Lifesaving and Survival

A vessel on an international voyage subject to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, (SOLAS) must meet the requirements in subchapter W of this chapter for passenger vessels in the same service, instead of the requirements of this part.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997]

An existing vessel must comply with the requirements of this part except as otherwise specified by this section.

(a) A vessel that meets the following requirements shall be considered in compliance with the subdivision requirements contained in §§ 180.202, 180.204, 180.205, 180.206, 180.207 and 180.208:

(1) The vessel was constructed before March 11, 2001.

(2) The vessel is of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length and carries not more than 49 passengers;

(3) The vessel meets the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter; and

(4) The vessel meets the standards for one-compartment subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, at least in way of the engine room and lazarette.

(b) Each inflatable liferaft, inflatable buoyant apparatus, life float, and buoyant apparatus on the vessel on March 11, 1996, may be used to meet the requirements of this part for these survival craft as long as the survival craft is continued in use on the vessel, and is in good and serviceable condition.

(c) An existing vessel need not comply with § 180.78(a)(4).

(d) An existing vessel must comply with § 180.210 or may comply with the regulations for rescue boats that were in effect for the vessel prior to March 11, 1996.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24464, May 15, 1996, as amended by USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59789, Oct. 1, 2012]

(a) Each item of lifesaving equipment carried on board a vessel but not required under this part, must be approved by the Commandant.

(b) The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may require a vessel to carry specialized or additional lifesaving equipment if:

(1) The OCMI determines the conditions of the voyage render the requirements of this part inadequate; or

(2) The vessel is operated in Arctic, Antarctic, or other severe conditions not covered under this part.

Each vessel that operates on the high seas, or that operates beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, must have on board a FCC Type Accepted Category 1, 406 MHz EPIRB, installed to automatically float free and activate.

(a) Oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, and Great Lakes routes. A vessel on an oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, or Great Lakes route must carry—

(1) Six hand red flare distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.021 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.121; and

(2) Six hand orange smoke distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.037 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(b) Lakes, bays, and sounds, and rivers routes. A vessel on a lakes, bays, and sounds, or rivers route must carry:

(1) Three hand red flare distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.021 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant; and

(2) Three hand orange smoke distress signals approved in accordance with § 160.037 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(c) Substitutions. (1) A rocket parachute flare approved in accordance with § 160.036 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant may be substituted for any of the hand red flare distress signals required under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section.

(2) One of the following may be substituted for any of the hand orange smoke distress signals required under paragraph (a) or (b) of this section:

(i) A rocket parachute flare approved in accordance with § 160.036 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(ii) A hand red flare distress signal approved in accordance with § 160.021 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.121.

(iii) A floating orange smoke distress signal approved in accordance with § 160.022 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.122.

(d) Exemption for vessels on short runs. A vessel operating on short runs limited to approximately 30 minutes away from the dock is not required to carry distress flares and smoke signals under this section.

(e) Stowage. Each flare carried to meet this section must be stowed in one of the following:

(1) A portable watertight container marked as required by § 185.614 of this chapter, carried at the operating station; or

(2) A pyrotechnic locker secured above the freeboard deck, away from heat, in the vicinity of the operating station.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 20557, May 7, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2015-0867, 80 FR 62470, Oct. 16, 2015]

(a) A vessel must have one or more ring life buoys as follows:

(1) A vessel of not more than 7.9 meters (26 feet) in length must carry a minimum of one life buoy of not less than 510 millimeters (20 inches) in diameter;

(2) A vessel of more than 7.9 meters (26 feet) in length, but not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet), must carry a minimum of one life buoy of not less than 610 millimeters (24 inches) in diameter; and

(3) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry a minimum of three life buoys of not less than 610 millimeters (24 inches) in diameter.

(b) Each ring life buoy on a vessel must:

(1) Be approved in accordance with § 160.050 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.150;

(2) Be readily accessible;

(3) Be stowed in a way that it can be rapidly cast loose;

(4) Not be permanently secured in any way; and

(5) If on a vessel on an oceans or coastwise route, be orange in color.

