requirements.
(a) Devices must be tested and listed for fire service by an accepted independent laboratory, as accepted in accordance with § 159.010 of this subchapter, or by a NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7.
(b) Each fire detection device must comply with the following standards (incorporated by reference, see § 161.002-1) as appropriate:
(1) Control units—UL 864;
(2) Heat detectors—UL 521;
(3) Smoke detectors—UL 268;
(4) Flame detectors—ANSI/FM 3260;
(5) Audible alarms—UL 464 or UL 1480;
(6) Visual alarms—UL 1971; and
(7) Manual Signaling Boxes—UL 38.
(c) All devices must be tested by an accepted independent laboratory, as defined in § 159.010 of this subchapter, to meet the marine environment testing requirements in Table 161.002-6(c) of this section. The test parameters are found in IEC 60092-504 (incorporated by reference, see § 161.002-1).
Table 161.002-6( c )—Marine Environmental Testing Requirements
1 This test only needs to be completed if the device is in a location with moving mechanical parts.
(d) All fire detection system control units and remote annunciators must have enclosure protection as outlined in part 5 of IEC 60092-504 (incorporated by reference, see § 161.002-1) if the requirements exceed those of 46 CFR 111.01-9. Otherwise, 46 CFR 111.01-9 must be complied with.
§ 161.002-8   Automatic fire detecting systems, general requirements.
(a) General. A fire detection system must consist of a power supply; a control unit on which visible and audible fire and trouble signaling indicators are located; fire and/or smoke detectors; and fire and/or smoke detector circuits, as required, originating from the control unit. Power failure alarm devices may be separately housed from the control unit and may be combined with other power failure alarm systems when specifically approved.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 161.002-9   Fire detection system, power supply.
The power supply for a fire detection system must meet the requirements of § 113.10-9 of this chapter.
§ 161.002-10   Fire detection system control unit.
(a) General. The fire detection system control unit must meet the requirements of § 111.01-9 of this chapter.
(b) Electrical supervision — Circuits. The circuits must comply with Chapter 23 of NFPA 72 (incorporated by reference, see § 161.002-1), and must be Class A or Class X pathway.
§ 161.002-15   Sample extraction smoke detection systems.
(a) General. The sample extraction smoke detection system must consist of a means for continuously exhausting an air sample from the protected spaces and testing the air for contamination with smoke, together with visual and audible alarms for indicating the presence of smoke.
(b) Design. The sample extraction smoke detection system must be designed and capable of being installed in accordance with 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) and the FSS Code (incorporated by reference, see § 161.002-1).
(c) Power supply. The power supply for the sample extraction smoke detection system must meet the requirements of § 113.10-9 of this chapter.
(d) Control unit standards. The control unit must be listed by either a NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7 or an independent laboratory that is accepted by the Commandant under part 159 of this chapter. The listing must be to the standards specified in UL 864 and tested to the parameters found in IEC 60092-504 (both incorporated by reference, see § 161.002-1).
§ 161.002-17   Equivalents.
The Commandant may approve any arrangement, fitting, appliance, apparatus, equipment, calculation, information, or test that provides a level of safety equivalent to that established by specific provisions of this subpart. Requests for approval must be submitted to Commandant (CG-ENG). If necessary, the Commandant may require engineering evaluations and tests to demonstrate the equivalence of the substitute.
§ 161.002-18   System method of applications for equipment approval.
(a) The manufacturer must submit the following material to the Commandant (CG-ENG), according to § 159.001-5 of this subchapter:
(1) A formal written request that the system be reviewed for approval.
(2) The system's instruction manual, including information concerning installation, maintenance, limitations, programming, operation, and troubleshooting.
(3) Proof of listing the system devices meeting the requirements of § 161.002-6(a).
(4) The complete test report(s) meeting the requirements of § 161.002-6 generated by an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant under part 159 of this subchapter or an NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7. A current list of Coast Guard-accepted laboratories may be obtained from the following website: https://cgmix.uscg.mil/eqlabs/.
(5) A list prepared by the manufacturer that contains the name, model number, and function of each major component and accessory, such as the main control cabinet, remote annunciator cabinet, detector, zone card, isolator, central processing unit, zener barrier, special purpose module, or power supply. This list must be identified by the following information assigned by the manufacturer:
(i) A document number;
(ii) A revision number (the original submission being revision number 0); and
(iii) The date that the manufacturer created or revised the list.
(b) The Coast Guard distributes a copy of the approved instruction manual to the manufacturer and to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center (MSC).
