1625-0035 Stat/Authority

Pt. 160

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
Subparts 160.011–160.012 [Reserved]

items tested or inspected by the laboratory are Coast Guard approved,
pending a final decision in the matter.

Subpart 160.013—Hatchets (Lifeboat and
Liferaft) for Merchant Vessels

[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13929, Mar. 28, 1996]

160.013–1 Applicable specification and plan.
160.013–2 Type and size.
160.013–3 Materials, workmanship, and construction details.
160.013–5 Marking.

PART 160—LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT
Subpart 160.001—Life Preservers, General

Subpart 160.015—Lifeboat Winches for
Merchant Vessels

Sec.
160.001–1 Scope.
160.001–2 General characteristics of life preservers.
160.001–3 Procedure for approval.
160.001–5 Production oversight.

160.015–1 Applicable regulations.
160.015–2 General requirements for lifeboat
winches.
160.015–3 Construction of lifeboat winches.
160.015–4 Capacity of lifeboat winches.
160.015–5 Inspection and testing of lifeboat
winches.
160.015–6 Procedure for approval of lifeboat
winches.

Subpart 160.002—Life Preservers, Kapok,
Adult and Child (Jacket Type), Models
3 and 5
160.002–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.002–2 Size and models.
160.002–3 Materials.
160.002–4 Construction.
160.002–5 Sampling, tests, and inspections.
160.002–6 Marking.
160.002–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.016—Lamps, Safety, Flame, for
Merchant Vessels
160.016–1
160.016–2
160.016–4
160.016–5

Subpart 160.017—Chain Ladder

Subpart 160.005—Life Preservers, Fibrous
Glass, Adult and Child (Jacket Type),
Models 52 and 56

160.017–1 Scope.
160.017–7 Independent laboratory.
160.017–9 Approval procedure.
160.017–11 Materials.
160.017–13 Construction.
160.017–15 Performance.
160.017–17 Strength.
160.017–21 Approval tests.
160.017–25 Marking.
160.017–27 Production tests and examination.

160.005–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.005–2 Size and model.
160.005–3 Materials.
160.005–4 Construction.
160.005–5 Sampling, tests, and inspections.
160.005–6 Marking.
160.005–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.006—Life Preservers: Repairing
160.006–2

Applicable specification.
Requirements.
Marking.
Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.021—Hand Red Flare Distress
Signals

Repairing.

160.021–1 Incorporations by reference.
160.021–2 Type.
160.021–3 Materials, workmanship, construction and performance requirements.
160.021–4 Approval and production tests.
160.021–5 Labeling and marking.
160.021–6 Container.
160.021–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.010—Buoyant Apparatus for
Merchant Vessels
160.010–1 Incorporations by reference.
160.010–2 Definitions.
160.010–3 Inflatable buoyant apparatus.
160.010–4 General requirements for buoyant
apparatus.
160.010–5 Buoyant apparatus with plastic
foam buoyancy.
160.010–6 Capacity of buoyant apparatus.
160.010–7 Methods of sampling, inspections
and tests.
160.010–8 Nameplate and marking.
160.010–9 Procedure for approval.
160.010–10 Independent laboratory.

Subpart 160.022—Floating Orange Smoke
Distress Signals (5 Minutes)
160.022–1
160.022–2
160.022–3
tion,
160.022–4
160.022–5
160.022–7

14

Incorporations by reference.
Type.
Materials, workmanship, construcand performance requirements.
Approval and production tests.
Marking.
Procedure for approval.

Coast Guard, DOT

Pt. 160
160.031–6 Marking.
160.031–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.023—Hand Combination Flare
and Smoke Distress Signals

Subpart 160.032—Davits for Merchant
Vessel

160.023–1 Incorporations by reference.
160.023–2 Type.
160.023–3 Materials, workmanship, construction and performance requirements.
160.023–4 Approval and production tests.
160.023–5 Labeling and marking.
160.023–6 Container.
160.023–7 Procedure for approval.

160.032–1 Applicable specifications.
160.032–2 General requirements for davits.
160.032–3 Construction of davits.
160.032–4 Capacity of davits.
160.032–5 Inspection and testing of davits.
160.032–6 Procedure for approval of davits.

Subpart 160.024—Pistol-Projected
Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals
160.024–1
160.024–2
160.024–3
tion,
160.024–4
160.024–5
160.024–7

Subpart 160.033—Mechanical Disengaging
Apparatus, Lifeboat, for Merchant Vessels

Incorporations by reference.
Type.
Materials, workmanship, construcand performance requirements.
Approval and production tests.
Marking.
Procedure for approval.

160.033–1 Applicable specifications.
160.033–2 General requirements for mechanical disengaging apparatus.
160.033–3 Construction of mechanical disengaging apparatus.
160.033–4 Inspection and testing of mechanical disengaging apparatus.
160.033–5 Procedure for approval of mechanical disengaging apparatus.

Subpart 160.026—Water, Emergency Drinking (in Hermetically Sealed Containers), for Merchant Vessels

Subpart 160.035—Lifeboats for Merchant
Vessels

160.026–1 Applicable
specifications
and
standards.
160.026–2 Type.
160.026–3 Container.
160.026–4 Water.
160.026–5 Marking.
160.026–6 Sampling, inspection, and tests of
production lots.
160.026–7 Procedure for approval.

160.035–1 Applicable specifications.
160.035–2 General requirements for lifeboats.
160.035–3 Construction of steel oar-propelled
lifeboats.
160.035–5 Construction of steel motor-propelled lifeboats with and without radio
cabin.
160.035–6 Construction of aluminum oar-,
hand-, and motor-propelled lifeboats.
160.035–8 Construction of fibrous glass reinforced plastic (F.R.P.) oar-, hand-, and
motor-propelled lifeboats.
160.035–9 Cubic capacity of lifeboats.
160.035–10 Number of persons allowed in lifeboats.
160.035–11 Inspection and testing of lifeboats.
160.035–12 Additional preapproval tests required for F.R.P. lifeboats.
160.035–13 Testing and inspection after approval.
160.035–14 Procedure for approval of lifeboats.

Subpart 160.027—Life Floats for Merchant
Vessels
160.027–2 Type.
160.027–3 Additional requirements for life
floats.
160.027–7 Pre-approval tests for alternate
platform designs.

Subpart 160.028—Signal Pistols for Red
Flare Distress Signals
160.028–2
160.028–3
tion,
160.028–4
160.028–5
160.028–6
160.028–7

Type.
Materials, workmanship, construcand performance requirements.
Approval and production tests.
Marking.
Container.
Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.036—Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress
Signals

Subpart 160.031—Line-Throwing Appliance,
Shoulder Gun Type (and Equipment)

160.036–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.036–2 Type.
160.036–3 Materials, workmanship, construction and performance requirements.
160.036–4 Approval and production tests.
160.036–5 Marking.
160.036–6 Container.
160.036–7 Procedure for approval.

160.031–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.031–2 Type and size.
160.031–3 Materials, construction, workmanship, and performance requirements.
160.031–4 Equipment for shoulder gun type
line-throwing appliance.
160.031–5 Approval and production tests.

15

Pt. 160

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
160.043–6

Subpart 160.037—Hand Orange Smoke
Distress Signals
160.037–1
160.037–2
160.037–3
tion,
160.037–4
160.037–5
160.037–6
160.037–7

Subpart 160.044—Pumps, Bilge, Lifeboat,
for Merchant Vessels

Incorporations by reference.
Type.
Materials, workmanship, construcand performance requirements.
Approval and production tests.
Labeling and marking.
Container.
Procedure for approval.

160.044–1
160.044–2
160.044–3
160.044–4
160.044–5

160.047–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.047–2 Model.
160.047–3 Materials.
160.047–3a Materials—Dee ring and snap
hook assemblies and other instruments
of closure for buoyant vests.
160.047–4 Construction.
160.047–5 Inspections and tests.
160.047–6 Marking.
160.047–7 Recognized laboratory.

160.038–1 Applicable specifications.
160.038–2 Type.
160.038–3 Materials, workmanship, and construction.
160.038–4 Inspections and tests.
160.038–5 Marking.
160.038–6 Procedure for approval.

[Reserved]

Subpart 160.040—Line-Throwing Appliance,
Impulse-Projected Rocket Type (and
Equipment)

Subpart 160.048—Specification for a
Buoyant Cushion, Fibrous Glass
160.048–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.048–2 Types and sizes.
160.048–3 Materials.
160.048–4 Construction and workmanship.
160.048–5 Inspections and tests.
160.048–6 Marking.
160.048–7 Procedure for approval.
160.048–8 Recognized laboratory.

160.040–1 Incorporations by reference.
160.040–2 Type and size.
160.040–3 Materials, construction, workmanship, and performance requirements.
160.040–4 Equipment for impulse projected
rocket type line-throwing appliance.
160.040–5 Approval and production tests.
160.040–6 Marking and labeling.
160.040–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.049—Specification for a
Buoyant Cushion Plastic Foam

Subpart 160.041—Kits, First-Aid, for
Merchant Vessels

160.049–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.049–2 Types and sizes.
160.049–3 Materials.
160.049–4 Construction and workmanship.
160.049–5 Inspections and tests.
160.049–6 Marking.
160.049–7 Procedure for approval.
160.049–8 Recognized laboratory.

160.041–1 Applicable specification and publication.
160.041–2 Type and size.
160.041–3 Construction and workmanship.
160.041–4 Contents.
160.041–5 Inspections and tests.
160.041–6 Marking.

Subpart 160.050—Specification for a Buoy,
Life Ring, Unicellular Plastic

Subpart 160.042—Skids, Liferaft, for
Merchant Vessels
160.042–1
160.042–2
160.042–3
160.042–4
160.042–5

160.050–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.050–2 Types and sizes.
160.050–3 Materials.
160.050–4 Construction and workmanship.
160.050–5 Sampling, tests, and inspection.
160.050–6 Marking.
160.050–7 Procedure for approval.

Applicable specification.
General requirements.
Construction.
Inspection.
Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.043—Jackknife (With Can
Opener) for Merchant Vessels
160.043–1
160.043–2
160.043–3
160.043–4
160.043–5

Applicable specifications.
Types and sizes.
General requirements.
Inspection and tests.
Marking.

Subpart 160.047—Specifications for a
Buoyant Vest, Kapok, or Fibrous Glass,
Adult and Child

Subpart 160.038—Magazine Chests,
Portable, for Merchant Vessels

Subpart 160.039

Marking and packing.

Subpart 160.051—Inflatable Liferafts for
Domestic Service

Applicable specification and plan.
Type.
Materials.
Construction and workmanship.
Inspections and tests.

160.051–1 Scope.
160.051–3 Definitions.
160.051–5 Design and performance of Coastal
Service inflatable liferafts.

16

Coast Guard, DOT

Pt. 160

160.051–7 Design and performance of A and B
inflatable liferafts.
160.051–9 Equipment required for Coastal
Service inflatable liferafts.

160.056–2
160.056–3
160.056–4
boat.
160.056–6
160.056–7

Subpart 160.052—Specification for a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular Plastic Foam,
Adult and Child

Name plate.
Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.057—Floating Orange Smoke
Distress Signals (15 Minutes)

160.052–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.052–2 Size and model.
160.052–3 Materials—Standard vests.
160.052–3a Materials—Dee ring and snap
hook assemblies and other instruments
of closure for buoyant vests.
160.052–4 Materials—nonstandard vests.
160.052–5 Construction—standard vests.
160.052–6 Construction—nonstandard vests.
160.052–7 Inspection and tests—standard and
nonstandard vests.
160.052–8 Marking.
160.052–9 Recognized laboratory.

160.057–1
160.057–2
160.057–3
tion,
160.057–4
160.057–5
160.057–7

Incorporations by reference.
Type.
Materials, workmanship, construcand performance requirements.
Approval and production tests.
Marking.
Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.058—Desalter Kits, Sea Water,
for Merchant Vessels
160.058–1 Applicable specification.
160.058–2 Type.
160.058–3 Materials, workmanship construction and performance requirements.
160.058–4 Inspections.
160.058–5 Labeling and marking.

Subpart 160.053—Work Vests, Unicellular
Plastic Foam
160.053–1 Applicable specifications.
160.053–2 Type.
160.053–3 Materials, construction and workmanship.
160.053–4 Inspections and tests.
160.053–5 Marking.
160.053–6 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.060—Specification for a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular Polyethylene
Foam, Adult and Child
160.060–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.060–2 Type and model.
160.060–3 Materials—standard vests.
160.060–3 a Materials—Dee ring and snap
hook assemblies and other instruments
of closure for buoyant vests.
160.060–4 Materials—nonstandard vests.
160.060–5 Construction—standard vests.
160.060–6 Construction—nonstandard vests.
160.060–7 Inspections and tests—standard
and nonstandard vests.
160.060–8 Marking.
160.060–9 Recognized laboratory.

Subpart 160.054—Kits, First-Aid, for
Inflatable Liferafts
160.054–1 Applicable specification.
160.054–2 Type and size.
160.054–3 Construction.
160.054–4 Contents.
160.054–5 Inspections and tests.
160.054–6 Marking.
160.054–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 160.055—Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child, for
Merchant Vessels

Subpart 160.061—Fishing Tackle Kits,
Emergency, for Merchant Vessels
160.061–1
160.061–2
160.061–3
160.061–4
160.061–5

160.055–1 Incorporation by reference.
160.055–2 Type and model.
160.055–3 Materials—standard life preservers.
160.055–4 Materials—nonstandard life preservers.
160.055–5 Construction—Standard life preservers.
160.055–6 Construction—nonstandard,
life
preservers.
160.055–7 Sampling, tests, and inspections.
160.055–8 Marking.
160.055–9 Procedure for approval—standard
and nonstandard life preservers.

Applicable specifications.
Requirements.
Design and construction.
Kit assembly.
Marking.

Subpart 160.062—Releases, Lifesaving
Equipment, Hydraulic and Manual
160.062–1 Applicable specifications, and referenced material.
160.062–2 Types.
160.062–3 Materials, construction, workmanship, and performance requirements.
160.062–4 Inspections and tests.
160.062–5 Markings.
160.062–6 Procedure for approval.
160.062–7 Procedures for acceptance of repair facility.

Subpart 160.056—Rescue Boat
160.056–1

Construction.
Fittings and equipment.
Approval tests of prototype rescue

General requirements.

17

Pt. 160

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

160.062–8 Procedures for acceptance of testing facility.

160.076–27
160.076–29
160.076–31
tions.
160.076–33
160.076–35
160.076–37
160.076–39

Subpart 160.064—Marine Buoyant Devices
160.064–1
160.064–2
160.064–3
160.064–4
160.064–6
tions.
160.064–7

Applicable specifications.
Types and models.
Requirements.
Marking.
Examinations, tests and inspec-

Manufacturer records.
Information pamphlet.
Owner’s manual.
Marking.

Subpart 160.077—Hybrid Inflatable
Personal Flotation Devices

Recognized laboratory.

160.077–1 Scope.
160.077–2 Definitions.
160.077–3 Required to be worn.
160.077–4 Type.
160.077–5 Incorporation by reference.
160.077–6 Approval procedures.
160.077–7 Procedure for approval of design or
material revision.
160.077–9 Recognized laboratory.
160.077–11 Materials—Recreational
Hybrid
PFD’s.
160.077–13 Materials—Type I and Commercial Hybrid PFD.
160.077–15 Construction and Performance—
Recreational Hybrid PFD.
160.077–17 Construction and Performance—
Type I and Commercial Hybrid PFD.
160.077–19 Approval
Testing—Recreational
Hybrid PFD’s.
160.077–21 Approval Testing—Type I and
Commercial Hybrid PFD.
160.077–23 Production tests and inspections.
160.077–25 Manufacturer records.
160.077–27 Pamphlet.
160.077–29 PFD Manuals.
160.077–30 Spare operating components and
temporary marking.
160.077–31 PFD Marking.

Subpart 160.066—Distress Signal for Boats,
Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare
160.066–1 Type.
160.066–5 Design, construction, and manufacturing requirements.
160.066–7 Performance requirements.
160.066–9 Labeling.
160.066–10 Expiration date.
160.066–11 Approval procedures.
160.066–12 Operational tests.
160.066–13 Technical tests.
160.066–15 Production testing.

Subpart 160.071

[Reserved]
Production oversight.
Production tests and examina-

[Reserved]

Subpart 160.072—Distress Signals for Boats,
Orange Flag
160.072–1 Applicability.
160.072–3 General
performance
requirements.
160.072–5 Accelerated weathering test.
160.072–7 Manufacturer certification and labeling.
160.072–9 Manufacturer notification.

Subpart 160.073—Float-Free Link or Life
Floats and Buoyant Apparatus

Subpart 160.151—Inflatable Liferafts
(SOLAS)

160.073–1 Scope.
160.073–5 Certification.
160.073–10 Construction and performance.
160.073–15 Tests.
160.073–20 Marking.

160.151–1 Scope.
160.151–3 Definitions.
160.151–5 Incorporation by reference.
160.151–7 Construction of inflatable liferafts.
160.151–9 Independent laboratory.
160.151–11 Approval procedure.
160.151–13 Fabrication of prototype inflatable liferafts for approval.
160.151–15 Design and performance of inflatable liferafts.
160.151–17 Additional requirements for design and performance of SOLAS A and
SOLAS B inflatable liferafts.
160.151–21 Equipment required for SOLAS A
and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts.
160.151–25 Additional equipment for inflatable liferafts.
160.151–27 Approval inspections and tests for
inflatable liferafts.
160.151–29 Additional approval tests for
SOLAS A and SOLAS B liferafts.
160.151–31 Production inspections and tests
of inflatable liferafts.
160.151–33 Marking and labeling.

Subpart 160.076—Inflatable Recreational
Personal Flotation Devices
160.076–1 Scope.
160.076–3 Applicability.
160.076–5 Definitions.
160.076–7 PFD approval Type.
160.076–9 Conditional approval.
160.076–11 Incorporation by reference.
160.076–13 Approval procedures for inflatable
PFDs.
160.076–15 Suspension or termination of approval.
160.076–17 Approval of design or material
changes.
160.076–19 Recognized laboratories.
160.076–21 Component materials.
160.076–23 Construction and performance requirements.
160.076–25 Approval testing.

18

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.001–2

160.151–35 Servicing.
160.151–37 Servicing manual.
160.151–39 Training of servicing technicians.
160.151–41 Approval of servicing facilities.
160.151–43 Conditions at servicing facilities.
160.151–45 Equipment required for servicing
facilities.
160.151–47 Requirements for owners or operators of servicing facilities.
160.151–49 Approval of servicing facilities at
remote sites.
160.151–51 Notice of approval.
160.151–53 Notice to OCMI of servicing.
160.151–55 Withdrawal of approval.
160.151–57 Servicing procedure.
160.151–59 Operating instructions and information for the ship’s training manual.
160.151–61 Maintenance instructions.

160.176–23

Subpart 160.001—Life Preservers,
General
§ 160.001–1

Scope.

(a) This subpart contains the general:
(1) Characteristics of life preservers
(Type I personal flotation devices
(PFDs));
(2) Approval procedures for life preservers; and
(3) Production oversight requirements for life preservers.
(b) Other subparts in this part specify
the detailed requirements for standard
type life preservers and may supplement the requirements in this subpart.

Subpart 160.171—Immersion Suits
160.171–1 Scope.
160.171–3 Incorporations by reference.
160.171–5 Independent laboratory.
160.171–7 Approval procedures.
160.171–9 Construction.
160.171–11 Performance.
160.171–13 Storage case.
160.171–15 Instructions.
160.171–17 Approval testing for adult size
immersion suit.
160.171–19 Approval testing for child size immersion suit.
160.171–23 Marking.
160.171–25 Production testing.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51209, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.001–2 General characteristics of
life preservers.
(a) A life preserver must be of such
construction, material and workmanship that it can perform its intended
function in all weathers and at all temperatures which may be expected in the
normal usage of the life preserver. All
components used in the construction of
a life preserver must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of
the chapter.
(b) A life preserver must be capable
of supporting a minimum of 22 pounds
in fresh water for 48 hours.
(c) Life preservers which depend upon
loose or granulated material for buoyancy are prohibited.
(d) A life preserver must be:
(1) Simple in design;
(2) Capable of being:
(i) Worn inside-out,
(ii) worn clearly in only one way, or
(iii) Donned correctly without demonstration, instructions, or assistance
by at least 75 percent of persons unfamiliar with the design; and
(3) Capable of being quickly adjusted
for a secure fit to the body of wearers
for which it is intended.
(e) A life preserver shall support the
wearer in the water in an upright or
slightly backward position, and shall
provide support to the head so that the

Subpart 160.174—Thermal Protective Aids
160.174–1
160.174–3
160.174–5
160.174–7
160.174–9
160.174–11
160.174–13
160.174–15
160.174–17
160.174–23
160.174–25

Marking.

AUTHORITY: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703 and
4302; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980
Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

Scope.
Incorporations by reference.
Independent laboratory.
Approval procedures.
Construction.
Performance.
Storage case.
Instructions.
Approval testing.
Marking.
Production testing.

Subpart 160.176—Inflatable Lifejackets
160.176–1 Scope.
160.176–2 Application.
160.176–3 Definitions.
160.176–4 Incorporation by Reference.
160.176–5 Approval procedures.
160.176–6 Procedure for approval of design or
material revision.
160.176–7 Independent laboratories.
160.176–8 Materials.
160.176–9 Construction.
160.176–11 Performance.
160.176–13 Approval Tests.
160.176–15 Production tests and inspections.
160.176–17 Manufacturer records.
160.176–19 Servicing.
160.176–21 User manuals.

19

§ 160.001–3

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
cluding drawings, product description,
construction specifications, and/or bill
of materials.
(2) Need not include: The information
specified in § 159.005–5(a)(2).
(d) If the life preserver is of a nonstandard design, the application must
include the following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by
§ 159.005–12 of this chapter, including
drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.
(2) The information specified in
§ 159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this
chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype PFD sample to the Commandant.
(3) Performance testing results of the
design performed by an independent
laboratory, that has a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Coast Guard
under § 159.010–7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal
flotation devices, showing equivalence
to the standard design’s performance in
all material respects.
(4) The Approval Type sought (Type I
or Type V).
(5) Any special purpose(s) for which
the life preserver is designed and the
vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its
use is intended.
(6) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.
(7) The text of any optional marking
to be included on the life preserver in
addition to the markings required by
the applicable approval subpart.
(8) For any conditionally approved
life preserver, the intended approval
condition(s).
(e) The description of quality control
procedures required by § 159.005–9 of
this chapter may be omitted if the
manufacturer’s planned quality control
procedures meet the requirements of
those accepted by the Commandant for
the independent laboratory performing
production inspections and tests.
(f) Waiver of tests. A manufacturer
may request that the Commandant
waive any test prescribed for approval
under the applicable subpart. To request a waiver, the manufacturer must
submit to the Commandant and the

face of an unconscious or exhausted
person is held above the water.
(f) A life preserver shall be capable of
turning the wearer, upon entering the
water, to a safe flotation position as
described in paragraph (e) of this section.
(g) A life preserver shall not be appreciably deteriorated or rendered unable to perform its intended function
by common oils or oil products.
(h) A life preserver shall be of a highly visible color, such as Indian Orange,
International
Orange,
or
Scarlet
Munsell Red.
(i) A life preserver shall be of such
construction, materials, and workmanship as to be at least equivalent to a
standard type life preserver described
in detail by other subparts in this part.
(j) Each thread in a life preserver regulated under subparts 160.002, 160.005
and 160.055 of this part must meet the
requirements of a Federal or military
specification in table 164.023–5(a) of this
chapter. Only one kind of thread may
be used in each seam.
[CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15297, Dec. 6, 1966, as
amended by CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27152, June 22,
1978; CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989;
CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993; CGD 95–
028, 62 FR 51209, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.001–3 Procedure for approval.
(a) General. Designs of life preservers
are approved only by the Commandant,
U.S. Coast Guard. Manufacturers seeking approval of a life preserver design
shall follow the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Each application for approval of a
life preserver must contain the information specified in § 159.005–5 of this
chapter. The application and, except as
provided in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of
this section, a prototype life preserver
must be submitted to the Commandant
for preapproval review. If a similar design has already been approved, the
Commandant
may
waive
the
preapproval review under §§ 159.005–5
and 159.005–7 of this chapter.
(c) If the life preserver is of a standard design, as described by subpart
160.002, 160.005, or 160.055, the application:
(1) Must include the following: A
statement of any exceptions to the
standard plans and specifications, in-

20

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.001–5

laboratory described in § 159.010, one of
the following:
(1) Satisfactory test results on a PFD
of sufficiently similar design as determined by the Commandant.
(2)
Engineering
analysis
demonstrating that the test for which a
waiver is requested is not appropriate
for the particular design submitted for
approval or that, because of its design
or construction, it is not possible for
the PFD to fail that test.

sight, the inspector shall not perform
or supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and
(ii) The inspector has first observed
the manufacturer’s production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(3) At least quarterly, the inspector
shall check the manufacturer’s compliance with the company’s quality control procedures, examine the manufacturer’s required records, and observe
the manufacturer perform each of the
required production tests.
(c) Test facilities. The manufacturer
shall provide a suitable place and apparatus for conducting the tests and inspections necessary to determine compliance of life preservers with this subpart. The manufacturer shall provide
means to secure any test that is not
continuously observed, such as the 48
hour buoyancy test. The manufacturer
must have the calibration of all test
equipment checked in accordance with
the test equipment manufacturer’s recommendation and interval but not less
than at least once every year.
(d) Lots. A lot may not consist of
more than 1000 life preservers. A lot
number must be assigned to each group
of life preservers produced. Lots must
be numbered serially. A new lot must
be started whenever any change in materials or a revision to a production
method is made, and whenever any substantial discontinuity in the production process occurs. The lot number assigned, along with the approval number, must enable the PFD manufacturer to determine the supplier’s identifying information for the component
lot.
(e) Samples. (1) From each lot of life
preservers, manufacturers shall randomly select a number of samples from
completed units at least equal to the
applicable number required by table
160.001–5(e) for buoyancy testing. Additional samples must be selected for any
tests, examinations, and inspections
required by the laboratory’s production
inspections and tests procedures.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51209, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.001–5 Production oversight.
(a) General. Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section, subpart 159.007
of this chapter, and if conducted by an
independent laboratory, the independent laboratory’s procedures for
production inspections and tests as accepted by the Commandant. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary
to maintain quality control and to
monitor compliance with the requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Oversight. In addition to responsibilities set out in part 159 of this
chapter and the accepted laboratory
procedures for production inspections
and tests, each manufacturer of a life
preserver and each laboratory inspector shall comply with the following, as
applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer
must—
(i) Perform all tests and examinations necessary to show compliance
with this subpart and subpart under
which the life preserver is approved on
each lot before any inspector’s tests
and inspection of the lot;
(ii) Follow established procedures for
maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations,
and the finished product; and
(iii) Allow an inspector to take samples of completed units or of component materials for tests required by
this subpart and for tests relating to
the safety of the design.
(2) Laboratory. An inspector from the
accepted laboratory shall oversee production in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures for production inspections and tests accepted by the
Commandant. During production over-

21

§ 160.002–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

TABLE 160.001–5(E)—SAMPLING FOR
BUOYANCY TESTS
Lot size

100
101
201
301
501
751

and under ...................................................
to 200 .........................................................
to 300 .........................................................
to 500 .........................................................
to 750 .........................................................
to 1000 .......................................................

in waterproof ink with the independent
laboratory’s name or identifying mark.
(j) Lot rejection. Each nonconforming
unit must be rejected. If three or more
nonconforming units are rejected for
the same kind of defect, lot inspection
must be discontinued and the lot rejected. The inspector must discontinue
lot inspection and reject the lot if examination of individual units or the
records for the lot shows noncompliance with either this subchapter or the
laboratory’s or the manufacturer’s
quality control procedures. A rejected
unit or lot may be resubmitted for
testing and inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each
defective unit or, if authorized by the
laboratory, reworks the unit or lot to
correct the defect. A rejected lot or rejected unit may not be sold or offered
for sale under the representation that
it meets this subpart or that it is Coast
Guard-approved.

Number of
life preservers in
sample
1
2
3
4
6
8

(2) For a lot next succeeding one
from which any sample life preserver
failed the buoyancy test, the sample
shall consist of not less than ten specimen life preservers to be tested for
buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(f) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of
the life preservers must be determined
by measuring the upward force exerted
by the individual submerged unit. The
buoyancy measurement must be made
at the end of the 24 or 48 hours of submersion, as specified in the applicable
approval subpart, during which period
the pad inserts must not be disturbed.
(g) Buoyancy required. The buoyancy
must meet the requirements of the applicable approval subpart.
(h) Lot inspection. On each lot, the
laboratory inspector shall perform a
final lot inspection to be satisfied that
the life preservers meet this subpart.
Each lot must demonstrate—
(1) First quality workmanship;
(2) That the general arrangement and
attachment of all components, such as
body straps, closures, tie tapes, and
drawstrings, are as specified in the approved plans and specifications;
(3) Compliance with the marking requirements in the applicable approval
subpart; and
(4) The information pamphlet specified in 33 CFR part 181 subpart G, if required, is securely attached to the device, with the PFD selection information visible and accessible prior to purchase.
(i) Lot acceptance. When the independent laboratory has determined
that the life preservers in the lot are of
a type officially approved in the name
of the company, and that such life preservers meet the requirements of this
subpart, they shall be plainly marked

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51210, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.002—Life Preservers,
Kapok, Adult and Child
(Jacket Type), Models 3 and
5
§ 160.002–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Military Specifications:
MIL–W–530—Webbing, Textile, Cotton. General Purpose, Natural or in Colors.

(2) Federal Specification:
L–P–375—Plastic Film, Flexible, Vinyl Chloride.

(3) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(4) Coast Guard specifications:
164.003—Kapok, Processed.

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the
issue in effect on the date life preservers are manufactured, form a part
of this specification:
Dwg. No. F-49–6–1:
(Sheet 1) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (adult).
(Sheet 1A) Alternate stitching of tapes and
webbing (adult and child).
(Sheet 2) Pad Detail (adult).
Dwg. No. F-49–6–5:

18

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.002–3

(Sheet 1) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (child).
(Sheet 2) Pad Detail (child).

ness of the color to laundering, water,
crocking, and light shall be rated
‘‘good’’ when tested in accordance with
Federal Test Method Standard No. 191,
Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660. After
dyeing, the drill shall be treated with a
mildew-inhibitor of the type specified
in paragraph (j) of this section. The finished goods shall contain not more
than 2 percent residual sizing or other
non-fibrous material, shall weigh not
less than 6.5 ounces per square yard,
shall have a thread count of not less
than 72 in the warp and 54 in the filling, and shall have a breaking strength
(grab method) of not less than 105
pounds in the warp and 70 pounds in
the filling. If it is proposed to treat the
fabric with a fire-retardant substance,
full details shall be submitted to the
Commandant for determination as to
what samples will be needed for testing.
(c) Tunnel strip. The tunnel strip
shall be made of cotton drill conforming to the requirements for the envelope cover.
(d) Pad covering. The covering for the
kapok pad inserts shall be flexible
vinyl film not less than 0.006 inch in
thickness meeting the requirements of
specification L–P–375 for Type I film
Type II, Class 1 film not less than 0.008
inch in thickness will also be acceptable.
(e) Tie tapes and drawstrings. The tie
tapes at the neck and the lower
drawstrings shall be made of 11⁄4-inch
cotton tape weighing not less than 0.3
ounce per linear yard, and having a
minimum breaking strength of 200
pounds. The tie tapes and drawstrings
shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph
(j) of this section.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be
made of one-inch cotton webbing having a minimum breaking strength of
400 pounds. One-inch cotton webbing
meeting the requirements of specification MIL–W–530 for Type IIb webbing is
acceptable. The complete body strap
assembly shall have a minimum breaking strength of 360 pounds. The body
strap shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(g) Dee rings and snap hook. The dee
rings and snap hook shall be of brass,

(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and plans referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval. They shall be kept
for a period consisting of the duration
of approval and 6 months after termination of approval. The Coast Guard
specifications and plans may be obtained upon request from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S. Coast Guard,
Washington, DC, 20593–0001. The Federal specifications and standards may
be purchased from the Business Service
Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC, 20407. The Military specifications may be obtained
from the Commanding Officer, Naval
Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue,
Philadelphia, Pa., 19120.
(d) [Reserved]
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7855, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.002–2 Size and models.
Each life preserver specified in this
subpart is to be a:
(a) Model 3, adult, 24 ounces kapok;
or
(b) Model 5, child, 16 ounces kapok.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.002–3 Materials.
All components used in the construction of the life preserver must meet the
applicable requirements of subpart
164.019 of this chapter and the following
requirements apply to individual components;
(a) Kapok. The kapok shall be all new
material complying with subpart
164.003 of this subchapter and shall be
properly processed.
(b) Envelope. The life preserver envelope, or cover, shall be made of cotton
drill. The color shall be Indian Orange,
Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of
America, issued by the Textile Color
Association of the United States, Inc.,
200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y.,
or Scarlet Munsell 7.5 Red 6/10. The
drill shall be evenly dyed, and the fast-

19

§ 160.002–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
direct access to the pads from the outside. Three pockets shall be formed for
insertion of the kapok pads. The two
front pads shall be removable from the
envelope when portions of the lower
longitudinal seam are opened, and the
back pad shall be removable when a
portion of one armhole seam is opened.
(c) Pad inserts—(1) Forming, sealing,
and distribution of kapok. The buoyant
pad inserts shall be formed from two
pieces of film cut to the patterns
shown by Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 2,
for adult size, and Dwg. No. F–49–6–5,
Sheet 2, for child size, which shall be
heat-sealed tight. The heat-sealed pad
seams shall show an adhesion of not
less than 8 pounds when one inch strips
cut across and perpendicular to the
seams are pulled apart at a rate of separation of the clamping jaws of the test
machine of 12 inches per minute. The
pad inserts shall be filled with kapok
distributed as follows:

bronze, or stainless steel, and of the approximate size indicated by Dwg. F–49–
6–1, Sheet 1. The snap hook spring shall
be phosphor bronze or other suitable
corrosion-resistant material. Dee ring
ends shall be welded to form a continuous ring. The webbing opening of the
snap hook shall be a continuous ring.
(h) Reinforcing tape. The reinforcing
tape shall be made of 3⁄4-inch cotton
tape weighing not less than 0.18 ounce
per linear yard and having a minimum
breaking strength of 120 pounds, and
shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph
(j) of this section.
(i) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
(j) Mildew-inhibitor. The mildew-inhibitor shall be dihydroxydichlorodiphenylmethane, known commercially
as Compound G–4, applied by the aqueous method. The amount of inhibitor
deposited shall be not more than 1.50
percent and not less than 1.00 percent
of the dry weight of the finished goods.

TABLE 160.002–4 (C)(1)—DISTRIBUTION OF
KAPOK IN PAD INSERTS
Model 3
(minimum)

[CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4627, June 25, 1958, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154; June 22,
1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.002–4 Construction.
(a) General. This specification covers
life preservers which essentially consist of a vest-cut envelope containing
pockets in which are enclosed pads of
buoyant material, the life preserver
being fitted with tapes and webbing to
provide complete reversibility, proper
adjustment for close fit to the bodies of
various size wearers, and proper flotation characteristics to hold the wearer
in an upright backward position with
head and face out of water.
(b) Envelope. The envelope shall be of
not more than two pieces, one piece for
either side, cut to the pattern shown on
Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1, for adult
size, and Dwg. F–49–6–5, Sheet 1, for
child size, joined by seams and stitching as shown on the drawing. A
drawstring tunnel shall be formed by
stitching a strip of the tunnel strip material as shown on the drawing. The
ends of the tunnel strip shall be tucked
under the reinforcing tape stitched
around the end openings so there is no

Front pad (2):
Lower section .....................

5.25 oz. each

Upper section .....................

3.75 oz. each

Back Pad ...............................
Total ............................

6.00 oz. ........
24.00 oz. ......

Model 5
(minimum)
3.50 oz.
each.
2.50 oz.
each.
4.00 oz.
16.00 oz.

(2) Displacement of pad inserts. The
volume of the finished individual heatsealed buoyant pad inserts shall be
such as to provide buoyancy as set
forth in the following table when tested in accordance with the method set
forth in § 160.002–5(d), except that the
period of submergence shall be only
long enough to determine the displacement of the pads:
TABLE 160.002–4(C)(2)—VOLUME
DISPLACEMENT OF SEALED PADS
Model 3
Front pads
Back pads

Model 5

12 ⁄ lbs. each± ⁄ lb ..
8 lbs. each±1⁄2 lb ........
12

34

6 ⁄ lbs. each±1⁄2 lb.
41⁄2 lbs. each±1⁄2 lb.
12

(d) Tie tapes. The tie tapes at the
neck shall extend not less than 14
inches from the edge of the adult life
preserver and not less than 12 inches
from the edge of the child life preserver. They shall be stitched through

20

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.002–7
(b) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of
the pad inserts from the life preserver
shall be determined according to
§ 160.001–5(f) of this part with each compartment of the buoyant pad insert
covers slit so as not to entrap air. The
period of submersion must be at least
48 hours.
(c) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
pad inserts from Model 3 adult life preservers shall provide not less than 25
pounds buoyancy in fresh water, and
the pads from Model 5 child life preservers shall provide not less than 16.5
pounds buoyancy.

both thicknesses of the envelope as
shown by Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1,
for adult size, and Dwg. No. F–49–6–5,
Sheet 1, for child size, or by the alternate stitching shown on Sheet 1A. The
free ends shall be doubled over and
stitched in accordance with section G–
G of Sheet 1.
(e) Drawstrings. The drawstrings at
the waist shall extend not less than 8
inches from the edge of the life preserver and shall be secured in the
drawstring tunnel as shown by Dwg.
No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1, for adult size,
and Dwg. No. F–49–6–5, Sheet 1, for
child size, or by the alternate stitching
shown on Sheet 1A. The free ends shall
be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section G–G of Sheet 1.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be
fitted with a single Dee ring on one end
with the arrangement of a snap hook
and pre-threaded double Dee rings as
shown on Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1,
on the other. The body strap shall be
stitched as shown on the drawings, and
the edge of the single Dee ring shall be
20 inches from the center line for adult
size and 15 inches for child size.
(g) Reinforcing tape. Binding tape
shall be stitched approximately 15
inches for adult jackets and 12 inches
for child jackets around the back of the
neck, and also around the openings of
the drawstring tunnel and around the
bottom of the armholes, as indicated
by the drawings.
(h) Stitching. All stitching shall be a
short lock stitch conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal standard No. 751
and there shall be not less than 7, nor
more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(i) Workmanship. Life preservers shall
be of first-class workmanship and shall
be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.002–6

Type I Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
Kapok buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (25 lb. or 161⁄2 lb.).
Do not snag or puncture inner plastic cover.
Approved for use on all vessels by persons
weighing (90 lb. or more, or less than 90
lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.002/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9770, Mar. 9,
1978]

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7856, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4627, June 25,
1958; CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21, 1965]

§ 160.002–5 Sampling,
spections.

tests,

and

Marking.

Each life preserver must have the following clearly marked in waterproof
ink on a front section:
(a) In letters three-quarters of an
inch or more in height:
(1) Adult (for persons weighing over
90 pounds); or
(2) Child (for persons weighing less
than 90 pounds).
(b) In letters that can be read at a
distance of 2 feet:

§ 160.002–7

Procedure for approval.

General. Manufacturers seeking approval of a life preserver design shall
follow the procedures of subpart 159.005
of this chapter, as explained in
§ 160.001–3 of this part.

in-

(a) Production tests and inspections
must be conducted by the manufacturer of a life preserver and the accepted laboratory inspector in accordance
with this section and § 160.001–5.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]

21

§ 160.005–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Subpart 160.005—Life Preservers,
Fibrous Glass, Adult and Child
(Jacket Type), Models 52 and
56

§ 160.005–2

§ 160.005–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Federal Specification:
L–P–375C—Plastic
Chloride.

Film,

Flexible,

Size and model.

Each life preserver specified in this
subpart is a:
(a) Model 52, adult, 46 ounces fibrous
glass; or
(b) Model 56, child, 30 ounces fibrous
glass.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.005–3

Vinyl

Materials.

All components used in the construction of a life preserver must meet the
applicable requirements of subpart
164.019 of this chapter and the following
requirements apply to individual components:
(a) Fibrous glass. The fibrous glass
shall be all new material complying
with the requirements of Specification
MIL-B-2766.
(b) Envelope. The life preserver envelope, or cover, shall be made of cotton
drill. The color shall be Indian Orange,
Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of
America, issued by the Textile Color
Association of the United States, Inc.,
200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y.,
or Scarlet Munsell 7.5 Red 6/10. The
drill shall be evenly dyed, and the fastness of the color to laundering, water,
crocking, and light shall be rated
‘‘good’’ when tested in accordance with
Federal Test Method Standard No. 191,
Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660. After
dyeing, the drill shall be treated with a
mildew-inhibitor of the type specified
in paragraph (j) of this section. The finished goods shall contain not more
than 2 percent residual sizing or other
nonfibrous material, shall weigh not
less than 6.5 ounces per square yard,
shall have a thread count of not less
than 72 in the warp and 54 in the filling, and shall have a breaking strength
(grab method) of not less than 105
pounds in the warp and 70 pounds in
the filling. If it is proposed to treat the
fabric with a fire-retardant substance,
full details shall be submitted to the
Commandant for determination as to
what samples will be needed for testing.
(c) Tunnel strip. The tunnel strip
shall be made of cotton drill conforming to the requirements for the envelope cover.

(2) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(3) Military Specification:
MIL–W–530F—Webbing,
Textiles,
Cotton,
General Purpose, Natural and in colors.
MIL–R–2766B—Batt, Fibrous Glass, Lifesaving Equipment.

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the
issue in effect on the date life preservers are manufactured, form a part of
this subpart:
Dwg. No. 160.005–1:
(Sheet 1) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (Adult).
(Sheet 2) Alternate Stitching of Tapes and
Webbing (Adult and Child).
(Sheet 3) Pad Detail (Adult).
(Sheet 4) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (Child).
(Sheet 5) Pad Detail (Child).

(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and plans referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval. They shall be kept
for a period consisting of the duration
of approval and 6 months after termination of approval. The Coast Guard
plans may be obtained upon request
from the Commandant, U.S. Coast
Guard. The Federal specifications and
standards may be purchased from the
Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC
20407. The Military specifications may
be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7862, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988]

26

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.005–4

(d) Pad covering. The covering for the
fibrous glass pad inserts shall be flexible vinyl film not less than 0.006 inch
in thickness meeting the requirements
of specification L–P–375 for Type I film.
Type II, Class 1 film not less than 0.008
inch in thickness will also be acceptable.
(e) Tie tapes and drawstrings. The tie
tapes at the neck and the lower
drawstrings shall be made of 1 1⁄4-inch
cotton tape weighing not less than 0.3
ounce per linear yard, and having a
minimum breaking strength of 200
pounds. The tie tapes and drawstrings
shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph
(j) of this section.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be
made of one-inch cotton webbing having a minimum breaking strength of
400 pounds. One-inch cotton webbing
meeting the requirements of specification MIL–W–530 for Type IIb webbing is
acceptable. The complete body strap
assembly shall have a minimum breaking strength of 360 pounds. The body
strap shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(g) Dee rings and snap hook. The dee
rings and snap hook shall be brass,
bronze, or stainless steel, and of the approximate size indicated by Dwg. No.
160.005–1, Sheet 1. The snap hook spring
shall be phosphor bronze or other suitable corrosion-resistant material. Dee
ring ends shall be welded to form a continuous ring. The webbing opening of
the snap hook shall be a continuous
ring.
(h) Reinforcing tape. The reinforcing
tape shall be made of 3⁄4-inch cotton
tape weighing not less than 0.18 ounce
per linear yard and having a minimum
breaking strength of 120 pounds, and
shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph
(j) of this section.
(i) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
(j) Mildew-inhibitor. The mildew-inhibitor shall be dihydroxydichlorodiphenylmethane, known commercially
as Compound G–4, applied by the aqueous method. The amount of inhibitor
deposited shall be not more than 1.50

percent and not less than 1.00 percent
of the dry weight of the finished goods.
[CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4628, June 25, 1958, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10898, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.005–4

Construction.

(a) General. This specification covers
life preservers which essentially consist of a vest-cut envelope containing
pockets in which are enclosed pads of
buoyant material, the life preserver
being fitted with tapes and webbing to
provide complete reversibility, proper
adjustment for close fit to the bodies of
various size wearers, and proper flotation characteristics to hold the wearer
in an upright backward position with
head and face out of water.
(b) Envelope. The envelope shall be of
not more than two pieces, one piece for
either side, cut to the pattern shown on
Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1, for adult
size, and Sheet 4, for child size, joined
by seams and stitching as shown on the
drawing. A drawstring tunnel shall be
formed by stitching a strip of the tunnel strip material as shown by the
drawing. The ends of the tunnel strip
shall be tucked under the reinforcing
tape stitched around the end openings
so there is no direct access to the pads
from the outside. Three pockets shall
be formed for insertion of the pads. The
two front pads shall be removable from
the envelope when portions of the
lower longitudinal seam are opened,
and the back pad shall be removable
when a portion of one armhole seam is
opened.
(c) Pad inserts—(1) Forming, sealing,
and distribution of fibrous glass. The
buoyant pad inserts shall be formed
from two pieces of film cut to the patterns shown by Dwg. No. 160.005–1,
Sheet 3, for adult size, and Sheet 5, for
child size, which shall be heat-sealed
tight. The heat-sealed pad seams shall
show an adhesion of not less than 8
pounds when 1-inch strips cut across
and perpendicular to the seams are
pulled apart at a rate of separation of
the clamping jaws of the test machine
of 12 inches per minute. The pad inserts
shall be filled with fibrous glass distributed as follows:

27

§ 160.005–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

TABLE 160.005–4(C)(1)—DISTRIBUTION OF
FIBROUS GLASS IN PAD INSERTS
Model 52 (minimum)
Front pad (2):
Lower section ........
Upper section ........
Back pad ...................
Total ...................

10.00 oz. each ...
7.25 oz. each .....
11.50 oz. ............
46.00 oz. ............

20 inches from the center line for adult
size and 15 inches for child size.
(g) Reinforcing tape. Binding tape
shall be stitched approximately 15
inches for adult life preservers and 12
inches for child life preservers around
the back of the neck, and also around
the openings of the drawstring tunnel
and around the bottom of the arm
holes as indicated by the drawings.
(h) Stitching. All stitching shall be a
short lock stitch conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751,
and there shall be not less than 7, nor
more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(i) Workmanship. Life preservers shall
be of first-class workmanship and shall
be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.

Model 56 (minimum)
6.50 oz. each.
4.75 oz. each.
7.50 oz.
30.00 oz.

(2) Displacement of pad inserts. The
volume of the finished individual heatsealed buoyant pad inserts shall be
such as to provide buoyancy as set
forth in the following table when tested in accordance with the method set
forth in § 160.005–5(d), except that the
period of submergence shall be only
long enough to determine the displacement of the pads:
TABLE 160.005–4(C)(2)—VOLUME
DISPLACEMENT OF SEALED PADS
Model 52
Front pads
Back pads

121⁄2 lbs. each ±3⁄4 lb.
8 lbs. each ±1⁄2 lb. ......

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7863, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4628, June 25,
1958; CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10898, Aug. 21, 1965]

Model 56

§ 160.005–5 Sampling,
spections.

61⁄2 lbs. each ±1⁄2 lbs.
41⁄2 lbs. each ±1⁄2 lb.

tests,

and

in-

(a) Production tests and inspections
must be conducted by the manufacturer of a life preserver and the accepted laboratory inspector in accordance
with this section and § 160.001–5.
(b) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of
the pad inserts from the life preserver
shall be determined according to
§ 160.001–5(f) of this part with each compartment of the buoyant pad insert
covers slit so as not to entrap air. The
period of submersion must be at least
48 hours.
(c) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
pad inserts from Model 3 adult life preservers shall provide not less than 25
pounds buoyancy in fresh water, and
the pads from Model 5 child life preservers shall provide not less than 16.5
pounds buoyancy.

(d) Tie tapes. The tie tapes at the
neck shall extend not less than 14
inches from the edge of the adult life
preserver and not less than 12 inches
from the edge of the child life preserver. They shall be stitched through
both thicknesses of the envelope as
shown by Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1,
for adult size, and Sheet 4, for child
size, or by the alternate stitching
shown on Sheet 2. The free ends shall
be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section E–E of Sheet 1.
(e) Drawstrings. The drawstrings at
the waist shall extend not less than 8
inches from the edge of the life preserver and shall be secured in the
drawstring tunnel as shown by Dwg.
No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1, for adult size,
and Sheet 4, for child size, or by the alternate stitching shown on Sheet 2.
The free ends shall be doubled over and
stitched in accordance with section E–
E of Sheet 1.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be
fitted with a single dee ring on one end
and with the arrangement of a snap
hook and prethreaded double dee rings
as shown on Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1,
on the other. The body strap shall be
stitched as shown on the drawings, and
the edge of the single dee ring shall be

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.005–6

Marking.