(c) At least one ring life buoy must be fitted with a lifeline. If more than one ring life buoy is carried, at least one must not have a lifeline attached. Each lifeline on a ring life buoy must:

(1) Be buoyant;

(2) Be of at least 18.3 meters (60 feet) in length;

(3) Be non-kinking;

(4) Have a diameter of at least 7.9 millimeters ( 5/16 inch);

(5) Have a breaking strength of at least 5 kilonewtons (1,124 pounds); and

(6) Be of a dark color if synthetic, or of a type certified to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light.

(d) A vessel must carry one floating waterlight, unless it is limited to daytime operation, in which case no floating waterlight is required.

(1) Each floating waterlight must be approved in accordance with § 161.010 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.110.

(2) Each ring life buoy with a floating waterlight must have a lanyard of at least 910 millimeters (3 feet) in length, but not more than 1,830 millimeters (6 feet), securing the waterlight around the body of the ring life buoy.

(3) Each floating waterlight installed after March 11, 1997, on a vessel carrying only one ring buoy, must be attached to the lanyard with a corrosion-resistant clip. The clip must have a strength of at least 22.7 kilograms (50 pounds), and allow the waterlight to be quickly disconnected from the ring life buoy.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 20557, May 7, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2015-0867, 80 FR 62470, Oct. 16, 2015]

(a) An adult life jacket must be provided for each person carried on board a vessel.

(b) In addition, a number of child size life jackets equal to at least 10% of the number of persons permitted on board must be provided, or such greater number as necessary to provide a life jacket for each person being carried that is smaller than the lower size limit of the adult life jackets provided to meet this section, except that:

(1) Child-size life jackets are not required if the vessel's Certificate of Inspection is endorsed for the carriage of adults only; or

(2) When all “extended size” life preservers (those with a lower size limit for persons of 1,195 millimeters (47 inches) in height or weighing 20.4 kilograms (45 pounds)) are carried on board, a minimum of only 5% additional child size devices need be carried.

(c) Each lifejacket must be approved under approval series in subparts 160.002, 160.005, 160.055, 160.115, 160.176, or 160.255 in part 160 of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant. An inflatable lifejacket approved under approval series in subpart 160.255 of part 160 of this chapter must include a full back-up inflation chamber.

(d) Each life jacket carried on board the vessel must be marked in accordance with § 185.604 of this chapter.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24464, May 15, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2015-0867, 80 FR 62470, Oct. 16, 2015; USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97401, Dec. 6, 2024]

(a) Equipment carried under this section is not acceptable in lieu of any portion of the required number of approved lifejackets and must not be substituted for the approved lifejackets required to be worn during drills and emergencies.

(b) Wearable marine buoyant devices approved in accordance with § 160.064, 160.076, 160.264, or 160.276 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, may be carried as additional equipment.

(c) Buoyant work vests approved in accordance with § 160.053 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, may be carried as additional equipment for use of persons working near or over the water.

(d) A commercial hybrid approved under former approval series 160.077 prior to January 6, 2025 may be carried as additional equipment for use by persons working near or over the water if it is in good and serviceable condition, used in accordance with the conditions marked on the PFD and in the owner's manual, and of the same or similar design and has the same method of operation as each other hybrid PFD carried on board.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97401, Dec. 6, 2024]

(a) Each life jacket carried on a vessel on oceans, coastwise, or Great Lakes route, must have a life jacket light approved in accordance with § 161.012 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, including, but not limited to, approval series 160.112. Each life jacket light must be securely attached to the front shoulder area of the life jacket.

(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, life jacket lights are not required for life jackets on:

(1) Ferries; and

(2) Vessels with Certificates of Inspection endorsed only for routes that do not extend more than 20 miles from a harbor of safe refuge.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2015-0867, 80 FR 62470, Oct. 16, 2015]

(a) General. Unless otherwise stated in this section, life jackets must be stored in convenient places distributed throughout accommodation spaces.