(c) The manufacturer must maintain an account of the equipment offered for approval. The list identification information in paragraphs (a)(5)(i) through (a)(5)(iii) of this section appears on the Certificate of Approval and indicates the official compilation of components for the approved system. If the manufacturer seeks to apply subsequently for the approval of a revision (because of, for example, additional accessories becoming available, replacements to obsolete components, or a change in materials or standards of safety), changes to the approved list must be submitted for review and approval.
(d) To apply for a revision, the manufacturer must submit—
(1) A written request under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) An updated list under paragraph (a)(5) of this section; and
(3) A report by an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant under part 159 of this chapter,  or an NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7 to document compliance with § 161.002-6.
(e) If the Coast Guard approves the system or a revision to a system, it issues a certificate, normally valid for a 5-year term, containing the information in paragraphs (a)(5)(i) through (a)(5)(iii)  of this section.
§ 161.002-19   Device method of application for equipment approval.
(a) The manufacturer must submit the following material to the Commandant (CG-ENG) according to § 159.001-5 of this subchapter:
(1) A formal written request that the device be reviewed for approval;
(2) The device's instruction manual, including information concerning installation, maintenance, limitations, programming, operation, and troubleshooting;
(3) Proof of listing the device meeting the requirements of § 161.002-6(a); and
(4) The complete test report(s) meeting the requirements of § 161.002-6 generated by an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant under part 159 of this subchapter or an NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7. A current list of Coast Guard accepted laboratories may be obtained from the following website: https://cgmix.uscg.mil/eqlabs/.
(b) To apply for a revision, the manufacturer must submit—
(1) A written request under paragraph (a) of this section;
(2) Updated documentation under paragraph (a)(2) of this section;
(3) Proof of listing the device meeting the requirements of § 161.002-6(a); and
(4) A report by an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant under part 159 of this subchapter or an NRTL as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7 is required to document compliance with § 161.002-6.
(c) If the Coast Guard approves the device or a revision to a device, it issues a Certificate of Approval, normally valid for a 5-year term.
§ 161.006-1   Applicable specifications.
(a) The following specifications, of the issue in effect on the date motor lifeboat searchlights are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
(1) Navy Department specifications:
(2) Federal specification:
(3) Standards of ASTM:
You may obtain these standards from The American Society for Testing and Materials, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
(4) Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc.:
(b) Copies of the above specifications shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval.
§ 161.006-2   Type.
(a) The motor lifeboat searchlight shall be of the incandescent type equipped with a lamp of approximately 90 watts of proper voltage for use with the electric power installation of the lifeboat, usually a 12-volt radio storage battery.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 161.006-3   Materials and workmanship.
(a) Materials. The materials shall be of best quality and suitable in every respect for the purpose intended. All materials shall be corrosion resistant. The use of acid flux in making joints shall not be permitted.
(b) Workmanship. The workmanship shall be first class in every respect.
§ 161.006-4   Requirements.
(a) Corrosion-resisting materials. Silver, corrosion-resisting steel, copper, brass, bronze and copper-nickel alloys are considered satisfactory corrosion-resistant materials within the intent of this subpart.
(b) Searchlight parts. The motor lifeboat searchlight shall, in general consist of the following parts:
(c) Weight and dimensions. The height of the motor lifeboat searchlight shall not exceed 19 inches and the weight shall not exceed 16 pounds, unless otherwise approved.
(d) Wiring. The motor lifeboat searchlight shall be wired with a five-foot length of rubber-jacketed hard service flexible cord, Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., Type S, or equivalent, of a size not less than No. 16 AWG. At the point where the cable enters the searchlight, a waterproof entrance bushing with packing gland and cord grip shall be provided.
(e) Lamp and socket. The motor lifeboat searchlight shall be provided with a lamp of not less than 80 watts nor more than 100 watts, and a suitable lamp socket. Means shall be provided for adjusting and securing the lamp socket at any position between the focal point and a point not less than 1/4 inch away from the focal point in either direction in the axis of the beam.
(f) Housing. The housing shall be constructed of brass, Federal Specification QQ-B-611, Composition E, copper alloy, or other suitable corrosion-resistant material as approved, of a thickness not less than No. 20 AWG. The housing shall be capable of free movement of at least 60 degrees above and 20 degrees below the horizontal, and of a free movement of 360 degrees in a horizontal plane. It shall be possible to lock the barrel in any desired position, vertically or horizontally, without the use of tools. A sturdy metal hand grip shall be provided at the back of the housing for housing-adjusting purposes.