Each life preserver must have the following clearly marked in waterproof
lettering on a front section:
(a) In letters three-fourths inch or
more in height:
(1) Adult (for persons weighing over
90 pounds); or
(2) Child (for persons weighing less
than 90 pounds).

28

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.010–2

(b) In letters capable of being read at
a distance of 2 feet:

§ 160.010–1 Incorporations
by
reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register. The Office of the
Federal Register publishes a table,
‘‘Material Approved for Incorporation
by Reference,’’ which appears in the
Finding Aids section of this volume. In
that table is found the date of the edition approved, citations to the particular sections of this part where the material is incorporated, addresses where
the material is available, and the date
of the approval by the Director of the
Federal Register. To enforce any edition other than the one listed in the
table, notice of change must be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and
the material made available. All approved material is on file at the Office
of the Federal Register, Washington,
DC 20408, and at the U.S. Coast Guard,
Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G–
MSE–4), Washington, DC 20593.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart
are:

Type I—Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
Fibrous glass buoyant material provides a
minimum buoyant force of (25 lb. or 161⁄2
lb.).
Approved for use on all vessels by persons
weighing (90 lb. or more, or less than 90 lb).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.005/ (assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.).
(Model No.);
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).
[CGD 163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9770, Mar. 9,
1978]

§ 160.005–7 Procedure for approval.
General. Manufacturers seeking approval of a life preserver design shall
follow the procedures of subpart 159.005
of this chapter, as explained in
§ 160.001–3 of this part.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.006—Life Preservers:
Repairing

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS (NBS)
‘‘The Universal Color Language’’ and ‘‘The
Color Names Dictionary’’ in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440.
MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS
MIL–P–19644 C—Plastic Molding Material
(Polystyrene Foam, Expanded Bead).
MIL–R–21607 C—Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire Retardant.
MIL–P–21929 B—Plastic Material, Cellular
Polyurethane, Foam-In-Place, Rigid (2 and
4 Pounds per Cubic Foot).
MIL–P–40619 A—Plastic Material, Cellular,
Polystyrene (For Buoyancy Applications).

SOURCE: 11 FR 187, Jan. 3, 1946; 11 FR 561,
Jan. 12, 1946, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.006–2 Repairing.
(a) General. No repairs, except in
emergency, shall be made to an approved life preserver without advance
notice to the Officer in Charge, Marine
Inspection, of the district in which
such repairs are to be made. Emergency repairs shall be reported as soon
as practicable to the Officer in Charge,
Marine Inspection.
(b) Kind of repairs. Except in emergency, tapes or straps may not be repaired, but may be renewed, and small
holes, tears, or rips in the envelope
cover fabric may be repaired, at the
discretion of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.010–2 Definitions.
Buoyant apparatus. Buoyant apparatus is flotation equipment (other than
lifeboats, liferafts, and personal flotation devices) designed to support a
specified number of persons in the
water, and of such construction that it
retains its shape and properties and requires no adjustment or preparation
for use. The types of buoyant apparatus generally in use are the box-float

Subpart 160.010—Buoyant
Apparatus for Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20,
1982, unless otherwise noted.

29

§ 160.010–3

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
bailing floor drains. If the floor of a reversible one includes one or more
drains, each drain must be arranged to
completely drain the floor of water
when the device is fully loaded, and
must prevent water from flowing back
onto the floor.
(8) If the buoyancy tubes are not
vivid reddish orange, vivid yellow, or a
fluorescent color of a similar hue, panels of such hue must be secured to the
buoyancy chambers so that a minimum
of 1 m2 (11 ft2) is visible from above the
apparatus when it is floating either
side up.
(9) Boarding ramp (Regulation III/
39.4.1). Boarding ramps are not required
if the combined cross-section diameter
of the buoyancy chambers is 500 millimeters (mm) (19.5 in.) or less. An apparatus with a combined cross-section diameter greater than 500 mm (19.5 in.)
requires boarding ramps as follows:
(i) For an apparatus with a capacity
of less than 25 persons, at least one
ramp must be provided;
(ii) For an apparatus with a capacity
of 25 or more persons, at least two
ramps must be provided; and
(iii) The boarding ramps required by
this paragraph must allow persons to
board with either side of a reversible
apparatus floating up, or the full number of ramps required must be installed
on each side.
(10) Boarding ladder (Regulation III/
39.4.2). Boarding ladders must be provided on each inflatable buoyant apparatus as follows:
(i) One ladder must be provided on
each apparatus with a capacity of less
than 25 persons, except that, for an apparatus with a capacity of 13 or more
persons that is not equipped with a
boarding ramp, two ladders must be
provided.
(ii) Two ladders must be provided on
each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or
more persons.
(iii) The ladders required by this
paragraph must allow persons to board
with either side of a reversible apparatus floating up, or the full number of
ladders required must be installed on
each side.
(11) One or more exterior canopy
lamps meeting the requirements of
§ 160.151–15(n) of this subchapter must
be provided such that—

type and the peripheral-body type defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this
section.
Box-float. Box-float is buoyant apparatus of a box-like shape.
Commandant (G–MSE–4). Commandant
(G–MSE–4) is the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division, Marine Safety and Environmental
Protection.
Peripheral-body. Peripheral body is
buoyant apparatus with a continuous
body in the shape of either an ellipse or
rectangle with a circular, elliptical, or
rectangular body cross-section.
Inflatable buoyant apparatus. An inflatable buoyant apparatus is flotation
equipment that depends on inflated
compartments for buoyancy and is designed to support a specified number of
persons completely out of the water.
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996;
CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997]

§ 160.010–3 Inflatable buoyant apparatus.
(a) Design and performance. To obtain
Coast Guard approval, an inflatable
buoyant apparatus must comply with
subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions:
(1) Canopy requirements (SOLAS Chapter III, regulation 38, paragraph 1.5 (III/
38.1.5)). It does not need a canopy.
(2) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The
carrying capacity must be not less
than four persons.
(3) Floor insulation (Regulation III/
39.2.2). The floor may be uninsulated.
(4) Stability (Regulation III/39.5.1). It
does not need stability pockets.
(5) Righting (Regulation III/39.5.2). A
reversible one does not need arrangements for righting.
(6) One with a capacity of 13 or more
persons must be reversible, with the
floor arranged between the buoyancy
chambers so that the apparatus can,
floating either side up, accommodate
the number of persons for which it is
approved. One with a capacity of 12 or
fewer persons must either be reversible
in the same manner, or be designed so
that it can be readily righted by one
person.
(7) One with a capacity of 25 or more
persons must be provided with self-

30

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.010–3
(ix) Pump or bellows. One pump or bellows as described in § 160.151–21(z); and
(x) Sea anchor. One sea anchor as described in § 160.151–21(e), attached so as
to be readily deployable when the apparatus inflates.
(13) Marking and labeling (Regulations
III/39.7.3.4, III/39.7.3.5, and III/39.8.6).
Marking and labeling of inflatable
buoyant apparatus must be in accordance with the requirements of § 160.151–
33, except that the device must be identified as an ‘‘INFLATABLE BUOYANT
APPARATUS’’, and no ‘‘SOLAS’’
markings shall be placed on the container of the apparatus. The capacity
marking specified in regulation III/
39.8.6 must be applied to the top of each
buoyancy tube.
(14) Drop test. The drop test required
under paragraph 1/5.1 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and § 160.151–27(a) may be
from a lesser height, if that height is
the maximum height of stowage
marked on the container.
(15) Loading and seating test. For the
loading and seating test required under
paragraph 1/5.7 of IMO Resolution
A.689(17) and § 160.151–27(a), the loaded
freeboard of the apparatus must be not
less than 200 mm (8 in.).
(16) Cold-inflation test. The cold-inflation test required under paragraph 1/
5.17.3.3.2 of IMO Resolution A.689(17)
and § 160.151–27(a) must be conducted at
a test temperature of ¥18 °C (0 °F).
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests for inflatable buoyant apparatus must be
performed in accordance with the applicable requirements of § 160.151–31.
(c) Servicing. Inflatable buoyant apparatus must be serviced periodically at
approved servicing facilities in accordance with the applicable requirements
of §§ 160.151–35 through 160.151–57.
(d) Instruction placard. An instruction
placard meeting the requirements of
§ 160.151–59(c), giving simple procedures
and illustrations for inflating, launching, and boarding the inflatable buoyant apparatus, must be made available
to the operator or master of each vessel on which the apparatus is to be carried.
(e) Requirements for ‘‘open reversible
liferafts’’ under the IMO International
Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft (HSC
Code). To be approved as meeting the

(i) On a non-reversible inflatable
buoyant apparatus, one lamp is mounted so that it is on the uppermost surface of the floating apparatus; and
(ii) On a reversible apparatus, two
lamps are mounted so that one lamp is
on the uppermost surface of the apparatus, whichever side is floating up.
(12) Equipment (Regulation III/38.5.1).
All equipment required by this paragraph must be either packed in a container accessible to the occupants, or
otherwise secured to the apparatus.
Duplicate equipment must be provided,
for each side of a reversible inflatable
buoyant apparatus, if the equipment is
not accessible from both sides. In lieu
of the equipment specified in § 160.151–
7(b) and Regulation III/38.5.1, each apparatus must be provided with—
(i) Rescue quoit and heaving line. One
rescue quoit and a heaving line as described in § 160.151–21(a) on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons; or two on each apparatus for a capacity of 25 or more persons. The heaving line(s) must be mounted adjacent
to a boarding ramp (or boarding ladder,
if no ramps are installed), and ready
for immediate use;
(ii) Knives. Two buoyant safety
knives ready for use near the painter
attachment;
(iii) Bailer. One bailer as described in
§ 160.151–21(c) on each apparatus with a
capacity of less than 25 persons; or two
bailers on each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons, except that
no bailers are necessary if both sides of
the floor of a reversible apparatus are
equipped with drains;
(iv) Sponge. One sponge as described
in § 160.151–21(d) on each apparatus with
a capacity of less than 25 persons, or
two sponges on each apparatus with a
capacity of 25 or more persons;
(v) Paddles. Two paddles as described
in § 160.151–21(f) on each apparatus with
a capacity of less than 25 persons, or
four paddles on each apparatus with a
capacity of 25 or more persons;
(vi) Flashlight. One flashlight with
spare batteries as described in § 160.151–
21(m);
(vii) Signaling mirror. One signaling
mirror as described in § 160.151–21(o);
(viii) Repair outfit. One set of sealing
clamps or plugs as described in
§ 160.151–21(y)(1);

31

§ 160.010–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

requirements for open reversible liferafts in Annex 10 to the HSC Code, an
inflatable buoyant apparatus must
meet all of the requirements in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this section,
with the following exceptions:
(1) The apparatus must be reversible
regardless of size.
(2) The surface of the buoyancy tubes
must be of a non-slip material. At least
25 percent of the surface of the buoyancy tubes must meet the color requirements of § 160.151–15(e).
(3) The length of the painter should
be such that the apparatus inflates
automatically
upon
reaching
the
water.
(4) An additional bowsing-in line
must be fitted to an apparatus with a
capacity of more than 30 persons.
(5) The apparatus must be fitted with
boarding ramps regardless of size.
(6) An apparatus with a capacity of 30
or fewer persons must be fitted with at
least one floor drain.
(7) In addition to the equipment specified in § 160.010–3(a)(12), the apparatus
must be provided with—
(i) Sponge. One additional sponge as
described in § 160.151–21(d) on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25
persons;
(ii) First-aid kit. A first-aid kit approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.054;
(iii) Whistle. A ball-type or multitone whistle of corrosion-resistant construction;
(iv) Hand flares. Two hand flares approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.121.
(8) Marking and labeling of the apparatus must be in accordance with
§ 160.151–33, except that the device must
be identified as a ‘‘NON-SOLAS REVERSIBLE’’, and the equipment pack
must be identified as an ‘‘HSC Pack’’.

(b) Materials not covered in this subpart must be of good quality and suitable for the purpose intended.
(c) Buoyant apparatus must be effective and stable, floating either side up.
(d) Each buoyant apparatus must be
of such size and strength that it can be
handled without the use of mechanical
appliances, and its weight must not exceed 185 kg (400 lb.).
(e) The buoyant material must be as
near as possible to the sides of the apparatus.
(f) Each buoyant apparatus must
have a life line securely attached
around the outside, festooned in bights
no longer than 1 m (3 ft.), with a seine
float in each bight, unless the line is of
an inherently buoyant material and absorbs little or no water. The life line
must be at least 10 mm (3⁄8 in.) diameter and have a breaking strength of at
least 5400 N (1215 lb.).
(g) Pendants must be fitted approximately 450 mm (18 in.) apart around
the outside of each buoyant apparatus.
Each pendant must be at least 6 mm (1⁄4
in.) diameter, at least 3.5 m (12 ft.)
long, secured in the middle, and have a
breaking strength of at least 2400 N (540
lb.). Each pendant must be made up in
a hank, and the hank secured by not
more than two turns of light twine.
(h) Each peripheral body type buoyant apparatus without a net or platform on the inside must also have a life
line and pendants around the inside.
(i) Synthetic line or webbing must
not be used unless it is of a type represented by its manufacturer as ultraviolet light resistant, or it is pigmented in a dark color. A typical
method of securing lifelines and pendants to straps of webbing is shown in
Figure 160.010–3(i). If webbing is used to
secure life lines and pendants, it must
be at least 50 mm (2 in.) wide and must
have a breaking strength of at least 3.4
kN (750 lb.) for apparatus of under 25
persons capacity, and 6.7 kN (1,500 lb.)
for apparatus of 25 persons capacity
and higher.

[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997]

§ 160.010–4 General requirements for
buoyant apparatus.
(a) Each buoyant apparatus must be
capable of passing the tests in § 160.010–
7.

32

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.010–4

(j) Buoyant apparatus must have a
fitting with an inside diameter of at
least 50 mm (2 in.) for the attachment
of a painter.

(k) Each edge and exposed corner
must be well rounded. Buoyant apparatus with a rectangular cross-section
must have corners rounded to a radius
of at least 75 mm (3 in.).

33

§ 160.010–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(l) Buoyant apparatus must not have
any evident defects in workmanship.
(m) Each metal part of a buoyant apparatus must be—
(1) 410 stainless steel or have salt
water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal or superior to 410 stainless
steel; and
(2) Galvanically compatible with
each other metal part in contact with
it.
(n) The color of the buoyant apparatus must be primarily vivid reddish orange as defined by sections 13 and 14 of
the ‘‘Color Names Dictionary.’’
(o)
When
fibrous-glass-reinforced
plastic is used in the construction of a
buoyant apparatus, each cut edge of
laminate must be protected from entry
of moisture by resin putty or an equivalent method.
(p) Each buoyant apparatus must
have Type II retroreflective material
meeting subpart 164.018 of this chapter
on each side and end. The material
must be in strips at least 50 mm (2 in.)
wide extending from top to bottom
over the side or end and continuing
over the top and bottom surfaces of the
apparatus. For peripheral body apparatus, each strip must extend completely
over the top and bottom surface of the
body. For box type apparatus, the strip
must extend at least 300 mm (12 in.) inboard from the edge over the top and
bottom surface. Each strip must be positioned near the center of the side or
end, but so that it is not obscured by
any strap. A typical arrangement is
shown in Figure 160.010–3(p).

§ 160.010–5 Buoyant apparatus with
plastic foam buoyancy.
(a) Buoyant apparatus with plastic
foam buoyancy must have a plastic
foam body with an external protective
covering. The body may be reinforced
as necessary to meet the tests in
§ 160.010–7.
(b) Plastic foam used in the construction of buoyant apparatus must be a
unicellular type accepted by the Commandant (G–MSE) as meeting one of
the following:
(1) Subpart 164.015 of this chapter.
(2) MIL–P–19644.
(3) MIL–P–21929.
(4) MIL–P–40619.
(c) The external protective covering
must be—
(1) Fibrous-glass-reinforced plastic,
constructed of a polyester resin listed
on the current Qualified Products List
for MIL–P–21607, or accepted by the
Commandant (G–MSE) as meeting
MIL–P–21607;
(2) Elastomeric vinyl accepted by the
Commandant (G–MSE) as meeting
§ 160.055–3(j) of this chapter; or
(3) Any other material accepted by
the Commandant (G–MSE) as providing
equivalent protection for the body of
the apparatus.
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996.
Redesignated by CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25545,
May 9, 1997]

§ 160.010–6 Capacity of buoyant apparatus.
(a) The number of persons for which
a buoyant apparatus is approved must
be the lowest number determined by
the following methods:
(1) Final buoyancy of the buoyant apparatus in Newtons after the watertight integrity test as described in
§ 160.010–7 (e) and (f), divided by 145 (divided by 32 if buoyancy is measured in
pounds). The divisor must be changed
to 180 (40 if buoyancy is measured in
pounds) if the apparatus is designed so
that persons supported are only partially immersed or where facilities are
provided for climbing on top of the apparatus.
(2) Number of 300 mm (1 ft.) increments in the outside perimeter of the
buoyant apparatus. The inside edge of

[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982. Redesignated by CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25545, May 9,
1997]

34

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.010–7

peripheral-body type buoyant apparatus is not considered in determining
the capacity.
(b) [Reserved]

Sample
size

once flat and once endwise. There must
be no damage that would render the apparatus unserviceable.
(2) Beam loading test. The buoyant apparatus must be stood on edge on one
of its longer sides. A wood block 600
mm (24 in.) long and wide enough to
cover the body of the apparatus must
be centered on the top edge of the apparatus. A loading beam must be set at
right angles to the float at a height so
that the beam is in a horizontal position with its center on the center of
the wood block. The loading beam
must be hinged at one end and a load
applied at the other end at a uniform
rate of 225 kg (500 lb.) per minute until
the load at the end of the beam as
shown on Table 160.010–7(d)(2) is
reached. The beam is then held stationary for 10 minutes. The device used to
apply the load must be a chain fall, hydraulic cylinder or other device that
allows the device to unload as the
strain on the buoyant apparatus relieves. At the end of the 10 minute period, the drop in the load on the device
must not exceed the maximum permissible drop shown in Table 160.010–
7(d)(2). If the buoyant apparatus is not
one of the sizes listed in the table, the
loads must be determined by linear interpolation.

1
2
3
4

NOTE: Because of the lever ratio of the
beam loading apparatus described here, the
actual loads applied to the apparatus are
twice the loads shown in the Table.

§ 160.010–7 Methods of sampling, inspections and tests.
(a) General. Production tests must be
conducted under the procedures in subpart 159.007 of this chapter. An inspector from the independent laboratory
must inspect the place of manufacture,
observe the various operations involved
in the construction process and determine that buoyant apparatus are made
in accordance with this subpart and of
materials and parts conforming strictly with the plans and specifications
submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant (G–MSE).
(b) Sampling of production lots. A production lot must consist of not more
than 300 buoyant apparatus of the same
design and capacity manufactured by
one factory. Samples for production
tests must be selected at random from
each lot. The required sample size for
various lot sizes is given in Table
160.010–7(b).
TABLE 160.010–7(B)—SAMPLE SIZE FOR
VARIOUS LOT SIZES
Lot size
1 to 30 ......................................................................
31 to 60 ....................................................................
61 to 90 ....................................................................
91 to 300 ..................................................................

(c) Testing of sample buoyant apparatus from production lots. Each sample
buoyant apparatus selected for test
from a production lot must be subjected to the tests described in paragraphs (d) through (g) of this section.
The stability test in paragraph (h)
must be performed whenever a question
of stability arises.
(d) Strength tests. The buoyant apparatus tested for approval must be subjected to the drop test. Buoyant apparatus tested for production lot inspections must also be subjected to the
drop test except that in the case of peripheral body type apparatus, the beam
loading test may be substituted.
(1) Drop test. Drop the complete sample buoyant apparatus into still water
from a height of 18 m (60 ft.) twice,

TABLE 160.010–7(D)(2)—BEAM LOADING TEST
Size of buoyant apparatus (persons)
60
40
25
15
10

.................................................
.................................................
.................................................
.................................................
.................................................

Test load (kg
(lb.))

Maximum
permissible drop
(kg (lb.))

2,400
1,800
1,500
1,200
900

120
90
75
60
45

(5,280)
(3,960)
(3,300)
(2,640)
(1,980)

(264)
(198)
(165)
(132)
(100)

(e) Buoyancy test. Known weights are
loaded on the sample buoyant apparatus until it is awash. The buoyancy is
the downward force exerted by the
weights loaded on the apparatus. A
raised platform of known weight having two runners on edge spaced so as to
bear on the apparatus may be used to
support the weights out of water to

35

§ 160.010–8

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

avoid the necessity for making allowances for the displacement of submerged weights. This test is not a required production test if the manufacturer—
(1) Uses the same plastic buoyancy
foam used in previous production lots,
(2) Determines that the density of
each batch of foam used is within a
range specified on the approved plans,
and
(3) Closely controls the amount of
foam used in each apparatus.
(f) Watertight integrity test. The buoyant apparatus is submerged for 24 hours
at a depth of 3 m (10 ft.) or equivalent
water pressure. The final buoyancy of
the buoyant apparatus is determined in
accordance with paragraph (e) of this
section. The final buoyancy must be at
least 145 N (32 lb.) per person capacity
of the buouyant apparatus or 180 N (40
lb.) per person capacity if the apparatus is designed so that persons supported are only partially immersed or
if facilities are provided for climbing
on top of the apparatus. The loss of
buoyancy must not exceed 5 percent of
the initial buoyancy. This test is not a
required production test if the manufacturer uses the plastic buoyancy
foam controls permitted as an alternative to the buoyancy test in paragraph (e) of this section.
(g) Painter attachment strength test.
The apparatus must be positioned with
its painter attachment fitting at the
lowest point of the apparatus, directly
below the center of buoyancy. The apparatus must be suspended in this position from the highest side. A load equal
to twice the buoyancy of the apparatus
must be suspended from the painter attachment fitting for 10 minutes. The
fitting must remain firmly attached to
the buoyant apparatus and the apparatus must not sustain any visible damage.
(h) Stability test. With the sample
buoyant apparatus floating in water, a
weight of 22.5 kg of iron per meter of
length (15 lb. per foot) must be suspended in the water from the life lines
along one of the longer edges. The
same test must be performed along one
of the shorter edges. The minimum
weight along any one edge must be 27

kg (60 lb.). The buoyant apparatus
must neither capsize nor become partially awash under either of these
tests.
(i) Weight test. One buoyant apparatus
of the lot submitted for approval must
be weighed. The weight of the complete
buoyant apparatus must be within the
limit required in § 160.010–3(d).
(j) Lot acceptance or rejection. Inability of a sample buoyant apparatus to
pass any one or more of the tests required in this section causes rejection
of the lot. Each buoyant apparatus in a
rejected lot must be reworked by the
manufacturer to correct the defects
found before the lot is resubmitted for
inspection and testing.
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.010–8

Nameplate and marking.

(a) A substantial nameplate must be
permanently attached to each buoyant
apparatus. The nameplate must contain the name of the manufacturer, lot
designation or serial number, approval
number, dimensions, and number of
persons capacity. Space must be provided for the date, and the identification of the independent laboratory.
(b) The nameplates of buoyant apparatus accepted must be marked with
the identification of the independent
laboratory and the date.
§ 160.010–9

Procedure for approval.

(a) A buoyant apparatus is approved
by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) The test required for approval are
those in § 160.010–7, and must be performed on the first production lot of
buoyant apparatus produced by the
manufacturer.
§ 160.010–10

Independent laboratory.

(a) The approval and production tests
in this subpart must be conducted by
an independent laboratory accepted by
the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010
of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

36

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.015–1

Subparts 160.011–160.012
[Reserved]

§ 160.013–3 Materials,
workmanship,
and construction details.
(a) General. All materials, workmanship, and construction details shall be
in substantial compliance with the provisions of Federal Specification GGG–
A–926, except as provided for in this
subpart.
(b) Handle. A 1⁄2-inch diameter hole
shall be bored in the hatchet handle in
the approximate location shown on
DWG No. 160.013–1(b), and the edges of
the hole on both sides of the handle
shall be rounded off to remove rough
edges.
(c) Lanyard. Hatchets specified by
this subpart shall be provided with a
lanyard of 1⁄4-inch diameter, 3-strand
rope-laid line not less than 6 feet in
length. Lanyards shall be cotton, jute,
or other suitable material. The lanyard
shall be attached to the hatchet by
threading one end through the hole in
the hatchet handle and securing the
rope end by splicing or by a bowline or
other suitable knot.
(d) Sheath. No sheaths are to be provided for hatchets specified by this subpart.

Subpart 160.013—Hatchets (Lifeboat and Liferaft) for Merchant Vessels
§ 160.013–1 Applicable
and plan.

specification

(a) Specification. The following specification, of the issue in effect on the
date hatchets are manufactured, forms
a part of this subpart:
(1) Federal Specification:
GGG–A–926—Axes.

(b) Plan. The following plan, of the
issue in effect on the date hatchets are
manufactured, forms a part of this subpart:
(1) Dwg. No. 160.013–1 (b)—Hatchet
(Lifeboat and Life Raft).
(c) Copy on file. A copy of the specification and plan referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period
consisting of the duration of approval
and 6 months after termination of approval. The Federal specification may
be purchased from the Business Service
Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC, 20407. The Coast
Guard plan may be obtained upon request from the Commandant, U.S.
Coast Guard.

[CGFR 49–43, 15 FR 116, Jan. 11, 1950, as
amended by CGFR 61–23, 26 FR 5759, June 28,
1961]

§ 160.013–5 Marking.
(a) General. Hatchets specified by this
subpart shall be stamped or otherwise
permanently marked in a legible manner on the side of the head with the
manufacturer’s name or with a trade
mark of such known character that the
source of manufacture may be readily
determined, and with the manufacturer’s type or size designation.
(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 49–43, 15 FR 116, Jan. 11, 1950, as
amended by CGFR 61–23, 26 FR 5758, June 28,
1961; CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10898, Aug. 21, 1965;
CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988]

§ 160.013–2 Type and size.
(a) Type. Hatchets specified by this
subpart shall be Type I, Class I, Design
D or E, as described in Federal Specification GGG–A–926, but other hatchets
equal in strength and construction will
be given special consideration.
(b) Size. Hatchets specified by this
subpart shall be of one size, and the dimensions shall be approximately in
conformance with Drawing No. 160.013–
1(b).

[CGFR 49–43, 15 FR 116, Jan. 11, 1950]

Subpart 160.015—Lifeboat
Winches for Merchant Vessels
§ 160.015–1 Applicable regulations.
(a) Regulations. The following regulations of the issue in effect on the date
lifeboat winches are manufactured,
form a part of this subpart.
(1) Coast Guard regulations; Electrical Engineering Regulations, CG–259
(46 CFR (subchapter J) parts 110 to 113,
inclusive of this chapter).

[CGFR 49–43, 15 FR 116, Jan. 11, 1950, as
amended by CGFR 61–23, 26 FR 5759, June 28,
1961]

37

§ 160.015–2

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Coast Guard regulations; Marine
Engineering Regulations (46 CFR subchapter F, parts 50 to 63, inclusive in
this chapter).
(b) Copies on file. A copy of the regulations referred to in this section shall
be kept on file by the manufacturer,
together with the approved plans, material affidavits, and the certificate of
approval.

cranks, pay-out wheels, brake levers,
etc.
(i) Where falls lead along a deck they
shall be suitably covered and so arranged that the top of the cover does
not exceed 12 inches above the deck.
(j) Lifeboat winches shall be so designed that when located aboard merchant vessels the operator can observe
the movement of the lifeboat during
the lowering operation.
(k) For the purpose of calculations
and conducting tests, the working load
is the maximum load in pounds applied
to the winch for which approval is desired.
(k–1) The exterior of a winch shall be
designed to minimize such crevices,
pockets, and inaccessible areas that
when corroded would require disassembly of the winch for their scaling and
painting.
(k–2) [Reserved]
(l) The requirements of this subpart
shall be complied with unless other arrangements in matters of construction
details, design, strength, equivalent in
safety and efficiency are approved by
the Commandant.

[CGFR 58–31, 23 FR 6883, Sept. 6, 1958, as
amended by CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17038, Aug.
24, 1972]

§ 160.015–2 General requirements for
lifeboat winches.
(a) The requirements of this subpart
apply to all new construction of lifeboat winches. Lifeboat winches approved and in use prior to the regulations in this subpart may be continued
in service if in satisfactory condition.
(b) Lifeboat winches for use with
gravity davits shall have grooved
drums of such size that there will be
only one wrap of wire on the drum.
Lifeboat winches for use with mechanical davits need not be grooved and may
be designed to take more than one
wrap.
(c) Lifeboat winches shall be designed
to lower under the force of gravity
alone. There shall be no provisions for
power lowering. A suitable hand wheel
shall be attached to the winch to overhaul the falls in addition to any hand
cranks provided.
(d) If the lifeboat winch is to be used
in conjunction with nested lifeboats
where the same falls are used for both
boats, suitable means shall be provided
for rapidly retrieving the falls by hand
power.
(e) The installation of lifeboat winches shall be such that the fleet angle for
grooved drums does not exceed 8 degrees, and for nongrooved drums does
not exceed 4 degrees.
(f) Suitable hand cranks shall be provided for hoisting in addition to any
other means for hoisting.
(g) Suitable fabric covers shall be
provided, so fitted over exposed mechanisms that ice formations may be readily broken adrift when necessary to operate the winch.
(h) Falls shall not lead past any position that may be needed for the operation of the winch, such as hand

[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5111, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 58–31, 23 FR 6883, Sept. 6,
1958; CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17038, Aug. 24, 1972]

§ 160.015–3 Construction
winches.

of

lifeboat

(a) Lifeboat winches shall be of such
strength that the lifeboat may be lowered safely with its full complement of
persons and equipment. Additionally, a
lifeboat winch used in hoisting an
emergency lifeboat of a passenger vessel shall be capable of meeting the test
specified in § 160.015–5(b)(9). A minimum
factor of safety of six on the ultimate
strength of the material shall be maintained at all times based on the approved working load.
(b) Worm gears, spur gears, or a combination of both, may be used in the
construction of lifeboat winches. All
gears shall be machine cut and made of
steel, bronze, or other suitable material properly keyed to shafts. The use
of cast iron is not permitted for these
parts.
(c) Screws, nuts, bolts, pins, keys,
etc., securing moving parts shall be

38

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.015–3

fitted with suitable lock washers, cotter pins, or locks to prevent them from
coming adrift.
(d) Drums shall be so arranged as to
keep the falls separate, and to pay out
the falls at the same rate. Clutches between the drums shall not be permitted
unless bolted locking devices are used.
(e) The diameter of the drums shall
be at least 16 times the diameter of the
falls.
(f) A weighted lever hand brake shall
be used to control the lowering by the
lifeboat winch. It shall be of a type
which is normally in the ‘‘on’’ position
unless manually held in the ‘‘off’’ position, and shall return to the ‘‘on’’ position as soon as the brake lever is released.
(g) In addition to the hand brake, a
governor type brake shall be fitted so
as to control the speed of lowering of
the lifeboat in accordance with
§ 160.015–5(b) (4) and (5).
(h) Positive means of lubrication
shall be provided for all bearings. When
worm gears are used the worm wheel
shall operate in an oil bath. Means
shall be provided so that the oil level
in the gear case may be easily checked.
The manufacturer shall furnish a lubrication chart for each winch together
with a plate attached to the winch indicating the lubricant recommended
for extremes in temperature.
(i) When lifeboat winches are fitted
with power for hoisting, a suitable
clutch shall be fitted to disengage the
power installation during the lowering
operation. In addition, the air or electric power outlet for a portable power
unit shall be located adjacent to the
winch where the unit is to be coupled.
This power outlet shall be interconnected with and protected by the
same system of safety devices as required for winches with built-in-motors.
(j)
Where
power-driven
lifeboat
winches are used, including those driven by portable power units, such as air
or electric drills, positive means shall
be provided for controlling the power
to the lifeboat winch. This shall be so
arranged that the operator must hold
the master switch or controller in the
‘‘on’’ or ‘‘hoist’’ position for hoisting,
and when released will immediately
shut off the power.

(k) Limit switch and emergency disconnect switch requirements:
(1) A main line emergency disconnect
switch shall be provided, the opening of
which will disconnect all electrical potential to the lifeboat winch. This
switch shall be located in a position accessible to the person in charge of the
boat stowage, and for gravity davit installations, shall be in a position from
which the movement of both davit
arms can be observed as they approach
the final stowed position.
(2) Where power driven winches are
used with gravity davits, two limit
switches, one for each davit arm, shall
be provided to limit the travel of the
davit arms as they approach the final
stowed position. These switches shall
be connected in series, they may be
connected in either the control or the
power circuit, and they shall be so arranged that the opening of either
switch will disconnect all electrical potential of the circuit in which the
switches are connected. These switches
shall be arranged to stop the travel of
the davit arms not less than 12 inches
from their final stowed position and
they shall remain open until the davit
arms move outboard beyond the tripping position of the switches.
(3) Other arrangements equivalent in
design and safety will be given special
consideration.
(l) Where power driven winches are
used, satisfactory means shall be provided to disconnect power to the winch
before a hand crank can be engaged
with the winch operating shaft, and
this interruption of power shall be
maintained while the hand crank is so
engaged. Mechanical means for accomplishing the above, such as throw-out
couplings on the sockets of the hand
cranks, will be given special consideration.
(m) Motors, switches, controls, cables, etc., shall be of the waterproof
type if installed on an open deck. Controls may be of the dripproof type if installed in a deck house or under deck.
Installations shall be in accordance
with subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter (Electrical Engineering Regulations, CG–259).
(n) All moving parts shall have suitable guards.

39

§ 160.015–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
installation. In the case of a lifeboat
winch with nongrooved drums, the
drums shall be built up or sufficiently
filled with wire to simulate the maximum number of wraps for which the
winch is to be approved. The tests to be
conducted are as noted in paragraphs
(b)(2) to (8) of this section. The limiting values of velocities and the 2 foot
braking distance set forth in the following paragraphs of this section are
the values to be actually achieved with
the specific arrangement of falls contemplated for the shipboard installation. If a different arrangement of falls
is used to facilitate testing, due consideration shall be given to the use of limiting velocities, braking distances, and
test weights which will be equivalent
to the test performed with an arrangement of falls identical to that used for
the shipboard installation.
(2) A pull of 2.2 times the working
load, equally divided between drums,
shall be applied in a direction similar
to a shipboard installation. The test
weight producing this load shall be
dropped through a distance of not less
than 15 feet, at which time this weight
shall be stopped within a distance of 2
feet by action of the counterweight
alone on the hand brake.
(3) A test identical to that noted in
paragraph (b)(2) of this section shall be
conducted after the braking surfaces
have been thoroughly wetted. The test
weight shall be stopped by the action
of the counterweight alone within a
distance of 6 feet. The test need only be
applied to lifeboat winches having external brakes.
(4) With a pull equal to the working
load, it shall be determined that the
governor brake will limit the speed of
lowering of the test weight to a maximum of 120 feet per minute, except
that, in the case of winches designed
for use with emergency lifeboats
aboard passenger vessels, the speed of
lowering shall not exceed 160 feet per
minute.
(5) With a pull equal to 0.3 times the
working load, it shall be determined
that the winch will lower the test
weight at not less than 40 feet per
minute, except that, in the case of

(o) Welding, when employed, shall be
performed by welders certified by the
U. S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of
Shipping, or U.S. Navy Department,
and the electrodes used shall be of an
approved type.
(p) Inspection openings shall be provided in the winch housing or the housing itself shall be so arranged as to permit examination of the internal working parts.
(q) Motor clutches, when used, shall
be of either frictional or positive engaging type. When one motor is used
for two winches, the clutch shall be so
arranged that only one winch shall be
engaged at any one time. The clutch
operating lever shall be capable of remaining in any position when subject
to vibration and shall be so arranged
that when in neutral position, both
lifeboats may be lowered simultaneously.
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5111, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 51–20, 16 FR 5443, June 8,
1951; CGFR 58–31, 23 FR 6883, Sept. 6, 1958;
CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11465, Sept. 8, 1965; CGD 72–
133R, 37 FR 17039, Aug. 24, 1972; CGD 73–103R,
39 FR 11273, Mar. 27, 1974]

§ 160.015–4 Capacity of lifeboat winches.
(a) A lifeboat winch shall be approved
for a working load after it has been
demonstrated by detailed calculations
that this working load can be carried
with a minimum factor of safety of six
based on the ultimate strengths of the
materials. It will also be necessary to
conduct the tests specified in § 160.015–
5.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5111, Aug. 17, 1949]

§ 160.015–5 Inspection and testing of
lifeboat winches.
(a) Material testing. (1) The manufacturer shall furnish affidavits relative
to the physical and chemical properties
of the materials. Such affidavits shall
be furnished by the foundry or mill
supplying the material.
(b) Factory test for initial approval. (1)
Lifeboat winches shall be tested for
strength and operation at a place chosen by the manufacturer of the winch
in the presence of an inspector. The
lifeboat winch under test shall be set
up similar to the intended shipboard

40

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.015–6

winches designed for use with emergency lifeboats aboard passenger vessels, the speed of lowering shall not be
less than 60 feet per minute.
(6) With a pull equal to the working
load, the test weight shall be lowered
and raised a sufficient number of times
so that the combined lowering distance
is not less than 500 feet. This test is to
determine the efficiency of the lifeboat
winch for prolonged service.
(7) With a pull equal to 0.5 times the
working load, it shall be demonstrated
that the lifeboat winch can be hand operated by hoisting the test weight
without undue effort. For gravity
davits, it shall be demonstrated that
this test weight can be carried easily
from a point at which the traveling
blocks of the falls are 1 foot below
their outboard, two-blocked position,
and then up and around the bend of the
trackways to the stowed position of
the lifeboat.
(8) Where a quick return mechanism
is installed it shall be demonstrated
that a weight equal to 2.2 times the
weight of the empty blocks can be
handily retrieved through the regular
reeving of the falls at a rate of not less
than 40 feet per minute at the drum by
one man.
(9) The following test applies to a
lifeboat winch used for hoisting an
emergency lifeboat of a passenger vessel. With a weight equal to the weight
of the emergency lifeboat and its full
complement of persons and equipment,
it shall be demonstrated that the
weight can be hoisted through the regular reeving of the falls at a rate of not
less than 20 feet per minute, to the embarkation position.
(10) After the tests noted in paragraphs (b)(2) to (9) of this section have
been conducted, the winch shall be
completely disassembled and the marine inspector shall ascertain that no
undue stress or wear has been incurred.
(c) Factory testing after approval. (1)
After a design of a lifeboat winch has
been approved, subsequent winches of
the same design shall be individually
tested as described in paragraph (c)(2)
of this section.
(2) Each lifeboat winch shall be set
up in a manner similar to that described in paragraph (c)(1) of this section. With a pull equal to 1.1 times the

working load, the test weight shall be
dropped through a distance of not less
than 15 feet, at which time the load
shall be stopped by the action of the
counterweight alone. This test is to
demonstrate the operation of the
winch, and if satisfactory, no further
test need be required. However, if the
inspector is not satisfied with the operation of the winch, a complete test as
noted in paragraph (b) of this section
may be required.
(d) Name plate. (1) A corrosion resistant name plate shall be affixed to each
lifeboat winch on which shall be
stamped the name of the manufacturer,
approval number, maximum working
load in pounds pull at the drums, maximum working load in pounds pull per
fall type and serial number, together
with the Marine Inspection Office identification letters, the date, and the letters U.S.C.G.
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5112, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 58–31, 23 FR 6883, Sept. 6,
1958; CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11465, Sept. 8, 1965;
CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17039, Aug. 24, 1972; CGD
75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976]

§ 160.015–6 Procedure for approval of
lifeboat winches.
(a) Before action is taken on any design of lifeboat winch, detail plans covering fully the arrangement and construction of the lifeboat winch, a complete bill of material setting forth the
physical properties of the materials
used, and strength calculations, shall
be submitted to the Commandant
through the Commander of the Coast
Guard District having jurisdiction over
the construction of the lifeboat winch.
(b) If the drawings required in paragraph (a) of this section are satisfactory, the Commander of the Coast
Guard District in which the lifeboat
winch is to be built, shall be notified in
writing when fabrication is to commence. An inspector will be assigned to
supervise the construction in accordance with the plans and upon completion, conduct the tests required by
§ 160.015–5.
(c) At the time that the tests are successfully completed, the manufacturer
shall present to the inspector four corrected copies of the plans noted in
paragraph (a) of this section, including
any corrections, changes, or additions

41

§ 160.016–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

which may have been found necessary
during construction or testing. If the
manufacturer desires more than one
set of approved plans, additional copies
shall be submitted at that time.
(d) Upon receipt of corrected drawings, material affidavits, and satisfactory test report, the Commandant will
issue a certificate of approval. No
change shall be made in the design or
construction without first receiving
permission of the Commandant via the
Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the lifeboat winch is
built.

20226. Correspondence relating to the
subject matter of this specification
shall be addressed to the Commander of
the Coast Guard District in which such
devices are manufactured.
(b) Pre-approval sample and plan. In
order to apply for approval of a flame
safety lamp for use on merchant vessels, submit one complete sample, together with four copies of an arrangement plan (parts drawings are not required), together with a statement that
the lamp meets the construction requirements of Military Specification
MIL–L–1204, as amended, to the Commander of the Coast Guard District
who will forward same to the Commandant for determination as to its
suitability for use on merchant vessels.

[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5112, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 58–31, 23 FR 6884, Sept. 6,
1958]

Subpart 160.016—Lamps, Safety,
Flame, for Merchant Vessels

Subpart 160.017—Chain Ladder

SOURCE: CGFR 50–12, 15 FR 3093, May 20,
1950, unless otherwise noted.

SOURCE: CGD 74–140, 46 FR 63286, Dec. 31,
1981, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.016–1 Applicable specification.
(a) The following specification of the
issue in effect on the date flame safety
lamps are manufactured forms a part
of this subpart:
(1) Military specification:

§ 160.017–1 Scope.
(a) This subpart contains standards
and approval and production tests for
chain ladders used on a merchant vessel to get on and off the vessel in an
emergency.
(b) The requirements in this subpart
apply to a chain ladder designed for use
along a vertical portion of a vessel’s
hull.

MIL–L–1204, Lamps, Safety, Flame.

(b) A copy of the above specification
shall be kept on file by the manufacturer together with the approved plan
and certificate of approval issued by
the Coast Guard.

§ 160.017–7 Independent laboratory.
The approval and production tests in
this subpart must be conducted by or
under the supervision of an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast
Guard under subpart 159.010 of this
chapter.

§ 160.016–2 Requirements.
(a) Flame safety lamps for use on
merchant vessels shall comply with the
construction requirements of Military
Specification MIL–L–1204.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.017–9 Approval procedure.
(a) General. A chain ladder is approved by the Coast Guard under the
procedures in subpart 159.005 of this
chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval
test must be conducted in accordance
with § 160.017–21.
(c) Approval of alternatives. A chain
ladder that does not meet the materials, construction, or performance requirements of this subpart may be approved if the application and any approval tests prescribed by the Commandant in place of or in addition to

§ 160.016–4 Marking.
(a) Flame safety lamps shall be permanently and legibly marked with the
name and address of the manufacturer
and the type or model designation for
the lamp.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.016–5 Procedure for approval.
(a) General. Flame safety lamps are
approved for use on merchant vessels
only by the Commandant, United
States Coast Guard, Washington, DC

42

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.017–13

the approval tests required by this subpart, show that the alternative materials, construction, or performance is
at least as effective as that specified by
the requirements of this subpart. The
Commandant may also prescribe different production tests if the tests required by this subpart are not appropriate for the alternative ladder configuration.

bottom of each suspension member.
The means of attachment must be at
least as strong as the chain and the
lashing ring.
(d) Thimble or wear plate. A thimble or
wear plate must be attached to the
chain where it can slide on its connections to the lashing rings.
(e) Steps. Each step of a ladder must
have two rungs arranged to provide a
suitable handhold and stepping surface.
The distance between steps must be
uniform. This distance must be between 300 mm (12 in.) and 380 mm (15
in.).
(f) Rungs. Step rungs must meet the
following requirements:
(1) Each rung must be wooden, or a
material of equivalent strength, durability, handhold, and step surface characteristics.
(2) In order to provide a suitable
handhold and step surface, the width of
each rung must be at least 40 mm (11⁄2
in.) and the thickness must be at least
25 mm (1 in.), but not more than 40 mm
(11⁄2 in.).
(3) The distance between the rungs in
each step must be uniform. This distance must be between 40 mm (11⁄2 in.)
and 65 mm (21⁄2 in.).
(4) Each rung must be attached to a
spacer ear by a method that prevents
the rung from rotating and that supports it in a horizontal position when
the ladder is hung vertically.
(g) Spacer ears. Spacer ears must
meet the following requirements:
(1) All spacer ears on a ladder must
be the same size and shape.
(2) The top and bottom of each spacer
ear must be attached to a suspension
member.
(3) The top point of attachment must
be at least 100 mm (4 in.) above the top
surfaces of the rungs attached to the
spacer ear.
(4) Each spacer ear made of sheet
metal must have features such as
formed ribs, rolled flange edges, and
stress relief holes at the ends of cuts,
to prevent the ear from bending or
tearing.
(h) Fasteners. Each fastening device
must have a means to prevent the device from loosening.

§ 160.017–11 Materials.
(a) Suspension members. Each suspension member of a chain ladder must be
a continuous length of non-kinking
chain, such as single loop lock link coil
chain, with a minimum breaking
strength of at least 16 kN (3,560 lbs.).
(b) Metal parts. Each metal part of a
ladder must be made of corrosion-resistant metal or of steel galvanized by
the hot dip process after the part is
formed. If the ends of galvanized fasteners are peened over to lock them in
place, a corrosion resisting surface
treatment must be applied to each
peened surface.
(c) Wooden parts. Each wooden part of
a ladder must be made of hardwood
that is free of defects affecting its
strength or durability.
(d) Wood preservative. After each
wooden part is formed and finished, it
must be treated with water-repellant
wood preservative that is properly applied.
(e) Lashing rings. The inside diameter
of each lashing ring must be at least 75
mm (3 in.). Each lashing ring must
have a minimum breaking strength of
at least 16 kN (3,560 lbs.).
§ 160.017–13 Construction.
(a) General. Each chain ladder must
have two suspension members. Each
step in the ladder must be supported at
each end by a suspension member.
(b) Suspension member. The distance
between the two suspension members
must be at least 400 mm (16 in.), but
not more than 480 mm (19 in.). The
chain between each top lashing ring
and the first step must be long enough
so that the distance between the center
of the lashing ring and the top of the
first step is approximately 600 mm (24
in.).
(c) Lashing rings. A lashing ring must
be securely attached to the top and

43

§ 160.017–15

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(i) Workmanship. A ladder must not
have splinters, burrs, sharp edges, corners, projections, or other defects that
could injure a person using the ladder.

of 900 kg (2000 lbs.) is then applied to
the bottom lashing rings so that it is
distributed equally between the suspension members. The suspension
members, lashing rings, and spacer
ears must not break, incur any elongation or deformation that remains
after the test load is removed, or be
damaged in any other way during this
test.
(3) Strength test #3. A rolled-up ladder
is attached by its top lashing rings to
anchoring fixtures in a location away
from any wall or structure that would
prevent it from falling freely, and
where it can hang to its full length vertically. The ladder when dropped must
unroll freely. When unrolling the ladder, its steps and attachments must
not become cracked, broken, or loosened. Other similar damage making
the ladder unsafe to use must likewise
not occur.