(1) Each stowage container for life jackets must not be capable of being locked. If practicable, the container must be designed to allow the life jackets to float free.

(2) Each life jacket kept in a stowage container must be readily available.

(3) Each life jacket stowed overhead must be supported in a manner that allows quick release for distribution.

(4) If life jackets are stowed more than 2,130 millimeters (7 feet) above the deck, a means for quick release must be provided and must be capable of operation by a person standing on the deck.

(5) Each child size life jacket must be stowed in a location that is appropriately marked and separated from adult life jackets so the child size life jackets are not mistaken for adult life jackets.

(b) Additional personal flotation devices. The stowage locations of the personal flotation devices carried in addition to life jackets under § 180.72, must be separate from the life jackets, and such as not to be easily confused with that of the life jackets.

(a) Each survival craft must be:

(1) Secured to the vessel by a painter with a float-free link permanently attached to the vessel except that a float-free link is not required if the vessel operates only on waters not as deep as the length of the painter;

(2) Stowed so that when the vessel sinks the survival craft floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically;

(3) Stowed in a position that is readily accessible to crew members for launching, or else provided with a remotely operated device that releases the survival craft into launching position or into the water;

(4) Stowed in a way that permits manual release from its securing arrangements;

(5) Ready for immediate use so that crew members can carry out preparations for embarkation and launching in less than 5 minutes;

(6) Provided with means to prevent shifting;

(7) 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 at any other launching station;

(8) Stowed in a way that any protective covers will not interfere with launching and embarkation;

(9) Fully equipped as required under this part; and

(10) Stowed, as far as practicable, in a position sheltered from breaking seas and protected from damage by fire.

(b) A hydrostatic release unit when used in a float-free arrangement must be approved under approval series 160.062 or 160.162 or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(c) A mechanical, manually operated device to assist in launching a survival craft must be provided if:

(1) The survival craft weights more than 90.7 kilograms (200 pounds); and

(2) The survival craft requires lifting more than 300 vertical millimeters (one vertical foot) to be launched.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 64306, Dec. 5, 1997]

(a) In addition to meeting § 180.130, each life float and buoyant apparatus must be stowed as required under this section,

(b) The float-free link required by § 180.130(a)(1) must be:

(1) Certified to meet § 160.073 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant;

(2) Of proper strength for the size of the life float or buoyant apparatus as indicated on its identification tag; and

(3) Secured to the painter at one end and to the vessel on the other end.

(c) The means used to attach the float-free link to the vessel must:

(1) Have a breaking strength of at least the breaking strength of the painter;

(2) If synthetic, be of a dark color or of a type certified to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light; and

(3) If metal, be corrosion resistant.

(d) If the life float or buoyant apparatus does not have a painter attachment fitting, a means for attaching the painter must be provided by a wire or line that:

(1) Encircles the body of the device;

(2) Will not slip off;

(3) Has a breaking strength that is at least the strength of the painter; and

(4) If synthetic, is of a dark color or is of a type certified to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light.

(e) If the vessel carries more than one life float or buoyant apparatus in a group with each group secured by a single painter:

(1) The combined weight of each group of life floats and buoyant apparatus must not exceed 181 kilograms (400 pounds);

(2) Each group of life floats and buoyant apparatus is considered a single survival craft for the purposes of § 180.130(c);

(3) Each life float and buoyant apparatus must be individually attached to the painter by a line meeting § 180.175(f)(3) (ii), (iii), and (iv) and long enough that each life float or buoyant apparatus can float without contacting any other life float or buoyant apparatus in the group; and

(4) The strength of the float-free link under paragraph (b)(2) of this section and the strength of the painter under § 180.175(f)(3)(ii) must be determined by the combined capacity of the group of life floats and buoyant apparatus.

