25272 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 70, 71,

75, 77, 78, 90, 91, 94, 96, 97, 107, 108,

109, 125, 133, 167, 168, 188, 189, 192,

195, 196, and 199

[CGD 84–069]

RIN 2115–AB72

Lifesaving Equipment

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Interim rule with request for

comments.

SUMMARY: As part of the President’s

Regulatory Review Initiative to remove

or revise unnecessary government

regulations, this interim rule removes

numerous obsolete sections from the

Code of Federal Regulations and

eliminates duplication of other

provisions by consolidating the

lifesaving requirements for most U.S.

inspected vessels into the new

subchapter W. This rule revises the

lifesaving equipment regulations for

U.S. inspected vessels. It implements

the provisions of Chapter III of the

Safety of Life at Sea Convention 1974,

as amended, and revises lifesaving

regulations for Great Lakes vessels and

certain vessels in domestic trade which

are not covered by the Safety of Life at

Sea Convention. The rule also replaces

many prescriptive regulations with

performance-based alternatives. The

Coast Guard is requesting public

comment on this interim rule because it

has been more than 5 years since

publication of the notice of proposed

rulemaking.

EFFECTIVE DATES: This interim rule is

effective on October 1, 1996. Comments

on this interim rule must be received on

or before July 31, 1996. The Director of

the Federal Register approves the

incorporation by reference of certain

publications listed in the regulations as

of October 1, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments may be mailed to

the Executive Secretary, Marine Safety

Council (G–LRA/3406) [CGD 84–069],

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100

Second Street SW., Washington, DC

20593–0001, or may be delivered to

room 3406 at the same address between

8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through

Friday, except Federal holidays. The

telephone number is (202) 267–1477.

Comments on collection-of-information

requirements must be mailed also to the

Office of Information and Regulatory

Affairs, Office of Management and

Budget, 725 17th Street NW.,

Washington, DC 20503, ATTN: Desk

Officer, U.S. Coast Guard.

The Executive Secretary maintains the

public docket for this rulemaking.

Comments will become part of this

docket and will be available for

inspection or copying at room 3406,

U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, between

8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through

Friday, except Federal holidays.

A copy of the material listed in

‘‘Incorporation by Reference’’ of this

rule is available for inspection at room

1404, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters.

Unless otherwise indicated, documents

referred to in this preamble are available

for inspection or copying at the office of

the Executive Secretary.

The revised Chapter III of the Safety

of Life at Sea Convention (SOLAS) is

published by the International Maritime

Organization (IMO) in ‘‘SOLAS,

Consolidated Edition, 1992’’ (IMO

publication IMO–11OE). The

International Maritime Organization

also publishes the ‘‘Recommendation on

Testing of Life-saving Appliances,

Resolution A.689(17)’’ and the other

IMO documents incorporated by

reference in this rule. The International

Maritime Organization publications and

documents referred to in this rule are

available from the International

Maritime Organization, Publications

Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London

SE1 7SR, England.

In addition, IMO publications are

available from the following U.S.

sources:

Baker-Lyman & Co., Inc., P.O. Box

838, 3220 South I–10 Service Road,

West, Metairie, LA 70004, telephone

(504) 831–3685 or (800) 535–6956.

Baker-Lyman & Co., Inc., 8876 Gulf

Freeway, Suite 110, Houston, TX 77017,

telephone (713) 943–7032.

Labelmaster, 5724 North Pulaski

Road, Chicago, IL 60646–6797,

telephone (312) 478–0900.

McCurnin Nautical Charts Co., 2318

North Woodlawn Avenue, Metairie, LA

70001, telephone (504) 888–4500.

Marine Education Textbooks, 124

North Van Avenue, Houma, LA 70363–

5895, telephone (504) 879–3866.

Maryland Nautical Sales, Inc., 1400

East Clement Street, Baltimore, MD

21230, telephone (410) 752–4268.

Nautical Charts Supply, Inc., 90

Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013,

telephone (212) 925–8849.

New York Nautical Instrument &

Service Corp., 140 West Broadway, New

York, NY 10013, telephone (212) 962–

4522.

Safe Navigation, Inc., 820 Long Beach

Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90813,

telephone (310) 590–8744.

UNZ & Co., 190 Baldwin Avenue,

Jersey City, NJ 07306, telephone (201)

795–5400.

Navigation and Vessel Inspection

Circulars (NVIC) and the Coast Guard’s

Marine Safety Manual are available by

subscription from the Government

Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402,

telephone (202) 783–3238. Previously

issued NVICs may be purchased from

the U.S. Coast Guard National Maritime

Center (Attn: NVIC), 4200 Wilson

Boulevard, Suite 510, Arlington, VA

22203–1804, telephone (703) 235–1605.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr.

Robert Markle, Chief, Lifesaving and

Fire Safety Standards Division (G–MSE–

4), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100

Second Street, SW., Washington, DC

20593–0001, telephone (202) 267–1444,

fax (202) 267–1069. Normal office hours

are between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday

through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

The Coast Guard encourages

interested persons to participate in this

rulemaking by submitting written data,

views, or arguments. Persons submitting

comments should include their names

and addresses, identify this rulemaking

[CGD 84–069] and the specific section of

this interim rule to which each

comment applies, and give the reason

for each comment. Please submit two

copies of all comments and attachments

in an unbound format, no larger than

81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying

and electronic filing. Persons wanting

acknowledgment of receipt of comments

should enclose stamped, self-addressed

postcards or envelopes.

The Coast Guard will consider all

comments received during the comment

period. It may change this interim rule

based on the comments.

The Coast Guard plans no additional

public hearings. Persons may request a

public hearing by writing to the Marine

Safety Council at the address under

ADDRESSES. The request should include

the reasons why a hearing would be

beneficial. If it determines that another

opportunity for oral presentations will

aid this rulemaking, the Coast Guard

will hold another public hearing at a

time and place announced by a later

notice in the Federal Register.

Regulatory History

The Coast Guard published an

advance notice of proposed rulemaking

(ANPRM) in the Federal Register on

December 31, 1984 (49 FR 50745). That

notice described the major changes

under consideration and invited

comments on the project.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25273

The Coast Guard published a notice of

proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for this

rulemaking in the Federal Register on

April 21, 1989 (54 FR 16196), and

invited comments on its proposals.

Fifty-six letters were submitted to the

public docket from vessel operators,

industry associations, drilling

companies, equipment manufacturers,

interested individuals, Coast Guard

offices, and the National Transportation

Safety Board (NTSB). The comments

generally supported the regulatory

proposals in concept, but many

suggested changes to particular

provisions in the proposed rule. These

comments are addressed in the

‘‘Discussion of Comments and Changes’’

section of this preamble.

A public hearing was held to receive

comments on the proposed rules,

particularly the provisions affecting

passenger ferries. The hearing was

announced in a Federal Register notice

on October 5, 1989 (54 FR 41124), and

the hearing was held in Seattle,

Washington, on October 17, 1989. Fiftynine persons attended the hearing and

18 persons presented oral comments

during the hearing. Comments received

at the hearing are also discussed in the

‘‘Discussion of Comments and Changes’’

section of this preamble.

On November 16, 1995, the Coast

Guard published an interim rule with a

request for comments that revised the

regulations for offshore supply vessels

(OSV) including liftboats [CGD 82–004

and CGD 86–074] (60 FR 57630). That

rule created a new subchapter L

containing a complete set of regulations

applicable to new OSVs. The rule added

and reserved 46 CFR part 133 for OSV

lifesaving requirements, which are now

added to subchapter L by this rule.

This interim rule does not affect small

passenger vessels inspected under

subchapter T in 46 CFR chapter I.

Lifesaving equipment regulations for

small passenger vessels were published

in an interim rule on January 10, 1996

(61 FR 865), as part of a comprehensive

project to revise subchapter T and

establish a new subchapter K covering

larger small passenger vessels with

higher carriage capacities [CGD85–080].

This rule is being published as an

interim rule and the Coast Guard is

seeking comments on it, because

publication of the NPRM occurred more

than 5 years ago. If warranted by the

comments, the Coast Guard may revise

these regulations before their effective

date.

This project is part of the President’s

Regulatory Review Initiative to remove

or revise unnecessary government

regulations. This project removes

numerous obsolete sections from the

Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and

eliminates others by consolidating the

lifesaving requirements for most U.S.

inspected vessels into the new

subchapter W. Subchapter W also

replaces many prescriptive regulations

with performance-based alternatives.

Review of NPRM

On June 17, 1983, the International

Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime

Safety Committee approved the 1983

Amendments to SOLAS, including a

new Chapter III (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements). The new SOLAS

requirements came into force on July 1,

1986, for the United States and all other

contracting governments. The Safety of

Life at Sea Convention applies to ships

on international voyages, except—

(1) Ships of war and troopships;

(2) Cargo ships (including tankers)

under 500 tons gross tonnage;

(3) Ships not propelled by mechanical

means;

(4) Wooden ships of primitive build;

(5) Pleasure yachts not engaged in

trade; and

(6) Fishing vessels.

In addition to the changes necessary

to conform lifesaving requirements to

SOLAS, the Coast Guard has made a

number of other revisions to the

lifesaving system regulations for

inspected vessels in domestic services

in response to problems identified

through investigations into casualties

that had occurred over a 25-year period.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of

1984 also directed improvements in the

lifesaving systems on passenger ferries.

The Coast Guard considered many

provisions of the regulations existing at

the start of this rulemaking to be

obsolete. Some regulatory provisions

dated back to the 1940s. The NPRM,

therefore, proposed a new subchapter W

in 46 CFR chapter I, which would

contain requirements for the number

and type of lifesaving appliances and

arrangements on tank vessels, cargo

vessels, passenger vessels over 100 tons

gross tonnage, oceanographic vessels,

nautical school vessels, OSVs, and

mobile offshore drilling units (MODU).

The structure of the proposed

subchapter W closely paralleled SOLAS,

Chapter III, even though its provisions

applied to vessels in domestic services

as well as to those subject to SOLAS.

The Coast Guard also proposed to

remove the lifesaving provisions in the

various individual vessel subchapters

throughout 46 CFR chapter I, which

would be consolidated into subchapter

W. Only provisions related to lifesaving

system inspections, operations, and

drills were proposed to be left in the

individual vessel subchapters.

Overview of Interim Rule

This interim rule revises vessel

lifesaving equipment carriage

regulations in 46 CFR chapter I, for tank

vessels, cargo and miscellaneous

vessels, MODUs, passenger vessels,

nautical school vessels, OSVs, and

oceanographic research vessels.

Revisions are included in 46 CFR

chapter I, subchapter I–A for MODUs

and subchapter L for OSVs. The

remaining provisions are consolidated

in a new subchapter W of 46 CFR

chapter I. Subchapter W replaces most

of the lifesaving equipment regulations

currently individually prescribed in

separate subchapters applicable to tank

vessels, cargo and miscellaneous

vessels, passenger vessels, nautical

school vessels, and oceanographic

research vessels.

The NPRM proposed to remove the

lifesaving requirements from 46 CFR

chapter I, subchapter I–A for MODUs,

and publish them in the new subchapter

W. As a result of the offshore industry’s

comments and a recommendation by the

Coast Guard’s National Offshore

Industry Advisory Committee, however,

the revised lifesaving regulations for

MODUs will remain in subchapter I–A.

For the same reason, the lifesaving

regulations for OSVs, including

liftboats, are being placed in subchapter

L rather than subchapter W.

Relationship to SOLAS and Recent

SOLAS Revisions

The Coast Guard has compared the

regulations in this interim rule to the

international standards in SOLAS and

has determined that this rule does not

unnecessarily establish requirements in

excess of international standards. This

rule removes some requirements that

were proposed in the NPRM that

exceeded the requirements in SOLAS.

Since the 1983 SOLAS Amendments

were adopted, a number of other

amendments to Chapter III of SOLAS

have been adopted. The Coast Guard,

anticipating some of these changes,

proposed them in the NPRM and they

are included in this interim rule. Other

changes to SOLAS clarify or create

alternative ways of meeting SOLAS

requirements. These changes are also

included in this interim rule. New

SOLAS requirements that were not

proposed in the NPRM or that do not

offer alternatives are not part of this

interim rule. All of these provisions are

discussed in the ‘‘Discussion of

Comments and Changes’’ section of this

preamble.

Organization of Subchapter W

Subparts A, B, C, and D of subchapter

W are based on Chapter III of SOLAS.
25274 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

Section numbers in subparts A, B, C,

and D of subchapter W are generally

related to the regulation numbers in

Chapter III of SOLAS, but paragraph

designations are not related to the

numbering in Chapter III of SOLAS. To

find the corresponding SOLAS, Chapter

III regulation for subparts A, B, C, and

D of subchapter W, beginning with

§ 199.10, divide the section number

following the decimal point by 10.

Subparts E and F of subchapter W set

out the requirements for vessels that are

not subject to SOLAS and provide for

exceptions and alternatives to the

SOLAS requirements.

Discussion of Comments and Changes

Comments

The Coast Guard received 74

comments on the NPRM that consisted

of both letters to the docket and remarks

at the public hearing. The following

paragraphs contain and analysis of

comments received and an explanation

of any changes if any, made in the rules.

Numerous comments noted editorial

problems in the NPRM. The Coast

Guard has incorporated these comments

where appropriate, but the changes are

not discussed in detail in this preamble.

Some other comments addressed

subjects beyond the scope of the

revisions proposed in the NPRM. These

comments are also not discussed in

detail. Comments that generally

supported the NPRM, or that disagreed

with the NPRM but failed to provide

reasoning for the disagreement, are also

not addressed in this preamble.

Two comments stated that the full

impact of the NPRM could not be

accurately assessed until: (a) the effects

of the International Tonnage Convention

(ITC) on U.S. law are determined; (b)

subchapter L (OSVs) is published; (c)

proposed subchapter T revisions are

known; and (d) sections of subchapter

W that apply to boats regulated under

subchapters L and T are known. The

impact of this rule is discussed more

fully in the Regulatory Impact Analysis

to this rule and the ‘‘Regulatory

Evaluation’’ section of this preamble.

The ITC applies to all vessels on

international voyages over 24 meters (79

feet) in length that were built after July

18, 1994. Vessels built on or before July

18, 1994, on international voyages may

continue to use their domestic tonnage

to determine their tonnage-based

requirements for the life of the vessel,

unless major alterations are made to the

vessel.

The lifesaving requirements applying

to OSVs, which were proposed in the

NPRM to be part of subchapter W, are

now being published as part of

subchapter L. An interim rule

promulgating subchapter L, which

applies only to OSVs, including liftboats

was published on November 16, 1995

(60 FR 57630). This should eliminate

any confusion concerning what

lifesaving requirements apply to OSVs.

Vessels must be less than 500 tons gross

tonnage to be inspected as OSVs under

subchapter L. Any vessel in the offshore

service business which is 500 tons gross

tonnage or over, would have to meet the

applicable lifesaving requirements of

subchapter W.

The interim rule for small passenger

vessels regulated under subchapter T

and K was published on January 10,

1996 (61 FR 865). The Coast Guard

invites comments on the impact of this

rule as it relates to the provisions of the

ITC and subchapters L, T, and K.

Several comments objected to the

SOLAS lifesaving rules under

subchapter W being applied to all

vessels, regardless of their type or

service. This rule does not apply SOLAS

rules to all vessels. Section 199.10(b)

excludes non-self-propelled vessels

from the lifesaving equipment

regulations if these vessels do not have

accommodation or work spaces on

board. For other vessels, the SOLAS,

Chapter III regulations provide the basis

for the structure of subchapter W. Many

of the SOLAS requirements apply

broadly to lifesaving system

installations on all vessels. Subparts A,

B, C, and D of subchapter W set out the

requirements for vessels on

international voyages that are subject to

SOLAS and are based on SOLAS,

Chapter III. Subparts E and F of

subchapter W set out the requirements

for vessels that are not subject to SOLAS

and provide for exceptions and

alternatives to the SOLAS requirements.

The Coast Guard has deleted provisions

proposed in the NPRM that were in

excess of SOLAS unless there is good

cause for their retention. Most of the

deleted provisions were Coast Guard

interpretations of SOLAS requirements

that do not need to be included in these

regulations, or were additional

requirements with marginal safety

benefits. The Coast Guard has also

decided to consolidate all of the

regulations related to SOLAS, Chapter

III in subchapter W. The NPRM had

proposed locating only the lifesaving

equipment and arrangement regulations

in subchapter W. The regulations

pertaining to onboard inspection of

lifesaving equipment proposed in the

NPRM were to be included in the

inspections part in each of subchapters

D, H, I, and U. Similarly, requirements

for drills and for marking of lifesaving

equipment were also proposed to be

placed in the operations part of each of

these subchapters. The organization of

this interim rule eliminates needless

duplication of these regulations in

different parts of the CFR.

The Coast Guard intends that SOLAS

and other international instruments be

the basis for safety requirements on U.S.

vessels. To this end, § 199.03(b) states

that any vessel carrying a valid

Passenger Ship Safety Certificate

supplemented by a Record of

Equipment, or a valid Cargo Ship Safety

Equipment Certificate supplemented by

a Record of Equipment, is considered to

have met the requirements of

subchapter W if the vessel also complies

with several specific additional

requirements listed. This will make

compliance with Coast Guard

regulations easier for designers and

operators who use SOLAS as a basis for

designing and equipping a vessel. A

similar provision is included in

§ 108.503 for MODUs built to the IMO

MODU Code. None of the items on the

list are major cost items.

Several comments indicated a need

for flexibility in the rules, with one

comment suggesting that the Officer in

Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI),

should be able to exercise discretion in

determining lifesaving equipment

requirements. The Coast Guard agrees

with the comment, and has included

rules that provide for certain exceptions

and equivalents to be authorized by the

Commandant (G–MSE), for exemptions

to be granted by the Coast Guard District

Commander, and for alternatives that

may be accepted by the OCMI. See

§§ 199.09, 199.20(d), and 199.40(e).

Several comments suggested that

‘‘SOLAS approved’’ equipment should

be accepted by the Coast Guard. There

is no internationally recognized

‘‘SOLAS approved’’ equipment in the

sense implied by the comment. Under

SOLAS, each national maritime safety

authority approves or accepts

equipment meeting SOLAS

requirements for its own vessels. The

degree of enforcement of the SOLAS

requirements varies widely. The Coast

Guard approves equipment that meets

the SOLAS requirements and must be

used on U.S. registered vessels.

However, Coast Guard-approved

equipment may not always be readily

available, for example, in foreign ports.

Under the provisions of § 199.40(e), the

OCMI has sufficient authority to accept

foreign-approved equipment on a caseby-case basis, when warranted.

A number of comments addressed

specific test and inspection procedures

proposed in the NPRM. Some comments

proposed deletion of certain details

while others proposed more testing and
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25275

inspection. In response to the

comments, the testing and inspection

requirements in this rule are

significantly simplified compared to

those proposed in the NPRM. This rule

establishes test objectives and

performance standards rather than

detailed complex requirements for the

conduct of the tests. This simplifies the

sections on these inspections and tests,

and makes them consistent with the

level of detail presented in the

regulations on other initial and

subsequent inspections for vessel

certification. This will allow flexibility

in the test procedures. These tests and

inspection requirements appear in

§ 199.45.

Specific Provisions

One comment suggested that the ring

lifebuoys arranged for quick release

from the navigation bridge be required

to fall clear of the vessel under all

circumstances. The Coast Guard agrees

with the comment and now requires

that the ring lifebuoy fall directly into

the water without striking the vessel.

See §§ 199.70(a)(v) and 108.590(a)(iv).

Section 199.620(d)(2) has been added

to allow a new type of lifejacket that has

been approved since publication of the

NPRM on domestic services. These

extended-size lifejackets are approved

for adults as well as some larger

children. If an operator uses these

lifejackets, the number of child-size

lifejackets carried to meet the

requirements in § 199.70(b)(1)(i) may be

reduced. To take the reduction in childsize lifejackets, extended-size lifejackets

that have the same lower size limit must

be substituted for all of the required

adult lifejackets. The number of childsize lifejackets required depends on the

lower size limit of the extended-size

lifejackets and is calculated using one of

the formulas given in § 199.620(d)(2).

The vessel operator still has the

responsibility under § 199.70(b)(1)(i) to

make sure that the vessel has a lifejacket

of suitable size for each person on

board.

One comment suggested the deletion

of proposed § 199.72(c), which

contained special requirements for

additional lifejackets on Great Lakes

vessels that have forward berthing or

working spaces widely separated from

messing or recreational spaces aft. The

comment indicated that, with some

minor revisions, the provisions for

additional lifejackets in proposed

§ 199.72(a)(1)(ii) would be sufficient to

require the necessary lifejackets in these

spaces. The Coast Guard agrees and has

revised § 199.70(b)(2)(iii) to address the

stowage of these additional lifejackets.

The NTSB urged the Coast Guard to

require lifejackets for all passengers to

be located at muster stations on

passenger ships in addition to those

lifejackets required to be stowed in

passenger cabins. The NTSB had

previously recommended that lifejackets

and immersion suits be stowed outside

of passenger and crew berthing rooms

and closer to, or at, emergency stations.

The Coast Guard does not agree that

lifejackets should always be stowed at

muster stations. However,

§§ 199.70(b)(2)(v) and 199.212(b) are

based on current SOLAS requirements

and, taken together, will ensure that

sufficient lifejackets for passengers are

available at, or near, the muster stations

on passenger ships.

Proposed §§ 199.78(a) (3) and (4) on

stowage details for lifejackets have been

removed from this rule. Also removed

are the details on whistles and how to

secure them to lifejackets, which were

in proposed § 199.76 of the NPRM.

Detailed requirements on the

assignment of immersion suits to

passenger vessel crewmembers in

proposed §§ 199.214 (a) and (b) have

also been removed. There are no similar

requirements in SOLAS, and in

accordance with the policy previously

discussed, the Coast Guard has decided

not to impose these additional

requirements because of their marginal

safety benefits.

The Coast Guard has deleted a

proposed requirement for at least one

certificated person to be assigned to a

lifeboat for every 20 passengers. The

proposed requirement in the NPRM was

consistent with regulations effective at

the time, but is in excess of the current

SOLAS requirement. The Coast Guard

has decided not to impose this

additional requirement on U.S. vessels.

See § 199.100(c).

Several comments opposed the

proposed requirement in § 199.110(d) of

the NPRM for all survival craft

embarkation stations to be located

where it is not necessary to climb up

more than three steps or stairs. One

comment stated that the requirement

was not clear because of the various

deck levels, stairways, and ladders that

are involved in the design of a ship. The

Coast Guard has deleted this section in

this rule. There is no similar

requirement in SOLAS and, in

accordance with the policy previously

discussed, the Coast Guard has decided

not to impose this additional

requirement because of its marginal

safety value.

One comment stated that the

proposed requirement for rotationresistant wire rope in § 199.153(b) of the

NPRM (§ 199.153 (a) in this rule) should

only apply to installations in which

single point boat connections are used.

The Coast Guard disagrees. Wire ropes

that twist easily can lead to tangles at

the winch or to tangles in multiple-part

falls after a boat has been launched.

Rotation-resistant wire rope is a SOLAS

requirement for all launching

appliances using falls and it is an

appropriate requirement for launching

appliances even on vessels not subject

to SOLAS.

In response to the request to allow for

flexibility in compliance expressed by

some comments, the descriptions of

some of the items of equipment in

§ 199.175(b) have been simplified by

eliminating unnecessary detail. Coast

Guard Navigation and Vessel Inspection

Circular (NVIC) 2–92 contains detailed

recommendations for survival craft

equipment and describes options and

inspection criteria that can not be easily

or appropriately covered in the

regulations.

One comment suggested that the

Coast Guard should amend the

requirement that at least one drill be

held at night every 3 months by

removing the master’s discretion to

determine that a night drill would be

unsafe. The comment further stated that

it should be possible to safely hold at

least one drill at night in a 3-month

period. Another comment suggested

removing the restriction on conducting

abandon-ship drills and fire drills

immediately after each other. The Coast

Guard has decided to delete both

requirements from § 199.180 because

they are not in SOLAS, Chapter III.

Scheduling of required drills is left to

the master’s discretion.

One comment noted the difficulty and

expense in obtaining replacement

rockets for rocket-propelled linethrowing appliances. Modern linethrowing appliances of this type are

self-contained units, which include the

rocket, service line, and the firing

mechanism. This arrangement makes

them much easier to use. If the rocket

is fired during a drill, the complete unit

must be replaced or else it must be

partially disassembled so that the rocket

may be replaced. In the latter case, if the

unit is not reassembled properly, it

could misfire in an actual emergency.

For these reasons, the Coast Guard has

changed the line-throwing appliance

drill regulations in §§ 199.180(e) and

109.213(e) to allow actual firing of a

line-throwing appliance to be at the

discretion of the master. The rockets

have a 4-year expiration date and the

Coast Guard anticipates that actual

firings will be conducted using rockets

near their expiration dates.
25276 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

Several comments suggested that

existing cargo and tank vessels in ocean,

coastwise, and Great Lakes services

should not have to comply with the

proposed requirement to retrofit totally

enclosed lifeboats and gravity davits,

noting that SOLAS does not have such

a requirement. Five comments stated

that enclosed lifeboats and gravity

davits were unjustified and costly to

U.S. operators on the Great Lakes,

causing a competitive disadvantage with

Canadian and tug/barge operators who

do not have to meet retrofit regulations.

One comment suggested that davitlaunched inflatable liferafts should be

used for the retrofit aboard Great Lakes

vessels instead of lifeboats. In 1994, the

United States proposed to an IMO

subcommittee that totally enclosed

lifeboats and gravity davits be required

on SOLAS ships by January 1, 2006.

While there was support for the

proposal, the requirement was not

adopted. Therefore, the Coast Guard has

removed the requirement for retrofitting

of totally enclosed lifeboats and gravity

davits as proposed in the NPRM.

Some comments objected to the

proposed Coast Guard regulations

requiring ring lifebuoys that exceeded

the number required under SOLAS on

certain larger cargo vessels. The Coast

Guard agrees and has reduced the

number of ring lifebuoys required for

passenger ships in ocean and short

international voyage service in

§ 199.271 to the numbers required by

SOLAS.

Several comments were concerned

about the proposed requirement in

§ 199.157(a) that lifeboats be capable of

being launched with the vessel making

headway of at least 5 knots. Some

believed that this would be a dangerous

drill requirement. This is not a drill

requirement but rather, is a

performance-based design requirement.

Others were concerned that this was a

new requirement with which it would

be difficult to comply. In fact, it is

possible to meet this requirement with

on-load release devices and painter

arrangements that have been used on

U.S. vessels for over 40 years. It is a

feature needed not only on ships, but on

MODUs as well. Although MODUs are

usually at a fixed location, they may

need to launch survival craft in a

current. This requirement is included in

the MODU regulations at § 108.555(a).

For vessels regulated under subchapter

W, § 199.280(c) follows SOLAS by

limiting the requirement to cargo vessels

over 20,000 tons gross tonnage.

The NPRM proposed a prohibition on

aluminum lifeboats and davits on tank

vessels and MODUs. The proposal was

based on experiences in which

aluminum boats were destroyed in

transitory deck fires and were

subsequently not available when the

ship had to be abandoned. One

comment suggested that an aluminum

lifeboat should be permitted if it is

protected at its stowage location by a

water spray, noting that this was being

permitted by marine safety

administrations in other countries. The

Coast Guard agrees with the comment

and this rule, therefore, permits

aluminum lifeboats and davits on tank

vessels and MODUs when a water spray

system is provided. See §§ 199.290(b)

and 108.515(d).

A number of comments were received

regarding the radio lifesaving equipment

requirements proposed in the NPRM.

Since the NPRM was published, the

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC) published a final rule

implementing the Global Maritime

Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) on

U.S. vessels (57 FR 9063, March 16,

1992). The GMDSS is an automated,

worldwide, ship-to-shore, distress

alerting system that relies on satellite

and advanced terrestrial

communications systems. The FCC rules

cover most vessels that the Coast Guard

inspects for ocean and coastwise

service. Among other requirements, the

FCC rules include two-way VHF

radiotelephone apparatus, satellite

emergency position indicating

radiobeacons (EPIRB), and survival craft

radar transponders (SART). The FCC

rules do not, however, require radio

lifesaving equipment for all vessels that

were covered by the requirements

proposed in the NPRM. Therefore, this

rule includes EPIRB requirements in

§ 199.510 for vessels operating on the

Great Lakes as well as for cargo vessels

and OSVs less than 300 tons gross

tonnage in ocean and coastwise service.

Under § 199.610(m), these vessels have

until February 1, 1999, to comply with

the satellite EPIRB requirement. This is

the date established by SOLAS for full

worldwide implementation of GMDSS.

One comment stated that corrosion of

wire rope falls was not as significant a

problem on vessels operating on the

Great Lakes as on vessels operating in

salt water services and therefore, the

requirement to change the falls at

intervals of not more than 5 years was

excessive. The Coast Guard agrees and

has excluded vessels operating in fresh

water services from compliance with the

requirement. See § 199.610(a)(4).

The NPRM proposed that survival

craft not be required for vessels in Great

Lakes service, and in lakes, bays, and

sounds service that operate within 3

miles of shore where the water is less

than 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep. This

shallow water exemption has been

revised to be consistent with that in

subchapters T and K for small passenger

vessels. Survival craft will not be

required on vessels in Great Lakes

service; lakes, bays, and sounds service;

or river service if the vessel operates

within 3 miles of shore in areas where

the vessel cannot sink deep enough to

submerge the topmost deck or where the

OCMI determines that survivors can

wade ashore. See table 199.630(a) in

conjunction with § 199.630(h) and table

199.640(a) in conjunction with

§ 199.640(f).

One comment suggested that lifeboats

for dry cargo vessels be required to be

equipped with self-contained air

support systems due to the large

amounts of flammable liquids and

poisons carried as packaged cargo and

ship’s stores. Although the Coast Guard

agrees that toxic atmospheres and fire

on the water are a possible problem in

some casualties involving dry cargo

ships, this does not justify the suggested

requirement, which would exceed the

SOLAS requirements.

Passenger Vessels Not on International

Voyages

The NPRM proposed that passenger

vessels on unlimited ocean routes be

required to have the same lifesaving

systems as required by SOLAS for ships

on international voyages and that

vessels in coastwise service (i.e., within

20 miles of the coastline) be required to

have the same lifesaving systems as

required by SOLAS for ships on short

international voyages. In response to

concerns raised by operators of vessels

that operate on domestic voyages

beyond 20 miles but within 50 miles,

this interim rule allows vessels in

domestic services that operate out to 50

miles offshore to comply with the

SOLAS short international voyage

requirements. This is also consistent

with an operational category for small

passenger vessels in the interim rule for

subchapters K and T. See table

199.620(a) in conjunction with

§ 199.630(c).

One ferry operator, objecting to the

proposal for ferries to carry inflatable

buoyant apparatus (IBA) sufficient to

accommodate 110 percent of the

number of persons on board, stated that

ferries should be given consideration for

equivalence of safety requirements

based on their design and area of

operation (protected waters in proximity

to land and quick assistance). Another

comment pointed out that current safety

measures, such as vessel traffic services,

bridge-to-bridge communications, close

proximity of other vessels, radar

systems, and stringent personnel
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25277

qualifications, make ferry operations

safer than in the past. However, another

comment supporting the survival craft

proposals pointed out that the present

regulations were originally written over

40 years ago and were relevant to an era

when ferries were smaller, slower,

carried fewer hazardous materials, and

operated in less congested waters.

Another comment writer did not believe

the NPRM adequately justified the need

for the proposed requirements for ferries

operating in lakes, bays, and sounds

service. Several comments pointed out

that no ferry casualties were identified

in support of the proposed rules and

that the probability of a ferry casualty

that would require abandonment was

very low, considering all of the safety

measures presently in effect. Cost to

acquire and service inflatable buoyant

apparatus, to train crewmembers, and to

possibly provide otherwise unnecessary

crewmembers in order to launch the

inflatable buoyant apparatus and help

passengers embark was a major issue for

ferry operators. An organization of ferry

passengers did not want to pay for

inflatable buoyant apparatus either

through higher fares or increased taxes.

Other comments, acknowledging that

ferry casualties were rare, were

concerned about the high number of

deaths and injuries that would occur in

the event of a severe ferry accident.

The 1984 Coast Guard Authorization

Act directed improvement in the

lifesaving equipment on passenger

ferries. This Congressional direction

followed publication of a report on

‘‘Improving Maritime Traffic Safety on

Puget Sound Waterways,’’ prepared by

the University of Washington. This

report cited the lack of liferafts on Puget

Sound, Alaska, ferries as a potential

problem considering the numerous

close encounters that ferries are

involved in and the potential

catastrophic results that would

accompany a casualty because these

ferries may carry as many as 2,500

passengers. However, the safety record

for these ferries in terms of lives lost is

very good, with no recorded fatalities

from accidents over the last 35 years.

One of the contributors to the University

of Washington report stated,

[e]xperience relating to very low probability,

very high consequence accidents, like the

possible sinking of a ferry with a large

number of passengers aboard, indicates they

are impossible to predict. Statistical models

are not meaningful. Thus the admirable

safety record of the Washington State Ferry

System, in my opinion, can not be used as

an argument to say that either no major

accident will happen in the future, since

none have occurred to date, or that one is

likely to happen by the law of averages * * *

While concentration on incident avoidance is

prudent, some consideration of consequence

mitigation is also warranted.

The comment indicated that while

‘‘liferafts’’ (sic) were an example of such

consequence mitigation, he had not

necessarily concluded that liferafts were

the proper choice of consequence

mitigation.

The Coast Guard’s position is that all

of the comments have merit. Even

though serious casualties involving

ferries and other passenger vessels in

domestic services have been rare,

because of the potential hazard to large

numbers of people, the possibility of

such casualties needs to be

appropriately addressed. Therefore, in

table 199.630(a) and § 199.630(d), ferries

and passenger vessels are required to

carry a sufficient number of IBAs having

an aggregate capacity that is sufficient to

accommodate the total number of

persons on board. Under certain lowerrisk circumstances described in

§ 199.630(g), operators can reduce the

number of IBAs to provide an aggregate

capacity sufficient to accommodate 67

percent of the persons on board. (IBAs

are tested to a 50 percent overload

condition to make sure they can

accommodate extra people in clam

water.) Recognizing that abandoning the

vessel into IBAs introduces its own

hazards and that vessels operating in

certain areas may be able to obtain

assistance in other ways, table

199.630(a) and § 199.630(f) provide an

alternative for ferries and other

passenger vessels without overnight

accommodations that operate in the

Great Lakes service; in lakes, bays, and

sounds service; or in river service. The

alternative provides that vessels may

have a safety assessment approved by

the OCMI that includes, among other

things, consideration of the waterway

and other traffic in the operating area

and development of a comprehensive

shipboard safety management and

contingency plan.

Comments from operators of

passenger vessels other than ferries also

expressed concern over the expense of

adding lifesaving equipment. They also

cited the excellent safety record of these

vessels in recent years. Nevertheless,

these vessels carry large numbers of

people, especially gaming vessels. The

gaming vessel industry did not exist

when the NPRM was published in 1989.

Gaming vessels do not usually move

passengers from one port to another, nor

do they ordinarily engage in voyages

such as sight-seeing for the enjoyment of

passengers. Some vessels although fully

capable of navigation, do not normally

leave the dock, and other vessels

operate over short distances in protected

‘‘moats.’’ For these reasons, the Coast

Guard specifically invites comments on

lifesaving requirements that should be

applicable to these vessels. As is the

case for ferries, even one abandon-ship

incident in which large numbers of

passengers could not be accommodated

in survival craft would be unacceptable.

The Coast Guard considers the hazard to

persons aboard gaming vessels to be

similar to those presented by passenger

ferries. They carry passengers in a high

density configuration, do not have

overnight accommodations, and

typically operate on a fixed route and

schedule in a limited geographic area.

Therefore, the Coast Guard has applied

the requirements for emergencies to

these vessels that are similar to ferries

operating on the same waters.

Cargo and Tank Vessels Operating on

the Great Lakes

The NPRM proposed that cargo and

tank vessels in Great Lakes service be

required to carry totally enclosed

lifeboats launched by gravity davits

with an aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate 100 percent of the

persons on board and liferafts served by

launching appliances also meeting the

aggregate capacity requirement. The

NPRM proposals contrast with ocean

and coastwise vessels requirements to

carry lifeboats and float-free liferafts

with an aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate 100 percent of persons on

board. The Great Lakes proposal

represented an upgrade over the existing

regulations.

One comment suggested that Great

Lakes vessels be required to carry the

same survival craft as vessels in ocean

service. Other comments suggested that

totally enclosed lifeboats and gravity

davits would not enhance crew

survivability aboard Great Lakes vessels

and that the current lifesaving systems

were adequate. Some comments

suggested the use of davit-launched

inflatable liferafts (presumably 100

percent each side) aboard Great Lakes

vessels in lieu of lifeboats. Some

comments on the NPRM noted that

Great Lakes vessels are also required to

carry immersion suits so in the event

survivors have to enter cold water to get

to a survival craft, they still have a good

chance of being rescued. The comments

noted that the Great Lakes casualty

reports discussed in the NPRM

indicated that rapid launching and

hypothermia protection were the main

needs in Great Lakes lifesaving systems

rather than additional lifeboats.

The Coast Guard agrees with the

comments stating that rapid launching

and hypothermia protection are the

primary needs for Great Lakes vessels.
25278 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

The Coast Guard does not agree,

however, that lifesaving systems need to

be the same on the Great Lakes as for

ocean and coastwise voyages. Therefore,

the rules are retained as proposed in the

NPRM. Although conditions on the

Great Lakes can be just as severe as

conditions in ocean waters, the fact that

the Great Lakes are bounded on all sides

by a shoreline means that a search

operation for a major vessel casualty on

the Great Lakes would probably be

completed much faster than on ocean

waters. This is especially true because

the Coast Guard is also requiring these

vessels to carry 406 MHz satellite

EPIRBs.

Offshore Industry—MODUs and OSVs

Various comments from the offshore

industry, including members of the

National Offshore Safety Advisory

Committee (NOSAC), opposed the

inclusion of MODUs and OSVs under

subchapter W. The comment writers

requested that the Coast Guard keep the

regulations for these vessels as selfcontained as possible. As discussed in

the ‘‘Overview of the Interim Rule’’

section of this preamble, the Coast

Guard has put the revised lifesaving

regulations for OSVs into subchapter L

and has retained the lifesaving

requirements for MODUs in subchapter

I–A, where they have been located since

the original publication of subchapter I–

A. One exception is that, under

§ 108.500(b), requirements for surfacetype units (drillships) will be the same

as those for tank vessels under

subchapter W. Unlike other MODUs,

drillships have ship-shaped hulls and

have problems similar to tank ships in

the case of a casualty requiring

abandonment of the vessel. This is

consistent with the treatment of surfacetype units under the MODU Code.

MODUs

Consistent with the Coast Guard’s

policy of aligning national standards

with international standards, the

regulations for MODU lifesaving

systems are based on the IMO MODU

Code for the construction of new

MODUs. Three comments from the

offshore industry opposed adoption of

MODU Code standards as part of the

U.S. regulations. This opposition was

focused on the requirement for

additional lifeboats. Following the

MODU Code means a requirement for

200 percent capacity in lifeboats on

most MODUs, contrasted with the

present subchapter I–A requirement for

100 percent lifeboats and 100 percent

davit-launched liferafts. One comment

stated that none of the investigations of

recent MODU accidents recommended

increasing the number of lifeboats and

that requiring lifeboats in lieu of liferafts

was not justified because of such

considerations as cost, weight, and size.

Other comments indicated that davitlaunched liferafts could not be

effectively used on MODUs. Davitlaunched liferafts were originally

developed for launching down the

straight sides of conventional ships.

They are very light in weight compared

to lifeboats and are therefore subject to

wind and wave action in the relatively

unprotected position beneath a MODU

in distress. Because liferafts are not

powered, they are subject to being

driven into and damaged by the legs and

columns of the MODU once they are

released from the falls, unless they can

immediately establish a tow from a

lifeboat or rescue boat.

The Coast Guard agrees with the

comments citing the shortcomings of

davit-launched liferafts on MODUs and

concludes that davit-launched liferafts

should only be used on the small selfelevating units where there are no other

options, as proposed in the NPRM. The

Coast Guard does not agree with

comments that indicate additional

lifeboats on larger units are

unnecessary. Even though there may

have been no specific recommendations

in the casualty reports to indicate the

need for additional lifeboats, the

abandonment of the OCEAN RANGER

showed how lifeboats may be rendered

unusable in a casualty and result in

insufficient lifeboats for those on board.

Another casualty to the Norwegian

semi-submersible accommodation

platform ALEXANDER L. KIELLAND

also resulted in lost lifeboats. The Coast

Guard has retained regulations based on

the MODU Code with certain

exceptions. See part 108, subpart E of

these rules.

Several comments stated that the

station bill requirements proposed in

§ 199.645 of the NPRM should not apply

to MODUs because this information was

required to be included in the operating

manual currently required under 46

CFR 109.121. The Coast Guard does not

agree. Section 109.121(c)(22) requires

the operating manual to cover

procedures for evacuating personnel

from the unit, but this does not replace

the station bill. The station bill has been

renamed muster list in accordance with

the internationally accepted term. The

muster list requirements are located in

§ 108.901 of these rules and replace the

station bill requirements currently in

§§ 109.501 and 109.505.

One comment suggested revision of

proposed § 199.650(d) to require that all

survival craft be able to be launched

only with the unit in a normal working

position or a normal floating intact

transit condition. The purpose of the

revision was to prevent problems for

certain mat-supported self-elevating

units on which the mat footprint

extends beyond the sides of the hull. In

certain transit conditions with the mat

fully retracted, some of the survival craft

might be launched onto the mat. The

Coast Guard agrees in principle with the

comment. The problem is addressed in

§ 108.550(c)(2), which authorizes the

OCMI to allow a reduction in the total

number of survival craft when the unit

is in the transit mode and the number

of personnel on board is reduced. In

such cases, sufficient survival craft must

be available for use by the total number

of personnel remaining on board. This

should resolve the problem because

although personnel on board are

normally reduced in transit, they must

still be provided with a way to evacuate.

One comment suggested that

proposed § 199.650(e)(3), which stated

‘‘the location and orientation of each

lifeboat [on a MODU] must take into

consideration the in-water operating

capabilities of the lifeboat,’’ was vague

and should be deleted. The Coast Guard

agrees that the proposed wording was

vague. In this rule, § 108.550(f)(3) states

‘‘the location and orientation of each

lifeboat must be such that the lifeboat is

either headed away from the unit upon

launching, or can be turned to a heading

away from the unit immediately upon

launching.’’

Two comments stated that the written

and audiovisual training material

requirements in § 109.213(a) were

intended for conventional SOLAS ships

and not MODUs. The Coast Guard

disagrees. This material is prepared by

all lifesaving equipment manufacturers

and is available for equipment used on

MODUs as well as for equipment on

conventional vessels.

Several comments were concerned

about the requirement now in

§ 109.213(g) to provide abandonment

training on MODUs within two weeks

after crew or industrial personnel join

the unit. The comments stated that the

word ‘‘orientation’’ should be

substituted for ‘‘training,’’ and that this

orientation should take place within 2

days. The Coast Guard believes that the

immediate orientation given to persons

as they first arrive at a MODU should

continue. This orientation may include

some of the elements the on board

training required, but it does not

necessarily replace the training

requirement. The use of the term ‘‘join

the unit’’ is intended to provide some

flexibility with regard to the extent of

training given to itinerant contractor

personnel.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25279

Several comments questioned the

need to periodically replace falls on

MODUs, as required in § 109.301(j), if

the falls were thoroughly inspected and

found satisfactory. The Coast Guard

does not agree that it is possible to

adequately inspect falls visually so the

requirement has been retained. The

NPRM noted that casualties had

occurred as a result of lifeboat falls that

parted due to deterioration. The Coast

Guard is aware of newly developed

nondestructive inspection equipment

for wire rope falls, but has not been able

to determine its suitability or

practicality. It is possible that, in the

future, use of such equipment could

allow thorough fall inspections and

continued use of falls in good condition,

but use of such inspection equipment

will not be authorized at the current

time.

OSVs

The NTSB’s comments opposed the

continued use of lifefloats as survival

craft on OSVs operating in the Gulf of

Mexico because these devices do not

protect against hypothermia. The Coast

Guard agrees that hypothermia can be a

problem in the Gulf of Mexico and that

lifefloats and buoyant apparatus do not

keep survivors out of the water.

However, the casualty record of these

vessels does not indicate that a change

is needed. The Coast Guard believes that

lifefloats should continue to be

acceptable because, as a result of the

addition of satellite EPIRBs on these

vessels and the volume of marine traffic

associated with the offshore oil industry

in the Gulf of Mexico, rescue should

come rapidly. This provision is in

§ 133.105(c).

The NTSB also opposed the

exemption of liftboats from the

requirement for having launching

appliances for liferafts. The comment

noted that, if the vessel were elevated

and it became necessary to abandon

ship, launching appliances might be

crucial. The Coast Guard does not agree

with the comment and has not changed

this provision of the rule. A liftboat is

a specialized type of OSV with movable

legs capable of raising its hull above the

surface of the sea. The operating

characteristics of liftboats make the use

of liferaft launching appliances highly

unlikely. Liftboats exist for the sole

purpose of servicing offshore structures,

such as production platforms. Liftboats

come alongside these structures and the

liftboat’s legs are jacked down so that

the liftboat’s deck elevates out of the

water to the level of the structure’s deck.

If there is an emergency aboard the

liftboat, crew can simply walk over onto

the structure. If there is an emergency

on the structure, the liftboat would jack

down and move away. If there is a leg

failure on a liftboat, it will collapse into

the water where it has a very low

freeboard, making launching appliances

unnecessary. See § 133.150(c)(5).

New 1996 SOLAS Amendments

The International Maritime

Organization has developed a new set of

amendments to SOLAS, Chapter III,

which were recently adopted and are

contained in the 1996 SOLAS

Amendments. These amendments will

come into force July 1, 1998. The 1996

SOLAS Amendments remove the

performance and construction

requirements for lifesaving appliances

from Chapter III of SOLAS and put them

into a new mandatory Lifesaving

Appliances Code (LSA Code). The

requirements for the number and

arrangement of lifesaving appliances on

ships remain in SOLAS, Chapter III

along with regulations concerning their

operation and maintenance. These

amendments also contain some new and

some revised regulations, which are

included in this interim rule to the

extent that they were anticipated and

proposed in the NPRM. New regulations

that were not proposed in the NPRM,

but which provide alternatives or

lessened requirements, are also

included. The following paragraphs

summarize the more significant

revisions to SOLAS, Chapter III in the

1996 SOLAS Amendments and explain

the way they are addressed in this

interim rule. The Coast Guard is

adopting certain of these SOLAS

revisions in subchapter W so that it will

be in line with the SOLAS requirements

when they come into force. Comments

are invited on these new provisions.