(g) Front door. A front door shall be attached to the housing in such a manner that it can be readily opened or removed, without the use of tools, for the purpose of relamping. The door, when closed, shall be waterproof. Clear front door glass shall be used.
(h) Reflector. The reflector shall be paraboloidal. It shall be constructed of brass, Federal Specification QQ-B-611 Composition E, finished and with electroplated coatings of nickel and chromium in accordance with ASTM B 456 (incorporated by reference, see § 161.006-1), Service Condition 1, or as otherwise approved. The reflector shall furnish a minimum average illumination of 100 foot candles, when measured as specified in § 161.006-5 (b) (2).
(i) Yoke and pedestal. The yoke and pedestal shall be of rugged construction. The pedestal shall be suitable for bolting to a flat surface with not less than four 3/8 -inch diameter bolts.
(j) Beam spread. The beam shall be at least 60 feet in diameter at 200 yards. The edge of the beam shall be defined as a point at which the intensity of the light is 10 percent of the maximum intensity.
(k) Bolts, nuts, and screws. Bolts and nuts shall conform to the requirements of Navy Department Specification 43B11. Screws shall conform to the requirements of Navy Department Specification 42S5.
(l) Name plate. The motor lifeboat searchlight shall be provided with a permanent metallic name plate giving the name of manufacturer, type designation, and drawing number.
§ 161.006-5   Sampling, inspections and tests.
(a) General. Motor lifeboat searchlights specified by this subpart are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory inspections of production lots, but the Commander of the Coast Guard District may detail an inspector at any time to visit any place where such searchlights are manufactured to check materials and construction methods and to conduct such tests and examinations as may be required to satisfy himself that the searchlights are being manufactured in compliance with the requirements of this specification and with the manufacturer's plans and specifications approved by the Commandant.
(b) Methods of test —(1) Waterproof test. The searchlight shall be subjected for 5 minutes to a stream of water under a head of approximately 35 feet from a hose not less than 1 inch in diameter from a distance of approximately 10 feet. The hose nozzle shall be adjusted to give a solid stream at the enclosure. No leakage shall occur in this test.
(2) Beam candlepower. All light except that produced from the searchlight under test shall be excluded from the room in which measurements are made. The searchlight shall be operated at rated voltage with a seasoned lamp as specified in § 161.006-4(e). Measurements of beam candlepower shall be made at the corners of a 6-inch square located in the center of the beam at a distance of 32 feet immediately in front of the searchlight.
(3) Corrosion resistance. The searchlight shall be subjected to a 200-hour salt spray test in accordance with ASTM B 117 (incorporated by reference, see § 161.006-1). There shall be no evidence of corrosion that will be detrimental to the operation of the searchlight.
(4) Heat run. The searchlight, completely assembled, shall be operated continuously for 2 hours at rated voltage following which the waterproof test shall be conducted. This cycle shall be repeated 3 times. The ambient temperature shall be approximately 25 °C. The water stream shall be from an ordinary cold water tap.
§ 161.006-6   Procedure for approval.
(a) General. Motor lifeboat searchlights are approved only by the 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. Correspondence relating to the subject matter of this specification shall be addressed to the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the factory is located.
(b) Manufacturer's plans and specifications. In order to obtain approval of motor lifeboat searchlights, submit detailed plans and specifications, including a complete bill of material, assembly drawings, and parts drawings descriptive of the arrangement and construction of the device, to the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the factory is located. Each drawing shall have an identifying drawing number, date, and an identification of the device; and the general arrangement for assembly drawing shall include a list of all drawings applicable, together with drawing numbers and alteration numbers. The manufacturer will be advised whether or not the drawings and specifications appear satisfactory or what corrections appear necessary and then he may proceed with the construction of the pre-approval sample in accordance therewith. The pre-approval sample, together with four copies of the plans and specifications corrected as may be required, shall be forwarded to the Commandant via the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the factory is located for inspection and tests. The cost of the tests is to be borne by the manufacturer.
§ 161.010-1   Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain materials are 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). To enforce any edition other than the one listed in paragraph (b) of this section, notice of change must be published in the Federal Register and the material made available to the public. All approved material is on file or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), and at the Marine Safety Center, U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593, and is available from the sources indicated in paragraph (b) of this section. 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) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this part, and the sections affected are:
§ 161.010-2   Design, construction, and test requirements.