§ 160.017–15 Performance.
(a) Each chain ladder must be capable of being rolled up for storage.
(b) Each ladder when rolled up must
be able to unroll freely and hang vertically.
§ 160.17–17 Strength.
(a) Each chain ladder must be designed to pass the approval tests in
§ 160.17–21.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.017–21 Approval tests.
(a) General. Each approval test must
be conducted on a ladder of the longest
length for which approval has been requested. If a ladder fails one of the
tests in this section, the cause of the
failure must be identified and any
needed changes made. After a test failure and any design change, the failed
test, and any other previously completed tests affected by the design
change, must be rerun.
(b) Visual examination. Before starting the tests described in this section,
an assembled chain ladder is examined
for evidence of noncompliance with the
requirements in §§ 160.017.11, 160.017–13,
and 160.017–15.
(c) The following approval tests must
be conducted:
(1) Strength test #1. An assembled ladder is supported so that a static load, if
placed on any of its steps, would exert
a force both on the step and each suspension member. A static load of 315 kg
(700 lb.) is then placed on one step for
at least one minute. The load must be
uniformly distributed over a contact
surface that is approximately 100 mm
(4 in.) wide. The center of the contact
surface must be at the center of the
step. This test is performed on six different steps. No step may break, crack,
or incur any deformation that remains
after the static load is removed. No attachment between any step and a suspension member may loosen or break
during this test.
(2) Strength test #2. A ladder is suspended vertically to its full length
from its top lashing rings. A static load

§ 160.017–25 Marking.
(a) Each chain ladder step manufactured under Coast Guard approval must
be branded or otherwise permanently
and legibly marked on the bottom
with—
(1) The name of the manufacturer;
(2) The manufacturer’s brand or
model designation;
(3) The lot number and date of manufacture; and
(4) The Coast Guard approval number.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.017–27 Production tests and examination.
(a) General. Each ladder manufactured under Coast Guard approval must
be tested in accordance with this section and subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
Steps that fail testing may not be
marked with the Coast Guard approval
number and each assembled ladder that
fails testing may not be sold as Coast
Guard approved.
(b) Test #1: Steps. Steps must be separated into lots of 100 steps or less. One
step from each lot must be selected at
random and tested as described in
§ 106.017–21(c)(1), except that the step
may be supported at the points where
it would be attached to suspension
members in an assembled ladder. If the
step fails the test, ten more steps must

44

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.021–2
(1) ‘‘The Universal Color Language’’
and ‘‘The Color Names Dictionary’’ in
Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of
Standards Special Publication 440, December 1976.
(b) NBS Special Publication 440 may
be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No.
C13.10:440).
(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the publication listed in this
section was obtained from the Director
of the Federal Register on November 1,
1979. The publication is on file at the
Federal Register Library.

be selected at random from the lot and
tested. If one or more of the ten steps
fails the test, each step in the lot must
be tested.
(c) Test #2: Ladders. Assembled ladders must be separated into lots of 20
ladders or less One ladder must be selected at random from the ladders in
the lot. The ladder selected must be at
least 3 m (10 ft.) long or, if each ladder
in the lot is less than 3 m long, a ladder
of the longest length in the lot must be
selected. The ladder must be tested as
prescribed in § 160.017–21(c)(2), except
that only a 3 m section of the ladder
need be subjected to the static load. If
the ladder fails the test each other ladder in the lot must be tested.
(d) Independent laboratory. Each production test must be conducted or supervised by an independent laboratory.
However, if a test is performed more
than 4 different times per year, laboratory participation is required only 4
times per year. If the laboratory does
not participate in all tests, the times
of laboratory participation must be as
selected by the laboratory. The times
selected must provide for effective
monitoring throughout the production
schedule.
(e) Visual examination. The visual examination described in § 160.017–21(b)
must be conducted as a part of each
production test.

§ 160.021–2

Type.

(a) Hand red flare distress signals
specified by this subpart shall be of one
type which shall consist essentially of
a wooden handle to which is attached a
tubular casing having a sealing plug at
the handle end, the casing being filled
with a flare composition and having a
button of ignition material at the top,
with a removable cap having a friction
striking material on its top which may
be exposed for use by pulling a tear
strip. The flare is ignited by scraping
the friction striker on top of the cap
against the igniter button on top of the
flare. The general arrangement of the
flare is shown by Figure No. 160.021–
2(a). Alternate arrangements which
conform to all the performance requirements of this specification (and
other arrangements which conform
with all performance requirements except candlepower and burning time,
but provide not less than 3,000 candelaminutes with a minimum of 1⁄3 minute
burning time) will be given special consideration.

Subpart 160.021—Hand Red Flare
Distress Signals
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73060, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.021–1 Incorporations
by
reference.
(a) The following is incorporated by
reference into this subpart:

45

§ 160.021–2

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

46

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.021–4

(b) [Reserved]

The igniter button shall be non-water
soluble or be protected from moisture
by a coating of some waterproof substance, and shall be raised or exposed
in such manner as to provide positive
ignition by the friction striker. The igniter button shall be firmly secured in
or on the top of the flare composition;
the arrangement shall be such that the
ignition will be transmitted to the
flare composition. The assembled flare,
consisting of tear strip, cap, casing,
and handle, shall be sealed and treated
to protect the flare from deterioration
by moisture. The protective waterproof
coating shall be applied so none adheres to the friction striking surface.
Special consideration will be given to
alternate waterproofing of the signal
by means of a water-resistant coating
on the signal plus packaging in a
sealed plastic waterproof bag satisfactory to the Commandant.
(d) Performance. Signals shall meet
all the inspection and test requirements contained in § 160.021–4.

§ 160.021–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials shall
conform strictly to the specifications
and drawings submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. The color of the tube shall be
red. Flare compositions containing sulphur shall not contain more than 2.6
percent of potassium chlorate or an
equivalent amount of any other chlorate. Flare compositions containing
chlorates in any quantity shall not
contain any ammonium salts.
(b) Workmanship. Hand red flare distress signals shall be of first class
workmanship and shall be free from
imperfections of manufacture affecting
their appearance or that may affect
their
serviceability.
Moistureproof
coatings shall be applied uniformly and
shall be free from pinholes or other
visible defects which would impair
their usefulness.
(c) Construction. The casing shall be
fitted and secured to the handle with
not less than a 25 mm (1 in.) overlap
and shall be attached to the handle in
such a manner that failure of the joint
will not occur during tests, ignition, or
operation. The plug shall be securely
affixed in the casing to separate the
flare composition from the wooden
handle. The flare composition shall be
thoroughly mixed and be uniformly
compressed throughout to preclude
variations of density which may adversely affect uniformity of its burning
characteristics. The cap shall have a
lap fit of not less than 25 mm (1 in.)
over the end of the casing and flare
composition to entirely and securely
protect the exposed surface of the igniter button and end of flare composition and casing, and shall have an
inner shoulder so constructed that it is
mechanically impossible for the inner
surface of the cap to come in contact
with the igniter button. The cap shall
be securely attached to the casing in
such manner as to preclude its accidental detachment. The cap shall be provided on its top with a friction striking
material which shall, by a pull of the
tear strip, be entirely exposed for
striking the friction igniter button.

§ 160.021–4
tests.

Approval and production

(a) Approval tests. The manufacturer
must produce a lot of at least 100 signals form which samples must be taken
for testing for approval under § 160.021–
7. The approval tests are the operational tests and technical tests in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
The approval tests must be conducted
by an independent laboratory accepted
by the Commandant under § 159.010 of
this Chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the
rejected lot, and the results of the second test.

47

§ 160.021–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(1) Lot size. For the purposes of sampling the production of signals, a lot
must consist of not more than 30,000
signals. Lots must be numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot
must be started with: (i) Any change in
construction details, (ii) any change in
sources of raw materials, or (iii) the
start of production on a new production
line
or
on
a
previously
discountinued production line.
(2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into
construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.
Samples from each lot must be tested
in accordance with the operational
tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this Chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and
tests under paragraph (b)(2) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots produced in year is less
than four. The inspections and tests
must occur at least once during each
quarterly period, unless no lots are
produced during that period. If less
than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspection and testing of each lot. In addition, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the technical tests in paragraph (d) of this section at least once
for every ten lots of signals produced,
except that the number of technical
tests must be at least one but not more
than four per year. If a lot of signals
tested by the independent laboratory is
rejected, the laboratory must perform
or supervise the inspections and tests
of the reworked lot and the next lot of
signals produced. The tests of each reworked lot and the next lot produced
must not be counted for the purpose of
meeting the requirement for the annual number of inspections and tests
performed or supervised by the independent laboratory.
(c) Operational tests. Each lot of signals must be sampled and tested as follows:

(1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. A sample of signals must
be selected at random from the lot. The
size of the sample must be the individual sample size in Table 160.021–4(c)(1)
corresponding to the lot size. Each signal in the sample is tested as prescribed in the test procedure in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each signal
that has a defect listed in the table of
defects (Table 160.021–4(c)(2)) is assigned a score (failure percent) in accordance with that table. In the case of
multiple defects, only the score having
the highest numerical value is assigned
to that signal. If the sum of all the failure percents (cumulative failure percent) for the number of units in the
sample is less than or equal to the accept criterion, the lot is accepted. If
the cumulative failure percent falls between the accept and reject criteria,
another sample is selected from the
production lot and the operational
tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is
added to that of the previous samples
to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples
are tested and the tests repeated until
either the accept or reject criterion for
the cumulative sample size is met. If
any signal in the sample explodes when
fired or ignited in a way that could
burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.021–4(c)).
(2) Test procedure. Each sample signal
(specimen) must be tested as follows:
(i) Conditioning of test specimens—
water resistance. Immerse specimen
horizontally with uppermost portion of
the signal approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
below the surface of the water for a period of 24 hours. If the signal is protected by alternate waterproofing consisting of a water-resistant coating on
the signal plus packaging in a sealed
plastic waterproof bag, the 24-hour
water immersion conditioning will be
conducted while the signal is in the
sealed plastic waterproof bag and will
be followed by an additional immersion
of the bare signal (i.e., after removal
from the bag) 25 mm (1 in.) below the
surface of the water for a period of 10
minutes.

48

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.021–4
TABLE 160.021–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS.—
Continued

(ii) Waterproofing of igniter button. Remove the cap from the test specimen.
Place head of specimen without cap
about 25 mm (1 in .) under the surface
of water for approximately 5 minutes.
Remove specimen from the water and
wipe dry.
(iii) Ignition and burning characteristics. Test specimens shall ignite and
burn satisfactorily with uniform intensity when the directions on the signal
are followed. Test specimens shall not
ignite explosively in a manner that
might be dangerous to the user or persons close by. The plug separating the
flare composition from the handle shall
in no case allow flame or hot gases to
pass through it or between it and the
casing in such manner as might burn
the hand while holding the signal by
the handle.
(iv) Burning time. The burning time of
a specimen shall be obtained by stop
watch measurements from the time a
distinct sustained flame is emitted
until it ceases. Test specimens shall
burn in air not less than 2 minutes.

Lot size

More
than
3,201.

Individual
sample
size

280 or
less.

8

281 to
500.

13

501 to
1,200.

20

1,201 to
3,200.

32

Sample

First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept 1

8
16
24
32
40
48
56
13
26
39
52
65
78
91
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
32
64
96

(2)
100
200
300
500
700
950
0
100
300
500
700
1,000
1,350
0
300
600
800
1,100
1,400
1,850
100
400
800

50

Sample

Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept 1

Reject 1

128
160
192
224
50
100
150
200
250
300
350

1,200
1,700
2,100
2,550
200
700
1,300
1,900
2,500
3,100
3,750

1,700
2,000
2,300
2,551
900
1,400
1,900
2,500
2,900
3,300
3,751

1 Cumulative
2 Lot

failure percent.
may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.

TABLE 160.021–4(C)(2)
Kind of defects
a. Failure to ignite ....................................................
b. Ignites or burns dangerously ...............................
c. Nonuniform burning intensity ...............................
d. Chimneys so as to materially obscure the flame
e. Fire flashes down between casing and handle
so as to endanger burning the hand ...................
f. Burning time less than 70 pct of specified time ...
g. Burning time at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct
of specified time ...................................................
h. Burning time at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct
of specified time ...................................................
i. Burning time at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct
of specified time ...................................................

TABLE 160.021–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS.

Lot size

Individual
sample
size

Reject 1

400
500
600
700
800
900
951
400
600
800
1,000
1,100
1,200
1,351
500
800
1,000
1,300
1,500
1,700
1,851
700
1,000
1,300

Percentage of
failure
100
50
50
25
50
100
75
50
25

(d) Technical tests. Three signals must
be subjected to each of the following
tests. Two of the three signals must
pass each test in order for the lot of
signals to be accepted.
(1) Underwater burning. Condition
each sample in accordance with paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. Ignite
specimen and let it burn about 5 seconds in air. Submerge the burning signal in water in a vertical position with
head down. Obtain under water burning
time by stop watch measurement from
time of submersion until distinct, sustained flame emission ceases. The test
specimen shall burn under water not
less than 5 seconds when subjected to
this test.

49

§ 160.021–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Bending strength. Place the specimen on supports 15 cm (6 in.) apart. Attach a weight of 35 kg (77 lb.) to a
length of wire. Hang the weight from

the supported signal by looping the
wire around the signal approximately

50

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.021–4

equidistant from the two points of support. Let the weight hang approximately 5 minutes. The test specimen
shall not deflect more than 7 mm (1/4
in.), nor shall the joint between the
casing and the handle fail, when subjected to this test.
(3) Tensile strength. Place the specimen in a chuck firmly holding it about
13 mm (1/2 in.) below the cap. Attach a
weight of 35 kg (77 lb.) to a length of
wire. Hang the weight from the supported signal by looping the wire
through a hole bored perpendicular to
and through the axis of the handle. Let
the weight hang approximately 5 minutes. The test specimen shall not show
noticeable distortion, nor shall the
joint between the casing and handle
fail, when subjected to this test.
(4) Luminous intensity. The luminous
intensity of each specimen tested shall
be measured by a visual photometer or
equivalent photometric device, while
the specimen is supported in a horizontal position and the photometer is
at right angles to the axis of the specimen. Visual luminous intensity readings shall be observed and recorded at
approximately 20 second intervals during the burning of the specimen. The
minimum photometric distance shall
be 3 m (10 ft.). Recording photometers
shall have a chart speed of at least 25
mm (1 in.) per minute. The luminous
intensity of specimen shall be computed as the arithmetical average of
the readings recorded. The average luminous intensity of a test specimen
shall be not less than 500 candela. The
burning time of a specimen shall be obtained by stop watch measurements
from the time distinct, sustained flame
is emitted until it ceases. Test specimens shall burn in air not less than 2
minutes.
(5) Elevated temperature, humidity and
storage.
Place
specimen
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 75 °C. with not
less than 90 percent relative humidity
for 72 hours. Remove specimen and
store at room temperature (20° to 25
°C.) with approximately 65 percent relative humidity for 10 days. If for any
reason it is not possible to operate the
oven continuously for the 72-hour period, it may be operated at the required
temperature and humidity for 8 hours

out of each 24 during the 72-hour conditioning period. (Total of 24 hours on
and 48 hours off.) The signal shall not
ignite or decompose during this conditioning. The signal shall ignite and operate satisfactorily following this conditioning.
(6) Spontaneous ignition. Place the
specimen in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at
75 °C. with not more than 10% relative
humidity for 48 consecutive hours. The
signals shall not ignite or undergo
marked decomposition.
(7) Chromaticity. The color of the
burning signal must be vivid red as defined by sections 13 and 14 of the
‘‘Color Names Dictionary.’’ Two identical test plates of white cardboard
about 30 cm × 60 cm (12″×24″) are used.
Except for a negligible amount of stray
daylight, the first test plate is illuminated by light from the specimen
placed at a distance of about 1.5 m (5
ft.). The second test plate is illuminated only by light from an incandescent lamp operated at a color temperature close to 2,848 °K at a distance of
about 30 cm (1 ft.). The first plate is
viewed directly, the second through
combinations of Lovibond red, yellow,
and blue glasses selected so as to approximate a chromaticity match. By
separating the test plates by a wide
unilluminated area (subtending at the
observer about 45°), it is possible to
make accurate determinations of chromaticity in terms of the 1931 CIE
Standard Observer and Coordinate System, in spite of fluctuations in luminous intensity of the specimen by factors as high as 2 or 3. The CIE coordinates are converted to the Munsell notation which is cross-referenced to the
color name in Section 13 of the ‘‘Color
Names Dictionary’’ (see the discussion
in section 10 of ‘‘The Universal Color
Language’’).
(8) Heptane ignition. (i) A metal pan
must be used to hold a layer of water
at least 12mm (1⁄2 in.) deep with a layer
of technical grade heptane on top of
the water. The pan must be at least 1 m
(39 in.) square with sides extending between 175 mm (7 in.) and 200 mm (8 in.)
above the surface of the water. The
amount of heptane used to form the
layer must be 2.0 liters per square

51

§ 160.021–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

meter of pan area (6.25 fluid ounces per
square foot).
(ii) The test must be conducted in a
draft-free location. The ambient temperature, the temperature of the water,
and the temperature of the heptane
must all be between 20 °C (68 °F) and 25
°C (77 °F) at the time of the test.
(iii) The signal under test must be
held with the flame end pointing upward at an angle of approximately 45°,
1.2 m (4 ft.) directly above the center of
the pan. The signal must be ignited as
soon as the heptane is observed to
spread out over the water in continuous layer. The signal must be allowed
to burn completely, and must remain
in position until is has cooled.
(iv) The heptane must not be ignited
by the flare or by material from the
flare.

(b) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.
(c) Other marking. (1) There shall be
die-stamped, in the side of the wooden
handle in figures not less than 3 mm
(C1⁄8 in.) high, numbers indicating the
month and year of manufacture, thus:
‘‘6–54’’ indicating June, 1954.
(2) In addition to any other marking
placed on the smallest packing carton
or box containing hand red flare distress signals, such cartons or boxes
shall be plainly and permanently
marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot
number.
(3) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’

CAUTION: Heptane ignites rapidly and burns
vigorously. The flare should be remotely ignited and all personnel should stay clear of
the test pan while the flare is burning and
while any part of it remains hot.

NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

[CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR 73060, Dec. 17,
1979, as amended by CGD 80–021, 45 FR 45280,
July 3, 1980]

§ 160.021–6 Container.
(a) General. Containers for stowage of
hand red flare distress signals in lifeboats and life rafts on merchant vessels
are not required to have specific approval or to be of special design, but
they shall meet the following test for
watertightness when closed, and shall
be capable of being opened and reclosed
hand-tight
to
meet
the
same
watertightness test. The materials
shall be copper, brass, bronze, or equally corrosion-resistant to salt water and
spray. The type container illustrated
by Figure Number 160.021–6(a) is recommended for most purposes.
(b) Watertightness test for containers.
Whenever a question arises as to the
watertightness of a container, the following test may be made to determine
whether it is satisfactory in this respect. Open the container, remove the
contents, insert colored blotting paper
as a lining, re-close container as tightly as possible by hand (no wrenches or
special tools permitted), submerge container with top about 30 cm (1 ft.)
below the surface of the water for two
hours, remove container from water,
wipe off excess moisture on outside,

§ 160.021–5 Labeling and marking.
(a) Labeling. Each hand red flare distress signal shall bear a label securely
affixed thereto, showing in clear, indelible black lettering on a red background, the following wording and information:
(Company brand or style designation)
Hand Red Flare Distress Signal
500 Candela—2 Minutes Burning Time
USE ONLY WHEN AIRCRAFT OR VESSEL IS
SIGHTED
DIRECTIONS: Pull tape over top of cap. Remove cap and ignite flare by rubbing scratch
surface on top of cap sharply across igniter
button on head of signal.
CAUTION: Stand with back to wind and
point away from body when igniting or flare
is burning.
Service Life Expiration Date (Month and
year to be inserted by manufacturer) (Month
and year manufactured) (Lot No.ll). Manufactured by (Name and address of manufacturer). U.S. Coast Guard Approval No.ll

52

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.021–6

then open the container and examine
the blotting paper and entire interior
for evidence of moisture penetration. If

any moisture or water is evidenced, the
container is not satisfactory.

53

§ 160.021–7

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(c) Marking of container. Containers
shall be embossed or bear a brass or
equivalent corrosion-resistant nameplate, or otherwise be suitably and permanently marked, to plainly show in
letters not less than 13 mm (1⁄2 in.) high
the following wording: ‘‘HAND RED
FLARE DISTRESS SIGNALS’’. No additional marking which might cause
confusion as to the contents shall be
permitted. The vessel’s name ordinarily is painted or branded on equipment such as this container, and nothing in this subpart shall be construed
as prohibiting same.

and 29, 1979. The materials are on file
in the Federal Register Library.
[CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR 73067, Dec. 17,
1979, as amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782,
Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7,
1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.022–2 Type.
(a) Floating orange smoke distress
signals, specified by this subpart shall
be of one type which shall consist essentially of an outer container, ballast,
an air chamber, an inner container, the
smoke producing composition, and an
igniter mechanism. Alternate arrangements which conform to the performance requirements of this specification
will be given special consideration.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.021–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.022–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction, and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials shall
conform strictly to the specifications
and drawings submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. Metal for containers shall be
not less than 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) in
thickness. Other dimensions or materials may be considered upon special
request when presented with supporting data. Igniter systems shall be corrosion-resistant metal. The combustible material shall be of such nature
that it will not deteriorate during long
storage, nor when subjected to frigid or
tropical climates, or both.
(b) Workmanship. Floating orange
smoke distress signals shall be of first
class workmanship and shall be free
from imperfections of manufacture affecting their appearance or that may
affect their serviceability.
(c) Construction. The outer container
shall be of a size suitable for its intended use. All sheet metal seams
should be hook-jointed and soldered.
The whole container shall be covered
with two coats of waterproof paint or
equivalent protection system. The igniter mechanism shall be simple to operate and provide ignition in most unfavorable weather. The mechanism
shall be protected with a watertight
cover having a finish which is corrosion-resistant to salt water and spray.
The cover shall be easily and quickly

Subpart 160.022—Floating Orange
Smoke Distress Signals (5 Minutes)
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73067, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.022–1 Incorporations
erence.

by

ref-

(a) The following are incorporated by
reference into this subpart:
(1) ‘‘The Color Names Dictionary’’ in
Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of
Standards Special Publication 440, December 1976.
(2) ‘‘Development of a Laboratory
Test for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Smoke Signals,’’ National Bureau of Standards Report 4792, July
1956.
(b) NBS Special Publication 440 may
be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No.
C13.10:440).
(c) NBS Report 4792 may be obtained
from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001.
(d) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on November 1

54

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.022–4

removable by hand without the use of
tools. If attachment of the cover is by
formed screw threads, it shall be of
such construction or material to prevent rusting or corrosion and will not
back off and loosen under shipboard vibration.
(d) Performance. Signals shall meet
all the inspection and test requirements contained in § 160.022–4.

construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.
Samples from each lot must be tested
in accordance with the operational
tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and
tests under paragraph (b)(2) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots produced in a year is
less than four. The inspections and
tests must occur at least once during
each quarterly period, unless no lots
are produced during that period. If less
than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspection and testing of each lot. In addition, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the technical tests in paragraph (d) of this section at least once
for every ten lots of signals produced,
except that the number of technical
tests must be at least one but not more
than four per year. If a lot of signals
tested by the independent laboratory is
rejected, the laboratory must perform
or supervise the inspections and tests
of the reworked lot and the next lot of
signals produced. The tests of each reworked lot and the next lot of signals
must not be counted for the purpose of
meeting the requirement for the annual number of inspections and tests
performed or supervised by the independent laboratory.
(c) Operational tests. Each lot of signals must be sampled and tested as follows:
(1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. A sample of signals must
be selected at random from the lot. The
size of the sample must be the individual sample size in Table 160.022–4(c)(1)
corresponding to the lot size. Each signal in the sample is tested as prescribed in the test procedure in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each signal
that has a defect listed in the table of
defects (Table 160.022–4(c)(2)) is assigned a score (failure percent) in accordance with that table. In the case of
multiple defects, only the score having
the highest numerical value is assigned

§ 160.022–4 Approval and production
tests.
(a) Approval tests. The manufacturer
must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples must be taken
for testing for approval under § 160.022–
7. The approval tests are the operational tests and technical tests in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
The approval tests must be conducted
by an independent laboratory accepted
by the Commandant under § 159.010 of
this chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the
rejected lot, and the results of the second test.
(1) Lot size. For the purposes of sampling the production of signals, a lot
must consist of not more than 30,000
signals. Lots must be numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot
must be started with:
(i) Any change in construction details,
(ii) Any change in sources of raw materials, or
(iii) The start of production on a new
production line or on a previously discontinued production line.
(2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into

55

§ 160.022–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

to that signal. If the sum of all the failure percents (cumulative failure percent) for the number of units in the
sample is less than or equal to the accept criterion, the lot is accepted. If
this sum is equal to or more than the
reject criterion the lot is rejected. If
the cumulative failure percent falls between the accept and reject criteria,
another sample is selected from the
production lot and the operational
tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is
added to that of the previous samples
to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples
are tested and the tests repeated until
either the accept or reject criterion for
the cumulative sample size is met. If
any signal in the sample explodes when
fired or ignited in a way that could
burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.022–4(c).)
(2) Test Procedure. Each sample signal
(specimen) must be tested as follows:
(i) Conditioning of test specimens—
water-resistance. Immerse specimens
horizontally with uppermost portion of
the signal approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
below the surface of the water for a period of 24 hours.
(ii) Smoke emitting time. Ignite specimen according to the directions printed on the signal and place signal in tub
or barrel of water. The smoke emitting
time of a specimen shall be obtained by
stop watch measurements from the
time of distinct, sustained smoke emission until it ceases. The watch shall be
stopped during periods of flame emission. The smoke emitting time for a
specimen shall be not less than 4 minutes.
(iii) Ignition and smoke emitting characteristics. Test specimens shall ignite
and emit smoke properly when the directions on the signal are followed.
Test specimens shall not ignite explosively in a manner that might be dangerous to the user or persons close by.
Test specimens shall emit smoke at a
uniform rate while floating in calm to
rough water. Signals should be so con-

structed that water submerging the
signal in moderately heavy seas will
not cause it to become inoperative.
TABLE 160.022–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS.

Lot size

Individual
sample
size

280 or
less.

8

281 to
500.

13

501 to
1,200.

20

1,201 to
3,200.

32

More
than
3,201.

50

Sample

First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept 1

Reject 1

8
16
24
32
40
48
56
13
26
39
52
65
78
91
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
32
64
96
128
160
192
224
50
100
150
200
250
300
350

(2)
100
200
300
500
700
950
0
100
300
500
700
1,000
1,350
0
300
600
800
1,100
1,400
1,850
100
400
800
1,200
1,700
2,100
2,550
200
700
1,300
1,900
2,500
3,100
3,750

400
500
600
700
800
900
951
400
600
800
1,000
1,100
1,200
1,351
500
800
1,000
1,300
1,500
1,700
1,851
700
1,000
1,300
1,700
2,000
2,300
2,551
900
1,400
1,900
2,500
2,900
3,300
3,751

1 Cumulative
2 Lot

failure percent.
may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.

TABLE 160.022–4(C)(2)
Kind of defects
a. Failure to ignite ....................................................
b. Ignites or burns dangerously ...............................
c. Nonuniform smoke emitting rate .........................
d. Smoke-emitting time less than 70 pct of specified time ................................................................
e. Smoke-emitting time at least 70 pct but less
than 30 pct of specified time ................................
f. Smoke-emitting time at least 80 pct but less than
90 pct of specified time ........................................
g. Smoke-emitting time at least 90 pct but less
than 100 pct of specified time ..............................

56

Percentage of
failure
100
50
50
100
75
50
25

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.022–4

(d) Technical tests. Three signals must
be subjected to each of the following
tests. Two of the three signals must

pass the test in order for the lot of signals to be accepted.

57

§ 160.022–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(1) Smoke emission in waves. The signal shall be ignited and thrown overboard under conditions where the
waves are at least 30 cm (1 ft.) high.
The smoke emitting time must be at
least 4 minutes and the signal shall
float in such a manner that the signal
shall function properly during this
test. Failure to pass this test shall be
cause for the lot to be rejected.
(2) Underwater smoke emission. Condition each sample in accordance with
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. Ignite specimen and let it burn about 15
seconds in air. Submerge the burning
signal in water in a vertical position
with head down. Obtain underwater
smoke emission time by stop watch
measurements from time of submersion until distinct, sustained smoke
emission ceases. The test specimen
shall emit smoke underwater not less
than 15 seconds when subjected to this
test.
(3) Elevated temperature, humidity, and
storage.
Place
specimen
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 75 °C. with not
less than 90 percent relative humidity
for 72 hours. Remove specimen and
store at room temperature (20° to 25
°C.) with approximately 65 percent relative humidity for ten days. If for any
reason it is not possible to operate the
oven continuously for the 72-hour period, it may be operated at the required
temperature and humidity for 8 hours
out of each 24 during 72-hour conditioning period. (Total of 24 hours on
and 48 hours off). The signal shall not
ignite or decompose during this conditioning. The signal shall ignite and operate satisfactorily following this conditioning.
(4) Spontaneous ignition. Place the
specimen in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at
75 °C. with not more than 10% relative
humidity for 48 consecutive hours. The
signal shall not ignite or undergo
marked decomposition.
(5) Susceptibility to explosion. Remove
smoke composition from signal and
punch a small hole in the composition.
Insert a No. 6 commercial blasting cap.
Ignite the cap. The test specimen shall
not explode or ignite.
(6) Corrosion resistance. Expose the
complete specimen with cover secured

hand-tight to a finely divided spray of
20 percent by weight sodium chloride
solution at a temperature between 32
°C and 38 °C (90 °F and 100 °F) for 100
hours. The container and cap must not
be corroded in any fashion that would
impair their proper functioning.
(7) Color of smoke. Ignite specimen in
the open air in daytime according to
the directions printed on the signal,
and determine the smoke color by direct visual comparison of the unshadowed portions of the smoke with a
color chart held so as to receive the
same daylight illumination as the
unshadowed portions of the smoke. The
color of the smoke must be orange as
defined by Sections 13 and 14 of the
‘‘Color Names Dictionary’’ (colors 34–39
and 48–54).
(8) Volume and density of smoke. The
test specimen shall show less than 20
percent transmission for not less than
3 minutes when measured with apparatus having a light path of 19 cm (71⁄2
in.), an optical system aperture of +3.7
degrees, and an entrance air flow of
18.4m3 per minute (650 cu. ft. per
minute), such apparatus to be as described in National Bureau of Standards Report No. 4792.
§ 160.022–5 Marking.
(a) Directions for use. Each floating
orange smoke distress signal shall be
plainly and indelibly marked in black
lettering not less than 3 mm (1⁄8 in.)
high ‘‘Approved for daytime use only’’,
and in black lettering not less than 5
mm (3⁄16 in.) high with the word ‘‘Directions’’. Immediately below shall be
similarly marked in black lettering
not less than 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) high: ‘‘1. Use
Only When Aircraft or Vessel Is Sighted’’. Then in numbered paragraphs, in
similar lettering, there shall follow in
simply and easily understood wording,
instructions to be followed to make the
device operative. Pasted-on labels are
not acceptable.
(b) Other markings. (1) There shall be
embossed or die-stamped, in the outer
container in figures not less than 5 mm
(3⁄16 in.) high, numbers, indicating the
month and year of manufacture, thus:
‘‘6–54’’ indicating June 1954. The outer
container shall also be plainly and indelibly marked with the commercial
designation of the signal, the words

58

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.023–4

‘‘Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal’’, name and address of the manufacturer, the Coast Guard Approval No.,
the service life expiration date (month
and year to be entered by the manufacturer), the month and year of manufacture and the lot number.
(2) In addition to any other marking
placed on the smallest packing carton
or box containing floating orange
smoke distress signals, such cartons or
boxes shall be plainly and indelibly
marked to show the service life expiration date, the month and year of manufacture, and the lot number.
(3) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’
(c) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.

(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on November 1,
1979.

NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.023–4 Approval and production
tests.
(a) Approval tests. The approval tests
are those tests prescribed for the
preproduction sample in MIL–S–18655.
The approval tests must be conducted
by an independent laboratory accepted
by the Commandant under § 159.010 of
this chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the
rejected lot, and the results of the second test.
(1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into
construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.

§ 160.023–2 Type.
(a) Hand combination flare and
smoke distress signals specified by this
subpart shall be of the type described
in specification MIL–S–18655.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.023–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction, and performance requirements.
(a) The materials, construction,
workmanship, general and detail requirements shall conform to the requirements of specification MIL–S–
18655, except as otherwise specifically
provided by this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.022–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.023—Hand Combination Flare and Smoke Distress
Signals
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73070, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.023–1 Incorporations
erence.

by

ref-

(a) The following are incorporated by
reference into this subpart:
(1) Military specifications MIL–S–
18655 C, 3 May 1971—Signal, Smoke and
Illumination, Marine, Mark 13, Mod 0.
(b) The military specification may be
obtained from Customer Service, Naval
Publications and Forms Center, 5801
Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 19120
(tel: (215)697–2000). This specification is
also on file in the Federal Register library.

59

§ 160.023–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

The manufacturer must select samples
from each lot and test them as specified in the production lot procedures in
MIL–S–18655.
(2) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and
tests under paragraph (b)(1) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots is less than four. The inspections and tests must occur at least
once during each quarterly period, unless no lots are produced during this
period. If less than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the inspection and testing of
each lot. If a lot of signals tested by
the independent laboratory is rejected,
the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspections and tests of the reworked lot and the next lot of signals
produced. The tests of each reworked
lot and the next lot produced must not
be counted for the purpose of meeting
the requirement for the annual number
of inspections and tests performed or
supervised by the independent laboratory.

(2) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’

§ 160.023–5 Labeling and marking.

Subpart 160.024—Pistol–Projected
Parachute Red Flare Distress
Signals

NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.023–6

Container.

(a) General. The container for storing
the signals on lifeboats and liferafts is
not required to be of a special design or
be approved by the Coast Guard. The
container must meet the requirements
in Subpart 160.021 (§ 160.021–6) except
that the wording on the container must
be: ‘‘HAND COMBINATION FLARE
AND SMOKE DISTRESS SIGNALS.’’
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.023–7

Procedure for approval.

(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

(a) Labeling. A label showing firing
instructions in accordance with specification MIL–S–18655, and to include
the commercial designation of the signal, the lot number, Coast Guard approval number, the service life expiration date (month and year to be inserted by the manufacturer), and
month and year of manufacture, shall
be applied in a neat, workmanlike
manner after the paint has become
thoroughly dry. The label shall be attached to the signal and then protected
by a transparent moisture impervious
coating.
(b) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.
(c) Other marking. (1) In addition to
any other marking placed on the smallest packing carton or box containing
signals, such cartons or boxes shall be
plainly and indelibly marked to show
the service life expiration date, the
date of manufacture, and the lot number.

SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73071, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.024–1 Incorporations
erence.

by

ref-

(a) The following is incorporated by
reference into this subpart:
(1) ‘‘The Universal Color Language’’
and ‘‘The Color Names Dictionary’’ in
Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of
Standards Special Publication 440, Dictionary 1976.
(b) NBS Special Publication 440 may
be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No.
C13.10:440).
(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the publication listed in this
section was obtained from the Director
of the Federal Register on November 1,

60

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§ 160.024–4

1979. The publication is on file at the
Federal Register Library.

§ 160.024–4
tests.

§ 160.024–2 Type.

(a) Approval tests. The manufacturer
must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples must be taken
for testing for approval under § 160.024–
7. The approval tests are the operational tests and technical tests in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
The approval tests must be conducted
by an independent laboratory accepted
by the Commandant under § 159.010 of
this chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the
rejected lot, and the results of the second test.
(1) Lot size. For the purposes of sampling the production of signals, a lot
must consist of not more than 30,000
signals. Lots must be numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot
must be started with: (i) Any change in
construction details, (ii) any change in
sources of raw materials, or (iii) the
start of production on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line.
(2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into
construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.
Samples from each lot must be tested
in accordance with the operational
tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and

(a) Pistol-projected parachute red
flare distress signals specified by this
subpart shall be of one type which shall
consist essentially of a cartridge having centered primer, propelling charge,
and projectile consisting of a case,
delay element, expelling charge, and
pyrotechnic candle attached to a parachute by shroud lines; the cartridge to
be of such dimensions that it can be
fitted into and fired from a signal pistol with chamber and bore dimensions
within the limits provided by Figure
160.028–2(a) of subpart 160.028 of this
chapter.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.024–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction, and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials used in
pistol-projected parachute red flare
distress signals shall conform strictly
to the specifications and drawings submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. In general,
all metallic parts shall be corrosion-resistant or properly protected against
corrosion.
(b) Workmanship. Pistol-projected
parachute red flare distress signals
shall be of first class workmanship and
shall be free from imperfections of
manufacture affecting their appearance or that may affect their serviceability.
(c) Construction. The exterior case of
the cartridge shall be made of suitable
metal and shall protect against the entrance of moisture. The projectile case
and delay element shall be so constructed as to prevent any possibility
of the propelling charge blowing by and
causing premature ejection of the projectile contents. The shoulder of the
base of the cartridge shall be between
2.29 mm (0.090 in.) and 2.67 mm (0.015
in.) in thickness. The centered primer
shall be set below the surface of the
base between 0.25 mm (0.010 in.) and
0.50 mm (0.020 in.).
(d) Performance. Signals shall meet
all of the inspection and test requirements contained in § 160.024–4.

61

Approval and production

§ 160.024–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

tests under paragraph (b)(2) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots produced in a year is
less than four. The inspections and
tests must occur at least once during
each quarterly period, unless no lots
are produced during this period. If less
than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspection and testing of each lot. In addition, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the technical tests in paragraph (d) of this section at least once
for every ten lots of signals produced,
except that the number of technical
tests must be at least one but not more
than four per year. If a lot of signals
tested by the independent laboratory is
rejected, the laboratory must perform
or supervise the inspections and tests
of the reworked lot and the next lot of
signals produced. The tests of each reworked lot and the next lot produced
must not be counted for the purpose of
meeting the requirement for the annual number of inspections and tests
performed or supervised by the independent laboratory.
(c) Operational tests. Each lot of signals must be sampled and tested as follows:
(1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. A sample of signals must
be selected at random from the lot. The
size of the sample must be the individual sample size in Table 160.024–4(c)(1)
corresponding to the lot size. Each signal in the sample is tested as prescribed in the test procedure in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each signal
that has a defect listed in the table of
defects. (Table 160.024–4(c)(2)) is assigned a score (failure percent) in accordance with the table. In the case of
multiple defects, only the score having
the highest numerical value is assigned
to that signal. If the sum of all the failure percents (cumulative failure percent) for the number of units in the
sample is less than or equal to the accept criterion, the lot is accepted. If
this sum is equal to or more than the
reject criterion the lot is rejected. If
the cumulative failure percent falls between the accept and reject criteria,
another sample is selected from the
production lot and the operational
tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is

added to that of the previous samples
to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples
are tested and the tests repeated until
either the accept or reject criterion for
the cumulative sample size is met. If
any signal in the sample explodes when
fired or ignites in a way that could
burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.024–4(c).)
(2) Test procedure. Each sample signal
(specimen) must be tested as follows:
(i) Conditioning of test specimens—
water resistance. Immerse specimen
horizontally with uppermost portion of
the signal approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
below the surface of the water for a period of 24 hours.
(ii) Firing and operating characteristics. Signals shall fire and operate satisfactorily when shot from a pistol of
the type described in subpart 160.028.
The parachute and pyrotechnic candle
shall be ejected at approximately the
maximum altitude reached by the projectile case. The parachute shall open
and properly suspend the pyrotechnic
candle without fouling. The pyrotechnic candle shall burn with uniform
intensity and without damaging the
parachute, shrouds, or leader line.
(iii) Altitude. The altitude reached by
a signal is considered to be the height
at which the parachute and pyrotechnic candle are ejected from the
projectile case, as determined by visual
observation against an object of known
height, such as a tower or ballon, or by
triangulation from two or more points
of observation, or by other method satisfactory to the Commandant. The altitude reached shall be not less than 45
m (150 ft.).
(iv) Rate of descent. The rate of descent of a signal is considered to be the
calculated average rate obtained by dividing the altitude by the time of descent to the surface. The rate of descent shall not exceed 1.8 m (6 ft.) per
second.
(v) Burning time. The burning time of
the pyrotechnic candle shall be obtained by stop watch measurement
from the time distinct, sustained flame
is emitted until it ceases. The burning
time shall be not less than 30 seconds.

62

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§ 160.024–4

63

§ 160.024–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

TABLE 160.024–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS.

TABLE 160.024–4(C)(2)—Continued
Kind of defect

Lot size

280 or
less.

Individual
sample
size

8

281 to
500.

13

501 to
1,200.

20

1,201 to
3,200.

32

More
than
3,201.

50

Sample

First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

1 Cumulative failure percent.
2 Lot may not be accepted. Next

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept1

Reject1

8
16
24
32
40
48
56
13
26
39
52
65
78
91
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
32
64
96
128
160
192
224
50
100
150
200
250
300
350

(2)
100
200
300
500
700
950
0
100
300
500
700
1,000
1,350
0
300
600
800
1,100
1,400
1,850
100
400
800
1,200
1,700
2,100
2,550
200
700
1,300
1,900
2,500
3,100
3,750

400
500
600
700
800
900
951
400
600
800
1,000
1,100
1,200
1,351
500
800
1,000
1,300
1,500
1,700
1,851
700
1,000
1,300
1,700
2,000
2,300
2,551
900
1,400
1,900
2,500
2,900
3,300
3,751

o. Burning time at least 70 pct but less than 80
pct of that required .........................................
p. Burning time at least 80 pct but less than 90
pct of that required .........................................
q. Burning time at least 90 pct but less than
100 pct of that required ..................................

TABLE 160.024–4(C)(2)

a. Failure to fire (when attributable to the primer and not to the malfunction of the pistol) ....
b. Failure to eject projectile contents ................
c. Failure to ignite pyrotechnic candle ...............
d. Failure of parachute to open completely .......
e. Complete carrying away or destruction of
parachute .......................................................
f. Altitude less than 70 pct of that required .......
g. Altitude at least 70 pct but less than 80 pct
of that required ...............................................
h. Altitude at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct
of that required ...............................................
i. Altitude at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct
of that required ...............................................
j. Average rate of descent greater than 4 times
maximum permitted ........................................
k. Average rate of descent less than 4 but
greater than 3 times maximum permitted ......
l. Average rate of descent less than 3 but
greater than 2 times maximum permitted ......
m. Average rate of descent less than twice but
greater than maximum permitted ...................
n. Burning time less than 70 pct of that required .............................................................

75
50
25

(d) Technical tests. Three signals must
be subjected to each of the following
tests. Two of the three signals must
pass each test in order for the lot of
signals to be accepted.
(1) Luminous intensity. The luminous
intensity of each pyrotechnic candle
tested shall be measured by a visual
photometer or equivalent photometric
device while the specimen is supported
in a horizontal position and the photometer is at right angles to the axis of
the specimen. Visual luminous intensity readings shall be observed and recorded at approximately 5-second intervals during the burning of the specimen. The minimum photometric distance shall be 3 m (10 ft.). Recording
photometers shall have a chart speed of
at least 10 cm (4 in.) per minute. The
luminous intensity of the specimen
shall be computed as the arithmetical
average of the readings recorded. The
average luminous intensity of a specimen shall be not less than 20,000 candela.
(2) Elevated temperature, humidity, and
storage.
Place
specimen
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 75 °C. with not
less than 90 percent relative humidity
for 72 hours. Remove specimen and
store at room temperature (20° to 25
°C.) with approximately 65 percent relative humidity for 10 days. If for any
reason it is not possible to operate the
oven continuously for the 72-hour period, it may be operated at the required
temperature and humidity for 8 hours
out of each 24 during the 72-hour conditioning period. (Total of 24 hours on
and 48 hours off.) The signal shall not
ignite or decompose during this conditioning. The signal shall fire and operate satisfactorily following this conditioning.
(3) Spontaneous ignition. Place the
specimen in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at
75 °C. with not more than 10% relative

sample must be tested.

Kind of defect

Percentage
of failure

Percentage
of failure
100
100
75
75
75
100
75
50
25
100
75
50
25
100

64

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.026–1
(c) Other marking. (1) On each pistolprojected parachute red flare distress
signal there shall be die-stamped, in
figures not less than 3mm (1⁄8 in.) high,
on the cartridge, numbers indicating
the month and year of manufacture,
thus: ‘‘6–54’’ indicating June 1954.
(2) The pyrotechnic candle shall be
legibly marked with the month and
year of manufacture.
(3) In addition to any other marking
placed on the smallest packing carton
or box containing cartridges, each carton or box shall be plainly and permanently marked to show the service life
expiration date, the date of manufacture, and the lot number.
(4) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’

humidity for 48 consecutive hours. The
signal shall not ignite or undergo
marked decomposition.
(4) Chromaticity. The color of the
burning signal must be vivid red as defined by Sections 13 and 14 of the
‘‘Color Names Dictionary.’’ Two identical test plates of white cardboard
about 30 cm × 60 cm (12″ × 24″) are used.
Except for a negligible amount of stray
daylight, the first test plate is illuminated by light from the specimen
placed at a distance of about 1.5 cm (5
ft.). The second test plate is illuminated only by light from an incandescent lamp operated at a color temperature close to 2,848° K at a distance of
about 30 cm (1 ft.). The first plate is
viewed directly, the second through
combinations of lovibond red, yellow,
and blue glasses selected so as to approximate a chromaticity match. By
separating the test plates by a wide
unilluminated area (subtending at the
observer about 45°), it is possible to
make accurate determinations of chromaticity in terms of the 1931 CIE
Standard Observer and Coordinate System, in spite of fluctuations in luminous intensity of the specimen by factors as high as 2 or 3. The CIE coordinates are converted to the Munsell notation which is cross-referenced to the
color name in Section 13 of the ‘‘Color
Names Dictionary’’ (see the discussion
in section 10 of ‘‘the Universal Color
Language’’).

NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.024–7

Procedure for approval.

(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.026—Water, Emergency Drinking (In Hermetically Sealed Containers), for
Merchant Vessels

§ 160.024–5 Marking.
(a) Cartridge. Each pistol-projected
parachute red flare distress signal shall
be legibly marked as follows:

§ 160.026–1 Applicable
and standard.

PISTOL-PROJECTED PARACHUTE RED FLARE
DISTRESS SIGNAL

specifications

(a) General. The following specifications and standard, of the issue in effect on the date emergency drinking
water is packed, form a part of this
subpart:
(1) Military specifications:

20,000 candela—30 seconds burning time
USE ONLY WHEN AIRCRAFT OR VESSEL IS SIGHTED DIRECTIONS— Fire upward from signal pis-

tol Service Life Expiration Date (date to be
inserted by manufacturer) (Month and year
manufactured) Lot No.lll

U.S. COAST GUARD APPROVAL NO.lll.

MIL–L–7178—Lacquer; cellulose nitrate, gloss
for aircraft use.
MIL–E–15090—Enamel, equipment, light-gray
(Formula No. 111).
MIL–W–15117—Water,
drinking,
canned,
emergency.

(b) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.

Drinking Water Standards (Publication No.
956).

Manufactured by (Name and address of manufacturer)

(2) U.S. Public Health Service:

65

§ 160.026–2

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications referred to in this section
shall be kept on file by the packer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval issued by the Coast
Guard. The military specifications may
be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., 19120. The
‘‘Drinking Water Standards’’ may be
obtained from the U.S. Department of
Health and Human Services, Public
Health Service, Washington, DC, 20201.

with the marking as provided by
§ 160.026–5 lithographed in black print.
After filling, sealing, autoclaving, and
marking, the container shall be dipcoated with one coat of clear base lacquer conforming to Specification MIL–
L–7178.
(c) Plant sanitation, sterilizing and filling. The plant and equipment in which
the water is canned shall be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times, and standard aseptic
procedures shall be followed throughout in filling the cans. The container
shall be free from all foreign materials,
and shall be filled with approximately
102⁄3 oz. of water meeting the requirements of § 160.026–4. After filling, it
shall be hermetically sealed under vacuum, and after sealing, it shall be
autoclaved at a temperature of not less
than 250 °F. for not less than 15 minutes.

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11466, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 84–064, 49 FR 34004, Aug. 28,
1984]

§ 160.026–2 Type.
(a) Emergency drinking water for
lifeboats and life rafts and its hermetically sealed container shall be as specified herein, but alternate containers
will be given special consideration.
(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7865, Dec. 5, 1953]

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7865, Dec. 5, 1953]

§ 160.026–4

§ 160.026–3 Container.

Water.

(a) Only water meeting the U.S. Public Health Service ‘‘Drinking Water
Standards’’ which has been suitably inhibited to protect the container
against corrosion shall be used. After
treatment and packing the water shall
be free from organic matter, sediment
and odor. It shall have a pH between 7.0
and 9.0 as determined by means of a
standard pH meter using glass electrodes.
(b) [Reserved]

(a) General. The emergency drinking
water container shall be a sanitary
type can, approximately 211⁄16 in diameter by 47⁄8″ in height. The top and bottom of the can shall be double-seamed
and compound-lined. The side seam
shall be of a locked type, soldered on
the outside. The can shall be made of
1.25-pound
coating
coke
tin-plate
throughout, with not less than 100pound plate for the body and 85-pound
plate for the ends.
(b) Interior and exterior coatings. The
interior of the container shall be
uncoated, except for the tin-plating required by paragraph (a) of this section.
In addition to the tin-plating, the exterior surfaces of the container, including the ends, but excluding the side
seam, shall be lithographed a gray
enamel conforming to Type I or II,
Class 2 of Specification MIL–E–15090,

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11466, Sept. 8, 1965]

§ 160.026–5

Marking.