The 1996 SOLAS Amendments revise

the installation requirements for free-fall

lifeboats on cargo ships. Free-fall

lifeboats were included as an option in

the 1983 SOLAS Amendments and in

the NPRM. To the extent that the

revisions do not impose more stringent

requirements than those in the NPRM,

they are included in this interim rule.

Specifically, special requirements for

free-fall lifeboat launching arrangements

are in §§ 199.110(e), 199.120(b),

199.150(c), and 199.157.

Anti-exposure suits are allowed in the

1996 SOLAS Amendments as an option

to immersion suits for the crews of

rescue boats and marine evacuation

systems. Immersion suits are intended

as survival equipment in cold water

and, as such, they can be bulky and

restrictive. Anti-exposure suits can be

designed to be practical working suits

and can still provide reasonable

hypothermia protection. This interim

rule, like SOLAS, allows this option in

§ 199.70(c). Several comments on the

NPRM objected to the immersion suit

requirement for rescue boat crews on

vessels and MODUs operating between

32 degrees north and 32 degrees south

latitude because immersion suits are not

required in these latitudes for the rest of

the persons on board. The Coast Guard

agrees, and SOLAS 1996 also allows

exemption from the requirement in

warm climates. Therefore, the

exemption is contained in this interim

rule under §§ 199.70(c)(1), 108.580(c)(1),

and 133.70(c)(1).

The 1996 SOLAS Amendments

require clear deck space to

accommodate all persons assigned to

muster stations, but at least 0.35 square

meters (3.75 square feet) per person.

Neither the 1983 SOLAS Amendments

nor the NPRM under this docket

included this minimum area

requirement. Therefore, this

requirement is not included in this

interim rule. Nevertheless, any ship

built after July 1, 1998, engaged in

international voyages will have to

comply.

The 1983 SOLAS Amendments

required that as far as practicable,

survival craft be stowed in a secure and

sheltered position and protected from

damage by fire and explosion. The

NPRM proposed that, on tankers,

survival craft stowage locations be

protected from the cargo tank area by

the deckhouse or A-class divisions. The

1996 SOLAS Amendments only require

that survival craft on tankers not be

stowed on or above a cargo tank, slop

tank, or other tank containing explosive

or hazardous cargoes. This interim rule

includes this less strict requirement in

§ 199.290(c).

The 1983 SOLAS Amendments

allowed the use of marine evacuation

systems in place of davit-launching

systems for liferafts. Marine evacuations

systems consist of a slide or chute to

provide passage to a water-level

platform, from which liferafts are

boarded. The 1983 SOLAS Amendments

did not contain any requirements for

installation, training, drills, or servicing

of these appliances. The 1996 SOLAS

Amendments do include installation,

training, drill, and servicing

requirements, and they are included in

this interim rule. Since marine

evacuation systems are optional, these

requirements would only affect

operators who choose this option. See

§§ 199.145, 199.150(b), and 199.201(b).

Marine evacuation systems have also

been added as alternatives to liferaft

launching devices discussed in

subchapters I–A and L. See §§ 108.525,

108.545, 133.145, and 133.150(c).
25280 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

The 1996 SOLAS Amendments

require that recovery of a rescue boat be

possible in not more than 5 minutes in

moderate sea conditions when the

rescue boat is loaded with its full

complement of persons and equipment.

This requirement was not contemplated

in the NPRM and is therefore not

included in this rule.

The 1996 SOLAS Amendments

require that rescue boat embarkation

and recovery arrangements allow for

safe and efficient handling of a stretcher

case. This requirement has been

included in this interim rule, because

the Coast Guard believes that rescue

boat embarkation and recovery

arrangements generally meet this

requirement, and that this requirement

can generally be met at the design stage

at no additional expense. The

requirement is in § 199.160(c)(1).

The 1996 SOLAS Amendments

revised the requirements for passenger

safety instructions. The Coast Guard

believes that these requirements present

no additional burden on the operator

and they have therefore been included

in § 199.180(b).

The 1983 SOLAS Amendments

required falls to be turned end-for-end

every 21⁄2 years and replaced every 5

years. The 1996 Amendments allow an

alternative for fall designs that can not

be turned end-for-end. These falls can

be examined periodically and replaced

at least every 4 years. The alternative

has been included in § 199.190(j).

The 1983 SOLAS Amendments

required all engines in lifeboats and

rescue boats to be operated each week

for at least 3 minutes. The 1996

Amendments add that, during this

period of time, it should be

demonstrated that the gear box and gear

box train are engaging satisfactorily. It

also provides for alternatives for rescue

boat outboard engines that can not be

run out of water for 3 minutes. These

provisions have been included in

§ 199.190(d)(2).

Numerous accidents have occurred as

a result of poor launching appliance and

lifeboat release gear condition, which is

largely due to inadequate maintenance

or infrequent servicing. The 1996

SOLAS Amendments contain specific

requirements for periodic servicing of

this equipment. These servicing

requirements have been included in

§ 199.190(i). In general, the servicing

requirements do not exceed the

maintenance and inspection that a

prudent operator now performs to

ensure that lifesaving equipment is in

working order and ready for immediate

use. The SOLAS requirements adopted

in this rulemaking are consistent with

current manufacturers’ instructions on

maintenance of this equipment.

The 1996 SOLAS Amendments state

that, for a davit-launched survival craft

on passenger ships, the height of the

davit head with the survival craft in

embarkation position shall, as far as

practicable, not exceed 15 meters (50

feet) to the waterline when the ship is

in its lightest seagoing condition. This is

not a requirement, but a strong

recommendation to designers to avoid

excessively high stowage locations for

survival craft on passenger ships. This

provision has been included in

§ 199.230(c) as a recommendation and

not a new requirement.

Another SOLAS, Chapter III revision

adopted in 1991 after the NPRM was

published affected fire training and drill

requirements in regulation 18, Chapter

III of SOLAS. Those requirements were

not substantially different than those

proposed in the NPRM and they are,

therefore, included in this rule at

§ 199.180(f).

Incorporation by Reference

1. The following material is

incorporated by reference in § 108.101:

American Bureau of Shipping

(ABS)—Rules for Building and Classing

Offshore Mobile Drilling Units, ANSI

A14.3, ANSI Z89.1, American

Petroleum Institute (API)—API Spec 2C

with supplement 2, ASTM F–1121,

Federal Specification ZZ–H–451 F, IMO

Resolution A.520(13), IMO Resolution

A.658(16), IMO Resolution A.760(18),

NFPA 407, NFPA 496, and Underwriters

Laboratories (UL)—UL 19–78.

2. The following material is

incorporated by reference in § 125.180:

IMO Resolution A.520(13), and IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

3. The following material is

incorporated by reference in § 199.05:

ASTM F1003, ASTM F1014, IMO

Resolution A.520(13), IMO Resolution

A.604(15), IMO Resolution A.657(16),

IMO Resolution A.760(18), IMO

Resolution A.212(VII), and IMO

Resolution A.328(IX).

Copies of the material are available for

inspection where indicated under

ADDRESSES. Copies of the material are

available at the addresses in §§ 108.101,

125.180, and 199.05.

The Coast Guard has submitted this

material to the Director of the Federal

Register for approval of the

incorporation by reference.

Assessment

This interim rule is not a significant

regulatory action under section 3(f) of

Executive Order 12866. However, due to

its nature, it has been reviewed by the

Office of Management and Budget under

that order. It requires an assessment of

potential costs and benefits under

section 6(a)(3) of that order. It is not

significant under the regulatory policies

and procedures of the Department of

Transportation (DOT) (44 FR 11040;

February 26, 1979).

An interim assessment has been

prepared and is available in the docket

for inspection or copying where

indicated under ADDRESSES. The

Assessment is summarized as follows.

This interim rule applies to all

existing and new U.S. inspected

passenger vessels 100 tons gross tonnage

and over, cargo vessels, tankships,

manned cargo and tank barges,

oceanographic research vessels, nautical

school vessels (with the exception of

sailing school ships), OSVs, and

MODUs. Coast Guard records list 1,012

existing vessels that do not have

SOLAS, MODU, or Special Purpose

Vessel Code certificates (161 passenger

vessels, 120 cargo vessels, 48 tankships,

12 manned barges, 4 oceanographic

research vessels, 8 nautical school

vessels, 567 OSVs, and 92 MODUs) are

currently operating under the U.S. flag,

and will be affected by this interim rule.

Because the regulations in this interim

rule are based on SOLAS, the IMO

MODU Code, and the IMO Special

Purpose Vessel Code, vessels with

certificates indicating compliance with

these standards will not be substantially

affected by this interim rule. Therefore

vessels with SOLAS, MODU, or Special

Purpose Vessel Code certificates are not

included in the regulatory analysis.

Discussion of Comments

Several comments to the NPRM

suggested that the estimated cost to

comply with implementation

requirements and the recurring cost to

vessel owners were understated. One

comment estimated implementation

cost for the proposed requirements to be

$3 million and that it would affect seven

specific passenger ferries. Another

comment provided calculations to

support an implementation cost

estimate of $562,500 per passenger

ferry.

The requirements in this interim rule

are different from or less than those

proposed in the NPRM. This interim

rule contains fewer refit requirements

for existing vessels and also provides

alternatives for passenger ferries which

provide a lower cost alternative. For

example, if a passenger ferry operating

on a lakes, bays, and sounds service

chooses to have an approved safety

assessment rather than fit additional

survival craft, the cost of the assessment

will be substantially less than the costs

for additional survival craft estimated in
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25281

the NPRM. The cost estimates in this

summary and in the assessment reflect

the requirements of this interim rule

and have taken into account the cost

estimates provided by the passenger

ferry industry.

Industry Costs

Industry cost for this interim rule is

estimated based on the implementation

cost to existing vessels, the

implementation cost to new vessels, and

the recurring cost to all vessels for

replacement of appliances as they

become unserviceable.

Compliance cost of this interim rule

will total about $19.2 million. The

present value of the costs will total $16

million. This reflects a 7 percent

discount to 1996 of the projected future

estimated costs of this interim rule in

accordance with current Office of

Management and Budget guidance.

Passenger vessels account for an

estimated 50 percent of total costs; cargo

vessels, tankships, and manned barges

together account for an estimated 13

percent of total costs; and

oceanographic research vessels, nautical

school vessels, OSVs, and MODUs

account for the remainder. A discussion

of costs for each requirement follows.

The costs associated with the interim

rule on lifesaving appliances and

arrangements were developed based on

vessel type, vessel use, and average

vessel size. Cost analysis calculations

were based upon the following

assumptions: (1) the interim rule will

come into effect on October 1, 1996, for

all requirements except a requirement

for retro-reflective material on all

lifesaving appliances (required as of

October 1, 1997), the carriage of

immersion suits and thermal protective

aids on passenger vessels (required as of

October 1, 2001), and the number and

type of survival craft required for certain

vessels (required as of October 1, 2001);

(2) the estimate of annual new vessels

affected by this interim rule is directly

proportional to the number of vessels

that will be annually retired from the

U.S. fleet; therefore, the vessel

population will remain constant; (3) the

average capacity of a passenger vessel

was estimated to be 500 persons; (4) the

average capacity on all other affected

vessels was estimated to be 50 persons;

(5) no costs for this rule were associated

with existing vessels presently carrying

a SOLAS certificate; (6) both costs and

benefits developed for this rulemaking

are discounted at 7 percent back to

1996; (7) recurring cost items are

annualized based on the average life of

each lifesaving appliance or equipment;

and (8) all recurring costs are calculated

through the year 2001.

Survival Craft for MODUs. As

required by § 180.525, new MODUs,

except for small self-elevating units,

must increase their lifeboat capacity.

Lifeboats having an aggregate capacity

of twice the number of persons on board

would be typical. The lifeboats will cost

about $400,000 each. The requirements

in § 108.550(c), that new MODUs

provide greater clearance for lifeboats

and liferafts from MODU structures,

could amount to $200,000 per lifeboat

or liferaft installation, for a total cost of

$600,000 to comply with both

requirements.

MODUs—Float-Free Liferafts. The

cost of replacing davit-launched liferafts

with float-free liferafts as required in

§ 108.525(a)(2) applies to newly

constructed MODUs. This replacement

will result in an estimated cost savings

of $60,000 per vessel.

Distress Signals. The cost to replace

distress signals as required in

§§ 108.595(b), 133.60(b), and 199.60(c)

applies to all vessels on oceans,

coastwise, and Great Lakes services.

Each vessel is required to have a

minimum of 12 rocket parachute flares.

Vessels on Great Lakes services are

offered an alternative to use hand flares.

The annual recurring cost of this

requirement to industry, based on a 3-

year replacement schedule, is estimated

to be $123,280.

Lifejacket Lights. The cost of lifejacket

lights meeting SOLAS standards

required in §§ 108.580(b), 108.580(c),

199.70(b), and 199.70(c) applies to cargo

vessels 500 tons gross tonnage and over,

and all other vessels on ocean and

coastwise services except for OSVs.

Additionally, the cost will vary based

on vessel type. Lifejacket light costs

were based on the added cost of a light

($5) for each jacket. There is no

implementation cost associated with

this requirement for new vessels and

existing vessels. Lights are already

required by regulation and are only

required to be upgraded if they become

unserviceable. The annual recurring

cost, based on a 5-year replacement

schedule, is estimated to be $15,200.

Lifejackets with Increased Freeboard.

The cost of new lifejackets with the

greater freeboard required by SOLAS

standards, as cited in §§ 108.580(b) and

199.70(b) applies to MODUs and all

vessels on ocean and coastwise services,

with exceptions to OSVs, and will vary

based on the vessel size. The additional

cost is estimated to be $1,200 for each

passenger vessel and $120 for each other

vessel. The annual recurring cost is

estimated to be $29,400.

Lifebuoy Lifelines. The cost to replace

lifebuoy lifelines as required in

§§ 108.580(a)(2), 133.70(c)(4), and

199.70(a)(3) applies to all vessels. The

cost per vessel is estimated to be $20.

The annual recurring cost, based on a 5-

year replacement schedule, is estimated

to be $4,048.

Emergency Instructions. The cost of

emergency instructions required in

§§ 108.901(c), 133.80, and 199.80

applies to all vessels and will vary

based on vessel size and amount of

accommodations on board. The new

vessel and existing vessel

implementation cost of generating the

emergency instructions is estimated to

be $50 per vessel. The copy cost

required for posting is estimated to be

minimal. Therefore, the total cost to

industry for this requirement is $50,600.

No recurring costs were associated with

this requirement.

Operating Instructions. The cost of

operating instructions required in

§§ 108.655, 133.90, and 199.90 applies

to all vessels and will vary based on the

vessel size. The new vessel and existing

vessel implementation cost of

generating the instructions is estimated

to be $50 per vessel. The cost for

copying materials required for posting is

estimated to be minimal. The total cost

to industry for this requirement is

$50,600. No recurring costs were

associated with this requirement.

Manning and Supervision. There is no

cost directly associated with the

requirements of §§ 109.323 and 199.100.

The interim rule does not require the

hiring of additional crew because

current U.S. manning requirements are

sufficient to meet this condition. The

training costs associated with this

requirement are reflected in the costs for

drills and onboard training.

Falls. The cost to renew falls as

required in §§ 109.301(j) and 199.190(j)

applies to all vessels except for MODUs,

and vessels in services limited to fresh

water. The cost will vary based on

vessel type and size. Each set of falls

costs about $2,500. The annual

recurring cost to industry to replace

falls, based on a 5-year replacement, is

estimated to be $1,050,000.

Inspection for Certification. The

additional cost to inspect and certify

vessels as required in § 199.45 applies to

all new vessels and will vary based on

vessel size. The cost to inspect and

certify small vessels, which include

OSVs and manned barges, is estimated

to be $2,000 each. Large vessels, which

include all other vessels affected by the

interim rule, are estimated to cost

$5,000 each. The annual cost to industry

is estimated to be $80,000.

Launching Appliances for High

Freeboard Vessels. The high speed

launching appliances as required in

§§ 108.553 and 199.153 applies to about
25282 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

25 percent of all new MODUs and

cargo/tank vessels. The cost per vessel

is estimated to be $5,000.

Line Thrower Firings. The cost of

annual line thrower firings as required

in § 190.170 has been eliminated. It

applies to all vessels carrying linethrowing appliances, which are selfpropelled vessels on ocean services with

the exception of tankships, which are

not required to conduct firing under the

present regulations. The annual cost

savings to industry is estimated to be

$556,000.

Drills and Onboard Training. The cost

to provide onboard training as required

in §§ 109.213 and 199.180 applies to all

vessels, with exception of OSVs, and

will vary based on vessel size. The cost

attributed to the time loss due to

performing drills is negligible because

drills are presently required by

regulation. The only difference between

present requirements and the

requirement in this rule is that some

drills will now be training sessions. The

annual costs associated with the

additional training sessions and related

expenses are estimated to be $2,000

each for large vessels and $500 each for

small vessels. The total implementation

and annual recurring costs to existing

and new vessels for this requirement are

estimated to be $872,000.

Maintenance of Equipment. The

maintenance of equipment as required

by §§ 109.301 and 199.190 applies to all

vessels, with exception of OSVs, and

those operating on lakes, bays, and

sounds services, and rivers services. No

new vessel implementation or recurring

cost is associated with this requirement.

Existing vessel implementation costs for

the requirement to carry spare parts is

estimated to be $100 per vessel and is

applicable to about 802 vessels. The

total existing vessel implementation

cost to industry for this requirement is

estimated to be $24,500. No recurring

costs were estimated for this

requirement.

Partially Enclosed Lifeboats. The cost

of partially enclosed lifeboats as

required in § 199.202 applies to newly

constructed oceangoing passenger

vessels. The added cost per vessel is

estimated to be $50,000.

Totally Enclosed Lifeboats. The cost

of totally enclosed lifeboats as required

in § 199.261 applies to newly

constructed cargo vessels. The added

cost per vessel is estimated to be

$50,000.

Fire Protected Lifeboats. The cost of

fire protected lifeboats as required in

§ 199.261 applies to newly constructed

tank vessels. The added cost per vessel

is estimated to be $60,000.

Cargo Vessel Immersion Suits. The

requirement to carry immersion suits for

all persons on board as required by

§ 199.273 applies to all cargo vessels.

This requirement affects cargo vessels

not limited to operating between 32

degrees north latitude and 32 degrees

south latitude. No cost is associated

with this requirement because existing

regulations mandate suits on all cargo

vessels.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio

Beacons (EPIRBs). The cost to install

EPIRBs as required by §§ 133.60(a) and

199.510 applies to all vessels. However,

because the FCC presently has a

requirement for EPIRBs, the new and

existing vessel implementation cost of

this rule will only affect cargo vessels

and OSVs less than 300 tons gross

tonnage and all vessels operating on the

Great Lakes. The cost of an EPIRB is

estimated to be $1,200 for each vessel.

The estimated total implementation cost

to industry for this requirement for new

and existing vessels is $649,200.

Because these vessels are provided an

alternative of using an existing EPIRB

until 1999, if fitted before October 1,

1996, the implementation costs

associated with this requirement are

evenly distributed over the years 1997

through 1999. Recurring cost for this

requirement was estimated based on a 5-

year replacement schedule for the

EPIRB batteries. These batteries were

estimated to cost $400 per EPIRB. The

recurring cost for this requirement to the

industry is estimated to be $43,280.

Retro-Reflective Material on all

Floating Appliances. The cost to equip

floating appliances with retroflective

material as required by §§ 108.515(a)(2),

133.10(b)(2), and 199.10(i)(1)(i) applies

to all vessels. The new and existing

implementation cost will vary based on

the number of lifeboats, rescue boats,

and other lifesaving appliances each

vessel is required to carry. It is

estimated that vessels will have to fit

about 40 items with retro-reflective

material at a cost of $5 per item.

Therefore, the total implementation cost

to industry to meet this requirement is

estimated to be $197,800. The recurring

cost of this requirement is estimated to

be $25 per vessel. The total annual

recurring cost to industry is estimated to

be $25,300.

Equipment for Lifeboats. The cost of

periodically replacing certain

equipment required by §§ 108.575(b),

133.175(b), and 199.175(b), applies to

all vessels, with the exception of OSVs,

and those operating on lakes, bays, and

sounds services, and rivers services, and

will vary based on vessel type. It is

estimated that passenger vessels will

spend about $500 annually per vessel

on replacement equipment and other

vessels will each spend about $50

annually per vessel. The total annual

recurring cost to industry for this

requirement is estimated to be $16,300.

Rescue Boats. The cost of the

replacing rescue boats as required by

§§ 108.560, 133.135, and 199.202

applies to existing and new passenger

vessels on lakes, bays, and sounds

service, and Great Lakes service. The

cost of a rescue boat is estimated to be

$50,000. The recurring annual cost to

industry based on a 25-year replacement

schedule is estimated to $272,000.

Passenger Vessel Immersion Suits and

Thermal Protective Aids. The cost of

immersion suits and thermal protective

aids as required by § 199.214 applies to

passenger vessels not limited to

operating between 32 degrees north and

32 degrees south latitude. Where

applicable, passenger vessels must carry

at least three immersion suits or antiexposure suits for each lifeboat on the

vessel. It is estimated that 9 passenger

vessels must provide 3 immersion suits

for 8 lifeboats at a cost of $1,200 per

lifeboat. Thermal protective aids are

also required on these vessels for each

person not provided with an immersion

suit. The thermal protective aids were

estimated to cost $35 each. The

estimated total new and existing

implementation cost to industry to meet

this requirement is $141,750. No

recurring costs are associated with this

requirement.

Survival Craft for Passenger Vessels.

The type and number of survival craft

required by § 199.201 affects all

passenger vessels. Alternatives to these

requirements for passenger vessels in

certain services are provided in

§ 199.630. Vessel operators may choose

alternatives for meeting survival craft

requirements. It is estimated that 50

percent of the passenger vessel

population will choose the option to

develop a safety management and

contingency plan. Operators will spend

an estimated $10,000 per operator to

develop the safety management and

contingency plan and possibly

demonstrate some aspect of it. Some

additional equipment or vessel

modifications might be required to

implement the plan, for an estimated

non-recurring cost of $10,000 per vessel.

The remaining 50 percent of passenger

vessels will increase the number of

inflatable buoyant apparatus (IBAs) to

accommodate either 100 percent or 67

percent of the passenger population,

where applicable. The existing vessel

implementation cost for passenger

vessels required to accommodate 100

percent of the passengers with IBAs is

estimated to be $70,000 assuming 10 50-
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25283

person IBAs are required on the average

500-passenger ferry. In addition, these

IBAs will have to be installed on the

vessel, and in some cases launching or

boarding appliances may be required.

This could amount to an additional

$40,000 per vessel, for a total cost of

$110,000 per vessel. Additionally, the

IBAs must be serviced annually.

Assuming $400 per IBA in servicing

fees, this will amount to a recurring

annual cost of about $4,000 per year per

vessel.

Survival Craft for Cargo Vessels. As

required by § 199.261(b)(2), ocean and

coastwise cargo/tank ships and manned

barges must increase their float-free

liferaft capacity by 50 percent. This

additional liferaft will cost about $4,000

per vessel installed. The raft will have

to be serviced annually at an estimated

cost of $400 for each servicing.

Davit Launched Liferaft. The cost of

davit-launched liferafts on one side for

100 percent capacity as required in

§ 199.640(d) applies to newly

constructed cargo vessels on Great Lakes

services. The cost per vessel is

estimated to be $30,000.

Government Costs

The cost of this interim rule to the

Federal government includes costs to

the Maritime Administration (MARAD).

About 1 percent of MARAD’s active

fleet is involved in commercial service;

therefore, requiring compliance with

this interim rule. The MARAD

commercial fleet is comprised of six

freight ships and four tank ships. The

total implementation costs to MARAD’s

existing vessels are an estimated

$39,812. MARAD’s annual cost to

upgrade equipment as it becomes

unserviceable is estimated to be

$33,659.

State and local governments account

for 8 percent of the affected population,

or about 75 ferries and other vessels

regulated under subchapter H. The total

implementation cost to existing state

vessels is estimated to be about $1.9

million, assuming that 50 percent of the

ferries opt for a safety management and

contingency plan that does not involve

additional lifesaving equipment. The

recurring annual cost to existing and

new vessels is estimated to be $358,567.

Total Costs

The total costs of this interim rule are

$8,463,250 in implementation costs to

existing vessels and $10,742,972 in

recurring annual costs to existing and

new vessels. Costs of the interim rule

are forecast to 2001. Vessel owners must

meet the interim rule’s requirements

beginning October 1, 1996. Exceptions

hold for the following requirements: (1)

the type of survival craft for certain

vessels as required in §§ 199.10(i)(1)(ii),

199.261(b)(2), and 199.630; and (2)

immersion suits and thermal protective

aids for certain passenger vessels as

required in §§ 199.10(i)(1)(iii) and

199.214. Both have a 5-year phase-in

period, ending October 1, 2001. Another

exception to the October 1, 1996, date

is the requirement for retro-reflective

material on all floating appliances, and

certain operational requirements listed

in §§ 108.515(a)(2), 133.10(b)(2), and

199.10(i)(1)(i), which will be required

on October 1, 1997. Costs are estimated

at $2,739,290 in 1997; $4,224,933 in

1998 and 1999; and $4,008,533 in 2000

and 2001. The present value of the costs

of this interim rule discounted at 7

percent to 1996 is estimated to total

$11,259,277.

Cost-Benefit Evaluation

A benefit analysis that accounts for

the overall improvement in lifesaving

appliances and arrangements realized

by this interim rule was completed by

researching 475 Coast Guard rescue

cases, relating these cases to the risk

associated with the potential for losing

a life at sea on the affected vessel fleet,

and estimating how many of these

potential lost lives would be saved by

the implementation of this interim rule.

Rescue case data was reviewed from the

Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue

Mission Information System (SARMIS)

over the past 5 years. The criteria for

selecting the case data included the

likelihood of the case type to result in

a person entering the water. For

example, cases involving a collision or

sinking were reviewed but adrift and ice

bound cases were not included. Because

SARMIS only records vessel length, the

case data for this analysis was not

differentiated based on the vessel’s gross

tonnage but rather on the vessel’s length

overall (LOA). The following vessel

LOA estimates were used to assess

vessel tons gross tonnage: an LOA of

over 100 feet was used to assess

passenger vessels over 100 tons gross

tonnage (subchapter H); an LOA

between 66 to 200 feet was used to

assess OSVs (subchapter L); an LOA of

over 200 feet was used to assess cargo

vessels—including manned barges

(subchapter I); an LOA of over 66 feet

was used to assess tank vessels—

including manned barges (subchapter

D); an LOA of over 66 feet was used to

assess nautical school vessels and

research vessels; and all MODU data

entries were used.

The overall improvement in lifesaving

appliances and arrangements realized

by this interim rule were estimated by

estimating the 5-year case data on Coast

Guard rescues and recording the

number of lives at risk (lives lost and

saved by the Coast Guard) due to each

type of vessel casualty that would be

likely to result in a person entering the

water for each vessel type. The casualty

types considered in this interim rule

were capsizing, fire and explosion,

flooding and sinking, and collisions.

The number of lives at risk considered

for each casualty and vessel type was

then adjusted to reflect current Coast

Guard rescue effectiveness. This

adjusted range of lives at risk

calculation was done by multiplying the

Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue

program effectiveness for lives saved (90

percent) to the range of lives at risk

calculated for each casualty type. For

example, according to the SARMIS data,

there were 99 lives lost due to capsizing,

25 lives lost due to fire and explosion,

0 lives lost due to flooding and sinking,

and 0 lives lost due to collision over the

past 5 years on passenger vessels over

100 feet in length. The adjusted number

of lives at risk on passenger ships

follows: (99 lives multiplied by .10) plus

(25 lives multiplied by .10) plus (0 lives

multiplied by .10) plus (0 lives

multiplied by .10).

The probability that the improved

lifesaving appliances and arrangements

will increase the rescue likelihood of

lives at risk was estimated based on the

adjusted calculations. For capsizing

casualties, the probability of this interim

rule increasing a person’s rescue was

estimated to be between 5 and 15

percent. This was determined by

considering the positive effects of

increased survival craft availability,

visibility, and the effectiveness of crew

training on egress. For fire and

explosion casualties, the probability of

this interim rule increasing a person’s

rescue was estimated to be between 0

and 5 percent. This was determined by

considering the positive effects of

increased standards for stowage

arrangements of survival craft on new

vessels, availability of survival craft in

remote locations, and the effectiveness

of crew training on fire fighting and

abandonment. For flooding and sinking

casualties, the probability of this interim

rule increasing a person’s rescue was

estimated to be between 2 and 8

percent. This was determined by

considering the positive effects of

increased standards for launching

arrangements of survival craft on new

vessels and the effectiveness of muster

lists and emergency instructions. For

collision casualties, the probability of

this interim rule increasing a person’s

rescue was estimated to be between 1

and 5 percent. This was determined by

considering the positive effects of
25284 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

requirements for emergency

communication capabilities, drill

requirements, and improved equipment

capabilities.

Factoring in the effectiveness

estimated to adjusted range of lives at

risk for passenger vessels becomes the

accumulation of the following:

capsizing risks range from .5 to 1.5 lives

(9.9 lives at risk multiplied by .05) and

(9.9 lives at risk multiplied by .15)]; fire

and explosion risks range from 0 to .13

lives; flooding and sinking calculations

result in 0 lives; and collision

calculations result in 0 lives. Therefore,

the benefits from this interim rule for

passenger vessels over the next 5 years

range from .5 lives to 1.63 lives saved.

This calculation was done for the

remaining vessel types. For cargo

vessels over 200 feet in length, 0 lives

were lost due to capsizing, 84 lives were

lost due to fire and explosion, 147 lives

were lost due to flooding and sinking,

and 0 lives were lost due to collision

over the past 5 years. Using this method

the estimated adjusted range of lives at

risk for cargo vessels becomes the

following: capsizing calculations result

in 0 lives; fire and explosion risks range

from 0 to .4 lives; flooding and sinking

risks range from .3 to 1.2 lives; and

collision calculations result in 0 lives.

Therefore, the benefits from this interim

rule for cargo vessels over the next 5

years range from .3 lives to 1.6 lives

saved.

For tank vessels over 66 feet in length,

0 lives were lost due to capsizing, 66

lives were lost due to fire and explosion,

26 lives were lost due to flooding and

sinking, and 0 lives were lost due to

collision over the past 5 years. Using

this method the estimated adjusted

range of lives at risk for tank vessels

becomes the following: capsizing

calculations result in 0 lives; fire and

explosion risks range from 0 to .3 lives;

flooding and sinking risks range from .1

to .2 lives; and collision calculations

result in 0 lives. Therefore, the benefits

from this interim rule for tank vessels

over the next 5 years range from .1 lives

to .5 lives saved.

For OSVs 66 to 200 feet in length, 18

lives were lost due to capsizing, 11 lives

were lost due to fire and explosion, 136

lives were lost due to flooding and

sinking, and 7 lives were lost due to

collision over the past 5 years. Using

this method the estimated adjusted

range of lives at risk for OSVs follows:

capsizing risks range from .1 to 2.7 lives;

fire and explosion risks range from 0 to

.1 lives; flooding and sinking risks range

from .3 to 1.1 lives; and collision risks

range from .01 to .04 lives. Therefore,

the benefits from this interim rule for

OSVs over the next 5 years range from

.41 lives to 3.94 lives saved.

For MODUs of all lengths, 0 lives

were lost due to capsizing, 25 lives were

lost due to fire and explosion, 16 lives

were lost due to flooding and sinking,

and 0 lives were lost due to collision

over the past 5 years. Using this method

the estimated adjusted range of lives at

risk for MODUs follows: capsizing

calculations result in 0 lives; fire and

explosion risks range from 0 to .125

lives; flooding and sinking risks range

from .03 to .13 lives; and collision

calculations result in 0 lives. Therefore,

the benefits from this interim rule for

MODUs over the next 5 years range from

.03 lives to .25 lives saved.

For nautical school and research

vessels, insufficient data was found in

order to assess them independently.

However, the Coast Guard finds that the

benefits realized by this interim rule

would be similar to the cargo and

passenger vessel benefits for nautical

school and research vessels.

The total discounted cost for this

interim rule is estimated to be

$11,259,277. The benefits from this

interim rule for passenger vessels, cargo

vessels, tank vessels, OSVs, and MODUs

over the next 5 years range from 1.34

lives to 7.92 lives saved. The overall

benefit for the five vessel categories

affected for the first 5 years of this

interim rule implementation is

estimated to be between $3.6 million

and $21.4 million. The present value of

the estimated range is between $2.2

million and $13 million. Based on the

willingness of society to pay $2.7

million for the value of a fatality

averted, as determined by the

Department of Transportation (DOT), if

this interim rule causes a reduction in

the number of fatalities by 4.2 people in

5 years, the benefits will exceed the

cost. The number of persons at risk in

a major marine casualty would range

from about 25 to 2,000 or more. Since

this interim rule addresses shortcomings

in lifesaving systems identified in past

major marine casualties, the Coast

Guard is confident that more than four

lives would be saved by the

requirements in this rule in any single

major casualty involving a vessel

equipped to this rule. Furthermore, the

benefits of this interim rule could be

realized at any time throughout a

vessel’s economic life, which may

extend for 25 years or more, not just

during the 5-year analysis period. As

discussed previously, statistical models

are not meaningful in predicting the

occurrence of such low probability/high

consequence accidents. Since some of

the less tangible benefits realized

through unification of the U.S.

regulations with international

regulations are not taken into account in

this analysis, the Coast Guard is

confident that the total benefits exceed

total costs, and has determined that this

interim rule is cost effective.

Small Entities

Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act

(5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), the Coast Guard

must consider whether this interim rule

will have a significant economic impact

on small entities. ‘‘Small entities’’

include independently owned and

operated small businesses that are not

dominant in their field and that

otherwise qualify as ‘‘small business

concerns’’ under Section 3 of the Small

Business act (15 U.S.C. 632). ‘‘Small

entities’’ also include not-for-profit

organizations and small governmental

jurisdictions.

This interim rule considered small

business impact for vessels privately

held by independent companies with

less than 500 employees. It may affect

certain OSVs operating primarily in the

Gulf of Mexico. An estimated one-half

of the OSV population is owned by 35

vessel owners, each having 9 or fewer

OSVs. Information provided by the

International Association of Drilling

Contractors and the Passenger Vessel

Association, show that there is one

MODU and about 10 percent of

passenger vessels regulated under

subchapter H that should be given

consideration under the Regulatory

Flexibility Act.

Sufficient flexibility and alternatives

are built into the rule to allow small

entities to comply with requirements at

a modest cost. The greatest cost item to

OSVs requires the purchase of satellite

EPIRBs. Flexibility has been provided

by allowing vessels which currently

have class A EPIRBs or two class C

EPIRBs, installed to retain these until

February 1999, after which these vessels

must meet the new requirement of the

interim rule. Other flexibilities offered

include a 5-year phase-in period to

certain passenger vessels to comply

with survival craft requirements. These

passenger vessels are provided with

alternative options for meeting survival

craft requirements.

Because of these accommodations, the

Coast Guard certifies that this interim

rule will not have a significant

economic impact on a substantial

number of small entities. If, however,

you think that your business or

organization qualifies as a small entity

and that this interim rule will have a

significant economic impact on your

business or organization, please submit

a comment (see ADDRESSES) explaining

why you think it qualifies and in what
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25285

way and to what degree this interim rule

will economically affect it.

Collection of Information

Under the Paperwork Reduction Act

(44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of

Management and Budget (OMB) reviews

each rule that contains a collection-ofinformation requirement to determine

whether the practical value of the

information is worth the burden

imposed by its collection. Collection-ofinformation requirements include

reporting, recordkeeping, notification,

and other similar requirements.

This interim rule contains collectionof-information requirements. The Coast

Guard has submitted the requirements

to the Office of Management and Budget

(OMB) for review under section 3504(h)

of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44

U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and OMB has

approved them. Persons submitting

comments on the requirements should

submit their comments both to OMB

and to the Coast Guard where indicated

under ADDRESSES. The section numbers

of those provisions and the

corresponding OMB approval numbers

are as follows:

a. § 31.36–1—2115–0071

b. § 35.07–10—2115–0071

c. § 35.10–1—2115–0071

d. § 35.10–5—2115–0576, 2115–0577

e. § 35.40–40—2115–0577

f. § 70.28–1—2115–0071

g. § 78.13–1—2115–0576, 2115–0577

h. § 78.17–50—2115–0071

i. § 78.37–5—2115–0071

j. § 78.47–45—2115–0577

k. § 90.27–1—2115–0071

l. § 97.13–1—2115–0576, 2115–0577

m. § 97.15–35—2115–0071

n. § 97.35–5—2115–0071

o. § 97.37–42—2115–0577

p. § 107.305—2115–0554

q. § 108.105—2115–0554

r. § 108.645—2115–0577

s. § 108.646—2115–0577

t. § 108.647—2115–0577

u. § 108.649—2115–0577

v. § 108.650—2115–0577

w. § 108.655—2115–0577

x. § 108.901—2115–0557

y. § 109.213—2115–0071

z. § 109.301—2115–0071

aa. § 109.323—2115–0576, 2115–0557

ab. § 109.425—2115–0007

ac. § 109.433—2115–0071

ad. § 133.40—2115–0554

ae. § 133.70—2115–0577

af. § 133.80—2115–0577

ag. § 133.90—2115–0577

ah. § 167.55–5—2115–0577

ai. § 167.65–1—2115–0071

aj. § 188.27–1—2115–0071

ak. § 195.06–1—2115–0071

al. § 196.13–1—2115–0576, 2115–0577

am. § 196.15–35—2115–0071

an. § 196.35–5—2115–0071

ao. § 196.37–37—2115–0577

ap. § 199.10—2115–0007

aq. § 199.40—2115–0554

ar. § 199.60—2115–0577

as. § 199.70—2115–0577

at. § 199.80—2115–0577

au. § 199.90—2115–0577

av. § 199.100—2115–0576, 2115–0577

aw. § 199.175—2115–0577

ax. § 199.176—2115–0577

ay. § 199.178—2115–0577

az. § 199.180—2115–0071, 2115–0577

ba. § 199.190—2115–0071

bb. § 199.217—2115–0577

bc. § 199.640—2115–0577

Federalism

Section 202 of the Unfunded

Mandates Reform Act of 1995 requires

that the Agency prepare a budgetary

impact statement before promulgating a

rule that includes a Federal mandate

that may result in expenditures by state,

local, and tribal governments, in the

aggregate, or by the private sector of

$100 million or more in any 1 year.

Because this interim rule is estimated to

result in the expenditure by state, local,

and tribal governments of less than $100

million per year, a budgetary impact

statement has not been prepared.

Nevertheless, much of the information

required in a budgetary impact

statement can be found in the Final

Regulatory Assessment for this rule.

Several state and local governments

operate about 75 passenger ferries and

other vessels regulated under

subchapter H. Total implementation

costs to the passenger vessel industry

affected by this interim rule are

estimated at $6.7 million and the total

recurring annual costs from 1998

through 2001 is estimated to be $3

million. State and local government

passenger ferries and other vessels

account for an estimated 34 percent or

$3.3 million of the total compliance

costs for passenger vessels. The

implementation costs to state and local

government vessels accounts for $1.9

million and the total annual recurring

cost would account for $1.4 million.

Because of the minimal estimated cost

to state and local governments, the

Coast Guard finds that preparation of a

Federalism Assessment is unwarranted.

Environment

The Coast Guard considered the

environmental impact of this interim

rule and concluded that under

paragraph 2.B.2 of Commandant

Instruction M16475.1B, this interim rule

is categorically excluded from further

environmental documentation. This

interim rule is made to enhance the

safety and survivability of personnel at

sea, as well as improving the

effectiveness of search and rescue. It is

expected to have no environmental

impact. A Categorical Exclusion

Determination is available in the docket

for inspection or copying where

indicated under ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects

46 CFR Part 30

Cargo vessels, Foreign relations,

Hazardous materials transportation,

Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 31

Cargo vessels, Marine safety,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

46 CFR Part 32

Cargo vessels, Fire prevention, Marine

safety, Navigation (water), Occupational

safety and health, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 33

Cargo vessels, Marine safety,

Occupational safety and health,

Seamen.

46 CFR Part 35

Cargo vessels, Marine safety,

Navigation (water), Occupational safety

and health, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Seamen.

46 CFR Part 70

Marine safety, Passenger vessels,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

46 CFR Part 71

Marine safety, Passenger vessels,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

46 CFR Part 75

Marine safety, Passenger vessels.

46 CFR Part 77

Marine safety, Navigation (water),

Passenger vessels.

46 CFR Part 78

Marine safety, Navigation (water),

Passenger vessels, Penalties, Reporting

and recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 90

Cargo vessels, Marine safety.

46 CFR Part 91

Cargo vessels, Marine safety,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements.

46 CFR Part 94

Cargo vessels, Marine safety.

46 CFR Part 96

Cargo vessels, Fire protection, Marine

safety.
25286 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

46 CFR Part 97

Cargo vessels, Marine safety,

Navigation (water), Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 107

Marine safety, Oil and gas

exploration, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 108

Fire prevention, Incorporation by

reference, Marine safety, Occupational

safety and health, Oil and gas

exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 109

Marine safety, Occupational safety

and health, Oil and gas exploration,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 125

Incorporation by reference, Marine

safety, Occupational safety and health,

Oil and gas exploration, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 133

Marine safety, Occupational safety

and health, Oil and gas exploration,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 167

Fire prevention, Marine safety,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Schools, Seamen, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 168

Occupational safety and health,

Schools, Seamen, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 188

Marine safety, Oceanographic

research vessels.

46 CFR Part 189

Marine safety, Oceanographic

research vessels, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 192

Marine safety, Oceanographic

research vessels.

46 CFR Part 195

Marine safety, Navigation (water),

Oceanographic research vessels.

46 CFR Part 196

Marine safety, Oceanographic

research vessels, Reporting and

recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 199

Cargo vessels, Incorporation by

reference, Marine safety, Oil and gas

exploration, Passenger vessels,

Reporting and recordkeeping

requirements, Vessels.

Dated: May 7, 1996.

James C. Card,

Rear Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Chief, Marine

Safety and Environmental Protection.

For the reasons set out in the

preamble, under the authority of 46

U.S.C. 3306, the Coast Guard amends 46

CFR chapter I as follows:

SUBCHAPTER D—TANK VESSELS

PART 30—GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. The authority citation for part 30

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703; 49

U.S.C. 5103, 5106; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46; Section

30.01–2 also issued under the authority of 44

U.S.C. 3507; Section 30.01–5 also issued

under the authority of Sec. 4109, Pub. L.

101–380, 104 Stat. 515.

§ 30.01–5 [Amended]

2. In § 30.01–5, paragraph (b) is

removed and reserved.

3. In § 30.01–6, paragraph (d) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 30.01–6 Application to vessels on an

international voyage.

* * * * *

(d) The Commandant or his

authorized representative may exempt

any vessel from the construction

requirements of this subchapter if the

vessel does not proceed more than 20

nautical miles from the nearest land in

the course of its voyage.

PART 31—INSPECTION AND

CERTIFICATION

4. The authority citation for part 31

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

2103, 3306, 3703; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O.

12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p.

277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 545757, 3 CFR, 1991

Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46. Section 31.10–

21a also issued under the authority of Sect.

4109, Pub. L. 101–380, 104 Stat. 515.

5. In § 31.01–1, paragraph (a) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 31.01–1 Inspections required—TB/ALL.

(a) Every tank vessel subject to the

regulations in this subchapter shall be

inspected biennially, annually, or

oftener, if necessary, by the Coast Guard

to see that the hull, boilers, machinery,

equipment, apparatus for storage, and

appliances of the vessel comply with

marine inspection laws, and the

regulations in this subchapter, and

when applicable, subchapters E, F, J, O,

Q, S, and W of this chapter and 33 CFR

parts 155 and 157.

* * * * *

6. In § 31.05–1, paragraph (a) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 31.05–1 Issuance of certificate of

inspection—TB/ALL.

(a) When a tank vessel is found to

comply with the regulations in this

subchapter, and applicable provisions of

subchapters E, F, J, O, Q, S, and W of

this chapter and 33 CFR parts 155 and

157, a certificate of inspection will be

issued to it, or to its owners, by the

Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

* * * * *

7. Subpart 31.36 is added to read as

follows:

Subpart 31.36—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

31.36–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements—TB/ALL.

Subpart 31.36—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 31.36–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements—TB/ALL.

All lifesaving appliances and

arrangements on tank vessels must be in

accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

PART 33—[REMOVED]

8. Part 33 is removed.

PART 35—OPERATIONS

9. The authority citation for part 35

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

3306, 3703, 6101; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O.

12234, 45 FR 58801, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O.

12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p.

351; 49 CFR 1.46.

10. In § 35.07–10, paragraph (b)(1) is

revised, paragraphs (b)(2) and (b)(7) are

removed, and paragraphs (b) (3), (4), (5),

(6), (8), (9), and (10) are redesignated as

paragraphs (b)(2) through (b)(8) to read

as follows:

§ 35.07–10 Actions required to be loggedTB/ALL.

* * * * *

(b) * * *

(1) Onboard training, musters, and

drills: held in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances or

Arrangements) of this chapter.

* * * * *

11. Section 35.10–1 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 35.10–1 Emergency training, musters,

and drills—T/ALL.

Onboard training, musters, and drills

must be in accordance with subchapter

W (Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25287

12. Section 35.10–5 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 35.10–5 Muster lists, emergency signals,

and manning—T/ALL.

The requirements for muster lists,

emergency signals, and manning must

be in accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 35.10–6, 35.10–7, 35.10–9, 35.10–20,

35.10–25, 35.10–30 [Removed]

13. Sections 35.10–6, 35.10–7, 35.10–

9, and 35.10–20, 35.10–25, and 35.10–

30 are removed.

§§ 35.30–50, 35.30–55 [Removed]

14. Sections 35.30–50 and 35.30–55

are removed.

15. In subpart 35.40, the subpart

heading is revised to read as follows:

Subpart 35.40–Posting and Marking

Requirements—TB/ALL

16. Section 35.40–40 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 35.40–40 Marking and instructions for

fire and emergency equipment—TB/ALL.

Lifesaving appliances, instructions to

passengers, and stowage locations for all

tank vessels must be in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

SUBCHAPTER H—PASSENGER VESSELS

PART 70—GENERAL PROVISIONS

17. The authority citation for part 70

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; 49 U.S.C.

5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR,

1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46;

Section 70.01–15 also issued under the

authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

18. In § 70.05–10, paragraph (d) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 70.05–10 Application to vessels on an

international voyage.

* * * * *

(d) The Commandant or his

authorized representative may exempt

any vessel from the construction

requirements of this subchapter if the

vessel does not proceed more than 20

nautical miles from the nearest land in

the course of its voyage.

§ 70.10–3 [Removed]

19. Section 70.10–3 removed.

20. Sec. 70.10–34 is added to read as

follows:

§ 70.10–34 Passenger.

(a) The term passenger means—

(1) On an international voyage, every

person other than—

(i) The master and the members of the

crew or other persons employed or

engaged in any capacity on board a

vessel on the business of that vessel;

and

(ii) A child under 1 year of age.