Each floating electric waterlight shall meet the requirements of ANSI/UL 1196.
§ 161.010-3   Inspections and methods of test.
(a) Each inspection and test report required by this subpart shall comply with § 159.005-11 of this chapter.
(b) The U.S. Coast Guard reserves the right to make any inspection or test it deems necessary to determine the conformance of the materials and equipment to this subpart.
(c) The facilities, materials, and labor for all tests shall be furnished at no cost to the U.S. Coast Guard.
§ 161.010-4   Procedure for approval.
(a) A request for approval of an automatic floating electric waterlight must be submitted by visitors to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, U.S. Coast Guard, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593, or transmitted by mail to: Commanding Officer (MSC), Attn: Marine Safety Center, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7430, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7430, in a written or electronic format. Information for electronic submittals can be found at https://www.uscg.mil/HQ/MSC .
(b) All inspections and tests must be performed by an independent laboratory which meets the requirements of § 159.010-3 of this chapter. A list of independent laboratories accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting § 159.010-3 of this chapter may be obtained by contacting the Commanding Officer, USCG Marine Safety Center.
(c) Each request for approval must contain;
(1) The name and address of the applicant,
(2) One copy of all plans and specifications that meet the requirements of § 159.005-12 of this chapter,
(3) A pre-approval sample of the waterlight,
(4) An inspection and test report verifying compliance with the construction and test requirements of ANSI/UL 1196, and
(5) A statement by the manufacturer certifying that the waterlight complies with the requirements of this subpart.
§ 161.011-1   Purpose.
This subpart prescribes acceptance requirements for emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB).
§ 161.011-5   Types.
EPIRBs are typed as follows:
(a) Category 1—EPIRBs are capable of floating free of a vessel and activating automatically if the vessel sinks.
(b) Category 2—EPIRBs are manually removed from the mounting bracket and activated.
§ 161.011-10   EPIRB acceptance.
(a) The Coast Guard reviews test reports from an accepted independent laboratory for EPIRBs accepted in § 161.011-5.
(b) An application for acceptance or type acceptance of an EPIRB should be submitted to the Coast Guard before the FCC in accordance with 47 CFR part 1061. When requested by the FCC, the Coast Guard reviews the test results in the application that concern installation and operation of the EPIRB. The Coast Guard provides the results of the review to the manufacturer, and to the FCC for its use in acting upon the application.
§ 161.012-1   Scope.
(a) This subpart prescribes construction and performance requirements, approval and production tests, and procedures for approving personal flotation device lights fitted on Coast Guard approved life preservers,buoyant vests, and other personal flotation devices.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 161.012-3   Definitions.
(a) As used in this subpart, PFD means Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.
(b) For the purpose of § 161.012-7, storage life means the amount of time after the date of manufacture of the power source of a light that the power source can be stored under typical marine environmental conditions on a vessel and still have sufficient power for the light to meet the requirements of § 161.012-9.
§ 161.012-5   Approval procedures.
(a) An application for approval of a PFD light under this subpart must be submitted to the Commandant (CG-ENG) according to § 159.001-5 of this subchapter.
(b) Each application for approval must contain—(1) The name and address of the applicant;
(2) Plans showing the construction details of the light;
(3) A detailed description of the applicant's production testing program; and
(4) A laboratory test report containing the observations and results of approval testing.
(c) The Commandant advises the applicant whether the light is approved. If the light is approved, an approval certificate is sent to the applicant.
§ 161.012-7   Construction.
(a) Each light must be designed to be attached to a PFD without damaging the PFD or interfering with its performance.
(b) Each light and its power source must be designed to be removed and replaced without causing damage to the PFD.
(c) The storage life of the power source of a light must be twice as long as the period between the date of manufacture and the expiration date of the power source.
(d) Each light, prior to activation, must be capable of preventing leakage from its container of any chemicals it contains or produces.
(e) Each component of a light must be designed to remain serviceable in a marine environment for at least as long as the storage life of the light's power source.
(f) No light may have a water pressure switch.
(g) Each light must be designed so that when attached to a PFD, its light beam, at a minimum, is visible in an arc of 180 degrees above or in front of the wearer.
(h) Each light, including its power source, must fit into a cylindrical space that is 150 mm (6 in.) long and 75 mm (3 in.) in diameter.
(i) Each light, including its power source, must not weigh more than 225g (8 oz.).
(j) Each light that is designed to operate while detached from a PFD must have a lanyard that can be used to connect it to the PFD. The lanyard must be at least 750 mm (30 in.) long.