(f) Life floats and buoyant apparatus must not be stowed in tiers more than 1,220 millimeters (4 feet) high. When stowed in tiers, the separate units must be kept apart by spacers.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 20557, May 7, 1996, as amended by USCG-2013-0671, 78 FR 60164, Sept. 30, 2013]

(a) A launching appliance described in paragraph (c) of this section, or a marine evacuation system approved under approval series 160.175, must be provided for each inflatable liferaft and inflatable buoyant apparatus when either—

(1) The embarkation station for the survival craft is on a deck more than 4.5 meters (15 feet) above the waterline; or

(2) The inflatable liferaft and inflatable buoyant apparatus is boarded prior to being placed in the water.

(b) An embarkation ladder, approved in accordance with § 160.017 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant, must be at each embarkation station if the distance from the deck on which an embarkation station is located to the vessel's lightest operating waterline is more than 3,050 millimeters (10 feet).

(c) Each launching appliance for a davit-launched liferaft must include an automatic disengaging apparatus approved under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.170 and be either—

(1) A davit approved under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.132 for use with a liferaft, with a winch approved under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.115 for use with a liferaft; or

(2) A launching appliance approved on or before November 10, 2011 under approval series 160.163.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2010-0048, 76 FR 63015, Oct. 11, 2011; 76 FR 70062, Nov. 10, 2011]

(a) General. Each item of survival craft equipment must be of good quality, and efficient for the purpose it is intended to serve. Unless otherwise stated in this section, each item of equipment carried, whether required under this section or not, must be secured by lashings, stored in lockers, compartments, brackets, or have equivalent mounting or storage arrangements that do not:

(1) Reduce survival craft capacity;

(2) Reduce space available to the occupants;

(3) Interfere with launching, recovery, or rescue operations; or

(4) Adversely affect seaworthiness of the survival craft.

(b) Inflatable liferafts. Each inflatable liferaft must have one of the following equipment packs as shown by the markings on its container:

(1) Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) B Pack; or

(2) SOLAS A Pack.

(c) Inflatable buoyant apparatus. Each inflatable buoyant apparatus must be equipped in accordance with the manufacturer's approved servicing manual.

(d) Life floats. Each life float must be fitted with a lifeline, pendants, two paddles, a painter, and a light.

(e) Buoyant apparatus. Each buoyant apparatus must be fitted with a lifeline, pendants, a painter, and a light.

(f) Equipment specifications for life floats and buoyant apparatus. The equipment required for lifefloats and buoyant apparatus must meet the following specifications:

(1) Lifeline and pendants. The lifeline and pendants must be as furnished by the manufacturer with the approved life float or buoyant apparatus. Replacement lifelines and pendants must meet the requirements in Subpart 160.010 of this chapter.

(2) Paddle. Each paddle must be of at least 1,220 millimeters (4 feet) in length, lashed to the life float to which it belongs and buoyant.

(3) Painter. The painter must:

(i) Be of at least 30.5 meters (100 feet) in length, but not less than 3 times the distance between the deck where the life float or buoyant apparatus it serves is stowed and the lowest load waterline of the vessel;

(ii) Have a breaking strength of at least 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds), except that if the capacity of the life float or buoyant apparatus is 50 persons or more, the breaking strength must be at least 1,360 kilograms (3,000 pounds);

(iii) Be of a dark color if synthetic, or of a type certified to be resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light; and

(iv) Be stowed in such a way that it runs out freely when the life float or buoyant apparatus floats away from a sinking vessel.

(4) Light. The light must be a floating waterlight approved under approval series 161.010 or other standard specified by the Commandant. The floating waterlight must be attached around the body of the life float or buoyant apparatus by a 10 mm (3/8 inch) lanyard, resistant to deterioration from ultraviolet light, and at least 5.5 meters (18 feet) in length.