(2) On other than an international

voyage, an individual carried on the

vessel, except—

(i) The owner or an individual

representative of the owner or, in the

case of a vessel under charter, an

individual charterer or individual

representative of the charter;

(ii) The master; or

(iii) A member of the crew engaged in

the business of the vessel who has not

contributed consideration for carriage

and who is paid for onboard services.

(b) The term passenger for hire means

a passenger for whom consideration is

contributed as a condition of carriage on

the vessel, whether directly or indirectly

flowing to the owner, charterer,

operator, agent, or any other person

having an interest in the vessel.

21. Section 70.10–35 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 70.10–35 Passenger Vessel.

The term passenger vessel means—

(a) On an international voyage, a

vessel of at least 100 tons gross tonnage

carrying more than 12 passengers; and

(b) On other than an international

voyage, a vessel of at least 100 tons

gross tonnage—

(1) Carrying more than 12 passengers,

including at least one passenger for hire;

or

(2) That is chartered and carrying

more than 12 passengers.

22. Section 70.10–43 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 70.10–43 Short international voyage.

A short international voyage is an

international voyage in the course of

which a vessel is not more than 200

miles from a port or place in which the

passengers and crew could be placed in

safety. Neither the distance between the

last port of call in the country in which

the voyage begins and the final port of

destination nor the return voyage may

exceed 600 miles. The final port of

destination is the last port of call in the

scheduled voyage at which the vessel

commences its return voyage to the

country in which the voyage began.

23. Subpart 70.28 is added to read as

follows:

Subpart 70.28—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

70.28–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

Subpart 70.28—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 70.28–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

All lifesaving appliances and

arrangements on passenger vessels must

be in accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

PART 71—INSPECTION AND

CERTIFICATION

24. The authority citation for part 71

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

2113, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR,

1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757,

3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.

25. Section 71.15–1 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 71.15–1 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 70, subpart 70.35 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.

26. In § 71.20–20, paragraph (a)(1) is

revised, paragraph (a) is redesignated as

introductory text, and paragraphs (a) (1),

(2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) are redesignated

as paragraphs (a) through (f) to read as

follows:

§ 71.20–20 Specific tests and inspections.

* * * * *

(a) For inspection procedures of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements,

see subchapter W (Lifesaving

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

* * * * *

27. Section 71.25–15 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 71.25–15 Lifesaving equipment.

For inspection procedures of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements,

see subchapter W (Lifesaving
25288 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

PART 75—[REMOVED]

28. Part 75 is removed.

PART 77—VESSEL CONTROL AND

MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND

EQUIPMENT

29. The authority citation for part 77

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; E.O. 12234, 45

FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR

1.46.

30. Subpart 77.06 is added to read as

follows:

Subpart 77.06—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

77.06–1 Installation.

Subpart 77.06—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 77.06–1 Installation.

The installation of all lifesaving

appliances and arrangements must be in

accordance with the requirements of

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

PART 78—OPERATIONS

31. The authority citation for part 78

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

2103, 3306, 6101; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O.

12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p.

277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991

Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.

32. Section 78.13–1 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 78.13–1 Muster lists, emergency signals,

and manning.

The requirements for muster lists,

emergency signals, and manning must

be in accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 78.13–5, 78.13–10, 78.13–15, 78.13–20

[Removed]

33. Sections 78.13–5, 78.13–10,

78.13–15 and 78.13–20 are removed.

Subpart 78.14—[Removed]

34. Subpart 78.14 is removed.

§ 78.17–40 [Removed]

35. Section 78.17–40 is removed.

36. Section 78.17–50 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 78.17–50 Emergency training, musters,

and drills.

Onboard training, musters, and drills

must be in accordance with subchapter

W (Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 78.17–52, 78.17–55, 78.17–60, 78.17–70,

78.17–85, 78.17–90 [Removed]

37. Sections 78.17–52, 78.17–55,

78.17–60, 78.17–70, 78.17–85, and

17.17–90 are removed.

38. In § 78.37–5 paragraphs (a)(10)

and (a)(12) are removed, paragraph (a) is

redesignated as introductory text, and

paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7),

(8), (9), (11), (13), (14), and (15) are

redesignated as paragraphs (a) through

(m) and newly redesignated paragraph

(a) is revised to read as follows:

§ 78.37–5 Actions required to be logged.

* * * * *

(a) Onboard training, musters, and

drills: held in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

* * * * *

§§ 78.47–43, 78.47–45 [Removed]

39. Sections 78.47–43 and 78.47–45

are removed.

40. A new § 78.47–45 is added to read

as follows:

§ 78.47–45 Markings for lifesaving

appliances, instructions to passengers, and

stowage locations.

Lifesaving appliances, instructions to

passengers, and stowage locations must

be marked in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 78.47–47, 78.47–50, 78.47–51, 78.47–60,

78.47–63, 78.47–65, 78.47–72 [Removed]

41. Sections 78.47–47, 78.47–50,

78.47–51, 78.47–60, 78.47–63, 78.47–65,

and 78.47–72 are removed.

Subpart 78.49—[Removed]

42. Subpart 78.49 is removed.

Subpart 78.87—[Removed]

43. Subpart 78.87 is removed.

SUBCHAPTER I—CARGO AND

MISCELLANEOUS VESSELS

PART 90—GENERAL PROVISIONS

44. The authority citation for part 90

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 49 U.S.C.

5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR,

1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

45. In § 90.05–10, paragraph (d) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 90.05–10 Application to vessels on an

international voyage.

* * * * *

(d) The Commandant or his

authorized representative may exempt

any vessel from the construction

requirements of this subchapter if the

vessel does not proceed more than 20

nautical miles from the nearest land in

the course of its voyage.

§ 90.10–3 [Removed]

46. Section 90.10–3 is removed.

47. Section 90.10–29 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 90.10–29 Passenger.

(a) The term passenger means—

(1) On an international voyage, every

person other than—

(i) The master and the members of the

crew or other persons employed or

engaged in any capacity on board a

vessel on the business of that vessel;

and

(ii) A child under 1 year of age.

(2) On other than an international

voyage, an individual carried on the

vessel, except—

(i) The owner or an individual

representative of the owner or, in the

case of a vessel under charter, an

individual charterer or individual

representative of the charterer;

(ii) The master; or

(iii) A member of the crew engaged in

the business of the vessel who has not

contributed consideration for carriage

and who is paid for onboard services.

(b) The term passenger for hire means

a passenger for whom consideration is

contributed as a condition of carriage on

the vessel, whether directly or indirectly

flowing to the owner, charterer,

operator, agent, or any other person

having an interest in the vessel.

48. Subpart 90.27 is added to read as

follows:

Subpart 90.27—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

90.27–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

Subpart 90.27—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 90.27–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

All lifesaving appliances and

arrangements must be in accordance

with subchapter W (Lifesaving

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

PART 91—INSPECTION AND

CERTIFICATION

49. The authority citation for part 91

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980

Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3

CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25289

50. Section 91.15–1 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 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.

51. In § 91.20–20, paragraph (a) is

redesignated as introductory text, and

paragraphs (a) (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5)

are redesignated as paragraphs (a)

through (e) and newly redesignated

paragraph (a) is revised to read as

follows:

§ 91.20–20 Specific tests and inspections.

* * * * *

(a) For inspection procedures of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements,

see subchapter W (Lifesaving

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

* * * * *

52. Section 91.25–15 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 91.25–15 Lifesaving equipment.

For inspection procedures of

Lifesaving appliances and arrangements,

see subchapter W (Lifesaving

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

PART 94—[REMOVED]

53. Part 94 is removed.

PART 96—VESSEL CONTROL AND

MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND

EQUIPMENT

54. The authority citation for part 96

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; E.O. 12234, 45

FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1981 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR

1.46.

55. Subpart 96.06 is added to read as

follows:

Subpart 96.06—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

96.06–1 Installation.

Subpart 96.06—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 96.06–1 Installation.

The installation of all lifesaving

appliances and arrangements must be in

accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

PART 97—OPERATIONS

56. The authority citation for part 97

is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

2103, 3306, 6101; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O.

12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p.

277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757, 3 CFR, 1991

Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.

57. Section 97.13–1 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 97.13–1 Muster lists, emergency signals,

and manning.

The requirements for muster lists,

emergency signals, and manning must

be in accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 97.13–5, 97.13–10, 97.13–15, 97.13–20

[Removed]

58. Sections 97.13–5, 97.13–10,

97.13–15 and 97.13–20 are removed.

Subpart 97.14—[Removed]

59. Subpart 97.14 is removed.

§ 97.15–25 [Removed]

60. Section 97.15–25 is removed.

61. Section 97.15–35 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 97.15–35 Emergency training, musters,

and drills.

Onboard training, musters, and drills

must be in accordance with subchapter

W (Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 97.15–37, 97.15–40, 97.15–45, 97.15–50,

97.15–65, 97.15–70 [Removed]

62. Sections 97.15–37, 97.15–40,

97.15–45, 97.15–50, 97.15–65, and

97.15–70 are removed.

63. In § 97.35–5, paragraphs (a)(7) and

(a)(9) are removed, paragraph (a) is

redesignated as introductory text, and

paragraphs (a) (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6),

(8), (10), (11), and (12) are redesignated

as paragraphs (a) through (j) and newly

redesignated paragraph (a) is revised to

read as follows:

§ 97.35–5 Actions required to be logged.

* * * * *

(a) Onboard training, musters, and

drills: held in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

* * * * *

§§ 97.37–37, 97.37–40 [Removed]

64. Sections 97.37–37 and 97.37–40

are removed.

65. Section 97.37–42 is added to read

as follows:

§ 97.37–42 Markings for lifesaving

appliances, instructions to passengers, and

stowage locations.

Lifesaving appliances, instructions to

passengers, and stowage locations must

be marked in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 97.37–43, 97.37–55 [Removed]

66. Sections 97.37–43 and 97.37–55

are removed.

Subparts 97.39, 97.85—[Removed]

67. Subparts 97.39 and 97.85 are

removed.

SUBCHAPTER I–A—MOBILE OFFSHORE

DRILLING UNITS

PART 107—INSPECTION AND

CERTIFICATION

68. The authority citation for part 107

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306,

5115; 49 CFR 1.45, 1.46; § 107.05 also issued

under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 3507.

69. In § 107.111, add definitions, in

alphabetical order, to read as follows:

§ 107.111 Definitions.

* * * * *

Accommodation means a cabin or

other covered or enclosed place

intended to carry persons.

* * * * *

Approval series means the first six

digits of a number assigned by the Coast

Guard to approved equipment. Where

approval is based on a subpart of

subchapter Q of this chapter, the

approval series corresponds to the

number of the subpart. A listing of

approved equipment, including all of

the approval series, is published

periodically by the Coast Guard in

Equipment Lists (COMDTINST

M16714.3 series), available from the

Superintendent of Documents.

* * * * *

Embarkation ladder means the ladder

provided at survival craft embarkation

stations to permit safe access to survival

craft after launching.

Embarkation station means the place

where a survival craft is boarded.

Float-free launching means the

method of launching a survival craft or

lifesaving appliance whereby the craft

or appliance is automatically released

from a sinking unit and is ready for use.

Free-fall launching means the method

of launching a survival craft whereby
25290 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

the craft, with its full complement of

persons and equipment on board, is

released and allowed to fall into the sea

without any restraining apparatus.

* * * * *

Immersion suit means protective suit

that reduces loss of body heat of a

person wearing it in cold water.

* * * * *

Inflatable appliance means an

appliance that depends upon nonrigid,

gas-filled chambers for buoyancy and

that is normally kept uninflated until

ready for use.

Inflated appliance means an

appliance that depends upon nonrigid,

gas-filled chambers for buoyancy and

that is kept inflated and ready for use at

all times.

* * * * *

Launching appliance or launching

arrangement means the method or

devices for transferring a survival craft

or rescue boat from its stowed position

to the water. For a launching

arrangement using a davit, the term

includes the davit, winch, and falls.

Lifejacket means a flotation device

approved as a life preserver or lifejacket.

Marine evacuation system means an

appliance designed to rapidly transfer

large numbers of persons from an

embarkation station by means of a

passage to a floating platform for

subsequent embarkation into associated

survival craft, or directly into associated

survival craft.

* * * * *

Muster station means the place where

the crew and industrial personnel

assemble before boarding a survival

craft.

* * * * *

Novel lifesaving appliance or

arrangement means one that has new

features not fully covered by the

provisions of this subchapter but

providing an equal or higher standard of

safety.

* * * * *

Rescue boat means a boat designed to

rescue persons in distress and to

marshal survival craft.

Retrieval means the safe recovery of

survivors.

Seagoing condition means the

operating condition of the unit with the

personnel, equipment, fluids, and

ballast necessary for safe operation on

the waters where the unit operates. For

bottom-bearing mobile offshore drilling

units (MODU), the term also applies in

the bottom-bearing mode, but the

lightest seagoing condition is

considered to be the highest anticipated

operating condition.

* * * * *

Survival craft means a craft capable of

sustaining the lives of persons in

distress after abandoning the unit on

which they were carried. The term

includes lifeboats and liferafts, but does

not include rescue boats.

* * * * *

70. In § 107.231, paragraphs (h), (i),

and (z) are removed; and paragraphs (j)

through (y), (aa), (bb), and (cc) are

redesignated as paragraph (h) through

(y); and paragraph (b) through (q) and

newly redesignated paragraph (v) are

revised to read as follows:

§ 107.231 Inspection for certification.

* * * * *

(b) The survival craft and rescue boat

launching appliances are in proper

condition and operating properly at

loads ranging from light load to full

load.

(c) The lifeboats and rescue boats,

including engines and release

mechanisms are in proper condition and

operating properly.

(d) The flotation equipment such as

lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits,

work vests, lifefloats, buoyant

apparatus, and associated equipment are

in proper condition.

(e) Each inflatable liferaft and

inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as

required under this chapter;

(f) Each hydrostatic release unit, other

than a disposable hydrostatic release

unit, has been serviced as required

under this chapter.

(g) The crew has the ability to

effectively carry out abandonment and

fire fighting procedures.

* * * * *

(v) Tests and inspections of the

lifesaving equipment shall be carried

out during the initial inspection for

certification, and whenever any new

item of lifesaving equipment is installed

on the unit. The tests and inspections

shall determine that the installation of

each item of lifesaving equipment is

consistent with each condition of its

approval, as listed on its Coast Guard

Certificate of Approval. The tests and

inspections shall also demonstrate, as

applicable,—

(1) The proper condition and

operation of the survival craft and

rescue boat launching appliances at

loads ranging from light load to 10

percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and

operation of lifeboats and rescue boats,

including engines and release

mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation

equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets,

immersion suits, work vests, and

associated equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress

signaling equipment, including EPIRB’s,

SART’s, and pyrotechnic signaling

devices;

(5) The proper condition of linethrowing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and

operation of embarkation and

debarkation appliances, including

embarkation-debarkation ladders, and

alternate means of escape;

(7) The ability of the crew to

effectively carry out abandonment and

firefighting procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and

survival craft launching requirements of

this part.

* * * * *

§§ 107.239, 107.243 [Removed]

71. Section 107.239 and 107.243 are

removed.

72. In § 107.305, paragraphs (bb) and

(cc) are revised to read as follows:

§ 107.305 Plans and information.

* * * * *

(bb) The location and arrangement of

each lifesaving system including each

embarkation deck, showing each

overboard discharge and clearances

from projections and obstructions in the

way of launching lifeboats, rescue boats,

and liferafts throughout the range of list

and trim angles required under part 108,

subpart E of this chapter.

(cc) The weight of each lifeboat,

rescue boat, and davit-launched liferaft

when fully equipped and loaded.

* * * * *

PART 108—DESIGN AND EQUIPMENT

73. The authority citation for part 108

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333, 1333(d); 46

U.S.C. 3102, 3306, 5115; 49 CFR 1.46.

74. In § 108.101, paragraph (b) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 108.101 Incorporation by reference.

* * * * *

(b) The material approved for

incorporation by reference in this part

and the sections affected are:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103

ASTM D93–94, Flash Point by Pennsky-Martens Closed Cup Tester ................................................. 108.500
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25291

ASTM F–1014, Standard Specification for Flashlights on Vessels, 1986 ........................................... 108.497

ASTM F–1121, International Shore Connections for Marine Fire Applications, 1987 ...................... 108.427

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, England

Resolution A.520(13), Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of Prototype

Novel Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, 17 November 1983.

108.105.

Resolution A.649(16), Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling

Units (MODU Code), 19 October 1989 with amendments of June 1991.

108.503.

Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-reflective Materials on Life-saving Appliances, 20

November 1989.

108.645; 108.649.

Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, 17 November 1993.108.646; 108.647; 108.649; 108.655.

75. Section 108.103 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 108.103 Equipment not required on a

unit.

Each item of lifesaving and

firefighting equipment carried on board

the unit in addition to equipment of the

type required under this subchapter,

must—

(a) Be approved; or

(b) Be acceptable to the cognizant

OCMI, for use on the unit.

76. In § 108.105, paragraph (a) is

revised, and paragraphs (c) through (f)

are added to read as follows:

§ 108.105 Substitutions for required

fittings, material, apparatus, equipment,

arrangements, calculations, and tests.

(a) Where this subchapter requires a

particular fitting, material, apparatus,

equipment, arrangement, calculation or

test, the Commandant (G–MSE) may

accept any substitution that is at least as

effective as that specified. If necessary,

the Commandant (G–MSE) may require

engineering evaluations and tests to

demonstrate the equivalence of the

substitution.

* * * * *

(c) The Commandant (G–MSE) may

accept a novel lifesaving appliance or

arrangement, if it provides a level of

safety equivalent to the requirements of

this part and the appliance or

arrangement—

(1) Is evaluated and tested in

accordance with IMO Resolution

A.520(13), Code of Practice for the

Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of

Prototype Novel Life-saving Appliances

and Arrangements; or

(2) Has successfully undergone

evaluation and tests that are

substantially equivalent to those

recommendations.

(d) During a unit’s construction and

when any modification to the lifesaving

arrangement is done after construction,

the owner must obtain acceptance of

lifesaving arrangements from the

Commandant (G–MSC).

(e) The OCMI may accept substitute

lifesaving appliances other than those

required by this part, except for—

(1) Survival craft and rescue boats;

and

(2) Survival craft and rescue boat

launching and embarkation appliances.

(f) Acceptance of lifesaving

appliances and arrangements will

remain in effect unless—

(1) The OCMI deems their condition

to be unsatisfactory or unfit for the

service intended; or

(2) The OCMI deems the crew’s ability

to use and assist others in the use of the

lifesaving appliances or arrangements to

be inadequate.

77. Subpart E is revised to read as

follows:

Subpart E—Lifesaving Equipment

Sec.

108.500 General.

108.503 Relationship to international

standards.

108.510 Application.

108.515 Requirements for units built before

October 1, 1996.

108.520 Type of survival craft.

108.525 Survival craft number and

arrangement.

108.530 Stowage of survival craft.

108.540 Survival craft muster and

embarkation arrangements.

108.545 Marine evacuation system

launching arrangements.

108.550 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements: general.

108.553 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements using falls and a

winch.

108.555 Lifeboat launching and recovery

arrangements.

108.557 Free-fall lifeboat launching and

recovery arrangements.

108.560 Rescue boats.

108.565 Stowage of rescue boats.

108.570 Rescue boat embarkation,

launching and recovery arrangements.

108.575 Survival craft and rescue boat

equipment.

108.580 Personal lifesaving appliances.

108.595 Communications.

108.597 Line-throwing appliance.

Subpart E—Lifesaving Equipment

§ 108.500 General.

(a) Each unit, other than a surface

type unit, must meet the requirements

in this subpart.

(b) Each surface type unit must meet

the lifesaving system requirements in

subchapter W of this chapter, for a tank

vessel certificated to carry cargoes that

have a flash less than 60 °C, as

determined under ASTM D93–94.

(c) The OCMI may require a unit to

carry specialized or additional

lifesaving equipment other than as

required by this part, if the OCMI

determines the conditions of the unit’s

service present uniquely hazardous

circumstances which are not adequately

addressed by existing requirements.

§ 108.503 Relationship to international

standards.

For the purposes of this part, any unit

carrying a valid IMO MODU Safety

Certificate, including a listing of

lifesaving equipment as required by the

1989 IMO MODU Code, is considered to

have met the requirements of this

subpart if, in addition to the

requirements of the 1989 IMO MODU

Code, it meets the following

requirements:

(a) Each new lifeboat and launching

appliance may be of aluminum

construction only if its stowage location

is protected with a water spray system

in accordance with § 108.550(d) of this

chapter.

(b) Each lifejacket, immersion suit,

and emergency position indicating

radiobeacon (EPIRB) must be marked

with the unit’s name in accordance with

§§ 108.649 and 108.650.

(c) Inflatable lifejackets, if carried,

must be of the same or similar design as

required by § 108.580(b).

(d) Containers for lifejackets,

immersions suits, and anti-exposure

suits must be marked as specified in

§ 108.649(g).

(e) Each liferaft must be arranged to

permit it to drop into the water from the

deck on which it is stowed as required

in § 108.530(c)(3).

(f) Survival craft must be arranged to

allow safe disembarkation onto the unit

after a drill in accordance with

§ 108.540(f).

(g) The requirements for guarding of

falls in §§ 108.553 (d) and (f) must be

met.

(h) The winch drum requirements

described in § 108.553(e) must be met
25292 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

for all survival craft winches, not just

multiple drum winches.

(i) The maximum lowering speed

requirements from §§ 108.553 (h) and (i)

must be met.

(j) An auxiliary line must be kept with

each line-throwing appliance in

accordance with § 108.597(c)(2).

(k) Immersion suits are required on all

units, except those operating between

the 32 degrees north and 32 degrees

south latitude in accordance with

§ 108.580(c).

(l) All abandonment drills conducted

on units carrying immersion suits must

include immersion suits.

§ 108.510 Application.

(a) For the purposes of this subpart—

(1) Similar stage of construction

means the stage at which—

(i) Construction identifiable with a

specific unit begins; and

(ii) Assembly of that unit comprising

at least 50 metric tons (55.1 U.S. tons)

or 1 percent of the estimated mass of all

structural material, whichever is less,

has been achieved.

(2) Unit constructed means a unit, the

keel of which is laid or which is at a

similar stage of construction.

(b) Subject to § 108.515, each unit

constructed before October 1, 1996,

must meet the requirements of this

subpart, except for the number, type,

and arrangement of lifeboats (including

survival capsules), lifeboat davits,

winches, inflatable liferafts, liferaft

launching equipment, and rescue boats.

(c)(1) If a District Commander

determines that the overall safety of the

persons on board a unit will not be

significantly reduced, the District

Commander may grant an exemption

from compliance with a provision of

this part to a specific unit for a specified

geographic area within the boundaries

of the Coast Guard District. This

exemption may be limited to certain

periods of the year.

(2) Requests for exemption under this

paragraph must be in writing to the

OCMI for transmission to the District

Commander in the area in which the

unit is in service or will be in service.

(3) If the exemption is granted by the

District Commander, the OCMI will

endorse the unit’s Certificate of

Inspection with a statement describing

the exemption.

§ 108.515 Requirements for units built

before October 1, 1996.

(a) Units which were constructed

prior to October 1, 1996, must—

(1) By October 1, 1997, have either—

(i) Lifeboats and liferafts that meet

§ 108.525; or

(ii) Totally enclosed fire-protected

lifeboats of sufficient capacity to

accommodate 100 percent of the

persons permitted on board, plus

additional totally enclosed lifeboats or

davit-launched liferafts of sufficient

capacity to accommodate 100 percent of

the persons permitted on board the unit.

The following exceptions apply:

(A) An open lifeboat may be used

instead of davit-launched liferafts as

long as it is in good working order. An

open lifeboat requiring extensive repairs

must be replaced with either a totally

enclosed fire-protected lifeboat, or

davit-launched liferafts.

(B) A submersible unit constructed

before January 3, 1979, may continue to

use the lifesaving arrangements

described on the units Certificate of

Inspection in effect on October 1, 1996.

(2) By October 1, 1997, fit retroreflective material on all floating

appliances, lifejackets, and immersion

suits.

(3) Except for the requirements in

paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this

section, units may retain the

arrangement of lifesaving appliances

previously required and approved for

the unit, as long as the arrangement or

appliance is maintained in good

condition to the satisfaction of the

OCMI.

(b) When any lifesaving appliance or

arrangement on a unit subject to this

part is replaced, or when the unit

undergoes repairs, alterations or

modifications of a major character

involving replacement of, or any

addition to, the existing lifesaving

appliances or arrangements, each new

lifesaving appliance and arrangement

must meet the requirements of this part,

unless the OCMI determines that the

unit cannot accommodate the new

appliance or arrangement, except that—

(1) A survival craft is not required to

meet the requirements of this part if it

is replaced without replacing its davit

and winch; and

(2) A davit and its winch are not

required to meet the requirements of

this part if one or both are replaced

without replacing the survival craft.

§ 108.520 Type of survival craft.

(a) Each lifeboat must be a fireprotected lifeboat approved under

approval series 160.135. A lifeboat of

aluminum construction in the hull or

canopy must be protected in its stowage

position by a water spray system

meeting the requirements of part 34,

subpart 34.25 of this chapter.

(b) Each inflatable liferaft must be

approved under approval series

160.151. Each rigid liferaft must be

approved under approval series

160.118. Each liferaft must have a

capacity of six persons or more.

§ 108.525 Survival craft number and

arrangement.

(a) Each unit must carry the following:

(1) Lifeboats installed in at least two

widely separated locations on different

sides or ends of the unit. The

arrangement of the lifeboats must

provide sufficient capacity to

accommodate the total number of

persons permitted on board if—

(i) All the lifeboats in any one

location are lost or rendered unusable;

or

(ii) All the lifeboats on any one side

or end of the unit are lost or rendered

unusable.

(2) Liferafts arranged for float-free

launching and having an aggregate

capacity that will accommodate the total

number of persons permitted on board.

(b) In the case of a self-elevating unit

where, due to its size or configuration,

lifeboats can not be located in the

widely separated locations required

under paragraph (a)(1) of this section,

the OCMI may accept the following

number and arrangement of survival

craft:

(1) Lifeboats with an aggregate

capacity to accommodate the total

number of persons permitted on board.

(2) Liferafts served by launching

appliances or marine evacuation

systems of an aggregate capacity to

accommodate the total number of

persons permitted on board. These

liferafts may be the float-free liferafts

under paragraph (a)(2) of this section, or

liferafts in addition to the float-free

liferafts.

§ 108.530 Stowage of survival craft.

(a) General. Each survival craft

required to be served by a launching

appliance or marine evacuation system

must be stowed as follows:

(1) Each survival craft must be stowed

as close to the accommodation and

service spaces as possible.

(2) Each survival craft must be stowed

in a way that neither the survival craft

nor its stowage arrangements will

interfere with the embarkation and

operation of any other survival craft or

rescue boat at any other launching

station.

(3) Each survival craft must be stowed

as near the water surface as is safe and

practicable.

(4) Each survival craft must be stowed

where the survival craft, in the

embarkation position, is above the

waterline with the unit—

(i) In the fully loaded condition; and

(ii) Listed up to 20 degrees either way,

or to the angle where the unit’s

weatherdeck edge becomes submerged,

whichever is less.

(5) Each survival craft must be

sufficiently ready for use so that two
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25293

crew members can complete

preparations for embarkation and

launching in less than 5 minutes.

(6) Each survival craft must be fully

equipped as required under this

subpart.

(7) Each survival craft must be in a

secure and sheltered position and

protected from damage by fire and

explosion, as far as practicable.

(8) Each survival craft must not

require lifting from its stowed position

in order to launch, except that a davitlaunched liferaft may be lifted by a

manually powered winch from its

stowed position to its embarkation

position.

(b) Additional lifeboat-specific

stowage requirements. In addition to

meeting the requirements of paragraph

(a) of this section, each lifeboat must be

stowed as follows:

(1) The unit must be arranged so each

lifeboat, in its stowed position, is

protected from damage by heavy seas.

(2) Each lifeboat must be stowed

attached to its launching appliance.

(3) Each lifeboat must be provided a

means for recharging the lifeboat

batteries from the unit’s power supply at

a supply voltage not exceeding 50 volts.

(c) Additional liferaft-specific stowage

requirements. In addition to meeting the

requirements of paragraph (a) of this

section, each liferaft must be stowed as

follows:

(1) Each liferaft must be stowed to

permit manual release from its securing

arrangements.

(2) Each liferaft must be stowed at a

height above the waterline in the

lightest seagoing condition, not greater

than the maximum stowage height

indicated on the liferaft. Each liferaft

without an indicated maximum stowage

height must be stowed not more than 18

meters (59 feet) above the waterline in

the unit’s lightest seagoing condition.

(3) Each liferaft must be arranged to

permit it to drop into the water from the

deck on which it is stowed. A liferaft

stowage arrangement meets this

requirement if it—

(i) Is outboard of the rail or bulwark;

(ii) Is on stanchions or on a platform

adjacent to the rail or bulwark; or

(iii) Has a gate or other suitable

opening to allow the liferaft to be

pushed directly overboard.

(4) Each davit-launched liferaft must

be stowed within reach of its lifting

hook, unless some means of transfer is

provided that is not rendered

inoperable—

(i) Within the list limits specified in

paragraph (a)(4)(ii) of this section;

(ii) By unit motion; or

(iii) By power failure.

(5) Each rigid container for an

inflatable liferaft to be launched by a

launching appliance must be secured in

a way that the container or parts of it are

prevented from falling into the water

during and after inflation and launching

of the contained liferaft.

(6) Each liferaft must have a painter

system providing a connection between

the unit and the liferaft.

(7) Each liferaft or group of liferafts

must be arranged for float-free

launching. The arrangement must

ensure that the liferaft or liferafts when

released and inflated, are not dragged

under by the sinking unit. A hydrostatic

release unit used in a float-free

arrangement must be approved under

approval series 160.162.

§ 108.540 Survival craft muster and

embarkation arrangements.

(a) Each muster station must have

sufficient space to accommodate all

persons assigned to muster at that

station. One or more muster stations

must be close to each embarkation

station.

(b) Each muster station and

embarkation station must be readily

accessible from accommodation and

work areas.

(c) Each lifeboat must be arranged to

be boarded and launched directly from

the stowed position.

(d) Each lifeboat must be arranged to

be boarded by its full complement of

persons within 3 minutes from the time

the instruction to board is given.

(e) Each davit-launched and free-fall

survival craft muster station and

embarkation station for a survival craft

which is boarded before it is launched

must be arranged to enable stretcher

cases to be placed in the survival craft.

(f) Means must be provided for

bringing each davit-launched survival

craft against the side of the unit and

holding it alongside to allow persons to

be—

(1) Safely embarked in the case of a

survival craft intended to be boarded

over the edge of the deck; and

(2) Safely disembarked after a drill in

the case of a survival craft not intended

to be moved to the stowed position with

a full complement of persons on board.

(g) Each davit-launched liferaft

launching arrangement must have a

means to hold the liferaft in the

embarkation position that—

(1) Will hold the liferaft securely in

high winds;

(2) Can be rapidly engaged in the

proper position for boarding; and

(3) Can be rapidly released for

launching by one person from within

the loaded liferaft.

(h) Each launching station or each two

adjacent launching stations must have

an embarkation ladder as follows:

(1) Each embarkation ladder must be

approved under approval series 160.117

or be a rope ladder approved under

approval series 160.017, and must be

installed in a way that—

(i) Each embarkation ladder must

extend in a single length, from the deck

to the waterline in the lightest seagoing

condition with the unit listed not less

than up to 15 degrees either way; or

(ii) Each embarkation ladder may be

replaced by a device approved to

provide safe and rapid access to survival

craft in the water, if the OCMI permits

the device, provided that there is at least

one embarkation ladder on each side of

the unit.

(2) An embarkation ladder is not

required if—

(i) The distance from the embarkation

deck to the unit’s lightest operating

waterline is less than 3 meters (10 feet);

and

(ii) The unit is not in international

service.

(3) If the embarkation ladders can not

be supported against a vertical flat

surface, the unit must instead be

provided with at least two widely

separated fixed metal ladders or

stairways extending from the deck to the

surface of the water and meet the

following:

(i) Each inclined fixed ladder must

meet the requirements under § 108.159.

(ii) Each vertical fixed ladder must

meet the requirements under § 108.160

for fixed ladders, except that the vertical

bars in cages must be open at least 500

millimeters (20 inches) on one side

throughout the length of the ladder.

(iii) If a fixed ladder can not be

installed, the OCMI may approve an

alternate means of escape with

sufficient capacity to permit all persons

permitted on board to safely descend to

the waterline.

(4) Alternate means of escape under

paragraphs (h)(1)(ii) and (h)(3) of this

section, such as portable slides, safety

booms, moveable ladders, elevators, and

controlled descent devices must be

approved. An alternate means of escape

must have sufficient capacity to permit

all persons permitted on board to safely

descend to the waterline within 10

minutes from the time the signal to start

is given.

§ 108.545 Marine evacuation system

launching arrangements.

(a) Arrangements. Each marine

evacuation system must have the

following arrangements:

(1) Each marine evacuation system

must be capable of being deployed by

one person.

(2) Each marine evacuation system

must enable the total number of persons
25294 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

for which it is designed, to be

transferred from the unit into the

inflated liferafts within a period of 10

minutes from the time the signal to

abandon the unit is given.

(3) Each marine evacuation system

must be arranged so that liferafts may be

securely attached to the platform and

released from the platform by a person

either in the liferaft or on the platform.

(4) Each marine evacuation system

must be capable of being deployed from

the unit under unfavorable conditions of

list of up to 20 degrees.

(5) If the marine evacuation system

has an inclined slide, the angle of the

slide from horizontal must be within a

range of 30 to 35 degrees when the unit

is upright and in the lightest seagoing

condition.

(6) Each marine evacuation system

platform must be capable of being

restrained by a bowsing line or other

positioning system that is designed to

deploy automatically, and if necessary,

be capable of being adjusted to the

position required for evacuation.

(b) Stowage. Each marine evacuation

system must be stowed as follows:

(1) There must not be any openings

between the marine evacuation system’s

embarkation station and the unit’s side

at the unit’s waterline in the lightest

seagoing condition.

(2) The marine evacuation system

must be protected from any projections

of the unit’s structure or equipment.

(3) The marine evacuation system’s

passage and platform, when deployed,

its stowage container, and its

operational arrangement must not

interfere with the operation of any other

lifesaving appliance at any other

launching station.

(4) Where appropriate, the marine

evacuation system’s stowage area must

be protected from damage by heavy

seas.

(c) Stowage of associated liferafts.

Inflatable liferafts used in conjunction

with the marine evacuation system must

be stowed as follows:

(1) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be close to the system

container, but capable of dropping clear

of the deployed chute and boarding

platform.

(2) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be capable of individual

release from its stowage rack.

(3) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be stowed in accordance

with § 108.530.

(4) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be provided with preconnected or easily connected retrieving

lines to the platform.

§ 108.550 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements: general.

(a) Each launching appliance for a

lifeboat must be a davit approved under

approval series 160.132, with a winch

approved under approval series

160.115. Each launching appliance for a

davit-launched liferaft must be

approved under approval series

160.163, with an automatic disengaging

apparatus approved under approval

series 160.170.

(b) All lifeboats required for

abandonment by the total number of

persons permitted on board must be

capable of being launched with their

full complement of persons and

equipment within 10 minutes from the

time the signal to abandon the unit is

given.

(c) Each survival craft must be

arranged to clear each leg, column,

footing, brace, mat, and each similar

structure below the hull of a selfelevating unit and clear the upper hull,

the columns, and the pontoons of a

column stabilized unit, with the unit in

an intact condition.

(1) The survival craft must be

arranged to be launched down the

straight side of the unit or be mounted

on a structure intended to provide

clearance from lower structures of the

unit.

(2) The OCMI may allow a reduction

in the total number of survival craft

meeting this requirement when the unit

is in the transit mode and the number

of personnel on board is reduced. In

such cases, sufficient survival craft must

be available for use by the total number

of personnel remaining on board.

(d) Each lifeboat of aluminum

construction in the hull or canopy, and

each aluminum launching appliance

must be protected in its stowage

position by a water spray system

meeting the requirements of part 34,

subpart 34.25 of this chapter.

(e) With the exception of the

secondary means of launching for freefall lifeboats, each launching appliance

together with all its lowering and

recovery gear must be arranged in a way

that the fully equipped survival craft it

serves can be safely lowered when

loaded with its full complement of

persons, and also without persons,

against—

(1) A list of up to 20 degrees on the

high side; and

(2) A list of up to 20 degrees or the

degree of list where the survival craft

becomes waterborne, whichever, is the

greater, on the low side.

(f) When the unit is under any

unfavorable condition such as

maximum airgap, lightest transit or

operational condition, or any damaged

condition under part 174, subpart C of

this chapter,—

(1) Notwithstanding the requirements

under § 108.550(e), survival craft

launching appliances and marine

evacuation systems must be capable of

operation;

(2) Falls, where used, must be long

enough for survival craft to reach the

water; and

(3) Lifeboats with an aggregate

capacity that will accommodate the total

number of persons permitted on board

must be capable of being launched

safely, and clear of any obstruction. The

location and orientation of each lifeboat

must be such that the lifeboat is either

headed away from the unit upon

launching, or can be turned to a heading

away from the unit immediately upon

launching.

(g) A launching appliance must not

depend on any means other than gravity

or stored mechanical power

independent of the unit’s power

supplies to launch the survival craft it

serves, in the fully loaded and equipped

conditions, and also in the light

condition.

(h) Each launching appliance’s

structural attachment to the vessel must

be designed, based on the ultimate

strength of the construction material, to

be at least 4.5 times the load imparted

on the attachment by the launching

appliance and its fully loaded survival

craft under the most adverse

combination of list and trim under

paragraph (b) of this section.

(i) Each launching appliance must be

arranged so that—

(1) All parts requiring regular

maintenance by the crew are readily

accessible and easily maintained;

(2) The launching appliance remains

effective under conditions of icing;

(3) The same type of release

mechanism is used for each similar

survival craft carried on board the unit;

and

(4) The preparation and handling of

survival craft at any one launching

station does not interfere with the

prompt preparation and handling of any

other survival craft at any other station.

(j) Each launching mechanism must

be arranged so it may be actuated by one

person from a position on the unit’s

deck, and also from a position within

the survival craft. Each launching and

recovery arrangement must allow the

operator on the deck to observe the

survival craft at all times during

launching.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25295

(k) Means must be provided outside

the machinery space to prevent any

discharge of water onto survival craft

during abandonment.

§ 108.553 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements using falls and a

winch.

Survival craft launching and recovery

arrangements, in addition to meeting the

requirements in § 108.550, must meet

the following requirements:

(a) Each fall wire must be of rotationresistant and corrosion-resistant steel

wire rope.

(b) The breaking strength of each fall

wire and each attachment used on the

fall must be at least six times the load

imparted on the fall by the fully-loaded

survival craft.

(c) Each fall must be long enough for

the survival craft to reach the water with

the unit in its lightest seagoing

condition, under unfavorable conditions

of trim and with the unit listed not less

than 20 degrees either way.

(d) Each unguarded fall must not pass

near any operating position of the

winch, such as hand cranks, payout

wheels, and brake levers.

(e) Each winch drum must be

arranged so the fall wire winds onto the

drum in a level wrap, and a multiple

drum winch must be arranged so that

the falls wind off at the same rate when

lowering, and onto the drums at the

same rate when hoisting.

(f) Each fall, where exposed to damage

or fouling, must have guards or

equivalent protection. Each fall that

leads along a deck must be covered with

a guard that is not more than 300

millimeters (1 foot) above the deck.

(g) The lowering speed for a fully

loaded survival craft must be not less

than that obtained from the following

formula:

(1) S=0.4+(0.02 H), where S is the

speed of lowering in meters per second,

and H is the height in meters from the

davit head to the waterline at the

lightest seagoing condition, with H not

greater than 30, regardless of the

lowering height.

(2) S=79+(1.2 H), where S is the speed

of lowering in feet per minute, and H is

the height in feet, with H not greater

than 99.

(h) The lowering speed for a survival

craft loaded with all of its equipment

must be not less than 70 percent of the

speed required under paragraph (g) of

this section.

(i) The lowering speed for a fully

loaded survival craft must be not more

than 1.3 meters per second (256 feet per

minute).

(j) If a survival craft is recovered by

electric power, the electrical

installation, including the electric

power-operated boat winch, must meet

the requirements in subchapter J of this

chapter. If a survival craft is recovered

by any means of power, including a

portable power source, safety devices

must be provided which automatically

cut off the power before the davit arms

or falls reach the stops in order to avoid

overstressing the falls or davits, unless

the motor is designed to prevent such

overstressing.

(k) Each launching appliance must be

fitted with brakes that meet the

following requirements:

(1) The brakes must be capable of

stopping the descent of the survival

craft or rescue boat and holding it

securely when loaded with it full

complement of persons and equipment.

(2) The brake pads must, where

necessary, be protected from water and

oil.

(3) Manual brakes must be arranged so

that the brake is always applied unless

the operator, or a mechanism activated

by the operator, holds the brake control

in the off position.

§ 108.555 Lifeboat launching and recovery

arrangements.

Liftboat launching and recovery

arrangements, in addition to meeting the

requirements in §§ 108.550 and 108.553,

must meet the following requirements:

(a) Each lifeboat must be capable of

being launched with the unit making

headway of 5 knots in calm water, or

with the unit anchored or bearing on the

bottom in a current of up to 5 knots. A

painter may be used to meet this

requirement.

(b) Each lifeboat must be provided

with a launching appliance. The

launching appliance must be capable of

launching and recovering the lifeboat

with its crew.

(c) Each launching appliance

arrangement must allow the operator on

the unit to observe the lifeboat at all

times during recovery.

(d) Each launching appliance

arrangement must be designed to ensure

persons can safely disembark from the

survival craft prior its stowage.

§ 108.557 Free-fall lifeboat launching and

recovery arrangements.

(a) The launching appliance for a freefall lifeboat must be designed and

installed so that the launching

appliance and the lifeboat it serves

operate as a system to protect the

occupants from harmful acceleration

forces and to effectively clear the unit.

(b) The launching appliance must be

designed and arranged so that in its

ready to launch position, the distance

from the lowest point on the lifeboat it

serves to the water surface with the unit

in its lightest seagoing condition does

not exceed the lifeboat’s certificated

free-fall height.

(c) The launching appliance must be

arranged so as to preclude accidental

release of the lifeboat in its unattended

stowed position. If the means provided

to secure the lifeboat cannot be released

from inside the lifeboat, the means to

secure the lifeboat must be arranged as

to preclude boarding the lifeboat

without first releasing it.

(d) Each free-fall launching

arrangement must be provided with a

secondary means to launch the lifeboat

by falls. Such means must comply with

the requirements of §§ 108.550, 108.553,

and 108.555. Notwithstanding

§ 108.550(e), the launching appliance

must be capable of launching the

lifeboat against unfavorable conditions

of list of 5 degrees in any direction and

it need not comply with the speed

requirements of §§ 108.553 (g), (h), and

(i).

If the secondary launching appliance

is not dependent on gravity, stored

mechanical power or other manual

means, the launching arrangement must

be connected both to the unit’s main

and emergency power supplies.

§ 108.560 Rescue boats.

Each unit must carry at least one

rescue boat. Each rescue boat must be

approved under approval series

160.156. A lifeboat is accepted as a

rescue boat if it also meets the

requirements for a rescue boat.

§ 108.565 Stowage of rescue boats.

(a) Rescue boats must be stowed as

follows:

(1) Each rescue boat must be ready for

launching in not more than 5 minutes.

(2) Each rescue boat must be in a

position suitable for launching and

recovery.

(3) Each rescue boat must be in a way

that neither the rescue boat nor its

stowage arrangements will interfere

with the operation of any survival craft

at any other launching station.

(4) Each rescue boat that is also a

lifeboat, must be in compliance with

§ 108.530.

(b) Each rescue boat must be provided

a means for recharging the rescue boat

batteries from the unit’s power supply at

a supply voltage not exceeding 50 volts.

(c) Each inflated rescue boat must be

kept fully inflated at all times.

§ 108.570 Rescue boat embarkation,

launching and recovery arrangements.

(a) Each rescue boat must be capable

of being launched with the unit making

headway of 5 knots in calm water, or
25296 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

with the unit anchored or bearing on the

bottom in a current of up to 5 knots. A

painter may be used to meet this

requirement.

(b) Each rescue boat embarkation and

launching arrangement must permit the

rescue boat to be boarded and launched

in the shortest possible time.

(c) If the rescue boat is one of the

unit’s survival craft, the rescue boat

must also be as follows:

(1) The rescue boat must meet the

embarkation arrangement and launching

station requirements of § 108.510.

(2) The rescue boat must meet the

launching arrangement requirements of

§§ 108.550 and 108.557, and if the

launching arrangement uses falls and a

winch, § 108.553.

(3) If the launching arrangement uses

a single fall, the rescue boat must have

an automatic disengaging apparatus

approved under approval series

160.170, instead of a lifeboat release

mechanism.

(d) Rapid recovery of the rescue boat

must be possible when loaded with its

full complement of persons and

equipment. If the rescue boat is also a

lifeboat, rapid recovery must be possible

when loaded with its lifeboat equipment

and an approved rescue boat

complement of at least six persons.

(e) Each rescue boat launching

appliance must be fitted with a powered

winch motor.

(f) Each rescue boat launching

appliance must be capable of hoisting

the rescue boat when loaded with its

full rescue boat complement of persons

and equipment at a rate of not less than

0.3 meters per second (59 feet per

minute).

§ 108.575 Survival craft and rescue boat

equipment.

(a) All lifeboat and rescue boat

equipment must be as follows:

(1) The equipment must be secured

within the boat by lashings, storage in

lockers, or compartments, storage in

brackets or similar mounting

arrangements or other suitable means.

(2) The equipment must be secured in

such a manner as not to interfere with

any abandonment procedures or reduce

seating capacity.

(3) The equipment must be as small

and of as little mass as possible.

(4) The equipment must be packed in

a suitable and compact form.

(5) The equipment should be stowed

so the items do not—

(i) Reduce the seating capacity;

(ii) Adversely affect the seaworthiness

of the survival craft or rescue boat; or

(iii) Overload the launching

appliance.

(b) Each lifeboat, rigid liferaft, and

rescue boat, unless otherwise stated in

this paragraph, must carry the

equipment specified for it in table

§ 108.575(b) of this section. A lifeboat

that is also a rescue boat must carry the

equipment in the table column marked

for a lifeboat. Each item in the table has

the same description as in § 199.175 of

this chapter.

TABLE 108.575(b).—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT

Item

No. Item

International service Other than international service

Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat

1 Bailer 1 ......................................................................................... 1 1 1 1 1 1

2 Bilge pump 2 ................................................................................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

3 Boathook ..................................................................................... 2 ................ 1 2 ................ 1

4 Bucket 3 ....................................................................................... 2 ................ 1 2 ................ 1

5 Can opener ................................................................................. 3 3 ................ ................ ................ ................

6 Compass ..................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

7 Dipper ......................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

8 Drinking cup ................................................................................ 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................