(k) Each light designed to operate while detached from a PFD must be capable of floating in water with its light source at or above the surface of the water.
§ 161.012-9   Performance.
(a) If a light is a flashing light, its flash rate when first activated, or within five minutes thereafter, must be between 50 and 70 flashes per minute.
(b) Each light must—(1) Begin to shine within 2 minutes after activation; and
(2) Within 5 minutes after activation be capable of being seen from a distance of at least one nautical mile on a dark clear night.
(c) Each light must be designed to operate underwater continuously for at least 8 hours at a water temperature of 15° ±5 °C (59° ±9 °F). However, if the light needs air to operate, underwater operation is required only for 50 or more seconds during each minute of the eight hour period.
(d) Each light must be designed to operate both in sea water and in fresh water.
(e) A light that concentrates its light beam by means of a lens or curved reflector must not be a flashing light.
(f) Each light must be designed to operate in accordance with this section after storage for 24 hours at a temperature of 65° ±2 °C (149° ±44 °F), and after storage for 24 hours at −30° ±2 °C (−22° ±4 °F).
§ 161.012-11   Approval tests.
(a) The approval tests described in this section must be conducted for each light submitted for Coast Guard approval. The tests must be conducted by a laboratory that has the equipment, personnel, and procedures necessary to conduct the approval tests required by this subpart, and that is free of influence and control of the applicant and other manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors of PFD lights.
(b) A sample light must be activated at night under clear atmospheric conditions. However, two lights must be used if the power source is water activated, and one light must be activated in fresh water and the other in salt water having the approximate salinity of sea water. The light, or lights, must begin to shine within 2 minutes after activation and, within 5 minutes after activation, must be seen from a distance of at least one nautical mile against a dark background.
(c) At least ten sample lights must be selected at random from a group of at least 25. Each sample light must be kept at a constant temperature of 65° ±2 °C (149° ±4 °F) for 24 hours. Each sample light must then be kept at a constant temperature of minus 30° ±2 °C (minus 22° ±4 °F) for 24 hours. Five samples must then be submerged in salt water having the approximate salinity of sea water and the five other samples must be submerged in fresh water. The temperature of the water must be 15° ±5 °C (59° ±9 °F). The lights must then be activated and left submerged for eight hours. However, if their power sources need a supply of air to operate, the lights may be brought to their normal operating positions at the surface of the water for up to 10 seconds per minute during the eight hour period. At least nine of the ten lights must operate continuously over the eight hour period. If the lights are flashing lights, at least nine of ten must have a flash rate of between 50 and 70 flashes per minute when first activated or within five minutes thereafter.
(d) Individual tests must be conducted on a sample light to determine whether the light meets the requirements of § 161.012-7, except that technical data showing compliance with § 160.012-7(c) may be submitted with the application for approval in lieu of performing an individual test.
§ 161.012-13   Production tests and inspections.
(a) The manufacturer of approved lights must randomly select a sample of ten lights from each lot of lights produced. Each lot must not exceed 1,000 lights. At least nine of the ten lights, when tested in accordance with the test described in § 161.012-11(c), must meet the test criteria prescribed by that section. If less than nine lights meet the test criteria, another random sample of ten lights must be taken and tested. If less than nine of these lights meet the test criteria, none of the lights in the lot may be sold as Coast Guard approved equipment.
(b) The Coast Guard does not inspect lights approved under this subpart on a regular schedule. However, the Commandant may select samples and conduct tests and examinations whenever necessary to determine whether the lights are being manufactured in compliance with the requirements in this subpart.
§ 161.012-15   Markings.
(a) Each light manufactured under Coast Guard approval must be permanently and legibly marked with:
(1) The manufacturer's name or trade mark that clearly identifies the model designation;
(2) The Coast Guard approval number assigned to light; and
(3) Instructions on how to activate the light.
(b) The power source of each light must be permanently and legibly marked with its date of manufacture and expiration date. Each date must include the month and year.
§ 161.012-17   Instructions.
(a) Each light must have instructions on how to attach it to a PFD in a manner that complies with § 161.012-7(a). However, in the case of lights that are to be attached by a PFD manufacturer, only one set of instructions need be provided for each shipment of lights.
(b) If a light is designed to be attached to a finished PFD, any attachment materials that are not supplied with the light must be clearly identified in the instructions. If a light is to be attached to a finished PFD by a PFD purchaser, any attachment materials not supplied with the light must be generally available for purchase.