(g) Other survival craft. If survival craft other than inflatable liferafts, life floats, inflatable buoyant apparatus, and buoyant apparatus are carried on the vessel, such as lifeboats or rigid liferafts, they must be installed, arranged, and equipped as required under subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) of this chapter for passenger vessels on the same route.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997]

(a) Each survival craft required on a vessel by this part must meet one of the following:

(1) For an inflatable liferaft—Approved under approval series 160.151 or other standard specified by the Commandant, with the applicable equipment pack, as determined by the cognizant OCMI. Each inflatable liferaft required on a vessel by this part must have a capacity of 6 persons or more. Inflatable liferafts may be substituted for inflatable buoyant apparatus or life floats required under this section;

(2) For a life float—Approved under approval series 160.027 or other standard specified by the Commandant. Buoyant apparatus may be used to meet requirements for life floats if the buoyant apparatus was installed on board the vessel on or before March 11, 1996, and if the buoyant apparatus remains in good and serviceable condition;

(3) For an inflatable buoyant apparatus—Approved under approval series 160.010 or other standard specified by the Commandant. Inflatable buoyant apparatus may be substituted for life floats required under this section.

(4) For a buoyant apparatus—Approved under approval series 160.010 or other standard specified by the Commandant. An existing buoyant apparatus may not be used to satisfy the requirements for life floats on existing vessels wishing to upgrade the total number of passengers carried on an oceans route.

(b) If the vessel carries a small boat or boats, the capacity of these boats may be counted toward life float capacity required by this part. Such boats must meet the requirements for safe loading and flotation in 33 CFR part 183, and must meet the stowage, launching, and equipment requirements in this part for the survival craft they replace.

(c) A summary of survival craft requirements is provided in Table 180.200(c).

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59789, Oct. 1, 2012]

(a) Each vessel certificated to operate on an oceans route in cold water must either:

(1) Be provided with inflatable buoyant apparatus of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 in this chapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter, and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(b) Each vessel certificated to operate on an oceans route in warm water must either:

(1) Be provided with inflatable buoyant apparatus of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 67% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(a) Except as allowed by paragraph (c) of this section, each vessel constructed of wood certificated to operate on a coastwise route in cold water must either:

(1) Be provided with inflatable buoyant apparatus of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 67% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(b) Each vessel constructed of a material other than wood certificated to operate on a coastwise route in cold water must be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(c) Except as allowed by paragraph (d) of this section, each vessel certificated to operate on a coastwise route in warm water must be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(d) Each vessel certificated to operate on a coastwise route within three miles of land must either:

(1) Be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this subchapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter, and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(3) Have on board a FCC Type Accepted Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB, installed to automatically float free and activate, and be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 20557, May 7, 1996]

(a) Except as allowed by paragraph (d) of this section, each vessel constructed of wood certificated to operate on a limited coastwise route in cold water must either:

(1) Be provided with inflatable buoyant apparatus of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 67% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter, and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(b) Except as allowed by paragraph (d) of this section, each vessel constructed of a material other than wood certificated to operate on a limited coastwise route in cold water must be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(c) Except as allowed by paragraph (e) of this section, each vessel certificated to operate on a limited coastwise route in warm water must be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(d) Each vessel certificated to operate on a limited coastwise route within three miles of land in cold water must be provided with the survival craft required by § 180.204(d).

(e) Each vessel certificated to operate on a limited coastwise route within three miles of land in warm water must either:

(1) Be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter, and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and not be required to carry survival craft; or

(3) Have on board a FCC Type Accepted Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB, installed to automatically float free and activate, and not be required to carry survival craft.

(a) Except as allowed by paragraph (b) of this section, each vessel certificated to operate on a Great Lakes route must be provided with the survival craft required by § 180.205 (a) through (e), as appropriate.

(b) Each vessel certificated to operate on a Great Lakes route within one mile of land is not required to carry survival craft if the OCMI determines that it is safe to do so, taking into consideration the vessel's scope of operation, hazards of the route, and availability of assistance.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997]

(a) Except as allowed by paragraphs (d), (e) and (f) of this section, each vessel constructed of wood certificated to operate on a lakes, bays, and sounds route in cold water must either:

(1) Be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 100% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter, and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(b) Except as allowed by paragraphs (e) and (f) of this section, each vessel constructed of a material other than wood certificated to operate on a lakes, bays, and sounds route in cold water must be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board.