9 Fire extinguisher ......................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

10 First-aid kit .................................................................................. 1 1 1 1 1 1

11 Fishing kit .................................................................................... 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................

12 Flashlight ..................................................................................... 1 1 1 1 1 1

13 Hatchet ........................................................................................ 2 ................ ................ 2 ................ ................

14 Heaving line ................................................................................ 2 1 2 2 1 2

15 Instruction card ........................................................................... ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................

16 Jackknife ..................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

17 Knife 1 4 ....................................................................................... ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1

18 Ladder ......................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

19 Mirror, signaling .......................................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

20 Oars (units) 5 6 ............................................................................. 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

Paddles ....................................................................................... ................ 2 ................ ................ 2 ................

21 Painter ......................................................................................... 2 1 1 2 1 1

22 Provisions (units per person) ...................................................... 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................

23 Pump 7 ........................................................................................ ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ ................

24 Radar reflector ............................................................................ 1 1 1 ................ ................ ................

25 Rainwater collection device ........................................................ 1 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

26 Repair kit 7 .................................................................................. ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1

27 Sea anchor ................................................................................. 1 2 1 1 2 1

28 Searchlight .................................................................................. 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

29 Seasickness kit (kits/person) ...................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

30 Signal, smoke ............................................................................. 2 2 ................ 2 1 ................

31 Signal, hand flare ........................................................................ 6 6 ................ 6 6 ................

32 Signal, parachute flare ................................................................ 4 4 ................ 4 4 ................

33 Skates and fenders 8 .................................................................. 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

34 Sponge 7 ..................................................................................... ................ 2 2 ................ 2 2

35 Survival instructions .................................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

36 Table of lifesaving signals .......................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

37 Thermal protective aid (percent of persons) 9 ............................ 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%

38 Took kit ....................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25297

TABLE 108.575(b).—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT—Continued

Item

No. Item

International service Other than international service

Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat

39 Towline 10 .................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

40 Water (liters per person) ............................................................. 3 1.5 ................ 3 1 ................

41 Whistle ........................................................................................ 1 1 1 1 1 1

Notes:

1Each liferaft approved for 13 persons or more must carry two of these items.

2Bilge pumps are not required for boats of self-bailing design.

3 Not required for inflated or rigid/inflated rescue boats.

4A hatchet counts toward this requirement in rigid rescue boats.

5Oars not required on a free-fall lifeboat; a unit of oars means the number of oars specified by the manufacturer.

6 Rescue boats may substitute buoyant oars for paddles, as specified by the manufacturer.

7 Not required for a rigid rescue boat.

8 Required if specified by the boat manufacturer.

9Sufficient thermal protective aids are required for at least 10% of the persons the survival craft is equipped to carry, but not less than two.

10 Required only if the lifeboat is also the rescue boat.

§ 108.580 Personal lifesaving appliances.

(a) Lifebuoys. Each unit must carry at

least eight lifebuoys approved under

approval series 160.150 as follows:

(1) Stowage. Lifebuoys must be

stowed as follows:

(i) Each lifebuoy must be capable of

being rapidly cast loose.

(ii) Each lifebuoy must not be

permanently secured to the unit in

anyway.

(iii) Lifebuoys must be so distributed

as to be readily available on each side

of the unit and, as far as practicable, on

each open deck extending to the side of

the unit. The lifebuoys with attached

self-igniting lights must be evenly

distributed on all sides of the unit.

(iv) At least two lifebuoys, each with

attached self-activating smoke signals,

must be stowed where they can be

quickly released from the navigating

bridge or main control station, or a

location readily available to personnel

on board. These lifebuoys should, when

released, fall directly into the water

without striking any part of the unit.

(2) Attachments and fittings.

Lifebuoys must have the following

attachments and fittings:

(i) At least one lifebuoy on each side

of the unit fitted with a buoyant lifeline

that is—

(A) At least as long as twice the height

where it is stowed above the waterline

in the lightest seagoing condition, or 30

meters (100 feet), whichever is the

greater;

(B) Non-kinking;

(C) Not less than 8 millimeters (5⁄16

inch) in diameter;

(D) Of a breaking strength which is

not less than 5 kiloNewtons (1,124

pounds-force); and

(E) Is, if synthetic, a dark color or

certified by the manufacturer to be

resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light.

(ii) At least one-half the total number

of lifebuoys on the unit must each be

fitted with a self-igniting light approved

under approval series 161.010. A selfigniting light must not be attached to the

lifebuoys required by this section to be

fitted with lifelines.

(iii) At least two lifebuoys on the unit

each must be fitted with a self-activating

smoke signal approved under approval

series 160.157. Lifebuoys fitted with

smoke signals must also be fitted with

lights.

(b) Lifejackets. Each unit must carry

lifejackets approved under approval

series 160.155, 160.176, or 160.177. If

the unit carries inflatable lifejackets,

they must be of the same or similar

design and have the same method of

operation.

(1) General. Each unit must carry a

lifejacket for each person on board and

in addition, a sufficient number of

lifejackets must be carried for persons at

each work station and industrial work

site.

(2) Stowage. Lifejackets must be

stowed as follows:

(i) The lifejackets must be readily

accessible.

(ii) The additional lifejackets required

by paragraph (b)(1) of this section must

be stowed in places readily accessible to

the work stations and industrial work

sites.

(iii) Where, due to the particular

arrangements of the unit, the lifejackets

under paragraph (b)(1) of this section

could become inaccessible, the OCMI

may require an increase in the number

of lifejackets to be carried, or suitable

alternative arrangements.

(3) Attachments and fittings.

Lifejackets must have the following

attachments and fittings:

(i) Each lifejacket must have a

lifejacket light approved under approval

series 161.112 securely attached to the

front shoulder area of the lifejacket. On

a unit not in international service, a

light approved under approval series

161.012 may be used. However,

chemiluminescent-type lifejacket lights

are not permitted on units certificated to

operate on waters where water

temperature may drop below 10 °C (50

°F).

(ii) Each lifejacket must have a

whistle firmly secured by a cord to the

lifejacket.

(c) Immersion suits or anti-exposure

suits. Each unit must carry immersion

suits approved under approval series

160.171 or anti-exposure suits approved

under approval series 160.153.

(1) General. Each unit, except units

operating between 32 degrees north

latitude and 32 degrees south latitude,

must carry—

(i) Immersion suits or anti-exposure

suits of suitable size for each person

assigned to the rescue boat crew;

(ii) Immersion suits approved under

approval series 160.171 of the

appropriate size for each person on

board, which count toward meeting the

requirements of paragraph (c)(1)(i) of

this section; and

(iii) In addition to the immersion suits

required under paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of

this section, each watch station, work

station, and industrial work site must

have enough immersion suits to equal

the number of persons normally on

watch in, or assigned to, the station or

site at one time. However, an immersion

suit is not required at a station or site

for a person whose cabin or berthing

area (and the immersion suits stowed in

that location) is readily accessible to the

station or site.

(2) Attachments and fittings.

Immersion suits or anti-exposure suits

must have the following attachments

and fittings:

(i) Each immersion suit or antiexposure suit must have a lifejacket

light approved under approval series
25298 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

161.112 securely attached to the front

shoulder area of the immersion suit or

anti-exposure suit. On a unit not in

international service, a light approved

under approval series 161.012 may be

used. However, chemiluminescent type

lifejacket lights are not permitted on

units certificated to operate on waters

where water temperature may drop

below 10 °C (50 °F).

(ii) Each immersion suit or antiexposure suit must have a whistle

firmly secured by a cord to the

immersion suit or anti-exposure suit.

§ 108.595 Communications.

(a) Radio lifesaving appliances. Radio

lifesaving appliance installations and

arrangements must meet the

requirements of 47 CFR part 80.

(b) Distress flares. Each unit must—

(1) Carry not less than 12 rocket

parachute flares approved under

approval series 160.136; and

(2) Stow the flares in a portable

watertight container carried on the

navigating bridge, or if the unit does not

have a bridge, in the control room.

§ 108.597 Line-throwing appliance.

(a) General. Each unit in international

service must have a line-throwing

appliance that is approved under

approval series 160.040. Each unit not

in international service must carry a

line-throwing appliance approved under

either approval series 160.040 or

160.031.

(b) Stowage. The line-throwing

appliance and its equipment must be

readily accessible for use.

(c) Additional equipment. Each unit

must carry the following equipment for

the line-throwing appliance:

(1) The equipment on the list

provided by the manufacturer with the

approved appliance; and

(2) An auxiliary line that—

(i) Has a breaking strength of at least

40 kiloNewtons (9,000 pounds-force);

(ii) Is, if synthetic, a dark color or

certified by the manufacturer to be

resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light; and

(iii) Is—

(A) At least 450 meters (1,500 feet)

long, if the line-throwing appliance is

approved under approval series

160.040; or

(B) At least 150 meters (500 feet) long,

if the line-throwing appliance is

approved under approval series

160.031.

78. Section 108.645 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 108.645 Markings on lifesaving

appliances.

(a) Lifeboats and rescue boats. Each

lifeboat and rescue boat must be plainly

marked as follows:

(1) Each side of each lifeboat and

rescue boat bow must be marked in

block capital letters and numbers with—

(i) The name of the unit; and

(ii) The name of the port required to

be marked on the stern of the unit to

meet the requirements of part 67,

subpart 67.13 of this chapter.

(2) The length and beam of the boat

and the number of persons the boat is

equipped for, not exceeding the number

shown on its nameplate, must be clearly

marked in permanent characters.

(3) The number of the boat and the

unit’s name, must be plainly marked or

painted so that the markings are visible

from above the boat.

(4) Type II retro-reflective material

approved under approval series 164.018

must be placed on the boat and meet the

arrangement requirements in IMO

Resolution A.658(16).

(b) Rigid liferafts. Each rigid liferaft

must be marked as follows:

(1) The name of the unit must be

marked on each rigid liferaft.

(2) The name of the port required to

be marked on the stern of the unit to

meet the requirements of part 67,

subpart 67.13 of this chapter.

(3) The length of the painter must be

marked on each rigid liferaft.

(4) At each entrance of each rigid

liferaft, the number of persons the rigid

liferaft is equipped for, not exceeding

the number shown on its nameplate,

must be marked in letters and numbers

at least 100 millimeters (4 inches) high,

in a color contrasting to that of the

liferaft.

79. Section 108.646 is added to read

as follows:

§ 108.646 Marking of stowage locations.

(a) Containers, brackets, racks, and

other similar stowage locations for

lifesaving equipment, must be marked

with symbols in accordance with IMO

Resolution A.760(18), indicating the

devices stowed in that location for that

purpose.

(b) If more than one device is stowed

in that location, the number of devices

must also be indicated.

(c) Survival craft should be numbered

consecutively, starting from the unit’s

bow and designating survival craft on

the starboard side with odd numerals,

and survival craft on the port side with

even numerals.

80. Section 108.647 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 108.647 Inflatable liferafts.

The number of the liferaft and the

number of persons it is permitted to

accommodate must be marked or

painted in a conspicuous place in the

immediate vicinity of each inflatable

liferaft in block capital letters and

numbers. The word ‘‘liferaft’’ or the

appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18) shall be used to

identify the stowage location. Liferafts

stowed on the sides of the unit should

be numbered in the same manner as the

lifeboats. This marking must not be on

the inflatable liferaft container.

81. Section 108.649 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 108.649 Lifejackets, immersion suits,

and lifebuoys.

(a) Each lifejacket must be marked—

(1) In block capital letters with the

name of the unit; and

(2) With type I retro-reflective

material approved under approval series

164.018. The arrangement of the retroreflective material must meet IMO

Resolution A.658(16).

(b) The lifejacket stowage positions

must be marked with either the word

‘‘LIFEJACKET’’ or with the appropriate

symbol from IMO Resolution A.760(18).

(c) Each immersion suit or antiexposure suit must be marked in block

capital letters with the name of the unit.

(d) Immersion suits or anti-exposure

suits must be stowed so they are readily

accessible, and the stowage positions

must be marked with either the words

‘‘IMMERSION SUITS’’ or ‘‘ANTIEXPOSURE SUITS’’, or with the

appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

(e) Each lifebuoy must be marked—

(1) In block capital letters with the

unit’s name and with the name of the

port required to be marked on the unit

under part 67, subpart 67.13 of this

chapter; and

(2) With type II retro-reflective

material approved under part 164,

subpart 164.018 of this chapter. The

arrangement of the retro-reflective

material must meet IMO Resolution

A.658(16).

(f) Each lifebuoy stowage position

must be marked with either the words

‘‘LIFEBUOY’’ or ‘‘LIFE BUOY’’, or with

the appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

(g) Each lifejacket, immersion suit,

and anti-exposure suit container must

be marked in block capital letters and

numbers with the quantity, identity, and

size of the equipment stowed inside the

container. The equipment may be

identified in words, or with the

appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25299

82. Section 108.650 is added to read

as follows:

§ 108.650 EPIRBs and SARTs.

Emergency position indicating

radiobeacons and search and rescue

transponders. Each EPIRB and SART

should have the name of the unit

plainly marked or painted on its label,

except for EPIRBs or SARTs in an

inflatable liferaft or permanently

installed in a survival craft.

83. Section 108.655 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 108.655 Operating instructions.

Each unit must have posters or signs

displayed in the vicinity of each

survival craft and the survival craft’s

launching controls that—

(a) Illustrate the purpose of controls;

(b) Illustrate the procedures for

operating the launching device;

(c) Give relevant instructions or

warnings;

(d) Can be easily seen under

emergency lighting conditions; and

(e) Display symbols in accordance

with IMO Resolution A.760(18).

84. Subpart J is added to read as

follows:

Subpart J—Muster list

Sec.

108.901 Muster list and emergency

instructions.

Subpart J—Muster list

§ 108.901 Muster list and emergency

instructions.

(a) General. Copies of clear

instructions must be provided on the

unit, detailing the actions that each

person on board should follow in the

event of an emergency.

(b) Muster list. Copies of the muster

list must be posted in conspicuous

places throughout the unit including on

the navigating bridge, in the control

room, and in crew accommodation

spaces. The muster list must be posted

at all times while the unit is in service,

After the muster list has been prepared,

if any change takes place that

necessitates an alteration in the muster

list, the person in charge must either

revise the muster list or prepare a new

one. Muster lists must provide the

following information:

(1) Each muster list must specify

instructions for operating the general

emergency alarm system.

(2) Each muster list must specify the

emergency signals.

(3) Each muster list must specify the

actions to be taken by the crew and

industrial personnel when each signal is

sounded.

(4) Each muster list must specify how

the order to abandon the unit will be

given.

(5) Each muster list must specify the

persons that are assigned to make sure

that lifesaving and firefighting

appliances are maintained in good

condition and ready for immediate use.

(6) Each muster list must specify the

duties assigned to the different members

of the crew, that include—

(i) Closing the watertight doors, fire

doors, valves, scuppers, sidescuttles,

skylights, portholes, and other similar

openings in the unit’s hull;

(ii) Equipping the survival craft and

other lifesaving appliances;

(iii) Preparing and launching the

survival craft;

(iv) Preparing other lifesaving

appliances;

(v) Mustering the visitors and other

persons in addition to the crew and

industrial personnel;

(vi) Using communication equipment;

(vii) Manning the emergency squad

assigned to deal with fires and other

emergencies;

(viii) Special duties assigned with

respect to the use of firefighting

equipment and installations;

(ix) Cover the duties of the crew in

case of collisions or other serious

casualties; and

(x) Cover the duties of the crew in

case of severe storms.

(7) Each muster list must specify the

duties assigned to members of the crew

in relation to visitors and other persons

on board in case of an emergency, that

include—

(i) Warning visitors and other persons

on board;

(ii) Seeing that visitors and other

persons on board are suitably dressed

and have donned their lifejackets or

immersion suits correctly;

(iii) Assembling visitors and other

persons on board at muster stations; and

(iv) Keeping order in the passageways

and on the stairways and generally

controlling the movements of the

visitors and other persons on board;

(8) Each muster list must specify

substitutes for key persons if they are

disabled, taking into account that

different emergencies require different

actions.

(c) Emergency instructions.

Illustrations and instructions in English

and any other appropriate language, as

determined by the OCMI, must be

posted in each cabin used for persons

who are not members of the crew or

industrial personnel, and be

conspicuously displayed at each muster

station and in other accommodation

spaces to inform industrial personnel

of—

(1) The fire and emergency signal;

(2) Their muster station;

(3) The essential actions they must

take in an emergency;

(4) The location of lifejackets,

including child-size lifejackets;

(5) The method of donning lifejackets;

(6) If immersion suits are provided,

the location of the immersion suits; and

(7) Fully illustrated instructions on

the method of donning immersion suits.

PART 109—OPERATIONS

85. The authority citation for part 109

continues to read as follows:

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306,

5115, 6101, 10104; 49 CFR 1.46.

§§ 109.207, 109.208 [Removed]

86. Sections 109.207 and 109.208 are

removed.

87. Section 109.213 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 109.213 Emergency training and drills.

(a) Training materials. Abandonment

training material must be on board each

unit. The training material must consist

either of a manual of one or more

volumes, written in easily understood

terms and illustrated wherever possible,

or audiovisual training aids, or both as

follows:

(1) If a training manual is used, a copy

must be made available to each person

on board the unit. If audiovisual

training aids are used, they must be

incorporated into the onboard training

sessions described under paragraph (g)

of this section.

(2) The training material must

explain, in detail—

(i) The procedure for donning

lifejackets, immersion suits, and antiexposure suits carried on board;

(ii) The procedure for mustering at the

assigned stations;

(iii) The procedure for boarding,

launching, and clearing the survival

craft and rescue boats;

(iv) The method of launching from

within the survival craft;

(v) The procedure for releasing from

launching appliances;

(vi) The method and use of devices for

protection in launching areas, where

appropriate;

(vii) Illumination in launching area;

(viii) The use of all survival

equipment;

(ix) The use of all detection

equipment;

(x) With illustrations, the use of radio

lifesaving appliances;

(xi) The use of sea anchors;

(xii) The use of engine and

accessories;

(xiii) The recovery of survival craft

and rescue boats, including stowage and

securing;
25300 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(xiv) The hazards of exposure and the

need for warm clothing;

(xv) The best use of the survival craft

for survival;

(xvi) The methods of retrieval,

including the use of helicopter rescue

gear (slings, baskets, stretchers), and

unit’s line throwing apparatus;

(xvii) The other functions contained

in the muster list and emergency

instructions; and

(xviii) The instructions for emergency

repair of the lifesaving appliances.

(b) Familiarity with emergency

procedures. Every crew member with

assigned emergency duties on the

muster list, must be familiar with their

assigned duties before working on the

unit.

(c) Drills—general. (1) Drills must, as

far as practicable, be conducted as if

there were an actual emergency.

(2) Every crew member must

participate in at least one abandonment

drill and one fire drill every month. A

drill must take place within 24 hours of

a change in crew or industrial personnel

if more than 25 percent of the persons

on board have not participated in an

abandonment drill on board the unit in

the previous month.

(3) Drills must be held before the unit

enters service for the first time after

modification of a major character, or

when a new crew is engaged.

(d) Abandonment drills. (1)

Abandonment drills must include the

following:

(i) Each drill must include

summoning of industrial personnel and

crew to muster stations with the general

alarm, followed by drill announcements

on the public address or other

communication system, and ensuring

that all on board are made aware of the

order to abandon ship.

(ii) Each drill must include reporting

to stations and preparing for the duties

described in the muster list.

(iii) Each drill must include checking

that industrial personnel and crew are

suitably dressed.

(iv) Each drill must include checking

that lifejackets or immersion suits are

correctly donned.

(v) Each drill must include lowering

of at least one lifeboat after any

necessary preparation for launching.

(vi) Each drill must include starting

and operating the lifeboat engine.

(vii) Each drill must include operating

davits used for launching the liferafts.

(2) Different lifeboats must, as far as

practicable, be lowered in compliance

with the requirements of paragraph

(d)(1)(v) of this section at successive

drills.

(3) Each lifeboat must be launched

with its assigned operating crew aboard,

and maneuvered in the water at least

once every 3 months, during an

abandonment drill.

(4) As far as is reasonable and

practicable, rescue boats other than

lifeboats which are also rescue boats,

must be launched each month with their

assigned crew aboard and maneuvered

in the water. In all cases this

requirement must be complied with at

least once every 3 months.

(5) If a unit is fitted with marine

evacuation systems, drills must include

an exercising of the procedures required

for the deployment of such a system up

to the point immediately preceding

actual deployment of the system. This

aspect of drills should be augmented by

regular instruction using the on board

training aids. Additionally, every crew

member assigned to duties involving the

marine evacuation system must, as far

as practicable, be further trained by

participation in a full deployment of a

similar system into water, either on

board a unit or ashore, at intervals of not

longer than 2 years, but in no case

longer than 3 years.

(6) Emergency lighting for mustering

and abandonment must be tested at each

abandonment drill.

(7) On a unit carrying immersion suits

or anti-exposure suits, immersion suits

or anti-exposure suits must be worn by

crew members and industrial personnel

in at least one abandonment drill per

month. If wearing the suit is

impracticable due to warm weather, the

crew members must be instructed on its

donning and use.

(e) Line-throwing appliance. A drill

must be conducted on the use of the

line-throwing appliance at least once

every 3 months. The actual firing of the

appliance is at the discretion of the

person in charge.

(f) Fire drills. (1) Fire drills must, as

far as practicable, be planned in such a

way that due consideration is given to

regular practice in the various

emergencies that may occur depending

on the type of unit.

(2) Each fire drill must include—

(i) Reporting to stations, and

preparing for the duties described in the

muster list for the particular fire

emergency being simulated;

(ii) Starting of fire pumps and the use

of two jets of water to determine that the

system is in proper working order;

(iii) Checking the fireman’s outfits

and other personal rescue equipment;

(iv) Checking the relevant

communication equipment;

(v) Checking the operation of

watertight doors, fire doors, and fire

dampers and main inlets and outlets of

ventilation systems in the drill area;

(vi) Checking the necessary

arrangements for subsequent

abandonment of the unit; and

(vii) Operation of remote controls for

stopping ventilation and fuel supplies to

machinery spaces.

(3) The equipment used during drills

must immediately be brought back to its

fully operational condition, and any

faults and defects discovered during the

drills must be remedied as soon as

possible.

(g) Onboard training and instruction.

(1) Except as provided in paragraph

(g)(2) of this section, onboard training in

the use of the unit’s lifesaving

appliances, including survival craft

equipment, and in the use of the unit’s

fire-extinguishing appliances must be

given to each member of the crew and

industrial personnel as soon as possible

but not later than 2 weeks after they join

the unit.

(2) If crew or industrial personnel are

on a regularly scheduled rotating

assignment to the unit, onboard training

in the use of the unit’s lifesaving

appliances, including survival craft

equipment, and in the use of the unit’s

fire-extinguishing appliances must be

given not later than 2 weeks after the

time of first joining the unit.

(3) The crew and industrial personnel

must be instructed in the use of the

unit’s fire-extinguishing appliances,

lifesaving appliances, and in survival at

sea at the same interval as the drills.

Individual instruction may cover

different parts of the unit’s lifesaving

and fire-extinguishing appliances, but

all the unit’s lifesaving and fireextinguishing appliances, must be

covered within any period of 2 months.

(4) Crew and industrial personnel

must be given instructions which

include, but are not limited to—

(i) The operation and use of the unit’s

inflatable liferafts;

(ii) The problems of hypothermia, first

aid treatment for hypothermia and other

appropriate first aid procedures;

(iii) The special instructions

necessary for use of the unit’s lifesaving

appliances in severe weather and severe

sea conditions; and

(iv) The operation and use of fireextinguishing appliances.

(5) Onboard training in the use of

davit-launched liferafts must take place

at intervals of not more than 4 months

on each unit with davit-launched

liferafts. Whenever practicable this must

include the inflation and lowering of a

liferaft. If this liferaft is a special liferaft

intended for training purposes only, and

is not part of the unit’s lifesaving
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25301

equipment, this liferaft must be

conspicuously marked.

(6) Each of the industrial personnel

without designated responsibility for

the survival of others on board, must be

instructed in at least—

(i) The emergencies which might

occur on that particular type of unit;

(ii) The consequences of panic;

(iii) The location and actuation of fire

alarm controls;

(iv) The location and proper method

of use of firefighting equipment;

(v) Fire precautions;

(vi) The types of all lifesaving

appliances carried on the unit and

proper methods of using them,

including—

(A) The correct method of donning

and wearing a lifejacket, and if provided

an immersion suit;

(B) Jumping into the water from a

height while wearing a lifejacket and, if

provided, an immersion suit;

(C) How to board survival craft from

the unit and from the water;

(D) Operation and use of the unit’s

inflatable liferafts;

(E) Special instructions necessary for

use of the unit’s lifesaving appliances in

severe weather and severe sea

conditions;

(F) Swimming while wearing a

lifejacket; and

(G) Keeping afloat without a lifejacket.

(vii) Where appropriate, how to

survive in the water—

(A) In the presence of fire or oil on the

water;

(B) In cold conditions; and

(C) If sharks may be present.

(viii) Problems of hypothermia, first

aid treatment for hypothermia and other

appropriate first aid procedures;

(ix) The need to adhere to the

principles of survival; and

(x) The basic methods of boarding

helicopters.

(7) Each member of the crew and each

of the industrial personnel with

designated responsibility for the

survival of others on board must be

instructed in at least the items covered

in paragraph (g)(6) of this section, and—

(i) Methods of detection, isolation,

control, and extinguishing of fire;

(ii) Checking and maintaining fire

fighting equipment;

(iii) Marshaling of personnel; and

(iv) Abandonment of the unit,

including—

(A) Launching survival craft;

(B) Getting survival craft quickly and

safely clear of the unit; and

(C) Righting a capsized survival craft.

(v) Handling all survival craft and

their equipment, including—

(A) Checking and maintaining their

readiness for immediate use;

(B) Using equipment to the best

advantage;

(C) Using the sea anchor;

(D) Remaining, as far as practicable, in

the general vicinity of the unit, well

clear of but not downwind of any

hydrocarbons or fire;

(E) Recovering and, as far as

practicable, caring for other survivors;

(F) Keeping a lookout;

(G) Operating available means of

detection by others, including radio

distress alerting and radio emergency

procedures; and

(H) Making proper use of food and

drinking water and using protective

measures in survival craft such as those

for preventing exposure to cold, sun,

wind, rain, and sea, and for preventing

seasickness.

(vi) Cautioning on the preservation of

body fluids and the dangers of drinking

seawater;

(vii) Transferring personnel from

survival craft to helicopters or to work

boats;

(viii) Maintaining morale; and

(ix) Methods of helicopter rescue.

(h) Records. (1) When musters are

held, details of abandonment drills, fire

drills, other lifesaving appliances, and

onboard training must be recorded in

the unit’s official logbook. Logbook

entries must include the following:

(i) Logbook entries must identify the

date and time of the drill, muster, or

training session.

(ii) Logbook entries must identify the

survival craft and fire-extinguishing

equipment used in the drills.

(iii) Logbook entries must identify the

inoperative or malfunctioning

equipment and the corrective action

taken.

(iv) Logbook entries must identify

crew members participating in drills or

training sessions.

(v) Logbook entries must identify the

subject of the onboard training session.

(2) If a full muster, drill, or training

session is not held at the appointed

time, an entry must be made in the

logbook stating the circumstances and

the extent of the muster, drill, or

training session held.

§§ 109.215, 109.217, 109.219, 109.221,

109.225 [Removed]

88. Sections 109.215, 109.217,

109.219, 109.221, and 109.225 are

removed.

89. Section 109.301 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 109.301 Operational readiness,

maintenance, and inspection of lifesaving

equipment.

(a) Operational readiness. Except as

provided in § 109.301(b)(3), each

lifesaving appliance must be in good

working order and ready for immediate

use at all times when the unit is in

operation.

(b) Maintenance. (1) The

manufacturer’s instructions for onboard

maintenance of lifesaving appliances

must be onboard and must include the

following for each appliance—

(i) Checklists for use when carrying

out the inspections required under

§ 109.301(e);

(ii) Maintenance and repair

instructions;

(iii) A schedule of periodic

maintenance;

(iv) A diagram of lubrication points

with the recommended lubricants;

(v) A list of replaceable parts;

(vi) A list of sources of spare parts;

and

(vii) A log for records of inspections

and maintenance.

(2) In lieu of compliance with

paragraph (b)(1) of this section, The

OCMI may accept a planned

maintenance program that includes the

items listed in that paragraph.

(3) If lifeboats, rescue boats or rigid

liferafts are maintained and repaired

while the unit is in operation, there

must be a sufficient number of lifeboats

and liferafts remaining available for use

to accommodate all persons on board.

(c) Spare parts and repair equipment.

Spare parts and repair equipment must

be provided for each lifesaving

appliance and component subject to

excessive wear or consumption and that

needs to be replaced regularly.

(d) Weekly inspections and tests. (1)

Each survival craft, rescue boat, and

launching appliance must be visually

inspected to ensure its readiness for use.

(2) Each lifeboat engine and rescue

boat engine must be run ahead and

astern for not less than 3 minutes,

unless the ambient temperature is below

the minimum temperature required for

starting the engine. During this time,

demonstrations should indicate that the

gear box and gear box train are engaging

satisfactorily. If the special

characteristics of an outboard motor

fitted to a rescue boat would not allow

the outboard motor to be run other than

with its propeller submerged for a

period of 3 minutes, the outboard motor

should be run for such period as

prescribed in the manufacturer’s

handbook.

(3) The general alarm system must be

tested.

(e) Monthly inspections. (1) Each

lifesaving appliance, including lifeboat

equipment, must be inspected monthly

using the checklists required under

paragraph (b) of this section to make

sure it is complete and in good working
25302 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

order. A report of the inspection,

including a statement as to the

condition of the equipment, must be

recorded in the unit’s official logbook.

(2) Each EPIRB and each SART other

than an EPIRB or SART in an inflatable

liferaft, must be tested monthly. The

EPIRB must be tested using the

integrated test circuit and output

indicator to determine that it is

operative.

(f) Annual inspections. Annual

inspection and repair must include the

following:

(1) Each survival craft, except for

inflatable liferafts, must be stripped,

cleaned, and thoroughly inspected and

repaired, as needed, at least once in

each year, including emptying and

cleaning each fuel tank, and refilling it

with fresh fuel.

(2) Each davit, winch, fall and other

launching appliance must be thoroughly

inspected and repaired, as needed, once

in each year.

(3) Each item of survival equipment

with an expiration date must be

replaced during the annual inspection

and repair, if the expiration date has

passed.

(4) Each battery clearly marked with

an expiration date, that is used in an

item of survival equipment must be

replaced during the annual inspection

and repair, if the expiration date has

passed.

(5) Except for a storage battery used in

a lifeboat or rescue boat, each battery

without an expiration date that is used

in an item of survival equipment must

be replaced during the annual

inspection and repair.

(g) Servicing of inflatable lifesaving

appliances, inflated rescue boats, and

marine evacuation systems.

(1) Each inflatable lifesaving

appliance and marine evacuation

system must be serviced—

(i) Within 12 months of its initial

packing; and

(ii) Within 12 months of each

subsequent servicing, except when

servicing is delayed until the next

scheduled inspection of the unit,

provided the delay does not exceed 5

months.

(2) Each inflatable lifejacket must be

serviced in accordance with servicing

procedures meeting the requirements of

part 160, subpart 160.176 of this

chapter. Each hybrid inflatable lifejacket

must be serviced in accordance with the

owners manual and meet the

requirements of part 160, subpart

160.077 of this chapter.

(3) Each inflatable liferaft must be

serviced—

(i) Whenever the container of the raft

is damaged, or the straps or seal broken;

and

(ii) In accordance with servicing

procedures meeting the requirements of

part 160, subpart 160.051 of this

chapter.

(4) Each inflated rescue boat must be

repaired and maintained in accordance

with the manufacturer’s instructions.

All repairs must be made at a servicing

facility approved by the Commandant

(G–MSE), except for emergency repairs

carried out on board the unit.

(h) Periodic servicing of hydrostatic

release units. Each hydrostatic release

unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic

release unit, must be serviced—

(1) Within 12 months of its

manufacture and within 12 months of

each subsequent servicing, except when

servicing is delayed until the next

scheduled inspection of the unit,

provided the delay does not exceed 5

months; and

(2) In accordance with repair and

testing procedures meeting the

requirements of part 160, subpart

160.062 of this chapter.

(i) Periodic servicing of launching

appliances and release gear. (1)

Launching appliances must be serviced

at the intervals recommended in the

manufacturer’s instructions, or as set

out in the shipboard planned

maintenance program.

(2) Launching appliances must be

thoroughly examined at intervals not

exceeding 5 years and upon completion

of the examination, the launching

appliance must be subjected to a

dynamic test of the winch brake.

(3) Lifeboat and rescue boat release

gear must be serviced at the intervals

recommended in the manufacturer’s

instructions, or as set out in the planned

maintenance program.

(4) Lifeboat and rescue boat release

gear must be subjected to a thorough

examination by properly trained

personnel familiar with the system at

each inspection for certification.

(5) Lifeboat and rescue boat release

gear must be operationally tested under

a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the

lifeboat when loaded with its full

complement of persons and equipment,

whenever overhauled, or at least once

every 5 years.

(j) Maintenance of falls. (1) Each fall

used in a launching appliance must be

turned end-for-end at intervals of not

more than 30 months and must be

renewed when necessary due to

deterioration or at intervals of not more

than 5 years, whichever is earlier.

(2) As an alternative to paragraph

(j)(1) of this section, each fall may be

inspected annually and renewed

whenever necessary due to deterioration

or at intervals of not more than 4 years,

whichever is earlier.

(k) Rotational deployment of marine

evacuation systems. In addition to or in

conjunction with the servicing intervals

of marine evacuation systems required

by paragraph (g)(1) of this section, each

marine evacuation system must be

deployed from the unit on a rotational

basis. Each marine evacuation system

must be deployed at least once every 6

years.

§§ 109.305, 109.307, 109.313, 109.314,

109.317, 109.320, 109.321 [Removed]

90. Sections 109.305, 109.307,

109.313, 109.314, 109.317, 109.320 and

109.321 removed.

91. Section 109.323 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 109.323 Manning of survival craft and

supervision.

(a) There must be a sufficient number

of trained persons on board the survival

craft for mustering and assisting

untrained persons.

(b) There must be a sufficient number

of deck officers, able seamen, or

certificated persons on board to operate

the survival craft and launching

arrangements required for abandonment

by the total number of persons on board.

(c) There must be one person placed

in charge of each survival craft to be

used. The person in charge must—

(1) Be a deck officer, able seaman, or

certificated person. The OCMI,

considering the number of persons

permitted on board, and the

characteristics of the unit, may permit

persons practiced in the handling and

operation of liferafts or inflatable

buoyant apparatus to be placed in

charge of liferafts or inflatable buoyant

apparatus;

(2) Have another person designated

second-in-command of each lifeboat

permitted to carry more than 40

persons. This person should be a deck

officer, able seaman, or certificated

person; and

(3) Have a list of the survival craft

crew and must see that the

crewmembers are acquainted with their

duties. The second-in-command of a

lifeboat must also have a list of the

lifeboat crew.

(d) There must be a person assigned

to each motorized survival craft who is

capable of operating the engine and

carrying out minor adjustments.

(e) The person in charge must make

sure that the persons required under

paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this

section are equitably distributed among

the unit’s survival craft.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25303

§ 109.325 [Removed]

92. Section 109.325 is removed.

§ 109.341 [Removed]

93. Section 109.341 is removed.

94. Section 109.425 is revised to read

as follows:

§ 109.425 Repairs and alterations: fire

detecting and extinguishing equipment.

(a) Before making repairs or

alterations, except emergency repairs or

alterations to fire detecting and

extinguishing equipment, the master or

person in charge shall report the nature

of the repairs or alterations to the OCMI.

(b) When emergency repairs or

alterations to fire detecting or fireextinguishing equipment have been

made, the master or person in charge

shall report the nature of the repairs or

alterations to the OCMI.

95. In § 109.433, paragraph (d) is

revised; paragraphs (e) through (i), and

(n) are removed; and paragraphs (j)

through (m) are redesignated as

paragraphs (e) through (h) to read as

follows:

§ 109.433 Logbook entries.

* * * * *

(d) The logbook must include

information on emergency training

drills required in § 109.213(h).

* * * * *

96. In subpart E, the heading is

revised to read as follows:

Subpart E—Emergency Signals

§ 109.501 [Removed]

97. Section 109.501 is removed.

98. In § 109.503, paragraph (a) is

removed, and paragraphs (b) and (c) are

redesignated as paragraphs (a) and (b),

and the section heading and newly

redesignated paragraph (b)(2) are

revised to read as follows:

§ 109.503 Emergency signals.

* * * * *

(b) * * *

(2) If whistle signals are used to direct

the handling of lifeboats and davitlaunched liferafts, they must be—

(i) One short blast to lower the

lifeboats and davit-launched liferafts;

and

(ii) Two short blasts to stop lowering

the lifeboats and davit-launched

liferafts.

* * * * *

§ 109.505 [Removed]

99. Section 109.505 is removed.

SUBCHAPTER L—OFFSHORE SUPPLY

VESSELS

PART 125—GENERAL

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703; 49

U.S.C. App. 1804; 49 CFR 1.46.

100. In § 125.160, add definitions in

alphabetical order, to read as follows:

§ 125.160 Definitions.

* * * * *

Anti-exposure suit means a protective

suit designed for use by rescue boat

crews and marine evacuation system

parties.

Approval series means the first six

digits of a number assigned by the Coast

Guard to approved equipment. Where

approval is based on a subpart of

subchapter Q of this chapter, the

approval series corresponds to the

number of the subpart. A listing of

approved equipment, including all of

the approval series, is published

periodically by the Coast Guard in

Equipment Lists (COMDTINST

M16714.3 series), available from the

Superintendent of Documents.

* * * * *

Crew means all persons carried on

board the OSV to provide navigation

and maintenance of the OSV, its

machinery, systems, and arrangements

essential for propulsion and safe

navigation or to provide services for

other persons on board.

* * * * *

Embarkation ladder means the ladder

provided at survival craft embarkation

stations to permit safe access to survival

craft after launching.

Embarkation station means the place

where a survival craft is boarded.

* * * * *

Float-free launching means that

method of launching a survival craft or

lifesaving appliance whereby the craft

or appliance is automatically released

from a sinking vessel and is ready for

use.

* * * * *

Immersion suit means a protective

suit that reduces loss of body heat of a

person wearing it in cold water.

Inflatable appliance means an

appliance that depends upon nonrigid,

gas-filled chambers for buoyancy and

that is normally kept uninflated until

ready for use.

Inflated appliance means an

appliance that depends upon nonrigid,

gas-filled chambers for buoyancy and

that is kept inflated and ready for use at

all times.

* * * * *

Launching appliance or launching

arrangement means the method or

devices for transferring a survival craft

or rescue boat from its stowed position

to the water. For a launching

arrangement using a davit, the term

includes the davit, winch, and falls.

* * * * *

Lifejacket means a flotation device

approved as a life preserver or lifejacket.

* * * * *

Marine evacuation system means an

appliance designed to rapidly transfer

large numbers of persons from an

embarkation station by means of a

passage to a floating platform for

subsequent embarkation into associated

survival craft, or directly into associated

survival craft.

* * * * *

Muster station means the place where

the crew and offshore workers assemble

before boarding a survival craft.

Novel lifesaving appliance or

arrangement means one that has new

features not fully covered by the

provisions of this part but that provides

an equal or higher standard of safety.

* * * * *

Rescue boat means a boat designed to

rescue persons in distress and to

marshal survival craft.

Seagoing condition means the

operating condition of the OSV with the

personnel, equipment, fluids, and

ballast necessary for safe operation on

the waters where the OSV operates.

Survival craft means a craft capable of

sustaining the lives of persons in

distress from the time of abandoning the

OSV on which the persons were

originally carried. The term includes

lifeboats, liferafts, buoyant apparatus,

and lifefloats, but does not include

rescue boats.

101. In § 125.180, paragraph (b) under

International Maritime Organization

(IMO), the entries for Resolution

A.658(16) and Resolution A.760(18) are

revised, and a new entry for Resolution

A.520(13) is added in numerical order

to read as follows:

§ 125.180 Incorporation by reference.

* * * * *

(b) * * *

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, England

Resolution A.520(13), Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of Prototype

Novel Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, 17 November 1983.

133.40
25304 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retroreflective Materials on Life-saving Appliances, 20

November 1989.

131.855; 131.875; 133.70

Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, 17 November 1993.131.875; 133.70; 133.90

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Consolidated Edition, 1992 .......... 126.170

102. Part 133, consisting of §§ 133.03

through 133.175, is added to read as

follows:

PART 133—LIFESAVING SYSTEMS

Subpart A—General

Sec.

133.03 Relationship to international

standards.

133.07 Additional equipment and

requirements.

133.09 Equivalents.

133.10 Applicability.

133.20 Exemptions.

133.40 Evaluation, testing and approval of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements.

133.45 Tests and inspections of lifesaving

equipment and arrangements.

Subpart B—Requirements for All OSVs

133.60 Communications.

133.70 Personal lifesaving appliances.

133.80 Emergency instructions.

133.90 Operating instructions.

133.105 Survival craft.

133.110 Survival craft muster and

embarkation arrangements.

133.120 Launching stations.

133.130 Stowage of survival craft.

133.135 Rescue boats.

133.140 Stowage of rescue boats.

133.145 Marine evacuation system

launching arrangements.

133.150 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements: general.

133.153 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements using falls and a

winch.

133.160 Rescue boat embarkation,

launching and recovery arrangements.

133.170 Line-throwing appliance.

133.175 Survival craft and rescue boat

equipment.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 46 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A—General

§ 133.03 Relationship to international

standards.

This subpart and subpart B of this

part are based on Chapter III, SOLAS.

Section numbers in this subpart and

subpart B of this part are generally

related to the regulation numbers in

Chapter III, SOLAS, but paragraph

designations are not related to the

numbering in Chapter III, SOLAS. To

find the corresponding Chapter III,

SOLAS regulation for this subpart and

subpart B of this part, beginning with

§ 133.10, divide the section number

following the decimal point by 10.

§ 133.07 Additional equipment and

requirements.

The OCMI may require an OSV to

carry specialized or additional

lifesaving equipment other than as

required in this part if the OCMI

determines that the conditions of a

voyage present uniquely hazardous

circumstances which are not adequately

addressed by existing requirements.

§ 133.09 Equivalents.

When this part requires a particular

fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance

or arrangement, the Commandant (G–

MSE) may accept any other fitting,

material, or lifesaving appliance or

arrangement that is at least as effective

as that required by this part. The

Commandant may require engineering

evaluations and tests to determine the

equivalent effectiveness of the substitute

fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance

or arrangement.

§ 133.10 Applicability.

(a) Unless expressly provided

otherwise in this part, this part applies

to all inspected OSVs of the United

States flag, including lifeboats.

(b) Offshore supply vessels which

were constructed prior to October 1,

1996, must—

(1) By October 1, 1997, meet the

requirements of §§ 133.60(a), 133.80,

and 133.90;

(2) By October 1, 1997, fit retroreflective material on all floating

appliances, lifejackets, and immersion

suits; and

(3) Offshore supply vessels may retain

the arrangement of lifeboats, lifeboat

davits, winches, inflatable liferafts,

liferaft launching equipment, rescue

boats, lifefloats, and buoyant apparatus

previously required and approved for

the OSV, as long as the arrangement or

appliance is maintained in good

condition to the satisfaction of the

OCMI.

(c) When any lifesaving appliance or

arrangement on an OSV subject to this

part is replaced, or when the OSV

undergoes repairs, alterations, or

modifications of a major character

involving replacement of, or any

addition to, the existing lifesaving

appliances or arrangements, each new

lifesaving appliance and arrangement

must meet the requirements of this part,

unless the OCMI determines that the

OSV cannot accommodate the new

appliance or arrangement.

§ 133.20 Exemptions.

(a) If a District Commander

determines that the overall safety of the

persons on board an OSV will not be

significantly reduced, the District

Commander may grant an exemption

from compliance with a provision of

this part to a specific OSV for a

specified geographic area within the

boundaries of the Coast Guard District.

This exemption may be limited to

certain periods of the year.

(b) Requests for exemption under this

section must be in writing to the OCMI

for transmission to the District

Commander in the area in which the

OSV is in service or will be in service.

(c) If the exemption is granted by the

District Commander, the OCMI will

endorse the OSV’s Certificate of

Inspection with a statement describing

the exemption.

§ 133.40 Evaluation, testing and approval

of lifesaving appliances and arrangements.

(a) Each item of lifesaving equipment

required by this part to be carried on

board the OSV must be approved.

(b) Each item of lifesaving equipment

carried on board the OSV in addition to

those required by this part must—

(1) Be approved; or

(2) Be accepted by the cognizant

OCMI for use on the OSV.

(c) The Commandant (G–MSE) may

accept a novel lifesaving appliance or

arrangement if it provides a level of

safety equivalent the requirements of

this part and if the appliance or

arrangement—

(1) Is evaluated and tested in

accordance with IMO Resolution

A.520(13), Code of Practice for the

Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of

Prototype Novel Life-saving Appliances

and Arrangements; or

(2) Has successfully undergone

evaluation and tests that are

substantially equivalent to those

recommendations.

(d) During an OSV’s construction, and

when any modification to the lifesaving

arrangement is done after construction,

a OSV owner must obtain acceptance of

lifesaving arrangements from the

Commandant (G–MSC).

(e) The OCMI may accept substitute

lifesaving appliances other than those

required by this part, except for—

(1) Survival craft and rescue boats;

and

(2) Survival craft and rescue boat

launching and embarkation appliances.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25305

(f) Acceptance of lifesaving

appliances and arrangements will

remain in effect unless—

(1) The OCMI deems their condition

to be unsatisfactory or unfit for the

service intended; or

(2) The OCMI deems the crew’s ability

to use and assist others in the use of the

lifesaving appliances or arrangements to

be inadequate.

§ 133.45 Tests and inspections of

lifesaving equipment and arrangements.

(a) Initial inspection. The initial

inspection of lifesaving appliances and

arrangements for certification includes a

demonstration of—

(1) The proper condition and

operation of the survival craft and

rescue boat launching appliances at

loads ranging from light load to 10

percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and

operation of rescue boats, including

engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation

equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets,

immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats,

buoyant apparatus, and associated

equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress

signaling equipment, including EPIRB

and pyrotechnic signaling devices;

(5) The proper condition of linethrowing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and

operation of embarkation appliances,

including embarkation ladders and

marine evacuation systems;

(7) The ability of the crew to

effectively carry out abandon-ship

procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and

survival craft launching requirements of

this part.