(a) General. The month and year of
packing and the lot number shall be
embossed on the top of the container.
The
container
shall
also
be
lithographed on one side in accordance
with § 160.026–3(b) with the following:

66

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.026–6

‘‘U. S. Coast Guard
Approval No.

rafts, a lot shall consist of all cans of
water to be offered for inspection at
one time. Lots shall be numbered serially by the packer, and a new lot shall
be started with any change or modification in materials or production
methods.
(c) Visual inspection of containers. The
independent laboratory inspector shall
select at random from each lot the
number of sample filled containers indicated in table 160.026–6(c), which shall
be examined visually for compliance
with the requirements of this subpart.
If the number of defective cans exceeds
the acceptance number shown in the
table for the samples selected, the lot
shall be rejected.

’’

ll

(Not less than 3⁄22″ in height)
‘‘Contents
Approx. 102⁄3 oz.’’
(Not less than 3⁄32″ in height)
‘‘EMERGENCY
DRINKING
WATER’’
(Not less than 2⁄3″ in height)
(Name and address of packer)
(Not less than 1⁄8″ in height)

TABLE 160.026–6(C)—SAMPLING FOR VISUAL
INSPECTION OF CONTAINERS

(b) Other marking. In addition to any
other marking placed on the smallest
packing carton or box in which emergency drinking water containers are
placed prior to shipment, each carton
or box shall be plainly and permanently marked with the name and address of the packer, the month and
year of packing, and the lot number.

No. of
cans in
sample

Lot size
800 and under ............................
801 to 1,300 ...............................
1,301 to 3,200 ............................
3,201 to 8,000 ............................
8,001 and over ...........................

Acceptance
number

35
50
75
110
150

0
1
2
3
4

(d) Laboratory tests of containers and
water. The manufacturer shall select at
random from each lot the number of
sets of 11 filled sample containers indicated in Table 160.026–6(d1), which shall
be forwarded to an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard
under 46 CFR 159.010. The independent
laboratory shall perform the tests outlined in Table 160.026–6(d2). If any sample is found to be non-conforming in
any of these tests, the lot shall be rejected.

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7865, Dec. 5, 1953]

§ 160.026–6 Sampling, inspection, and
tests of production lots.
(a) General. Containers of emergency
drinking water must be tested in accordance with the provisions of this
section by an independent laboratory
accepted by the Coast Guard under 46
CFR 159.010.
(b) Lots. For purposes of sampling the
production of approved emergency
drinking water for lifeboats and life

TABLE 160.026–6(D1)—SAMPLING FOR LABORATORY TESTS
Lot size

Number of sets of samples to be selected

3,200 and under ................................................................................
3,201 and over ..................................................................................

1 set of 11 containers each.
2 sets of 11 containers each.

TABLE 160.026–6(D)(2)—DESCRIPTION OF LABORATORY TESTS
Number of containers per set of samples
to be tested

Type of test

Reference specification for test procedure to be followed

2 ...............................................................
9 ...............................................................

Internal corrosion and vacuum ................
Bacteriological limits and salt content .....

MIL–W–15117.
MIL–W–15117 and U.S. Public Health
‘‘Drinking Water Standards.’’

67

§ 160.026–7

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(e) Lot acceptance. When the independent laboratory is satisfied that the
emergency drinking water meets the
requirements of this subpart, the lot
shall be accepted. When permitted by
the independent laboratory, rejected
lots may be resubmitted for official inspection, provided all containers in the
lot have been reworked by the packer,
and all defective units removed. Emergency drinking water from rejected
lots may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale under
representation as being in compliance
with this subpart or as being approved
for use on merchant vessels.

will be forwarded to the Commandant
for examination, and, if satisfactory,
an official approval number will be assigned to the manufacturer for the
emergency drinking water.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.027—Life Floats for
Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41376, Sept. 20,
1982, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.027–2

Type.

(a) Each life float must meet the requirements in subpart 160.010 of this
chapter for a peripheral body type
buoyant apparatus designed so that
persons supported are only partially
immersed (180 N (40 lb.) of buoyancy
per person required).
(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7865, Dec. 5, 1953, as
amended by CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11466, Sept. 8,
1965; CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976;
CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.026–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) General. Emergency drinking
water for lifeboats and liferafts on merchant vessels is approved only by the
Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.
(b) Pre-approval samples and plans.
Packers who desire to pack approved
emergency drinking water shall have
the required tests in accordance with
§ 160.026–5 performed by an independent
laboratory accepted by the Coast
Guard under 46 CFR 159.010. A copy of
the independent laboratory’s report

§ 160.027–3 Additional
for life floats.

requirements

(a) Each life float must have a platform designed to drop through the center of the float, whichever way the life
float is floating. A typical arrangement
is shown in Figure 160.027–3(a).
(b) The platform must meet the requirements of one of the following
paragraphs:

68

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.027–3

(1) A lattice type platform must be of
western red cedar, port orford cedar,
sitka spruce, northern white pine, or
southern cypress slats constructed on

an oak frame. The slats must have
nominal cross-section dimensions not
less than 90 mm (35⁄8 in.) by 9.5 mm (3⁄8
in.). The frame members must have

69

§ 160.027–7

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

nominal cross-section dimensions not
less than 100 mm (4 in.) by 12.5 mm (1⁄2
in.). The space between adjacent slats
must not exceed the width of the slats.
The space between each frame member
and the adjacent slat must not exceed
twice the width of the slats. The platform must be riveted together at each
intersection of—
(i) Frame members,
(ii) Slats, and
(iii) Frame members and slats.
(2) A plywood platform must be made
of exterior or marine type plywood
with surfaces that are either ‘‘A’’ or
‘‘B’’ grade as commonly designated in
the plywood industry. Holes 35 mm (13⁄8
in.) to 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter must
be drilled through the platform. The
number of holes must be at least the
number equal to (L–25) (W–25)/225,
where L is the length of the platform
in cm and W is the width of the platform in cm. (The formula is (L–10)(W–
10)/36 where L and W are measured in
inches.) The thickness of the plywood
must be at least—
(i) 12.5 mm (1⁄2 in.) for life floats of 10
persons capacity and under,
(ii) 16 mm (5⁄8 in.) for life floats between 11 and 25 persons capacity inclusive, and
(iii) 19 mm (3⁄4 in.) for life floats of 26
persons capacity and over.
(3) A platform of construction differing from that described in either (1) or
(2) of this paragraph will be approved if
it has holes to permit the passage of
water and if it passes the tests in
§ 160.027–7. The number of holes must be
the same as required for a plywood
platform. If the platform is netting on
a frame, the netting must be constructed of cordage with a breaking
strength of at least 1600 N (355 lb.). The
netting must be constructed on not
more than 5 cm (2 in.) centers and must
be knotted together at each point
where the lines intersect.
(c) Each platform must be of a material that is resistant to deterioration
by exposure to weather or must have a
surface that protects it from deterioration by exposure to weather. For a
wood platform, this surface must be at
least two coats of water resistant spar
varnish, or two coats of marine paint.
(d) Each part of the platform, including surfaces, edges, and rivets must be

smooth and must not have cutting
edges, points, or splinters which would
be dangerous for bare feet.
(e) The platform must be arranged so
that under normal stowed conditions,
it can be retained in the center of the
float and can be readily released from
this position for use.
(f) The platform must be suspended
from the body of the float by a net or
an equivalent arrangement, which
when fully extended, holds the top of
the platform approximately 900 mm (36
in.) below the center of the float body.
(1) The net must be constructed of
cordage with a minimum breaking
strength of 1600 N (355 lb.). The net
must be attached to the platform
through holes on centers that do not
exceed 165 mm (61⁄2 in.).
(2) If the platform is suspended from
the body of the float by an arrangement other than a net as described in
paragraph (c)(1) of this section, the arrangement must be of equivalent to the
net in terms of strength, resistance to
tangling, and allowing the platform to
freely pass through the center of the
life float body.
§ 160.027–7 Pre-approval tests for alternate platform designs.
(a) The tests in this section are for
life float platforms that do not meet
the requirements of either § 160.027–3(b)
(1) or (2).
(b) The float body must be supported
so that the platform is suspended in
the air by the net or equivalent supporting arrangement. The platform
must be loaded evenly with a weight
equal to 60 percent of the weight of the
total number of persons for which the
float is to be rated, assuming a weight
of 75 kg (165 lb.) per person. The weight
must be allowed to remain on the platform for ten minutes after which it is
removed. The supporting arrangement
and platform must not show any evidence of damage or permanent deformation as a result of this test.
(c) The float body must be supported
so that the platform is suspended in
the air by the net or equivalent supporting arrangement. A bag of sand,
shot or similar granular material
weighing 90 kg (200 lb.) must be
dropped onto the center of the platform

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from a height of 3 m (10 ft.). The supporting arrangement and platform
must not show any damage that would
affect the serviceability of the float or
platform.
(d) As part of the buoyancy test required in § 160.010–7(e) of this chapter,
the platform must be loaded with
weights equal to 1⁄2 the rated capacity
of the float. There must be no damage
to the supporting arrangement or platform as a result of this test.

ture affecting their serviceability or
appearance.
(c) Construction and performance requirements. (Pistols intended for signals
meeting Subpart 160.024). Signal pistols
shall be of rugged construction and
shall operate satisfactorily in firing
and ejecting pistol-projected parachute
red flare distress signals of the type
covered by Subpart 160.024. The ejection mechanism shall be of sturdy design capable of withstanding rough and
repeated usage. The overall size and
weight of signal pistols should be kept
to a minimum consistent with adequate strength and safety. When the
pistol is cocked and the trigger is
pulled, the firing pin shall project between 1.52 mm and 2.54 mm (0.060 in.
and 0.100 in.) beyond the face plate of
the frame. When the barrel is locked in
the firing position, the barrel chamber
shall be not more than 0.25 mm (0.010
in.) from the face plate of the frame.

NOTE: Since the weights on the platform
will be submerged during this test, allowance
must be made for the displacement of the
submerged weights. The weight required is
calculated by the formula W=(18d)/(d–4895),
where W is the required submerged weight
per person (in kg) and d is the density of the
material (in kg/m3). (In customary U.S.
units, the formula is W=40d)/(d–63) where W
is in lb. and d is in lb./ft.3).

Subpart 160.028—Signal Pistols for
Red Flare Distress Signals

§ 160.028–4 Approval and production
tests.
(a) Approval test. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must test
three pistols in accordance with the
operational test in paragraph (c) of this
section.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each pistol must be conducted under
the procedures in § 159.007 of this chapter. Each pistol which passes the production inspections and tests must be
stamped with the letters ‘‘P.T.’’ Each
pistol which fails the test must not be
represented as meeting this subpart or
as being approved by the Coast Guard.
(1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include the inspection of the pistols during production, and inspection of the finished pistols, to determine that the pistols are
being produced in accordance with the
approved plans. Each pistol must be
tested in accordance with the operational test in paragraph (c) of this
section, except that checking of the
chamber and bore dimensions is not required.
(2) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant

SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73078, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.028–2 Type.
(a) Each signal pistol for launching a
parachute distress signal that meets
subpart 160.024 of this part must be of
the center-firing type having chamber
and bore dimensions within the limits
indicated by Figure No. 160.028–2(a).
(b) A signal pistol for launching an
aerial flare not under paragraph (a) of
this section may have any chamber and
bore dimensions if they are not the dimensions for a conventional round of
ammunition.
§ 160.028–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction, and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials used in
signal pistols shall conform strictly to
the specifications and drawings submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. In general,
all parts shall be corrosion-resistant or
properly protected against corrosion.
The ejection mechanism shall be of
material possessing excellent wearing
qualities.
(b) Workmanship. Signal pistols shall
be of first class workmanship and shall
be free from imperfections of manufac-

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

under § 159.010 of this Chapter must inspect and test three pistols at least one
each year. The inspection must determine that the pistols are being produced in accordance with the approved
plans. The test must be in accordance
with paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Operational test. The operational
test must be conducted as follows:

(1) Check the chamber and bore dimensions of the pistol.
(2) Fire a dummy cartridge simulating a normal signal in size and weight,
but with a charge double the normal
charge.
(3) Fire a normal signal.

72

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§ 160.028–4

(4) Recheck the chamber and bore dimensions.
(5) The pistol must fire the signal
properly, must not have any visible deformation or damage as a result of the

test, and must not have any change in
the chamber and bore dimensions.

73

§ 160.028–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 160.028–5 Marking.
(a) General. Each signal pistol shall
be permanently and legibly marked
with its serial number, Coast Guard approval number, and the name and address of the manufacturer.
(b) [Reserved]

for the projectile, of not more than 13
mm (0.50 in.) caliber, chambered for
blank rifle cartridges, smooth bored,
and properly stocked, with shot line
canister attached in a position below
the barrel.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.028–6 Container.
(a) General. Containers for the stowage of signal pistols and pistol projected parachute red flare distress signals in lifeboats and life rafts on merchant vessels are not required to have
specific approval or to be of specific design except for certain material, marking, and test requirements, which requirements are contained in § 160.024–6
of subpart 160.024.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.031–3 Materials,
construction,
workmanship, and performance requirements.
(a) All materials used in the construction of shoulder gun type linethrowing appliances and equipment
shall be of good quality, suitable for
the purpose intended, and shall conform to the requirements of this specification. The choice of materials shall
be such that resistance to corrosion by
salt water or spray, shock, temperature change, and wear will be obtained.
The use of dissimilar metals in combination shall be avoided wherever possible, but when such contacts are necessary, provision shall be made to prevent such deleterious effects as galvanic corrosion, freezing or buckling of
moving parts, and loosening or tightening of joints due to difference in coefficients of thermal expansion.
(b) The design and construction shall
be proper and substantial for effective
and safe operation aboard ship.
(c) The workmanship shall be first
class and free from any imperfections
of manufacture affecting appearance or
serviceability of the gun.
(d) The gun, when loaded and fired in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, shall be capable of propelling through relatively still air, the
service projectile with service line attached, for a distance of not less than
75 m (250 ft.) with deviation from the
target not to exceed 4.5 m (15 ft.) either
side.

§ 160.028–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart
160.031—Line-Throwing
Appliance,
Shoulder
Gun
Type (and Equipment)
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73080, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.031–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) The following Federal specification is incorporated by reference into
this subpart:
(1) T–R–605 b, December 13, 1963 and
Amendment 3, April 17, 1973—Rope, Manila, and Sisal.
(b) The Federal specification may be
obtained from Customer Service, Naval
Publications and Forms Center, 5801
Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA. 19120
(tel: (215)697–2000). This specification is
also on file in the Federal Register library.
(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the material listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on September 24,
1979.

§ 160.031–4 Equipment for shoulder
gun type line-throwing appliance.
(a) Ten service projectiles, each machined from steel or bronze, weighing
about 225 g (8 oz.), and having a shank
of sufficient length to project slightly
beyond the muzzle, with an eye at the
upper end for securing the service line.
(b) Four service lines, each not less
than 180 m (600 ft.) in length, of 1.5 mm
(1⁄16-in.) or more in diameter, woven or
braided nylon, very flexible, and having

§ 160.031–2 Type and size.
(a) The shoulder gun type line-throwing appliance shall be breech-loading
for the cartridge and muzzle-loading

74

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§ 160.031–6

a breaking strength of not less than 625
N (140 lb.), or equivalent. Each line
shall be one continuous length without
splice, knot, or other weakening features and shall be made up or coiled in
such way as to render it ready at all
times for immediate use. The end of
the line intended to be attached to projectile shall have securely attached
thereto a substantial tag bearing a permanent legend indicating its purpose,
and the other end of the line shall be
tagged in the same manner to prevent
delay in securing proper and immediate action with the equipment. The
line shall be coiled or reeled in such
manner that when all the line leaves
the canister it automatically becomes
unattached and free from the canister
and the gun. The line canister shall be
secured by clamps or brackets below
the barrel of the gun.
(c) One auxiliary line consisting of at
least 150 m (500 ft.) of 7.5 mm (3 in.) circumference manila complying with federal specification T–R–605.
(d) Twenty-five cartridges of the caliber and loading specified in the instructions furnished by the manufacturer of the gun. The cartridges shall
be blank with waterproof paper wad.
(e) One cleaning rod with brush.
(f) One can of oil suitable for cleaning the gun and preserving the finish of
the metal parts.
(g) Twelve wiping patches of a size
suitable for cleaning the bore.
(h) One set of instructions including
a list of the equipment furnished with
the gun, the proper caliber and loading
of the cartridges to be used in firing
the gun, information as to the proper
maintenance of the gun and equipment,
and directions for loading and firing in
service use shall be permanently engraved in plastic and mounted conspicuously in the case or box required
by § 160.031–4(i).
(i) A suitable case or box, properly
compartmented for stowage of the appliance and auxiliary equipment, is required for stowage on merchant vessels. The auxiliary line need not be
stowed in the case.

under § 159.010 of this chapter must test
an appliance in accordance with the
operational test in paragraph (c) of this
section.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each appliance must be conducted
under the procedures in § 159.007 of this
chapter. Each appliance which fails the
inspections and tests must not be represented as meeting this Subpart or as
being approved by the Coast Guard.
(1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include the inspection of appliances during production as well as inspection of finished
appliances to determine that the appliances are being produced in accordance
with the approved plans. Each appliance must be tested in accordance with
paragraph (c) of this section except
that the projectile may be fired without a service line attached, and the distance and deviation do not have to be
measured.
(2) Inspections and test by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must inspect and test one appliance at least
once each year. The inspection must
determine that the appliances are
being produced in accordance with the
approved plans. The test must be in accordance with paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Operational test. The operational
test must be conducted as follows:
(1) Three rounds must be fired by the
gun, at least one of which must be with
a service line attached to a projectile.
(2) The projectile must be fired first
by aiming it down an open course, and
measuring the distance and deviation
of the projectile.
(3) After the projectile is fired, the
other two rounds must be fired.
(4) The distance and deviation of the
projectile must be in accordance with
§ 160.031–3(d) the gun must fire each
round properly and the gun must not
be fractured or damaged by the test.
§ 160.031–6 Marking.
(a) Gun. The gun shall be permanently and legibly marked on the barrel with the manufacturer’s model or
type designation of the gun, the serial

§ 160.031–5 Approval and production
tests.
(a) Approval test. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

number for the gun, the official Coast
Guard approval number, and the name
of the manufacturer. The gun stock
shall have recessed in it a brass or
other corrosion-restistant plate showing legible maintenance instructions
for the care of the gun and its parts to
prevent corrosion. After the proof test,
the gun barrel shall be marked with
the letters ‘‘P.T.’’ and the name or
mark of the company.
(b) Projectile. Projectiles shall be permanently and legibly marked with the
name of the manufacturer.
(c) Line and container. The end of a
service line intended to be attached to
the projectile shall have securely attached thereto a substantial tag bearing a permanent legend indicating its
purpose, and the other end of the line
shall be tagged in the same manner to
prevent delay in securing proper and
immediate action with the equipment.
The container of new service lines shall
bear the name of the manufacturer,
date of manufacture, and a statement
to the effect that in all respects the
line meets the requirements of this
subpart for service lines. Line canisters
and reels shall bear the name of the
manufacturer.

manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. The A.S.T.M. Standards may be
purchased from the American Society
for Testing Materials, 1916 Race Street,
Philadelphia, Pa., 19103.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11466, Sept. 8, 1965]

§ 160.032–2 General requirements for
davits.
(a) The requirements of this section
apply to all new construction. Davits
approved and in use prior to the regulations in this subpart may be continued
in service if in satisfactory condition.
(b) Davits may be either of the mechanical or gravity types.
(1) Mechanical davits shall be designed to be swung out by screws,
gears, or other means, using manual
power for operation. Radial type davits
with mechanical means for operating
are not acceptable under this category.
(2) Gravity davits shall be designed
to be swung out without the use of
manual, electric, steam, or other power
supplied by the vessel.
(3) Other types of davits will be given
special consideration.
(c) Davits shall be so designed that it
will not be necessary to take up or
slack the falls in order to crank out
the davits.
(d) For the purpose of calculations
and conducting tests, the weight of the
persons shall be taken at 165 pounds
each.
(e) The requirements of this subpart
shall be complied with unless other arrangements in matters of construction
details, design, strength, equivalent in
safety and efficiency are approved by
the Commandant.

§ 160.031–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Shoulder gun line throwing appliances are approved by the Coast Guard
under the procedures in subpart 159.005
of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.032—Davits for
Merchant Vessels
§ 160.032–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) Specifications. The following specifications of the issue in effect on the
date the davits are manufactured form
a part of this subpart:
(1) A.S.T.M. standards:

[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5112, Aug. 17, 1949]

§ 160.032–3

Construction of davits.

(a) Strength required. Davits shall be
of such strength that the lifeboat may
be lowered safely with its full complement of persons and equipment, it
being assumed that the vessel is heeled
15 degrees in either direction and with
a 10-degree trim. A minimum factor of
safety of 6 on the ultimate strength of
the materials shall be maintained at
all times based on the approved working load.

A7, Specification for Steel for Bridges and
Buildings.
A27, Specification for Mild to Medium
Strength Carbon Steel Castings for General
Application.
A216, Specification for Carbon-Steel Castings Suitable for Fusion Welding for High
Temperature Service.

(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specification standards referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the

76

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§ 160.032–5

(b) Turning out. (1) Mechanical davits
shall be designed so that they may be
operated from the full inboard to the
full outboard position when the lifeboat is fully equipped, but not loaded
with persons, it being assumed that the
vessel is heeled 15 degrees in either direction and with a 10-degree trim.
(2) Gravity davits shall be designed
so that they may be operated automatically from the full inboard to the
full outboard position when the lifeboat is fully equipped, but not loaded
with persons, it being assumed that the
vessel is heeled 15 degrees in either direction and with a 10-degree trim. This
operation shall be accomplished by
merely releasing the brake of the lifeboat winch.
(c) Materials. (1) Structural steel
made by the open-hearth or electric
furnace process shall be in accordance
with A.S.T.M. Standard Specification
A7.
(2) Steel castings not intended for fusion welding shall be in accordance
with A.S.T.M. Standard Specification
A27, Grades U–60–30, 60–30, 65–30, 65–35,
and 70–36.
(3) Steel castings intended to be fabricated by fusion welding shall be in
accordance with A.S.T.M. Standard
Specification A216, Grades WCA and
WCB.
(4) Cast iron shall not be used in the
construction of davits.
(5) Special consideration shall be
given to the use of other materials.
Proper affidavits concerning these materials will be required.
(d) Bearings. Bearings of davits shall
be of non-ferrous metal, or shall be of
the roller or ball-bearing type. Positive
means of retaining the bearings in position and of lubricating same shall be
provided except that self-lubricated
bearings in sheaves of manila rope
blocks will be acceptable. The manufacturer shall furnish a lubrication
chart for each davit together with a
plate attached to the davit indicating
the lubricants recommended for extremes in temperature.
(e) Guards. All moving parts shall
have suitable guards.
(f) Welding. Welding, when employed,
shall be performed by welders certified
by the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, or U.S. Navy Depart-

ment, and the electrodes used shall be
of an approved type.
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5112, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10898, Aug. 21,
1965; CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11466, Sept. 8, 1965]

§ 160.032–4

Capacity of davits.

(a) Davits shall be approved for a
working load after it has been demonstrated by detailed calculations that
this working load can be carried with a
minimum factor of safety of six based
on the ultimate strength of the materials. It will also be necessary to conduct the tests specified in § 160.032–5.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949]

§ 160.032–5 Inspection and testing of
davits.
(a) Material testing. (1) Where davit
arms and frames are fabricated of steel
castings, an inspector shall be present
at the foundry where such castings are
made to witness the tests prescribed by
the applicable specification. The manufacturer shall furnish an affidavit stating that the material complies with
the requirement of the specification
noted in § 160.032–3(c) (2) or (3). The inspector shall stamp the casting with
the letters U.S.C.G., the Marine Inspection Office identification letters, the
letters F.T., and the date of inspection.
(2) The manufacturer shall furnish an
affidavit stating that the structural
steel complies with the requirements
of the specification noted in § 160.032–
3(c)(1).
(3) The affidavits referred to above
shall be obtained from the foundry or
mill supplying the material.
(b) Factory tests for initial approval. (1)
Mechanical davits shall be tested for
strength and operation at the place of
manufacture in the presence of an inspector. The davits shall be completely
assembled. The tests to be conducted
are as noted in paragraphs (b) (2)
through (4) of this section.
(2) A weight equal to 2.2 times the
working load shall be suspended from
the eye or end of the davit arm. With
this load suspended from the davit it
shall be operated from the full inboard
to the full outboard position using the
same operating crank or device used in
actual practice aboard ship. The load

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

shall then be swung in a fore and aft direction through an arc of approximately 10 degrees, each side of the vertical. The davit arm and frame shall
show no permanent set or undue stress
from this test. While this test is being
conducted, the frame and arm, if of
cast material, shall be subject to a test
by being hammered to satisfy the inspector that the castings are sound and
without flaws.
(3) A weight equal to 0.5 times the
normal working load shall be suspended from the eye or end of the davit
arm. This load shall be moved from the
full inboard to the full outboard position using the actual handles supplied
with the davit. The time required for
this operation shall not exceed 90 seconds. The above test shall also be conducted with the davits set up to simulate a 15-degree inboard list with a 10degree trim to determine that the
davits may be satisfactorily operated
in that condition. The above test shall
also be conducted with the davits set
up to simulate a 15-degree outboard list
with a 10-degree trim. This test shall
determine that the davit arms will not
run out under the weight of the light
boat.
(4) A load of 1.1 times the normal
working load shall be moved from the
full outboard to the full inboard position to demonstrate the strength of operation of the return mechanism.
(5) Gravity davits shall be tested for
strength and operation at the place of
manufacture in the presence of an inspector. The davit arms, tracks,
frames, attachments, etc., shall be set
up in a manner similar to an actual
shipboard installation. This installation shall include a lifeboat winch suitable for gravity davits and the falls
shall be reeved in the normal manner.
The tests to be conducted are as noted
in paragraphs (b)(6) to (8) of this paragraph.
(6) A weight equal to 1.1 times the
working load shall be run from the full
inboard to the full outboard position
with the davit assembly in the normal
upright condition. The davit arm,
trackways, etc., shall show no permanent set or undue stress from this test.
(7) A weight equal to 2.2 times the
working load shall be attached to the
falls and suspended from the davit arm

when in the full outboard position. The
load shall be swung in a fore and aft direction through an arc of approximately 10 degrees each side of the vertical. The davit arm and trackways
shall show no permanent set or undue
stress from this test.
(8) The entire davit assembly shall
then be heeled inboard 15 degrees and
with a 10-degree trim. In this condition
a weight equal to 0.5 times the working
load shall be suspended from the falls
and shall be operated from the full inboard to the full outboard position.
This test shall demonstrate that the
load is sufficient to turn out the davit
by merely releasing the brake on the
winch. Stops shall be made at intervals
between the inboard and outboard positions to assure that the davit will start
from any position.
(c) Factory testing after approval. (1)
After the design of a mechanical davit
has been approved, subsequent davits
of the same design shall be individually
tested as described in paragraph (b)(2)
of this section.
(2) After the design of a gravity davit
has been approved, subsequent davit
arms of the same design shall be individually tested as described in paragraph (b)(7) of this section, except that
the swing test may be eliminated if not
practicable.
(d) Name plate. (1) A corrosion resistant name plate shall be affixed to each
davit arm and frame on which shall be
stamped the name of the manufacturer,
approval number, type and serial number of the davit, maximum working
load in pounds per arm together with
the Marine Inspection Office identification letters, the date, and the letters
‘‘U.S.C.G.’’
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8,
1965; CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976]

§ 160.032–6 Procedure for approval of
davits.
(a) Before action is taken on any design of davit, detailed plans covering
fully the arrangement and construction of the davit together with stress
diagrams and calculations relative to
the strength of the davit, and a complete bill of material setting forth the
physical properties of all materials

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§ 160.033–3

used shall be submitted to the Commandant through the Commander of
the Coast Guard District having jurisdiction over the construction of the
davit.
(b) If the drawings required in paragraph (a) of this section are satisfactory the Commander of the Coast
Guard District in which the davits are
to be built shall be notified in writing
when fabrication is to commence. An
inspector will be assigned to supervise
the construction in accordance with
the plans and upon completion conduct
the tests required by § 160.032–5.
(c) At the time that the tests are successfully completed, the manufacturer
shall present to the inspector four corrected copies of the plans noted in
paragraph (a) of this section, including
any corrections, changes, or additions
which may have been found necessary
during construction or testing. If the
manufacturer desires more than one
set of approved plans, additional copies
shall be submitted at that time.
(d) Upon receipt of corrected drawings and satisfactory test report, the
Commandant will issue a certificate of
approval. No change shall be made in
the design or construction without
first receiving permission of the Commandant via the Commander of the
Coast Guard District in which the
davits are built.

proval. The specification may be obtained from the Commandant (G–MSE),
U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC
20593–0001.
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.033–2 General requirements for
mechanical disengaging apparatus.
(a) The requirements of this subpart
apply to all new construction. Mechanical disengaging apparatus approved
and in use prior to the regulations in
this subpart may be continued in service if in satisfactory condition.
(b) Mechanical disengaging apparatus
installed in approved lifeboats shall be
designed to release both ends of the
lifeboat simultaneously under tension.
(c) Other types of mechanical disengaging apparatus will be considered
for lifeboats fitted on vessels operating
on waters other than ocean, coastwise
or Great Lakes, or for vessels of 3,000
gross tons and under operating in
ocean, coastwise or Great Lakes service.
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5,
1960]

§ 160.033–3 Construction of mechanical
disengaging apparatus.
(a) Mechanical disengaging apparatus
shall be of such strength that the lifeboat in which installed may be safely
lowered with its full complement of
persons and equipment. A minimum
factor of safety of six on the ultimate
strength of the materials used shall be
maintained at all times based on the
approved working load per hook.
(b) Mechanical disengaging apparatus
shall be designed to release both ends
of the lifeboat simultaneously under
tension, which shall be effected by partially rotating a shaft which shall be
continuous and extend from point of
contact with the hooks. The control effecting the rotation of the shaft shall
be painted bright red and shall have
thereon in raised letters the words
‘‘DANGER—LEVER DROPS BOAT’’.
The control shall be readily accessible,
secured to a permanent part of the lifeboat structure, and so installed as not

[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949]

Subpart 160.033—Mechanical Disengaging Apparatus, Lifeboat, for Merchant Vessels
§ 160.033–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) Specifications. The following specifications of the issue in effect on the
date mechanical disengaging apparatus
is manufactured form a part of this
subpart.
(1) Coast Guard specifications:
160.035, Specification for Lifeboats for Merchant Vessels.

(b) Copies on file. A copy of the specification regulations referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period
consisting of the duration of approval
and 6 months after termination of ap-

79

§ 160.033–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
apparatus shall be tested by suspending
a lifeboat loaded with deadweight
equivalent to the number of persons allowed in the lifeboat (165 pounds per
person) together with the weight of the
equipment, plus 10 percent of the total
load. The release lever shall then be
thrown over with this load suspended
until the lifeboat is released. This test
shall demonstrate the efficiency of the
installation in an actual lifeboat. (This
test may be conducted ashore by suspending the lifeboat just clear of the
ground.)
(d) Factory testing after approval. (1)
In general, no factory tests after approval are required. However, each lifeboat in which mechanical disengaging
apparatus is fitted shall be tested in
accordance with § 160.035–13(a) of subpart 160.035.
(e) Name plate. A corrosion resistant
name plate shall be attached to each
hook assembly giving the manufacturer’s name, approval number, and approved working load (as installed).

to interfere with the inspection of any
removable parts of the lifeboat or its
equipment.
(c) If closed type hooks are used, arrangements shall be made to effect the
release of the falls in the event that
the gear is inoperable.
(d) Positive means of lubrication
shall be provided for all bearings.
(e) Welding, when employed, shall be
performed by welders certified by the
U. S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of
Shipping, or U. S. Navy Department,
and the electrodes used shall be of an
approved type.
(f) The manufacturer shall furnish
mill or foundry affidavits relative to
the physical and chemical properties of
the materials used.
[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 52–10, 17 FR 2365, Mar. 19,
1952; CGFR 57–27, 22 FR 4021, June 7, 1957]

§ 160.033–4 Inspection and testing of
mechanical disengaging apparatus.
(a) Inspection. Mechanical disengaging apparatus shall be inspected during
the course of construction to determine that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction are
in accordance with the approved plans.
(b) Factory tests for initial approval. (1)
Mechanical
disengaging
apparatus
shall be tested to destruction in a jig
built in accordance with the drawing
required in § 160.033–5(a). This test shall
be conducted in the presence of an inspector.
(2) Universal connections used to
transmit the release power from the
throw lever to the hook release shall be
set up in a jig with the angles of leads
set at 0.30, and 60 degrees, respectively.
A load of 200 pounds shall be applied at
the end of a lever arm 24 inches long.
This load shall be applied with the connecting rod secured beyond the universal and with the lever arm in the horizontal position. This test shall demonstrate that the universals have
strength adequate for the purpose intended. There shall be no permanent
set, or undue stress as a result of this
test. Consideration will be given to arrangements other than universals submitted for this transmission of power.
(c) Installation test prior to passing first
unit installed. (1) Each new type or arrangement of mechanical disengaging

[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949, as
amended by CGFR 52–10, 17 FR 2365, Mar. 19,
1952; CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965]

§ 160.033–5 Procedure for approval of
mechanical disengaging apparatus.
(a) Before action is taken on any design of mechanical disengaging apparatus, detailed plans covering fully the
arrangement and construction of the
apparatus, together with stress diagrams and calculations relative to the
strength, proposed test jig to be used in
the test prescribed in § 160.033–4(b)(1),
and a complete bill of material setting
forth the physical and chemical properties of all the materials used shall be
submitted to the Commandant through
the Commander of the Coast Guard
District having jurisdiction over the
construction of the mechanical disengaging apparatus.
(b) If the drawings required in paragraph (a) of this section are satisfactory, the Commander of the Coast
Guard District in which the mechanical disengaging apparatus is to be
built, shall be notified in writing when
fabrication is to commence. An inspector will be assigned to supervise the
construction in accordance with the
plans and upon completion, conduct
the tests required by § 160.033–4.

80

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–2
MIL–P–21929—Plastic
Material,
Cellular
Polyurethane, Rigid, Foam-In-Place, Low
Density.

(c) At the time that the tests are successfully completed, the manufacturer
shall present to the inspector four corrected copies of the plans noted in
paragraph (a) of this section, including
any corrections, changes, or additions
which may have been found necessary
during construction or testing. If the
manufacturer desires more than one
set of approved plans, additional copies
shall be submitted at that time.
(d) Upon receipt of corrected drawings and satisfactory test report, the
Commandant will issue a certificate of
approval. No change shall be made in
the design or construction without
first receiving permission of the Commandant via the Commander of the
Coast Guard District in which the mechanical disengaging apparatus is
built.

(3) Federal specifications:
TT–P–59—Paint, Ready-Mixed, International
Orange.

(4) Federal test method standard:
406—Plastics: Method of Testing.

(5) Federal Communications Commission:
47 CFR part 83, Rules Governing Stations on
Shipboard in the Maritime Service.

(6) Coast Guard specifications:
160.033—Mechanical Disengaging Apparatus
(For Lifeboats).
160.034—Hand Propelling Gear (For Life
boats).
161.006—Searchlights, Motor Lifeboat.

(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and rules referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. The Coast Guard Specifications
may be obtained upon request from the
Commandant. United States Coast
Guard Headquarters, Washington, DC
20226. The A.S.T.M. Standards may be
purchased from the American Society
for Testing Materials, 1916 Race Street,
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103. The Military
Specifications may be obtained from
the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply
Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120. The Federal Communications Commission’s Rules and Regulations may be obtained from the Federal
Communications
Commission,
Washington, DC 20554. Federal Specifications and Standards may be obtained from the General Services Administration, Business Service Center,
Washington, DC 20407.

[CGFR 49–18, 14 FR 5113, Aug. 17, 1949]

Subpart 160.035—Lifeboats for
Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8,
1965, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.035–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) Specifications. The following specifications, of the issue in effect on the
date lifeboats are manufactured form a
part of this subpart.
(1) A.S.T.M. standards:
A 525—Specification for Delivery of ZincCoated (Galvanized) Iron or Steel Sheets,
Coils, and Cut Lengths Coated by Hot Dip
Method.
A 36—Specification for Structural Steel

(2) Military specifications:
MIL–P–18066—Plywood, Ship and Boat Construction.
MIL–Y–1140—Yarn, Cord, Sleeving, Cloth and
Tape—Glass.
MIL–M–15617—Mats, Fibrous Glass, For Reinforcing Plastics.
MIL–R–7575—Resin, Polyester, Low-Pressure
Laminating.
MIL–P–40619—Plastic Material, Cellular Polystyrene.
MIL–P–17549—Plastic Laminates, Fibrous
Glass Reinforced, Marine Structural.
MIL–P–19644—Plastic Foam, Molded Polystyrene (Expanded Bead Type).
MIL–C–19663—Cloth, Glass, Woven Roving
For Plastic Laminate.
MIL–R–21607—Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire Retardant.

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17039, Aug.
24, 1972]

§ 160.035–2 General requirements for
lifeboats.
(a) The requirements of this subpart
apply to all new construction. Lifeboats approved and in use prior to the
regulations in this subpart may be continued in service if in satisfactory condition.
(b) All lifeboats must be properly
constructed and shall be of such form
and proportions that they shall be

81

§ 160.035–3

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
either hand-propelled or motor-propelled. Lifeboats designed to carry
more than 100 persons shall be motorpropelled, except that a lifeboat designed to carry more than 100 persons
may be hand-propelled if it is a replacement for a previously approved
hand-propelled lifeboat.
(b) Materials. (1) Plating for shell,
floors, air tanks, etc., shall be made by
the open-hearth or electric furnace
process in accordance with ASTM
Standards A–525 Class 1.25 Commercial.
The bend tests required by these specifications shall be made after the galvanizing or other anticorrosive treatment has been applied.
(2) Rivets and rolled or extruded
shapes such as keel, stem, sternpost,
gunwales, etc., shall be made by the
open-hearth or electric furnace process
in accordance with ASTM Standard
Specification A–36. Consideration will
be given to the use of other steels having equivalent strength where longitudinal cold forming is necessary.
(c) Riveting. (1) Riveting of the shell
plating to the keel, stem, and sternpost
shall be button head rivets, staggered
with not less than 12 rivets to the foot.
The distance from the edge of the plate
to the centers of the rivets in the nearest row shall be not less than 1⁄2 inch
nor more than 3⁄4 inch. Rivets connecting the shell to the gunwale shall be
spaced not more than 3 inches on centers. The size of the rivets for connecting the shell plating to the keel, stem,
sternpost, and gunwale shall be 1⁄4-inch
diameter for boats 28 feet and under
and 5⁄16-inch diameter for boats over 28
feet.
(2) The connection of the floors to
the shell shall be a single row of rivets
not less than 3⁄16 inch in diameter and
spaced not more than 3 inches on centers.
(d) Welding. Welding may be substituted for riveting in any location. It
shall be performed by welders qualified
by the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, or U.S. Navy Department, and only approved electrodes
shall be used. Details of the joints shall
be indicated on the construction drawings submitted for approval.
(e) Gunwale braces. (1) The gunwale
braces shall be bolted to the thwarts
with at least two carriage bolts of a

readily maneuverable, have ample stability in a seaway, and sufficient
freeboard when fully loaded with their
full complement of persons and equipment. All lifeboats shall be capable of
maintaining positive stability when
open to the sea and loaded with their
full complement of persons and equipment. All lifeboats must be open boats
with rigid sides having internal buoyancy only. Lifeboats with a rigid shelter may be approved, provided that it
may be readily opened from both inside
and outside, and does not impede rapid
embarkation and disembarkation or
the launching and handling of the lifeboat.
(c) Lifeboats may be constructed of
steel, aluminum, fibrous glass reinforced plastic (FRP), or other materials receiving specific approval: Provided, That, the weight of the fully
equipped and loaded lifeboat shall not
exceed 44,800 pounds, and the carrying
capacity calculated in accordance with
§ 160.035–9 of this specification shall not
exceed 150 persons.
(1) The thwarts, side benches and
footings of lifeboats shall be painted or
otherwise colored international orange
in accordance with Federal Specification TT–P–59. The area in way of the
red mechanical disengaging gear control lever, from the keel to the side
bench, shall be painted or otherwise
colored white, to provide a contrasting
background for the lever. This band of
white should be approximately 12
inches wide depending on the internal
arrangements of the lifeboat.
(d) For the purpose of calculations
and conducting tests, the weight of the
persons shall be taken at 165 pounds
each.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30,
1997]

§ 160.035–3 Construction of steel oarpropelled lifeboats.
(a) Type. Lifeboats shall have rigid
sides and be fitted with internal buoyancy so arranged that the boats will
float in the flooded condition when
fully loaded with persons and equipment. The capacity of an oar-propelled
lifeboat is limited to a maximum of 59
persons. Lifeboats designed to carry 60,
but not more than 100, persons shall be

82

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–3

size not less than that noted in table
160.035–3(e)(1) and riveted or welded to
the gunwales. Where riveted to the
gunwale, at least two rivets of a size
not less than that noted in table
160.035–3(e)(1) shall be used.

nized by the hot dipped process. All
fabricated pieces or sections are to be
galvanized after fabrication. Other
methods of corrosion prevention will be
given special consideration.
(2) Where welded construction is employed, the material shall be galvanized after welding unless impractical
to do so in which case consideration
will be given to equivalent protection.
(3) Provisions shall be made to obtain
a satisfactory bond between the metal
and the paint.
(k) Rudders. (1) Each lifeboat shall be
fitted with a rudder and tiller. The rudder shall be fitted with a 1⁄2-inch diameter manila lanyard of such length as to
permit the rudder to be shipped without untying the lanyard.
(2) A suitable hinged or pivoted tiller
shall be provided.
(3) Rudder stops shall be provided to
limit the rudder angle to approximately 45 degrees each side of the centerline.
(l) Buoyancy tanks. (1) All lifeboats
shall have inherent buoyancy, or shall
be fitted with buoyancy tanks or other
equivalent
noncorrodible
buoyancy
units, which shall not be adversely affected by oil or oil products, sufficient
to float the boat and its equipment
when the boat is flooded and open to
the sea. An additional volume of buoyancy, or buoyancy units, equal to at
least one-tenth the cubic capacity of
the lifeboat shall be provided.
(2) At least 50 percent of the buoyancy shall be located along the sides of
the boat and shall be so located that
the boat will be on even keel when
flooded.
(3) The tops of the buoyancy tanks or
buoyancy units shall be protected by
the side benches or other suitable
means. The construction shall be such
that water will not collect on the tops
of the tanks.
(4) Built-in buoyancy tanks. Each
built-in buoyancy tank shall be filled
with buoyancy material. The amount
of material required shall be determined by the flooding test in accordance with § 160.035–11(b)(2). The buoyancy materials used shall meet the requirements set forth for core materials
as follows:
Core ....... Polystyrene .... MIL–P–
40619

TABLE 160.035–3(E)(1)
Length of lifeboat
22 feet and under ........
Over 22 feet and not
over 28.
Over 28 feet .................

Brace size
(inches)

Bolts and rivets
diameter (inch)
⁄
⁄

3×1⁄4
3×5⁄16

5 16

3×3⁄8

7 16

38

⁄

(2) Bracket type gunwale braces will
be given special consideration.
(f) Seats. (1) The thwarts, side benches, and end benches shall be of fir, yellow pine, fibrous glass reinforced plastic (FRP), or approved equivalent.
(2) The edges of all thwarts, side, and
end benches shall be well rounded.
(3) Suitable foot rests shall be furnished at a distance of between 17 and
20 inches below the thwarts and side
benches. This may be accomplished by
raising the footings from the bottom of
the boat.
(4) The leading edge of the thwart or
end bench shall be located a minimum
of 3 inches and a maximum of 6 inches
distance from the Rottmer release
gear.
(g) Stretchers. Stretchers of sufficient
size and strength shall be fitted in suitable positions for rowing.
(h) Disengaging apparatus. (1) Connections for the disengaging apparatus
shall have a minimum factor of safety
of six.
(2) For construction and capacity of
disengaging apparatus, see subpart
160.033.
(i) Plugs. Each lifeboat shall be fitted
with an automatic plug so designed and
installed as to insure complete drainage at all times when the boat is out of
the water. The automatic plug shall be
provided with a cap attached to the
lifeboat by a suitable chain. The location of drain plug is to be marked on
the vertical surface in the vicinity of
the plug below the side bench with the
word ‘‘plug’’ in 3-inch white letters and
with an arrow pointing in the direction
of the drain plug.
(j) Protection against corrosion. (1) All
steel or iron entering into the construction of lifeboats shall be galva-

83

§ 160.035–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Polyurethane

same manner as the grab rails required
by paragraph (n) of this section. The
clearance between the hand rail pipe
and the hull shall be at least 11⁄2 inches.
The hand rails shall be located approximately parallel to and at both ends of
the grab rails and spaced midway between the grab rail and the gunwale
and midway between the grab rail and
the keel on both sides of the lifeboat
provided that, when the distance from
grab rail to gunwale or to the keel exceeds 4 feet, two hand rails shall be
fitted so as to provide equal spacing. In
no case shall the hand rails project beyond the widest part of the boat. Recessed hand rails or other alternate arrangements will be given consideration.