(c) Each set of instructions must—(1) Clearly identify the kind of PFD construction (for example fabric covered or vinyl dipped) to which the light can be attached; and
(2) Not require penetration of the buoyant material of the PFD.
§ 161.013-1   Applicability.
(a) This subpart establishes standards for electric distress lights for boats.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 161.013-3   General performance requirements.
(a) Each electric light must:
(1) Emit a white light which meets the intensity requirements of § 161.013-5;
(2) Be capable of automatic signaling in a manner which meets the requirements of § 161.013-7;
(3) Contain an independent power source which meets the requirements of § 161.013-9;
(4) Float in fresh water with the lens surface at or above the surface of the water;
(5) Be equipped with a waterproof switch; and
(6) Meet the requirement of paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section after floating for at least 72 hours followed by submersion in 5% by weight sodium chloride solution for at least 2 hours.
(b) The electric light may not be equipped with a switch mechanism which permits continuous display of a beam of light except that the light may be equipped with a switch which returns to the off position when pressure is released.
§ 161.013-5   Intensity requirements.
(a) If an electric light emits light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees, the light must:
(1) When level, have a peak intensity within 0.1 degrees of the horizontal plane;
(2) Have a peak Equivalent Fixed Intensity of at least 75 cd; and,
(3) Have a minimum Equivalent Fixed Intensity within a vertical divergence of ±3 degrees of at least 15 cd.
(b) If an electric light emits a directional beam of light, the light must:
(1) Have an Equivalent Fixed Intensity of no less than 25 cd within ±4 degrees vertical and ±4 degrees horizontal divergence centered about the peak intensity; and,
(2) Have a minimum peak Equivalent Fixed Intensity of 2,500 cd.
(c) The Equivalent Fixed Intensity (EFI) is the intensity of the light corrected for the length of the flash and is determined by the formula:
(d) An electric light which meets the requirements of either paragraph (a) or (b) of this section need not, if capable of operating in both manners, meet the requirements of the other paragraph.
§ 161.013-7   Signal requirements.
(a) An electric light must have a flash characteristic of the International Morse Code for S-O-S and, under design conditions,
(1) Each short flash must have a duration of 1/3 second;
(2) Each long flash must have a duration of 1 second;
(3) The dark period between each short flash must have a duration of 1/3 second;
(4) The dark period between each long flash must have a duration of 1/3 second;
(5) The dark period between each letter must have a duration of 2 seconds;
(6) The dark period between each
(b) The flash characteristics described in paragraph (a) must be produced automatically when the signal is activated.
§ 161.013-9   Independent power source.
(a) Each independent power source must be capable of powering the light so that it meets the requirements of § 161.013-3(a)(1) and emits a recognizable flash characteristic of the International Morse Code for S-O-S at a rate of between 3 and 5 times per minute after six hours of continuous display of the signal.
(b) If the independent power source is rechargeable, it must have a waterproof recharger designed for marine use.
(c) If the independent power source requires external water to form an electrolyte, it must operate in sea water and fresh water.
§ 161.013-11   Prototype test.
(a) Each manufacturer must test a prototype light identical to the lights to be certified prior to the labeling required by § 161.013-13.
(b) If the prototype light fails to meet any of the general performance requirements of § 161.013-3 the lights must not be certified under this subpart.
(c) Each manufacturer must:
(1) Forward the test results within 30 days to the Commandant (CG-ENG) according to § 159.005-1 of this subchapter; and
(2) Retain records of the test results for at least 5 years, or as long as the light is manufactured and certified, whichever is longer.
§ 161.013-13   Manufacturer certification and labeling.
(a) Each electric light intended as a Night Visual Distress Signal required by 33 CFR part 175 must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Each electric light must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
(1) Manufacturer's name;
(2) Replacement battery type;
(3) Lamp size; and
(4) The following words—
“Night Visual Distress Signal for Boats Complies with U. S. Coast Guard Requirements in 46 CFR 161.013. For Emergency Use Only.”
(c) If an electric light is designed for use with dry cell batteries the label must advise the consumer on the battery replacement schedule which under normal conditions would maintain performance requirements of § 161.013-3.
§ 161.013-17   Manufacturer notification.
Each manufacturer certifying lights in accordance with the specifications of this subpart must send written notice to the Commandant (CG-ENG) according to § 159.005-1 of this subchapter within 30 days after first certifying the lights and send a new notice every 5 years thereafter as long as it certifies lights.