(b) Reinspections. Tests and

inspections of lifesaving equipment

shall be carried out during each

inspection for renewal of certification,

and shall demonstrate, as applicable,—

(1) The proper condition and

operation of the survival craft and

rescue boat launching appliances at

loads ranging from light load to full

load;

(2) The proper condition and

operation of rescue boats including

engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation

equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets,

immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats,

buoyant apparatus, and associated

equipment;

(4) That each inflatable liferaft and

inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as

required under this chapter;

(5) That each hydrostatic release unit,

other than a disposable hydrostatic

release unit, has been serviced as

required under this chapter; and

(6) That the crew has the ability to

effectively carry out abandon-ship

procedures.

(c) Other inspections. Lifesaving

appliances and arrangements are subject

to tests and inspections described in

paragraph (b) of this section during OSV

boardings to ensure that the appliances

and arrangements comply with

applicable requirements, are in

satisfactory condition, and remain fit for

service.

Subpart B—Requirements for All OSVs

§ 133.60 Communications.

(a) Emergency position indicating

radiobeacons (EPIRB) and search and

rescue transponders (SART).

(1) Each OSV must carry a category 1

406 MHz satellite EPIRB meeting the

requirements of 47 CFR part 80.

(2) When the OSV is underway, the

EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free

bracket with the controls set for

automatic activation and mounted in a

manner so that it will float free if the

OSV sinks.

(3) Each EPIRB should have the name

of the OSV plainly marked or painted

on its label, except for EPIRBs in an

inflatable liferaft or permanently

installed in a survival craft.

(b) Distress flares. Each OSV must—

(1) Carry not less than 12 rocket

parachute flares approved under

approval series 160.136; and

(2) Stow the flares on or near the

OSV’s navigating bridge.

(c) Onboard communications and

alarm systems. Each OSV must meet the

requirements for onboard

communications between emergency

control stations, muster and

embarkation stations, and strategic

positions on board, and the emergency

alarm system requirements in part J of

this chapter, and be supplemented by

either a public address system or other

suitable means of communication.

(d) Emergency position indicating

radiobeacon alternative. OSVs, as an

alternative to the requirements in

paragraph (a) of this section, may until

February 1, 1999, have a Coast Guardapproved class A EPIRB, if the EPIRB

was—

(1) Manufactured after October 1,

1988; and

(2) Installed on the OSV on or before

July 5, 1996.

§ 133.70 Personal lifesaving appliances.

(a) Lifebuoys. Each OSV must carry

lifebuoys approved under approval

series 160.150 and 160.050 as follows:

(1) Number. The number of lifebuoys

carried must be as prescribed in table

133.70 of this section.

TABLE 133.70

Length of vessel in

meters

(feet)

Minimum number of

ring lifebuoys

Ocean

service

Coastwise

service

Under 30 (98) ............ 8 3

30 (98) and under 60

(196) ...................... 8 4

60 (196) and under

100 (328) ............... 8 6

100 (328) and over ... 12 12

(2) Stowage. Lifebuoys must be

stowed as follows:

(i) Each lifebuoy must be capable of

being rapidly cast loose.

(ii) Each lifebuoy must not be

permanently secured to the OSV in any

way.

(iii) Each lifebuoy stowage position

must be marked with either the words

‘‘LIFEBUOY’’ or ‘‘LIFE BUOY’’, or with

the appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

(iv) Lifebuoys must be so distributed

as to be readily available on each side

of the OSV and, as far as practicable, on

each open deck extending to the side of

the OSV. At least one lifebuoy must be

located near the stern of the OSV. The

lifebuoys with attached self-igniting

lights must be equally distributed on

both sides of the OSV.

(3) Color and markings. Lifebuoys

must be colored and marked as follows:

(i) Each lifebuoy must be orange.

(ii) Each lifebuoy must be marked in

block capital letters with the name of

the OSV and the name of the port

required to be marked on the stern of

the OSV under § 67.13 of this chapter.

(4) Attachments and fittings.

Lifebuoys must have the following

attachments and fittings:

(i) At least one lifebuoy on each side

of the OSV fitted with a buoyant lifeline

that is—

(A) At least as long as twice the height

where it is stowed above the waterline

in the lightest seagoing condition, or 30

meters (100 feet), whichever is the

greater;

(B) Non-kinking;

(C) Not less than 8 millimeters (5⁄16

inch) in diameter;

(D) Of a breaking strength which is

not less than 5 kiloNewtons (1,124

pounds-force); and

(E) Resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolent light. Line that is certified

by the manufacturer or is synthetic and

a dark color meets this requirement.

(ii) Except for an OSV in coastwise

service and under 30 meters (99 feet) in

length, at least one-half the total number

of lifebuoys, but not less than two, must
25306 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

each be fitted with a self-igniting light

approved under approval series

161.010. The self-igniting light must not

be attached to the lifebuoys required by

this section to be fitted with lifelines.

However, if the OSV carries less than

four lifebuoys, a buoyant lifeline can be

fitted to one of the lifebuoys with a selfigniting light.

(b) Lifejackets. Each OSV must carry

lifejackets approved under approval

series 160.002, 160.005, 160.055,

160.077, 160.155, 160.176, or 160.177. If

the OSV carries inflatable lifejackets,

they must be of the same or similar

design and have the same method of

operation.

(1) General. Each OSV must carry a

lifejacket for each person on board and

in addition, a sufficient number of

lifejackets must be carried for persons

on watch and for use at remotely located

survival craft stations.

(2) Stowage. Lifejackets must be

stowed as follows:

(i) The lifejackets must be readily

accessible.

(ii) The lifejacket stowage positions

must be marked with either the word

‘‘LIFEJACKETS’’ or with the appropriate

symbol from IMO Resolution A.760(18).

(iii) The additional lifejackets

required by paragraph (b)(1) of this

section must be stowed on the bridge, in

the engine control room, and at other

manned watch stations..

(3) Markings. Each lifejacket must be

marked—

(i) In block capital letters with the

name of the OSV; and.

(ii) With type I retro-reflective

material approved under approval series

164.018. The arrangement of the retroreflective material must meet IMO

Resolution A.658(16).

(4) Lifejacket lights. Each lifejacket

must have a lifejacket light approved

under approval series 161.112 or

161.012 securely attached to the front

shoulder area of the lifejacket.

Chemiluminescent-type lifejacket lights

approved under approval series 161.012

are not permitted on OSVs certificated

to operate on waters where water

temperature may drop below 10 °C (50

°F).

(c) Immersion suits or anti-exposure

suits. Immersion suits must be approved

under approval series 160.171, and antiexposure suits must be approved under

approval series 160.153.

(1) General. Each OSV, except OSVs

operating in the Gulf of Mexico or on

other routes between 32 degrees north

latitude and 32 degrees south latitude,

must carry—.

(i) An immersion suit or anti-exposure

suit of suitable size for each person

assigned to the rescue boat crew; and

(ii) An immersion suit of the

appropriate size for each person on

board. The immersion suits required

under this paragraph count toward

meeting the requirements of paragraph

(c)(1)(i) of this section.

(2) Stowage. Immersion suits and antiexposure suits must be stowed as

follows:

(i) Immersion suits and anti-exposure

suits must be stowed so they are readily

accessible, and the stowage positions

must be marked with the words

‘‘IMMERSION SUITS’’ or ‘‘ANTIEXPOSURE SUITS’’ as appropriate, or

with the appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

(ii) If watch stations, work stations, or

work sites are remote from cabins,

staterooms, or berthing areas and the

immersion suits are stowed in those

locations, there must be, in addition to

the immersion suits required under

paragraph (c)(1)(ii) of this section,

enough immersion suits stowed at the

watch stations, work stations, or work

sites to equal the number of persons

normally on watch in, or assigned to,

those locations at any time.

(3) Markings. Each immersion suit or

anti-exposure suit must be marked in

block capital letters with the name of

the OSV.

(4) Lights for immersion suits or antiexposure suits. Each immersion suit or

anti-exposure suit must have a lifejacket

light approved under approval series

161.112 or 161.012 securely attached to

the front shoulder area of the immersion

suit or anti-exposure suit.

Chemiluminescent-type lifejacket lights

approved under approval series 161.012

are not permitted on OSVs certificated

to operate on waters where water

temperature may drop below 10 °C (50

°F).

(d) Lifejacket, immersion suit, and

anti-exposure suit containers. Each

lifejacket, immersion suit, and antiexposure suit container must be marked

in block capital letters and numbers

with the quantity, identity, and size of

the equipment stowed inside the

container. The equipment may be

identified in words, or with the

appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

§ 133.80 Emergency instructions.

(a) General. Copies of clear

instructions must be provided on the

OSV, detailing the actions that each

person on board should follow in the

event of an emergency.

(b) Emergency instructions.

Illustrations and instructions in English

and any other appropriate language, as

determined by the OCMI, must be

conspicuously displayed at each muster

station and in spaces where offshore

workers are carried, to inform offshore

workers of—

(1) The fire and emergency signal;

(2) Their muster station;

(3) The essential actions they must

take in an emergency;

(4) The location of lifejackets; and

(5) The method of donning lifejackets.

§ 133.90 Operating instructions.

Each OSV must have posters or signs

displayed in the vicinity of each

survival craft and the survival craft’s

launching controls that—

(a) Illustrate the purpose of controls;

(b) Illustrate the procedures for

operating the launching device;

(c) Give relevant instructions or

warnings;

(d) Can be easily seen under

emergency lighting conditions; and

(e) Display symbols in accordance

with IMO Resolution A.760(18).

§ 133.105 Survival craft.

(a) Each survival craft must be

approved and equipped as follows:

(1) Each inflatable liferaft—

(i) On an OSV on an unlimited oceans

route, must be approved under approval

series 160.151 and be equipped with a

SOLAS A pack;

(ii) On an OSV on an oceans route

limited to within 50 nautical miles of

the shore, must be approved under

approval series 160.151 and be

equipped with either a SOLAS A pack

or SOLAS B pack; and

(iii) On an OSV on a coastwise route,

must be approved under approval series

160.151 or 160.151, with any approved

equipment pack.

(2) Each rigid liferaft must be

approved under approval series 160.118

and be equipped as specified in table

133.175 of this part.

(3) Each inflatable buoyant apparatus

must be approved under approval series

160.010.

(4) Each lifefloat must be approved

under approval series 160.027 and be

equipped with the following:

(i) One boathook.

(ii) Two paddles. Each paddle must be

at least 1.2 meters (4 feet) long and

buoyant.

(iii) One painter. The painter must—

(A) Be at least 30 meters (100 feet)

long, but not less than three times the

distance between the deck where the

lifefloats are stowed and to the OSV’s

waterline in the lightest seagoing

condition;

(B) Have a breaking strength of at least

6.7 kiloNewtons (1,500 pounds-force),

except that if the capacity of the lifefloat

is 50 persons or more, the breaking

strength must be at least 13.4

kiloNewtons (3,000 pounds-force);
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25307

(C) If made of a synthetic material, be

dark in color or certified by the

manufacturer to be resistant to

deterioration from ultraviolet light;

(D) Be stowed in such a way that it

runs out freely when the buoyant

apparatus, inflatable buoyant apparatus,

or lifefloat floats away from the sinking

OSV; and

(E) Have a float-free link meeting the

requirements of part 160, subpart

160.073 of this chapter, connecting the

painter to the OSV.

(iv) One self-igniting light. The selfigniting light must be approved under

approval series 161.010, and must be

attached to the buoyant apparatus,

inflatable buoyant apparatus, or lifefloat

by a 12-thread manila or equivalent

lanyard, at least 5.5 meters (18 feet)

long. The self-igniting light is not

required on a lifefloat with a capacity of

24 persons or less.

(5) Each marine evacuation system

must be approved under approval series

160.175.

(6) Lifeboats may be substituted for

liferafts. If lifeboats are installed on an

OSV, their installation and arrangement

must meet the applicable requirements

of subchapter W of this chapter.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph

(c) of this section, OSVs must carry one

or more liferafts with an aggregate

capacity that will accommodate the total

number of persons on board. The

liferafts must be—

(1) Stowed in a position providing for

easy side-to-side transfer at a single

open deck level; or

(2) Additional liferafts must be

provided to bring the total capacity

available on each side to at least 100

percent of the total number of persons

on board. If additional liferafts are

provided and the rescue boat required

under § 133.135 is also a lifeboat, it may

be included in the aggregate capacity

requirement.

(c) Each OSV operating in the Gulf of

Mexico, as an alternative to the

requirements of paragraph (b) of this

section, may carry a sufficient number

of inflatable buoyant apparatus or a

sufficient number of lifefloats, having an

aggregate capacity that, together with

any lifeboats, rescue boats, and liferafts,

will accommodate the total number of

persons on board.

§ 133.110 Survival craft muster and

embarkation arrangements.

(a) Each OSV must have muster

stations that—

(1) Are near the embarkation stations,

unless the muster station is the

embarkation station;

(2) Permit ready access for the

offshore workers to the embarkation

station, unless the muster station is the

embarkation station; and

(3) Have sufficient room to marshal

and instruct the offshore workers.

(b) Each muster station must have

sufficient space to accommodate all

persons assigned to muster at that

station. One or more muster stations

must be close to each embarkation

station.

(c) Each muster station and

embarkation station must be readily

accessible to accommodation and work

areas.

(d) Each muster station and

embarkation station must be adequately

illuminated by lighting supplied from

the emergency source of electrical

power.

(e) Each davit-launched survival craft

muster station and embarkation station

must be arranged to enable stretcher

cases to be placed in the survival craft.

(f) Each launching station or each two

adjacent launching stations with an

embarkation position more than 3

meters (10 feet) above the waterline in

the lightest seagoing condition, must

have an embarkation ladder as follows:

(1) Each embarkation ladder must be

approved under approval series 160.117

or approval series 160.017.

(2) Each embarkation ladder must

extend in a single length, from the deck

to the waterline in the lightest seagoing

condition under unfavorable conditions

of trim and with the OSV listed not less

than 15 degrees either way.

(3) Each embarkation ladder may be

replaced by a device approved to

provide safe and rapid access to survival

craft in the water, if the OCMI permits

the device, provided that there is at least

one embarkation ladder on each side of

the OSV.

(g) Each davit-launched liferaft must

be arranged to be boarded and launched

from a position immediately adjacent to

the stowed position or from a position

to where, under § 133.130, the liferaft is

transferred before launching.

(h) If a davit-launched survival craft is

embarked over the edge of the deck, the

craft must be provide with a means for

bringing it against the side of the OSV

and holding it alongside the OSV to

allow persons to safely embark.

(i) If a davit-launched survival craft or

rescue boat is not intended to be moved

to the stowed position with persons on

board, the craft must be provided with

a means for bringing it against the side

of the OSV and holding it alongside the

OSV to allow persons to safely

disembark after a drill.

§ 133.120 Launching stations.

(a) Each launching station must be

positioned to ensure safe launching

with clearance from—

(1) The propeller; and

(2) The steeply overhanging portions

of the hull.

(b) Each survival craft be launched

down the straight side of the OSV.

(c) Each launching station in the

forward part of the OSV must—

(1) Be located aft of the collision

bulkhead in a sheltered position; and

(2) Have a launching appliance

approved as being of sufficient strength

for forward installation.

§ 133.130 Stowage of survival craft.

(a) General. Each survival craft must

be stowed as follows:

(1) Each survival craft must be as

close to the accommodation and service

spaces as possible.

(2) Each survival craft must be in a

way that neither the survival craft nor

its stowage arrangements will interfere

with the embarkation and operation of

any other survival craft or rescue boat at

any other launching station.

(3) Each survival craft must be as near

the water surface as is safe and

practicable.

(4) Other than liferafts intended for

throw-overboard launching, each

survival craft must be not less than 2

meters above the waterline with the

OSV—

(i) In the fully loaded condition;

(ii) Under unfavorable conditions of

trim; and

(iii) Listed up to 20 degrees either

way, or to the angle where the OSV’s

weatherdeck edge becomes submerged,

whichever is less.

(5) Each survival craft must be

sufficiently ready for use so that two

crew members can complete

preparations for embarkation and

launching in less than 5 minutes.

(6) Each survival craft must be fully

equipped as required under this part.

(7) Each survival craft must be in a

secure and sheltered position and

protected from damage by fire and

explosion, as far as practicable.

(8) Each survival craft must not

require lifting from its stowed position

in order to launch, except that—

(i) A davit-launched liferaft may be

lifted by a manually powered winch

from its stowed position to its

embarkation position; or

(ii) A survival craft that weights 185

kilograms (407.8 pounds) or less, may

require lifting of not more than 300

millimeters (1 foot).

(b) Additional liferaft stowage

requirements. In addition to meeting the

requirements of paragraph (a) of this

section, each liferaft must be stowed as

follows:

(1) Each liferaft must be stowed to

permit manual release from its securing

arrangements.
25308 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(2) Each liferaft must be stowed at a

height above the waterline in the

lightest seagoing condition not greater

than the maximum stowage height

indicated on the liferaft container. Each

liferaft without an indicated maximum

stowage height must be stowed not more

than 18 meters (59 feet) above the

waterline in the OSV’s lightest seagoing

condition.

(3) Each liferaft must be arranged to

permit it to drop into the water from the

deck on which it is stowed. A liferaft

stowage arrangement meets this

requirement if it—

(i) Is outboard of the rail or bulwark;

(ii) Is on stanchions or on a platform

adjacent to the rail or bulwark; or

(iii) Has a gate or other suitable

opening to allow the liferaft to be

pushed directly overboard and—

(A) Each gate or opening must be large

enough to allow the liferaft to be pushed

overboard; and

(B) If the liferaft is intended to be

available for use on either side of the

OSV, a gate or opening must be

provided on each side.

(4) Each davit-launched liferaft must

be stowed within reach of its lifting

hook, unless some means of transfer is

provided that is not rendered

inoperable—

(i) Within the limits of trim and list

and list specified in paragraph (a)(4)(iii)

of this section;

(ii) By OSV motion; or

(iii) By power failure.

(5) Each rigid container for an

inflatable liferaft to be launched by a

launching appliance must be secured in

a way that the container or parts of it are

prevented from falling into the water

during and after inflation and launching

of the contained liferaft.

(6) Each liferaft must have a painter

system providing a connection between

the OSV and the liferaft.

(7) Each liferaft or group of liferafts

must be arranged for float-free

launching. The arrangement must

ensure that the liferaft or liferafts when

released and inflated, are not dragged

under by the sinking OSV. A hydrostatic

release unit used in a float-free

arrangement must be approved under

approval series 160.162.

(c) Additional lifefloat stowage

requirements. Each lifefloat must be

capable of float-free launching and be

arranged as follows:

(1) Lifefloats must be secured to the

OSV by—

(i) A hydrostatic release unit

approved under approval series 160.062

or 160.162 and that is appropriate for

the size and number of the lifefloats

attached to them; or

(ii) Lashings that can be easily

slipped.

(2) A painter must be secured to the

lifefloat by—

(i) The attachment fitting provided by

the manufacturer; or

(ii) A wire or line that encircles the

body of the lifefloat and will not slip off,

and meets the requirements of

§ 133.105(a)(4)(iii).

(3) If lifefloats are arranged in groups

with each group secured by a single

painter,—

(i) The combined weight of each

group must not exceed 185 kilograms

(407.8 pounds);

(ii) Each lifefloat must be individually

attached to the group’s single painter by

its own painter which must be long

enough to allow floating without contact

with any other lifefloat in the group;

(iii) The strength of the float-free link

and the strength of the group’s single

painter must be appropriate for the

combined capacity of the group of

lifefloats;

(iv) The group of lifefloats must not be

stowed in more than four tiers. When

stowed in tiers, the separate units must

be kept apart by spacers; and

(v) The group of lifefloats must be

stowed to prevent shifting with easily

detached lashings.

§ 133.135 Rescue boats.

(a) Each OSV must carry at least one

rescue boat. Each rescue boat must be

approved under approval series 160.156

and equipped as specified in table

133.175 of this part.

(b) Offshore supply vessels, as an

alternative to the requirement in

paragraph (a) of this section, may carry

a motor-propelled workboat or a launch

if the workboat or launch must meet the

embarkation, launching, and recovery

arrangement requirements in

§ 133.160(a), (c), (d), (e), and (f).

(c) A rescue boat is not required for

a vessel operating on the continental

shelf of the United States, if—

(1) The OCMI determines the vessel is

arranged to allow a helpless person to

be recovered from the water;

(2) The recovery of the helpless

person can be observed from the

navigating bridge; and

(3) The vessel does not regularly

engage in operations that restrict its

maneuverability.

§ 133.140 Stowage of rescue boats.

(a) Rescue boats must be stowed as

follows:

(1) Each rescue boat must be ready for

launching in not more than 5 minutes.

(2) Each rescue boat must be in a

position suitable for launching and

recovery.

(3) Each rescue boat must be stowed

in a way that neither the rescue boat nor

its stowage arrangements will interfere

with the operation of any survival craft

at any other launching station.

(b) Each rescue boat must be provided

a means for recharging the rescue boat

batteries from the OSV’s power supply

at a supply voltage not exceeding 50

volts.

(c) Each inflated rescue boat must be

kept fully inflated at all times.

§ 133.145 Marine evacuation system

launching arrangements.

(a) Arrangements. Each marine

evacuation system must have the

following arrangements:

(1) Each marine evacuation system

must be capable of being deployed by

one person.

(2) Each marine evacuation system

must enable the total number of persons

for which it is designed, to be

transferred from the OSV into the

inflated liferafts within a period of 10

minutes from the time an abandon-ship

signal is given.

(3) Each marine evacuation system

must be arranged so that liferafts may be

securely attached to the platform and

released from the platform by a person

either in the liferaft or on the platform.

(4) Each marine evacuation system

must be capable of being deployed from

the OSV under unfavorable conditions

of trim of up to 10 degrees either way

and of list of up to 20 degrees either

way.

(5) If the marine evacuation system

has an inclined slide, the angle of the

slide from horizontal must be within a

range of 30 to 35 degrees when the OSV

is upright and in the lightest seagoing

condition.

(6) Each marine evacuation system

platform must be capable of being

restrained by a bowsing line or other

positioning system that is designed to

deploy automatically, and if necessary,

be capable of being adjusted to the

position required for evacuation.

(b) Stowage. Each marine evacuation

system must be stowed as follows:

(1) There must not be any openings

between the marine evacuation system’s

embarkation station and the OSV’s side

at the OSV’s waterline in the lightest

seagoing condition.

(2) The marine evacuation system’s

launching positions must be arranged,

as far as practicable, to be straight down

the OSV’s side and safely clear the

propeller and any steeply overhanging

positions of the hull.

(3) The marine evacuation system

must be protected from any projections

of the OSV’s structure or equipment.

(4) The marine evacuation system’s

passage and platform, when deployed;

its stowage container; and its
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25309

operational arrangement must not

interfere with the operation of any other

lifesaving appliance at any other

launching station.

(5) Where appropriate, the marine

evacuation system’s stowage area must

be protected from damage by heavy

seas.

(c) Stowage of associated liferafts.

Inflatable liferafts used in conjunction

with the marine evacuation system must

be stowed as follows:

(1) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be close to the system

container, but capable of dropping clear

of the deployed chute and boarding

platform.

(2) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be capable of individual

release from its stowage rack.

(3) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be stowed in accordance

with § 133.130.

(4) Each inflatable liferaft used in

conjunction with the marine evacuation

system must be provided with

preconnected or easily connected

retrieving lines to the platform.

§ 133.150 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements: general.

(a) All survival craft required for

abandonment by the total number of

persons on board must be capable of

being launched with their full

complement of persons and equipment

within 10 minutes from the time the

abandon-ship signal is given.

(b) Each launching appliance for a

davit-launched liferaft must be

approved under approval series

160.163, with an automatic disengaging

apparatus approved under approval

series 160.170.

(c) Unless expressly provided

otherwise, each survival craft must be

provided launching appliances or

marine evacuation systems, except—

(1) Those survival craft that can be

boarded from a position on deck less

than 4.5 meters (14.75 feet) above the

waterline in the lightest seagoing

condition and that have a mass of not

more than 185 kilograms (407 pounds);

(2) Those survival craft that can be

boarded from a position on deck less

than 4.5 meters (14.75 feet) above the

waterline in the lightest seagoing

condition and that are stowed for

launching directly from the stowed

position, under unfavorable conditions

of trim of 10 degrees and list of 20

degrees either way;

(3) Those survival craft that are

carried in excess of the survival craft for

200 percent of the total number of

persons on board the OSV, and that

have a mass of not more than 185

kilograms (407 pounds);

(4) Those survival craft carried in

excess of the survival craft for 200

percent of the total number of persons

on board the OSV, and are stowed for

launching directly from the stowed

position under unfavorable conditions

of trim of 10 degrees and list of 20

degrees either way;

(5) Those survival craft that are

provided for use in conjunction with a

marine evacuation system, and stowed

for launching directly from the stowed

position under unfavorable conditions

of trim of 10 degrees and list of 20

degrees either way; or

(6) Liferafts installed on lifeboats.

(d) Each launching appliance must be

arranged so that the fully equipped

survival craft the launching appliance

serves can be safely launched against

unfavorable conditions of trim of up to

10 degrees either way and of list of up

to 20 degrees either way,—

(1) When the survival craft is loaded

with its full complement of persons; and

(2) When not more than the required

operating crew is on board.

(e) A launching appliance must not

depend on any means other than gravity

or stored mechanical power,

independent of the OSV’s power

supplies, to launch the survival craft the

launching appliance serves, in the fully

loaded and equipped condition, and

also in the light condition.

(f) Each launching appliance’s

structural attachment to the OSV must

be designed to be at least 4.5 times—

(1) The load imparted on the

attachment by the launching appliance

and its fully loaded survival craft under

the most adverse combination of list and

trim as required under paragraph (b) of

this section; and

(2) The ultimate strength of the

construction material.

(g) Each launching appliance must be

arranged so that—

(1) All parts requiring regular

maintenance by the OSV’s crew are

readily accessible and easily

maintained;

(2) The launching appliance remains

effective under conditions of icing;

(3) The same type of release

mechanism is used for each similar

survival craft carried on board the OSV;

(4) The preparation and handling of

each survival craft at any one launching

station does not interfere with the

prompt preparation and handling of any

other survival craft at any other station;

(5) The persons on board the OSV can

safely and rapidly board the survival

craft;

(6) Each davit-launched liferaft can be

boarded by its full complement of

persons within 3 minutes from the time

the instruction to board is given: and

(7) During preparation and launching,

the survival craft, its launching

appliance, and the area of water into

which it is to be lunched is illuminated

by lighting supplied from the emergency

source of electrical power.

(h) Each launching mechanism must

be arranged so it may be actuated by one

person, both from a position on the

OSV’s deck, and from a position within

the survival craft. Each launching and

recovery arrangement must allow the

operator on the deck to observe the

survival craft at all times during

launching.

(i) Means must be provided outside

the machinery space to prevent any

discharge of water onto survival craft

during abandonment.

§ 133.153 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangement using falls and a

winch.

Survival craft launching and recovery

arrangements, in addition to meeting the

requirements in § 133.150, must meet

the following requirements:

(a) Each fall wire must be of rotationresistant and corrosion-resistant steel

wire rope.

(b) The breaking strength of each fall

wire and each attachment used on the

fall must be at least six time the load

imparted on the fall by the fully-loaded

survival craft.

(c) Each fall must be long enough for

the survival craft to reach the water with

the OSV in its lightest seagoing

condition, under unfavorable conditions

of trim and with the OSV listed not less

than 20 degrees either way.

(d) Each unguarded fall must not pass

near any operating position of the

winch, such as hand cranks, pay-out

wheels, and brake levers.

(e) Each winch drum must be

arranged so the fall wire winds onto the

drum in a level wrap. A multiple drum

winch must be arranged so that the falls

wind off at the same rate when

lowering, and onto the drums at the

same rate when hoisting.

(f) Each fall, where exposed to damage

or fouling, must have guards or

equivalent protection. Each fall that

leads along a deck must be covered with

a guard that is not more than 300

millimeters (1 foot) above the deck.

(g) The lowering speed for a fully

loaded survival craft must be not less

than that obtained from the following

formula:

(1) S=0.4+(0.02 H), where S is the

speed of lowering in meters per second,

and H is the height in meters from the

davit head to the waterline at the

lightest seagoing condition.
25310 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(2) S=79+(1.2 H), where S is the speed

of lowering in feet per minute, and H is

the height in feet.

(h) The lowering speed for a survival

craft loaded with all of its equipment

must be not less than 70 percent of the

speed required under paragraph (g) of

this section.

(i) The lowering speed for a fully

loaded survival craft must be not more

than 1.3 meters per second (256 feet per

minute).

(j) If a survival craft is recovered by

electric power, the electrical

installation, including the electric

power-operated boat winch, must meet

the requirements in part 129 of this

chapter. If a survival craft is recovered

by any means of power, including a

portable power source, safety devices

must be provided which automatically

cut off the power before the davit arms

or falls reach the stops in order to avoid

overstressing the falls or davits, unless

the motor is designed to prevent such

overstressing.

(k) Each launching appliance must be

fitted with brakes that meet the

following requirements:

(1) The brakes must be capable of

stopping the descent of the survival

craft or rescue boat and holding it

securely when loaded with its full

complement of persons and equipment.

(2) The brake pads must, where

necessary, be protected from water and

oil.

(3) Manual brakes must be arranged so

that the brake is always applied unless

the operator, or a mechanism activated

by the operator, holds the brake control

in the off position.

§ 133.160 Rescue boat embarkation,

launching and recovery arrangements.

(a) Each rescue boat must be able to

be boarded and launched directly from

the stowed position with the number of

persons assigned to crew the rescue boat

on board. If the rescue boat is also a

lifeboat and the other lifeboats are

boarded and launched from an

embarkation deck, the arrangements

must be such that the rescue boat can

also be boarded and launched from the

embarkation deck.

(b) Each rescue boat must be capable

of being launched with the OSV making

headway of 5 knots in calm water. A

painter may be used to meet this

requirement.

(c) Each rescue boat embarkation and

launching arrangement must permit the

rescue boat to be boarded and launched

in the shortest possible time.

(d) Rapid recovery of the rescue boat

must be possible when loaded with its

full complement of persons and

equipment.

(e) Each rescue boat launching

appliance must be fitted with a powered

winch motor.

(f) Each rescue boat launching

appliance must be capable of hoisting

the rescue boat when loaded with its

full rescue boat complement of persons

and equipment at a rate of not less than

0.3 meters per second (59 feet per

minute).

§ 133.170 Line-throwing appliance.

(a) General. Each OSV must have a

line-throwing appliance that is

approved under approval series 160.031

or 160.040.

(b) Stowage. The line-throwing

appliance and its equipment must be

readily accessible for use.

(c) Additional equipment. Each OSV

must carry the following equipment for

the line-throwing appliance:

(1) The equipment on the list

provided by the manufacturer with the

approved appliance.

(2) An auxiliary line that—

(i) For an appliance approved under

approval series 160.040, is at least 450

meters (1,500 feet) long;

(ii) For an appliance approved under

approval series 160.031, is at least 150

meters (500 feet) long;

(iii) Has a breaking strength of at least

40 kiloNewtons (9,000 pounds-force);

and

(iv) Is, if synthetic, a dark color or

certified by the manufacturer to be

resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light.

§ 133.175 Survival craft and rescue boat

equipment.

(a) All rescue boat equipment must be

as follows:

(1) The equipment must be secured

within the boat by lashings, storage in

lockers or compartments, storage in

brackets or similar mounting

arrangements, or other suitable means.

(2) The equipment must be secured in

such a manner as not to interfere with

any abandonment procedures or reduce

seating capacity.

(3) The equipment must be as small

and of as little mass as possible.

(4) The equipment must be packed in

a suitable and compact form.

(5) The equipment should be stowed

so the items do not—

(i) Reduce the seating capacity;

(ii) Adversely affect the seaworthiness

of the survival craft or rescue boat; or

(iii) Overload the launching

appliance.

(b) Each rigid liferaft and rescue boat,

unless otherwise stated in this

paragraph, must carry the equipment

specified for it in table 133.175 of this

section. Each item in the table has the

same description as in § 199.175 of this

chapter.

TABLE 133.175.—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT

Item

No. Item

Oceans Coastwise

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

A Pack)

Rescue

boat

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

B Pack)

Rescue

boat

1 Bailer 1 ................................................................................................................................ 1 1 1 1

3 Boathook ............................................................................................................................ ................ 1 ................ 1

4 Bucket 2 .............................................................................................................................. ................ 1 ................ 1

5 Can opener ......................................................................................................................... 3 ................ ................ ................

6 Compass ............................................................................................................................ ................ 1 ................ 1

8 Drinking cup ....................................................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ ................

9 Fire extinguisher ................................................................................................................. ................ 1 ................ 1

10 First-aid kit .......................................................................................................................... 1 1 1 1

11 Fishing kit ........................................................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ ................

12 Flashlight ............................................................................................................................ 1 1 1 1

14 Heaving line ........................................................................................................................ 1 2 1 2

15 Instruction card ................................................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 ................

17 Knife 1 3 ............................................................................................................................... 1 1 1 1

18 Ladder ................................................................................................................................ ................ 1 ................ 1

19 Mirror, signalling ................................................................................................................. 1 ................ 1 ................
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25311

TABLE 133.175.—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT—Continued

Item

No. Item

Oceans Coastwise

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

A Pack)

Rescue

boat

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

B Pack)

Rescue

boat

20 Oars, units 4 ........................................................................................................................ ................ 1 ................ 1

Paddles ............................................................................................................................... 2 ................ 2 ................

21 Painter ................................................................................................................................ 1 1 1 1

22 Provisions (units per person) ............................................................................................. 1 ................ ................ ................

23 Pump 5 ................................................................................................................................ ................ 1 ................ 1

24 Radar reflector .................................................................................................................... 1 1 1 1

26 Repair kit 5 .......................................................................................................................... ................ 1 ................ 1

27 Sea anchor ......................................................................................................................... 2 1 2 1

28 Searchlight .......................................................................................................................... ................ 1 ................ 1

29 Seasickness kit (units per person) ..................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 ................

30 Signal, smoke ..................................................................................................................... 2 ................ 1 ................

31 Signal, hand flare ............................................................................................................... 6 ................ 6 ................

32 Signal, parachute flare ....................................................................................................... 4 ................ 4 ................

34 Sponge 5 ............................................................................................................................. 2 2 2 2

35 Survival instructions ........................................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 ................

36 Table of lifesaving signals .................................................................................................. 1 ................ 1 ................

37 Thermal protective aids (percent of persons) 6 .................................................................. 10% 10% 10% 10%

39 Towline ............................................................................................................................... ................ 1 ................ 1

40 Water (liters per person) .................................................................................................... 1.5 ................ 1 ................

41 Whistle ................................................................................................................................ 1 1 1 1

Notes:

1Each liferaft equipped for 13 persons or more must carry two of these items.

2 Not required for inflated or rigid-inflated rescue boats.

3A hatchet counts towards this requirement in rigid rescue boats.

4Oars are not required on a free-fall lifeboat; a unit of oars means the number of oars specified by the boat manufacturer.

5 Not required for a rigid rescue boat.

6Sufficient thermal protective aids are required for at least 10% of the persons the survival craft is equipped to carry, but not less than two.

SUBCHAPTER R—NAUTICAL SCHOOLS

PART 167—PUBLIC NAUTICAL

SCHOOL SHIPS

103. The authority citation for part

167 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 8105; 46

U.S.C. App. 1295g; 49 CFR 1.46.

104. Section 167.05–25 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 167.05–25 Nautical school ship.

The term nautical school ship means

a vessel operated by or in connection

with a nautical school or an educational

institution under Section 13 of the Coast

Guard Authorization Act of 1986.

105. Section 167.05–35 is added to

read as follows:

§ 167.05–35 Public nautical school.

The term public nautical school

means any school or branch thereof

operated by any State or political

subdivision thereof or a school operated

by the United States Maritime

Administration that offers instruction

for the primary purpose of training for

service in the merchant marine.

106. Section 167.15–28 is added to

read as follows:

§ 167.15–28 Inspection of lifesaving

appliances and arrangements.

The inspection of lifesaving

appliances and arrangements must be in

accordance with the requirements for

special purpose vessels in subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

107. Section 167.35–1 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 167.35–1 General.

Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements on nautical school ships

must be in accordance with the

requirements for special purpose vessels

in subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 167.35–2, 167.35–3, 167.35–5, 167.35–10,

167.35–15, 167.35–20, 167.35–25, 167.35–30,

167.35–35, 167.35–40, 167.35–45, 167.35–50,

167.35–60, 167.35–65, 167.35–70, 167.35–72,

167.35–75, 167.35–80, 167.35–85, 167.35–90

[Removed]

108. Sections 167.35–2, 167.35–3,

167.35–5, 167.35–10, 167.35–15,

167.35–20, 167.35–25, 167.35–30,

167.35–35, 167.35–40, 167.35–45,

167.35–50, 167.35–60, 167.35–65,

167.35–70, 167.35–72, 167.35–75,

167.35–80, 167.35–85, and 167.35–90

are removed.

109. In § 167.55–5, the section

heading and paragraph (j) are revised

and the note at the end of the section

is removed to read as follows:

§ 167.55–5 Marking of fire and emergency

equipment.

* * * * *

(j) Lifesaving appliances. Each

lifesaving appliance must be marked as

required under subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

* * * * *

110. Section 167.65–1 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 167.65–1 Emergency training, musters,

and drills.

Onboard training, musters, and drills

must be in accordance with subchapter

W (Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§ 167.65–55 [Removed]

111. Section 167.65–55 is removed.

PART 168—CIVILIAN NAUTICAL

SCHOOL VESSELS

112. The authority citation for part

168 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 46 U.S.C. App.

1295g; 49 CFR 1.46.

113. Section 168.05–5 is revised to

read as follows:
25312 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

§ 168.05–5 Application of passenger

vessel inspection regulations.

Where the requirements are not

covered specifically in this part, all the

regulations applying to passenger

vessels in subchapters E (Load Lines), F

(Marine Engineering), H (Passenger

Vessels), J (Electrical Engineering), K

(Small Passenger Vessels Carrying More

Than 150 Passengers Or With Overnight

Accommadations For More Than 49

Passengers), P (Manning), Q

(Specifications), T (Small Passenger

Vessels), and W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter are

hereby made applicable to all vessels or

other floating equipment used by or in

connection with any civilian nautical

school, whether such vessels or other

floating equipment are being navigated

or not, except vessels of the Navy or

Coast Guard.

114. Section 168.10–1 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 168.10–1 Nautical school vessels.

The term nautical school vessel

means a vessel operated by or in

connection with a nautical school or an

educational institution under Section 13

of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of

1986.

115. Section 168.10–5 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 168.10–5 Civilian nautical school.

The term civilian nautical school

means any school or branch thereof

operated and conducted in the United

States, except State nautical schools and

schools operated by the United States or

any agency thereof, which offers

instruction for the primary purpose of

training for service in the merchant

marine.

SUBCHAPTER U—OCEANOGRAPHIC

RESEARCH VESSELS

PART 188—GENERAL PROVISIONS

116. The authority citation for part

188 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2113, 3306; 49 U.S.C.

5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR,

1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

117. In § 188.05–10, paragraph (d) is

revised to read as follows:

§ 188.05–10 Application to vessels on an

international voyage.

* * * * *

(d) The Commandant or his

authorized representative may exempt

any vessel from the construction

requirements of this subchapter if the

vessel does not proceed more than 20

nautical miles from the nearest land in

the course of its voyage.

§ 188.10–52 [Removed]

118. Section 118.10–52 is removed.

119. Section 118.10–53 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 188.10–53 Oceanographic research

vessel.

The term oceanographic research

vessel means a vessel that the Secretary

finds is being employed only in

instruction in oceanography or

limnology, or both, or only in

oceanographic or limnological research,

including those studies about the sea

such as seismic, gravity meter, and

magnetic exploration and other marine

geophysical or geological surveys,

atmospheric research, and biological

research.

120. Subpart 188.27 is added to read

as follows:

Subpart 188.27—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

188.27–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

Subpart 188.27—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 188.27–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

All lifesaving appliances and

arrangements shall be in accordance

with the requirements for special

purpose vessels in subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

PART 189—INSPECTION AND

CERTIFICATION

121. The authority citation for part

189 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

2113, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR,

1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757,

3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; 49 CFR 1.46.

122. Section 189.15–1 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 189.15–1 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 188, subpart 188.35

of this chapter, respecting material and

construction of hulls, boilers, and

machinery, and 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.

123. In § 189.20–20, paragraph (a) is

redesignated as introductory text, and

paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (3), and (4) are

redesignated as paragraphs (a) through

(d) and newly redesignated paragraph

(a) is revised to read as follows:

§ 189.20–20 Specific tests and

inspections.

* * * * *

(a) For inspection procedures of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements,

see subchapter W (Lifesaving

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

* * * * *

124. Section 189.25–15 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 189.25–15 Lifesaving equipment.

For inspection procedures of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements,

see subchapter W (Lifesaving

Appliances and Arrangements) of this

chapter.

PART 192—[REMOVED]

125. Part 192 is removed.

PART 195—VESSEL CONTROL AND

MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND

EQUIPMENT

126. The authority citation for part

195 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2113, 3306; 49 U.S.C.

App. 1804; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR,

1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

127. Subpart 195.06 is added to read

as follows:

Subpart 195.06—Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements

Sec.

195.06–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

Subpart 195.06—Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements

§ 195.06–1 Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements.

All lifesaving appliances and

arrangements shall be in accordance

with the requirements for special

purpose vessels in subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

PART 196—OPERATIONS

128. The authority citation for part

196 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C.

2213, 3306, 5115, 6101; E.O. 12777, 56 FR

54757, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; E.O.

12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p.

277; 49 CFR 1.46.

129. Section 196.13–1 is revised to

read as follows:
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25313

§ 196.13–1 Muster lists, emergency

signals, and manning.

The requirements for muster lists,

emergency signals, and manning must

be in accordance with subchapter W

(Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 196.13–5, 196–13.10, 196.13–15, 196.13–

20 [Removed]

130. Sections 196.13–5 196.13–10,

196.13–15 and 196.13–20 are removed.

Subpart 196.14—[Removed]

131. Subpart 196.14 is removed.

§ 196.15–25 [Removed]

132. Section 196.15–25 is removed.

133. Section 196.15–35 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 196.15–35 Emergency training, musters,

and drills.

Onboard training, musters, and drills

must be in accordance with subchapter

W (Lifesaving Appliances and

Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 196.15–37, 196.15–40, 196.15–45, 196.15–

50, 196.15–65, 196.15–70 [Removed]

134. Sections 196.15–37, 196.15–40,

196.15–45, 196.15–50, 196.15–65, and

196.15–70 are removed.

135. In § 196.35–5, paragraphs (a)(6)

and (a)(8) are removed, paragraph (a) is

redesignated as introductory text, and

paragraphs (a)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (7), (9),

(10), (11), (12), and (13) are redesignated

as paragraphs (a) through (k) and newly

designated paragraph (a) is revised to

read as follows:

§ 196.35–5 Actions required to be logged.

* * * * *

(a) Onboard training, musters, and

drills: held in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

* * * * *

136. Section 196.37–37 is revised to

read as follows:

§ 196.37–37 Markings for lifesaving

appliances, instructions to passengers, and

stowage locations.

Lifesaving appliances, instructions to

passengers, and stowage locations must

be marked in accordance with

subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances

and Arrangements) of this chapter.

§§ 196.37–40, 196.37–43, 196.37–49

[Removed]

137. Sections 196.37–40, 196.37–43,

and 196.37–49 are removed.

Subpart 196.39—[Removed]

138. Subpart 196.39 is removed.

Subpart 196.90—[Removed]

139. Subpart 196.90 is removed.

140. Subchapter W, consisting of part

199, is added to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER W—LIFESAVING

APPLIANCES AND ARRANGEMENTS

PART 199—LIFESAVING SYSTEMS

FOR CERTAIN INSPECTED VESSELS

Subpart A—General

Sec.

199.01 Purpose.

199.03 Relationship to international

standards.

199.05 Incorporation by reference.

199.07 Additional equipment and

requirements.

199.09 Equivalents.

199.10 Applicability.

199.20 Exemptions.

199.30 Definitions.

199.40 Evaluation, testing and approval of

lifesaving appliances and arrangements.

199.45 Tests and inspections of lifesaving

equipment and arrangements.

Subpart B—Requirements for All Vessels

199.60 Communications.

199.70 Personal lifesaving appliances.

199.80 Muster list and emergency

instructions.

199.90 Operating instructions.

199.100 Manning of survival craft and

supervision.

199.110 Survival craft muster and

embarkation arrangements.

199.120 Launching stations.

199.130 Stowage of survival craft.

199.140 Stowage of rescue boats.

199.145 Marine evacuation system

launching arrangements.

199.150 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements; general.

199.153 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements using falls and a

winch.

199.155 Lifeboat launching and recovery

arrangements.

199.157 Free-fall lifeboat launching and

recovery arrangements.

199.160 Rescue boat embarkation,

launching and recovery arrangements.

199.170 Line-throwing appliance.

199.175 Survival craft and rescue boat

equipment.

199.176 Markings on lifesaving appliances.

199.178 Marking of stowage locations.

199.180 Training and drills.

199.190 Operational readiness,

maintenance and inspection of lifesaving

equipment.

Subpart C—Additional Requirements for

Passenger Vessels

199.200 General.

199.201 Survival craft.

199.202 Rescue boats.

199.203 Marshalling of liferafts.

199.211 Lifebuoys.

199.212 Lifejackets.

199.214 Immersion suits and thermal

protective aids.

199.217 Muster list and emergency

instructions.

199.220 Survival craft and rescue boat

embarkation arrangements.

199.230 Stowage of survival craft.

199.240 Muster stations.

199.245 Survival craft embarkation and

launching arrangements.

199.250 Drills.

Subpart D—Additional Requirements for

Cargo Vessels

199.260 General.

199.261 Survival craft.

199.262 Rescue boats.

199.271 Lifebuoys.

199.273 Immersion suits.

199.280 Survival craft embarkation and

launching arrangements.

199.290 Stowage of survival craft.

Subpart E—Additional Requirements for

Vessels Not Subject to SOLAS

199.500 General.

199.510 EPIRB requirements.

199.520 Lifeboat requirements.

Subpart F—Exemptions and Alternatives for

Vessels Not Subject to SOLAS

199.600 General.

199.610 Exemptions for vessels in specified

services.

199.620 Alternatives for all vessels in a

specified service.

199.630 Alternatives for passenger vessels

in a specified service.

199.640 Alternatives for cargo vessels in a

specified service.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; 46 CFR

1.46.

Subpart A—General

§ 199.01 Purpose.

(a) This part sets out the requirements

for lifesaving appliances and

arrangements for all inspected U.S.

vessels except for—

(1) Offshore supply vessels, which are

covered by subchapter L of this chapter;

(2) Mobile Offshore Drilling Units

(MODU), which are covered by

subchapter I–A of this chapter;

(3) Small passenger vessels, which are

covered by subchapters K and T of this

chapter; and

(4) Sailing school vessels, which are

covered by part 169 of this chapter.

(b) This subpart and subparts B, C,

and D of this part set out the

requirements for vessels on

international voyages that are subject to

the International Convention for the

Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, and its

Protocol of 1978, as amended (SOLAS).