MIL–P–
19644
MIL–P–
21929

(m) Equipment stowage. (1) Provision
lockers, water tanks, and special equipment lockers shall be watertight and
so designed and located as to fit under
the side benches, end benches, or footings without projecting into the accommodation spaces of the lifeboat. In
special cases, stowage under the
thwarts will be permitted. Standard 1⁄4
inch pipe size testing nipples shall be
fitted to all such lockers or tanks.
(2) Water tanks shall be constructed
of at least 18 USSG material. An opening with a dogged type cover shall be
provided for removal of water cans.
This opening shall be at least 7 inches
in diameter, but in any case shall be of
sufficient size that all water cans can
be removed. In addition, built-in water
tanks shall have an opening at least 13
inches in diameter with a bolted cover
for the purpose of inspection and maintenance. A 2-inch diameter fill cap
shall be installed for the purpose of
storing rain water. A standard 1⁄4-inch
pipe size drainage nipple with hexagonal cap shall be fitted in the bottom
of the tank in an accessible location
and may be used for air testing the
water tank.
(n) Grab rails. Grab rails shall be substantially attached to each lifeboat
below the turn of the bilge and extend
approximately one-half of the length of
the lifeboat on each side. The ends of
the grab rails shall be faired to prevent
fouling and all connections of the rails
to the lifeboat shall be made by riveting the palms of the brackets to a
small plate and riveting the plate to
the shell. To prevent rupture of the
shell if the grab rail is carried away,
more rivets shall be used in attaching
the plate to the shell than in fastening
the bracket to the plate. The clearance
between the grab rail pipe and the hull
shall be at least 11⁄2 inches. The connections of the rails to a fibrous glass reinforced plastic lifeboat hull will be
given special consideration.
(o) Hand rails. All lifeboats intended
for use in ocean and coastwise service
shall be fitted with hand rails approximately 18 inches in length, constructed
and attached to the lifeboat in the

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52191,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.035–5 Construction
of
steel
motor-propelled lifeboats with and
without radio cabin.
(a) General provisions applicable to all
motor-propelled lifeboats. (1) A motorpropelled lifeboat, carried as part of
the lifesaving equipment of a vessel,
whether required or not, shall comply
with all the requirements for an oarpropelled lifeboat, and in addition,
shall have sufficient additional buoyancy to compensate for the weight of
the engine and other equipment.
(2) The engine shall be enclosed in a
suitable engine box which shall be watertight with the exception of the top
which may be weathertight. If the engine box is made of material other than
steel or aluminum, such as fibrous
glass reinforced plastic, it shall be
made of fire retardant material. The
top of the engine box shall be fitted
with a screwdown mushroom vent. The
engine box shall be fitted with a suitable drain. An engine starting instruction plate shall be permanently attached to the engine box. There shall
be ample space between the engine and
the engine box to permit proper maintenance and removal of engine accessories when necessary. If the internal
arrangements of the engine in the engine box do not permit this, then suitable watertight hand-hole plates shall
be installed in the vicinity of these accessories. The location of these plates

84

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–5

and the accessibility to the accessories
shall be to the satisfaction of the marine inspector. The marine inspector
may require the removal of any accessory through these hand-hole plates
that he may deem necessary to establish that it is of proper size and location.
(3) Fuel tanks must be constructed of
steel, fibrous glass reinforced plastic or
other approved equivalent. Fuel tanks
must be adequately supported and securely fastened inside the lifeboat to
prevent any movement. Fuel tanks
must have no openings in the bottom,
sides or ends. Openings for fill, vent
and feed pipes must be on the top surface of the tanks. The vent size for
tanks of 50 gallons or less must not be
less than 1⁄4-inch O.D. tubing. Vents for
larger tanks will be given special consideration. The access openings in the
thwarts for the fill tank cap must have
a flush cover or the top of the cap must
be flush with the top of the thwart.
Fuel feed pipes must be provided with a
shutoff valve at the tank, where it is
readily accessible and its location
marked. Tanks must be tested by a
static head above the tank top of ten
feet of water without showing leakage
or permanent deformation. A graduated measure stick or other means
must be provided to determine the
amount of the fuel in the tank.
(i) Steel diesel oil fuel tanks shall
have a thickness of not less than 12
USSG and shall not be galvanized on
the inside; however, the outside of such
tanks shall be so treated as to to obtain a corrosion resistance approximately equivalent to hot-dip galvanizing. Swash plates shall be fitted in
tanks over 30 inches in length.
(ii) Fibrous glass reinforced plastic
diesel oil fuel tanks shall have a thickness of not less than 0.187 inch. The resins used shall be of a fire retardant
type and shall qualify under military
specification MIL–R–21607. The mechanical properties of the tank shall
not be less than Grade No. 4 of military
specification MIL–P–17549. Mat, woven
roving and 1000th cloth shall be used.
Tank laminates shall not be constructed exclusively with fibrous glass
fabrics. An increment of random oriented, chopped fibrous glass reinforcement is deemed necessary to prevent

porosity. An ounce and a half per
square foot is considered minimum. Inclusion of fabrics in low pressure laminates are recommended to impart satisfactory containment, strength, and
rigidity. For maximum strength, tank
surfaces should be cambered and
curved wherein practical. Fittings
shall be made of nonferrous metal and
securely bonded to the tank with epoxy
resin. A fibrous glass reinforced plate
or boss of the same thickness as the
tank proper and 11⁄2 times the outside
dimensions of the fitting shall be used
to strengthen the openings for fuel, fill
and vent lines. Tanks shall be constructed of a minimum possible number of sections. Where two parts are
joined there shall be a minimum of 2inch overlap. Tanks exceeding 18 inches
in any horizontal dimension shall be
fitted with vertical baffle plates at intervals not exceeding 18 inches. Baffle
plate flanges shall be integral and shall
be of the same strength and stiffness as
the tank wall. Flanges shall be bonded
in place with mat and fabric. A suitable striking plate shall be installed at
the bottom of the fuel measurement
and fill pipe line. The laminate may be
increased in thickness, in the way of
the fill pipe. The cover of the fuel tank
shall be through bolted as well as bonded. All fuel tanks shall bear legible,
permanent labels, conveniently located
for visual inspection, signifying full
compliance with these specifications
and including the following:
(a) Manufacturer’s name and address.
(b) Date of construction and the inspector’s initials.
(c) Wall thickness (in decimals of one
inch) and capacity U.S. gallons.
(d) Material of construction: Polyester—Glass.
(4) Propeller shafting shall be of
bronze or other suitable corrosion resistant materials. Fittings, pipes, connections, etc., shall be of high standard
and good workmanship, and installed
in accordance with good marine practice. The exhaust manifold shall be
suitably insulated.
(5) All engines shall be permanently
installed and shall be equipped with an
efficient cranking system. This system
shall be one that can be operated by

85

§ 160.035–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

hand, such as a hand cranking, hydraulic cranking, or inertia cranking system, acceptable to the Commandant. If
an electric cranking system consisting
of an electric starter motor, generator
and batteries are fitted, it shall be in
addition to the required acceptable
cranking system, the battery or batteries shall be installed within the watertight engine box. The battery box
shall be so constructed as to retain the
battery in position when the lifeboat is
in a seaway. The battery box shall be 1
inch longer and 1 inch wider than the
battery and shall be lined with 4-pound
lead flashed up 3 inches on the sides
and ends. The battery box may be made
of fibrous glass reinforced plastic using
a fire-retardant epoxy resin. This type
of battery box will not be required to
be lead lined.
(i) Engines. The engine shall be a reliable,
marine,
compression-ignition
type and shall be capable of propelling
the fully equipped and loaded lifeboat
at a sustained speed of not less than 6
knots through smooth water over a
measured course. Provision shall be
made for going astern. Sufficient fuel
for 24 hours continuous operation at 6
knots shall be provided. The engine
used in approved lifeboats shall be capable of being started without the use
of starting aids at a temperature of 20
°F., by the use of an acceptable cranking system. If water cooled, the engine
shall be equipped with a closed fresh
water cooling system. This system
shall be cooled by a secondary medium,
such as a water cooled heat exchanger.
(ii) The hydraulic cranking system
shall be a self-contained system which
will provide the required cranking
forces and engine r.p.m. as recommended by the engine manufacturer. The capacity of the hydraulic
cranking system shall provide not less
than six cranking cycles. Each cranking cycle shall provide the necessary
number of revolutions at the required
r.p.m. to the engine to meet the requirements of carrying its full rated
load within twenty seconds after
cranking is initiated with intake air
and hydraulic cranking system at 20
°F. Capacity of the hydraulic cranking
system sufficient for three cranking
cycles under the above conditions,
shall be held in reserve and arranged so

that the operation of a single control
by one person will isolate the discharged or initially used part of the
system and permit the reserve capacity
to be employed. The installation of an
engine-driven pump is recommended
but is not required. The hydraulic
cranking shall meet the requirements
prescribed in 46 CFR 58.30 and 46 CFR
61.10–5 of Subchapter F, Marine Engineering Regulations. The hydraulic
system when used in lifeboats as engine cranking systems shall be leaktested at its operating pressure after
installation.
(6) The following tools to perform
emergency repairs and ordinary servicing shall be provided:
One 12-ounce ball peen hammer.
One screwdriver with 6-inch blade.
One pair of 8-inch slip-joint pliers.
One 8-inch adjustable end wrench.
One 12-inch adjustable end wrench.
One Phillips or cross-head screwdriver with a
6-inch blade.

(b) Steel motor-propelled lifeboats without radio cabin or searchlight (Class 1).
(1) The engine shall be a reliable marine type and shall be in accordance
with paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section.
If a starting battery is supplied, the engine shall be fitted with a marine type
generator or alternator insulated as required by AIEE rules for marine service capable of charging the starting
batteries. The battery box shall be in
accordance with paragraph (a)(5) of
this section.
(c) Steel motor-propelled lifeboats without radio cabin but with searchlight
(Class 2). (1) The engine shall be of a reliable marine type and shall be in accordance with paragraph (a)(5)(i) of
this section. The lifeboat shall be
equipped with a searchlight constructed in accordance with subpart
161.006 of this subchapter Q (Specifications). The engine shall be fitted with a
marine type generator or alternator insulated as required by AIEE rules for
marine service capable of charging the
batteries used for the searchlight as
well as the starting batteries, if fitted.
The battery box shall be in accordance
with paragraph (a)(5) of this section.
(d) Steel motor-propelled lifeboats with
radio cabin and searchlight (Class 3). (1)
The engine shall be a reliable, marine
type and shall be in accordance with

86

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–6

paragraph (a)(5)(i) of this section. The
engine shall be fitted with a marine
type generator or alternator insulated
as required by AIEE rules for marine
service, capable of charging the batteries used for the radio and searchlight as well as the starting battery, if
fitted.
(2) The radio and source of power for
the radio and the searchlight shall be
housed and protected from the elements by a suitable radio cabin. The
entire installation shall comply with
the requirements of the Federal Communications Commission, Rules Governing Stations on Shipboard in the
Maritime Services. The radio cabin
shall be of a size to contain the radio
and source of power for the radio and
searchlight, and the operator of the
equipment. The top and sides of the
radio cabin shall be watertight with
the exception of the door which need
not be watertight but shall be at least
weathertight. The installation of the
radio cabin shall take into consider-

ation the concentration of weight in
this area.
(3) The searchlight shall be of an approved type constructed in accordance
with specification Subpart 161.006 of
this subchapter and shall be securely
mounted on top of the radio cabin.
(4) The batteries shall be installed in
a box securely fastened inside the radio
cabin. The battery box shall be in accordance with paragraph (a)(5) of this
section.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17039, Aug.
24, 1972; CGD 73–116R, 39 FR 12747, Apr. 8,
1974]

§ 160.035–6 Construction of aluminum
oar-, hand-, and motor-propelled
lifeboats.
(a) General. Aluminum lifeboats shall
comply with the general requirements
for the construction and arrangement
of steel lifeboats unless otherwise specified.

87

88

23⁄4x3⁄4
23⁄4x3⁄4
23⁄4x3⁄4
3x3⁄4
3x1
3x1
31⁄4x1
1
3 ⁄2x1
33⁄4x1
4x1
4x1
4x1
4x1

5086–
H112/
6061–T6

21⁄4x2x5⁄16
21⁄4x2x5⁄16
21⁄2x21⁄4x5⁄16
21⁄2x21⁄4x5⁄16
23⁄4x21⁄2x5⁄16
23⁄4x21⁄2x5⁄16
23⁄4x21⁄2x3⁄8
23⁄4x21⁄2x3⁄8
23⁄4x21⁄2x3⁄8
3x23⁄4x3⁄8
3x23⁄4x3⁄8
3x23⁄4x3⁄8
3x23⁄4x3⁄8

Angle bar
(inches) 5086–
H112/6061–T6

4x5⁄16
4x5⁄16
41⁄2x5⁄16
41⁄2x5⁄16
5x5⁄16
5x5⁄16
5x3⁄8
5x3⁄8
5x3⁄8
51⁄2x3⁄8
51⁄2x3⁄8
51⁄2x3⁄8
51⁄2x3⁄8

Flanged flat bar
(inches) 5086–
H112/6061–T6

Gunwales 1

14
14
14
14
13
12
11
10
9
9
8
8
7

Side
14
14
14
14
13
12
11
9
8
8
7
7
6

Bottom

5052–H32

14
14
14
14
13
12
11
11
10
9
9
8
8

Side
14
14
14
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
8
7
7

Bottom

6061–T6

Independent air tanks

14
14
14
14
13
13
11
11
10
9
9
8
8

Side
14
14
14
14
13
12
11
10
9
8
8
7
7

Bottom
14
14
14
14
14
14
13
12
12
11
11
10
10

Inner
shell

5052–H32

14
14
14
14
14
14
13
12
12
11
11
10
10

Bulkheads
14
14
14
14
13
13
12
11
11
10
10
9
9

Side

Built-in-air tanks

Shell plating (Brown and Sharpe gage) 2

TABLE 160.035–6—ALUMINUM LIFEBOATS

14
14
14
14
13
13
12
11
10
9
9
8
8

Bottom
15
15
15
15
14
14
14
13
13
12
12
11
11

Inner
shell

6061–T6

15
15
15
15
14
14
14
13
13
12
12
11
11

Bulkheads

1 Extruded shapes having substantially the scantlings of the angle bar gunwale are permitted. Where extruded shapes are used, a nosing as per § 160.035–3(j) is not required provided
the extruded shape has at its heel a generously rounded curve.
2 Brown and Sharpe gage decimal values: 15 gage equals 0.05707, 14 gage equals 0.06408; 13 gage equals 0.07196; 12 gage equals 0.08081; 11 gage equals 0.09074, 10 gage equals
0.1019; 9 gage equals 0.1144; 8 gage equals 0.1285; 7 gage equals 0.1443, and 6 gage equals 0.1620.

12.0
14.0
16.0
18.0
20.0
22.0
24.0
26.0
28.0
30.0
32.0
34.0
36.0

Length
of boat
not over
(feet)

Bar keel,
stem and
sternpost
(inches)

§ 160.035–6
46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–8

(b) Materials. (1) Plating for shell, air
tanks, etc., shall be as shown in Table
160.035–6.
(c) Welding. (1) Welding may be substituted for riveting in the following
locations: Hoist plate to keel, disengaging gear grace plate to stem and
sternpost, rudder attachment fitting to
the sternpost, and the propeller shaft
stern tube to the sternpost. When using
6061–T6 aluminum, the welded area is
to be heat-treated and checked by Xray to assure a satisfactory weld. When
using 5086–H 112 aluminum, the welded
area is to be checked by a nondestructive test method such as X-ray,
ultrasonic waves or fluorescent materials, to assure a satisfactory weld.
Other methods of checking aluminum
welds will be given separate consideration. The welding shall be performed
by a welder qualified by the U.S. Coast
Guard, American Bureau of Shipping,
or U.S. Navy Department, and only
suitable electrodes shall be used. Details of the joints shall be indicated on
the construction drawings submitted
for approval.
(d) Dissimilar metals. (1) Where in the
construction of aluminum lifeboats the
use of dissimilar metals are employed
such as, the installation of the mechanical disengaging gear, hand propelling gear, or engine, suitable insulation
between the aluminum and these metals shall be used. Porous or absorbent
materials shall not be used as insulating materials. Only non-porous materials such as plastics, rubber or neoprene base compounds, or micarta shall
be used. Other suitable material will be
given separate consideration. Fasteners used in joining dissimilar metals
together shall be of the type that will
minimize corrosion.

tion, fastenings, methods of attachment of component parts, and other
specific construction details may be
varied by the builder in order to
produce a structurally sound boat
meeting in every respect recognized
standards of first class construction
and one which will satisfactorily meet
the performance requirements set forth
in this subpart.
(2) Fibrous glass reinforced plastic
lifeboats may be of the following categories of hull construction:
A—Single piece, outer hull construction.
B—Two piece, outer hull construction.
C—Single piece, inner hull construction.
D—Two piece, inner hull construction.
E—Multi-piece, inner hull construction.

(b) Specific requirements—(1) Resin.
The resin used shall be of the fire retardant, nonair inhibited-type conforming to Class A of Military Specification MIL–R–21607 and Grade A,
Class O of Military Specification MIL–
R–7575, including tests after 1 year’s
weathering. In addition, the test panels
shall be tested for continued conformance with Military Specification MIL–
R–21607. All tests, including weathering
of samples, shall be accomplished by an
independent laboratory. Complete certification by the independent laboratory with test data shall be submitted
to Coast Guard (G–MSE) for acceptance. Class A resin shall be fire retardant without additives. Class B resins
will be given consideration upon request. Class B resin shall be fire retardant with additives and shall meet the
same test requirements as that for
Class A resins. When Class B resin is
used for the prototype lifeboat, additives for fire retardancy shall not be
used in order to obtain a translucent
laminate for inspection purposes. This
prototype test lifeboat will not be
stamped approved, nor will it be acceptable for merchant vessels. Whichever class of resin the manufacturer decides to use for his prototype lifeboat,
shall be used in his production lifeboats. A note to this effect shall be included in his specifications and drawings for this particular size and type
lifeboat.
(2) Glass reinforcement. The glass reinforcement used shall have good laminated wet strength retention and shall

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30,
1997]

§ 160.035–8 Construction of fibrous
glass reinforced plastic (F.R.P.),
oar-, hand-, and motor-propelled
lifeboats.
(a) General requirements. (1) Plastic
lifeboats shall comply with the general
requirements for the construction and
arrangement of steel lifeboats, except
that unless otherwise specified, materials, scantlings, methods of construc-

89

§ 160.035–9

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

meet the appropriate military specification stated in this paragraph. Glass
cloth shall meet Military Specification
MIL–Y–1140, Class C, form 4, No. 1000–
150. Woven roving shall conform to
Military Specification MIL–C–19663,
Style 605–308 or Style 605–604. Other
glass materials equivalent in strength,
design, wet out, and efficiency will be
given consideration upon request.
(3) Laminate. All exposed surfaces of
the finished laminate shall present a
smooth finish, and there shall be no
protruding surface fibers, open voids,
pits, cracks, bubbles or blisters. The
laminate shall be essentially free from
resin-starved
or
overimpregnated
areas, and no foreign matter shall remain in the finished laminate. The entire laminate shall be fully cured and
free of tackiness, and shall show no
tendency to delaminate, peel, or craze
in any overlay. The laminate shall not
be released from the mold until a
Barcol hardness reading of not less
than 40–55 is obtained from at least 10
places on the nongel coated surface, including all interior inner and outer
hull surfaces and built-in lockers. The
mechanical properties of the laminate
shall meet the requirements for a
Grade 3 laminate as specified in Table
I of Military Specification MIL–P–
17549. Other grades will be given consideration on specific request. For the
prototype boat of each design made by
each manufacturer, the layup shall be
made of unpigmented clear resins so
that all details of construction will be
visible for inspection and test panels
representative of each prototype layup
shall be tested in accordance with
MIL–P–17549.
(4) Weights of F.R.P. lifeboats. (i) The
variations in weight between the fibrous glass reinforced plastic in the
prototype F.R.P. lifeboat and the fibrous glass reinforced plastic in the
production F.R.P. lifeboat shall be
within 5 percent. This weight shall be
for the F.R.P. sections only and shall
not include the weight of any hardware
or equipment.
(ii) When assembling two similar sections as indicated by categories B and
D of paragraph (a)(2) of this section,
the weights of the matching F.R.P.
pieces shall be within 5 percent of each
other.

(iii) The recorded weights of the
items indicated in paragraphs (b)(4) (i)
and (ii) of this section shall be kept by
the manufacturer, with each boat listed by size, type, and serial number.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17039, Aug.
24, 1972; CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.035–9 Cubic capacity of lifeboats.
(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to the measurement of a
lifeboat to determine its cubic capacity.
(1) Length (L). The length is the distance in feet from the inside of the
plating or planking at the stem to the
corresponding position at the stern. In
the case of a boat with a square stern,
the after terminus is the inside of the
transom.
(2) Breadth (B). The breadth is the
distance in feet over the plating or
planking at the point where the
breadth of the boat is greatest.
(3) Depth (D). The depth is the distance in feet amidships inside the plating from the top of the keel to the level
of the gunwale. The depth used for calculating purposes shall not exceed 45
percent of the breadth.
(4) Sheer. Lifeboats shall have a sheer
at each end at least equal to 4 percent
of the length, and a sheer at the quarter points of at least 1 percent of the
length. If less sheer is provided, the
depth used to determine the cubic capacity shall be assumed to be reduced
so as to achieve this minimum sheer.
(b) Formula. The cubic capacity shall
be determined by the following formula:

L µ B µ D µ 0.64
In the case of lifeboats with unusual
proportions, the Commandant may require that the cubic capacity be calculated by exact measurements from
which the exact seating capacity may
be determined.
(c) Motor-propelled lifeboat. The cubic ccapacity of a motor-propelled lifeboat
shall be determined in the same manner as an oar-propelled lifeboat and
then deducting from the gross volume,
a volume equal to the engine box and

90

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–11
TABLE 160.035–10(A)

accessories, and when carried, the
radio cabin, searchlight, and their accessories. The volume of such equipment extending above the sheer line
need not be deducted.

Length in feet—
Factor
Of—

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30,
1997]

18
20
22
24

§ 160.035–10 Number of persons allowed in lifeboats.
(a) The maximum number of persons
for which the lifeboat may be rated is
determined as noted in paragraphs (a)
(1), (2), and (3) of this section. The
smallest number obtained is the number to be used.
(1) The number of persons which a
lifeboat shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the greatest
whole number obtained by dividing the
capacity in cubic feet by the factor
shown in Table 160.035–10(a). The net
cubic capacity shall be determined by
§ 160.035–9(b).

.................................
.................................
.................................
.................................

But less than—
18
20
22
24
Or

.................................
.................................
.................................
.................................
over .........................

14
13
12
11
10

(2) The number of persons permitted
in the lifeboat shall not exceed the
number for which seating space is provided as determined by drawing figures
to scale of a size as noted in Figure
160.035–10(a)(2) on an arrangement plan
of the lifeboat.
(3) The number of persons permitted
in the lifeboat shall not exceed the
number of persons wearing life preservers which can be seated in the lifeboat
without interfering with the use of the
oars or the operation of other propulsion equipment.

FIGURE 160.035–10(a)(2)

(b) [Reserved]

done on these lifeboats or component
materials or parts. Lifeboats shall be
inspected during the course of construction to determine that the arrangements and materials entering
into the construction are in accordance
with approved plans, and to insure that

§ 160.035–11 Inspection and testing of
lifeboats.
(a) General. Coast Guard marine inspectors shall be admitted to any place
in the builder’s factory where work is

91

§ 160.035–11

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

the workmanship is of good quality.
Samples of materials entering into
construction may be taken by the marine inspectors for such tests as may be
deemed necessary at any time there is
any question as to suitability or adequacy of any material or arrangement.
(b) Preapproval tests. Before approval
is granted to any design of lifeboat, the
following tests shall be made by a marine inspector:
(1) Strength test. The light lifeboat
shall be suspended by shackles at the
bow and stern, or by means of the releasing gear, and the length, beam, and
depth shall be measured. Weights shall
then be added to equal the weight of
the equipment, food, water, etc., and
persons for which the boat is to be approved, and the length, beam, and
depth measured. Additional weight
shall then be added so that the suspended load is 25 percent greater than
the weight of the fully equipped and
loaded lifeboat and the measurements
repeated. All weights shall then be removed and the measurements rechecked. There shall be no appreciable
set as a result of this test.
(2) Flooding test. Lifeboats shall be
flooded while open to the sea to determine the amount of buoyancy necessary to float the complete boat including releasing gear but with no
equipment, provision lockers, water
tanks, or fuel tanks aboard. If provision lockers, water tanks, and fuel
tanks cannot be removed, they should
be flooded or filled to the final waterline. Lifeboats fitted with watertight
stowage compartments to accommodate individual drinking water containers shall have these individual containers aboard and placed in the stowage compartments which shall be
sealed watertight during the flooding
test. Ballast of equivalent weight and
density should be substituted for the
motor, shaft, propeller, radio battery,
searchlight, etc., if they are to be installed.
(i) Boats with independent buoyancy
tanks or buoyancy units. The estimated
amount of buoyancy to just float the
boat in this condition should be fitted
symmetrically aboard the lifeboat, and
then the boat flooded. If the tops of the
gunwales at their lowest point do not
clear the surface of the water, the

buoyancy shall be increased as necessary. An additional volume of buoyancy, or buoyancy units, equal to at
least one-tenth the cubic capacity of
the lifeboat shall be provided.
(ii) Boats with built-in buoyancy compartments. When flood testing lifeboats
with built-in buoyancy compartments
weights shall be placed in the bottom
of the lifeboat to counteract the buoyancy provided for the persons to be carried. The amount of weight required
per person carried shall be as follows:
Materials
Iron or steel ........................................................
Lead ...................................................................
Concrete ............................................................

Weight per
person
(pounds)
72
69
110

Other impervious material may be used
if more convenient. The weight per person required is determined from the
formula

W = 63d ∞ d Ø 63
where d is the density of material in
pounds per cubic foot (Sandbags should
not be used for this purpose inasmuch
as their weight under water is not
readily predictable.) If the lifeboat
weighted as above does not float with
the gunwale at the lowest point just
clear of the surface of the water, unit
air tanks should be slipped beneath the
thwarts until the gunwales do clear the
surface of the water. The additional air
tankage required shall be incorporated
in the design of the lifeboat.
(3) Seating capacity test. The lifeboat
shall be fully loaded with equipment,
and in this condition the number of
persons for which the lifeboat is to be
approved shall be seated, in accordance
with the seating plan required in
§ 160.035–14(a). All persons shall wear an
approved life preserver and it shall be
demonstrated by actual test that there
is sufficient room to row the boat without interference.
(4) Freeboard test. Freeboards shall be
measured to the low point of the sheer
with the lifeboat in light condition
with neither equipment nor persons
aboard, and in the loaded condition
with full equipment and persons
aboard.

92

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–12

(5) Stability test. Upon the conclusion
of the seating test, all persons on one
side of the centerline shall disembark.
The remaining people should sit upright and not move from their original
positions. (Not less than one-half in
total number of persons should remain
in the lifeboat.) Freeboard to the low
point of sheer shall then be measured.
This freeboard should, in general, be
not less than 10 percent of the depth of
the lifeboat.
(c) Motor-propelled lifeboats must
pass the tests as required for an oarpropelled lifeboat in § 160.035–3. In addition, speed tests over a measured
course and fuel consumption tests on a
time basis shall be made to determine
that the fully loaded motor-propelled
lifeboats can maintain a speed of 6
knots for all classes of motor-propelled
lifeboats, and that for each class of
motor-propelled lifeboat its fuel tanks
carry sufficient fuel for at least 24
hours at 6 knots. A 4-hour endurance
trial shall be conducted with the fully
loaded lifeboat at the RPM attained in
the speed test in order to insure that
there is no overheating, undue vibration, or other condition which would
warrant the belief that the lifeboat
could not maintain its proper speed for
24 hours. The time consumed in conducting the speed and fuel consumption
tests may be counted toward the 4-hour
endurance test. It shall be demonstrated that all engines installed in
motor lifeboats can be started by the
acceptable cranking system installed
with no previous warming up period.
(d) Hand-propelled lifeboats shall be
subjected to the same tests as required
for an oar-propelled lifeboat. In addition, a test shall be made to assure
that the lifeboat can be satisfactorily
maneuvered with the hand-propelling
gear. A speed of at least three knots
shall be achieved in both light and load
condition over a measured course of
not less than 1,000 feet.

The prototype boat of each size or design submitted will be required to perform satisfactorily in the following
tests which will be made in the presence of a marine inspector.
(b) Strength test. The following tests
described in this paragraph are in lieu
of the strength test in § 160.035–11(b)(1):
(1) Suspension tests. The light lifeboat
shall be suspended freely from the releasing gear and the length, beam, and
depth measured. Weights shall then be
added to equal the weight of the equipment, food, water, and persons to be
carried (see § 160.035–11(b)(2)(ii)), and
the length, beam, and depth measured.
Additional weights shall then be added
so that the suspended load is 25, 50, 75,
and 100 percent greater than the weight
of the fully equipped and loaded lifeboat and the measurements taken at
each 25 percent increments. (Water
may be used for all or any portion of
the weight if desired.) All weights shall
then be removed and final measurements taken. There shall be no fractures or other signs of excessive stress
and no appreciable set as a result of
this test.
(2) Chock test. The light lifeboat shall
be placed on blocks located under the
keel at the quarter points and measurements of length, beam, and depth
taken. The boat shall be flooded with
water equal to the weight of all equipment, food, water, and persons to be
carried and measurements of length,
beam, and depth taken again. Additional measurements of 25, 50, 75, and
100 percent of the weight of the fully
equipped and loaded lifeboat shall be
added and the measurements taken at
25 percent increments. If the boat becomes full of water before 100 percent
overload is reached, no additional
weight need be added, and the last deflection measurements with the boat
under load shall be taken at this point.
The boat shall be drained and final
measurements taken. There shall be no
fractures or other signs of excessive
stress and no appreciable set as a result of this test.
(3) Swing test. The boat shall be loaded with weights equal to the weight of
all equipment, food, water and persons
to be carried. It shall then be suspended by the releasing gear with falls
20 feet in length so arranged that when

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17040, Aug.
24, 1972]

§ 160.035–12 Additional
preapproval
tests required for F.R.P. lifeboats.
(a) General. These tests are required
in addition to the preapproval tests required for steel lifeboats in § 160.035–11.

93

§ 160.035–13

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

hanging freely the gunwale on one side
of the boat is approximately 2 inches
from a stationary concrete or steel
wall or other structure of similar construction and rigidity. The boat shall
then be hauled outboard a horizontal
distance of 8 feet from its original position. From this point, the boat shall be
allowed to freely swing inboard and
strike the wall along one side. There
shall be no damage which would render
the boat unserviceable.
(4) Drop test. The boat shall be loaded
with weights equal to the full weight of
all equipment, food, water and persons
to be carried. The boat shall then be
suspended freely from the releasing
gear and shall be dropped in a free fall
into the water from a height of 10 feet.
There shall be no damage which would
render the boat unserviceable.
(5) Thwart test. A 200-pound sand bag
shall be dropped from a height of 6 feet
on the center of each thwart span. The
thwarts shall not fracture or otherwise
be rendered unserviceable.
(6) Towing test. With a towline rigged
around the forward thwart in the same
manner as the sea painter is normally
rigged, the fully loaded lifeboat shall
be towed at least 1,000 yards at a speed
of not less than 5 knots. The boat shall
exhibit satisfactory towing characteristics and there shall be no appreciable
damage to the thwart.
(7) Tanks and lockers. Equipment
tanks and watertight lockers shall be
tested with not less than 1.0 p.s.i. of air
pressure both before and after the tests
described in paragraphs (b)(1) through
(6) of this section.

pounds per person) together with the
weight of the equipment, plus 10 percent of the total load, including the
weight of the lifeboat. The release
lever shall then be thrown over with
this load suspended until the lifeboat is
released. The apparatus shall be capable of being operated freely by one
man, without the use of aids or undue
force to the satisfaction of the marine
inspector. (This test may be conducted
ashore by suspending the lifeboat just
clear of the ground.)
(b) Additional production inspection
and tests for FRP. lifeboats—(1) Inspection requirements. Each production
model fibrous glass reinforced plastic
lifeboat shall as a condition to its
being accepted as Coast Guard approved equipment, be examined by a
marine inspector at the following
stages in its manufacture:
(i) When the major, individual components of the shell and inner hull or
buoyancy casing are completed but before they are assembled together. At
this stage the marine inspector shall
satisfy himself that these components
comply with the approved plans and
specifications by visual inspection,
thickness measurements and comparison of the weights of the components
with the weights recorded for the same
components in the prototype.
(ii) At the time the internal buoyancy is installed. If block plastic foam
is used, it shall be inspected after it
has been cut to size and shaped but before it is inserted and covered. The installation shall be completed in the
presence of the marine inspector and
he shall verify that the required
amount is used by weighing the material. If foamed-in-place plastic foam is
used, the marine inspector shall be
present during the foaming operation.
A sample of the foam shall be retained
outside the boat and when it sets it
shall be used to make a density determination of the material.
(iii) When the boat is completed. At
this stage the marine inspector shall
check the scantlings of the minor components and the overall compliance
with the plans. The manufacturer shall
certify that the materials used are in
accordance with the approved bill of
materials.

§ 160.035–13 Testing and inspection
after approval.
(a) General. After the design of a lifeboat has been approved, subsequent
lifeboats of the same design shall be individually inspected and tested as
noted in § 160.035–11(a) for metal lifeboats and paragraph (b) of this section
for FRP. lifeboats. In addition, motors
and band-propelling gear when installed shall be operated in the
‘‘ahead’’, ‘‘neutral’’, and ‘‘astern’’ positions. If mechanical disengaging apparatus is fitted, it shall be tested by suspending the lifeboat loaded with deadweight equivalent to the number of
persons allowed in the lifeboat (165

94

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.035–14

(2) Test requirements. After the inspections listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section are completed, the following
tests are to be carried out to the satisfaction of the marine inspector:
(i) The boat shall be suspended freely
from the releasing gear and the length,
breadth and depth measured. The boat
shall then be flooded with water equal
to 11⁄2 times the weight of the boat, persons, equipment, and provisions and
fuel (if motor driven) less the weight of
the boat. This is represented by the following formula:

at 165 pounds and 3 quarts of water (6.25
pounds)—per person.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–133R, 37 FR 17040, Aug.
24, 1972; CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976]

§ 160.035–14 Procedure for approval of
lifeboats.
(a) Before action is taken on any design of lifeboat, plans covering fully
the arrangement and construction of
the lifeboat, material specifications,
together with a lines drawing, stowage
arrangement, seating arrangement,
and other details shall be submitted to
the Commandant through the Commander of the Coast Guard District in
which the lifeboat is built. The plans
for approval must be detailed to a degree that the lifeboat can be constructed from the plans submitted.
(b) If the drawings required in paragraph (a) of this section are satisfactory, the manufacturer shall notify the
Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the lifeboat is built in
writing when fabrication is to commence. A marine inspector will be assigned to witness the construction procedure in accordance with the plans,
verify the tests required by § 160.035–11
for metal lifeboats and § 160.035–12 for
additional tests required for F.R.P.
lifeboats. Also, the manufacturer shall
provide the necessary tools and facilities required to conduct the tests. The
Coast Guard shall have the right to require such other additional tests as
reasonably may be deemed necessary,
either with the completed boat or component parts, depending upon the particular construction methods and materials used by the builder, or any unusual conditions or circumstances
which may arise during the construction or testing.
(c) At the time that the tests are successfully completed, the manufacturer
shall present to the marine inspector
four corrected copies of the plans noted
in paragraph (a) of this section, including any corrections, changes, or additions which may have been found necessary during construction or testing.
If the manufacturer desires more than
one set of approved plans, additional
copies shall be submitted at that time.
(d) Upon receipt of corrected drawings and satisfactory test reports, the

Water added = 1.5 × (empty boat + equipment
+ provisions + fuel + people) ¥ empty boat

The length, breadth and depth shall be
measured in this loaded condition and,
again, after the load has been removed.
The loaded deflections and the permanent deformations shall not significantly exceed those recorded for the
prototype in the pre-approval tests.
Also, while flooded, the exterior of the
hull shall be examined for leaks or
other defects. After the boat is drained,
the attachment of the release gear
shall be carefully examined.
(ii) All provision tanks shall be tested by a static head above the tank top
of 2 feet of water without showing
leakage or permanent deformation.
(iii) The plastic fuel tanks shall be
tested by a static head above the tank
top of 10 feet of water without showing
leakage or permanent deformation.
(c) Marking. (1) A corrosion resistant
nameplate shall be affixed at the bow
of each lifeboat on which is stamped
the name of the manufacturer, serial
number, approval number, dimensions
of the lifeboat, cubic capacity, buoyancy capacity, net weight of the boat
in Condition A and Condition B, the
number of persons for which the lifeboat is approved, together with the Marine Inspection Office identification
letters, the date, and the letters
U.S.C.G. Condition A includes buoyancy
and water tanks and provision stowage
compartments but no equipment, provisions, water or persons. Condition B
includes full required provisions and
equipment, persons allowed at 10 cubic
feet or by seating test whichever is less

95

§ 160.036–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
rosion-resistant or properly protected
against corrosion.
(b) Workmanship. Handheld rocketpropelled parachute red flare distress
signals shall be of first class workmanship and shall be free from imperfections of manufacture affecting their
appearance or that may affect their
serviceability.
(c) Construction. The exterior case of
the cartridge shall be made of a suitable metal and shall protect against
the entrance of moisture. The construction shall be such that the parachute and pyrotechnic candle will be
expelled at approximately the maximum altitude reached.
(d) Performance. Signals shall meet
all of the inspection and test requirements contained in § 160.036–4.

Commandant will issue a certificate of
approval. No change shall be made in
the design or construction without
first receiving permission of the Commandant via the Commander of the
Coast Guard District in which the lifeboat is built.

Subpart
160.036—Hand-Held
Rocket-Propelled Parachute
Red Flare Distress Signals
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73081, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.036–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) The following is incorporated by
reference into this subpart:
(1) ‘‘The Universal Color Language’’
and ‘‘The Color Names Dictionary’’ in
Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of
Standards Special Publication 440, December 1976.
(b) NBS Special Publication 440 may
be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No.
C13.10:440).
(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the material listed in this section was obtained from the director of
the Federal Register on November 1,
1979. The material is on file in the Federal Register library.

§ 160.036–4
tests.

Approval and production

(a) Approval tests. The manufacturer
must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples must be taken
for testing for approval under § 160.036–
7. The approval tests are the operational tests and technical tests in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
The approval tests must be conducted
by an independent laboratory accepted
by the Commandant under § 159.010 of
this chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this Subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the
rejected lot, and the results of the second test.
(1) Lot size. For the purposes of sampling the production of signals, a lot
must consist of not more than 30,000
signals. Lots must be numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot
must be started with:

§ 160.036–2 Type.
(a) Handheld rocket-propelled parachute red flare distress signals specified by this subpart shall be of one type
which shall consist essentially of a
completely self-contained device which
can be fired from the hand to provide a
rocket-propelled parachute red flare
distress signal.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.036–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials used in
handheld rocket-propelled parachute
red flare distress signals shall conform
strictly to the specifications and drawings submitted by the manufacturer
and approved by the Commandant. In
general, all exposed parts shall be cor-

96

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.036–4

(i) Any change in construction details,
(ii) Any changes in sources of raw
materials, or
(iii) The start of production on a new
production line or on a previously discontinued production line.
(2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into
construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.
Samples from each lot must be tested
in accordance with the operational
tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Inspections and test by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and
tests under paragraph (b)(2) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots produced in a year is
less than four. The inspections and
tests must occur at least once during
each quarterly period, unless no lots
are produced during this period. If less
than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspection and testing of each lot. In addition, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the technical tests in paragraph (d) of this section at least once
for every ten lots of signals produced,
except that the number of technical
tests must be at least one but not more
than four per year. If a lot of signals
tested by the independent laboratory is
rejected, the laboratory must perform
or supervise the inspections and tests
of the reworked lot and the next lot of
signals produced. The tests of each reworked lot and the next lot produced
must not be counted for the purpose of
meeting the requirement for the annual number of inspections and tests
performed or supervised by the independent laboratory.
(c) Operational tests. Each lot of signals must be sampled and tested as follows:
(1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. A sample of signals must
be selected at random from the lot. The
size of the sample must be the individual sample size in Table 160.036–4(c)(1)

corresponding to the lot size. Each signal in the sample is tested as prescribed in the test procedure in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each signal
that has a defect listed in the table of
defects (Table 160.036–4(c)(2)) is assigned a score (failure percent) in accordance with that table. In the case of
multiple defects, only the score having
the highest numerical value is assigned
to that signal. If the sum of all the failure percents (cumulative failure percent) for the number of units in the
sample is less than or equal to the accept criterion, the lot is accepted. If
this sum is equal to or more than the
reject criterion the lot is rejected. If
the cumulative failure percent falls between the accept and reject criteria,
another sample is selected from the
production lot and the operational
tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is
added to that of the previous samples
to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples
are tested and the tests repeated until
either the accept or reject criterion for
the cumulative sample size is met. If
any signal in the sample explodes when
fired or ignites in a way that could
burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.036–4(c)).
(2) Test procedure. Each sample signal
(specimen) must be tested as follows:
(i) Conditioning of test specimens—
water resistence. Immerse specimen
horizontally with uppermost portion of
the signal approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
below the surface of the water for a period of 24 hours.
(ii) Firing and operating characteristics. Signals shall fire and operate satisfactorily when the manufacturer’s directions are followed. The parachute
and pyrotechnic candle shall be ejected
at approximately the maximum altitude reached by the projectile case.
The parachute shall open and properly
suspend the pyrotechnic candle without fouling. The pyrotechnic candle
shall burn with uniform intensity and
without damaging the parachute,
shrouds, or leader line.
(iii) Altitude. The altitude reached by
a signal is considered to be the height

97

§ 160.036–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
TABLE 160.036–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS—
Continued

at which the parachute and pyrotechnic candle are ejected from the
projectile case, as determined by visual
observation against an object of known
height, such as a tower or balloon, or
by triangulation from two or more
points of observation, or by other
method satisfactory to the Commandant. The altitude reached shall be
not less than 150 m (500 ft.).
(iv) Rate of descent. The rate of descent of a signal is considered to be the
calculated average rate obtained by dividing the altitude by the time of descent to the surface. The rate of descent shall not exceed 4.5 m (15 ft.) per
second.
(v) Burning time. The burning time of
the pyrotechnic candle shall be obtained by stop watch measurement
from the time a distinct, sustained
flame is emitted until it ceases. The
burning time shall be not less than 30
seconds.

Lot size

Individual
sample
size

1,201 to
3,200.

32

More
than
3,201.

50

Sample

First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept 1

Reject 1

32
64
96
128
160
192
224
50
100
150
200
250
300
350

100
400
800
1,200
1,700
2,100
2,550
200
700
1,300
1,900
2,500
3,100
3,750

700
1,000
1,300
1,700
2,000
2,300
2,551
900
1,400
1,900
2,500
2,900
3,300
3,751

1 Cumulative
2 Lot

failure percent.
may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.

TABLE 160.036–4(C)(2)
Kind of defect

TABLE 160.036–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS

Lot size

280 or
less.

281 to
500.

501 to
1,200.

Individual
sample
size
8

13

20

Sample

First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept 1

Reject 1

8
16
24
32
40
48
56
13
26
39
52
65
78
91
20
40
60
80
100
120
140

(2)
100
200
300
500
700
950
0
100
300
500
700
1,000
1,350
0
300
600
800
1,100
1,400
1,850

400
500
600
700
800
900
951
400
600
800
1,000
1,100
1,200
1,351
500
800
1,000
1,300
1,500
1,700
1,851

a. Failure to fire .................................................
b. Failure to eject projectile contents ................
c. Failure to ignite pyrotechnic candle ...............
d. Failure of parachute to open completely .......
e. Complete carrying away or destruction of
parachute .......................................................
f. Altitude less than 70 pct of that required .......
g. Altitude less than 70 pct but less than 80 pct
of that required ...............................................
h. Altitude at least 80 pct but less than 90 pct
of that required ...............................................
i. Altitude at least 90 pct but less than 100 pct
of that required ...............................................
j. Average rate of descent greater than four
times maximum permitted ..............................
k. Average rate of descent less than 4 but
greater than 3 times maximum permitted ......
l. Average rate of descent less than 3 but
greater than 2 times maximum permitted ......
m. Average rate of descent less than twice but
greater than maximum permitted ...................
n. Burning time less than 70 pct of that required .............................................................
o. Burning time at least 70 pct but less than 80
pct of that required .........................................
p. Burning time at least 80 pct but less than 90
pct of that required .........................................
q. Burning time at least 90 pct but less than
100 pct of that required ..................................

98

Percentage
of failure
100
100
100
75
75
100
75
50
25
100
75
50
25
100
75
50
25

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.036–4

(d) Technical tests. Three signals must
be subjected to each of the following
tests. Two of the three signals must

pass each test in order for the lot of
signals to be accepted.
(1) Luminous intensity. The luminous
intensity of each pyrotechnic candle

99

§ 160.036–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

tested shall be measured by a visual
photometer or equivalent photometric
device while the specimen is supported
in a horizontal position and the photometer is at right angles to the axis of
the specimen. Visual luminous intensity readings shall be observed and recorded at approximately 5-second intervals during the burning of the specimen. The minimum photometric distance shall be 3 m (10 ft.). Recording
photometers shall have a chart speed of
at least 10 cm (4 in.) per minute. The
luminous intensity of the specimen
shall be computed as the arithmetical
average of the readings recorded. The
average luminous intensity of a specimen shall be not less than 20,000 candela.
(2) Elevated temperature, humidity, and
storage.
Place
specimen
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 75 °C. with not
less than 90 percent relative humidity
for 72 hours. Remove specimen and
store at room temperature (20° to 25
°C.) with approximately 65 percent relative humidity for ten days. If for any
reason it is not possible to operate the
oven continuously for the 72-hour period, it may be operated at the required
temperature and humidity for 8 hours
out of each 24 during the 72-hour conditioning period. (Total of 24 hours on
and 48 hours off.) The signal shall not
ignite or decompose during this conditioning. The signal shall fire and operate satisfactorily following this conditioning.
(3) Spontaneous ignition. Place the
specimen in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at
75 °C. with not more than 10% relative
humidity for 48 consecutive hours. The
signal shall not ignite or undergo
marked decomposition.
(4) Chromaticity. The color of the
burning signal must be vivid red as defined by Sections 13 and 14 of the
‘‘Color Names Dictionary.’’ Two identical test plates of white cardboard
about 30 cm × 60 cm (12″×24″) are used.
Except for a negligible amount of stray
daylight, the first test plate is illuminated by light from the specimen
placed at a distance of about 1.5 m (5
ft.). The second test plate is illuminated only by light from an incandescent lamp operated at a color tempera-

ture close to 2,848° K at a distance of
about 30 cm (1 ft.). The first plate is
viewed directly, the second through
combinations of Lovibond red, yellow,
and blue glasses selected so as to approximate a chromaticity match. By
separating the test plates by a wide
unilluminated area (subtending at the
observer about 45°), it is possible to
make accurate determinations of chromaticity in terms of the 1931 CIE
Standard Observer and Coordinate System, in spite of fluctuations in luminous intensity of the specimen by factors as high as 2 or 3. The CIE coordinates are converted to the Munsell notation which is cross-referenced to the
color name in Section 13 of the ‘‘Color
Names Dictionary’’ (see the discussion
in Section 10 of ‘‘The Universal Color
Language’’).
§ 160.036–5

Marking.

(a) General. Each hand-held rocketpropelled parachute red flare distress
signal shall be legibly marked or labeled as follows:
(Company brand or style designation)
HAND-HELD ROCKET-PROPELLED PARACHUTE
RED FLARE DISTRESS SIGNAL—20,000 candela—30 seconds burning time. USE ONLY
WHEN AIRCRAFT OR VESSEL IS SIGHTED. DIRECTIONS—(In numbered paragraphs, simply
worded instructions for firing the device).
Service Life Expiration Date (date to be inserted by manufacturer) (Month and year
manufactured) (Lot No. ll) Manufactured
by (Name and address of manufacturer) U.S.
Coast Guard Approval No. ll.