(c) A vessel certificated to operate on a lakes, bays, and sounds route in warm water is not required to carry survival craft.

(d) A vessel certificated to operate on lakes, bays, and sounds route within one mile of land is not required to carry survival craft.

(e) For a vessel certificated to operate on a lakes, bays, and sounds route in shallow water where the vessel cannot sink deep enough to submerge the topmost passenger deck or where survivors can wade ashore, the cognizant OCMI may waive a requirement for life floats, if the OCMI determines that it is safe to do so, taking into consideration the vessel's scope of operation, hazards of the route, and availability of assistance.

(f) Each vessel operating with a set schedule on a specific route that does not take it more than 20 nautical miles from a harbor of safe refuge, and that maintains a 15 minute radio communications schedule with an operations base, or participates in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), may be granted a reduction in the survival craft requirements of this section if the cognizant OCMI is satisfied that a sufficient level of safety exists.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24464, May 15, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58288, Sept. 29, 2014]

(a) Except as allowed by paragraphs (c), (d) and (e) of this section, each vessel certificated to operate on a rivers route in cold water must either:

(1) Be provided with life floats of an aggregate capacity that will accommodate at least 50% of the total number of persons permitted on board; or

(2) Meet either the standards for collision bulkheads in § 179.310 of this chapter or § 171.085 in subchapter S of this chapter, and the standards for subdivision in §§ 179.220 and 179.320 of this chapter, or the standards for subdivision and damaged stability in §§ 171.070 through 171.073 and 171.080 in subchapter S of this chapter, as appropriate, and not be required to carry survival craft.

(b) A vessel certificated to operate on a rivers route in warm water is not required to carry survival craft.

(c) A vessel certificated to operate on a rivers route within one mile of land is not required to carry survival craft.

(d) For a vessel certificated to operate on a rivers route in shallow water where the vessel cannot sink deep enough to submerge the topmost passenger deck or where survivors can wade ashore, the cognizant OCMI may waive a requirement for life floats, if the OCMI determines that it is safe to do so, taking into consideration the vessel's scope of operation, hazards of the route, and availability of assistance.

(e) Each vessel operating with a set schedule on a specific route that maintains a 15 minute radio communications schedule with an operations base, or participates in a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), may be granted a reduction in the survival craft requirement of this section if the cognizant OCMI is satisfied that a sufficient level of safety exists.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58288, Sept. 29, 2014]

(a) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry at least one rescue boat unless the cognizant OCMI determines that:

(1) The vessel is sufficiently maneuverable, arranged, and equipped to allow the crew to recover a helpless person from the water;

(2) Recovery of a helpless person can be observed from the operating station; and

(3) The vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.

(b) A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not required to carry a rescue boat unless:

(1) The vessel carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck; and

(2) The cognizant OCMI determines that the vessel is designed, arranged, or involved in operations so that the vessel itself cannot serve as an adequate rescue craft.

(c) In general, a rescue boat must be a small, lightweight boat with built-in buoyancy and capable of being readily launched and easily maneuvered. In addition, it must be of adequate proportion to permit taking an unconscious person on board without capsizing.

(d) On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length operating on protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.056 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters operating on exposed or partially protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.156 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a required rescue boat must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 64306, Dec. 5, 1997]

(a) Each vessel must be marked as required by part 67, subpart I, of this chapter.

(b) Paragraphs (c) through (g) of this section apply to each vessel that does not demonstrate compliance in accordance with § 178.310(c) of this chapter.

(c) Each vessel must—

(1) Have permanent draft marks at each end of the vessel; or

(2) Have permanent loading marks placed on each side of the vessel forward and aft to indicate the maximum allowable trim and amidships to indicate the maximum allowable draft.