(c) Subparts E and F of this part set

out additional requirements,

alternatives, and exemptions for vessels

that are not subject to SOLAS.

§ 199.03 Relationship to international

standards.

(a) This subpart and subparts B, C,

and D of this part are based on Chapter

III, SOLAS. Section numbers in this

subpart and subparts B, C, and D of this

part are generally related to the
25314 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

regulation numbers in Chapter III,

SOLAS, but paragraph designations are

not related to the numbering in Chapter

III, SOLAS. To find the corresponding

Chapter III, SOLAS regulation for this

subpart and subparts B, C, and D of this

part, beginning with § 199.10, divide the

section number following the decimal

point by 10.

(b) For purposes of this part, any

vessel carrying a valid Passenger Ship

Safety Certificate supplemented by a

Record of Equipment, or a valid Cargo

Ship Safety Equipment Certificate

supplemented by a Record of

Equipment, is considered to have met

the requirements of this part if the

equipment meets § 199.40 and if, in

addition to the requirements of SOLAS

Chapter III, the vessel meets the

following requirements:

(1) Each new lifeboat and launching

appliance on a tank vessel may be of

aluminum construction only if its

stowage location is protected with a

water spray system in accordance with

§ 199.290(b).

(2) Each child-size lifejacket and

immersion suit must be appropriately

marked and stowed separately from

adult or extended-size devices as

required in § 199.70(b)(2).

(3) Each lifejacket and immersion suit

must be marked with the vessel’s name

in accordance with §§ 199.70 (b)(3) and

(c)(3).

(4) Inflatable lifejackets, if carried,

must be of the same or similar design as

required by § 199.70(b).

(5) Containers for lifejackets,

immersions suits, and anti-exposure

suits must be marked as specified in

§ 199.70(d).

(6) Instructions for passengers must

include illustrated instructions on the

method of donning lifejackets as

required in § 199.80(c)(5).

(7) Each liferaft must be arranged to

permit it to drop into the water from the

deck on which it is stowed as required

in § 199.130(c)(3).

(8) Lifeboats and rescue boats must be

arranged to allow safe disembarkation

onto the vessel after a drill in

accordance with § 199.110(h).

(9) The requirements for guarding of

falls in §§ 199.153 (d) and (f) must be

met.

(10) The winch drum requirements

described in § 199.153(e) must be met

for all survival craft winches, not just

multiple drum winches.

(11) The maximum lowering speed

requirements for launching

arrangements using falls and a winch in

§§ 199.153 (i) and (j) must be met.

(12) An auxiliary line must be kept

with each line-throwing appliance in

accordance with § 199.170(c)(2).

(13) Immersion suits must be carried

on all cargo vessels except those

operating between the 32 degrees north

and 32 degrees south latitude in

accordance with § 199.273.

(14) Vessels carrying immersion suits

must conduct drills in accordance with

§§ 199.180 (d)(11) and (d)(12).

(c) The certificates in paragraph (b) of

this section will be accepted as proof of

compliance with the requirements in

this part unless the Officer in Charge,

Marine Inspection (OCMI), determines

that—

(1) The condition of the vessel or of

its equipment does not correspond

substantially with the particulars of its

certificates; or

(2) The vessel and its equipment have

not been maintained in conformance

with the provisions of the regulations in

this part.

§ 199.05 Incorporation by reference.

(a) Certain material is incorporated by

reference into this part with the

approval of the Director of the Federal

Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1

CFR part 51. To enforce any edition

other than that specified in paragraph

(b) of this section, the Coast Guard must

publish notice of change in the Federal

Register; and the material must be

available to the public. All approved

material is available for inspection at

the Office of the Federal Register, 800

North Capitol Street NW., suite 700,

Washington, DC, and at the U.S. Coast

Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety

Branch (G–MSE–4), 2100 Second Street

SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001, and

is available from the sources indicated

in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) The material approved for

incorporation by reference in this part

and the sections affected are as follows:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 1903

ASTM D93–94, Flash Point by Pennsky-Martens Closed Cup Tester ................................................. 199.261; 199.290

ASTM F1003, Standard Specification for Searchlights on Motor Lifeboats, 1986 (Reapproved

1992).

199.175

ASTM F1014, Standard Specification for Flashlights on Vessels, 1986 ............................................. 199.175

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR, England

MSC Circular 699, Revised Guidelines for Passenger Safety Instructions, 17 July 1995 ................... 199.217

Resolution A.520(13), Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of Prototype

Novel Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, 17 November 1983.

199.40

Resolution A.657(16), Instructions for Action in Survival Craft, 19 November 1989 ........................ 199.175

Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-reflective Materials on Life-saving Appliances, 20

November 1989.

199.70; 199.176

Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements, 17 November 1993.199.70; 199.90

Resolution MSC.4(48), International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying

Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), 1994.

199.30; 199.280

Resolution MSC.5(48), International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying

Liquefied Gases in Bulk, (IGC Code), 1993.

199.30; 199.280

§ 199.07 Additional equipment and

requirements.

The OCMI may require a vessel to

carry specialized or additional

lifesaving equipment other than as

required in this part if the OCMI

determines that the conditions of a

voyage present uniquely hazardous

circumstances that are not adequately

addressed by existing requirements.

§ 199.09 Equivalents.

When this part requires a particular

fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance

or arrangement, the Commandant (G–

MSE) may accept any other fitting,

material, or lifesaving appliance or

arrangement that is at least as effective

as that required by this part. The

Commandant may require engineering

evaluations and tests to determine the

equivalent effectiveness of the substitute

fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance

or arrangement.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25315

§ 199.10 Applicability.

(a) Unless expressly provided

otherwise in this Chapter, this part

applies to all inspected U.S. flag vessels.

(b) This part does not apply to

nonself-propelled vessels without

accommodations or work stations on

board, and unless otherwise required by

this chapter, does not apply to offshore

supply vessels, mobile offshore drilling

units, small passenger vessels, and

sailing school vessels.

(c) For purposes of the application of

this part, a cargo vessel, whenever built,

which is converted to a passenger vessel

is deemed to be a passenger vessel that

is constructed on the date on which the

conversion commences.

(d) This subpart and subparts B, C,

and D of this part apply to vessels

engaged on international voyages,

except—

(1) Cargo vessels of less than 500 tons

gross tonnage;

(2) Vessels not propelled by

mechanical means;

(3) Wooden vessels of primitive build;

and

(4) Vessels solely navigating the Great

Lakes of North America and the River

Saint Lawrence as far east as a straight

line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West

Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north

side Anticosti Island, the 63rd meridian.

(e) Vessels engaged on international

voyages which were constructed before

July 1, 1986, must meet the

requirements of §§ 199.70(b)(4)(i),

199.80, 199.90, 199.100, 199.180,

199.190 (paragraph (b) applies as much

as practicable), 199.214, 199.217,

199.250, 199.261 (b)(2) and (e), and

199.273, and must fit retro-reflective

material on all floating appliances,

lifejackets and immersion suits. Except

for the requirements of §§ 199.261 (b)(2)

and (e), vessels may retain the number,

type, and arrangement of lifesaving

appliances previously required and

approved for the vessel, as long as the

arrangement or appliance is maintained

in good condition to the satisfaction of

the OCMI.

(f) For the purposes of this part, the

following vessels must meet the

requirements for passenger vessels:

(1) Passenger vessels.

(2) Special purpose vessels carrying

more than 50 special personnel.

(3) Special purpose vessels carrying

not more than 50 special personnel if

the vessels meet the structural fire

protection requirements in subchapter H

of this chapter for passenger vessels of

the same size.

(g) For the purposes of this part, the

following vessels must meet the

requirements for cargo vessels:

(1) Cargo vessels.

(2) Tank vessels.

(3) Special purpose vessels carrying

not more than 50 special personnel that

do not meet the structural fire

protection requirements in subchapter H

of this chapter for passenger vessels of

the same size.

(h) (1) Passenger vessels on

international voyages must meet the

requirements of this subpart and

subparts B and C of this part.

(2) Cargo vessels on international

voyages must meet the requirements of

this subpart and subparts B and D of

this part.

(3) The provisions for passenger

vessels on short international voyages in

this subpart and subparts B and C of this

part do not apply to special purpose

vessels described in paragraphs (f) (2)

and (3) of this section.

(i) Vessels not on international

voyages and vessels listed in paragraph

(d) of this section must meet the

requirements of this subpart and

subparts B, C, D, and E of this part

unless otherwise exempted or permitted

by subpart F of this part.

(1) Vessels on other than international

voyages and vessels listed in paragraph

(d) of this section which were

constructed prior to October 1, 1996,

must—

(i) By October 1, 1997, meet the

requirements of §§ 199.70(b)(4)(i),

199.80, 199.90, 199.100, 199.180,

199.190 (paragraph (b) applies as much

as practicable), 199.217, 199.250,

199.273, and 199.510, and fit retroreflective material on all floating

appliances, lifejackets and immersion

suits;

(ii) By October 1, 2001, passenger

vessels must carry the number and type

of survival craft specified in table

199.630 of this part and cargo vessels in

oceans and coastwise service must carry

the number and type of survival craft

specified in § 199.261 (b)(2) and (e);

(iii) By October 1, 2001, passenger

vessels must carry the immersion suits

and thermal protective aids specified in

§ 199.214; and

(iv) Except for the requirements in

paragraphs (i)(1)(ii) and (i)(1)(iii) of this

section, vessels may retain the

arrangement of lifeboats, lifeboat davits,

winches, inflatable liferafts, liferaft

launching equipment, rescue boats,

lifefloats, and buoyant apparatus

previously required and approved for

the vessel, as long as the arrangement or

appliance is maintained in good

condition to the satisfaction of the

OCMI.

(2) This paragraph does not apply to

public vessels.

(j) When any lifesaving appliance or

arrangement on a vessel subject to this

part is replaced, or when the vessel

undergoes repairs, alterations or

modifications of a major character

involving replacement of, or any

addition to, the existing lifesaving

appliance or arrangements, each new

lifesaving appliance and arrangement

must meet the requirements of this part,

unless the OCMI determines that the

vessel cannot accommodate the new

appliance or arrangement, except that—

(1) A survival craft is not required to

meet the requirements of this part if it

is replaced without replacing its davit

and winch; and

(2) A davit and its winch are not

required to meet the requirements of

this part if one or both are replaced

without replacing the survival craft.

(k) No extensive repairs or alterations,

except in an emergency, may be made

to a lifesaving appliance without

advance notification to the OCMI.

Insofar as possible, each repair or

alteration must be made with material

and tested in the manner specified in

this subchapter and applicable to the

new construction requirements in

subchapter Q of this chapter. Emergency

repairs or alterations must be reported

as soon as practicable to the OCMI,

where the vessel may call after such

repairs are made. Lifeboats, rescue

boats, or rigid liferafts may not be

reconditioned for use on a vessel other

than the one they were originally built

for, unless specifically accepted by the

OCMI.

§ 199.20 Exemptions.

(a) Vessels engaged on international

voyages. (1) The following types of

vessels engaged on international

voyages may request an exemption from

Commandant (G–MCO) from

requirements of this part:

(i) A vessel for which the sheltered

nature and conditions of an

international voyage would render the

application of any specific requirements

of this part unreasonable or unnecessary

and which in the course of the voyage

does not proceed more than 20 miles

from the nearest land.

(ii) A vessel embodying features of a

novel kind to which the application of

any provision of this part would

seriously impede research into the

development of such features and their

incorporation on vessels engaged on

international voyages.

(2) A written request for exemption

under this section must be submitted to

the cognizant OCMI for review and

forwarding to Commandant (G–MCO).

(b) Single voyage exemption from

SOLAS requirements. A vessel that is

not normally engaged on international

voyages, but which, under exceptional
25316 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

circumstances, is required to undertake

a single international voyage, may be

exempted from the applicable

requirements in this subpart and

subparts B, C, and D of this part by the

Commandant (G–MCO). A written

request for exemption under this

paragraph must be submitted to the

cognizant OCMI for review and

forwarding to Commandant (G–MCO).

(c) Exemption Certificates. When

Commandant (G–MCO) grants an

exemption under paragraph (a) or (b) of

this section, an Exemption Certificate

describing the exemption will be issued

by the appropriate OCMI. The

Exemption Certificate must be carried

on board the vessel at all times and

must be available to Coast Guard

personnel upon request.

(d) Vessels not engaged on

international voyages. (1) If a District

Commander determines that the overall

safety of the persons on board a vessel

will not be significantly reduced, the

District Commander may grant an

exemption from compliance with a

provision of this part to a specific vessel

for a specified geographic area within

the boundaries of the Coast Guard

District. This exemption may be limited

to certain periods of the year.

(2) Requests for exemption under this

paragraph must be made in writing to

the OCMI for transmission to the district

Commander for the area in which the

vessel is in service or will be in service.

(3) If the exemption is granted by the

District Commander, the OCMI will

endorse the vessel’s Certificate of

Inspection with a statement describing

the exemption.

§ 199.30 Definitions.

The following definitions apply to

this part:

Accommodation means a cabin, or

other covered or enclosed place,

intended to be occupied by persons.

Each place in which passengers and

special personnel is carried is

considered an accommodation, whether

or not it is covered or enclosed.

Accommodations include, but are not

limited to halls, dining rooms, mess

rooms, lounges, corridors, lavatories,

cabins, offices, hospitals, cinemas, game

and hobby rooms, and other similar

places open to persons on board.

Anti-exposure suit means a protective

suit designed for use by rescue boat

crews and marine evacuation system

parties.

Approval series means the first six

digits of a number assigned by the Coast

Guard to approved equipment. Where

approval is based on a subpart of

subchapter Q of this chapter, the

approval series corresponds to the

number of the subpart. A listing of

approved equipment, including all of

the approval series, is published

periodically by the Coast Guard in

Equipment Lists (COMDTINST

M16714.3 series), available from the

Superintendent of Documents.

Approved means carrying an approval

granted by the Commandant under

subchapter Q of this chapter.

Cargo vessel means any vessel that is

not a passenger vessel.

Certificated person means a person

holding a U.S. merchant mariner’s

document with an endorsement as a

lifeboatman or another inclusive rating

under part 12 of this chapter.

Child, for the purpose of determining

the number of lifejackets required under

this part, means a person less than 41

kilograms (90 pounds) in mass.

Civilian nautical school means any

school or branch thereof operated and

conducted in the United States, except

State nautical schools and schools

operated by the United States or any

agency thereof, which offers instruction

for the primary purpose of training for

service in the merchant marine.

Coastwise voyage means a voyage on

the waters of any ocean or the Gulf of

Mexico no more than 20 nautical miles

offshore.

Commandant means the Commandant

of the U.S. Coast Guard.

Crew means all persons carried on

board the vessel to provide navigation

and maintenance of the vessel, its

machinery, systems, and arrangements

essential for propulsion and safe

navigation or to provide services for

other persons on board.

District Commander means an officer

of the U.S. Coast Guard designated by

the Commandant to command all Coast

Guard activities within a Coast Guard

District. Coast Guard Districts are

described in 33 CFR part 2.

Detection means the determination of

the location of survivors or survival

craft.

Embarkation ladder means the ladder

provided at survival craft embarkation

stations to permit safe access to survival

craft after launching.

Embarkation station means the place

where a survival craft is boarded.

Extended-size lifejacket means a

lifejacket that is approved for use by

adults as well as by some larger

children.

Ferry means a vessel as described in

§ 70.10–15 of this chapter.

Float-free launching means that

method of launching a survival craft or

lifesaving appliance whereby the craft

or appliance is automatically released

from a sinking vessel and is ready for

use.

Free-fall launching means that

method of launching a survival craft

whereby the craft, with its full

complement of persons and equipment

on board, is released and allowed to fall

into the sea without any restraining

apparatus.

Immersion suit means a protective

suit that reduces loss of body heat of a

person wearing it in cold water.

Inflatable appliance means an

appliance that depends upon nonrigid,

gas-filled chambers for buoyancy and

that is normally kept uninflated until

ready for use.

Inflated appliance means an

appliance that depends upon nonrigid,

gas-filled chambers for buoyancy and

that is kept inflated and ready for use at

all times.

International voyage means a voyage

from the United States to a port outside

the United States or conversely; or, a

voyage originating and terminating at

ports outside the United States. Voyages

between the continental United States

and Hawaii or Alaska, and voyages

between Hawaii and Alaska, shall be

considered international voyages for the

purposes of this part.

Lakes, bays, and sounds means the

waters of any lakes, bays, or sounds

other than the waters of the Great Lakes.

Launching appliance or launching

arrangement means the method or

devices designed to transfer a survival

craft or rescue boat from its stowed

position to the water. For a launching

arrangement using a davit, the term

includes the davit, winch, and falls.

Length of vessel, means the load-line

length defined in § 42.13–15(a) of this

chapter.

Lifejacket means a flotation device

approved as a life preserver or lifejacket.

Major character means any repair,

alteration or modification to a vessel

that is a major conversion as decided by

the Commandant (G–MCO).

Major conversion means a conversion

of a vessel that—

(a) Substantially changes the

dimensions or carrying capacity of the

vessel;

(b) Changes the type of the vessel;

(c) Substantially prolongs the life of

the vessel; or

(d) Otherwise so changes the vessel

that it is essentially a new vessel.

Marine evacuation system means an

appliance designed to rapidly transfer

large numbers of persons from an

embarkation station by means of a

passage to a floating platform for

subsequent embarkation into associated

survival craft, or directly into associated

survival craft.

Mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU)

means a vessel capable of engaging in
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25317

drilling operations for the exploration or

exploitation of subsea resources.

Muster station means the place where

persons on board assemble before

boarding a survival craft.

Nautical school vessel means a vessel

operated by or in connection with a

nautical school or an educational

institution under Section 13 of the Coast

Guard Authorization Act of 1986.

Novel lifesaving appliance or

arrangement means a lifesaving

appliance or arrangement that has new

features not fully covered by the

provisions of this part but that provides

an equal or higher standard of safety.

Ocean means the waters of any ocean

or the Gulf of Mexico more than 20

nautical miles offshore.

Oceanographic research vessel means

a vessel that the Secretary finds is being

employed only in instruction in

oceanography or limnology, or both, or

only in oceanographic or limnological

research, including those studies about

the sea such as seismic, gravity meter,

and magnetic exploration and other

marine geophysical or geological

surveys, atmospheric research, and

biological research.

Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection

(OCMI), means a Coast guard Officer

responsible for marine inspection

functions in a Marine Inspection Zone.

Marine Inspection Zones are described

in 33 CFR part 2.

Passenger means—

(a) On an international voyage, every

person other than—

(1) The master and the members of the

crew or other persons employed or

engaged in any capacity on board a

vessel on the business of that vessel;

and

(2) A child under 1 year of age.

(b) On other than an international

voyage, an individual carried on the

vessel, except—

(1) The owner or an individual

representative of the owner or, in the

case of a vessel under charter, an

individual charterer or individual

representative of the charterer;

(2) The master; or

(3) A member of the crew engaged in

the business of the vessel who has not

contributed consideration for carriage

and who is paid for onboard services.

Passenger for hire means a passenger

for whom consideration is contributed

as a condition of carriage on the vessel,

whether directly or indirectly flowing to

the owner, charterer, operator, agent, or

any other person having an interest in

the vessel.

Passenger vessel means—

(a) On an international voyage, a

vessel of at least 100 tons gross tonnage

carrying more than 12 passengers; and

(b) On other than an international

voyage, a vessel of at least 100 tons

gross tonnage—

(1) Carrying more than 12 passengers,

including at least one passenger for hire;

or

(2) That is chartered and carrying

more than 12 passengers.

Public nautical school means any

school or branch thereof operated by

any State or political subdivision

thereof or a school operated by the

United States Maritime Administration

that offers instruction for the primary

purpose of training for service in the

merchant marine.

Public vessel means a vessel that—

(a) Is owned, or demise chartered, and

operated by the U.S. Government or a

government of a foreign country

including a vessel operated by the Coast

Guard or Saint Lawrence Seaway

Development Corporation, but not a

vessel owned or operated by the

Department of Transportation or any

corporation organized or controlled by

the Department; and

(b) Is not engaged in commercial

service.

Rescue boat means a boat designed to

rescue persons in distress and to

marshal survival craft.

Retrieval means the safe recovery of

survivors.

Rivers, in relation to vessel service,

means operating exclusively in the

waters of rivers and/or canals.

Seagoing condition means the

operating condition of the vessel with

the personnel, equipment, fluids, and

ballast necessary for safe operation on

the waters where the vessel operates.

Scientific personnel means

individuals on board an oceanographic

research vessel only to engage in

scientific research, or to instruct or

receive instruction in oceanography or

limnology.

Similar stage of construction means

the stage at which—

(a) Construction identifiable with a

specific vessel begins; and

(b) Assembly of that vessel has

commenced comprising at least 50

metric tons (55.1 U.S. tons) or 1 percent

of the estimated mass of all structural

material, whichever is less.

Short international voyage is an

international voyage in the course of

which a vessel is not more than 200

miles from a port or place in which the

passengers and crew could be placed in

safety. Neither the distance between the

last port of call in the country in which

the voyage begins and the final port of

destination, nor the return voyage, may

exceed 600 miles. The final port of

destination is the last port of call in the

scheduled voyage at which the vessel

commences its return voyage to the

country in which the voyage began.

Special personnel means all persons

who are not passengers or members of

the crew and who are carried on board

a special purpose vessel in connection

with the special purpose of that vessel

or because of special work being carried

out aboard that vessel. Special

personnel include—

(a) On oceanographic research vessels,

scientific personnel; and

(b) On nautical school vessels,

students, cadets, and instructors who

are not members of the crew.

Special purpose vessel means a

mechanically self-propelled vessel

which by reason of its function carries

on board more than 12 special

personnel including passengers. Special

purpose vessels include oceanographic

research vessels and nautical school

vessels.

Survival craft means a craft capable of

sustaining the lives of persons in

distress from the time of abandoning the

vessel on which the persons were

originally carried. The term includes

lifeboats, liferafts, buoyant apparatus,

and lifefloats, but does not include

rescue boats.

Tank vessel means a vessel that is

constructed or adapted to carry, or that

carries, oil or hazardous material in bulk

as cargo or cargo residue, and that—

(a) Is a vessel of the United States;

(b) Operates on the navigable waters

of the United States; or

(c) Transfers oil or hazardous material

in a port or place subject to the

jurisdiction of the United States.

Toxic vapor or gas means a product

for which emergency escape respiratory

protection is required under Subchapter

17 of the International Code for the

Construction and Equipment of Ships

carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk

(IBC Code) and under Subchapter 19 of

the International Code for the

Construction and Equipment of Ships

carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC

Code).

Vessel constructed means a vessel, the

keel of which is laid or which is at a

similar stage of construction.

Warm water means water where the

monthly mean low water temperature is

normally more than 15 °C (59 °F).

§ 199.40 Evaluation, testing and approval

of lifesaving appliances and arrangements.

(a) Each item of lifesaving equipment

required by this part to be carried on

board the vessel must be approved.

(b) Each item of lifesaving equipment

carried on board the vessel in addition

to those required by this part must—

(1) Be approved; or

(2) Be accepted by the cognizant

OCMI for use on the vessel.
25318 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(c) The Commandant (G–MSE) may

accept a novel lifesaving appliance or

arrangement if it provides a level of

safety equivalent to the requirements of

this part and the appliance or

arrangement—

(1) Is evaluated and tested in

accordance with IMO Resolution

A.520(13), Code of Practice for the

Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of

Prototype Novel Life-saving Appliances

and Arrangements; or

(2) Has successfully undergone

evaluation and tests that are

substantially equivalent to those

recommendations.

(d) During the vessel’s construction

and when any modification to the

lifesaving arrangement is done after

construction, a vessel owner must

obtain acceptance of lifesaving

arrangements from the Commandant (G–

MSC).

(e) The OCMI may accept substitute

lifesaving appliances other than those

required by this part except for—

(1) Survival craft and rescue boats;

and

(2) Survival craft and rescue boat

launching and embarkation appliances.

(f) Acceptance of lifesaving

appliances and arrangements will

remain in effect unless—

(1) The OCMI deems their condition

to be unsatisfactory or unfit for the

service intended; or

(2) The OCMI deems the crew’s ability

to use and assist others in the use of the

lifesaving appliances or arrangements to

be inadequate.

§ 199.45 Tests and inspections of

lifesaving equipment and arrangements.

(a) Initial inspection. The initial

inspection of lifesaving appliances and

arrangements for certification includes a

demonstration of—

(1) The proper condition and

operation of the survival craft and

rescue boat launching appliances at

loads ranging from light load to 10

percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and

operation of lifeboats and rescue boats,

including engines and release

mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation

equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets,

immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats,

buoyant apparatus, and associated

equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress

signaling equipment, including

emergency position indicating

radiobeacons (EPIRB), search and rescue

transponders (SART), and pyrotechnic

signaling devices;

(5) The proper condition of linethrowing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and

operation of embarkation appliances,

including embarkation ladders and

marine evacuation systems;

(7) The ability of the crew to

effectively carry out abandon-ship and

fire-fighting procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and

survival craft launching requirements of

this part.

(b) Reinspections. Tests and

inspections of the lifesaving equipment

shall be carried out during each

inspection for renewal of certification,

and shall include, as applicable, a

demonstration of—

(1) The proper condition and

operation of the survival craft and

rescue boat launching appliances at

loads ranging from light load to full

load, except that any portion of the load

test conducted in connection with

replacement or end-for-ending of a fall

since the vessel’s last inspection or

reinspection, need not be repeated;

(2) The proper condition and

operation of lifeboats and rescue boats,

including engines and release

mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation

equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets,

immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats,

buoyant apparatus, and associated

equipment;

(4) The proper servicing of each

inflatable liferaft and inflatable

lifejacket has been serviced as required

under this chapter;

(5) The proper servicing of each

hydrostatic release unit, other than a

disposable hydrostatic release unit, as

required under this chapter; and

(6) The ability of crew to effectively

carry out abandon-ship and fire-fighting

procedures.

(c) Other inspections. (1) Lifesaving

appliances and arrangements are subject

to tests and inspections described in

paragraph (a) of this section whenever a

new lifesaving appliance is installed on

the vessel. The test in paragraph (a)(1)

of this section must be carried out

whenever a wire fall for a launching

appliance is replaced or turned end-forend.

(2) Lifesaving appliances and

arrangements are subject to tests and

inspections described in paragraph (b)

of this section during vessel boardings

to ensure that the appliances and

arrangements comply with applicable

requirements, are in satisfactory

condition, and remain fit for the service.

Subpart B—Requirements for All

Vessels

§ 199.60 Communications.

(a) Radio lifesaving appliances. Radio

lifesaving appliance installations and

arrangements must meet the

requirements of 47 CFR part 80.

(b) Emergency position indicating

radiobeacons (EPIRB) and search and

rescue transponders (SART). Each

EPIRB and SART should have the name

of the vessel plainly marked or painted

on its label, except for EPIRBs or SARTs

in an inflatable liferaft or permanently

installed in a survival craft.

(c) Distress signals. Each vessel

must—

(1) Carry not less than 12 rocket

parachute flares approved under

approval series 160.136; and

(2) Stow the flares on or near the

vessel’s navigating bridge.

(d) Onboard communications and

alarm systems. Each vessel must meet

the requirements for onboard

communications between emergency

control stations, muster and

embarkation stations, and strategic

positions on board. Each vessel must

also meet the emergency alarm system

requirements in subchapter J of this

chapter, which must be supplemented

by either a public address system or

other suitable means of communication.

§ 199.70 Personal lifesaving appliances.

(a) Lifebuoys. Each vessel must carry

lifebuoys approved under approval

series 160.150 as follows:

(1) Stowage. Lifebuoys must be

stowed as follows:

(i) Each lifebuoy must be capable of

being rapidly cast loose.

(ii) No lifebuoy may be permanently

secured to the vessel in any way.

(iii) Each lifebuoy stowage position

must be marked with either the words

‘‘LIFEBUOY’’ or ‘‘LIFE BUOY’’, or with

the appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

(iv) Lifebuoys must be so distributed

as to be readily available on each side

of the vessel and, as far as practicable,

on each open deck extending to the side

of the vessel. At least one lifebuoy must

be located near the stern of the vessel.

The lifebuoys with attached self-igniting

lights must be equally distributed on

both sides of the vessel.

(v) At least two lifebuoys, each with

attached self-activating smoke signals,

must be stowed where they can be

quickly released from the navigating

bridge and should, when released, fall

directly into the water without striking

any part of the vessel.

(2) Markings. Each lifebuoy must be

marked in block capital letters with the

name of the vessel and the name of the

port required to be marked on the stern

of the vessel under § 67.13 of this

chapter.

(3) Attachments and fittings.

Lifebuoys must have the following

attachments and fittings:
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25319

(i) At least one lifebuoy on each side

of the vessel fitted with a buoyant

lifeline that is—

(A) At least as long as twice the height

where it is stowed above the waterline

with the vessel in its lightest seagoing

condition, or 30 meters (100 feet) in

length, whichever is the greater;

(B) Non-kinking;

(C) Not less than 8 millimeters (5⁄16

inch) in diameter;

(D) Of a breaking strength which is

not less than 5 kiloNewtons (1,124

pounds-force); and

(E) Is, if synthetic, a dark color or

certified by the manufacturer to be

resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light.

(ii) At least one-half the total number

of lifebuoys on the vessel must each be

fitted with a self-igniting light approved

under approval series 161.010. The selfigniting light may not be attached to the

lifebuoys required by this section to be

fitted with lifelines.

(iii) At least two lifebuoys on the

vessel must be fitted with a selfactivating smoke signal approved under

approval series 160.157. Lifebuoys fitted

with smoke signals must also be fitted

with lights.

(b) Lifejackets. Each vessel must carry

lifejackets approved under approval

series 160.155, 160.176 or 160.177. If

the vessel carries inflatable lifejackets,

they must be of the same or similar

design and have the same method of

operation.

(1) General. Each vessel must carry a

lifejacket for each person on board, and

in addition—

(i) A number of lifejackets suitable for

children equal to at least 10 percent of

the total number of passengers on board

must be provided, or such greater

number as may be required to provide

a lifejacket of suitable size for each

person smaller than the lower size limit

of the adult-size lifejacket; and

(ii) A sufficient number of lifejackets

must be carried for persons on watch

and for use at remotely located survival

craft stations.

(2) Stowage. Lifejackets must be

stowed as follows:

(i) The lifejackets must be readily

accessible.

(ii) The child-size lifejackets must be

stowed separately from the adult

lifejackets.

(iii) The lifejackets stowage positions

must be marked with the words

‘‘LIFEJACKETS’’ or ‘‘CHILD

LIFEJACKETS’’ as appropriate, or with

the appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

(iv) The additional lifejackets for

persons on watch required by paragraph

(b)(1)(ii) of this section must be stowed

on the bridge, in the engine control

room, and at other manned watch

stations.

(v) Where, due to the particular

arrangements of the vessel, the

lifejackets required by paragraph (b) of

this section may become inaccessible,

alternative provisions must be made to

the satisfaction of the OCMI that may

include an increase in the number of

lifejackets to be carried.

(3) Markings. Each lifejacket must be

marked—

(1) In block capital letters with the

name of the vessel; and

(ii) With Type I retro-reflective

material approved under approval series

164.018. The arrangement of the retroreflective material must meet IMO

Resolution A.658(16).

(4) Attachments and fittings.

Lifejackets must have the following

attachments and fittings:

(i) Each lifejacket must have a

lifejacket light approved under approval

series 161.112 securely attached to the

front shoulder area of the lifejacket.

(ii) Each lifejacket must have a

whistle firmly secured by a cord to the

lifejacket.

(c) Rescue boat and marine

evacuation system immersion suits or

anti-exposure suits. (1) General. Each

vessel, except vessels operating on

routes between 32 degrees north latitude

and 32 degrees south latitude, must

carry immersion suits approved under

approval series 160.171 or anti-exposure

suits approved under approval series

160.153 of suitable size for each person

assigned to the rescue boat crew and

each person assigned to a marine

evacuation system crew.

(2) Stowage. Immersion suits or antiexposure suits must be stowed so they

are readily accessible. The stowage

positions must be marked with either

the words ‘‘IMMERSION SUITS’’ or

‘‘ANTI-EXPOSURE SUITS’’ as

appropriate, or with the appropriate

symbol from IMO Resolution A.760(18).

(3) Markings. Each immersion suit or

anti-exposure suit must be marked in

block capital letters with the name of

the vessel.

(4) Attachments and fittings.

Immersion suits or anti-exposure suits

must have the following attachments

and fittings:

(i) Each immersion suit or antiexposure suit must have a lifejacket

light approved under approval series

161.112 securely attached to the front

shoulder area of the immersion suit or

anti-exposure suit.

(ii) Each immersion suit or antiexposure suit must have a whistle

firmly secured by a cord to the

immersion suit or anti-exposure suit.

(d) Lifejacket, immersion suit, and

anti-exposure suit containers. Each

lifejacket, immersion suit, and antiexposure suit container must be marked

in block capital letters and numbers

with the quantity, identity, and size of

the equipment stowed inside the

container. The equipment may be

identified in words or with the

appropriate symbol from IMO

Resolution A.760(18).

§ 199.80 Muster list and emergency

instructions.

(a) General. Clear instructions must be

provided on the vessel that detail the

actions each person on board should

follow in the event of an emergency.

(b) Muster list. Copies of the muster

list must be posted in conspicuous

places throughout the vessel including

on the navigating bridge, in the engine

room, and in crew accommodation

spaces. The muster list must be posted

before the vessel begins its voyage. After

the muster list has been prepared, if any

change takes place that necessitates an

alteration in the muster list, the master

must either revise the existing muster

list or prepare a new one. Each muster

lists must at least specify—

(1) The instructions for operating the

general emergency alarm system and

public address system;

(2) The emergency signals;

(3) The actions to be taken by the

persons on board when each signal is

sounded;

(4) The order to abandon the vessel

will be given;

(5) The officers that are assigned to

make sure that lifesaving and

firefighting appliances are maintained

in good condition and ready for

immediate use;

(6) The duties assigned to the

different members of the crew. Duties to

be specified include—

(i) Closing the watertight doors, fire

doors, valves, scuppers, sidescuttles,

skylights, portholes, and other similar

openings in the vessel’s hull;

(ii) Equipping the survival craft and

other lifesaving appliances;

(iii) Preparing and launching the

survival craft;

(iv) Preparing other lifesaving

appliances;

(v) Mustering the passengers and

other persons on board;

(vi) Using communication equipment;

(vii) Manning the emergency squad

assigned to deal with fires and other

emergencies; and

(viii) Using firefighting equipment

and installations.

(7) The duties assigned to members of

the crew in relation to passengers and

other persons on board in case of an
25320 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

emergency. Assigned duties to be

specified include—

(i) Warning the passengers and other

persons on board;

(ii) Seeing that passengers and other

persons on board are suitably dressed

and have donned their lifejackets or

immersion suits correctly;

(iii) Assembling passengers and other

persons on board at muster stations;

(iv) Keeping order in the passageways

and on the stairways and generally

controlling the movements of the

passengers and other persons on board;

and

(v) Making sure that a supply of

blankets is taken to the survival craft;

and

(8) The substitutes for key persons if

they are disabled, taking into account

that different emergencies require

different actions.

(c) Emergency instructions.

Illustrations and instructions in English,

and any other appropriate language as

determined by the OCMI, must be

posted in each passenger cabin and in

spaces occupied by persons other than

crew, and must be conspicuously

displayed at each muster station. The

illustrations and instructions must

include information on—

(1) The fire and emergency signal;

(2) Their muster station;

(3) The essential actions they must

take in an emergency;

(4) The location of lifejackets,

including child-size lifejackets; and

(5) The method of donning lifejackets.

§ 199.90 Operating instructions.

Each vessel must have posters or signs

displayed in the vicinity of each

survival craft and the survival craft’s

launching controls that—

(a) Illustrate the purpose of controls;

(b) Illustrate the procedures for

operating the launching device;

(c) Give relevant instructions or

warnings;

(d) Can be easily seen under

emergency lighting conditions; and

(e) Display symbols in accordance

with IMO Resolution A.760(18).

§ 199.100 Manning of survival craft and

supervision.

(a) There must be a sufficient number

of trained persons on board the vessel

for mustering and assisting untrained

persons.

(b) There must be a sufficient number

of deck officers, able seamen, or

certificated persons on board the vessel

to operate the survival craft and

launching arrangements required for

abandonment by the total number of

persons on board.

(c) There must be one person placed

in charge of each survival craft to be

used. The person in charge must—

(1) Be a deck officer, able seaman, or

certificated person. The OCMI,

considering the nature of the voyage, the

number of persons permitted on board,

and the characteristics of the vessel,

may permit persons practiced in the

handling and operation of liferafts or

inflatable buoyant apparatus to be

placed in charge of liferafts or inflatable

buoyant apparatus; and

(2) Have a list of the survival craft

crew and ensure that the crewmembers

are acquainted with their duties.

(d) There must be a second-incommand designated for each lifeboat.

This person should be a deck officer,

able seaman, or certificated person. The

second-in-command of a lifeboat must

also have a list of the lifeboat crew.

(e) There must be a person assigned

to each motorized survival craft who is

capable of operating the engine and

carrying out minor adjustments.

(f) The master must make sure that the

persons required under paragraphs (a),

(b), (c), and (d) of this section are

equitable distributed among the vessel’s

survival craft.

§ 199.110 Survival craft muster and

embarkation arrangements.

(a) Each muster station must have

sufficient space to accommodate all

persons assigned to muster at that

station. One or more muster stations

must be close to each embarkation

station.

(b) Each muster station and

embarkation station must be readily

accessible to accommodation and work

areas.

(c) Each muster station and

embarkation station must be adequately

illuminated by lighting with power

supplied from the vessel’s emergency

source of electrical power.

(d) Each alleyway, stairway, and exit

giving access to a muster and

embarkation station must be adequately

illuminated by lighting that is capable of

having its power supplied by the

vessel’s emergency source of electrical

power.

(e) Each davit-launched and free-fall

survival craft muster station and

embarkation station must be arranged to

enable stretcher cases to be placed in

the survival craft.

(f) Each launching station, or each two

adjacent launching stations, must have

an embarkation ladder as follows:

(1) Each embarkation ladder must be

approved under approval series 160.117

or be a rope ladder approved under

approval series 160.017.

(2) Each embarkation ladder must

extend in a single length from the deck

to the waterline with the vessel in its

lightest seagoing condition under

unfavorable conditions of trim and with

the vessel listed not less than 15 degrees

either way.

(3) Provided that there is at least one

embarkation ladder on each side of the

vessel, the OCMI may permit additional

embarkation ladders to be other

approved devices that provide safe and

rapid access to survival craft in the

water.

(4) The OCMI man accept other safe

and effective means of embarkation for

use with a liferaft required under

§ 199.261(e).

(g) If a davit-launched survival craft is

embarked over the edge of the deck, the

craft must be provided with a means for

bringing it against the side of the vessel

and holding it alongside the vessel to

allow persons to safely embark.

(h) If a davit-launched survival craft is

not intended to be moved to the stowed

position with persons on board, the craft

must be provided with a means for

bringing it against the side of the vessel

and holding it alongside the vessel to

allow persons to safely disembark after

a drill.

§ 199.120 Launching stations.

(a) Each launching station must be

positioned to ensure safe launching

with clearance from the propeller and

from the steeply overhanging portions of

the hull.

(b) Each survival craft must be

launched down the straight side of the

vessel, except for free-fall launched

survival craft.

(c) Each launching station in the

forward part of the vessel must—

(1) Be in a sheltered position that is

located aft of the collision bulkhead;

and

(2) Have a launching appliance

approved with an endorsement as being

of sufficient strength for forward

installation.

§ 199.130 Stowage of survival craft.

(a) General. Each survival craft must

be stowed—

(1) As close to the accommodation

and service spaces as possible;

(2) So that neither the survival craft

nor its stowage arrangements will

interfere with the embarkation and

operation of any other survival craft or

rescue boat at any other launching

station;

(3) As near the water surface as is safe

and practicable;

(4) Except for liferafts intended for

throw-overboard launching, not less

than 2 meters above the waterline with

the vessel—

(i) In the fully loaded condition;
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25321

(ii) Under unfavorable conditions of

trim; and

(iii) Listed up to 20 degrees either

way, or to the angle at which the

vessel’s weatherdeck edge becomes

submerged, whichever is less.

(5) Sufficiently ready for use so that

two crew members can complete

preparations for embarkation and

launching in less than 5 minutes;

(6) In a secure and sheltered position

and protected from damage by fire and

explosion, as far as practicable; and

(7) So as not to require lifting from its

stowed position in order to launch,

except that—

(i) A davit-launched liferaft may be

lifted by a manually powered winch

from its stowed position to its

embarkation position; or

(ii) A survival craft that weights 185

kilograms (407.8 pounds) or less may be

lifted not more than 300 millimeters (1

foot) in order to launch.

(b) Additional lifeboat stowage

requirements. In addition to the

requirements of paragraph (a) of this

section, each lifeboat must be stowed as

follows:

(1) Each lifeboat for lowering down

the side of the vessel must be stowed as

far forward of the vessel’s propeller as

practicable. Each lifeboat, in its stowed

position, must be protected from

damage by heavy seas.

(2) Each lifeboat must be stowed

attached to its launching appliance.

(3) Each lifeboat must have a means

for recharging the lifeboat batteries from

the vessel’s power supply at a supply

voltage not exceeding 50 volts.

(c) Additional liferaft stowage

requirements. In addition to the

requirements of paragraph (a) of this

section, each liferaft must be stowed as

follows:

(1) Each liferaft must be stowed to

permit manual release from its securing

arrangements.

(2) Each liferaft must be stowed at a

height above the waterline not greater

than the maximum stowage height

indicated on the liferaft container with

the vessel in its lightest seagoing

condition. Each liferaft without an

indicated maximum stowage height

must be stowed not more than 18 meters

(59 feet) above the waterline with the

vessel in its lightest seagoing condition.

(3) Each liferaft must be arranged to

permit it to drop into the water from the

deck on which it is stowed. A liferaft

stowage arrangements meets this

requirement if it—

(i) Is outboard of the rail or bulwark;

(ii) Is on stanchions or on a platform

adjacent to the rail or bulwark; or

(iii) Has a gate or other suitable

opening large enough to allow the

liferaft to be pushed directly overboard

and, if the liferaft is intended to be

available for use on either side of the

vessel, such gate or opening is provided

on each side of the vessel.

(4) Each davit-launched liferaft must

be stowed within reach of its lifting

hook, unless some means of transfer is

provided that is not rendered

inoperable—

(i) Within the limits of trim and list

specified in paragraph (a)(4) of this

section;

(ii) By vessel motion; or

(iii) By power failure.

(5) Each rigid container for an

inflatable liferaft to be launched by a

launching appliance must be secured so

that the container or parts of it do not

fall into the water during and after

inflation and launching of the contained

liferaft.

(6) Each liferaft must have a painter

system providing a connection between

the vessel and the liferaft.

(7) Each liferaft or group of liferafts

must be arranged for float-free

launching. The arrangement must

ensure that the liferaft or liferafts, when

released and inflated, are not dragged

under by the sinking vessel. A

hydrostatic release unit used in a floatfree arrangement must be approved

under approval series 160.162.

§ 199.140 Stowage of rescue boats.

(a) General. Rescue boats must be

stowed—

(1) To be ready for launching in not

many than 5 minutes;

(2) In a position suitable for launching

and recovery;

(3) In a way that neither the rescue

boat nor its stowage arrangements will

interfere with the operation of any

survival craft at any other launching

station; and

(4) If it is also a lifeboat, in

compliance with the requirements of

§ 199.130.

(b) Each rescue boat must have a

means provided for recharging the

rescue boat batteries from the vessel’s

power supply at a supply voltage not

exceeding 50 volts.

(c) Each inflated rescue boat must be

kept fully inflated at all times.

§ 199.145 Marine evacuation system

launching arrangements.

(a) Arrangements. Each marine

evacuation system must—

(1) Be capable of being deployed by

one person;

(2) Enable the total number of persons

for which it is designed, to be

transferred from the vessel into the

inflated liferafts within a period of 30

minutes in the case of a passenger vessel

and 10 minutes in the case of a cargo

vessel from the time an abandon-ship

signal is given;

(3) Be arranged so that liferafts may be

securely attached to and released from

the marine evacuation system platform

by a person either in the liferaft or on

the platform;

(4) Be capable of being deployed from

the vessel under unfavorable conditions

of trim of up to 10 degrees either way

and of list of up to 20 degrees either

way;

(5) If the marine evacuation system

has an inclined slide, it must—

(i) Be arranged so the angle of the

slide from horizontal is within a range

of 30 to 35 degrees when the vessel is

upright and in its lightest seagoing

condition; and

(ii) If the vessel is a passenger vessel,

be arranged so the angle of the slide

from horizontal is no more than 55

degrees in the final stage of flooding as

described in subchapter S of this

chapter; and

(6) Be capable of being restrained by

a bowsing line or other positioning

system that is designed to deploy

automatically and if necessary, is

capable of being adjusted to the position

required for evacuation.

(b) Stowage. Each marine evacuation

system must be stowed as follows:

(1) There must not be any openings

between the marine evacuation system’s

embarkation station and the vessel’s

side at the waterline with the vessel in

its lightest seagoing condition.

(2) The marine evacuation system’s

launching positions must be arranged,

as far as practicable, to be straight down

the vessel’s side and to safely clear the

propeller and any steeply overhanging

positions of the hull.

(3) The marine evacuation system

must be protected from any projections

of the vessel’s structure or equipment.

(4) The marine evacuation system’s

passage and platform, when deployed;

its stowage container; and its

operational arrangement must not

interfere with the operation of any other

lifesaving appliance at any other

launching station.

(5) The marine evacuation system’s

stowage area must be protected from

damage by heavy seas.

(c) Stowage of associated liferafts.

Inflatable liferafts used in conjunction

with the marine evacuation system must

be stowed—

(1) Close to the system container, but

capable of dropping clear of the

deployed chute and boarding platform;

(2) So it is capable of individual

release from its stowage rack;

(3) In accordance with the

requirements of § 199.130; and
25322 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(4) With pre-connected or easily

connected retrieving lines to the

platform.

§ 199.150 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements; general.

(a) (1) Each launching appliance for a

lifeboat must be approved under

approval series 160.132 with a winch

approved under approval series

160.115.

(2) Each launching appliance for a

davit-launched liferaft must be

approved under approval series 160.163

with an automatic disengaging

apparatus approved under approval

series 160.170.

(b) Unless expressly provided

otherwise in this part, each survival

craft must be provided with a launching

appliance or marine evacuation system,

except those survival craft that—

(1) Can be boarded from a position on

deck less than 4.5 meters (14.75 feet)

above the waterline with the vessel in

its lightest seagoing condition and that

are stowed for launching directly from

the stowed position under unfavorable

conditions of trim of 10 degrees and list

of 20 degrees either way;

(3) Are carried in excess of the

survival craft for 200 percent of the total

number of persons on board the vessel,

and that have a mass of not more than

185 kilograms (407 pounds);

(4) Are carried in excess of the

survival craft for 200 percent of the total

number of persons on board the vessel

and that are stowed for launching

directly from the stowed position under

unfavorable conditions or trim of 10

degrees and list of 20 degrees either

way; or

(5) Are provided for use in

conjunction with a marine evacuation

system and that are stowed for

launching directly from the stowed

position under unfavorable conditions

of trim of 10 degrees and list of 20

degrees either way.