(b) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.
(c) Other marking. (1) On each handheld rocket propelled parachute red
flare distress signal there shall be diestamped in figures not less than 3 mm
(1⁄8 in.) high, on the signal, numbers indicating the month and year of manufacture, thus: ‘‘6–54’’ indicating June,
1954.
(2) The pyrotechnic candle shall be
legibly marked with the month and
year of manufacture.
(3) In addition to any other marking
place on the smallest packing carton or
box containing signals, each carton or
box shall be plainly and permanently

100

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.037–3

marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot
number.
(4) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’
NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.036–6 Container.
(a) General. The container for storing
the signals on lifeboats and liferafts is
not required to be of a special design or
be approved by the Coast Guard. The
container must meet the requirements
in Subpart 160.021 (§ 160.021–6) except
that the wording on the container must
be:
HAND-HELD ROCKET-PROPELLED PARACHUTE
RED FLARE DISTRESS SIGNALS

(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.036–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.037—Hand Orange
Smoke Distress Signals
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73085, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.037–1 Incorporations
erence.

by

ref-

(a) The following are incorporated by
reference into this subpart:
(1) ‘‘The Color Names Dictionary’’ in
Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of
Standards Special Publication 440, December 1976.
(2) ‘‘Development of a Laboratory
Test for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Smoke Signals,’’ National Bureau of Standards Report 4792, July
1956.
(b) NBS Special Publication 440 may
be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Gov-

ernment Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No.
C13.10:440).
(c) NBS Report 4792 may be obtained
from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001.
(d) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on November 1
and 29, 1979. The materials are on file
in the Federal Register library.
[CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR 73085, Dec. 17,
1979, as amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782,
Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7,
1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.037–2 Type.
(a) Hand orange smoke distress signals specified by this subpart shall be
one type which shall consist essentially of a wooden handle to which is
attached a tubular casing having a
sealing plug at the handle end, the casing being filled with a smoke producing
composition and fuse with button of ignition material at the top, and a removable cap having a friction striking
material on its top which may be exposed for use by pulling a tear strip.
The signal is ignited by scraping the
friction striker on top of the cap
against the igniter button on top of the
body of the signal. Alternate arrangements which conform to the performance requirements of this specification
will be given special consideration.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.037–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction, and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials shall
conform strictly to the specifications
and drawings submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. The color of the tube shall be
orange. The combustible materials
shall be of such nature as will not deteriorate during long storage, nor when
subjected to frigid or tropical climates,
or both.
(b) Workmanship. Hand orange smoke
distress signals shall be of first class
workmanship and shall be free from
imperfections of manufacture affecting
their appearance or that may affect

101

§ 160.037–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

their serviceability. Moisture proof
coatings shall be applied uniformly and
shall be free from pinholes or other
visible defects which would impair
their usefulness.
(c) Construction. The casing shall be
fitted and secured to the handle with
not less than a 25 mm (1 in.) overlap
and shall be attached to the handle in
such a manner that failure of the joint
will not occur during tests, ignition, or
operation. The plug shall be securely
affixed in the casing to separate the
smoke composition from the wooden
handle. The smoke composition shall
be thoroughly mixed and be uniformly
compresssed throughout to preclude
variations of density which may adversely affect uniformity of its smoke
emitting characteristics. The cap shall
have a lap fit of not less than 25 mm (1
in.) over the end of the casing and
smoke composition to entirely and securely protect the exposed surface of
the igniter button and end of smoke
composition and casing, and shall have
an inner shoulder so constructed that
it is mechanically impossible for the
inner surface of the cap to come in contact with the igniter button. The cap
shall be securely attached to the casing
in such manner as to preclude its accidental detachment. The cap shall be
provided on its top with a friction
striking material which shall, by a pull
of the tear strip, be entirely exposed
for striking the friction igniter button.
The igniter button shall be non-water
soluble or be protected from moisture
by a coating of some waterproof substance, and shall be raised or exposed
in such manner as to provide positive
ignition by the friction striker. The igniter button shall be firmly secured in
or on the top of the smoke composition; the arrangement shall be such
that the ignition will be transmitted to
the smoke producing composition. The
assembled signal, consisting of tear
strip, cap, casing, and handle, shall be
sealed and treated to protect the signal
from deterioration by moisture. The
protective waterproof coating shall be
applied so none adheres to the friction
striking surface. Special consideration
will be given to alternate waterproofing of the signal by means of a waterresistant coating on the signal plus
packaging in a sealed plastic water-

proof bag satisfactory to the Commandant.
(d) Performance. Signals shall meet
all the inspection and test requirements contained in § 160.037–4.
§ 160.037–4 Approval and production
tests.
(a) Approval tests. The manufacturer
must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples must be taken
for testing for approval under § 160.037–
7. The approval tests are the operational tests and technical tests in
paragraphs (c) and (d) of this section.
The approval tests must be conducted
by an independent laboratory accepted
by the Commandant under § 159.010 of
this chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the
rejected lot, and the results of the second test.
(1) Lot size. For the purposes of sampling the production of signals, a lot
must consist of not more than 30,000
signals. Lots must be numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot
must be started with:
(i) Any change in construction details,
(ii) Any change in sources of raw materials, or
(iii) The start of production on a new
production line or on a previously discontinued production line.
(2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into
construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.
Samples from each lot must be tested

102

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.037–4

in accordance with the operational
tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this Chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and
tests under paragraph (b)(2) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots produced in a year is
less than four. The inspections and
tests must occur at least once during
each quarterly period, unless no lots
are produced during this period. If less
than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspection and testing of each lot. In addition, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the technical tests in paragraph (d) of this section at least once
for every ten lots of signals produced,
except that the number of technical
tests must be at least one but not more
than four per year. If a lot of signals
tested by the independent laboratory is
rejected, the laboratory must perform
or supervise the inspections and tests
of the reworked lot and the next lot of
signals produced. The tests of each reworked lot and the next lot produced
must not be counted for the purpose of
meeting the requirement for the annual number of inspections and tests
performed or supervised by the independent laboratory.
(c) Operational tests. Each lot of signals must be sampled and tested as follows:
(1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. A sample of signals must
be selected at random from the lot. The
size of the sample must be the individual sample size in Table 160.037–4(c)(1)
corresponding to the lot size. Each signal in the sample is tested as prescribed in the test procedure in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each signal
that has a defect listed in the table of
defeats (Table 160.037–4(c)(2)) is assigned a score (failure percent) in accordance with that table. In the case of
multiple defects, only the score having
the highest numerical value is assigned
to that signal. If the sum of all the failure percents (cumulative failure percent) for the number of units in the
sample is less than or equal to the accept criterion, the lot is accepted. If
the sum is equal to or more than the

reject criterion the lot is rejected. If
the cumulative failure percent falls between the accept and reject criteria,
another sample is selected from the
production lot and the operational
tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is
added to that of the previous samples
to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples
are tested and the tests repeated until
either the accept or reject criterion for
the cumulative sample size is met. If
any signal in the sample explodes when
fired, or ignites in a way that could
burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.037–4(c)).
(2) Test procedure. Each sample signal
(specimen) must be tested as follows:
(i) Conditioning of test specimens—
water resistance. Immerse specimen
horizontally with uppermost portion of
the signal approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
below the surface of the water for a period of 24 hours. If the signal is protected by alternate waterproofing consisting of a water-resistant coating on
the signal plus packaging in a sealed
plastic waterproof bag, the 24-hour
water immersion conditioning will be
conducted while the signal is in the
sealed plastic waterproof bag and will
be followed by an additional immersion
of the bare signal (i.e., after removal
from the bag) 25 mm (1 in.) below the
surface of the water for a period of 10
minutes.
(ii) Waterproofing of igniter button. Remove the cap from the test specimen.
Place head of specimen without cap
about 25 mm (1 in.) under the surface of
water for approximately 5 minutes. Remove specimen from the water and
wipe dry.
(iii) Smoke emitting time. Ignite specimen according to directions printed on
the signal. The smoke emitting time of
a specimen shall be obtained by stop
watch measurements from the time of
distinct, sustained smoke emission
until it ceases. The watch shall be
stopped during periods of flame emission. The smoke emitting time for a
specimen shall be not less than 50 seconds.

103

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(iv) Ignition and smoke emitting characteristics. Test specimens shall ignite
and emit smoke properly when the directions on the signal are followed.
Test specimens shall not ignite explosively in a manner that might be dangerous to the user or persons close by.
The plug separating the smoke producing composition from the handle shall
in no case allow flame or hot gases to
pass through it or between it and the
casing in such manner as might burn
the hand while holding the signal by
the handle.
TABLE 160.037–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS

Lot size

Individual
sample
size

Sample

Cumulative sample size

Accept 1

Reject 1

8
16
24
32
40
48
56
13
26
39
52
65
78
91
20
40
60
80
100

(2)
100
200
300
500
700
950
0
100
300
500
700
1,000
1,350
0
300
600
800
1,100

400
500
600
700
800
900
951
400
600
800
1,000
1,100
1,200
1,351
500
800
1,000
1,300
1,500

TABLE 160.037–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT
CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS—Continued

Lot size

Individual
sample
size

1,201 to
3,200.

32

More
than
3,201.

50

Sample

Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

Cumulative sample size

Accept 1

Reject 1

120
140
32
64
96
128
160
192
224
50
100
150
200
250
300
350

1,400
1,850
100
400
800
1,200
1,700
2,100
2,550
200
700
1,300
1,900
2,500
3,100
3,750

1,700
1,851
700
1,000
1,300
1,700
2,000
2,300
2,551
900
1,400
1,900
2,500
2,900
3,300
3,751

1 Cumulative

280 or
less.

281 to
500.

501 to
1,200.

8

13

20

First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ..
Fifth ......

2 Lot

failure percent.
may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.

TABLE 160.037–4(C)(2)
Kind of defects
a. Failure to ignite ..............................................
b. Ignites or burns dangerously .........................
c. Non-uniform smoke-emitting rate ..................
d. Smoke-emitting time less than 70 pct of
specified time. ................................................
e. Smoke-emitting time at least 70 pct but less
than 80 pct of specified time. .........................
f. Smoke-emitting time at least 80 pct but less
than 90 pct of specified time. .........................
g. Smoke-emitting time at least 90 pct but less
than 100 pct of specified time. .......................

104

Percentage
of failure
100
50
50
100
75
50
25

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.037–4

(d) Technical tests. Three signals must
be subjected to each of the following
tests. Two of the three signals must

pass each test in order for the lot of
signals to be accepted.
(1) Underwater smoke emission. Condition each sample in accordance with

105

§ 160.037–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. Ignite specimen and let it burn about 15
seconds in air. Submerge the burning
signal in water in a vertical position
with head down. Obtain underwater
smoke emission time by stop watch
measurements from time of submersion until smoke emission ceases. The
test specimen shall burn underwater
not less than 10 seconds when subjected
to this test.
(2) Bending strength. Place the specimen on supports 15 cm (6 in.) apart. Attach a weight of 35 kg (77 lb.) to a
length of wire. Hang the weight from
the supported signal by looping the
wire around the signal approximately
equidistant from the two points of support. Let the weight hang approximately 5 minutes. The test specimen
shall not deflect more than 7 mm (1⁄4
in.), nor shall the joint between the
casing and the handle fail when subjected to this test.
(3) Tensile strength. Place the specimen in a chuck firmly holding it about
13 mm (1⁄2 in.) below the cap. Attach a
weight of 35 kg (77 lb.) to a length of
wire. Hang the weight from the supported signal by looping the wire
through a hole bored perpendicular to
and through the axis of the handle. Let
the weight hang approximately 5 minutes. The test specimen shall not show
noticeable distortion, nor shall the
joint between the casing and handle
fail, when subjected to this test.
(4) Elevated temperature, humidity and
storage.
Place
specimen
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 75 °C. with not
less than 90 percent relative humidity
for 72 hours. Remove specimen and
store at room temperature (20° to 25
°C.) with approximately 65 percent relative humidity for 10 days. If for any
reason it is not possible to operate the
oven continuously for the 72-hour period, it may be operated at the required
temperature and humidity for 8 hours
out of each 24 during the 72-hour conditioning period. (Total of 24 hours on
and 48 hours off.) The signal shall not
ignite or decompose during this conditioning. The signal shall ignite and operate satisfactorily following this conditioning.
(5) Spontaneous ignition. Place the
specimen in a thermostatically con-

trolled even-temperature oven held at
75 °C. with not more than 10% relative
humidity for 48 consecutive hours. The
signal shall not ignite or undergo
marked decomposition.
(6) Susceptibility to explosion. Remove
smoke composition from signal and
punch a small hole in the composition.
Insert a No. 6 commercial blasting cap.
Ignite the cap. The test specimen shall
not explode or ignite.
(7) Color of smoke. Ignite specimen in
the open air in daytime according to
the directions printed on the signal,
and determine the smoke color by direct
visual
comparison
of
the
unshadowed portions of the smoke with
a color chart held so as to receive the
same daylight illumination as the
unshadowed portions of the smoke. The
color of the smoke must be orange as
defined by Sections 13 and 14 of the
‘‘Color Names Dictionary’’ (colors 34–39
and 48–54).
(8) Volume and density of smoke. The
test specimen shall show less than 70
percent transmission for not less than
30 seconds when measured with apparatus having a light path of 19 cm (71⁄2
in.), an optical system aperture of +3.7
degrees, and an entrance air flow of
18.4m3 per minute (650 cu. ft. per
minute), such apparatus to be as described in National Bureau of Standards Report No. 4792.
§ 160.037–5 Labeling and marking.
(a) Labeling. Each hand orange smoke
distress signal shall bear a label securely affixed thereto, showing in
clear, indelible black lettering on an
orange background, the following
wording and information:
(Company brand or style designation)
HAND ORANGE SMOKE DISTRESS SIGNAL
For daytime use—50 seconds burning
time
USE ONLY WHEN AIRCRAFT OR VESSEL IS
SIGHTED
DIRECTIONS: Pull tape over top of cap. Remove cap and ignite flare by rubbing scratch
surface on top of cap sharply across igniter
button on head of signal.
CAUTION: Stand with back to wind and
point away from body when igniting or signal is burning.

106

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.038–4

Service Life Expiration Date (Month and
year to be inserted by manufacturer) (Month
and year manufactured) (Lot No. ll). Manufactured by (Name and address of manufacturer). U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. ll.

(b) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must not be more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.
(c) Other marking. (1) There shall be
die-stamped, in the side of the wooden
handle in figures not less than 3 mm
(1⁄8 in.) high, numbers indicating the
month and year of manufacture, thus:
‘‘6–54’’ indicating June, 1954.
(2) In addition to any other marking
place on the smallest packing carton or
box containing hand orange smoke distress signals such cartons or boxes
shall be plainly and permanently
marked to show the service life expiration date, date of manufacture, and lot
number.
(3) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’
NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.037–6 Container.
(a) General. The container for storing
the signals on lifeboats and liferafts is
not required to be of a special design or
be approved by the Coast Guard. The
container must meet the requirements
in subpart 160.021 (§ 160.021–6) except
that the wording on the container must
be: ‘‘Hand Orange Smoke Distress Signals.’’
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.037–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart
160.038—Magazine
Chests, Portable, for Merchant
Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 49–43, 15 FR 122 Jan. 11, 1950,
unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.038–1

Applicable specifications.

(a) There are no other specifications
applicable to this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.038–2

Type.

(a) Portable magazine chests shall be
of a type suitable for stowage of pyrotechnic distress signals, rockets, or
powder for line-throwing guns, and
shall be of a size not less than 6 nor
more than 40 cubic feet capacity. Alternate types of construction to that specified below will be given special consideration.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.038–3 Materials,
and construction.

workmanship,

(a) Portable magazine chests shall be
constructed of metal and lined with
wood.
(b) The lining shall be so fitted and
finished as to form a smooth surface
within the interior of the chest. Fastenings shall be recessed below the surface to avoid projections within the interior. Construction shall be such as to
separate all containers of explosives or
pyrotechnics from contact with metal
surfaces.
(c) The metal shall be 1⁄8 inch thick
and free from crimps, buckles, and
rough edges. All metal surfaces shall be
wire brushed and all oil, grease, rust,
loose scale, and other extraneous matter, removed before application of any
primer. All surfaces of the metal chest
and fittings shall be given a heavy coat
of quick drying red lead, zinc chromate, or other suitable primer before
painting. The finish shall consist of
two coats of paint. The interior shall
be lined with wood sheathing of a minimum thickness of 3⁄4 inch. Securing
means shall be countersunk below the
surface of the sheathing. Securing
means for the cover and 4 lashing rings
shall be provided. The lashing rings
shall be 3″ I.D. × 3⁄8″ wire permanently
attached to the magazine chest. Two
runners, not less than 2 inches high
shall be permanently attached to the
bottom of the chest.
§ 160.038–4

Inspections and tests.

(a) Portable magazine chests specified by this subpart are not ordinarily

107

§ 160.038–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

subject to regularly s scheduled factory
inspections.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.038–5 Marking.
(a) Portable magazine chests used for
the stowage of pyrotechnic signals,
rockets, and powder for line-throwing
guns shall be marked, in letters at
least 3 inches high, with the following
legend: ‘‘Portable Magazine Chest, Inflammable—Keep Lights and Fire
Away.’’
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.038–6 Procedure for approval.
(a) Portable magazine chests are not
subject to formal approval, but will be
accepted by the inspector on the basis
of this subpart at annual inspections
and reinspections of vessels.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.039 [Reserved]
Subpart
160.040—Line-Throwing
Appliance, Impluse-Projected
Rocket Type (and Equipment)
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73089, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.040–1 Incorporations
erence.

by

ref-

(a) The following military specifications are incorporated by reference
into this subpart:
(1) MIL–R–23139 B, 16 August 1965—
Rocket Motors, Surface Launched, Development and Qualification Requirements for.
(2) MIL–R–45505 A, 2 April 1971—Line
Throwing Apparatuses, Rocket and
Projectile Units.
(b) The military specifications may
be obtained from Customer Service,
Naval Publications and Forms Center,
5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
19120 (tel: (215) 697–2000). These specifications are also on file in the Federal
Register library.
(c) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on September 24,
1979.

§ 160.040–2 Type and size.
(a) Impulse-projected rocket type
line-throwing appliances required by
this subpart shall be of a type consisting essentially of a pistol or launcher,
which can be hand held and hand directed, or suitably supported and hand
directed.
(b) Impulse-projected rocket type
line-throwing appliances shall weigh
(complete with one rocket, bridle, and
leader) not to exceed 16 kg (35 lb.) and
shall be of a size easily manageable by
one person.
(c) Alternate arrangements which
meet the performance requirements of
this subpart will be given special consideration. Line-throwing appliances
meeting the requirements of MIL–L–
45505 Type I will be considered as meeting the requirements of this subpart
subject to approval of the Commandant.
§ 160.040–3 Materials,
construction,
workmanship, and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. All materials used in
the construction of impulse-projected
rocket type line-throwing appliances
and equipment shall be of good quality
suitable for the purpose intended, and
shall conform ot this subpart and to
the specifications submitted by the
manufacturer and approved by the
Commandant. The choice of materials,
when there is no specific requirement,
shall be such that maximum safety to
operating personnel will be maintained, and that resistance to corrosion
by salt water or spray, shock, temperature change, and wear will be obtained.
The use of dissimilar materials in combination shall be avoided wherever possible, but when such contacts are necessary, provision shall be made to prevent such deleterious effects as galvanic corrosion, freezing or buckling of
moving parts, and loosening or tightening of joints due to differences in coefficients of thermal expansion.
(b) Construction. The design and construction shall be such as to obtain effective and safe operation aboard vessels at sea.
(c) Workmanship. Impulse-projected
rocket type line-throwing appliances
shall be of first class workmanship and
shall be free from imperfections of

108

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.040–5

manufacture affecting their appearance or that may affect their serviceability.
(d) Performance. When the rocket is
fired from the appliance in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions,
it shall be capable of passing the tests
specified by § 160.040–5(c).
§ 160.040–4 Equipment for impulse-projected rocket type line-throwing appliance.
(a) Four rocket projectiles, each
complete with bridle and leader of fireresistant materials. Two of the projectiles shall be of the buoyant type.
(b) Not less than 4 primer-ejector cartridges which fit the chamber of the
pistol, gun, or launcher.
(c) Four service lines, each 4 mm (5⁄32
in.) minimum diameter with a minimum breaking strenght of at least 2,250
N (500 lb.), and in one continual length
not less than that specified in the approval of the appliance carried, without splice, knot, or other retarding or
weaking features. The length of each
service line will be assigned in the approval of the appliance as a round number approximately one-third in excess
of the average distance the line is carried in the tests required by § 160.040–
7(c). The line shall be of either natural
or synthetic fibers suitable for marine
usage. The end of the line intended to
be attached to the projectile shall have
securely attached thereto a substantial
tag bearing a permanent legend indicating its purpose, and the other end of
the line shall be tagged in the same
manner to prevent delay in securing
proper and immediate action with the
equipment. Each line shall be coiled,
faked, or reeled in its own faking box
or reel in such manner that when all
the line leaves the container, it shall
automatically become unattached and
free from the container. The faking box
or reel shall be big enough for the line.
The reel type container shall consist of
a reel upon which the line may be readily coiled and a canister or container
into which the line may be placed that
affords a fair lead through which the
line may pay out. The reel must be so
designed as to permit easy withdrawal
after the line has been coiled. Containers of new lines shall bear the name of
the manufacturer, date of manufac-

ture, and a statement to the effect that
in all respects the line meets the requirements of this specification.
(d) [Reserved]
(e) One cleaning rod with wire brush
of non-ferrous metal, prongs arranged
in a spiral of sufficient rigidity and size
to clean the bore.
(f) One can of oil suitable for cleaning and preserving the appliance.
(g) Twelve flannel wiping patches of
sufficient size to cover the brush and
suitable for wiping the bore clean.
(h) One set of instructions including
a list of the equipment furnished with
the appliance, information as to the
proper maintenance of the appliance
and equipment, and directions for loading and firing the appliance in service
use shall be permanently engraved in
plastic and mounted conspicuously in
the case or box required by paragraph
(i) of this section.
(i) A suitable case or box, properly
compartmented for stowage of the appliance and auxiliary equipment, is required for stowage on merchant vessels. The service line and auxiliary line
need not be stowed in the case.
§ 160.040–5
tests.

Approval and production

(a) Approval tests. An independent
laboratory accepted by the Commandant under § 159.010 of this chapter
must perform or supervise the performance tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests must
be conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Each appliance
or lot of rockets which fails the inspections and tests must not be represented
as meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard.
(1) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include the inspection of appliances during production as well as inspection of finished
appliances, to determine that the appliances are being produced in accordance with the approved plans. The performance tests in paragraph (c) of this
section must be performed by the manufacturer.

109

§ 160.040–6

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must inspect and test appliances and rockets
at least once each year. The inspection
must determine that the appliances
and rockets are being produced in accordance with the appropriate plans.
The tests must be in accordance with
paragraph (c) of this section.
(c) Performance tests—(1) Appliances.
Each appliance shall be tested by firing
three rounds. These rounds may be regular rockets or buoyant type rockets
carrying regular service lines, as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this paragraph or may be dummy projectiles, of
the same size and weight as the regular
rocket projectile, expelled into an
earthen bank or other resisting medium from a reasonable distance. At
least one of the rounds shall be fired
using a primer-ejector cartridge loaded
with a charge double the normal
charge; the other rounds may be fired
using
regular
primer-ejector
cartridges. After the firing tests have been
completed, each appliance shall be
fired twice using the regular primerejector cartridges only, for the purposes of demonstrating that the appliance is still in operating condition. The
entire assembly of the appliance shall
then be examined. Results of the test
firing and the physical examination
shall show none of the following: Failure to eject cartridge, failure to close
breech, trigger malfunction, safety
lock failure to function, breech catch
malfunction, broken spring, broken
handgrips, cracked barrel or discharge
chamber, firing pin or plunger broken,
distorted or excessively worn or loose
breech. A single misfire is acceptable if
a second cartridge fires on repeated
test. Misfire of both shall be cause for
rejection of the appliance. More than
one loose screw shall be cause for rejection. If an appliance exhibits a single
loose screw, it may be retightened.
(2) Rockets. The rocket shall utilize a
solid fuel propellant which shall function in accordance with all applicable
requirements of MIL–R–23139. The use
of black powder for the rocket motor is
not acceptable. The ignition of the
rocket motor shall occur at such a distance from the appliance so as not to

spew flame, hot gaseous exhaust, or
hot particles of propellant in such a
manner as to create a hazard to personnel or the vessel. The rocket shall have
a service line carrier assembly permanently attached and made of material,
or suitably protected, to withstand the
heat from the rocket motor’s exhaust.
From each 200 rockets manufactured,
not less than three must be selected to
be tested by firing with service line attached. The rockets selected will, over
a period of time, include representative
samples of both the regular and buoyant type rockets, except that the approval test must include both types.
The line shall be carried, under conditions of reasonably still atmosphere, a
minimum of 230 m (750 ft.), without
breaking or fouling the line, and the
rocket shall alight not more than 15 m
(50 ft.) from either side of the target
line. In no case shall a test rocket be
fired without a line attached. After a
buoyant type rocket is fired, it shall
demonstrate its ability to float in
water for not less than 2 hours. Failure
to meet any of the test requirements,
nose cone cracks, rupture in flight, erratic flight, or unusual burning rate,
shall be cause for rejection of rockets
produced until suitable correction has
been made. If rockets selected from
this lot are used for the tests required
in paragraph (c)(1) of this section this
may be accepted as meeting the requirements of this paragraph.
(3) Primer-ejector cartridges. Inasmuch
as primer-ejector cartridges are used
for the tests required by paragraphs (c)
(1) and (2) of this paragraph, additional
tests of primer-ejector cartridges will
be made only when deemed advisable
by the independent laboratory. Misfiring or failure of any kind shall be cause
for rejection of cartridges produced
until suitable correction has been
made.
§ 160.040–6 Marking and labeling.
(a) The appliance shall be permanently and legibly marked by diestamping or raised letters with the
model designation of the appliance, the
manufacturer’s serial number for the
appliance, the official Coast Guard approval number, and the name of the
manufacturer. The rocket-projectiles
shall be legibly marked with the name

110

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.041–3

of the manufacturer, the model designation, the official Coast Guard approval number, and month and year
manufactured.
Primer-ejector
cartridges shall be permanently and legibly marked with the name of the manufacturer, and the model designation,
the official Coast Guard approval number, and the month and year manufactured.
(b) The containers of new service
lines shall bear the name of the manufacturer, date of manufacture, and a
statement to the effect that in all respects the line meets the requirements
of this subpart for service lines. Line
faking boxes and reels shall bear the
name of the manufacturer.
NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.040–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Rocket type line-throwing appliances are approved by the Coast Guard
under the procedures in subpart 159.005
of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.041—Kits, First-Aid, for
Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 50–12, 15 FR 3093, May 20,
1950, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.041–1 Applicable
specification
and publication.
(a) Specification. The following specification, of the issue in effect on the
date first-aid kits are manufactured,
forms a part of this subpart:
(1) Federal specification:
GG–K–391, Kits (Empty), First Aid, Burn
Treatment, and Snake Bite; and Kit Contents.

(b) Publication. The following publication, of the issue in effect on the date
first-aid kits are manufactured, forms
a part of this subpart:
(1) National Bureau of Standards
Simplified Practice Recommendation:
No. R178–41, Packaging of First-aid Unit
Dressings and Treatments.

(c) Copies of the specification and
publication referred to in this section

shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the approved plans
and certificate of approval. They shall
be kept for a period consisting of the
duration of approval and 6 months
after termination of approval. The Federal specification may be purchased
from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20407. The Naval Bureau of
Standards publication may be purchased from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing
Office, Washington, DC 20402.
[CGFR 50–12, 15 FR 3093, May 20, 1950, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899, Aug. 21,
1965]

§ 160.041–2 Type and size.
(a) Type. First-aid kits covered by
this specification shall be of the watertight cabinet carrying type designated
as Type II, Grade A, class B by Federal
Specification GG–K–391. Alternate arrangements of materials meeting the
performance requirements of this specification will be given special consideration.
(b) Size. First-aid kits shall be of a
size (approximately 9″×9″×21⁄2″ inside)
adequate for packing 24 standard single
cartons (defined by National Bureau of
Standards Simplified Practice Recommendations for Packaging of Firstaid Unit Dressings and Treatments), or
equivalent combinations of single, double, or triple cartons, the arrangement
of the cartons to be such as to permit
ready access to each item contained in
the kit.
§ 160.041–3 Construction and workmanship.
(a) Construction. The container shall
be of substantial and rugged construction, with the body, handle, and all fittings of a corrosion-resistant material
or suitably protected against corrosion. All ferrous metal employed shall
be protected by hot dip galvanizing, or
other equally effective means. The
thickness of metal in the container
shall be at least equal to 20 USSG and
all seams and joints shall be welded or
brazed. Either the body or the cover
shall contain a gasket of molded rubber
or other material which will give a
suitable watertight seal, and the mating piece shall be flanged or turned to

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

form an effective bearing surface. The
cover shall be fastened to the body by
two positive closed type pull-down snap
fasteners on one edge, which together
with two positive open type pull-down
snap fasteners at the opposite edge,
and one positive open type pull-down
snap fastener at each of the other two
edges, shall effectively hold the bearing surfaces together to provide the required watertight closure. The container shall be capable of being opened
and reclosed watertight.
(b) Handle. A suitable carrying handle, approximately 3″×11⁄4″, of 0.125″ diameter steel wire, shall be securely
mounted on the side or end of the body
of the container, and be so arranged
that when laid flat against the container it will not project beyond either
the upper or lower edge, and shall provide ample finger clearance for carrying.
(c) Cover fasteners. The cover fasteners shall be of the pull-down, draw bolt
type or equivalent and of sufficient size
and strength for the purpose. The fasteners shall be so constructed as not to
jar loose by vibration, but to permit

easy and quick opening with one hand.
There may be no sharp edges and all
parts shall be adequately protected
against corrosion.
§ 160.041–4

Contents.

(a) Individual cartons. Cartons shall
be of the standard commercial unit
type referred to by Simplified Practice
Recommendation R178–41, properly labeled to designate the name, size of
contents, and method of use, and shall
contain all information required by
Federal and State laws. Each package
shall be inclosed in a jacket of tough,
transparent material, properly sealed,
which shall meet the watertight requirements of § 160.041–5(f). Each carton
and the contents therein shall conform
to the applicable requirements of Federal Specification GG–K–391. Medicinal
products shall conform to the latest revision of the U.S. Pharmacopoeia.
Vials for tablets shall not be made of
glass.
(b) Items. The items contained in
first-aid kit shall be as listed in Table
160.041–4(b).

TABLE 160.041–4(B)—ITEMS FOR FIRST-AID KIT
Item

Number per package

Size of package

No. of
packages

Bandage compress—4″ ..........................................................................
Bandage compress—2″ ..........................................................................
Waterproof adhesive compress—1″ .......................................................
Triangular bandage—40″ .......................................................................
Eye dressing packet, 1⁄8 ounce Opthalmic ointment, adhesive strips,
cotton pads.
Bandage, gauze, compressed, 2 inches by 6 yards ..............................
Tourniquet, forceps, scissors, 12 safety pins .........................................

1 .........................................
4 .........................................
16 .......................................
1 .........................................
3 .........................................

Single ...........
do .............
do .............
do .............
do .............

5
2
2
3
1

2 .........................................
1, 1, 1, and 12, respectively.
1 .........................................
10 .......................................
10 .......................................
5 .........................................
4 .........................................

do .............
Double .........

1
1

Single ...........
do .............
do .............
Double .........
Single ...........

1
1
1
1
3

Wire splint ...............................................................................................
Ammonia inhalants .................................................................................
Iodine applicators (1⁄2 ml swab type) ......................................................
Aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine compound, 61⁄2 gr tablets, vials of 20
Sterile petrolatum gauze, 3″×18″ ...........................................................

(c) Instructions. Instructions for the use of the contents of the first-aid kit shall
be printed in legible type on a durable surface and shall be securely attached to
the inside of the cover. The instructions for the use of the contents are as follows:
DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE FIRST-AID KIT
Item title

Remarks

Ammonia inhalants .......................................................
Aspirin, phenacetin, caffeine tablets ............................

Break one and inhale for faintness, fainting, or collapse.
Chew up and swallow 2 tablets every three hours for headache, colds,
minor aches, pains, and fever. Maximum of 8 in twenty-four hours.
Apply as a dressing over wound. DON’T touch part that comes in contact with wound.
For securing splints, dressings, etc.
Use as arm sling, tourniquet, or for retaining splints or dressings in
place.

Bandage compress, 4″ and 2″ .....................................
Bandage, gauze, compressed, 2″ ................................
Bandage, triangular, compressed ................................

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§ 160.042–1

DIRECTIONS FOR THE USE OF THE FIRST-AID KIT—Continued
Item title

Remarks

Burn dressing ...............................................................

The petrolatum gauze bandage is applied in at least two layers over the
burned surface and an area extending 2″ beyond it. The first dressing
should be allowed to remain in place, changing only the outer, dry
bandage as needed, for at least 10 days unless signs of infection develop after several days, in which case the dressing should be removed and the burn treated as an infected wound. Watch for blueness or coldness of the skin beyond the dressing and loosen the
dressing if they appear.
Apply as dressing over small wounds. DON’T touch part that comes in
contact with wound.
Apply as dressing over inflamed or injured eye.
Use to remove splinters or foreign bodies. Don’t dig.
Apply in space formed by pulling lower eyelid down, once daily for inflamed or injured eyes. Don’t touch eyeball with tube.
Pad with gauze and mold to member to immobilize broken bones. Hold
in place with bandage. Do not attempt to set the bone.
Remove protective sleeve, crush tube and apply swab end. DON’T use
in or around eyes.
For control of hemorrhage. Loosen for a few seconds every 15 minutes.

Compress, adhesive, 1″ ...............................................
Eye patch .....................................................................
Forceps ........................................................................
Ophthalmic ointment ....................................................
Splint, wire ....................................................................
Tincture of iodine, mild .................................................
Tourniquet ....................................................................

§ 160.041–5 Inspections and tests.
(a) Accelerated weathering. The container without contents shall be exposed to ultra violet light and subjected to a spray of water for about 30
seconds every 20 minutes for 100 hours
at 120 °F. As an alternate to this test
the container may be exposed to an
ultra violet light for 100 hours at 130
°F. without the water spray. There
shall be no evidence of warping or deterioration as a result of this test.
(b) Salt spray. The container shall be
exposed to a spray of 20% by weight of
reagent grade sodium chloride at about
95 °F. for 100 hours. There shall be no
evidence of corrosion or disintegration
of the material as a result of this test.
(c) Temperature change. The container
shall be exposed to a temperature of 150
°F. for one hour and then to a temperature of 30 °F. below zero for one hour.
There shall be no warping or deterioration of the gasket material as a result
of this test.
(d) Container watertightness. After the
completion of all other container tests,
a closed empty container, lined with
colored blotting paper, with the cover
in a horizontal position and uppermost
shall be submerged under a head of one
foot of water for a period of two hours.
At the end of this period the container
shall be removed, opened, and examined for the presence of moisture. No
seepage shall be allowed.
(e) Carton watertightness. Four cartons from each container tested shall

be submerged under a head of one foot
of water for a period of two hours.
Upon opening the sealed wrappers
there shall be no evidence of leakage of
water.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30,
1997]

§ 160.041–6 Marking.
(a) Each approved first-aid kit shall
be permanently marked with the following information: name of manufacturer, trade name symbol, model number, or other identification used by the
manufacturer, the Coast Guard Approval Number, and the words ‘‘FIRSTAID KIT.’’ This information may be
embossed on the container or may be
applied by silk screen process, using a
suitable paint and protected as necessary to withstand the required tests,
or by other means shown to be acceptable.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.042—Skids, Liferaft, for
Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 50–12, 15 FR 3095, May 20,
1950, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.042–1 Applicable specification.
(a) The following specification, of the
issue in effect on the date life raft
skids are manufactured, forms a part of
this subpart:
(1) Coast Guard specification:

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

160.018, Life Rafts.

tion of the vessel upon which they are
placed.
(b) [Reserved]

(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.042–2 General requirements.
(a) The requirements of this subpart
provide for a standard life raft skid for
use on ocean and coastwise vessels in
conjunction with the stowage of Type
A rafts which may be used on such vessels.
(b) Life raft skids shall be constructed and arranged so as to properly
support a Type A life raft in the stowed
position and permit the launching of
the life raft directly into the water
without the application of any force
other than that necessary to release
the gripping arrangement and operate
the release mechanism.
(c) Arrangements other than those
specified by this subpart will be given
special consideration.
§ 160.042–3 Construction.
(a) The trackways of the skids shall
be constructed of 6″×31⁄2″×1⁄2″ structural
angles, or of material of approved
shape and equivalent strength, inclined
approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal. The trackways shall be spaced
8′–4″ from the inside of the 31⁄2″ vertical
leg of one trackway angle to the inside
of the 31⁄2″ vertical leg of the other
trackway angle. The inside of the 6″ leg
of the trackway angles shall form the
skid surface for the life raft. The
trackways shall be supported by a substantial structure suitable for stowing
a Type A life raft at a 60-degree angle
without having the raft project over
the side of the vessel.
(b) The lower end of the life raft shall
be supported by a base plate so arranged as to permit launching of the
raft by a quick release assembly.
(c) All bearing surfaces of the quick
release mechanism shall be constructed
of
non-corrosive
metal.
Alemite fittings shall be provided to
insure positive lubrication of all bearing surfaces.
§ 160.042–4 Inspection.
(a) Life raft skids covered by this
subpart are not subject to inspection at
the place of manufacture, but are inspected on the basis of this specification during the annual or other inspec-

§ 160.042–5 Procedure for approval.
(a) Life raft skids are not subject to
formal approval by the Commandant,
but for each merchant vessel on which
Type A life rafts are to be installed,
plans showing the construction and arrangement of the life raft stowage and
launching device on the vessel are required to be submitted for approval to
the Commandant through the Commander of the Coast Guard District
prior to the actual installation. Life
raft skids should comply with the requirements of this specification in
order to be acceptable for use in such
installations.
(b) Correspondence pertaining to the
subject matter of this specification
should be addressed to the Commander
of the Coast Guard District in which
the skids are to be installed.

Subpart 160.043—Jackknife (With
Can Opener) for Merchant
Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 50–12, 15 FR 3095, May 20,
1950, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.043–1 Applicable
specification
and plan.
(a) Specification. The following specification, of the issue in effect on the
date jackknives are manufactured,
forms a part of this subpart:
(1) Federal specification:
QQ–M–151, Metals; General Specification for
Inspection of.

(b) Plan. The following plan, of the
issue in effect on the date jackknives
are manufactured, forms a part of this
subpart:
(1) Coast Guard:
Dwg. No. 160.043–1(b), Jackknife (With Can
Opener).

(c) Copies on file. A copy of the above
specification and reference plan shall
be kept on file by the manufacturer,
together with the approved plans and
certificate of approval.
§ 160.043–2 Type.
(a) The jackknife specified by this
subpart shall be of a type as illustrated

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§ 160.043–4

by Drawing No. 160.043–1(b), which consists of a one-bladed knife fitted with a
can opener and a shackle to which a
lanyard is attached, all made from materials as specified in this subpart. Alternate arrangements will be given special consideration.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.043–3 Materials.
(a) Blade, can opener, and springs. The
blade shall be made of AISI Type 440B
stainless steel, heat treated to show a
Rockwell hardness of C55 to C59. The
can opener shall be made of AISI Type
420 stainless steel, heat treated to show
a Rockwell hardness of C50 to C54. The
springs shall be made of AISI Type 420
stainless steel, heat treated to show a
Rockwell hardness of C44 to C48.
(b) Linings and center. The linings and
center shall be hard brass.
(c) Bolsters and shackle. The bolsters
and shackle shall be 18 percent nickelsilver.
(d) Handles. The handles shall be good
quality, thermosetting, high impact
plastic.
(e) Rivets and pins. The rivets and
pins shall be either hard brass or 18
percent nickel-silver as specified in
this subpart.
(f) Lanyard. The lanyard shall be cotton rope, 1⁄8 inch nominal diameter.
§ 160.043–4 Construction and workmanship.
(a) Blade. The blade shall be not less
than 0.095 inch thick at the tang. Shall
have a triangular section and sheeps
foot point. It shall have a cutting edge
approximately 31⁄8 inches in length and
shall be approximately 13⁄16 inch in
height at the point. The blade shall be
uniformly ground and finished on both
sides and sharpened to a uniform and
keen edge, and it shall have a common
nail nick on one side. Before assembling, the sides of the tang shall be uniformly polished.
(b) Can opener. The can opener shall
be not less than 0.072 inch thick at the
tang, and 111⁄16 to 115⁄16 inches long overall. It shall be so designed that the cutting action turns the ragged edge down
into the can, and shall be mounted at
the same end of the knife as the blade
and in such a manner that both rectangular and circular cans may be opened

with a minimum of effort when the
knife is held in the right hand and operated in a clockwise direction around
the can. The cutting edge shall be suitably formed to obtain a smooth cutting
action. It shall have a common nail
nick on one side, and the extreme distal end shall be pointed. It shall be polished on both sides, and before assembling, the side of the tang shall be polished.
(c) Springs. Each spring shall be of a
thickness corresponding to the blade it
operates, and the back edge and that
section of the front edge coming in
contact with the end of the tang of the
blade shall be polished.
(d) Linings and center. Linings and
center shall be not less than 0.022 inch
in thickness and shall be polished before assembly.
(e) Bolsters. The bolsters shall be approximately 9⁄16 inch long by 0.100 inch
thick measured at the center line.
(f) Shackle. The shackle shall be of
conventional design, not less than 0.120
inch in diameter, and shall extend not
less than 3⁄4 inch from the end of the
knife. The shackle shall be attached to
the knife by a solid nickel-silver pin
not less than 0.080 inch in diameter
which shall pass through the shackle
and be securely fastened.
(g) Handles. The handles shall be approximately 33⁄4 inches long. They shall
be well fitted at the bolsters and fastened to the linings by two solid rivets
countersunk on the inside of the linings and smoothly rounded on the outside.
(h) Rivets and pins. Pins holding the
handles to the linings shall be of hard
brass, not less than 0.048 inch in diameter. Middle and end pins shall be of
hard brass not less than 0.095 inch in
diameter. The bolster rivet shall be 18
percent nickel-silver not less than 0.095
inch in diameter. All rivets and pins
shall have carefully spun heads.
(i) Lanyard. A lanyard 6 feet in
length shall be secured to the shackle.
(j) Polishing and oiling. After assembly all outside surfaces shall be buffed,
and the metal parts polished uniformly. The working parts shall be
cleaned and oiled with a good grade of
joint oil.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(k) Workmanship. Workmanship shall
be first class in all respects, and jackknives shall be free from defects which
may affect their serviceability.
§ 160.043–5 Inspections and tests.
(a) General. Jackknives are not ordinarily subjected to regularly scheduled
factory inspections, but the Commander of the Coast Guard District in
which they are manufactured may detail an inspector at any time to places
where jackknives are manufactured to
check materials and construction
methods, and to conduct such tests as
may be required to satisfy himself that
jackknives are being manufactured in
compliance with the requirements of
this specification and the manufacturer’s plans and specifications as approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer shall admit the inspector to
his plant and shall provide a suitable
place and the necessary apparatus for
use of the inspector in conducting tests
at the place of manufacture.
(b) Hardness test. Hardness of the
blade, can opener, and spring metal
shall be determined in accordance with
the Rockwell method as described in
Federal Specification QQ–M–151. Hardness impressions shall be made at locations representing the cutting edges
and surfaces subject to wear, and they
shall fall within the ranges set forth in
§ 160.043–3(a).
(c) Bending and drop tests. With all of
the blade of the knife except the tang
clamped in vertical jaws so that the
handle is in a horizontal position, a
downward load of 15 pounds shall be
suspended from the lanyard and allowed to hang for a period of 5 minutes.
The knife shall then be turned over,
and the test repeated with the can
opener in the jaws. The knife shall
then be dropped on its side from a
height of 8 feet onto a concrete floor.
Both the blade and the can opener shall
open and close properly, and the knife
shall show no other evidence of failure
at the conclusion of these tests.
(d) Cutting test. The knife shall be
used to cut various nonmetallic objects, including at least 10 shavings
from a strip of oak or other hardwood,
and to open various rectangular and
circular cans, and shall show no noticeable loss in cutting ability.

§ 160.043–6 Marking and packing.
(a) General. Jackknives specified by
this subpart shall be stamped or otherwise permanently and legibly marked
on the tang of the blade with the manufacturer’s name or with a trade mark
of such known character that the
source of manufacture may be readily
determined, and with the manufacturer’s type or size designation.
(b) Instructions for can opener. With
each jackknife the manufacturer shall
supply instructions, complete with an
illustration, indicating the proper
method for using the can opener.
(c) Packing. Each jackknife, complete
with lanyard attached, shall be packed
in a heat-sealed bag of waterproof vinyl
resin or polyethylene film not less than
0.004 inch in thickness. The bag shall
be marked in a clear and legible manner with the Coast Guard approval
number, the name and address of the
manufacturer, and in letters not less
than 1⁄4 inch in height with the words.
‘‘JACKKNIFE (WITH CAN OPENER)’’.
The instructions for use of the can
opener as required by paragraph (b) of
this section may also be printed on the
bag.

Subpart 160.044—Pumps, Bilge,
Lifeboat, for Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 50–30, 16 FR 1085, Feb. 6,
1951, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.044–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) There are no other specifications
applicable to this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.044–2 Types and sizes.
(a) Type. Bilge pumps covered by this
subpart shall be manually operated, either oscillating, wing type, or full rotary type, with mountings so arranged
as to permit attachment to a thwart or
other part of the lifeboat structure
without interference with the seating
arrangement. Alternate types, arrangements or materials, which meet the
performance requirements of this subpart will be given special consideration.
(b) Sizes. Bilge pumps covered by this
subpart shall be of three sizes, having
capacities as follows:

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§ 160.044–4

(1) Size No. 1. 5 gallons per minute at
65 double strokes, 1 for lifeboats up to
330 cubic feet capacity. 2
(2) Size No. 2. 6 gallons per minute at
50 double strokes, for lifeboats from 330
cubic feet up to 700 cubic feet capacity.
(3) Size No. 3. 15 gallons per minute at
50 double strokes, for lifeboats of 700
cubic feet or more capacity.
§ 160.044–3 General requirements.
(a) Bilge pumps shall be of rugged
construction, of first class workmanship in every respect, and free from any
defects affecting serviceability. Where
a choice of materials is permitted, the
materials used shall be of good quality
and suitable for the purpose intended,
and shall be corrosion-resistant or protected against corrosion by acceptable
means, except that parts subject to
wear shall not depend upon coatings
for corrosion resistance.
(b) Bilge pumps covered by this subpart shall be capable of operating
against a head pressure of 20 pounds
per square inch when tested in accordance with § 160.044–4(c).
(c) The bilge pump body shall be of
bronze and shall be provided with a
cover plate or plates, attached by
means of wing nuts at least 11⁄4 inches
long, on not more than 6 studs, or by
means of a suitable bayonet type joint,
so as to be readily removable for inspection or cleaning.
(d) The operating lever shall have a
steel or bronze core through its entire
length, but for comfort may have a
gripping surface of wood or other suitable material. The lever shall be
removable and shall be attached to the
pump shaft which is to be square
ended, by means of a set screw with
11⁄4-inch wings, and further shall be
connected to the pump body or shaft
end by a retaining chain to prevent
loss.
(e) The suction line shall be fitted
with an intake check valve and a suitable strainer. The strainer shall be re1 A double stroke is a complete cycle from
one extreme to the other and back again to
the original starting point, or, for rotary
type, one complete revolution.
2 The capacity of a lifeboat for determining
the size of the bilge pump shall be 0.6 times
the product of the length, breadth, and depth
of the lifeboat, in feet.

movable for cleaning without the use
of tools. The suction line shall contain
no hose or fittings subject to collapsing
when the pump is in service.
(f) Suction and discharge outlets
shall be not less than 1 inch inside diameter for pump sizes Nos. 1 and 2, and
not less than 11⁄4 inches inside diameter
for pump size No. 3. Discharge outlets
shall be provided with a tee of cast
bronze or other corrosion-resistant material, with a removable plug at the top
for priming, the plug to have a wing arrangement for removal by hand, and be
secured to the tee by a retaining chain.
The bottom of the tee shall have pipe
threads to fit the discharge outlet of
the pump, and the discharge portion of
the tee shall be a plain clamp type
male hose connection, with inside diameter not less than that of the pump
discharge opening.
§ 160.044–4 Inspection and tests.
(a) Capacity. The bilge pump being
tested shall be set up over a source of
water for operation with all the required fittings and connections, the
set-up to simulate an installation in a
lifeboat. The bilge pump shall be operated at the standard speed specified for
its size, and the flow of water measured. The amount of water discharged
shall not be less than that required by
§ 160.044–2(b).
(b) Head pressure. After the successful
completion of the test outlined in paragraph (b) of this section, a pressure
gage capable of registering 20 pounds
per square inch, and a variable restriction, such as a nozzle, valve, etc., shall
be fitted in the discharge line. The
pump shall be put in operation with
the discharge line open, and then the
restriction shall be gradually closed
until the pressure builds up to at least
20 pounds per square inch. This pressure shall be maintained for at least 15
seconds, after which the pump shall be
disassembled and inspected. No destruction or deformation of parts sufficient to affect the serviceability of the
pump shall be permitted as a result of
this test.
(c) Operating lever. With the pump
firmly secured in such a position that
both the shaft and operating lever are
in a horizontal position, apply a downward load of 200 pounds for a period of

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

5 minutes at the free end of the operating lever and perpendicular to its axis
and the axis of the shaft. There shall be
no slippage of the lever around the
shaft, nor any evidence of permanent
set or undue stress in any part of the
pump. In cases where the design of the
pump is such that this test may not be
applicable to the complete pump, the
pump shall be disassembled and the
200-pound load applied to the shaft and
operating lever while the free end of
the shaft is held in a vise or check so
that both the shaft and the operating
lever are in a horizontal position.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11467, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30,
1997]

§ 160.044–5 Marking.
(a) Each pump shall be permanently
and legibly marked, in letters not less
than 1⁄4 inch high, either cast or
stamped on the body, with the name of
the manufacturer, the size for which
approved (USCG No. 1, 2 or 3), and the
Coast Guard approval number. The tee
required by § 160.044–3(f) shall be permanently and legibly marked with the
word ‘‘PRIME HERE’’.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.047—Specification for
a Buoyant Vest, Kapok or Fibrous Glass, Adult and Child
§ 160.047–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Federal Specification:
L–P–375C—Plastic
Chloride.

Film,

Flexible,

Vinyl

(2) Military specifications:
MIL–W–530—Webbing, Textile, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural or in Colors.
MIL–B–2766—Batt, Fibrous Glass, Lifesaving
Equipment.

(3) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(4) Coast Guard specification:
164.003—Kapok, Processed.

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the
issue in effect on the date buoyant
vests are manufactured, form a part of
this subpart:

Dwg. No. 160.047–1:
Sheet 1, Rev. 2—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Models AK–1, and AF–
1.
Sheet 2, Rev. 2—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Models CKM–1 and
CFM–1.
Sheet 3, Rev. 2—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Models CKS–1 and
CFS–1.
Sheet 4, Rev. 1—Pad Patterns.

(c) Copies on file. The manufacturer
shall keep a copy of each specification
and plan required by this section on
file together with the certificate of approval. Plans and specifications may be
obtained as follows:
(1) The Coast Guard plans and specifications may be obtained from the
Commandant (G–MSE), U.S. Coast
Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001 or a
recognized
laboratory
listed
in
§ 160.047–6b.
(2) The Federal Specifications and
Standard may be purchased from the
Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC
20407;
(3) The military specifications may
be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.
[CGD 65–37, 30 FR 11581, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10836, May 31,
1972; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983;
CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–
072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61
FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.047–2

Model.