(d) A loading mark required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section must be a horizontal line of at least 205 millimeters (8 inches) in length and 25 millimeters (1 inch) in height, with its upper edge passing through the point of maximum draft. The loading mark must be painted in a contrasting color to the sideshell paint.

(e) On a vessel that has a load line, the amidships marks required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section must be those required by the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966.

(f) In cases where draft marks are obscured due to operational constraints or by protrusions, the vessel must be fitted with a reliable draft indicating system from which the bow and stern drafts can be determined.

(g) On a vessel on which the number of passengers permitted on upper decks is limited by stability criteria, as indicated by the vessel's stability letter, the maximum number of passengers allowed on an upper deck must be indicated by a durable marking of at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) numbers and letters at the entranceway to that deck.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 62 FR 51359, Sept. 30, 1997, as amended by USCG-2007-0030, 75 FR 78092, Dec. 14, 2010]

(a) The name of a vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers:

(1) On each side of the bow of each rescue boat; and

(2) On each life float and buoyant apparatus.

(b) Each life jacket, immersion suit, and ring life buoy must be marked in clearly legible block capital letters with the vessel's name. The marking is not required on a life jacket carried to meet a temporary need for additional life jackets, if the life jacket has the name of another vessel or company marked on it. For an immersion suit, the name of the person to whom the immersion suit is assigned is an acceptable alternative to the name of the vessel.

(c) The name of the vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters on each Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB), except on an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft.

(d) The number of persons capacity must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers on each side of the bow of each rescue boat.

(e) The number of persons capacity must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers on each life float and buoyant apparatus. This number must:

(1) Be the number of persons the device is equipped for; and

(2) Not be greater than the number of persons the device is approved for as shown on its nameplate.

(f) The number and identification of the items stowed inside, and their sizes, must be marked in clearly legible letters and numbers on each container for life jackets and immersion suits. Identification of the items may be in words, or the appropriate symbols in IMO Resolution A.760(18) (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 175.600). Letters and numbers must be at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) high. Symbols must be at least 100 mm (4 inches) square.

(g) The name of the vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters on each life float paddle.

(h) Each life jacket must be marked with Type I retroreflective material approved in 46 CFR 164.018 or other standard specified by the Commandant. The arrangement of the retroreflective material applied after March 11, 1996, must be as specified by IMO Resolution A.658(16) (incorporated by reference; see 46 CFR 175.600).

(i) Each rescue boat and ring life buoy must be marked with Type II retroreflective material approved in accordance with 46 CFR 164.018 or other standard specified by the Commandant. The arrangement of the retroreflective material applied after March 11, 1996, must be as specified by IMO Resolution A.658(16).

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51359, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 64306, Dec. 5, 1997; USCG-2003-16630, 73 FR 65210, Oct. 31, 2008]

Portable watertight containers for distress flares and smoke signals shall be of a bright color, and containers shall be clearly marked in legible contrasting letters at least 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) high: “DISTRESS SIGNALS”.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 24465, May 15, 1996]

(a) Each launching appliance and each survival craft and rescue boat on a vessel must be in good working order and ready for immediate use before the vessel leaves port and at all times when the vessel is underway.

(b) Each deck where survival craft or rescue boats are stowed or boarded must be kept clear of obstructions that would interfere with the boarding and launching of the survival craft or rescue boat.

(a) The manufacturer's instructions for onboard maintenance of survival craft, rescue boats, and launching appliances, manufactured on or after March 11, 1996, must be onboard a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length and readily available for a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length. The instructions must also be readily available at each inspection for certification and reinspection.

(b) The owner or managing operator shall make sure that maintenance is carried out in accordance with the instructions required under paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) The cognizant OCMI may accept, instead of the instructions required under paragraph (a) of this section, a shipboard planned maintenance program that includes the items listed in that paragraph.

(d) The inspection and maintenance of the equipment listed in paragraph (a) of this section shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request.

(a) Each fall used in a launching appliance on a vessel must be turned end for end at intervals of not more than 30 months.