(c) With the exception of the

secondary means of launching for freefall lifeboats, each launching appliance

must be arranged so that the fully

equipped survival craft it serves can be

safely launched against unfavorable

conditions of trim of up to 10 degrees

either way and of list of up to 20 degrees

either way—

(1) When the survival craft is loaded

with its full complement of persons; and

(2) When not more than the required

operating crew is on board.

(d) A launching appliance must not

depend on any means other than gravity

or stored mechanical power,

independent of the vessel’s power

supplies, to launch the survival craft it

serves in both the fully loaded and

equipped condition and in the light

condition.

(e) Each launching appliance’s

structural attachment to the vessel must

be designed, based on the ultimate

strength of the construction material, to

be at least 4.5 times the load imparted

on the attachment by the launching

appliance and its fully loaded survival

craft under the most adverse

combination of list and trim under

paragraph (c) of this section.

(f) Each launching appliance must be

arranged so that—

(1) All parts requiring regular

maintenance by the vessel’s crew are

readily accessible and easily

maintained;

(2) The launching appliance remains

effective under conditions of icing;

(3) The same type of release

mechanism is used for each similar

survival craft carried on board the

vessel;

(4) The preparation and handling of

each survival craft at any one launching

station does not interfere with the

prompt preparation and handling of any

other survival craft at any other station;

(5) The persons on board the vessel

can safely and rapidly board the

survival craft; and

(6) During preparation and launching,

the survival craft, its launching

appliance, and the area of water into

which it is to be launched are

illuminated by lighting supplied from

the vessel’s emergency source of

electrical power.

(g) Each launching and recovery

arrangement must allow the operator on

the deck to observe the survival craft at

all times during launching.

(h) Means must be provided outside

the machinery space to prevent any

discharge of water onto survival craft

during launching.

(i) If there is a danger of the survival

craft being damaged by the vessel’s

stabilizer wings, the stabilizer wings

must be able to be brought inboard

using power from the emergency source

of electrical power. Indicators operated

by the vessel’s emergency power system

must be provided on the navigating

bridge to show the position of the

stabilizer wings.

§ 199.153 Survival craft launching and

recovery arrangements using falls and a

winch.

Survival craft launching and recovery

arrangements, in addition to meeting the

requirements in § 199.150, must meet

the following requirements:

(a) Each launching mechanism must

be arranged so it may be actuated by one

person from a position on the vessel’s

deck, and except for secondary

launching appliances for free-fall

launching arrangements, from a position

within the survival craft.

(b) Each fall wire must be of rotationresistant and corrosion-resistant steel

wire rope.

(c) The breaking strength of each fall

wire and each attachment used on the

fall must be at least six times the load

imparted on the fall by the fully-loaded

survival craft.

(d) Each fall must be long enough for

the survival craft to reach the water with

the vessel in its lightest seagoing

condition, under unfavorable conditions

of trim, and with the vessel listed not

less than 20 degrees either way.

(e) Each unguarded fall must not pass

near any operating position of the

winch, such as hand cranks, pay out

wheels, and brake levers.

(f) Each winch drum must be arranged

so the fall wire winds onto the drum in

a level wrap. A multiple drum winch

must be arranged so that the falls wind

off at the same rate when lowering and

onto the drums at the same rate when

hoisting.

(g) Each fall, where exposed to

damage or fouling, must have guards or

equivalent protection. Each fall that

leads along a deck must be covered with

a guard that is not more than 300

millimeters (1 foot) above the deck.

(h) The lowering speed for a fully

loaded survival craft must be not less

than the speed obtained from one of the

following formulas:

(1) S=0.4+(0.02 H), where S the

lowering speed in meters per second

and H is the lowering height in meters

from the davit head to the waterline

with the vessel in its lightest seagoing

condition, with H not greater than 30

regardless of the actula lowering height.

(2) S=79+(1.2 H), where S is the

lowering speed in feet per minute and

H is the lowering height in feet from the

davit head to thee waterline with the

vessel in its lightest seagoing condition,

with H not greater than 99 regardless of

the actual lowering height.

(i) The lowering speed for a survival

craft loaded with all of its equipment

must be not less than 70 percent of the

speed required under paragraph (g) of

this section.

(j) The lowering speed for a fully

loaded survival craft must be not more

than 1.3 meters per second (256 feet per

minute).

(k) If a survival craft is recovered by

electric power, the electrical

installation, including the electric

power-operated boat winch, must meet

the requirements in subchapter J of this

chapter. If a survival craft is recovered

by any means using power, including a

portable power source, safety devices
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25323

must be provided that automatically cut

off the power before the davit arms or

falls reach the stops in order to avoid

overstressing the falls or davits, unless

the motor is designed to prevent such

overstressing.

(l) Each launching appliance must be

fitted with brakes that meet the

following requirements:

(1) The brakes must be capable of

stopping the descent of the survival

craft or rescue boat and holding the

survival craft or rescue boat securely

when loaded with its full complement

of persons and equipment.

(2) The brake pads must, where

necessary, be protected from water and

oil.

(3) Manual brakes must be arranged so

that the brake is always applied unless

the operator, or a mechanism activated

by the operator, holds the brake control

in the off position.

§ 199.155 Lifeboat launching and recovery

arrangements.

Lifeboat launching and recovery

arrangements, in addition to meeting the

requirements in §§ 199.150 and 199.153,

must meet the following requirements:

(a) Each lifeboat must be provided

with a launching appliance. The

launching appliance must be capable of

launching and recovering the lifeboat

with its crew.

(b) Each launching appliance

arrangement must allow the operator on

the vessel to observe the lifeboat at all

times during recovery.

(c) Each launching appliance

arrangement must be designed to ensure

persons can safely disembark from the

survival craft prior to its stowage.

(d) Each lifeboat, other than a totally

enclosed lifeboat, must be provided

with a davit span with not less than two

lifelines of sufficient length to reach the

water with the vessel in its lightest

seagoing condition, under unfavorable

conditions of trim, and with the vessel

listed up to 20 degrees either way.

§ 199.157 Free-fall lifeboat launching and

recovery arrangements.

(a) The launching appliance for a freefall lifeboat must be designed and

installed so that the launching

appliance and the lifeboat it serves

operate as a system to protect the

occupants from harmful acceleration

forces and to effectively clear the vessel.

(b) The launching appliance must be

designed and arranged so that, in its

ready to launch position, the distance

from the lowest point on the lifeboat it

serves to the water surface with the

vessel in its lightest seagoing condition

does not exceed the lifeboat’s

certificated free-fall height.

(c) The launching appliance must be

arranged to preclude accidental release

of the lifeboat in its unattended stowed

position. If the means provided to

secure the lifeboat cannot be released

from inside the lifeboat, the means to

secure the lifeboat must be arranged to

preclude boarding the lifeboat without

first releasing it.

(d) Each free-fall launching

arrangement must be provided with a

secondary means to launch the lifeboat

by falls. Such means must comply with

the requirements of §§ 199.150, 199.153,

and 199.155. Notwithstanding

§ 199.150(c), the secondary launching

appliance must be capable of launching

the lifeboat against unfavorable

conditions of trim of 2 degrees either

way and of list of 5 degrees either way.

The secondary launching appliance

need not comply with the speed

requirements of §§ 199.153 (g), (h), and

(i). If the secondary launching appliance

is not dependent on gravity, stored

mechanical power, or other manual

means, the launching arrangement must

be connected both to the vessel’s main

and emergency power supplies.

§ 199.160 Rescue boat embarkation,

launching and recovery arrangements.

(a) Each rescue boat must be capable

of being launched with the vessel

making headway of 5 knots in calm

water. A painter may be used to meet

this requirement.

(b) Each rescue boat embarkation and

launching arrangement must permit the

rescue boat to be boarded and launched

in the shortest possible time.

(c) The rescue boat must meet the

embarkation and launching arrangement

requirements of §§ 199.110 (e) and (g),

199.150, 199.155, and if the launching

arrangement uses falls and a winch,

§ 199.153.

(d) If the rescue boat is one of the

vessel’s survival craft, the rescue boat

must also meet the following

requirements:

(1) The rescue boat must meet the

muster and embarkation arrangement

requirements of § 199.110 and the

launching station requirements of

§ 199.120.

(2) If the launching arrangement uses

a single fall, the rescue boat may have

an automatic disengaging apparatus

approved under approval series 160.170

instead of a lifeboat release mechanism.

(e) Rapid recovery of the rescue boat

must be possible when loaded with its

full complement of persons and

equipment. If the rescue boat is also a

lifeboat, rapid recovery must be possible

when loaded with its lifeboat equipment

and an approved rescue boat

complement of at least six persons.

(f) Each rescue boat launching

appliance must be fitted with a powered

winch motor.

(g) Each rescue boat launching

appliance must be capable of hoisting

the rescue boat when loaded with its

full rescue boat complement of persons

and equipment at a rate of not less than

0.3 meters per second (59 feet per

minute).

§ 199.170 Line-throwing appliance.

(a) General. Each vessel must have a

line-throwing appliance approved under

approval series 160.040.

(b) Stowage. The line-throwing

appliance and its equipment must be

readily accessible for use.

(c) Additional equipment. Each vessel

must carry the following equipment for

the line-throwing appliance—

(1) The equipment on the list

provided by the manufacturer with the

approved appliance; and

(2) An auxiliary line that—

(i) Is at least 450 meters (1,500 feet)

long;

(ii) Has a breaking strength of at least

40 kiloNewtons (9,000 pounds-force);

and

(iii) Is, if synthetic, of a dark color or

certified by the manufacturer to be

resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light.

§ 199.175 Survival craft and rescue boat

equipment.

(a) All lifeboat and rescue boat

equipment—

(1) Must be secured within the boat by

lashings, by storage in lockers or

compartments, by storage in brackets or

similar mounting arrangements, or by

other suitable means;

(2) Must be secured in such a manner

as not to interfere with any

abandonment procedures or reduce

seating capacity;

(3) Must be as small and of as little

mass as possible;

(4) Must be packed in a suitable and

compact form; and

(5) Should be stowed so the items do

not—

(i) Reduce the seating capacity;

(ii) Adversely affect the seaworthiness

of the survival craft or rescue boat; or

(iii) Overload the launching

appliance.

(b) Each lifeboat, rigid liferaft, and

rescue boat, unless otherwise stated in

this paragraph, must carry the

equipment listed in this paragraph and

specified for it in table 199.175 of this

section under the vessel’s category of

service. A lifeboat that is also a rescue

boat must carry the equipment in the

table column marked for a lifeboat.

(1) Bailer. The bailer must be buoyant.
25324 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(2) Bilge pump. The bilge pump must

be approved under approval series

160.044 and must be installed in a

ready-to-use condition as follows:

(i) The bilge pump for a lifeboat

approved for less than 70 persons must

be either size 2 or size 3.

(ii) The bilge pump for a lifeboat

approved for 70 persons or more must

be size 3.

(3) Boathook. In the case of a boat

launched by falls, the boathook must be

kept free for fending-off purposes. For

inflated rescue boats and for rigidinflated rescue boats, each boathook

must be designed to minimize the

possibility of damage to the inflated

portions of the hull.

(4) Bucket. The bucket must be made

of corrosion-resistant material and

should either be buoyant or have an

attached lanyard at least 1.8 meters (6

feet) long.

(5) Can opener. A can opener may be

in a jackknife approved under approval

series 160.043.

(6) Compass. The compass and its

mounting arrangement must be

approved under approval series

160.014. In a totally enclosed lifeboat,

the compass must be permanently fitted

at the steering position; in any other

boat it must be provided with a

binnacle, if necessary to protect it from

the weather, and with suitable mounting

arrangements.

(7) Dipper. The dipper must be

rustproof and attached to a lanyard that

should be at least 0.9 meters (3 feet)

long.

(8) Drinking cup. The drinking cup

must be graduated and rustproof. The

cup should also be of a breakageresistant material.

(9) Fire extinguisher. The fire

extinguisher must be approved under

approval series 162.028. The fire

extinguisher must be type B–C, size II,

or larger. Two type B–C, size I fire

extinguishers may be carried in place of

a type B–C, size II fire extinguisher.

(10) First aid kit. The first aid kit in

a lifeboat and in a rescue boat must be

approved under approval series

160.041. The first aid kit in a rigid

liferaft must be approved under

approval series 160.054.

(11) Fishing kit. The fishing kit must

be approved under approval series

160.061.

(12) Flashlight. The flashlight must be

a type I or type III that is constructed

and marked in accordance with the

American Society of Testing and

Materials (ASTM) F1014. One spare set

of batteries and one spare bulb, stored

in a watertight container, must be

provided for each flashlight.

(13) Hatchet. The hatchet must be

approved under approval series

160.013. The hatchet should be stowed

in brackets near the release mechanism

and, if more than one hatchet is carried,

the hatchets should be stowed at

opposite ends of the boat.

(14) Heaving line. The heaving line

must be buoyant, must be at least 30

meters (99 feet) long, must have a

buoyant rescue quoit attached to one

end, and should be at least 8 millimeters

(5⁄16 inches) in diameter.

(15) Instruction card. The instruction

card must be waterproof and contain the

information required by IMO Resolution

A.657(16). The instruction card should

be located so that it can be easily seen

upon entering the liferaft.

(16) Jackknife. The jackknife must be

approved under approval series 160.043

and must be attached to the boat by its

lanyard.

(17) Knife. The knife must be of the

non-folding type with a buoyant hanle

as follows:

(i) The knife for a rigid liferaft must

be secured to the raft by a lanyard and

stowed in a pocket on the exterior of the

canopy near the point where the painter

is attached to the liferaft. If an approved

jackknife is substituted for the second

knife required on a liferaft equipped for

13 or more persons, the jackknife must

also be secured to the liferaft by a

lanyard.

(ii) The knife in an inflated or rigidinflated rescue boat must be of a type

designed to minimize the possibility of

damage to the fabric portions of the

hull.

(18) Ladder. The boarding ladder

must be capable of being used at each

entrance on either side or at the stern of

the boat to enable persons in the water

to board the boat. The lowest step of the

ladder must be not less than 0.4 meters

(15.75 inches) below the boat’s light

waterline.

(19) Mirror. The signalling mirror

must be approved under approval series

160.020.

(2) Oars and paddles. Each lifeboat

and rescue boat must have buoyant oars

or paddles of the number, size, and type

specified by the manufacturer of the

boat. An oarlock or equivalent device,

either permanently installed or attached

to the boat by a lanyard or chain, must

be provided for each oar. Each oar

should have the vessel’s name marked

on it in block letters.

(21) Painter. (i) One painter on a

lifeboat and the painter on a rescue boat

must be attached by a painter release

device at the forward end of the lifeboat.

The second painter on a lifeboat must be

secured at or near the bow of the

lifeboat, ready for use. On lifeboats to be

launched by free-fall launching, both

painters must be stowed near the bow

ready for use.

(A) If the painter is of synthetic

material, the painter must be of a dark

color or certified by the manufacturer to

be resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light.

(B) The painter for a lifeboat and each

painter for a rescue boat must be of a

length that is at least twice the distance

from the stowage position of the boat to

the waterline with the vessel in its

lightest seagoing condition, or must be

meters (50 feet) long, whichever is the

greater.

(C) The painter must have a breaking

strength of at least 34 kiloNewtons

(7,700 pounds-force).

(D) The painter for a rigid liferaft must

be of a length that is at least 20 meters

(66 feet) plus the distance from the

liferaft’s stowed position to the

waterline with the vessel in its lightest

seagoing condition, or must be 15

meters (50 feet) long, whichever is the

greater.

(E) If the painter is of synthetic

material, the painter must be of a dark

color or certified by the manufacturer to

be resistant to deterioration from

ultraviolet light.

(F) The painter must have a breaking

strength of at least 15 kiloNewtons

(3,937 pounds-force) for liferafts

approved for more than 25 persons, of

at least 20 kiloNewtons (2,250 poundsforce) for liferafts approved for 9 to 25

persons, and of at least 7.5 kiloNewtons

(1,687 pounds-force) for any other

liferaft.

(G) The painter must have a float-free

link meeting the requirements of part

160, subpart 160.073 of this chapter

secured to the end of the painter that is

attached to the vessel. The float-free link

arrangement must break under a load of

2.2±0.4 kiloNewtons (400 to 536

pounds-force).

(22) Provisions. Each unit of

provisions must be approved under

approval series 160.046 and must

provide at least 10,000 kiloJoules (2,390

calories). Individual provision packages

may provide less than 10,000 kiloJoules,

as long as the total quantity of

provisions on board provides for at least

10,000 kiloJoules per person.

(23) Pump. The pump or bellows

must be manually operated and should

be arranged so it is capable of inflating

any part of the inflatable structure of the

rescue boat.

(24) Radar reflector. The radar

reflector must be capable of detection at

a distance of 4 nautical miles and must

have a mounting arrangements to install

it on the boat in its proper orientation.

A 9-GigaHertz radar transponder may be
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25325

substituted for the radar reflector if the

transponder is accepted by the Federal

Communications Commission as

meeting the requirements of 47 CFR part

80 and is stowed in the boat or raft.

(25) Rainwater collection device. The

rainwater collection device must be

arranged to collect falling rain and

direct it into the water tanks in the

lifeboat. If the lifeboat carries a

manually-powered, reverse osmosis

desalinator approved under approval

series 160.058, a rainwater collection

device is not required.

(26) Repair kit. The repair kit for an

inflated and a rigid-inflated rescue boat

must be packed in a suitable container

and include at least—

(i) Six sealing clamps;

(ii) Five 50-millimeter (2-inch)

diameter tube patches;

(iii) A roughing tool; and

(iv) A container of cement compatible

with the tube fabric. The cement must

have an expiration date on its container

that is not more than 24 months after

the date of manufacture of the cement.

(27) Sea anchor. (i) The sea anchor for

a lifeboat must be approved under

approval series 160.019.

(ii) Each sea anchor for a rigid liferaft

must be of the type specified by the

liferaft manufacturer and must be fitted

with a shock resistant hawser. It may

also be fitted with a tripping line. One

sea anchor must be permanently

attached to the liferaft in such a way

that, when the liferaft is waterborne, it

will cause the liferaft to lie oriented to

the wind in the most stable manner. The

second sea anchor must be stowed in

the liferaft as a spare. A davit-launched

liferaft and a liferaft on a passenger

vessel must have the permanently

attached sea anchor arranged to deploy

automatically when the liferaft floats

free.

(iii) The sea anchor for a rescue boat

must be of the type specified by the

rescue boat manufacturer, and must

have a hawser of adequate strength that

is at least 10 meters (33 feet) long.

(28) Searchlight. (i) The searchlight

must be of the type originally provided

with the approved lifeboat or rescue

boat, or must be certified by the

searchlight manufacturer to meet ASTM

F1003. The boat must carry two spare

bulbs.

(ii) The searchlight must be

permanently mounted on the canopy or

must have a stanchion-type or

collapsible-type, portable mounting on

the canopy. The mounting must be

located to enable operation of the

searchlight by the boat operator.

(iii) The searchlights power source

must be capable of operating the light

without charging or recharging for not

less than—

(A) Three hours of continuous

operation; or

(B) Six hours total operation when it

is operated in cycles of 15 minutes on

and 5 minutes off.

(iv) If the searchlight’s power source

is an engine starting battery, there must

be sufficient battery capacity to start the

engine at the end of either operating

period specified in paragraph (b)(28)(iii)

of this section.

(v) The searchlight’s power source

must be connected to the searchlight

using watertight electrical fittings.

(29) Seasickness kit. The seasickness

kit must be in a waterproof package and

must include one waterproof

seasickness bag, anti-seasickness

medication sufficient for one person for

48 hours, and instructions for using the

medication. Each seasickness kit should

be stowed within reach of the seat for

which it is intended.

(30) Signal, smoke. The smoke signal

must be approved under approval series

160.122.

(31) Signal, hand flare. The hand flare

must be approved under approval series

160.121.

(32) Signal, rocket parachute flare.

The rocket parachute flare must be

approved under approval series

160.136.

(33) Skates and fenders. The skates

and fenders must be as specified by the

lifeboat or rescue boat manufacturer to

facilitate launching and prevent damage

to a lifeboat intended for launching

down the side of a vessel.

(34) Sponge. The sponge must be

suitable for soaking up water.

(35) Survival instructions. The

survival instructions must be as

described in IMO Resolution A.657(16),

Annex I for liferafts and Annex II for

lifeboats.

(36) Table of lifesaving signals. The

table of lifesaving signals must be as

described in Annex IV to the

International Regulations for Preventing

Collisions at Sea 1972, as amended, and

must be printed on a waterproof card or

stored in a waterproof container.

(37) Thermal protective aid. The

thermal protective aid must be approved

under approval series 160.174.

(38) Tool kit. The tool kit must

contain sufficient tools for minor

adjustments to the engine and its

accessories.

(39) Towline. The towline must be

buoyant and at least 50 meters (164 feet)

long. The towline must have a breaking

strength of not less than 13.3

kiloNewtons (3,000 pounds-force) or be

of sufficient strength to tow the largest

liferaft carried on the vessel when

loaded with its full complement of

persons and equipment at a speed of at

least 2 knots.

(40) Water. The water must be

emergency drinking water approved

under approval series 160.026.

(i) The requirement for up to onethird of the emergency drinking water

may be met by a desalting apparatus

approved under approval series 160.058

that is capable of producing the

substituted amount of water in 2 days.

(ii) The requirement for up to twothirds of the emergency drinking water

may be met by a manually-powered,

reverse osmosis desalinator approved

under approval series 160.058 and that

is capable of producing the substituted

amount of water in 2 days.

(41) Whistle. The whistle must be

corrosion-resistant, and should be a

ball-type or multi-tone whistle that is

attached to a lanyard.

TABLE 199.175.—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT

Item

No. Item

International voyage Short international voyage

Lifeboat

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

A pack)

Rescue

boat Lifeboat

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

B pack)

Rescue

boat

1 Bailer 1 ......................................................................................... 1 1 1 1 1 1

2 Bilge pump 2 ................................................................................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

3 Boathook ..................................................................................... 2 ................ 1 2 ................ 1

4 Bucket 3 ....................................................................................... 2 ................ 1 2 ................ 1

5 Can opener ................................................................................. 3 3 ................ 3 ................ ................

6 Compass ..................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

7 Dipper ......................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................
25326 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

TABLE 199.175.—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT—Continued

Item

No. Item

International voyage Short international voyage

Lifeboat

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

A pack)

Rescue

boat Lifeboat

Rigid liferaft

(SOLAS

B pack)

Rescue

boat

8 Drinking cup ................................................................................ 1 1 ................ 1 ................ ................

9 Fire extinguisher ......................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

10 First aid kit .................................................................................. 1 1 1 1 1 1

11 Fishing kit .................................................................................... 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................

12 Flashlight ..................................................................................... 1 1 1 1 1 1

13 Hatchet ........................................................................................ 2 ................ ................ 2 ................ ................

14 Heaving line ................................................................................ 2 1 2 2 1 2

15 Instruction card ........................................................................... ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................

16 Jackknife ..................................................................................... 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

17 Knife 1 4 ....................................................................................... ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1

18 Ladder ......................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

19 Mirror, signalling ......................................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

20 Oars, units 5 6 .............................................................................. 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

Paddles ....................................................................................... ................ 2 ................ ................ 2 ................

21 Paddles ....................................................................................... 2 1 1 2 1 1

22 Provisions (units per person) ...................................................... 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................

23 Pump 7 ........................................................................................ ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1

24 Radar reflector ............................................................................ 1 1 1 1 1 1

25 Rainwater collection device ........................................................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

26 Repair kit 7 .................................................................................. ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1

27 Sea anchor ................................................................................. 1 2 1 1 2 1

28 Searchlight .................................................................................. 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

29 Seasickness kit (units per person) ............................................. 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

30 Signal, smoke ............................................................................. 2 2 ................ 2 1 ................

31 Signal, hand flare ........................................................................ 6 6 ................ 6 3 ................

32 Signal, parachute flare ................................................................ 4 4 ................ 4 2 ................

33 Skates and fenders 8 .................................................................. 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

34 Sponge 7 ..................................................................................... ................ 2 2 ................ 2 2

35 Survival instructions .................................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

36 Table of lifesaving signals .......................................................... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................

37 Thermal protective aids .............................................................. 10% 10% 10% 10% 10% 10%

38 Tool kit ........................................................................................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

39 Towline 10 .................................................................................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

40 Water (liters per person) ............................................................. 3 1.5 ................ 3 ................ ................

41 Whistle ........................................................................................ 1 1 1 1 1 1

Notes:

1Each liferaft equipped for 13 persons or more must carry two of these items.

2 Not required for boats of self-bailing design.

3 Not required for inflated or rigid-inflated rescue boats.

4A hatchet counts towards this requirement in rigid rescue boats.

5Oars are not required on a free-fall lifeboat; a unit of oars means the number of oars specified by the boat manufacturer.

6 Rescue boats may substitute buoyant paddles for oars, as specified by the manufacturer.

7 Not required for a rigid rescue boat.

8 Required if specified by the boat manufacturer.

9Sufficient thermal protective aids are required for at least 10% of the persons the survival craft is equipped to carry, but not less than two.

10 Required only if the lifeboat is also the rescue boat.

§ 199.176 Markings on lifesaving

appliances.

(a) Lifeboats and rescue boats. Each

lifeboat and rescue boat must be plainly

marked as follows:

(1) Each side of each lifeboat and

rescue boat bow must be marked in

block capital letters and numbers with—

(i) The name of the vessel; and

(ii) The name of the port required to

be marked on the stern of the vessel to

meet the requirements of part 67,

subpart 67.13 of this chapter.

(2) The length and beam of the boat

and the number of persons for which

the boat is equipped must be clearly

marked, preferably on the bow, in

permanent characters. The number of

persons for which the boat is equipped

must not exceed the number of persons

shown on its nameplate.

(3) The number of the boat and a

means of identifying the vessel to which

the boat belongs, such as the vessel’s

name, must be plainly marked or

painted so that the markings are visible

from above the boat.

(4) The Type II retro-reflective

material approved under approval series

164.018 must be placed on the boat to

meet the arrangement requirements in

IMO Resolution A.658(16).

(b) Rigid liferafts. Each rigid liferaft

must be marked as follows:

(1) The name of the vessel must be

marked on each rigid liferaft.

(2) The name of the port required to

be marked on the stern of the vessel to

meet the requirements of part 67,

subpart 67.13 of this chapter must be

marked on each rigid liferaft.

(3) The rigid liferaft must be marked

with the words ‘‘SOLAS A pack’’ or

‘‘SOLAS B pack’’, to reflect the pack

inside.

(4) The length of the painter must be

marked on each rigid liferaft.

(5) At each entrance of each rigid

liferaft, the number of persons for which

the rigid liferaft is equipped must be

marked in letters and numbers at least

100 millimeters (4 inches) high and in

a color contrasting to that of the liferaft.

The number of persons for which the
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25327

liferaft is equipped must not exceed the

number of persons shown on its

nameplate.

§ 199.178 Marking of stowage locations.

(a) Containers, brackets, racks, and

other similar stowage locations for

lifesaving equipment must be marked

with symbols in accordance with IMO

Resolution A.760(18) indicating the

device stowed in that location.

(b) If more than one device is stowed

in a location, the number of devices

stowed must be indicated.

(c) Survival craft should be numbered

consecutively starting from the vessel’s

bow. Survival craft on the starboard side

should be numbered with odd numerals

and survival craft on the port side

should be numbered with even

numerals.

(d) Each liferaft stowage location

should be marked with the capacity of

the liferaft stowed there.

§ 199.180 Training and drills.

(a) Training materials. Training

material must be on board each vessel

and must consist of a manual of one or

more volumes written in easily

understood terms and illustrated

wherever possible, or of audiovisual

training aids, or of both as follows:

(1) If a training manual is used, a copy

must be in each crew messroom and

recreation room or in each crew cabin.

If audiovisual training aids are used,

they must be incorporated into the

onboard training sessions described in

paragraph (g) of this section.

(2) The training material must explain

in detail—

(i) The procedure for donning

lifejackets, immersion suits, and antiexposure suits carried on board;

(ii) The procedure for mustering at the

assigned stations;

(iii) The procedure for boarding,

launching, and clearing the survival

craft and rescue boats;

(iv) The method of launching from

within the survival craft;

(v) The procedure for releasing

survival craft from launching

appliances;

(vi) The methods and use of devices

for protection in launching areas, where

appropriate;

(vii) The illumination in the

launching areas;

(viii) The use of all survival

equipment;

(ix) The use of all detection

equipment;

(x) With the assistance of illustrations,

the use of radio lifesaving appliances;

(xi) The use of sea anchors;

(xii) The use of the survival craft

engine and accessories;

(xiii) The recovery of survival craft

and rescue boats, including stowage and

securing;

(xiv) The hazards of exposure and the

need for warm clothing;

(xv) The best use of the survival craft

for survival;

(xvi) The methods of retrieval,

including the use of helicopter rescue

gear such as slings, baskets, and

stretchers; the use of breeches-buoy and

shore lifesaving apparatus; and the use

of the vessel’s line-throwing apparatus;

(xvii) All other functions contained in

the muster list and emergency

instructions; and

(xviii) The instructions for emergency

repair of the lifesaving appliances.

(b) Familiarity with emergency

procedures. (1) Every crewmember with

emergency duties assigned on the

muster list must be familiar with their

assigned duties before the voyage

begins.

(2) On a vessel engaged on voyage

when the passengers or special

personnel are scheduled to be on board

for more than 24 hours, musters of the

passengers and special personnel must

take place within 24 hours after their

embarkation. Passengers and special

personnel must be instructed in the use

of the lifejackets and the action to take

in an emergency.

(3) Whenever new passengers or

special personnel embark, a safety

briefing must be given immediately

before sailing or immediately after

sailing. The briefing must include the

instructions required by § 199.80 and

must be made by means of an

announcement in one or more languages

likely to be understood by the

passengers and special personnel. The

announcement must be made on the

vessel’s public address system or by

other equivalent means likely to be

heard by the passengers and special

personnel who have not yet heard it

during the voyage. The briefing may be

included in the muster required by

paragraph (b)(2) of this section if the

muster is held immediately upon

departure. Information cards or posters,

or video programs displayed on the

vessel video displays, may be used to

supplement the briefing, but may not be

used to replace the announcement.

(c) Drills—general. (1) Drills must, as

far as practicable, be conducted as if

there were an actual emergency.

(2) Every crewmember must

participate in at least one abandon-ship

drill and one fire drill every month. The

drills of the crew must take place within

24 hours of the vessel leaving a port if

more than 25 percent of the crew have

not participated in abandon-ship and

fire drills on board that particular vessel

in the previous month.

(3) Drills must be held before sailing

when a vessel enters service for the first

time, after modification of a major

character, or when a new crew is

engaged.

(4) The OCMI may accept other

equivalent drill arrangements for those

classes of vessels for which compliance

with this paragraph is impracticable.

(d) Abandon-ship drills. (1) Abandonship drills must include—

(i) Summoning persons on board to

muster stations with the general alarm

followed by drill announcements on the

public address or other communication

system and ensuring that the persons on

board are made aware of the order to

abandon ship;

(ii) Reporting to stations and

preparing for the duties described in the

muster list;

(iii) Checking that persons on board

are suitably dressed;

(iv) Checking that lifejackets or

immersion suits are correctly donned;

(v) Lowering of at least one lifeboat

after any necessary preparation for

launching;

(vi) Starting and operating the lifeboat

engine; and

(vii) Operating davits used for

launching the liferafts.

(2) Abandon-ship drills should also

include conducting a mock search and

rescue of passengers or special

personnel trapped in their staterooms,

and giving instructions in the use of

radio lifesaving appliances.

(3) Different lifeboats must, as far as

practicable, be lowered to comply with

the requirements of paragraph (d)(1)(v)

of this section at successive drills.

(4) Except as provided in paragraphs

(d)(5) and (d)(6) of this section, each

lifeboat must be launched with its

assigned operating crew aboard and

maneuvered in the water at least once

every 3 months during an abandon-ship

drill.

(5) Lowering into the water, rather

than launching of a lifeboat arranged for

free-fall launching, is acceptable when

free-fall launching is impracticable,

provided that the lifeboat is free-fall

launched with its assigned operating

crew aboard and is maneuvered in the

water at least once every 6 months.

However, when compliance with the 6-

month requirement is impracticable, the

OCMI may extend this period to 12

months, provided that arrangements are

made for simulated launching at

intervals of not more than 6 months.

(6) The OCMI may exempt a vessel

operating on short international voyages

from the requirement to launch the

lifeboats on both sides of the vessel if
25328 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

berthing arrangements in port and

operations do not permit launching of

lifeboats on one side. However, all

lifeboats on the vessel must be lowered

at least once every 3 months and

launched at least annually.

(7) As far as is reasonable and

practicable, rescue boats, other than

lifeboats which are also rescue boats,

must be launched with their assigned

crew aboard and maneuvered in the

water each month. Such launching and

maneuvering must occur at least once

every 3 months.

(8) If lifeboat and rescue boat

launching drills are carried out with the

vessel making headway, such drills

must, because of the dangers involved,

be practiced in sheltered waters only

and be under the supervision of an

officer experienced in such drills.

(9) If a vessel is fitted with marine

evacuation systems, drills must include

an exercising of the procedures required

for the deployment of such a system up

to the point immediately preceding

actual deployment of the system. This

aspect of drills should be augmented by

regular instruction using the on board

training aids. Additionally, every

crewmember assigned to duties

involving the marine evacuation system

must, as far as practicable, participate in

a full deployment of a similar system

into water, either on board a vessel or

ashore, every 2 years but not longer than

every 3 years. This training may be

associated with the deployments

required by § 199.190(k).

(10) Emergency lighting for mustering

and abandonment must be tested at each

abandon-ship drill.

(11) If a vessel carries immersion suits

or anti-exposure suits, the suits must be

worn by crewmembers in at least one

abandon-ship drill per month. If

wearing the suits is impracticable due to

warm weather, the crewmembers must

be instructed on their donning and use.

(12) If a vessel carries immersion suits

for persons other than the crew, the

abandon-ship drill must include

instruction to these persons on the

stowage, donning, and use of the suits.

(e) Line-throwing appliance. A drill

must be conducted on the use of the

line-throwing appliance at least once

every 3 months. The actual firing of the

appliance is at the discretion of the

master.

(f) Fire drills. (1) Fire drills must, as

far as practicable, be planned with due

consideration given to the various

emergencies that may occur for that type

of vessel and its cargo.

(2) Each fire drill must include—

(i) Reporting to stations and preparing

for the duties described in the station

bill for the particular fire emergency

being simulated;

(ii) Starting of fire pumps and the use

of two jets of water to determine that the

system is in proper working order;

(iii) Checking the firemen’s outfits

and other personal rescue equipment;

(iv) Checking the relevant

communications equipment;

(v) Checking the operation of

watertight doors, fire doors, and fire

dampers and main inlets and outlets of

ventilation systems in the drill area; and

(vi) Checking the necessary

arrangements for subsequent

abandonment of the vessel.

(3) The equipment used during drills

must immediately be brought back to its

fully operational condition. Any faults

and defects discovered during the drills

must be remedied as soon as possible.

(g) Onboard training and instruction.

(1) Onboard training in the use of the

vessel’s lifesaving appliances, including

survival craft equipment, and in the use

of the vessel’s fire-extinguishing

appliances must be given as soon as

possible but not later than 2 weeks after

a crewmember joins the vessel.

(2) If the crewmember is on a

regularly scheduled rotating assignment

to the vessel, the training required in

paragraph (g)(1) of this section need be

given only within 2 weeks of the time

the crewmember first joins the vessel.

(3) The crew must be instructed in the

use of the vessel’s fire-extinguishing and

lifesaving appliances and in survival at

sea at the same interval as the drills.

Individual units of instruction may

cover different parts of the vessel’s

lifesaving and fire-extinguishing

appliances, but all the vessel’s lifesaving

and fire-extinguishing appliances must

be covered within any period of 2

months.

(4) Every crewmember must be given

instructions that include, but are not

limited to—

(i) The operation and use of the

vessel’s inflatable liferafts;

(ii) The problems of hypothermia, first

aid treatment for hypothermia, and

other appropriate first aid procedures;

(iii) Any special instructions

necessary for use of the vessel’s

lifesaving appliances in severe weather

and severe sea conditions; and

(iv) The operation and use of fireextinguishing appliances.

(5) Onboard training in the use of

davit-launched liferafts must take place

at intervals of not more than 4 months

on each vessel with davit-launched

liferafts. Whenever practicable, this

training must include the inflation and

lowering of a liferaft. If this liferaft is a

special liferaft intended for training

purposes only and is not part of the

vessel’s lifesaving equipment, this

liferaft must be conspicuously marked.

(h) Records. (1) When musters are

held, details of abandon-ship drills, fire

drills, drills of other lifesaving

appliances, and onboard training must

be recorded in the vessel’s official

logbook. Logbook entries must

include—

(i) The date and time of the drill,

muster, or training session;

(ii) The survival craft and fireextinguishing equipment used in the

drills;

(iii) Identification of inoperative or

malfunctioning equipment and the

corrective action taken;

(iv) Identification of crewmembers

participating in drills or training

sessions; and

(v) The subject of the onboard training

session.

(2) If a full muster, drill, or training

session is not held at the appointed

time, an entry must be made in the

logbook stating the circumstances and

the extent of the muster, drill, or

training session held.

§ 199.190 Operational readiness,

maintenance, and inspection of lifesaving

equipment.

(a) Operational readiness. Before the

vessel leaves port and at all times

during the voyage, each lifesaving

appliance must be in working order and

ready for immediate use.

(b) Maintenance. (1) The

manufacturer’s instructions for onboard

maintenance of lifesaving appliances

must be on board the vessel. The

following must be provided for each

appliance.

(i) Checklists for use when carrying

out the inspections required under

paragraph (e) of this section.

(ii) Maintenance and repair

instructions.

(iii) A schedule of periodic

maintenance.

(iv) A diagram of lubrication points

with the recommended lubricants.

(v) A list of replaceable parts.

(vi) A list of sources of spare parts.

(vii) A log of records of inspections

and maintenance.

(2) In lieu of compliance with

paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the

OCMI may accept a shipboard planned

maintenance program that includes the

items listed in that paragraph.

(c) Spare parts and repair equipment.

Spare parts and repair equipment must

be provided for each lifesaving

appliance and component that is subject

to excessive wear or consumption and

that needs to be replaced regularly.

(d) Weekly inspections and tests. (1)

Each survival craft, rescue boat, and
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25329

launching appliance must be visually

inspected to ensure its readiness for use.

(2) Each lifeboat engine and rescue

boat engine must be run ahead and

astern for not less than 3 minutes,

unless the ambient temperature is below

the minimum temperature required for

starting the engine. During this time,

demonstrations should indicate that the

gear box and gear box train are engaging

satisfactorily. If the special

characteristics of an outboard motor

fitted to a rescue boat do not allow the

outboard motor to be run for a period of

3 minutes other than with its propeller

submerged, the outboard motor should

be run for such period as prescribed in

the manufacturer’s handbook.

(3) The general alarm system must be

tested.

(e) Monthly inspections. (1) Each

lifesaving appliance, including lifeboat

equipment, must be inspected monthly

using the checklists required under

paragraph (b)(1)(i) of this section to

make sure the appliance and the

equipment are complete and in good

working order. A report of the

inspection, including a statement as to

the condition of the equipment, must be

recorded in the vessel’s official logbook.

(2) Each EPIRB and each SART, other

than an EPIRB or SART in an inflatable

liferaft, must be tested monthly. The

EPIRB must be tested using the

integrated test circuit and output

indicator to determine that it is

operative.

(f) Annual inspections. Annual

inspections must include the following:

(1) Each survival craft, except for

inflatable craft, must be stripped,

cleaned, and thoroughly inspected and

repaired, as needed, at least once each

year and each fuel tank must be

emptied, cleaned, and refilled with

fresh fuel.

(2) Each davit, winch, fall, and other

launching appliance must be thoroughly

inspected and repaired, as needed, once

each year.

(3) Each item of survival equipment

with an expiration date must be

replaced during the annual inspection if

the expiration date has passed.

(4) Each battery clearly marked with

an expiration date and used in an item

of survival equipment must be replaced

during the annual inspection if the

expiration date has passed.

(5) Except for a storage battery used in

a lifeboat or rescue boat, each battery

without an expiration date that is used

in an item of survival equipment must

be replaced during the annual

inspection.

(g) Servicing of inflatable lifesaving

appliances, inflated rescue boats, and

marine evacuation systems.

(1) Each inflatable lifesaving

appliance and marine evacuation

system must be serviced—

(i) Within 12 months of its initial

packing; and

(ii) Within 12 months of each

subsequent servicing, except when

servicing is delayed until the next

scheduled inspection of the vessel,

provided the delay does not exceed 5

months.

(2) Each inflatable lifejacket must be

serviced in accordance with servicing

procedures meeting the requirements of

part 160, subpart 160.176 of this

chapter. Each hybrid inflatable lifejacket

must be serviced in accordance with the

owners manual and meet the

requirements of part 160, subpart

160.077 of this chapter.

(3) Each inflatable liferaft must be

serviced—

(i) In accordance with servicing

procedures meeting the requirements of

part 160, subpart 160.051 of this

chapter; and

(ii) Whenever the container of the raft

is damaged, or the straps or seal broken.

(4) Each inflated rescue boat must be

repaired and maintained in accordance

with the manufacturer’s instructions.

All repairs must be made at a serving

facility approved by the Commandant

(G–MSE), except for emergency repairs

carried out on board the vessel.

(h) Periodic servicing of hydrostatic

release units. Each hydrostatic release

unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic

release unit, must be serviced in

accordance with repair and testing

procedures meeting the requirements of

part 160, subpart 160.062 of this

chapter—

(1) Within 12 months of its

manufacture; and

(2) Within 12 months of each

subsequent servicing, except when

servicing is delayed until the next

scheduled inspection of the vessel,

provided the delay does not exceed 5

months.

(i) Periodic serving of launching

appliances and release gear. (1)

Launching appliances must be serviced

at the intervals recommended in the

manufacturer’s instructions or as set out

in the shipboard planned maintenance

program.

(2) Launching appliances must be

thoroughly examined at intervals not

exceeding 5 years and, upon completion

of the examination, the launching

appliance must be subjected to a

dynamic test of the winch brake.

(3) Lifeboat and rescue boat release

gear must be serviced at the intervals

recommended in the manufacturer’s

instructions, or as set out in the

shipboard-planned-maintenance

program.

(4) Lifeboat and rescue boat release

gear must be subjected to a thorough

examination by properly trained

personnel familiar with the system at

each inspection for certification.

(5) Lifeboat and rescue boat release

gear must be operationally tested under

a load of 1.1 times the total mass of the

lifeboat when loaded with its full

complement of persons and equipment

whenever overhauled or at least once

every 5 years.

(j) Maintenance of falls. (1) Each fall

used in a launching appliance must—

(i) Be turned end-for-end at intervals

of not more than 30 months; and

(ii) Be renewed when necessary due

to deterioration or at intervals of not

more than 5 years, whichever is earlier.

(2) As an alternative to paragraph

(j)(1) of this section, each fall may—

(i) Be inspected annually; and

(ii) Be renewed whenever necessary

due to deterioration or at intervals of not

more than 4 years, whichever is earlier.

(k) Rotational deployment of marine

evacuation systems. In addition, to or in

conjunction with, the servicing intervals

of marine evacuation systems required

by paragraph (g)(1) of this section, each

marine evacuation system must be

deployed from the vessel on a rotational

basis. Each marine evacuation system

must be deployed at least once every 6

years.

Subpart C—Additional Requirements

for Passenger Vessels

§ 199.200 General.

Passenger vessels and special purpose

vessels described in § 199.10(f), must

meet the requirements in this subpart in

addition to the requirements in subparts

A and B of this part.

§ 199.201 Survival craft.

(a) Each survival craft must be

approved and equipped as follows:

(1) Each lifeboat must be approved

under approval series 160.135 and

equipped as specified in table 199.175

of this part.

(2) Each inflatable liferaft must be

approved under approval series 160.151

and equipped with—

(i) A SOLAS A pack; or

(ii) For a passenger vessel on a short

international voyage, a SOLAS B pack.

(3) Each rigid liferaft must be

approved under approval series 160.118

and equipped as specified in table

199.175 of this part.

(4) Each marine evacuation system

must be approved under approval series

160.175.

(5) Each liferaft must have a capacity

of six persons or more.
25330 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(b) Each passenger vessel must carry

the following:

(1) A combination of lifeboats and

liferafts that have an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board, provided

that—

(i) On each side of the vessel, lifeboats

with an aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate at least 37.5 percent of the

total number of persons on board are

carried; and

(ii) Any liferafts that are provided in

combination with the lifeboats are

served by launching appliances or

marine evacuation systems equally

distributed on each side of the vessel.

(2) In addition to the survival craft

required in paragraph (b)(1) of this

section, additional liferafts must be

provided that have a aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate at least 25

percent of the total number of persons

on board. The additional liferafts—

(i) Must be served by at least one

launching appliance or marine

evacuation system on each side of the

vessel. These launching appliances or

marine evacuation systems must be

those described under paragraph

(b)(1)(ii) of this section or be equivalent

approved appliances capable of being

used on both sides of the vessel; and

(ii) Are not required to be stowed in

accordance with § 199.130(c)(4).

(c) Each passenger vessel engaged on

a short international voyage that also

complies with the standards of

subdivision requirements for vessels on

short international voyages as described

in subchapter S of this chapter may, as

an alternative to the lifeboat

requirements in paragraph (b)(1)(i) of

this section, carry lifeboats with an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate at least 30 percent of the

total number of persons on board. These

lifeboats must be equally distributed, as

far as practicable, on each side of the

vessel.

(d) Each passenger vessel that is less

than 500 tons gross tonnage and is

certificated to permit less than 200

persons on board is not required to meet

the requirements of paragraphs (b) or (c)

of this section if it meets the following:

(1) On each side of the vessel—

(i) Liferafts are carried with an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate the total number of

persons on board and are stowed in a

position providing for easy side-to-side

transfer at a single open deck level; or

(ii) Liferafts are carried with an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate 150 percent of the total

number of persons on board. If the

rescue boat required under § 199.202 is

also a lifeboat, its capacity may be

included to meet the aggregate capacity

requirement.

(2) If the largest survival craft on

either side of the vessel is lost or

rendered unserviceable, there must be

survival craft available for use on each

side of the vessel, including those

which are stowed in a position

providing for side-to-side transfer at a

single open deck level, with a capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board.

§ 199.202 Rescue boats.

(a) Each passenger vessel of 500 tons

gross tonnage and over must carry on

each side of the vessel at least one

rescue boat approved under approval

series 160.156 that is equipped as

specified in table 199.175 of this part.