Each buoyant vest specified in this
subpart is a:
(a) Model AK–1, adult, kapok (for persons weighing more than 90 pounds);
(b) Model AF–1, adult, fibrous glass
(for persons weighing more than 90
pounds);
(c) Model CKM–1, child medium,
kapok (for children weighing from 50 to
90 pounds);
(d) Model CFM–1, child medium, fibrous glass (for children weighing from
50 to 90 pounds);
(e) Model CKS–1, child small, kapok
(for children weighing less than 50
pounds); or

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§ 160.047–3a

(f) Model CFS–1, child small, fibrous
glass (for children weighing less than
50 pounds).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 23, 1973]

§ 160.047–3 Materials.
(a) General. All components used in
the construction of buoyant vests must
meet the applicable requirements of
subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in
this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given
to the use of alternate materials in lieu
of those specified. Detailed technical
data and samples of all proposed alternate materials must be submitted for
approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.
(b) Kapok. The kapok shall be all new
material complying with Subpart
164.003 of this subchapter and shall be
properly processed.
(c) Fibrous glass. The fibrous glass
shall comply with the requirements of
specification MIL–B–2766.
(d) Envelope. The buoyant vest envelope, or cover, shall be made from 39″,
2.85 cotton jeans cloth, with a thread
count of approximately 96×64. The finished goods shall weigh not less than
4.2 ounces per square yard, shall have a
thread count of not less than 94×60, and
shall have a breaking strength of not
less than 85 pounds in the warp and 50
pounds in the filling. Other cotton fabrics having a weight and breaking
strength not less than the above will be
acceptable. There are no restrictions as
to color, but the fastness of the color
to laundering, water, crocking and
light shall be rated ‘‘good’’ when tested
in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630,
5650, and 5660.
(e) Pad covering. The covering for the
buoyant pad inserts shall be flexible
vinyl film not less than 0.006″ in thickness meeting the requirements of Federal Specification L–P–375 for Type I or
II, class 1, film.
(f) Tie tapes and body strap loops. The
tie tapes and body strap loops for an
adult or child size buoyant vest specified by this subpart must be 3⁄4-inch
cotton webbing meeting the requirements in military specification MIL–T–
43566 (Class I) for Type I webbing.

(f–1) Body straps. The complete body
strap assembly, including hardware,
must have a breaking strength of 150
pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds
for a child size. The specifications for
the webbing are as follows:
(1) For an adult size vest, the webbing must be 1 inch.
(2) For a child size vest, the webbing
must be three-fourth inch and meet the
requirements of military specification
MIL–W–530 for Type IIa webbing.
(f–2) Reinforcing tape. The reinforcing
tape around the neck of a buoyant vest
specified by this subpart must be 3⁄4inch cotton tape weighing 0.18 ounce or
more per linear yard and having a minimum breaking strength of 120 pounds.
(g) [Reserved]
(h) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11581, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10836, May 31,
1972; CGD 73–130R 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974;
CGD 78–012; 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD
82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 84–068,
58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.047–3a Materials—Dee ring and
snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant
vests.
(a) Specifications. Dee ring and snap
lock assemblies and other instruments
of closure for buoyant vests may have
decorative platings in any thickness
and must meet the following specifications:
(1) The device must be constructed of
inherently corrosion resistant materials. As used in this section the term
inherently corrosion resistant materials
includes, but is not limited to, brass,
bronze, and stainless steel.
(2) The size of the opening of the device must be consistent with the webbing which will pass through the opening.
(b) Testing requirements. Dee ring and
snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests
must—
(1) Be tested for weathering. The
Coast Guard will determine which one
or more of the following tests will be
used:

119

§ 160.047–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(i) Application of a 20 percent sodium-chloride solution spray at a temperature of 95 °F (35 °C) for a period of
240 hours in accordance with the procedures contained in method 811 of the
Federal Test Method Standard No. 151.
(ii) Exposure to a carbon-arc weather-ometer for a period of 100 hours.
(iii) Submergence for a period of 100
hours in each of the following:
(a) Leaded gasoline.
(b) Gum turpentine.
(iv) Exposure to a temperature of 0°±5
°F (—17.6±2.775 °C) for 24 hours; and
(2) Within 5 minutes of completion of
the weathering test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the assembly must be attached to a support and
bear 150 pounds for an adult size and
115 pounds for a child size for 10 minutes at the ambient temperatures without breaking or distorting.
[CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974]

§ 160.047–4 Construction.
(a) General. This specification covers
buoyant vests which essentially consist
of a vest-cut envelope containing compartments in which are enclosed pads
of buoyant material arranged and distributed so as to provide the proper flotation characteristics and buoyancy required to hold the wearer in an upright
backward position with head and face
out of water. The buoyant vests are
also fitted with tapes, webbing, and
hardware to provide for proper adjustment and close and comfortable fit to
the bodies of various size wearers.

(b) Envelope. The envelope or cover
shall be cut to the pattern shown on
Dwg. No. 160.047–1, Sheet 1, for adult
size, and Sheets 2 and 3 for child sizes,
and sewed with seams and stitching as
shown on the drawing. Three compartments shall be formed to hold the
buoyant pad inserts, two front compartments and one back compartment,
and reinforcing strips of the same material as the cover shall be stitched to
the inside of the front compartments in
way of the strap attachments as shown
by the drawings. As alternate construction, the front and/or back cover panels
may be made in two pieces, provided
that the two pieces are joined by a double stitched seam from the top center
of the neck hole to the top of the vest
as shown in Section J–J of the drawings.
(c) Pad inserts—(1) Forming and sealing. The buoyant pad inserts shall each
be formed from two pieces of film cut
to the patterns shown by Dwg. No.
160.047–1, Sheet 4, which shall be heatsealed tight. The heat-sealed pad seams
shall show an adhesion of not less than
8 pounds when 1 inch strips cut across
and perpendicular to the seams are
pulled apart at a rate of separation of
the clamping jaws of the test machine
of 12 inches per minute.
(2) Kapok-filled pads for Models AK–1,
CKM–1, and CKS–1. The buoyant pad inserts for Models AK–1, CKM–1, and
CKS–1 buoyant vests shall be filled
with kapok distributed as provided in
Table 160.047–4(c)(2).

TABLE 160.047–4(C)(2)—DISTRIBUTION OF KAPOK IN BUOYANT PAD INSERTS
Model AK–1
(minimum)

Model CKM–1
(minimum)

Model CKS–1
(minimum)

Front pad (2) (each) ...........................................................................................
Back pad ............................................................................................................

Ounces
5.75
4.00

Ounces
3.75
2.50

Ounces
2.50
2.00

Total ........................................................................................................

15.50

10.00

7.00

(3) Fibrous glass-filled pads for Models
AF–1, CFM–1, and CFS–1. The buoyant
pad inserts for Models AF–1, CFM–1,

and CFS–1 buoyant vests shall be filled
with fibrous glass distributed as provided in Table 160.047–4(c)(3).

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§ 160.047–5

TABLE 160.047–4(C)(3)—DISTRIBUTION OF FIBROUS GLASS IN BUOYANT PAD INSERTS
Model AF–1
(minimum)

Model CFM–1
(minimum)

Model CFS–1
(minimum)

Front pad (2) (each) ...........................................................................................
Back ...................................................................................................................

Ounces
10.25
7.25

Ounces
6.75
4.50

Ounces
4.50
3.50

Total ........................................................................................................

27.75

18.00

12.50

(4) Displacement of buoyant pad inserts.
The volume of the finished individual
heat-sealed buoyant pad inserts shall
be such as to provide buoyancy as set
forth in Table 160.047–4(c)(4) when tested in accordance with the method set

forth in § 160.047–5(e)(1), except that the
pad covers shall not be slit open and
the period of submergence shall be only
long enough to determine the displacement of the pads.

TABLE 160.047–4(C)(4)—VOLUME DISPLACEMENT OF SEALED PADS

Front pads .....................
Back pads ......................

Models AK–1 and AF–1

Models CKM–1 and CFM–1

Each

Each

61⁄4 pounds±1⁄4 pound ...............
41⁄4 pounds±1⁄4 pound ...............

41⁄4 pounds±1⁄4 pound ...............
31⁄4 pounds±1⁄4 pound ...............

(d) Tie tapes. The tie tapes at the
neck shall finish not less than 12 inches
in length for both adult and child size
buoyant vests. They shall be arranged
and attached to the envelope as shown
by the drawings, and the free ends shall
be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section H–H.
(e) Body strap, hardware, and reinforcing tape. The body strap, hardware, and
reinforcing tape shall be arranged as
shown on the drawings and attached to
the envelope with the seams and
stitching indicated.
(f) Stitching. All stitching shall be a
short lock stitch conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751,
and there shall be not less than 7 nor
more than 9 stitches to the inch. Both
ends of the stitching forming the
shoulder hinge seams and the top and
bottom closing seams of the envelope
shall be backstitched approximately 1⁄2
inch.
(g) Workmanship. Buoyant vests shall
be of first-class workmanship and shall
be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11581, Sept. 10, 1965]

Models CKS–1 and CFS–1
Each
23⁄4 pounds±1⁄4 pound
21⁄2 pounds±1⁄4 pound

§ 160.047–5 Inspections and tests.1
(a) General. Manufacturers of listed
and labeled buoyant vests shall—
(1) Maintain quality control of the
materials used, the manufacturing
methods and the finished product to
meet the requirements of this subpart
by conducting sufficient inspections
and tests of representative samples and
components produced;
(2) Make available to the recognized
laboratory inspector and to the Coast
Guard inspector, upon request, records
of tests conducted by the manufacturer
and records of materials used during
production of the device including affidavits from suppliers; and
(3) Permit any examination, inspection, and test required by the recognized laboratory or the Coast Guard for
a listed and labeled device, either at
the place of manufacture, or some
other location.
(b) Lot size and sampling. (1) A lot
consists of 500 buoyant vests or fewer.
(2) A new lot begins after any change
or modification in materials used or
manufacturing methods employed;
1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation
device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which require an instruction
pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

121

§ 160.047–6

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(3) The manufacturer of the buoyant
vests shall notify the recognized laboratory when a lot is ready for inspection;
(4) The manufacturer shall select
samples in accordance with the requirements in Table 160.047–5(b)(4) from
each lot of buoyant vests to be tested
by the inspector in accordance with
paragraph (e) of this section;
TABLE 160.047–5(B)(4)—SAMPLE FOR
BUOYANCY TESTS
Lot size
100
101
201
301

and under ...................................................
to 200 ..........................................................
to 300 ..........................................................
to 500 ..........................................................

Number of
vests in
sample
1
2
3
4

(5) The recognized laboratory must
assign an inspector to a plant when notified that a lot is ready for inspection,
to conduct tests and inspections on
samples selected in accordance with
paragraph (b)(4) of this section.
(6) If a vest fails the buoyancy test,
the sample from the next succeeding
lot must consist of 10 specimen vests or
more to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
(c) Additional tests. An inspector from
the recognized laboratory or the Coast
Guard may conduct an examination,
test, and inspection of a listed and labeled buoyant device that is obtained
from the manufacturer or through
commercial channels to determine its
conformance to the applicable requirements.
(d) Test facilities. The manufacturer
shall admit the laboratory inspector
and the Coast Guard inspector to any
part of the premises at the place of
manufacture of a listed and labeled device to—
(1) Examine, inspect, or test a sample
of a part or a material that is included
in the construction of the device; and
(2) Conduct any necessary examination, inspection, or test in a suitable
place and with appropriate apparatus
provided by the manufacturer.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant pad inserts
from the vest and cut three slits each
not less than 2 inches in length and not
less than 2 inches apart on both sides

of each pad. Securely attach the spring
scale in a position directly over the
test tank. Suspend the weighted wire
basket from the scale in such a manner
that the basket is weighed while it is
completely under water. In order to
measure the actual buoyancy provided
by the pads, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket
under water.
(ii) Place the pads inside the basket
and submerge it so that the top of the
basket is at least 2 inches below the
surface of the water for 24 hours. The
tank shall be locked or sealed during
this 24-hour submergence period. It is
important that after the pads have
once been submerged they shall remain
submerged for the duration of the test,
and at no time during the course of the
test shall they be removed from the
tank or otherwise exposed to air.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence
period unlock or unseal the tank and
weigh the weighted wire basket with
the pads inside while both are still
under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as (i)
minus (iii).
(2) Buoyancy required. The pad inserts
from adult buoyant vests shall provide
not less than 16 pounds buoyancy; the
pad inserts from child medium vests
shall provide not less than 11 pounds
buoyancy; and the pad inserts from
child small vests shall provide not less
than 71⁄4 pounds buoyancy.
(f) Body strap test. The complete body
strap assembly, including hardware,
shall be tested for strength by attaching the dee ring to a suitable support
such that the assembly hangs vertically its full length. A weight as specified in § 160.047–3(f) shall be attached to
the other end on the snap hook for 10
minutes. The specified weight shall not
break or excessively distort the body
strap assembly.
[CGFR 65–37; 30 FR 11581, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10836, May 31,
1972; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978]

§ 160.047–6

Marking.

(a) Each buoyant vest must have the
following information clearly marked
in waterproof lettering that can be
read at a distance of 2 feet:
Type II Personal Flotation Device.

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§ 160.048–2

Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Kapok or Fibrous glass) buoyant material
provides a minimum buoyant force of (16
lb., 11 lb., or 71⁄4 lb.).
Dry out thoroughly when wet.
Do not snag or puncture inner plastic cover.
If pads become waterlogged, replace device.
Approved for use on all recreational boats
and on uninspected commercial vessels less
than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing (over
90 lb., 50 to 90 lb., or less than 50 lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.047/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).

(b) Waterproof marking tags. Marking
for buoyant vests shall be sufficiently
waterproof so that after 72 hours submergence in water, it will withstand
vigorous rubbing by hand while wet
without the printed matter becoming
illegible.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9770, Mar. 9,
1978]

§ 160.047–7 Recognized laboratory
(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory
Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.

(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the
laboratory that performed the approval
testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]

Subpart 160.048—Specification for
a Buoyant Cushion, Fibrous Glass
§ 160.048–1

Incorporation by reference.

(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Military specification:
MIL–B–2766—Batt, Fibrous Glass, Lifesaving
Equipment.

(2) Federal Specifications:
CCC–C–700G—Cloth, Coated, Vinyl, Coated
(Artificial Leather).
CCC–C–426D—Cloth, Cotton Drill.
L–P–375C—Plastic Film, Flexible, Vinyl
Chloride.

(3) Federal standard:
No. 751—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(4) Coast Guard specification:
164.003—Kapok, Processed.

(b) Plan. The following plan, of the
issue in effect on the date kapok or fibrous glass buoyant cushions are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
(1) Coast Guard Dwg. No. 160.048–1.
(c) Copies on File. Copies of the specifications and plan referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. The Coast Guard specification
and plan may be obtained upon request
from the Commandant, United States
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20591, or
recognized laboratory. The Federal
Specifications and the Federal Standard may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services
Administration, Washington; DC 20407.
The Military Specification may be obtained from the Commanding Officer,
Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11583, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19962, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June
22, 1978]

§ 160.048–2

Types and sizes.

(a) Types. Buoyant cushions shall be
of the box type, i.e., have top, bottom
and gusset. Pillow type cushions without a gusset are not acceptable.

123

§ 160.048–3

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(b) Sizes. Buoyant cushions shall have
not less than 225 square inches top surface area; widths and lengths which fall
within the dimensions shown in Tables
160.048–4(c)(1)(i) and 160.048–4(c)(1)(ii);
and thickness not less than 2 nor more
than 3 inches, the thickness to be considered as the finished width of the
gusset between seams.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11583, Sept. 10, 1965]

§ 160.048–3 Materials.
(a) General. All components used in
the construction of buoyant cushions
must meet the applicable requirements
of subpart 164.019 of this chapter.
(b) Kapok. The kapok shall be all new
material complying with Specification
subpart 164.003 of this subchapter and
shall be properly processed.
(c) Fibrous glass. The fibrous glass
shall comply with the requirements of
specification MIL–B–2766.
(d) Cover. Cotton fabrics and coated
upholstery cloth meeting the minimum
requirements set forth in paragraphs
(d) (1) and (2) of this section are acceptable for use as covers for buoyant cushions, but alternate materials will be
given special consideration. Pro rata
widths of like construction will be acceptable.
(1) Cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics shall
comply with the requirements of Federal Specification CCC–C–426 for Type
I, Class 3 material.
(2) Coated upholstery cloth. Coated upholstery cloth shall comply with the
requirements of Federal Specification
CCC–A–700.
(e) Pad covering. The covering for the
buoyant pad inserts shall be flexible
vinyl film not less than 0.008 inch in
thickness meeting the requirements of
Federal Specification L–P–375 for Type
I or II, Class 1, film.
(f) Grab straps. The grab straps shall
be of materials permitted for the cover,
or approved equivalent.
(g) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
(h) Welting. The welting where used
may be any fiber or plastic material
suitable for the purpose.
[CG FR 65–37, 30 FR 11583, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.048–4 Construction and workmanship.
(a) General. This specification covers
buoyant cushions of the box type filled
with kapok or fibrous glass contained
in heat-sealed vinyl film pad covers
which are inserted in an outer cover
fitted with grab straps. The primary
purpose of such cushions is to provide
buoyancy to aid a person in keeping
afloat in the water. No hooks, snaps, or
other means shall be included which
might facilitate fastening the cushion
to a boat. Buoyant cushions shall be of
such size and volume as to provide not
less than 20 pounds buoyancy when
tested in the manner described in
§ 160.048–5(e), but no cushion providing
less than 225 square inches of top surface area or measuring less than 2
inches or more than 3 inches in thickness will be acceptable.
(b) Cover. One piece of material each
for the top and bottom shall be
stitched together to form the cover except that piecing of the cover material
will be allowed provided it is for decorative purposes only. Gusset or boxing
materials shall be of not more than
two pieces. If more than one piece of
material is used for the top, bottom,
boxing or gusset, they shall be attached by a double row of stitching of
the type shown in Federal Standard
No. 751, for seam types SSw–2 or LS(b)–
2. The top and bottom may be of any of
the materials permitted for the cover,
but the boxing or gusset shall be a cotton fabric as specified by § 160.048–
3(c)(1) or other equivalent material of a
porous nature. Nonporous materials
will not be permitted for the boxing or
gusset, but coated upholstery cloth
specified by § 160.048–3(d)(2), perforated
to permit adequate draining and drying
will be acceptable.
(c) Buoyant material. Buoyant cushions shall be filled with the minimum
amounts of kapok or fibrous glass determined as follows:
(1) Rectangular buoyant cushions 2
inches thick shall be filled with the
amounts of kapok or fibrous glass indicated for the various widths and
lengths of such cushions by Table
160.048–4(c)(1)(i) or 160.048–4(c)(1)(ii), as
applicable. Trapezoidal buoyant cushions 2 inches thick shall be filled with
the amounts of kapok or fibrous glass

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§ 160.048–4

indicated for the various widths and
lengths of rectangular buoyant cushions by Table 160.048–4(c)(1)(i) or
160.048–4(c)(1)(ii) as applicable, on the

basis that the length of a trapezoidal
cushion shall be considered as its average length in each case.

TABLE 160.048–4(C)(1)(I)—WEIGHT OF KAPOK (IN OUNCES) FOR FILLING RECTANGULAR BUOYANT
CUSHIONS 2 INCHES THICK
Width (inches)
Length (inches)

15 ...............................................................
16 ...............................................................
17 ...............................................................
18 ...............................................................
19 ...............................................................
20 ...............................................................
21 ...............................................................
22 ...............................................................
23 ...............................................................
24 ...............................................................
25 ...............................................................
26 ...............................................................
27 ...............................................................
28 ...............................................................
29 ...............................................................
30 ...............................................................
31 ...............................................................
32 ...............................................................
33 ...............................................................
34 ...............................................................
35 ...............................................................
36 ...............................................................
Over 36 ......................................................
1 Determine

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Over
24

......
......
......
......
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
( 1)

......
......
......
21
22
23
24
25
27
28
29
30
31
32
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
42
( 1)

......
......
21
22
24
25
26
27
29
30
31
32
34
35
36
37
39
40
41
42
44
45
( 1)

20
21
23
24
25
27
28
29
31
32
33
35
36
37
39
40
41
43
44
45
47
48
( 1)

......
23
24
26
27
28
30
31
33
34
36
37
38
40
41
43
44
46
47
48
50
51
( 1)

......
......
26
27
29
30
32
33
35
36
38
39
41
42
44
45
47
48
50
51
53
54
( 1)

......
......
......
29
30
32
34
35
37
38
40
42
43
44
46
48
50
51
53
54
56
58
( 1)

......
......
......
......
32
34
35
37
39
41
42
44
46
47
49
51
52
54
56
57
59
61
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
36
37
39
41
43
44
46
48
50
52
53
55
57
59
60
62
64
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
39
41
43
45
47
49
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
63
65
67
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
......
43
45
47
49
51
53
55
57
59
61
62
64
66
68
70
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
47
49
51
53
55
57
59
61
63
65
67
69
72
74
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
51
53
55
58
60
62
64
66
68
70
73
75
77
( 1)

.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)

amount of kapok from formula (1) contained in § 160.048–4(c)(2).

TABLE 160.048–4(C)(1)(II)—WEIGHT OF FIBROUS GLASS (IN OUNCES) FOR FILLING RECTANGULAR
BUOYANT CUSHION 2 INCHES THICK
Width (inches)
Length (inches)

15 ...............................................................
16 ...............................................................
17 ...............................................................
18 ...............................................................
19 ...............................................................
20 ...............................................................
21 ...............................................................
22 ...............................................................
23 ...............................................................
24 ...............................................................
25 ...............................................................
26 ...............................................................
27 ...............................................................
28 ...............................................................
29 ...............................................................
30 ...............................................................
31 ...............................................................
32 ...............................................................
33 ...............................................................
34 ...............................................................
35 ...............................................................
36 ...............................................................
Over 36 ......................................................
1 Determine

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

Over
24

......
......
......
......
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
61
63
65
67
69
( 1)

......
......
......
37
40
42
44
46
48
50
52
54
56
58
60
62
64
67
69
71
73
75
( 1)

......
......
38
40
43
45
47
49
52
54
56
58
60
63
65
67
69
72
74
76
78
81
( 1)

36
38
41
43
46
48
50
53
55
58
60
62
65
67
70
72
74
77
79
82
84
86
( 1)

......
41
44
46
49
51
54
56
59
61
64
67
69
72
74
77
79
82
84
87
90
92
( 1)

......
......
46
49
52
54
57
60
63
65
68
71
73
76
79
82
84
87
90
92
95
98
( 1)

......
......
......
52
55
58
60
63
66
69
72
75
78
81
84
86
89
92
95
98
101
104
( 1)

......
......
......
......
58
61
64
67
70
73
76
79
82
85
88
91
94
97
100
103
106
109
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
64
67
70
74
77
80
83
86
90
93
96
99
103
106
109
112
115
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
71
74
77
81
84
87
91
94
97
101
104
108
111
114
118
121
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
......
77
81
84
88
92
95
99
102
106
109
113
116
120
123
127
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
85
88
92
96
99
103
107
110
114
118
121
125
129
132
( 1)

......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
......
92
96
100
104
108
111
115
119
123
127
131
134
138
( 1)

.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
.......
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)
( 1)

amount of fibrous glass from formula (2) contained in § 160.048–4(c)(2).

125

§ 160.048–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) All buoyant cushions more than 2
inches thick, and all buoyant cushions
2 inches thick which are of shapes different from those covered by paragraph
(c)(1) of this section, shall be filled
with kapok or fibrous glass as determined in the following formulas:
Amount of kapok (ounces) = A × t ÷ 22.5
(1)
Amount of fibrous glass (ounces) = A × t ÷
12.5
(2)
Where:
A = Top surface area of cushion in square
inches as determined from measurements
taken along finished edges.
t = Thickness of boxing or gusset of finished
cushion in inches.

(d) Pad covers for buoyant material. Before being inserted in the outer cover
the buoyant material shall be placed in
waterproof vinyl film pad covers which
shall be heat-sealed tight. The heatsealed pad seams shall show an adhesion of not less than 8 pounds when one
inch strips cut across and perpendicular to the seams are pulled apart at a
rate of separation of the clamping jaws
of the test machine of 12 inches per
minute. Each cushion shall contain not
less than four pads and all pads in a
cushion shall contain approximately
equal portions of the total amount of
buoyant material in the cushion. The
buoyant material may be inserted directly into the vinyl film pad covers, or
may first be packed in bags made of
print cloth or other suitable material
and then inserted into the vinyl film
pad covers. The pads shall be of such
size as to adequately fill the outer
cover, and prior to sealing, the pads
shall be evacuated of air sufficiently
that when sat on the pads will not
‘‘balloon’’ excessively because of the
pressure in the pad covers. For
15″×15″×2″ cushions the four vinyl film
pad covers shall each be cut approximately 12″ wide × 12″ long or approximately 8″ wide × 18″ long shall have a
sealed area of approximately 125 square
inches; shall contain not less than 5
ounces of kapok or 9 ounces of fibrous
glass each; and the volume displacement of the individual heat-sealed pad
inserts shall be 51⁄2 pounds each, plus or
minus 1⁄2 pound, when tested in accordance with the method set forth in
§ 160.048–5(e)(1), except that the pad

covers shall not be slit open, and the
period of submergence shall be only
long enough to determine the displacement of the pads.
(e) Grab straps. Grab straps shall be
attached as shown on Dwg. No. 160.048–
1 and shall finish 20 inches long and 1
inch wide at opposite ends. The grab
straps, if formed from cover material
shall be folded and stitched together so
as to produce a double thickness with
raw edges turned under. Other means
will be given special consideration.
(f) Seams and stitching. Seams shall be
constructed with not less than a 3⁄8 inch
border between the seam and the edge
of the cover materials. All stitching
shall be a lock stitch, 7 to 9 stitches
per inch, except as follows: Chain
stitching 6 to 8 stitches per inch, with
20/4 thread on top and 40/3 thread on
the bottom, will be acceptable in constructing straps.
(g) Workmanship. All cushions shall
be of first class workmanship and shall
be free from defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
Cushions classified as ‘‘seconds’’ or ‘‘irregular’’ will not be acceptable under
this specification.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11583, Sept. 10, 1965]

§ 160.048–5 Inspections and tests.1
(a) General. Manufacturers of listed
and labeled buoyant cushions shall
maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods and
the finished product so as to meet the
applicable requirements, and shall
make sufficient inspections and tests
of representative samples and components produced to maintain the quality
of the finished product. Records of
tests conducted by the manufacturer
and records of materials, including affidavits by suppliers that applicable requirements are met, entering into construction shall be made available to
the recognized laboratory inspector or
the Coast Guard inspector, or both, for
review upon request. Any examinations, inspections and test which are
required by the recognized laboratory
1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation
device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which require an instruction
pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

126

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.048–6

for listed and labeled devices produced
will be conducted by the laboratory inspector at the place of manufacture or
other location at the option of the laboratory.
(b) Lot size and sampling. (1) A lot
shall consist of not more than 1,000
buoyant cushions. A new lot shall be
started with any change or modification in materials used or manufacturing methods employed. When a lot of
buoyant cushions is ready for inspection, the manufacturer shall notify the
recognized laboratory so that they
may, at their discretion, assign an inspector to the plant for the purpose of
making any tests and inspections
deemed necessary. From each lot of
buoyant cushions, the manufacturer or
the recognized laboratory or U.S. Coast
Guard inspector, when assigned, shall
select samples in accordance with
Table 160.048–5(b)(1) to be tested for
buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
TABLE 160.048–5(B)(1)—SAMPLING FOR
BUOYANCY TESTS
Lot size
200
201
401
601

and under .......................................................
to 400 ..............................................................
to 600 ..............................................................
to 1,000 ...........................................................

No. of
cushions
in sample
1
2
3
4

(2) For a lot next succeeding one
from which any sample cushion failed
the buoyancy test, the sample shall
consist of not less than 10 specimen
cushions to be tested for buoyancy in
accordance with paragraph (e) of this
section.
(c) Additional tests. Unannounced examinations, tests and inspections of
samples obtained either directly from
the manufacturer or through commercial channels may be made to determine the suitability of a product for
listing and labeling, or to determine
conformance of a labeled product to
the applicable requirements. These
may be conducted by the recognized
laboratory or the Coast Guard.
(d) Test facilities. The laboratory inspector, or the Coast Guard inspector,
or both, shall be admitted to any place
in the factory where work is being done
on listed and labeled products, and either or both inspectors may take sam-

ples of parts or materials entering into
construction of final assemblies, for
further examinations, inspections, or
tests. The manufacturer shall provide a
suitable place and the apparatus necessary for the performance of the tests
which are done at the place of manufacture.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant pad inserts
from the cushion and cut three slits in
the vinyl film, each not less than 6
inches in length on both sides of each
pad. Securely attach the spring scale in
a position directly over the test tank.
Suspend the weighted wire basket from
the scale in such a manner that the
basket is weighed while it is completely under water. In order to measure the actual buoyance provided by
the pads, the underwater weight of the
empty basket should exceed the buoyancy of the pads. To obtain the buoyancy of the pads, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket
under water.
(ii) Place the pads inside the basket
and submerge it so that the top of the
basket is at least 2 inches below the
surface of the water for 24 hours. The
tank shall be locked or sealed during
this 24-hour submergence period. It is
important that after the pads have
once been submerged that they shall
remain submerged for the duration of
the test, and at no time during the
course of the test shall they be removed from the tank or otherwise exposed to air.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence
period unlock or unseal the tank and
weigh the weighted wire basket with
the pads inside while both are still
under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as (i)
minus (iii).
(2) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
pads from the cushion shall provide not
less than 20 pounds total buoyancy.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11585, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19963, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 78–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978]

§ 160.048–6 Marking.
(a) Each buoyant cushion must have
the following information clearly
marked in waterproof lettering:
(1) In letters that can be read at a
distance of 2 feet:

127

§ 160.048–7

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Type IV Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
Dry out thoroughly when wet.
(Kapok or Fibrous glass) buoyant material
provides a minimum buoyant force of 20 lb.
Do not snag or puncture inner plastic cover.
If pads become waterlogged, replace device.
Approved for use on recreational boats only
as a throwable device.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.048/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).
(Size; width, thickness, and length, including
both top and bottom for trapezoidal cushions.).

(2) In letters that are distinctively
set off or larger than all other marking, and are at least one-fourth of an
inch in height:
WARNING: DO NOT WEAR ON BACK
(b) Waterproofness of marking. Marking for buoyant cushions shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 72
hours submergence in water, it will
withstand vigorous rubbing by hand
while wet without the printed matter
becoming illegible.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11585, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19963, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; CGD
92–045, 58 FR 41608, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95–028,
62 FR 51213, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.048–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Group approval. A single group approval will be granted to each manufacturer to cover all buoyant cushions
which have materials and construction
strictly in conformance with this subpart, which are 2 inches thick, and
which are filled with kapok or fibrous
glass in accordance with § 160.048–
4(c)(1).
(b) Special approvals. Special approvals will be granted separately to each
manufacturer for each kapok or fibrous
glass buoyant cushion he proposes to
manufacture which is not included
under the group approval provided by
paragraph (b) of this section, for example: A kapok or fibrous glass buoyant
cushion having cover material not specifically provided for by this subpart;
or any buoyant cushion more than 2

inches thick; or any buoyant cushion
having a different shape.
(c) A buoyant cushion is approved
when it bears the compliance label of
the recognized laboratory.
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19963, Dec. 30, 1970, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996; 61
FR 15162, Apr. 4, 1996]

§ 160.048–8 Recognized laboratory.
(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research
Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–
1400.
(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performed
production oversight receive training
and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]

Subpart 160.049—Specification for
a Buoyant Cushion Plastic Foam
§ 160.049–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Federal Specifications:
CCC–C–700G–Cloth, Coated, Vinyl,
(Artificial Leather).
CCC–C–426D–Cloth, Cotton Drill.

Coated

(2) Federal standard:
No. 751—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(3) Coast Guard specifications:
160.055—Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic
Foam, Adult and Child.
164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular, Buoyant,
Sheet and Molded Shapes.

(4) Military specifications. MIL–C–
43006—Cloth, Laminated, Vinyl-Nylon,
High Strength, Flexible.

128

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.049–4

(b) Plan. The following plan, of the
issue in effect on the date unicellular
plastic foam buoyant cushions are
manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
(1) Coast Guard Dwg. No. 160.049–1.
(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and plan referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. The Coast Guard specifications
and plan may be obtained upon request
from the Commandant, U.S. Coast
Guard, or recognized laboratory. The
Federal Specifications and the Federal
Standard may be purchased from the
Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC
20407.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19964, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988]

§ 160.049–2 Types and sizes.
(a) Type. Buoyant cushions shall be
of the box type, i.e., have top, bottom,
and gusset. Pillow type cushions without a gusset are not acceptable.
(b) Sizes. Buoyant cushions shall have
not less than 225 square inches of top
surface area, shall contain not less
than 630 cubic inches of buoyant material, shall not be less than 2 inches
thick, and shall have width no less
than 12 inches and length no less than
15 inches, respectively.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52191,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.049–3 Materials.
(a) General. All components used in
the construction of buoyant cushions
must meet the applicable requirements
of subpart 164.019.
(b) Unicellular plastic foam. The unicellular plastic foam shall be all new
material complying with the requirements of Specification subpart 164.015
for Type A or B foam.
(c) Cover. Cotton fabrics and coated
upholstery cloth meeting the minimum
requirements set forth in paragraphs
(c) (1) and (2) of this section, are acceptable for use as covers for buoyant
cushions. Vinyl-dip coating meeting

the requirements set forth in paragraph (c)(3) of this section will also be
acceptable. Alternate materials will be
given special consideration. Pro rata
widths of like construction will be acceptable.
(1) Cotton fabrics. Cotton fabrics shall
comply with the requirements of Federal Specification CCC–C–426 for Type
I, Class 3 material.
(2) Coated upholstery cloth. Coated upholstery cloth shall comply with the
requirements of Federal Specification
CCC–A–700.
(3) Vinyl-dip. The vinyl-dip coating
shall comply with the coating requirements of § 160.055–5(b)(2) except there
are no color restrictions.
(4) Adhesive. The adhesive shall be an
all-purpose waterproof vinyl type. Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.
EC–870 or EC–1070, United States Rubber Co. M6256, Herculite Protective
Fabrics Corp. CVV, Pittsburgh Plate
Glass Co. R.828, or equal, are acceptable.
(5) Reinforcing fabric. The reinforcing
fabric shall be type II, class I, laminated vinyl-nylon high strength cloth
in accordance with the requirements of
Specification MIL–C–43006.
(d) Grab Straps. The grab straps shall
be of materials permitted for the cover,
or approved equivalent.
(e) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
(f) Welting. The welting where used
may be of any fiber or plastic material
suitable for the purpose.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19964, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.049–4 Construction
manship.

and

work-

(a) General. This specification covers
buoyant cushions of the box type filled
with unicellular plastic foam buoyant
material. Such cushions consist essentially of a buoyant insert contained in
an outer cover fitted with grab straps.
The primary purpose of such cushions
is to provide buoyancy to aid a person
in keeping afloat in the water. Buoyant
cushions providing less than 20 pounds

129

§ 160.049–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

buoyancy or less than 2 inches in
thickness will not be acceptable.
(b) Cover. One piece of material each
for the top and bottom shall be
stitched together to form the cover except that piecing of the cover material
will be allowed provided it is for decorative purposes only. Gusset or boxing
materials shall be of not more than
two pieces. If more than one piece of
material is used for the top, bottom,
boxing or gusset, they shall be attached by a double row of stitching of
the type shown in Federal Standard
No. 751, for Seam types SSw–2 or LSb–
2. The top and bottom may be of any of
the materials permitted for the cover,
but the boxing or gusset shall be a cotton fabric as specified by § 160.049–
3(b)(1) or other equivalent material of a
porous nature. Nonporous materials
will not be permitted for the boxing or
gusset, but coated upholstery cloth
specified by § 160.049–3(c)(2), perforated
to permit adequate draining and drying
will be acceptable.
(c) Buoyant material. A buoyant insert for a buoyant cushion must comply with the requirements in paragraph
(c) (1) and (2) of this section and may
be:
(1) Molded in one piece; or
(2) Built up from sheet material if it
is formed from:
(i) Three pieces or less in each layer,
cemented together with an all-purpose
vinyl adhesive such as or equivalent to
U.S. Rubber No. M–6256 or Minnesota
Mining No. EC–870 and No. EC–1070;
(ii) Three layers or less that may be
cemented; and
(iii) Staggered butts and seams of adjacent layers.
(d) Grab Straps. Grab straps shall be
attached as shown on Dwg. No. 160,049–
1 and shall finish 20 inches long and 1
inch wide at opposite ends. The grab
straps, if formed from cover material
shall be folded and stitched together so
as to produce a double thickness with
raw edges turned under. Other means
will be given special consideration.
(e) Seams and stitching. Seams shall
be constructed with not less than a 3⁄8inch border between the seam and the
edge of the cover materials. All stitching shall be a lock stitch, 7 to 9 stitches per inch, except as follows: Chain
stitching 6 to 8 stitches per inch with

20/4 thread on top and 40/3 thread on
the bottom, will be acceptable in constructing grab straps.
(f) Workmanship. All cushions shall be
of first class workmanship and shall be
free from defects materially affecting
their appearance or serviceability.
Cushions classified as ‘‘seconds’’ or ‘‘irregular’’ will not be acceptable under
this specification.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11586, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28,
1973]

§ 160.049–5 Inspections and tests.1
(a) General. Manufacturers of listed
and labeled buoyant cushions shall
maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods and
the finished product so as to meet the
applicable requirements, and shall
make sufficient inspections and tests
of representative samples and components produced to maintain the quality
of the finished product. Records of
tests conducted by the manufacturer
and records of materials, including affidavits by suppliers that applicable requirements are met, entering into construction shall be made available to
the recognized laboratory inspector or
the Coast Guard inspector, or both, for
review upon request. Any examinations, inspections and tests which are
required by the recognized laboratory
for listed and labeled devices produced
will be conducted by the laboratory inspector at the place of manufacture or
other location at the option of the laboratory.
(b) Lot size and sampling. (1) A lot
shall consist of not more than 1,000
buoyant cushions. A new lot shall be
started with any change or modification in materials used or manufacturing methods employed. When a lot of
buoyant cushions is ready for inspection, the manufacturer shall notify the
recognized laboratory so that they
may, at their discretion, assign an inspector to the plant for the purpose of
making any tests and inspections
deemed necessary. From each lot of
1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation
device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which require an instruction
pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

130

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.049–6

buoyant cushions, the manufacturer or
the recognized laboratory or U.S. Coast
Guard inspector, when assigned, shall
select samples in accordance with table
160.049–5(b)(1) to be tested for buoyancy
in accordance with paragraph (e) of
this section.
TABLE 160.049–5(B)(1)—SAMPLING FOR
BUOYANCY TESTS
Lot size

200
201
401
601

and under .......................................................
to 400 ..............................................................
to 600 ..............................................................
to 1,000 ...........................................................

Number
of cushions in
sample
1
2
3
4

(c) Additional tests. Unannounced examinations, tests and inspections of
samples obtained either directly from
the manufacturer or through commercial channels may be made to determine the suitability of a product for
listing and labeling, or to determine
conformance of a labeled product to
the applicable requirements. These
may be conducted by the recognized
laboratory or the U.S. Coast Guard.
(d) Test facilities. The laboratory inspector, or the Coast Guard inspector,
or both, shall be admitted to any place
in the factory where work is being done
on listed and labeled products, and either or both inspectors may take samples of parts or materials entering into
construction of final assemblies, for
further examinations, inspections, or
tests. The manufacturer shall provide a
suitable place and the apparatus necessary for the performance of the tests
which are done at the place of manufacture.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Securely attach the spring scale in
a position directly over the test tank.
Suspend the weighted wire basket from
the scale in such a manner that the
basket is weighed while it is completely under water. In order to measure the actual buoyancy provided by
the cushion, the underwater weight of
the empty basket should exceed the
buoyancy of the cushion. To obtain the
buoyancy of the cushion, proceed as
follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket
under water.

(ii) Place the cushion inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of
the basket is at least 2 inches below
the surface of the water for 24 hours.
The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. It
is important that after the cushion has
once been submerged that it shall remain submerged for the duration of the
test, and at no time during the course
of the test shall it be removed from the
tank or otherwise exposed to air.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence
period unlock or unseal the tank and
weigh the weighted wire basket with
the cushion inside while both are still
under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as (i)
minus (iii).
(2) Buoyancy required. Each cushion
shall provide not less than 20 pounds
buoyancy.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11587, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19964, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978]

§ 160.049–6 Marking.
(a) Each buoyant cushion must have
the following information clearly
marked in waterproof lettering:
(1) In letters that can be read at a
distance of 2 feet:
Type IV Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of
20 lb.
Dry out thoroughly when wet.
Approved for use on recreational boats only
as a throwable device.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.049/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).
(Size; width, thickness, and length, including
both top and bottom for trapezoidal cushions.).

(2) In letters that are distinctively
set off or larger than all other marking, and are at least one-fourth of an
inch in height:
WARNING: DO NOT WEAR ON BACK
(b) Waterproofness of marking. Marking for buoyant cushions shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 72
hours submergence in water, it will

131

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

withstand vigorous rubbing by hand
while wet without the printed matter
becoming illegible.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19964, Dec.
30, 1970; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; CGD
92–045, 58 FR 41608, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95–028,
62 FR 51213, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.049–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Group approval. A single group approval will be granted to each manufacturer to cover all buoyant cushions
which have materials and construction
strictly in conformance with this subpart, and which are in accordance with
§ 160.049–4(c)(1).
(b) Special approvals. Special approvals will be granted separately to each
manufacturer for each unicellular plastic foam buoyant cushion he proposes
to manufacture which is not included
under the group approval provided for
by paragraph (b) of this section, for example: a buoyant cushion having cover
material not specifically provided for
by this subpart, or any buoyant cushion having a different shape.
(c) A buoyant cushion is approved
when it bears the compliance label of
the recognized laboratory.
[CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19964, Dec. 30, 1970, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8119, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]

§ 160.049–8 Recognized laboratory.
(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory
Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.

(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the

laboratory that performed the approval
testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]

Subpart 160.050—Specification for
a Buoy, Life Ring, Unicellular
Plastic
§ 160.050–1

Incorporation by reference.

(a) Specifications and Standard. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Military specification:
MIL–R–16847—Ring
cellular plastic.

buoy,

lifesaving,

uni-

(2) Federal Specification:
V–T–295D–Thread, Nylon.

(3) Federal standard:
No. 595—Colors.

(4) Coast Guard specification:
164.015—Plastic foam, unicellular, buoyant,
sheet and molded shape.

(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications referred to in this section
shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the certificate of
approval. The Military Specification
may be obtained from the Commanding
Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., 19120. The
Federal Specifications and Federal
Standard may be obtained from the
Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC
20407. The Coast Guard specification
may be obtained from the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.
[CGFR 66–64, 31 FR 562, Jan. 18, 1966, as
amended CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28,
1973; 38 FR 21784, Aug. 13, 1973; CGD 78–012, 43
FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 88–070, 53
FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988]

§ 160.050–2

Types and sizes.

(a) Type. Life buoys shall be of the
annular ring type as described in this
subpart, but alternate arrangements
meeting the performance requirements
set forth will be given special consideration.
(b) Sizes. Ring life buoys shall be of
the sizes set forth in Table 160.050–2(b).
A tolerance of a plus or minus 5 percent will be allowable on the dimensions indicated in Table 160.050–2(b).

132

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§ 160.050–4

TABLE 160.050–2(B)—SIZES AND DIMENSIONS
OF RING LIFE BUOYS
Size

30-inch ...............................................................
24-inch ...............................................................
20-inch ...............................................................

this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.

Dimensions
(inches)
Finished
ring
30
24
20

[CGFR 54–46, 19 FR 8707, Dec. 18, 1954, as
amended by CGFR 62–17, 27 FR 9045, Sept. 11,
1962]

§ 160.050–3 Materials.
(a) General. All exposed materials
must be resistant to oil or oil products,
salt water and anticipated weather
conditions encountered at sea. All components used in construction of buoys
and life rings must meet the applicable
requirements of subpart 164.019 of this
chapter.
(b) Unicellular plastic. The unicellular
plastic material used in fabrication of
the buoy body shall meet the requirements of subpart 164.015 of this subchapter for Type C material. The
buoy’s body shall be finished with two
coats of vinyl base paint. The ring life
buoys shall be either international orange (Color No. 12197 of Federal Standard 595) or white in color and the
colorfastness shall be rated ‘‘good’’
when tested in accordance with Federal
Test Method Standard No. 191 Methods
5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660.
NOTE: On vessels on an international voyage, all ring life buoys shall be international
orange in color.)

(c) Grab line. The grab line shall be
⁄ -inch diameter polyethylene, polypropylene, or other suitable buoyant
type synthetic material having a minimum breaking strength of 1,350 pounds.
(d) Beckets. The beckets for securing
the grab line shall be 2-inch polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, saran
or other suitable synthetic material
having a minimum breaking strength
of 585 pounds. In addition, polyethylene
and polypropylene shall be weather-resistant type which is stabilized as to
heat, oxidation, and ultraviolet light
degradation.
(e) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of

38

[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11477, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGFR 65–64, 31 FR 562, Jan. 18,
1966; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978;
CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.050–4 Construction and workmanship.
(a) General. This specification covers
ring life buoys which provide buoyancy
to aid in keeping persons afloat in the
water. Each buoy consists of a body
constructed in the shape of an annular
ring, with an approximately elliptical
body cross section and which is fitted
with a grab line around the outside periphery. The outside and inside diameters of the ring and the length and
width of the cross section of the body
shall be uniform throughout.
(b) Body. The body shall be made in
either one or two pieces. If of two
pieces, the pieces shall be equal in size
and shall be adhesive bonded along a
center line through an axis passing
through the flat area dimension of the
body. The adhesive shall be a liquid
cold setting, polymerizable, nonsolvent, containing material of the
phenolepichlorhydrin type or equivalent having good strength retention
under outdoor weathering conditions.
(c) Grab line. The finished length of
the grab line shall be four times the
outside diameter of the buoy. The ends
of the grab line shall be securely and
neatly spliced together, or shall be
hand whipped with a needle and both
ends securely and smoothly seized together. The grab line shall encircle the
buoy and shall be held in place by the
beckets. The spliced or seized ends of
the grab line shall be placed in the center of the width of one of the beckets.
(d) Beckets. Each ring buoy shall be
fitted with four beckets located at
equidistant points about the body of
the buoy. The beckets shall be passed
around the body of the buoy with the
free ends to the outside, and shall be
securely cemented to the buoy with a
suitable waterproof adhesive which is
compatible with the unicellular plastic
used in the buoy body. The ends of the
beckets shall be turned under at least 1
inch, one end to go around the grab
line, and the other to be laid flat
against the first end. The beckets shall

133

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

then be stitched to the grab line with
not less than five hand stitches made
with two parts of thread or machined
stitched with not less than three
stitches per inch. Alternate methods
for rigging beckets and grab line will
be given special consideration.
(e) Weight. The weight of the completely assembled buoy shall be not
less than 2.5 pounds and not more than
4.25 pounds for the 20-inch size, not less
than 3.0 pounds and not more than 5.5
pounds for the 24-inch size, and not less
than 5.0 and not more than 7.5 pounds
for the 30-inch size.
(f) Workmanship. Ring life buoys shall
be of first class workmanship and free
from any defects materially affecting
their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 54–46, 19 FR 8707, Dec. 18, 1954, as
amended by CGFR 62–17, 27 FR 9045, Sept. 11,
1962; CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11477, Sept. 8, 1965]

§ 160.050–5 Sampling,
spection.

tests,

and

in-

(a) General. Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section, subpart 159.007
of this chapter, and if conducted by an
independent laboratory, the independent laboratory’s procedures for production inspections and tests as accepted
by the Commandant. The Commandant
may prescribe additional production
tests and inspections necessary to
maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements
of this subchapter.
(b) Oversight. In addition to responsibilities set out in part 159 of this
chapter and the accepted laboratory
procedures for production inspections
and tests, each manufacturer of a ring
life buoy and each laboratory inspector
shall comply with the following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer
must—
(i) Perform all tests and examinations necessary to show compliance
with this subpart and the subpart
under which the ring life buoy is approved on each lot before any inspector’s tests and inspection of the lot;
(ii) Follow established procedures for
maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations,
and the finished product; and

(iii) Allow an inspector to take samples of completed units or of component materials for tests required by
this subpart and for tests relating to
the safety of the design.
(iv) Meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which requires an instruction pamphlet for each device that is
sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats, and must make the
pamphlet accessible prior to purchase.
(2) Laboratory. An inspector from the
accepted laboratory shall oversee production in accordance with the laboratory’s procedures for production inspections and tests accepted by the
Commandant. During production oversight, the inspector shall not perform
or supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and
(ii) The inspector has first observed
the manufacturer’s production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(3) At least quarterly, the inspector
shall check the manufacturer’s compliance with the company’s quality control procedures, examine the manufacturer’s required records, and observe
the manufacturer perform each of the
required production tests.
(c) Test facilities. The manufacturer
shall provide a suitable place and apparatus for conducting the tests and inspections necessary to determine compliance of ring life buoys with this subpart. The manufacturer shall provide
means to secure any test that is not
continuously observed, such as the 48
hour buoyancy test. The manufacturer
must have the calibration of all test
equipment checked in accordance with
the test equipment manufacturer’s recommendation and interval but not less
than at least once every year.
(d) Lots. A lot may not consist of
more than 1000 life buoys. A lot number
must be assigned to each group of life
buoys produced. Lots must be numbered serially. A new lot must be started whenever any change in materials
or a revision to a production method is
made, and whenever any substantial
discontinuity in the production process
occurs. The lot number assigned, along
with the approval number, must enable

134

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§ 160.050–5

the ring life buoy manufacturer to determine the supplier’s identifying information for the component lot.
(e) Samples. (1) From each lot of ring
life buoys, manufacturers shall randomly select a number of samples from
completed units at least equal to the
applicable number required by table
160.050–5(e) for buoyancy testing. Additional samples must be selected for any
tests, examinations, and inspections
required by the laboratory’s production
inspections and tests procedures.
TABLE 160.050–5(E)—SAMPLING FOR
BUOYANCY TESTS
Lot size

100
101
201
301
501
751

and under .........................................................
to 200 ................................................................
to 300 ................................................................
to 500 ................................................................
to 750 ................................................................
to 1000 ..............................................................