(b) Each fall must be renewed when necessary due to deterioration or at intervals of not more than 5 years, whichever is earlier.

(c) Each fall must have a corrosion resistant tag with the following permanently marked on it:

(1) The date the new fall was installed; and

(2) If the fall has been turned end for end, the date it was turned.

The following tests and inspections must be carried out weekly on a vessel:

(a) Each survival craft, rescue boat, and launching appliance must be visually inspected to ensure its readiness for use;

(b) Each 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; and

(c) Each battery for rescue boat engine starting must be brought up to full charge at least once each week if:

(1) The battery is of a type that requires recharging; and

(2) The battery is not connected to a device that keeps it continuously charged.

Each survival craft, rescue boat, and launching appliance on a vessel must be inspected monthly, using the manufacturer's instructions to make sure it is complete and in good order.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by USCG-2014-0688, 79 FR 58288, Sept. 29, 2014]

(a) Each winch control apparatus of a launching appliance on a vessel, including motor controllers, emergency switches, master switches, and limit switches, must be examined once in each 3 months.

(b) The examination required by paragraph (a) of this section must include the removal of drain plugs and the opening of drain valves to make sure that enclosures are free of water.

(a) Each rescue boat must be stripped, cleaned, and thoroughly inspected, and any necessary repairs made at least once each year, including emptying and cleaning of each fuel tank, and refilling it with fresh fuel.

(b) Each davit, winch, fall and other launching appliance must be thoroughly inspected, and any necessary repairs made, at least once each year.

(c) Each item of lifesaving equipment with an expiration date must be replaced during the annual inspection and repair if the expiration date has passed.

(d) Each battery used in an item of lifesaving equipment, except inflatable survival craft equipment, must be replaced during the annual inspection if the expiration date of the battery has passed. The expiration date of the battery may be marked on the battery or the owner or managing operator may have a record of the expiration date from the manufacturer of a battery marked with a serial number.

(e) Except for a storage battery used in a rescue boat, each battery without an expiration date indicated on it or for which the owner or managing operator does not have a record of the expiration date, used in an item of lifesaving equipment, must be replaced during the annual inspection.

The master of the vessel shall ensure that:

(a) Each EPIRB, other than an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft, must be tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative;

(b) The EPIRB's battery is replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR part 80, whichever comes sooner; and

(c) The EPIRB test required by paragraph (a) shall be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended by CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51050, Sept. 30, 1997]

(a) An inflatable liferaft or inflatable buoyant apparatus must be serviced at a facility specifically approved by the Commandant for the particular brand, and in accordance with servicing procedures meeting the requirements of part 160, subpart 160.151, of this chapter—

(1) No later than the month and year on its servicing sticker affixed under 46 CFR 160.151-57(n), except that servicing may be delayed until the next scheduled inspection of the vessel, provided that the delay does not exceed 5 months; and

(2) Whenever the container is damaged or the container straps or seals are broken.

(b) Each inflatable lifejacket and hybrid inflatable lifejacket or work vest must be serviced:

(1) Within 12 months of its initial packing; and

(2) Within 12 months of each subsequent servicing, except that servicing may be delayed until the next scheduled inspection of the vessel, provided that the delay does not exceed 5 months.

(c) Each inflatable life jacket must be serviced in accordance with the servicing procedure under § 160.176 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(d) Each hybrid inflatable life jacket or work vest must be serviced in accordance with the servicing procedure under § 160.077 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(e) Repair and maintenance of inflated rescue boats must be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All repairs must be made at a servicing facility approved by the Commandant, except for emergency repairs carried out on board the vessel.

Amendment history: [CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51359, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-2001-11118, 67 FR 58542, Sept. 17, 2002]

(a) Each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable 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 vessel, provided that the delay does not exceed 5 months; and

(2) In accordance with the repair and testing procedures under § 160.062 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(b) Each disposable hydrostatic release unit must be marked with an expiration date of two years after the date on which the unit is installed.