(b) Each passenger vessel of less than

500 tons gross tonnage must carry at

least one rescue boat approved under

approval series 160.156 that is equipped

as specified in table 199.175 of this part.

(c) A lifeboat is accepted as a rescue

boat if, in addition to being approved

under approval series 160.135, it is also

approved under approval series

160.156.

§ 199.203 Marshalling of liferafts.

(a) Each passenger vessel must have a

lifeboat or rescue boat for each six

liferafts when—

(1) Each lifeboat and rescue boat is

loaded with its full complement of

persons; and

(2) The minimum number of liferafts

necessary to accommodate the

remainder of the persons on board have

been launched.

(b) A passenger vessel engaged on a

short international voyage that also

complies with the standards of

subdivision requirements for vessels on

short international voyages as described

in subchapter S of this chapter may

have a lifeboat or rescue boat for each

nine liferafts when—

(1) Each lifeboat and rescue boat is

loaded with its full complement of

persons; and

(2) The minimum number of liferafts

necessary to accommodate the

remainder of the persons on board have

been launched.

§ 199.211 Lifebuoys.

(1) Each passenger vessel must carry

the number of lifebuoys prescribed in

table 199.211 of this section.

TABLE 199.211.—REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBUOYS FOR PASSENGER VESSELS

Length of vessel in meters (feet)

Minimum

number of

lifebuoys

Under 60 (196) ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

60(196) and under 120(393) .................................................................................................................................................................... 12

120(393) and under 180 (590) ................................................................................................................................................................ 18

180 (590) and under 240 (787) ............................................................................................................................................................... 24

240 (787) and over .................................................................................................................................................................................. 30

(b) Notwithstanding § 199.70(a)(3)(ii),

each passenger vessel under 60 meters

(196 feet) in length must carry at least

six lifebuoys with self-igniting lights.

§ 199.212 Lifejackets.

(a) In addition to the lifejackets

required under § 199.70(b), each

passenger vessel must carry lifejackets

for at least 5 percent of the total number

of persons on board. These lifejackets

must be stowed in conspicuous places

on deck or at muster stations.

(b) Where lifejackets for persons other

than the crew are stowed in staterooms

located remotely from direct routes

between public spaces and muster

stations, any additional lifejackets

required by § 199.70(b)(2)(v) for these

persons must be stowed in the public

spaces, near muster stations, or on

direct routes between them. These

lifejackets must be stowed so that their

distribution and donning does not

impede orderly movement to muster

stations and survival craft embarkation

stations.

§ 199.214 Immersion suits and thermal

protective aids.

(a) Each passenger vessel must carry

at least three immersion suits approved

under approval series 160.171 for each

lifeboat on the vessel.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25331

(b) In addition to the requirements in

paragraph (a) of this section, each

passenger vessel must carry a thermal

protective aid approved under approval

series 160.174 for each person not

provided with an immersion suit.

(c) The immersion suits and thermal

protective aids required under

paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section are

not required if the passenger vessel

operates only on routes between 32

degrees north and 32 degrees south

latitude.

§ 199.217 Muster list and emergency

instructions.

(a) The format of each passenger

vessel muster list required under

§ 199.80 must be approved by the OCMI.

(b) The passenger vessel muster list or

emergency instructions must include

procedures for locating and rescuing

persons other than the crew who may be

trapped in their staterooms.

(c) As an alternative to the

requirements in § 199.80(c), the

passenger vessel emergency instructions

may meet the requirements of MSC

Circular 699 (Guidelines for Passenger

Safety Instructions).

§ 199.220 Survival craft and rescue boat

embarkation arrangements.

(a) Survival craft embarkation

arrangements must be designed for—

(1) Each lifeboat to be boarded and

launched either directly from the

stowed position or from an embarkation

deck, but not both; and

(2) Davit-launched liferafts to be

boarded and launched from a position

immediately adjacent to the stowed

positions or from a position where, as

described under § 199.130(b)(4), the

liferaft is transferred before launching.

(b) Each rescue boat must be able to

be boarded and launched directly from

the stowed position with the number of

persons assigned to crew the rescue boat

on board. Notwithstanding paragraph

(a)(1) of this section, if the rescue boat

is also a lifeboat and the other lifeboats

are boarded and launched from an

embarkation deck, the arrangements

must be such that the rescue boat can

also be boarded and launched from the

embarkation deck.

§ 199.230 Stowage of survival craft.

(a) To meet the requirements of

§ 199.130(b)(1), each lifeboat on a

passenger vessel of 80 meters (262 feet)

in length and upwards must be stowed

where the after-end of the lifeboat is at

least 1.5 times the length of the lifeboat

forward of the vessel’s propeller.

(b) The stowage height of a survival

craft must take into account the vessel’s

escape provisions, the vessel’s size, and

the weather conditions likely to be

encountered in the vessel’s intended

area of operation.

(c) The height of the davit head of

each davit when it is in position to

launch the survival craft should, as far

as practicable, not exceed 15 meters (49

feet) to the waterline when the vessel is

in its lightest seagoing condition.

§ 199.240 Muster stations.

Each passenger vessel must, in

addition to meeting the requirements of

§ 199.110, have muster stations that—

(a) Are near the embarkation stations,

unless a muster station is also an

embarkation station;

(b) Permit ready access to the

embarkation station, unless a muster

station is also an embarkation station;

and

(c) Have sufficient room to marshal

and instruct passengers and special

personnel.

§ 199.245 Survival craft embarkation and

launching arrangements.

(a) Each davit-launched liferaft must

be arranged to be rapidly boarded by its

full complement of persons.

(b) All survival craft required for

abandonment by the total number of

persons on board must be capable of

being launched with the survival crafts’

full complement of persons and

equipment within a period of 30

minutes from the time the abandon-ship

signal is given.

§ 199.250 Drills.

(a) An abandon-ship drill and a fire

drill, as described in § 199.180, must be

conducted on each passenger vessel at

least weekly.

(b) The entire crew does not have to

be involved in every drill, but each

crewmember must participate in an

abandon-ship drill and a fire drill each

month.

(c) Passengers and special personnel

must be strongly encouraged to attend

abandon-ship and fire drills.

Subpart D—Additional Requirements

for Cargo Vessels

§ 199.260 General.

Cargo vessels and special purpose

vessels, as described in § 199.10(g),

must meet the requirements in this

subpart in addition to the requirements

in subparts A and B of this part.

§ 199.261 Survival craft.

(a) Each survival craft must be

approved and equipped as follows:

(1) Each lifeboat must be a totally

enclosed lifeboat approved under

approval series 160.135 and equipped as

specified in table 199.175 of this part.

(2) Each inflatable liferaft must be

approved under approval series 160.151

and be equipped with a SOLAS A pack.

(3) Each rigid liferaft must be

approved under approval series 160.118

and be equipped as specified in table

199.175 of this part.

(4) Each liferaft must have a capacity

of six persons or more.

(5) Each marine evacuation system

must be approved under approval series

160.175.

(b) Each cargo vessel must carry—

(1) On each side of the vessel,

lifeboats with an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board; and

(2) Liferafts—

(i) With an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board and that are

stowed in a position providing for easy

side-to-side transfer at a single open

deck level; or

(ii) With an aggregate capacity on

each side sufficient to accommodate the

total number of persons on board.

(c) A cargo vessel is not required to

meet the requirements of paragraph (b)

of this section if it carries—

(1) Lifeboats capable of being free-fall

launched over the stern of the vessel

that have an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board; and

(2) On each side of the vessel, liferafts

with an aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate the total number of

persons on board with the liferafts on at

least one side of the vessel being served

by launching appliances or marine

evacuation systems.

(d) Cargo vessels less than 85 meters

(278 feet) in length, with the exception

of tank vessels, are not required to meet

paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section if

they meet the following:

(1) On each side of the vessel—

(i) Liferafts are carried with an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate the total number of

persons on board and are stowed in a

position providing for easy side-to-side

transfer at a single open deck level; or

(ii) Liferafts are carried with an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate 150 percent of the total

number of persons on board. If the

rescue boat required under § 199.262 is

also a lifeboat, its capacity may be

included to meet the aggregate capacity

requirement.

(2) In the event the largest survival

craft on either side of the vessel is lost

or rendered unserviceable, there must

be survival craft available for use on

each side of the vessel, including those

which are stowed in a position

providing for side-to-side transfer at a
25332 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

single open deck level, with a capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board.

(e) Each cargo vessel on which the

horizontal distance from the extreme

end of the stem or stern of the vessel to

the nearest end of the closest survival

craft is more than 100 meters (328 feet)

must carry, in addition to the liferafts

required by paragraphs (b)(2) and (c)(2)

of this section, a liferaft stowed as far

forward or aft, or one as far forward and

another as far aft, as is reasonable and

practicable. The requirement for the

liferaft to float free under § 199.130(c)(7)

does not apply to a liferaft under this

paragraph, provided it is arranged for

quick manual release.

(f) Each lifeboat on a tank vessel

certificated to carry cargos that emit

toxic vapors or gases must be approved

as a lifeboat with a self-contained air

support system or a fire-protected

lifeboat.

(g) Each lifeboat must be approved as

a fire-protected lifeboat if it is carried on

a tank vessel certificated to carry cargos

that have a flashpoint less than 60 °C as

determined under ASTM D93–94.

§ 199.262 Rescue boats.

(a) Each cargo vessel must carry at

least one rescue boat. Each rescue boat

must be approved under approval series

160.156 and be equipped as specified in

table 199.175 of this part.

(b) A lifeboat is accepted as a rescue

boat if, in addition to being approved

under approval series 160.135, it also is

approved under approval series

160.156.

§ 199.271 Lifebuoys.

Each cargo vessel must carry the

number of lifebuoys prescribed in table

199.271 of this section.

TABLE 199.271.—REQUIREMENTS FOR LIFEBUOYS ON CARGO VESSELS

Length of vessel in meters (feet)

Minimum

number of

lifebuoys

Under 100 (328) ...................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

100 (328) and under 150 (492) ............................................................................................................................................................... 10

150 (492) and under 200 (656) ............................................................................................................................................................... 12

200 (656) and over .................................................................................................................................................................................. 14

§ 199.273 Immersion suits.

(a) Each cargo vessel must carry an

immersion suit approved under

approval series 160.171 of an

appropriate size for each person on

board.

(b) If watch stations, work stations, or

work sites are remote from cabins,

staterooms, or berthing areas and the

immersion suits stowed in those

locations, there must be, in addition to

the immersion suites required under

paragraph (a) of this section, enough

immersion suits stowed at the watch

stations, work stations, or work sites to

equal the number of persons normally

on watch in, or assigned to, those

locations at any time.

(c) The immersion suits required

under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this

section are not required if the cargo

vessel operates only on routes between

32 degrees north and 32 degrees south

latitude.

(d) The immersion suits required

under this section can be included to

meet the requirements of § 199.70(c).

§ 199.280 Survival craft embarkation and

launching arrangements.

(a) Each lifeboat must be arranged to

be boarded and launched directly from

the stowed position.

(b) Each davit-launched liferaft must

be arranged to be boarded and launched

from a position immediately adjacent to

the stowed position or from a position

where, under § 199.130(b)(4), the liferaft

is transferred before launching.

(c) Cargo vessels of 20,000 tons gross

tonnage or more must carry lifeboats

that are capable of being launched,

using painters if necessary, with the

vessel making headway at speeds up to

5 knots in clam water.

(d) All survival craft required for

abandonment by the total number of

persons on board must be capable of

being launched with their full

complement of persons and equipment

within 10 minutes from the time the

abandon-ship signal is given.

(e) On a tank vessel carrying crude oil,

product, chemicals, or liquefied gases,

notwithstanding the requirements of

§ 199.150(b), each launching appliance,

together with its lowering and recovery

gear, must be arranged so that the fully

equipped survival craft the launching

appliance serves can be safely lowered

on the lower side of the vessel at the

angle of heel after damage calculated in

accordance with—

(1) The International Convention for

the Prevention of Pollution from Ships,

1973, as amended by the Protocal of

1978 (MARPOL 73/78), in the case of an

oil tanker;

(2) The International Code for the

Construction and Equipment of Ships

carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk,

in the case of a chemical tanker; or

(3) The International Code for the

Construction and Equipment of Ships

carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, in the

case of a gas carrier.

§ 199.290 Stowage of survival craft.

(a) To meet the requirements of

§ 199.130(b)(1), each lifeboat—

(1) On a cargo vessel 80 meters (262

feet) or more in length but less than 120

meters (393 feet) in length, must be

stowed with the after-end of the lifeboat

at a distance not less than one length of

the lifeboat forward of the vessel’s

propeller; and

(2) On a cargo vessel 120 meters (393

feet) or more in length, must be stowed

with the after end of the lifeboat not less

than 1.5 times the length of the lifeboat

forward of the vessel’s propeller.

(b) On a tank vessel certificated to

carry cargos that have a flashpoint less

the 60 °C as determined under ASTM

D93–94, each lifeboat or launching

appliance of aluminum construction

must be protected by a water spray

system meeting the requirements of part

34, subpart 34.25 of this chapter.

(c) Other than the stowage position for

the liferaft required under § 199.261(e),

no stowage position or muster and

embarkation station for a survival craft

on a tank vessel may be located on or

above a cargo tank, slop tank, or other

tank containing explosives or hazardous

liquids.

(d) Each lifeboat and davit-launched

liferaft must be arranged to be boarded

by its full complement of persons

within 3 minutes from the time the

instruction to board is given.

Subpart E—Additional Requirements

for Vessels Not Subject to SOLAS

§ 199.500 General.

This subpart sets out requirements in

addition to the requirements in subparts

A, B, C, and D of this part applicable to

vessels not subject to SOLAS.
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25333

§ 199.510 EPIRB requirements.

(a) Each vessel must carry a category

1 406 MHz satellite EPIRB meeting the

requirements of 47 CFR part 80.

(b) When the vessel is underway, the

EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free

bracket with the controls set for

automatic activation and be mounted in

a manner so that it will float free if the

vessel sinks.

§ 199.520 Lifeboat requirements.

When the vessel’s lifeboats are used to

carry persons to and from the vessel in

a harbor or at an anchorage, the survival

craft remaining on the vessel must have

an aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate all persons remaining on

board.

Subpart F—Exemptions and

Alternatives for Vessels Not Subject to

SOLAS

§ 199.600 General.

This subpart sets out specific

exemptions and alternatives to

requirements in subparts A, B, C, D, and

E of this part for vessels not subject to

SOLAS.

§ 199.610 Exemptions for vessels in

specified services.

(a) All vessels. Vessels operating in

coastwise; Great Lakes; lakes, bays, and

sounds; and rivers service are exempt

from requirements in subparts A

through E of this part as specified in this

paragraph and in table 199.610(a) of this

section.

(1) Non-self propelled vessels. Nonself propelled vessels need not meet the

EPIRB requirement in § 199.510 and the

rescue boat requirements in §§ 199.202

or 199.262 if they are in tow, moored to

or alongside a MODU or a self-propelled

vessel, or moored to shore.

(2) Vessels operating on short runs.

The distress signals requirement in

§ 199.60(c) need not be met if the vessel

operates on a route with a duration of

30 minutes or less.

(3) Vessels operating in shallow water.

The float-free link described in

§§ 199.175(b)(21)(ii)(B) and

199.640(j)(4)(E) is not required if the

vessel operates on a route on which the

water depth is never more than the

length of the painter.

(4) Vessels operating in fresh water.

The survival craft fall renewal described

in § 199.190(j) is not required if the

vessel operates on a fresh water route

and inspection shows that the falls are

not damaged by corrosion.

TABLE 199.610(a).—EXEMPTIONS FOR ALL VESSELS IN SPECIFIED SERVICES

Section or paragraph in this part

Service

Coastwise Great Lakes Lakes, bays,

and sounds Rivers

199.60(c): Distress signals ..................................................................................... Not Exempt Not Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.70(a)(3)(iii): Lifebuoys fitted with smoke signals ............................................. Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.70(b)(1)(i): Carriage of additional child-size lifejackets ................................... (1) (1) (1) (1).

199.70(b)(4)(i): Lifejacket lights .............................................................................. (2) (2) Exempt Exempt.

199.70(b)(4)(ii): Lifejacket whistles ......................................................................... Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.70(c): Immersion suits for rescue boat crew members .................................. Not Exempt Not Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.70(c)(4)(ii): Immersion suit whistles ................................................................ Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.100(c)(1): Requirements for person-in-charge of survival craft ...................... Not Exempt Not Exempt Not Exempt Exempt.

199.100(d): Designation of second-in-command of survival craft ......................... (3) (3) (3) Exempt.

199.100(f): Embarkation ladders at launching stations .......................................... (4) (4) (4) (4).

199.130(a)(4): Survival craft embarkation position ................................................ Not Exempt Not Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.170: Line-throwing appliance .......................................................................... Not Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.510: EPIRB requirement ................................................................................. (5) (6) Exempt Exempt.

Notes:

(1)Exempt if the vessel does not carry persons smaller than the lower size limit of the lifejackets carried.

(2)Exempt if the vessel is a ferry or has no overnight accommodations.

(3)Exempt if the survival craft has a carrying capacity of less than 40 persons.

(4)Exempt if the distance is less than 3 meters (10 feet) from the embarkation deck to the water with the vessel in its lightest seagoing operating condition.

(5)Exempt if the vessel is a cargo vessel under 300 tons gross tonnage and operates on a route no more than 3 nautical miles from shore.

(6)Exempt if the vessel operates on a route no more than 3 nautical miles from shore.

(b) Passenger vessels. In addition to the exemptions in paragraph (a) of this section, passenger vessels operating

in coastwise; Great Lakes; lakes, bays, and sounds; and rivers service are exempt from requirements in subparts A

through E of this part as specified in table 199.610(b) of this section.

TABLE 199.610(b).—EXEMPTIONS FOR PASSENGER VESSELS IN SPECIFIED SERVICES

Section or paragraph in this part

Service

Coastwise Great Lakes Lakes, bays,

and sounds Rivers

199.203: Marshalling of liferafts ............................................................................. Not Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.211(b): Lights on lifebuoys .............................................................................. (1) (1) (1) (1)

199.212(a): Carriage of additional five percent lifejackets ..................................... Exempt Exempt Exempt Exempt.

199.214: Immersion suits and thermal protective aids in lifeboats ........................ Not Exempt Not Exempt Exempt Exempt.

Note:

1Exept if the length of vessel is under 60 meters (197 feet) and there are self-igniting lights attached to at least one-half the required lifebuoys.

(c) Cargo vessels. In addition to the

exemptions in paragraph (a) of this

section, cargo vessels operating in

coastwise; Great Lakes; lakes, bays, and

sounds; and rivers service are exempt

from requirements in subparts A
25334 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

through E of this part as specified in

table 199.610(c) of this section.

TABLE 199.610(c).—EXEMPTIONS FOR CARGO VESSELS IN SPECIFIED SERVICES

Section or paragraph in this part

Service

Oceans Coastwise Great Lakes Lakes, Bays,

and Sounds Rivers

199.70(a)(3)(ii): Lights on lifebuoys ............................................. Not exempt (1) (1) (1) (1)

199.80(b): Muster list ................................................................... (2) (2) (2) (2) (2)

199.262(a): Rescue boats ............................................................ (2,3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

199.273: Immersion suits ............................................................. Not exempt Not exempt Not exempt Exempt Exempt

Notes:

1Exempt if the length of vessel is under 30 meters (99 feet).

2Exempt if the vessel is under 500 tons gross tonnage.

3Exempt if—(i) the OCMI determines the vessel is arranged to allow a helpless person to be recovered from the water.

(ii) recovery of the helpless person can be observed from the navigating bridge; and

(iii) the vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.

§ 199.620 Alternatives for all vessels in a

specified service.

(a) General. Vessels operating in

oceans; coastwise; Great Lakes; lakes,

bays, and sounds; and rivers service

may comply with alternative

requirements to subparts A through E of

this part as described in this section for

the services specified in table 199.620(a)

of this section.

TABLE 199.620(a).—ALTERNATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL VESSELS IN A SPECIFIED SERVICE

Section or paragraph in this part

Service and reference to alternative requirement section or paragraph

Oceans Coastwise Great Lakes Lakes, Bays and

Sounds Rivers

199.70(a): Lifebuoy approval series 199.620(b) 1 .......... 199.620(b) 1 .......... 199.620(b) ............ 199.620(b) ............ 199.620(b).

199.70(b): Lifejacket approval series.199.620(c) 2 ........... 199.620(c) 2 ........... 199.620(c) ............. 199.620(c) ............. 199.620(c).

199.70(b)(1): Number of lifejackets

carried.

No Alternative ....... 199.620(d) ............ 199.620(d) ............ 199.620(d) ............ 199.620(d).

199.70(b)(4)(i): Lifejacket light approval series.No Alternative ....... 199.620(e) ............ 199.620(e) ............ Not Applicable ...... Not Applicable.

199.110(f): Embarkation ladder ....... 199.620(f) ............. 199.620(f) ............. 199.620(f) ............. 199.620(f) ............. 199.620(f).

199.130(b): Survival craft stowage

position.

No Alternative ....... No Alternative ....... 199.625(g) ............ 199.625(g) ............ 199.625(g).

199.170: Line-throwing appliance

approval series.

199.620(h) 2 .......... 199.620(h) 3 .......... Not Applicable ...... Not Applicable ...... Not Applicable.

199.201(a)(2) or .261(a)(2): Inflatable liferaft equipment.199.620(l) 4 ............ 199.620(l) .............. 199.620(l) .............. 199.620(l) .............. 199.620(l).

199.175: Lifeboat, rescue boat, and

rigid liferaft equipment.

199.620(i) 4 ............ 199.620(i) .............. 199.620(j) .............. 199.620(j) .............. 199.620(j).

199.201(a)(2) and 199.261: Liferaft

approval series.

No Alternative ....... 199.620(k) ............. 199.620(k) ............. 199.620(k) ............. 199.620(k).

199.510: EPIRB requirement .......... 199.620(m)(1) ....... 199.620(m)(1) ....... 199.620(m) ........... Not Applicable ...... Not Applicable.

199.190(c): Spares and repair

equipment.

199.620(n) ............ 199.620(n) ............ 199.620(n) ............ 199.620(n) ............ 199.620(n).

Notes:

1Alternative applies if lifebuoy is orange.

2Alternative applies only to cargo vessels that are less than 500 tons gross tonnage.

3Alternative applies to cargo vessels that are less than 500 tons gross tonnage and to all passenger vessels.

4Alternative applies to passenger vessels limited to operating no more than 50 nautical miles from shore.

(b) Lifebuoy approval series. As an

alternative to a lifebuoy approved under

approval series 160.150, vessels may

carry a lifebuoy approved under

approval series 160.050.

(c) Lifejackets approval series. As an

alternative to a lifejacket meeting the

approval requirements in § 199.70,

vessels may carry a lifejacket approved

under approval series 160.002, 160.005,

160.055, or 160.077.

(d) Lifejacket quantity. Vessels may

carry lifejackets as follows:

(1) If lifejackets are stowed in cabins,

staterooms, or berthing areas that are

readily accessible to each watch or work

station, the requirement in

§ 199.70(b)(2)(iv) to have lifejackets at

each watch or work station need not be

met.

(2) If the vessel carries lifejackets that

are designated extended-size, then the

number of child-size lifejackets carried

to meet § 199.70(b)(1)(i) may be

reduced. To take the reduction in childsize lifejackets, extended-size lifejackets

having the same lower size limit must

be substituted for all of the required

adult lifejackets. The number of childsize lifejackets required depends on the

lower size limit of the extended-size

lifejackets and is calculated by any one

of the following formulas where PC is

the number of child-size lifejackets

expressed as a percentage of the number
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25335

of lifejackets required under

§ 199.70(b)(1):

(i) PC=LS÷4.1, where LS equals the

lower size limit expressed in kilograms.

(ii) PC=LS÷9, where LS equals the

lower size limit expressed in pounds.

(iii) PC=(LS¥81)÷7.6, where LS

equals the lower size limit expressed in

centimeters.

(iv) PC=(LS¥32)÷3, where LS equals

the lower size limit expressed in inches.

(e) LIfejacket light approval series. As

an alternative to lights approved under

approval series 161.112, vessels may use

lights for lifejackets and immersions

suits approved under series 161.012.

Chemiluminescent-type lifejacket lights

approved under approval series 161.012

are not permitted on vessels certificated

to operate on waters where water

temperature may drop below 10 °C (50

°F).

(f) Embarkation ladder. An

embarkation ladder may be a chain

ladder approved under approval series

160.017.

(g) Survival craft stowage positions.

Vessels having widely separated

accommodation and service spaces may

have, as an alternative to the

requirements of § 199.130(b), all

required lifeboats and 50 percent of the

required liferafts stowed as close as

possible to the accommodation and

service space that normally holds the

greatest number of persons, with the

remainder of the liferafts stowed as

close as possible to each other

accommodation and service space.

(h) Line-throwing appliance approval

series. As an alternative to a linethrowing appliance that meets the

requirements in § 199.170, vessels may

carry a line-throwing appliance

approved under approval series

160.031, which may have an auxiliary

line that is at least 150 meters (500 feet).

(i) Lifeboat, rescue boat, and rigid

liferaft equipment; oceans and

coastwise. Lifeboats, rescue boats, and

rigid liferafts may carry the equipment

specified in table 199.175 of this part for

vessels on a short international voyage.

(j) Lifeboat, rescue boat, and rigid

liferaft equipment; other services. As an

alternative to meeting the survival craft

equipment requirements of § 199.175, a

vessel may carry the equipment

specified in table 199.620(j) of this

section under the vessel’s category of

service. Each item in the table has the

same description as in § 199.175.

TABLE 199.620(j).—SURVIVAL CRAFT EQUIPMENT

Item

No. Item

Great Lakes Lakes, bays and sounds Rivers

Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat Lifeboat Rigid liferaft

Rescue

boat

1 Bailer 1 ............................. 1 1 1 1 1 1 ................ ................ ................

2 Bilge pump 2 .................... 1 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

3 Boathook .......................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

4 Bucket 3 ............................ 1 ................ 1 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

9 Fire extinguisher .............. 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

12 Flashlight ......................... 1 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

13 Hatchet ............................ 2 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

15 Instruction card ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................

18 Ladder .............................. 1 ................ 1 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

20 Oars, units 4 5 ................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

Paddles ............................ ................ 2 ................ ................ 2 ................ ................ 2 ................

21 Painter ............................. 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

23 Pump 6 ............................. ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1

26 Repair kit 6 ....................... ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1

27 Sea anchor ...................... 1 2 1 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

28 Searchlight ....................... 1 ................ 1 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

31 Signal, hand flare ............ 6 6 ................ 6 6 ................ ................ ................ ................

32 Signal, parachute flare .... 4 4 ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................ ................

33 Skates and fenders7 ........ 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

34 Sponge 6 .......................... ................ 2 2 ................ 2 2 ................ ................ ................

35 Survival instructions ......... 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................ ................ ................ ................

38 Tool kit ............................. 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................ 1 ................ ................

39 Towline 8 .......................... 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1 1 ................ 1

Notes:

1Each liferaft approved for 13 persons or more must carry two of these items.

2 Not required for boats of self-bailing design.

3 Not required for inflated or rigid-inflated rescue boats.

4Oars not required on a free-fall lifeboat; a unit of oars means the number of oars specified by the boat manufacturer.

5 Rescue boats may substitute buoyant paddles for oars, as specified by the manufacturer.

6 Not required for a rigid rescue boat.

7 Required if specified by the manufacturer.

8 Required only if the lifeboat is also the rescue boat.

(k) Liferaft approval series. As an

alternative to liferafts that meet the

requirements in §§ 199.201(a) and

199.261(a), vessels may—

(1) Carry inflatable liferafts approved

under approval series 160.051; and

(2) Have liferafts with a capacity less

than six persons.

(1) Inflatable liferaft equipment. As an

alternative to the SOLAS A Pack,

vessels may have a SOLAS B Pack for

each inflatable liferaft.

(m) EPIRB requirements. As an

alternative to EPIRBs that meet the

requirements in § 199.510, vessels may

have the following:

(1) Until February 1, 1999, a Coast

Guard-approved Class A EPIRB

manufactured after October 1, 1988, and

installed on the vessel on or before

October 1, 1996.

(2) Until February 1, 1999, two Class

C EPIRBs installed on the vessel on or

before October 1, 1996. Class C EPIRBs

must be installed—

(i) In a weathertight enclosure;

(ii) In a readily accessible location;

(iii) One on each side of the vessel;
25336 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

(iv) If the vessel has two or more

widely separated deckhouses, at

separate deckhouses; and

(v) At or near a principal embarkation

station.

(n) Spare parts and repair equipment.

As an alternative to carrying spare parts

and repair equipment as required in

§ 199.190(c), a vessel need not carry

spare parts and repair equipment if it

operates daily out of a shore base where

spare parts and repair equipment are

available.

§ 199.630 Alternatives for passenger

vessels in a specified service.

(a) In addition to the alternatives for

certain requirements in § 199.620,

passenger vessels operating in oceans;

coastwise; Great Lakes; lakes, bays, and

sounds; and rivers service may comply

with alternative requirements to

subparts A through C of this part as

described in this section for the services

specified in table 199.630(a) of this

section.

TABLE 199.630(a).—ALTERNATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR PASSENGER VESSELS IN A SPECIFIED SERVICE

Section or paragraph in this

part

Service and reference to alternative requirement section or paragraph

Oceans Coastwise Great Lakes Lakes, bays, and

sounds Rivers

199.60(c): Distress signals ....... No Alternative ....... No Alternative ....... 199.630(b) ............... Not Applicable ......... Not Applicable.

199.201(b): Number and type

of survival craft carried.

199.630(c) 1 .......... 199.630(c) or

199.630(d) 2.

199.630(c) or

199.630(d) 2 or

199.630(e) or

199.630(f) 2 or

199.630(g) 2 3 or

199.630(h) 4.

199.630(c) or

199.630(d) or

199.630(e) or

199.630(f) 2 or

199.630(g) 2 3 or

199.630(h) 4.

199.630(c) or

199.630(d) or

199.630(e) or

199.630(f) or

199.630(g) or

199.630(h). 4

199.202: Rescue boat approval

series.

No Alternative ....... No Alternative ....... No Alternative ......... 199.630(i) 5 .............. 199.630(i).

19.203: Marshalling of liferafts No Alternative ....... 199.630(j) .............. Not Applicable ......... Not Applicable ......... Not Applicable.

1992.211(a): Quantity of

lifebuoys.

No Alternative ....... 199.630(k) ............. 199.630(k) ............... 199.630(k) ............... 199.630(k).

Notes:

(1) Alternative applies if the vessel operates on a route no more than 50 nautical miles from shore.

(2) Alternative applies if the vessel is a ferry or has no overnight accommodations.

(3) Alternative applies during periods of the year the vessel operates in warm water.

(4) Alternative applies if the vessel operates in shallow water not more than 3 miles from shore where the vessel cannot sink deep enough to

submerge the topmost deck.

(5) Alternative applies if the vessel operates on sheltered lakes or harbors.

(b) As an alternative to distress signals

that meet the requirements of § 199.60,

vessels may carry at least 12 hand red

flare distress signals approved under

approval series 160.021 or 160.121.

(c) As an alternative to the lifeboat

capacity requirements of

§ 199.201(b)(1)(i), vessels may carry

lifeboats with an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate not less than

30 percent of the total number of

persons on board. These lifeboats must

be equally distributed, as far as

practicable, on each side of the vessel.

(d) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements of § 199.201(b),

vessels may carry inflatable buoyant

apparatus having an aggregate capacity,

together with the capacities of any

lifeboats, rescue boats, and liferafts

carried on board sufficient to,

accommodate the total number of

persons on board. These inflatable

buoyant apparatus must—

(1) Be served by launching appliances

or marine evacuation systems evenly

distributed on each side of the vessel if

the embarkation deck is more than 3

meters (10 feet) above—

(i) The waterline under normal

operating conditions; or

(ii) The equilibrium waterline after

the vessel is subjected to the assumed

damage and subdivision requirements

in part 171 of this chapter;

(2) Be stowed in accordance with the

requirements of §§ 199.130 (a) and (c);

and

(3) Be equipped in accordance with

the requirements in table 199.640(j) of

this part.

(e) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements of § 199.201(b),

vessels may carry—

(1) Liferafts having an aggregate

capacity, together with the capacities of

any lifeboats carried on board, sufficient

to accommodate the total number of

persons on board that are served by

launching appliances or marine

evacuation systems evenly distributed

on each side of the vessel; and

(2) In addition to the liferafts required

in paragraph (e)(1) of this section,

additional liferafts that have an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate at least 10 percent of the

total number of persons, or equal to the

capacity of the largest single survival

craft on the vessel, whichever is the

greater. The additional liferafts are not

required to be stowed in accordance

with § 199.130(c), but they must be

served by at least one launching

appliance or marine evacuation system

on each side of the vessel.

(f) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements of § 199.201(b),

vessels must have a safety assessment

approved by the local OCMI that

addresses the following:

(1) The navigation and vessel safety

conditions within the vessel’s planned

operating area including—

(i) The scope and degree of the risks

or hazards to which the vessel will be

subject during normal operations;

(ii) The existing vessel traffic

characteristics and trends, including

traffic volume; the sizes and types of

vessels involved; potential interference

with the flow of commercial traffic; the

presence of any unusual cargoes; and

other similar factors;

(iii) The port and waterway

configuration and variations in local

conditions of geography, climate, and

other similar factors; and

(iv) Environmental factors.

(2) A comprehensive shipboard safety

management and contingency plan that

is tailored to the particular vessel, is

easy to use, is understood by vessel

management personnel both on board

and ashore, is updated regularly, and

includes—

(i) Guidance to assist the vessel’s crew

in meeting the demand of catastrophic

vessel damage;
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25337

(ii) Procedures to mobilize emergency

response teams;

(iii) Procedures for moving passengers

from the vessel’s spaces to areas

protected from fire and smoke, to

embarkation areas, and off the vessel.

The procedures must address provisions

for passengers with physical or mental

impairments;

(iv) Lifts of external organizations that

the vessel’s operator would call for

assistance in the event of an incident;

(v) Procedures for establishing and

maintaining communications on board

the vessel and with shoreside contacts;

and

(vi) Guidance on theoretical, practical,

and actual simulation training that

includes the personnel or organizations

identified in the plan so they can

practice their roles in the event of an

incident.

(g) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements of § 199.201(b),

vessels may carry inflatable buoyant

apparatus having an aggregate capacity,

together with the capacities of any

lifeboats, rescue boats and liferafts

carried on board, sufficient to

accommodate 67 percent of the total

number of persons on board. These

inflatable buoyant apparatus must meet

the arrangement requirements of

§§ 199.630 (d)(1) through (d)(3).

(h) A vessel need not comply with the

requirements for survival craft in

§ 199.201(b) if the vessel operates—

(1) On a route that is in shallow water

not more than 3 miles from shore and

the vessel cannot sink deep enough to

submerge the topmost deck; or

(2) Where the cognizant OCMI

determines that survivors can wade

ashore.

(i) As an alternative to the rescue boat

required in § 199.202, vessels may carry

a rescue boat meeting the requirements

of part 160, subpart 160.056 of this

chapter if it is equipped with a motor

and meets the following:

(1) The towline for the rescue boat

must be at least the same size and length

as the rescue boat painter.

(2) The rescue boat must meet the

embarkation, launching, and recovery

arrangement requirements in §§ 199.160

(b) through (f). The OCMI may allow

deviations from the rescue boat

launching requirements based on the

characteristics of the boat and the

conditions of the vessel’s route.

(j) As an alternative to the

requirements of § 199.203(a), a vessel

that meets the subdivision requirements

in § 171.068 of this chapter may meet

the requirements of § 199.203(b).

(k) Vessels carrying lifebuoys may

carry—

(1) The number of lifebuoys specified

in table 199.630(k) of this section

instead of the number required in

§ 199.199.211; and

(2) If the vessel carries less than four

lifebuoys, at least two with a selfigniting light attached to the lifebuoy. A

buoyant lifeline may be fitted to one of

the lifebuoys with a self-igniting light.

TABLE 199.630(k).—REQUIREMENTS

FOR LIFEBUOYS

Length of vessel in meters

(feet)

Minimum

number

of

lifebuoys

Under 30 (98) ............................... 3

30 (98) and under 60 (196) .......... 4

60 (196) and under 90 (297) ........ 5

90 (297) and under 120 (393) ...... 12

120 (393) and under 180 (590) .... 18

180 (590) and under 240 (787) .... 24

240 (787) and over ....................... 30

§ 199.640 Alternatives for cargo vessels in

a specified service.

(a) In addition to the alternatives for

certain requirements in § 199.620, cargo

vessels operating in oceans; coastwise;

Great Lakes; lakes, bays, and sounds;

and rivers service may comply with

alternative requirements to subparts A,

B, and D of this part as described in this

section for the services specified in table

199.640(a) of this section.

TABLE 199.640(a)—ALTERNATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR CARGO VESSELS IN A SPECIFIED SERVICE

Section or paragraph in this

part

Service or reference to alternative requirement section

Oceans Coastwise Great Lakes Lakes, bays, and

sounds Rivers

199.60(c): Distress signals ....... 199.640(b) 1 .......... 199.640(b) 1 .......... 199.640(b) 1 or

199.630(b).

Not Applicable ......... Not Applicable.

199.261: Number and type of

survival craft carried.

199.640(c) 6 .......... 199.640(c) 6 .......... 199.640(c) 2 or

199.640(d) or

199.640(e) 3 or

199.640(f) 4.

199.640(c) 2 or

199.640(d) or

199.640(e) 3 or

199.640(f) 4.

199.640(c) or

199.640(d) or

199.640(e) 3 or

199.640(f).4

199.262: Rescue boat substitution.No Alternative ....... 199.640(g) ............ 199.640(g) ............... 199.640(g) or

199.640(h) 5.

199.640(g) or

199.640(h).

199.271: Lifebuoy quantity ....... No Alternative ....... 199.640(i) .............. 199.640(i) ................ 199.640(i) ................ 199.640(i).

Notes:

1Alternative applies to vessels less than 150 tons gross tonnage that do not carry passengers or persons in addition to the crew.

2Alternative applies to cargo vessels less than 85 meters in length, tank vessels less than 500 tons gross tonnage, and nonself-propelled vessels. 3Alternative applies during periods of the year that the vessel operates in warm water.

4Alternative applies if the vessel operates in shallow water not more than 3 miles from shore where the vessel cannot sink deep enough to

submerge the topmost deck. 5Alternative applies if the vessel operates on sheltered lakes or harbors.

6Alternative applies to vessels less than 500 tons gross tonnage.

(b) Vessels of less than 150 tons gross

tonnage that do not carry persons other

than the crew, may carry, as an

alternative to distress signals that meet

the requirements of § 199.60, six hand

red flare distress signals approved under

approval series 160.021 and six hand

orange smoke distress signals approved

under approval series 160.037.

(c) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements of §§ 199.261(b), (c),

or (d), vessels may carry one or more

liferafts with an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board. The

liferafts must be—

(1) Readily transferable for launching

on either side of the vessel; or

(2) Supplemented with additional

liferafts to bring the total capacity of the

liferafts available on each side of the

vessel to at least 100 percent of the total
25338 Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations

number of persons on board. If

additional liferafts are provided and the

rescue boat required under § 199.262 is

also a lifeboat, its capacity may be

included in meeting the aggregate

capacity requirement.

(d) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements in §§ 199.261 (b), (c),

or (d), vessels may carry one or more

totally enclosed lifeboats with an

aggregate capacity sufficient to

accommodate the total number of

persons on board and one or more

liferafts with an aggregate capacity

sufficient to accommodate the total

number of persons on board. This

combination of survival craft must meet

the following:

(1) The aggregate capacity of the

lifeboats and liferafts on each side of the

vessel must be sufficient to

accommodate the total number of

persons on board.

(2) If the survival craft are stowed

more than 100 meters (328 feet from

either the stem or the stern of the vessel,

an additional liferaft must be carried

and stowed as far forward or aft as is

reasonable and practicable. The

requirement for the liferaft to float free

under § 199.290(b) does not apply to a

liferaft under this paragraph, provided

the liferaft is arranged for quick manual

release.

(e) As an alternative to the survival

craft requirements in §§ 199.261 (b), (c),

or (d), during periods of the year the

vessel operates in warm water, a vessel

may carry lifefloats with an aggregate

capacity sufficient to accommodate the

total number of people on board. The

lifefloat launching arrangement,

stowage, and equipment must meet the

requirements in § 199.640(j).

(f) A vessel need not comply with the

requirements for survival craft in

§§ 199.261 (b), (c), or (d) if the vessel

operates—

(1) On a route that is in shallow water

not more than 3 miles from shore and

where the vessel cannot sink deep

enough to submerge the topmost deck;

or

(2) Where the cognizant OCMI

determines that survivors can wade

ashore.

(g) As an alternative to the rescue boat

requirement in § 199.262(a), vessels may

carry a motor-propelled workboat or a

launch that meets all the embarkation,

launching, and recovery arrangement

requirements in §§ 199.160 (b) through

(f). The OCMI may allow deviations

from the rescue boat launching

requirements based on the

characteristics of the boat and the

conditions of the vessel’s route.

(h) An an alternative to the rescue

boat requirement in § 199.262, vessels

may carry a rescue boat meeting the

requirements of part 160, subpart

160.056 of this chapter if the rescue boat

is equipped with a motor and meets the

following:

(1) The towline for the rescue boat

must be at least the same size and length

as the rescue boat painter.

(2) The rescue boat must meet the

embarkation, launching, and recovery

arrangement requirements in §§ 199.160

(b) through (f). The OCMI may allow

deviations from the rescue boat

launching requirements based on the

characteristics of the boat and the

conditions of the vessel’s route.

(i) As an alternative to the number of

lifebuoys required in § 199.271, vessels

may carry—

(1) If the vessel is self-propelled, the

number of lifebuoys specified in table

199.640(i) of this section; or

(2) If the vessel is non self-propelled,

one lifebuoy on each end of the vessel.

TABLE 199.640(i)—REQUIREMENTS

FOR LIFEBUOYS

Length of vessel in meters

(feet)

Minimum

No. of

Lifebuoys

Under 30 (98) ............................... 3

30 (98) and under 60 (196) .......... 4

60 (196) and under 100 (328) ...... 6

100 (328) and under 150 (492) .... 10

150 (492) and under 200 (656) .... 12

200 (256) and over ....................... 14

(j) Vessels carrying buoyant

apparatus, inflatable buoyant

apparatus, or lifefloats. Vessels carrying

buoyant apparatus, inflatable buoyant

apparatus, or lifefloats must meet the

following:

(1) General. Each buoyant apparatus

and inflatable buoyant apparatus must

be approved under approval series

160.010. Each lifefloat must be

approved under approval series

160.027.

(2) Stowage. Each buoyant apparatus,

inflatable buoyant apparatus, or lifefloat

must, in addition to meeting the general

stowage requirements of § 199.130(a), be

stowed as follows:

(i) Each inflatable buoyant apparatus

must meet the liferaft stowage

requirements in § 199.130(c).

(ii) Each buoyant apparatus and

lifefloat must—

(A) Meet the liferaft stowage

requirements in §§ 199.130(c) (1), (2),

(3), (6), and (7); or

(B) Meet the liferaft stowage

requirements in §§ 199.130(c) (1), (2),

(3), and (6), and have lashings that can

be easily released.

(iii) A painter must be secured to the

buoyant apparatus or lifefloat by—

(A) The attachment fitting provided

by the manufacturer; or

(B) A wire or line that encircles the

body of the buoyant apparatus or

lifefloat, that will not slip off, and that

meets the requirements of paragraph

(4)(iii) of this section.

(iv) If buoyant apparatus or lifefloats

are arranged in groups with each group

secured by a single painter—

(A) The combined mass of each group

must not exceed 185 kilograms (407.8

pounds);

(B) Each buoyant apparatus or lifefloat

must be individually attached to the

group’s single painter by its own

painter, which must be long enough to

allow the buoyant apparatus or lifefloat

to float without contacting any other

buoyant apparatus or lifefloat in the

group;

(C) The strength of the float-free link

and the strength of the group’s single

painter must be appropriate for the

combined capacity of the group of

buoyant apparatus or lifefloats;

(D) The group of buoyant apparatus or

lifefloats must not be stowed in more

than four tiers and, when stowed in

tiers, the separate units must be kept

apart by spacers; and

(E) The group of buoyant apparatus or

lifefloats must be stowed to prevent

shifting with easily detached lashings.

(3) Marking. Each buoyant apparatus

or lifefloat must be marked plainly in

block capital letters and numbers with

the name of the vessel and the number

of persons approved to use the device as

shown on its nameplate.

(4) Equipment. Unless otherwise

stated in this paragraph, each buoyant

apparatus and lifefloat must carry the

equipment listed in this paragraph and

specified for it in table 199.640(j) of this

section under the vessel’s category of

service.

(i) Boathook.

(ii) Paddle. Each paddle must be at

least 1.2 meters (4 feet) long and

buoyant.

(iii) Painter. The painter must—

(A) Be at least 30 meters (100 feet)

long, but not less than three times the

distance from the deck where the

buoyant apparatus, inflatable buoyant

apparatus, or lifefloats are stowed to the

vessel’s waterline with the vessel in its

lightest seagoing condition;

(B) Have a breaking strength of at least

6.7 kiloNewtons (1,500 pounds-force),

or if the capacity of the buoyant

apparatus or lifefloat is 50 persons or

more, have a breaking strength of at

least 13.4 kiloNewtons (3,000 poundsforce);

(C) If made of a synthetic material, be

of a dark color or be certified by the
Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 98 / Monday, May 20, 1996 / Rules and Regulations 25339

manufacturer to be resistant to

deterioration from ultraviolet light;

(D) Be stowed in such a way that it

runs out freely when the buoyant

apparatus or lifefloat floats away from

the sinking vessel; and

(E) Have a float-free link meeting the

requirements of part 160, subpart

160.073 of this chapter secured to the

end of the painter that is attached to the

vessel, that is of the proper strength for

the size and number of the buoyant

apparatus or lifefloats attached to the

float-free link.

(iv) Self-igniting light. The selfigniting light must be approved under

approval series 161.010 and must be

attached to the buoyant apparatus or

lifefloat by a 12-thread manila or

equivalent lanyard that is at least 5.5

meters (18 feet) long.

TABLE 199.640(j).—BUOYANT APPARATUS AND LIFEFLOAT EQUIPMENT

Item

No. Item

Oceans,

coastwise, and

Great

Lakes

Lakes,

bays,

sounds,

and rivers

i Boathook 1 .................................................................................................................................................................. 1 1

ii Paddles 1 .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 2

iii Painter ........................................................................................................................................................................ 1 1

iv Self-igniting light 2 ....................................................................................................................................................... 1 ................

Notes:

1 Not required to be carried on buoyant apparatus.

2 Not required to be carried on buoyant apparatus or life floats with a capacity of 24 persons or less.

[FR Doc. 96–11777 Filed 5–17–96; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4910–14–M