Number
of life
buoys in
sample
1
2
3
4
6
8

(2) For a lot next succeeding one
from which any sample ring life buoy
failed the buoyancy or strength test,
the sample shall consist of not less
than ten specimen ring life buoys to be
tested for buoyancy in accordance with
paragraph (f) of this section.
(f) Tests—(1) Strength test. The buoy
body shall be suspended by a 2-inchwide strap. A similar strap shall be
passed around the opposite side of the
buoy and a 200-pound weight suspended
by it from the buoy. After 30 minutes,
the buoy body shall be examined, and
there shall be no breaks, cracks or permanent deformation.
(2) Resistance to damage test. The buoy
body shall be dropped three times from
a height of 6 feet onto concrete, and
there shall be no breaks or cracks in
the body.
(3) Buoyancy test. To obtain the buoyancy of the buoy, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh iron or other weight under
water. The weight shall be more than
sufficient to submerge the buoy.
(ii) Attach the iron or other weight
to the buoy and submerge with the top
of the buoy at least 2 inches below the
surface for 48 hours.
(iii) After the 48-hour submergence
period, weigh the buoy with the weight
attached while both are still under
water.

(iv) The buoyancy is computed as
paragraph (f)(3)(i) minus paragraph
(f)(3)(iii) of this section.
(4) Buoyancy required. The buoys
shall provide a buoyancy of not less
than 16.5 pounds for the 20-and 24-inch
sizes, and not less than 32 pounds for
the 30-inch size.
(g) Lot inspection. On each lot, the
laboratory inspector shall perform a
final lot inspection to be satisfied that
the ring life buoys meet this subpart.
Each lot must demonstrate—
(1) First quality workmanship;
(2) That the general arrangement and
attachment of all components are as
specified in the approved plans and
specifications; and
(3) Compliance with the marking requirements in the applicable approval
subpart.
(h) Lot acceptance. When the independent laboratory has determined
that the ring life buoys in the lot are of
a type officially approved in the name
of the company, and that such ring life
buoys meet the requirements of this
subpart, they shall be plainly marked
in waterproof ink with the independent
laboratory’s name or identifying mark.
(i) Lot rejection. Each nonconforming
unit must be rejected. If three or more
nonconforming units are rejected for
the same kind of defect, lot inspection
must be discontinued and the lot rejected. The inspector must discontinue
lot inspection and reject the lot if examination of individual units or the
records for the lot shows noncompliance with either this subchapter or the
laboratory’s or the manufacturer’s
quality control procedures. A rejected
unit or lot may be resubmitted for
testing and inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each
defective unit or, if authorized by the
laboratory, reworks the unit or lot to
correct the defect. A rejected lot or rejected unit may not be sold or offered
for sale under the representation that
it meets this subpart or that it is Coast
Guard-approved.
[CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11478, Sept. 8, 1965, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51213, Sept. 30,
1997]

135

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 160.050–6 Marking.
(a) Each ring buoy must have the following information in waterproof lettering:
Type IV Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of
(32 lb. or 161⁄2 lb.).
Approved for use on recreational boats only
as a throwable device.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.050/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Size).
USCG (Marine Inspection Office identification letters).
(Lot No.).

(b) A method of marking that is different from the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section may be given
consideration by the Coast Guard.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11,
1976; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978; 43
FR 10913, Mar. 16, 1978; CGD 92–045, 58 FR
41608, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51214,
Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.050–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) General. Designs of ring life buoys
are approved only by the Commandant,
U.S. Coast Guard. Manufacturers seeking approval of a ring life buoy design
shall follow the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Each application for approval of a
ring life buoy must contain the information specified in § 159.005–5 of this
chapter. The application and, except as
provided in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of
this section, a prototype ring life buoy
must be submitted to the Commandant
for preapproval review. If a similar design has already been approved, the
Commandant
may
waive
the
preapproval review under §§ 159.005–5
and 159.005–7 of this chapter.
(c) If the ring life buoy is of a standard design, the application:
(1) Must include the following: A
statement of any exceptions to the
standard plans and specifications, including drawings, product description,
construction specifications, and/or bill
of materials.

(2) Need not include: The information
specified in § 159.005–5(a)(2).
(d) If the ring life buoy is of a nonstandard design, the application must
include the following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by
§ 159.005–12 of this chapter, including
drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.
(2) The information specified in
§ 159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this
chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype ring life buoy sample to the Commandant.
(3) Performance testing results of the
design performed by an independent
laboratory that has a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Coast Guard
under § 159.010–7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal
flotation devices showing equivalence
to the standard design’s performance in
all material respects.
(4) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.
(5) The text of any optional marking
to be included on the ring life buoy in
addition to the markings required by
the applicable approval subpart.
(6) For any conditionally approved
ring life buoy, the intended approval
condition(s).
(e) The description of quality control
procedures required by § 159.005–9 of
this chapter may be omitted if the
manufacturer’s planned quality control
procedures meet the requirements of
those accepted by the Commandant for
the independent laboratory performing
production inspections and tests.
(f) Waiver of tests. A manufacturer
may request that the Commandant
waive any test prescribed for approval
under the applicable subpart. To request a waiver, the manufacturer must
submit to the Commandant and the
laboratory described in § 159.010, one of
the following:
(1) Satisfactory test results on a ring
life buoy of sufficiently similar design
as determined by the Commandant.
(2) Engineering analysis demonstrating that the test for which a waiver is
requested is not appropriate for the

136

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.051–5

particular design submitted for approval or that, because of its design or
construction, it is not possible for the
ring life buoy to fail that test.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51214, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.051—Inflatable
Liferafts for Domestic Service
SOURCE: CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25546, May 9,
1997, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.051–1 Scope.
This subpart prescribes requirements
for approval by the Coast Guard of A,
B, and Coastal Service inflatable liferafts for use only in domestic service.
These liferafts must comply with all of
the requirements for SOLAS A and
SOLAS B liferafts in subpart 160.151 except as specified in this subpart.
§ 160.051–3 Definitions.
In this subpart, the term:
A or B liferaft means an inflatable
liferaft that meets the requirements
prescribed in subpart 160.151 for a
SOLAS A or SOLAS B liferaft, respectively, except that the capacity is less
than 6 persons and the liferaft cannot
contain SOLAS markings.
Coastal Service liferaft means a liferaft
that does not meet the all of the requirements
prescribed
in
subpart
160.151 for a SOLAS A or SOLAS B liferaft, but that instead meets the requirements of this subpart and is approved for use on certain uninspected
vessels under subchapter C of this
chapter.
§ 160.051–5 Design and performance of
Coastal Service inflatable liferafts.
To obtain Coast Guard approval, each
Coastal Service inflatable liferaft must
comply with subpart 160.151, with the
following exceptions:
(a) Canopy requirements (Regulation
III/38.1.5). The canopy may—
(1) Be of a type that is furled when
the liferaft inflates and that can be set
in place by the occupants. A furled canopy must be secured to the buoyancy
tubes over 50 percent or more of the
liferaft’s circumference;
(2) Be of an uninsulated, single-ply
design; and
(3) Have an interior of any color.

(b) Viewing port (Regulation III/
38.1.5.5). The liferaft need not have the
viewing port described in Regulation
III/38.1.5.5.
(c) Rainwater collection (Regulation III/
38.1.5.6). The liferaft need not have the
means of rainwater collection described in Regulation III/38.1.5.6.
(d) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The
carrying capacity must be not less
than four persons.
(e) Floor insulation (Regulation III/
39.2.2). The floor may be uninsulated.
(f) Boarding ramps (Regulation III/
39.4.1). The liferaft need be provided
with boarding ramps only if the combined cross-section diameter of the
buoyancy chambers is greater than 500
mm (19.5 in).
(g) Stability (Regulation III/39.5.1).
Each Coastal Service inflatable liferaft
must either meet the stability criteria
in § 160.151–17(a) or be fitted with watercontaining stability pockets meeting
the following requirements:
(1) The total volume of the pockets
must be not less than 25 percent of the
minimum required volume of the principal buoyancy compartments of the
liferaft.
(2) The pockets must be securely attached and evenly distributed around
the periphery of the exterior bottom of
the liferaft. They may be omitted at
the locations of inflation cylinders.
(3) The pockets must be designed to
deploy underwater when the liferaft inflates. If weights are used for this purpose, they must be of corrosion-resistant material.
(h) Lamp (Regulation III/39.6.3). The
liferaft need not have the manually
controlled interior lamp described in
Regulation III/39.6.3.
(i) Markings (Regulations III/39.7.3.4
and III/39.7.3.5). The words ‘‘COASTAL
SERVICE’’ must appear on the container, and the type of equipment pack
must be identified as ‘‘Coastal Service’’. No ‘‘SOLAS’’ markings may appear on the container.
(j) Drop test. The drop test required
under paragraph 1/5.1 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and 160.151–27(a) may be
from a lesser height, if that height is
the maximum height of stowage
marked on the container.
(k) Loading and seating test. For the
loading and seating test required under

137

§ 160.051–7

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

paragraph 1/5.7 of IMO Resolution
A.689(17) and § 160.151–27(a), the loaded
freeboard of the liferaft must be not
less than 200 mm (8 in.).
(l) Cold-inflation test. The cold-inflation test required under paragraph 1/
5.17.3.3.2 of IMO Resolution A.689(17)
and § 160.151–27(a) must be conducted at
a test temperature of ¥18 °C (0 °F).
§ 160.051–7 Design and performance of
A and B inflatable liferafts.
To obtain Coast Guard approval, each
A and B inflatable liferaft must comply
with the requirements in subpart
160.151, with the following exceptions:
(a) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The
carrying capacity must be not less
than four persons.
(b) Markings (Regulations III/39.7.3.4
and III/39.7.3.5). The type of equipment
pack must be identified as ‘‘A’’ or ‘‘B’’,
respectively, instead of ‘‘SOLAS A’’ or
‘‘SOLAS B’’. No ‘‘SOLAS’’ markings
may appear on the container.

(k) Instructions for immediate action.
Instructions for immediate action as
described in § 160.151–21(w).
(l) Repair outfit. One set of sealing
clamps or plugs as described in
§ 160.151–21(y)(1).
(m) Pump or bellows. One pump or bellows as described in § 160.151–21(z).
(n) Plugs for pressure-relief valves.
Plugs for pressure-relief valves as described in § 160.151–21(aa).

Subpart 160.052—Specification for
a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular
Plastic Foam, Adult and Child
§ 160.052–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents.
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Military specification:
MIL–W–530F—Webbing, Textile, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural and in Colors.

(3) Federal Standards:
§ 160.051–9 Equipment required for
Coastal Service inflatable liferafts.
In lieu of the equipment specified in
§ 160.151–21, the following equipment
must be provided with a Coastal Service inflatable liferaft:
(a) Rescue quoit and heaving line. One
rescue quoit and a heaving line as described in § 160.151–21(a).
(b) Knife. One knife, of a type designed to minimize the chance of damage to the inflatable liferaft and secured with a lanyard.
(c) Bailer. One bailer as described in
§ 160.151–21(c).
(d) Sponge. One sponge as described in
§ 160.151–21(d).
(e) Sea anchor. One sea anchor as described in § 160.151–21(e).
(f) Paddles. Two paddles of the same
size and type as used to pass the maneuverability test in paragraph 1/5.10 of
IMO Resolution A.689(17).
(g) Whistle. One whistle as described
in § 160.151–21(i) of this part.
(h) Flashlight. One flashlight with
spare batteries as described in § 160.151–
21(m).
(i) Signalling mirror. One signalling
mirror as described in § 160.151–21(o).
(j) Survival instructions. Instructions
on how to survive as described in
§ 160.151–21(v).

No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitching.

(4) Coast Guard specifications:
160.055—Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic
Foam, Adult and Child.
164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular, Buoyant
Sheet and Molded Shapes.

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the
issue in effect on the date buoyant
vests are manufactured, form a part of
this subpart:
Dwg. No. 160.052–1:
Sheet 1—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model AP.
Sheet 2—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CPM.
Sheet 3—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CPS.
Sheet 4—Insert Patterns.

(c) Copies on file. The manufacturer
shall keep a copy of each specification
and plan required by this section on
file together with the certificate of approval. Plans and specifications may be
obtained as follows:
(1) The Coast Guard plans and specifications may be obtained upon request
from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001, or a recognized laboratory listed
in § 160.052–8b.
(2) The Federal Specifications and
Standards may be purchased from the

138

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.052–3

Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC
20407.
(3) The military specification may be
obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31,
1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978;
CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–
070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60
FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR
50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.052–2 Size and model.
(a) A standard buoyant vest is manufactured in accordance with a plan
specified in § 160.052–1(b) and is a:
(1) Model AP, adult (for persons over
90 pounds);
(2) Model CPM, child, medium (for
persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds);
or
(3) Model CPS, child, small (for persons weighing less than 50 pounds).
(b) A nonstandard buoyant vest is:
(1) Manufactured in accordance with
the manufacturer’s approved plan;
(2) Equivalent in performance to the
standard buoyant vest; and
(3) Assigned a model designation by
the manufacturer for the following
sizes:
(i) Adult (for persons weighing over
90 pounds);
(ii) Child, medium (for persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds);
(iii) Child, small (for persons weighing less than 50 pounds).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.052–3 Materials—Standard vests.
(a) General. All components used in
the construction of buoyant vests must
meet the applicable requirements of
subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in
this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given
to the use of alternate materials in lieu
of those specified. Detailed technical
data and samples of all proposed alternate materials shall be submitted for
approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.

(b) Unicellular plastic foam. The unicellular plastic foam shall be all new
material complying with the requirements of specification Subpart 164.015
of this subchapter for Type A or B
foam.
(c) Envelope. The buoyant vest envelope, or cover, shall be made from 39″,
2.85 cotton jeans cloth, with a thread
count of approximately 96×64. The finished goods shall weigh not less than
4.2 ounces per square yard, shall have
thread count of not less than 94×60, and
shall have a breaking strength of not
less than 85 pounds in the warp and 50
pounds in the filling. Other cotton fabrics having a weight and breaking
strength not less than the above will be
acceptable. There are no restrictions as
to color, but the fastness of the color
to laundering, water, crocking, and
light shall be rated ‘‘good’’ when tested
in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630,
5650, and 5660.
(d) Tie tapes and body strap loops. The
tie tapes and body strap loops for both
adult and child sizes must be 3⁄4-inch
cotton webbing meeting the requirements of military specification MIL–T–
43566 (Class I) for Type I webbing.
(d–1) Body straps. The complete body
strap assembly, including hardware,
must have a minimum breaking
strength of 150 pounds for an adult size
and 115 pounds for a child size. The
specifications for the webbing are as
follows:
(1) For an adult size vest, the webbing must be 1 inch;
(2) For a child size vest, the webbing
must be three-quarter inch and meet
the requirements of military specification MIL–W–530 for Type IIa webbing.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31,
1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974; CGD
78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82–063b,
48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 84–068, 58 FR
29493, May 20, 1993]

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 160.052–3a Materials—Dee ring and
snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant
vests.
(a) Specifications. Dee ring and snap
hook assemblies and other instruments
of closure for buoyant vests may have
decorative platings in any thickness
and must meet the following specifications:
(1) The device must be constructed of
inherently corrosion resistant materials. As used in this section the term
inherently corrosion resistant materials
includes, but is not limited to brass,
bronze, and stainless steel.
(2) The size of the opening of the device must be consistent with the webbing which will pass through the opening.
(b) Testing requirements. Dee ring and
snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests
must—
(1) Be tested for weathering. The
Coast Guard will determine which one
or more of the following tests will be
used:
(i) Application of a 20 percent sodium-chloride solution spray at a temperature of 95 °F (35 °C) for a period of
240 hours in accordance with the procedures contained in method 811 of the
Federal Test Method Standard No. 151.
(ii) Exposure to a carbon-arc weatherometer for a period of 100 hours.
(iii) Submergence for a period of 100
hours in each of the following:
(a) Leaded gasoline.
(b) Gum turpentine.
(iv) Exposure to a temperature of 0°±5
°F (17.6±2.775 °C) for 24 hours; and
(2) Within 5 minutes of completion of
the weathering test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the assembly must be attached to a support and
bear 150 pounds for an adult size and
115 pounds for a child size for 10 minutes at ambient temperatures without
breaking or distorting.
[CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974]

§ 160.052–4 Materials—nonstandard
vests.
(a) General. All materials used in
nonstandard buoyant vests must be
equivalent to those specified in
§ 160.052–3 and be obtained from a supplier who furnishes an affidavit in ac-

cordance with the requirement in
§ 160.052–3(a).
(b) Cover. A vinyl-dip coating may be
allowed for the covering of the vest instead of a fabric envelope if the coating
meets the requirements in § 160.055–
5(b)(2) of this chapter except there is no
color restriction.
(c) Reinforcing tape. When used, the
reinforcing tape around the neck shall
be 3⁄4″ cotton tape weighing not less
than 0.18 ounces per linear yard having
a minimum breaking strength of not
less than 120 pounds.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31,
1972; 37 FR 11774, June 14, 1972, CGD 72–163R,
38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.052–5
vests.

Construction—standard

(a) General. This specification covers
buoyant vests which essentially consist
of a fabric envelope in which are enclosed inserts of buoyant material arranged and distributed so as to provide
the flotation characteristics and buoyancy required to hold the wearer in an
upright or slightly backward position
with head and face out of water. The
buoyant vests are also fitted with
straps and hardware to provide for
proper adjustment and close and comfortable fit to the bodies of various size
wearers.
(b) Envelope. The envelope or cover
shall be made of three pieces. Two
pieces of fabric shall be cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No. 160.052–1, Sheet
1 for adult size, and Sheets 2 and 3 for
child sizes, and joined together with a
third piece which forms a 2″ finished
gusset strip all around. Reinforcing
strips of the same material as the envelope shall be stitched to the inside of
the front piece of the envelope in way
of the strap attachments as shown by
the drawings.
(c) Buoyant inserts. The unicellular
plastic foam buoyant inserts shall be
cut and formed as shown on Dwg.
160.052–1, Sheet 4.
(d) Tie tapes, body straps, and hardware. The tie tapes, body straps, and
hardware shall be arranged as shown
on the drawings and attached to the
envelope with the seams and stitching
indicated.

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§ 160.052–7

(e) Stitching. All stitching shall be
short lock stitch conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751,
and there shall be not less than 7 nor
more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(f) Workmanship. Buoyant vests shall
be of first-class workmanship and shall
be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD, 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar.
28, 1973]

§ 160.052–6 Construction—nonstandard
vests.
(a) General. The construction methods used for nonstandard buoyant vests
must be equivalent to those requirements in § 160.052–5 for a standard vest
and also meet the requirements in this
section.
(b) Size. Each nonstandard vest must
contain the following volume of plastic
foam buoyant material, determined by
the displacement method:
(1) Five hundred cubic inches or more
for an adult size;
(2) Three hundred and fifty cubic
inches or more for a child, medium
size;
(3) Two hundred and twenty-five
cubic inches or more for a child, small
size.
(c) Arrangement of buoyant material.
The buoyant material in a nonstandard
vest must:
(1) Be arranged to hold the wearer in
an upright or backward position with
head and face out of water;
(2) Have no tendency to turn a wearer
face downward in the water; and
(3) Be arranged so that 70 to 75 percent of the total is located in the front
of the vest.
(d) Neck opening. Each cloth-covered
nonstandard vest must have at the
neck opening:
(1) A gusset; or
(2) Reinforcing tape.
(e) Adjustment, fit, and donning. Each
nonstandard vest must be made with
adjustments to:
(1) Fit a range of wearers for the type
designed; and
(2) Facilitate donning time for an
uninitiated person.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.052–7 Inspections
and
tests—
standard and nonstandard vests.1
(a) General. Manufacturers of listed
and labeled buoyant vests shall—
(1) Maintain quality control of the
materials used, the manufacturing
methods and workmanship, and the finished product to meet the requirements
of this subpart by conducting sufficient
inspections and tests of representative
samples and components produced;
(2) Make available to the recognized
laboratory inspector and the Coast
Guard inspector, upon request, records
of tests conducted by the manufacturer
and records of materials used during
production of the device, including affidavits by supplier; and
(3) Permit any examination, inspection, and test required by the recognized laboratory or the Coast Guard for
a produced listed and labeled device, either at the place of manufacture or
some other location.
(b) Lot size and sampling. (1) A lot
consists of 500 buoyant vests or fewer.
(2) A new lot begins after any change
or modification in materials used or
manufacturing methods employed.
(3) The manufacturer of the buoyant
vests shall notify the recognized laboratory when a lot is ready for inspection.
(4) The manufacturer shall select
samples in accordance with the requirements in Table 160.052–7(b)(4) from
each lot of buoyant vests to be tested
for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
TABLE 160.052–7(B)(4)—SAMPLE FOR BUOYANT
VESTS
Lot size
100
101
201
301

Number of
vests in
sample

and under ...................................................
to 200 ..........................................................
to 300 ..........................................................
to 500 ..........................................................

1
2
3
4

(5) The manufacturer shall test—
1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation
device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which require an instruction
pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

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§ 160.052–7

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(i) At least one vest from each lot for
buoyancy in accordance with procedures contained in paragraph (e) of this
section; and
(ii) At least one vest in each 10 lots
for strength of the body strap assembly
in accordance with the procedures contained in paragraph (f) of this section.
(6) If a vest fails the buoyancy test,
the sample from the next succeeding
lot must consist of 10 specimen vests or
more to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
(7) The manufacturer shall keep on
file and make available to the laboratory inspector and Coast Guard inspector the records of inspections and tests,
together with affidavits concerning the
material.
(c) Additional compliance tests. An inspector from the recognized laboratory
or Coast Guard may conduct an examination, test and inspection of a buoyant device that is obtained from the
manufacturer or through commercial
channels to determine the suitability
of the device for listing and labeling or
to determine its conformance to applicable requirements.
(d) Test facilities. The manufacturer
shall admit the laboratory inspector
and the Coast Guard inspector to any
part of the premises at the place of
manufacture of a listed and labeled device to—
(1) Examine, inspect, or test a sample
of a part or a material that is included
in the construction of the device; and
(2) Conduct any necessary examination, inspection, or test in a suitable
place and with appropriate apparatus
provided by the manufacturer.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant inserts from
the vests. Securely attach the spring
scale in a position directly over the
test tank. Suspend the weighted wire
basket from the scale in such a manner
that the basket can be weighed while it
is completely under water. In order to
measure the actual buoyancy provided
by the inserts, the underwater weight
of the empty basket should exceed the
buoyancy of the inserts. To obtan the
buoyancy of the inserts, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket
under water.

(ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of
the basket is at least 2 inches below
the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours.
The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. It
is important that after the inserts have
once been submerged they shall remain
submerged for the duration of the test,
and at no time during the course of the
test shall they be removed from the
tank or otherwise exposed to air.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence
period, unlock or unseal the tank and
weigh the wire basket with the inserts
inside while both are still under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus
paragraph (e)(i)(iii) of this section.
(2) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
inserts from adult size buoyant vests
shall provide not less than 151⁄2 pounds
buoyancy in fresh water; the inserts
from child medium size vests shall provide not less than 11 pounds buoyancy;
and the inserts from child small size
vests shall provide not less than 7
pounds buoyancy.
(f) Body strap test. The complete body
strap assembly including hardware,
shall be tested for strength by attaching the dee ring to a suitable support
such that the assembly hangs vertically its full length. A weight as specified in § 160.052–3(d) shall be attached to
the other end of the snap hook for 10
minutes. The specified weight shall not
break or excessively distort the body
strap assembly.
(g) Additional approval tests for nonstandard vests. Tests in addition to
those required by this section may be
conducted by the inspector for nonstandard vests to determine performance equivalence to a standard vest.
Such additional tests may include determining performance in water, suitability of materials, donning time, ease
of adjustment, and similar equivalency
tests. Costs of any additional tests
must be assumed by the manufacturer.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31,
1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978]

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§ 160.053–3

Subpart 160.053—Work Vests,
Unicellular Plastic Foam

§ 160.052–8 Marking.
(a) Each buoyant vest must have the
following information clearly marked
in waterproof lettering that can be
read at a distance of 2 feet:
Type II—Personal flotation device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) provides a minimum buoyant force of (151⁄2 lb., 11 lb., or 7
lb.).
Dry out thoroughly when wet.
Approved for use on all recreational boats
and on uninspected commercial vessels less
than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing (over
90 lb., 50 to 90 lb., or less than 50 lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.050/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.)

(b) Waterproof marking. Marking for
buoyant vests shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 72 hours submergence in water it will withstand vigorous rubbing by hand while wet without
the printed matter becoming illegible.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9,
1978]

§ 160.052–9 Recognized laboratory.
(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory
Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.

(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the
laboratory that performed the approval
testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]

SOURCE: CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18,
1959, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.053–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the
date unicellular plastic foam work
vests are manufactured, form a part of
this subpart:
(1) Military specification: MIL–L–
17653A—Life Preserver, Vest, Work
Type, Unicellular Plastic.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specification referred to in this section, as
well as the various specifications forming a part thereof, shall be kept on file
by the manufacturer, together with the
certificate of approval. They shall be
kept for a period consisting of the duration of approval and 6 months after
termination of approval. Federal specifications may be purchased from the
Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC
20407. Military specifications may be
obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.
[CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899 Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 72–163, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD
95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.053–2 Type.
(a) Unicellular plastic foam work
vests specified by this subpart shall be
of the type described in Military Specification MIL–L–17653A, but alternate
designs equivalent in materials, construction, performance, and workmanship will be given consideration.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.053–3 Materials, construction and
workmanship.
(a) General. Except as otherwise specifically provided by this subpart and
subparts 164.019 and 164.023 of this chapter, the materials, construction, and
workmanship of unicellular plastic
foam work vests specified by this subpart shall conform to the requirements
of Military Specification MIL–L–
17653A.

143

§ 160.053–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(b) Color of envelope. Indian Orange,
Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of
America, will be acceptable in lieu of
the Scarlet-Munsell 7.5 red 6⁄10 color
specified for envelopes or covers by
paragraph 3.1.1.1 of Specification MIL–
L–17653A.
(c) Color of webbing and thread. The
color of the webbing and thread need
not match the color of the envelope as
specified by paragraphs 3.1.3 and 3.2.8 of
Specification MIL–L–17653A.
(d) Materials; acceptance and quality.
All components used in the construction of work vests must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of
this chapter.
[CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as
amended by CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20,
1993]

§ 160.053–4 Inspections and tests.
(a) General. Work vests are not inspected at regularly scheduled factory
inspections; however, the Commander
of the Coast Guard District may detail
a marine inspector at any time to visit
any place where work vests are manufactured to observe production methods and to conduct any inspections or
tests which may be deemed advisable.
The marine inspector shall be admitted
to any place in the factory where work
is done on work vests or component
materials, and samples of materials entering into construction may be taken
by the marine inspector and tests made
for compliance with the applicable requirements.
(b) Manufacturer’s inspections and
tests. Manufacturers of approved work
vests shall maintain quality control of
the materials used, manufacturing
methods, workmanship, and the finished product so as to meet the requirements of this specification, and
shall make full inspections and tests of
representative samples from each lot
to maintain the quality of their product.
(c) Lot size. A lot shall consist of not
more than 500 work vests manufactured at the same time. Lots shall be
numbered serially by the manufacturer, and if at any time during the
manufacture of a lot, any change or
modification in materials or production methods is made, a new lot shall
be started.

(d) Test facilities. The manufacturer
shall provide a suitable place and shall
have on hand the necessary apparatus
for conducting buoyancy tests in compliance with this specification. The apparatus shall include accurate spring
scales of adequate capacity, weighted
wire mesh baskets, and a test tank or
tanks which can be locked or sealed in
such a manner as to preclude disturbance of work vests undergoing tests or
change in water level.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant inserts from
the vest. Securely attach the spring
scale in a position directly over the
test tank. Suspend the weighted wire
basket from the scale in such a manner
that the basket can be weighed while it
is completely under water. In order to
measure the actual buoyancy provided
by the inserts, the underwater weight
of the empty basket should exceed the
buoyancy of the inserts. To obtain the
buoyancy of the inserts, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket
under water.
(ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of
the basket is at least 2 inches below
the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours.
The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence
period, unlock the tank and weigh the
wire basket with the inserts inside
while both are still under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus
paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section.
(2) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
inserts from work vests shall provide
not less than 171⁄2 pounds buoyancy in
fresh water.
§ 160.053–5 Marking.
(a) Each work vest must have the following information clearly printed in
waterproof lettering that can be read
at a distance of 2 feet:
Type V—Personal flotation device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of
171⁄2 lbs.
Approved for use on Merchant Vessels as a
work vest.

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§ 160.054–2

U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.053/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.)
(Lot No.)
This vest is filled with (name of buoyant material), which will not be harmed by repeated wetting. Hang up and dry thoroughly when vest is wet.

(b) Additional marking required. In addition to the wording included on the
marking tag, on a front compartment
of each work vest there shall be stenciled in waterproof ink in letters not
less than one inch in height, the words,
‘‘WORK VEST ONLY.’’
(c) Waterproofness of marking tags.
Marking tags shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 48 hours submergence in water, they will withstand
rubbing by hand with moderate pressure while wet without the printed
matter becoming illegible.
[CGFR 59–22, 24 FR 4961, June 18, 1959, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9, 1978]

§ 160.053–6 Procedure for approval.
(a) General. Work vests for use on
merchant vessels are approved only by
the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard.
Manufacturers seeking approval of a
work vest shall follow the procedures
of this section and subpart 159.005 of
this chapter.
(b) If the work vest is of a standard
design, as described by § 160.053–3, in
order to be approved, the work vest
must be tested in accordance with
§ 160.053–4 by an independent laboratory
accepted by the Coast Guard under 46
CFR 159.010.
(c) If the work vest is of a non-standard design, the application must include the following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by
§ 159.005–12 of this chapter, including
drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.
(2) The information specified in
§ 159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this
chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype work vest sample to the Commandant.

(3) Performance testing results of the
design performed by an independent
laboratory, that has a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Coast Guard
under § 159.010–7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal
flotation devices, showing equivalence
to the standard design’s performance in
all material respects.
(4) Any special purpose(s) for which
the work vest is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use
is intended.
(5) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.
(6) The text of any optional marking
to be included on the work vest in addition to the markings required by
§ 160.053.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.054—Kits, First-Aid, for
Inflatable Liferafts
SOURCE: CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5,
1960, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.054–1 Applicable specification.
(a) Specification. The following specification of the issue in effect on the
date first aid kits are manufactured
forms a part of this subpart:
(1) Coast Guard specification 160.041—
Kits, First-Aid.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) Copies on file. Copies of the specification regulations referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer, together with the approved plans and certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period
consisting of the duration of approval
and 6 months after termination of approval. The Coast Guard specification
may be obtained from the Commandant
(G–MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.
[CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5, 1960, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.054–2 Type and size.
(a) Type. First-aid kits covered by
this specification shall be of the watertight type. Alternate arrangements of

145

§ 160.054–3

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

materials meeting the performance requirements of this specification will be
given special consideration.
(b) Size. First-aid kits shall be of a
size adequate for packing 12 standard
single cartons of the kind indicated in
specification subpart 160.041.
§ 160.054–3 Construction.
(a) Construction. The container shall
be constructed of tough transparent
material, not less than .008 inch nominal thickness, properly sealed around
three edges, and having the fourth edge
closed in such manner that it is capa-

ble of being opened and reclosed watertight. The re-openable closure may be a
plastic zip seal closure without slider,
or other means which meet the test requirements of § 160.054–5.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.054–4

Contents.

(a) Individual cartons. Cartons and
their contents shall be the type indicated in Specification subpart 160.041.
(b) Items. The items contained in
first-aid kit shall be as listed in Table
160.054–4(b).

TABLE 160.054–4(B)—ITEMS FOR FIRST-AID KIT
No. per pkg.

Bandage compress—4 inches .......................................................
Bandage compress—2 inches .......................................................
Waterproof adhesive compress—1 inch ........................................
Eye dressing packet, 1⁄8 oz. Ophthalmic ointment, adhesive
strips, cotton pads..
Bandage, gauze, compressed, 2 inches × 6 yards .......................
Tourniquet, forceps, scissors, 12 safety pins ................................
Wire splint .......................................................................................
Ammonia inhalants .........................................................................
Iodine applicators, (1⁄2 ml swab type) ............................................
Aspirin, phenacetin and caffeine compound, 61⁄2 Gr. tablets, vials
of 20.
Sterile petrolatum gauze, 3 inches by 18 inches ...........................

1 ................................................
4 ................................................
16 ..............................................
3 ................................................

Single
Single
Single
Single

..............
..............
..............
..............

1
1
1
1

2 ................................................
1, 1, 1, and 12, respectively .....
1 ................................................
10 ..............................................
10 ..............................................
2 ................................................

Single ..............
Double .............
Single ..............
Single ..............
Single ..............
Single ..............

1
1
1
1
1
1

4 ................................................

Single ..............

1

(c) Instructions. Instructions for the
use of the contents of the first-aid kit
shall be printed in legible type and either shall be placed inside the container or printed on the container in
waterproof ink. The instructions for
the use of the contents are as indicated
in Specification subpart 160.041, except
that the triangular bandage is omitted.
§ 160.054–5 Inspections and tests.
(a) Salt spray. The container shall be
exposed to a spray of 20 percent by
weight of reagent grade sodium chloride at about 95 °F. for 100 hours. There
shall be no disintegration of the material as a result of this test.
(b) Container Watertightness. With the
required number of items inside, the
closed container, with reclosable edge
uppermost, shall be submerged under a
head of one foot of water for a period of
two hours. At the end of this period,
the container shall be removed, surface
dried, opened, and examined for the

Size of pkg.

No. of
pkgs.

Item

presence of moisture. No seepage shall
be allowed.
[CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5, 1960, as
amended by CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30,
1997]

§ 160.054–6

Marking.

(a) Each approved first-aid kit shall
be plainly and permanently marked
with the following information: Name
and address of the manufacturer, model
number or other manufacturer’s identification of the kit, the Coast Guard approval number, and the words ‘‘FirstAid Kit—For Inflatable Life Rafts’’. If
the means for opening and re-closing
are not self-evident, suitable directions
shall be marked along the closure; such
as, for the zip seal closure, an arrow,
with the words ‘‘To Open, Lift by
Thumb Nail’’, and ‘‘To Close, Press Together Full Length’’. The marking may
be applied to the container by the silk
screen process, using a suitable ink or
paint, or may be applied by other
means shown to be acceptable.

146

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.055–1

(b) [Reserved]

(2) Federal Specifications:

§ 160.054–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Manufacturer’s plans. In order to
obtain approval, submit detailed plans
showing fully the construction, material specification, arrangement, and
list of contents to the Commander of
the Coast Guard District in which the
factory is located. Each drawing shall
have an identifying number, and date,
and shall indicate the manufacturer’s
symbol, trade name, or other identification for the first-aid kit. At the
time of selection of the pre-approval
sample, the manufacturer shall furnish
the inspector four copies of all plans
and specifications, corrected as may be
required, for forwarding to the Commandant.
(b) Pre-approval sample. After the first
drawings have been examined and
found to appear satisfactory, a marine
inspector will be detailed to the factory to observe the manufacturing facilities and methods and to obtain two
samples, complete with contents which
will be forwarded, prepaid by the manufacturer, to the Commandant for the
necessary conditioning and tests in accordance with § 160.054–5 to determine
the suitability of the first-aid kit for
use in conjunction with lifesaving
equipment on board merchant vessels.
The cost of the tests shall be borne by
the manufacturer.
[CGFR 60–36, 25 FR 10637, Nov. 5, 1960, as
amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10899, Aug. 21,
1965; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.055—Life Preservers,
Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult
and Child, for Merchant Vessels
§ 160.055–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Military Specifications:
MIL–W–530F—Webbing, Textile, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural or in Colors.
MIL–T–3530E—Thread and Twine; Mildew Resistant or Water Repellant Treated.
MIL–W–17337D—Webbing, Woven, Nylon.
MIL–C–43006D—Cloth and Strip Laminated,
Vinyl-Nylon High Strength, Flexible.

CCC–C–700G—Cloth, Coated, Vinyl, Coated
(Artificial Leather).
CCC–C–426D—Cloth, Drill, Cotton.

(3) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 595A—Color.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(4) American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) Standards:
D413—Adhesion of Vulcanized Rubber (Friction Test).
D570—Water Absorption of Plastics.
D882—Tensile Properties of Thin Plastic
Sheets and Films.
D1004—Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and
Sheeting.

(5) Coast Guard specification:
164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular, Buoyant,
Sheet and Molded Shape.

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the
issue in effect on the date unicellular
plastic foam life preservers are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
Dwg. No. 160.055–IA:
Sheet 1—Construction and Arrangement,
Vinyl Dip Coated, Model 62, Adult.
Sheet 2—Construction and Arrangement,
Vinyl Dip Coated, Model 66, Child.
Dwg. No. 160.055–IB:
Sheet 1—Construction and Arrangement,
Cloth Covered, Model 63, Adult.
Sheet 2—Buoyant Inserts, Model 63.
Sheet 3—Construction and Arrangement,
Cloth Covered, Model 67, Child.
Sheet 4—Buoyant Inserts, Model 67.

(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications, standards, and plans referred
to in this section shall be kept on file
by the manufacturer, together with the
approved plans and certificate of approval. The Coast Guard Specification
and plans may be obtained upon request from the Commandant (G–MSE),
U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC
20593–0001. The Federal Specifications
and the Federal Standards may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration,
Washington, DC 20407. The Military
Specifications may be obtained from
the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply
Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120. The ASTM Standards
may be purchased from the American
Society for Testing and Materials, 100

147

§ 160.055–2
Barr
Harbor
Drive,
Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959.

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
West

[CGFR 66–73, 32 FR 5500, Apr. 4, 1967, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD 97–057,
62 FR 51048, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.055–2 Type and model.
Each life preserver specified in this
subpart is a:
(a) Standard, bib type, vinyl dip coated:
(1) Model 62, adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or
(2) Model 66, child (for persons weighing less than 90 pounds); or
(b) Standard, bib type, cloth covered;
(1) Model 63, adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or
(2) Model 67, child (for persons weighing less than 90 pounds); or
(c) Nonstandard, shaped type:
(1) Model, 1 adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or
(2)
Model, 1
child
(for
persons
weighless than 90 pounds).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.055–3 Materials—standard
life
preservers.
(a) General. All components used in
the construction of life preservers must
meet the applicable requirements of
subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in
this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given
to the use of alternate materials in lieu
of those specified. Detailed technical
data and samples of all proposed alternate materials must be submitted for
approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.
(b) Unicellular plastic foam. The unicellular plastic foam shall be all new
material complying with the requirements of Subpart 164.015 of this chapter
for Type A foam.
(c) Envelope. The life preserver envelope, or cover, shall be made of cotton
1A
model designation for each nonstandard life preserver is to be assigned by
the manufacturer. That designation must be
different from any standard lifesaving device
designation.

drill. The color shall be Indian Orange,
Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of
America, issued by the Textile Color
Association of the United States, Inc.,
200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y.,
or Scarlet Munsell 7.5 Red 6/10. The
drill shall be evenly dyed, and the fastness of the color to laundering, water,
crocking, and light shall be rated
‘‘good’’ when tested in accordance with
Federal Test Method Standard No. 191,
Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660. After
dyeing, the drill shall be treated with a
mildew-inhibitor of the type specified
in paragraph (e) of this section. The
finished goods shall contain not more
than 2 percent residual sizing or other
nonfibrous material, shall weigh not
less than 6.5 ounces per square yard,
shall have a thread count of not less
than 74 in the warp and 56 in the filling, and shall have a breaking strength
(grab method) of not less than 105
pounds in the warp and 70 pounds in
the filling. Properly mildew-inhibited
drills meeting the physical requirements of Federal Specification CCC–C–
426 for Type I, Class 3 drill will be acceptable. If it is proposed to treat the
fabric with a fire-retardant substance,
full details shall be submitted to the
Commandant for determination as to
what samples will be needed for testing.
(d) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.
(e) Mildew-inhibitor. The mildew-inhibitor shall be dihydroxydichlorodiphenylmethane, known commercially
as Compound G–4, applied by the aqueous method. The amount of inhibitor
deposited shall be not more than 1.50
percent and not less than 1 percent of
the dry weight of the finished goods.
(f) Adhesive. The adhesive shall be an
all-purpose waterproof vinyl type.
(Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing
Co. EC–870 or EC–1070, United States
Rubber Co. M–6256, Herculite Protective Fabrics Corp., CVV, Pittsburgh
Plate Glass Co. R 828, or equal.)
(g) Reinforcing fabric. The reinforcing
fabric shall be Type III, Class I, laminated vinyl-nylon high strength cloth
in accordance with the requirements of
Specification MIL–C–43006.

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§ 160.055–5

(h) Webbing. There are no restrictions
as to color, but the fastness of the
color to laundering, water, crocking,
and light shall be rated ‘‘good’’ when
tested in accordance with Federal Test
Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610,
5630, 5650, and 5660. The complete body
strap assembly shall have a minimum
breaking strength of 360 pounds.
(1) Nylon webbing. This webbing shall
be 1-inch wide nylon webbing in accordance with the requirements of Specification MIL–W–17337.
(2) Cotton webbing. This webbing shall
be 1-inch cotton webbing meeting the
requirements of Specification MIL–W–
530 for Type IIb webbing. This webbing
shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph
(e) of this section.

(i) Hardware. All hardware shall be
brass, bronze, or stainless steel, and of
the approximate size indicated by the
drawings. Steel hardware, protected
against corrosion by plating, is not acceptable. Snap hook springs shall be
phosphor bronze or other suitable corrosion-resistant material. Dee ring, oring, slide adjuster and snap hook ends
shall be welded or brazed, or they may
be a one-piece casting. The complete
body strap assembly shall have a minimum breaking strength of 360 pounds.
(j) Coating. The coating for the plastic foam shall be a liquid elastomeric
vinyl compound. The coating shall be
International Orange in color (Color
No. 12197 of Federal Standard 595) or
Scarlet Munsel 7.5, Red 6/10 and shall
meet the following requirements in
Table 160.055–3(j):

TABLE 160.055–3(J)
Property

Test method

Tensile strength ......................................
Ultimate elongation .................................
Tear resistance .......................................
Abrasion resistance ................................

ASTM–D882, Method B, 1⁄2 in. dumbbell die .........
ASTM–D882, Method B, 1⁄2 in. dumbbell die .........
ASTM–D1004, Constant Elongation Machine ........
FS CCC–T–191, Method 5304, No. 8 cotton duck,
6 lb. tension, 2 lb. pressure.
FS CCC–T–191, Method 5872, 30 minutes at 180
°F., 1⁄4 p.s.i.
FS CCC–T–191, Method 5670, 120 hours ............

Blocking ..................................................
Accelerated weathering ..........................

Plasticizer heat loss ...............................
Adhesion to foam—Tensile pull .............
Film to foam skin .............................
Film to foam (no skin) .....................
Water absorption ....................................
Cold crack (unsupported film) 0 °F ........

FS CCC–A–700, paragraph 4.4.4, 48 hours at 221
°F.
ASTM–D413, machine method, 12 in. per minute,
1 in. strip.
.................................................................................
.................................................................................
ASTM–D570, 24 hours at 70 °F .............................
Coast Guard, 164.015, paragraph 164.015–4(j) ....

Requirement
1,200 p.s.i., minimum.
320 percent, minimum.
90 pounds per inch, minimum.
100,000 double rubs.
No blocking.
Color change—very slight.
Cracking—None.
Flexibility—No change.
8 percent, maximum.

4 lb./in., minimum.
2 lb./in., minimum.
0.5 percent, maximum.
No cracking.

[CGFR 66–73, 32 FR 5500, Apr. 4, 1967, as amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.055–4 Materials—nonstandard
life preservers.
All materials used in nonstandard
life preservers must be equivalent to
those specified in § 160.055–3 for standard life preservers.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.055–5 Construction—Standard
life preservers.
(a) General. This specification covers
life preservers which essentially consist of plastic foam buoyant material
arranged and distributed so as to pro-

vide the flotation characteristics and
buoyancy required to hold the wearer
in an upright or slightly backward position with head and face clear of the
water. The life preservers are also arranged so as to be reversible and are
fitted with straps and hardware to provide proper adjustment and fit to the
bodies of various size wearers.
(b) Construction—standard, vinyl dip
coated life preserver. This device is constructed from one piece of unicellular
plastic foam with neck hole and the

149

§ 160.055–6

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

body slit in the front, vinyl dip coating, and fitted and adjustable body
strap.
(1) Buoyant material. The buoyant
material of the life preserver shall be a
molded shape or made from one or two
sheets of foam finished so as to have dimensions after coating in accordance
with the pattern shown on Dwg. No.
160.055–1A, Sheet 1, for adult size and
Sheet 2 for child size. The reinforcing
fabric shall be cemented on the foam
buoyant body before coating.
(2) Coating. After all cutting and
shaping of the buoyant body and installation of the reinforcing fabric, the
entire body of the life preserver shall
be coated evenly and smoothly to a
minimum thickness of 0.010″ with a liquid vinyl coating material of the type
described in § 160.055–3(j).
(3) Body strap. After the coating on
the buoyant body of the life preserver
is fully cured, a nylon webbing body
strap shall be attached as shown on
Dwg. No. 160.055–IA.
(4) Stitching. All stitching shall be a
short lock stitch, conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal Standard 751, with
nylon thread, and there shall be not
less than 9 nor more than 11 stitches to
the inch. Bar tacking with nylon
thread is acceptable as noted on Dwg.
No. 160–055–IA.
(c) Construction—standard, cloth covered life preserver. This device is constructed from three sections of unicellular plastic foam contained in a
cloth envelope and has a neck hole, the
body slit in the front, and a fitted and
adjustable body strap.
(1) Buoyant material. The buoyant
material of the life preserver shall be
three sections of foam cut so as to have
finished dimensions in accordance with
the patterns shown on Dwg. No. 160.055–
IB, Sheet 2, for adult size and Sheet 4,
for child size. One or two layers of
foam may be used to make up each section.
(2) Envelope. The envelope shall be
cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No.
160.055–IB, Sheet 1, for adult size, and
Sheet 3, for child size, and joined by
seams and stitching as shown on the
drawing. Alternate finished envelopes
are permitted as noted on Dwg. No.
160.055–IB.

(3) Body strap. The body strap may be
cotton or nylon webbing and shall be
attached by stitching as shown on the
Dwg. No. 160.055–IB, Sheet 1, for adult
size and Sheet 3, for child size.
(4) Stitching. All stitching shall be a
short lock stitch conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751,
and there shall be not less than 7 nor
more than 9 stitches to the inch if cotton thread is used, and not less than 9
nor more than 11 if nylon thread is
used. Bar tacking is acceptable as
noted on Dwg. No. 160.055–IB.
(d) Workmanship. Life preservers shall
be of first-class workmanship and shall
be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 66–73, 32 FR 5500, Apr. 4, 1967, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28,
1973]

§ 160.055–6 Construction—nonstandard, life preservers.
(a) General. The construction methods used for a nonstandard life preserver must be equivalent to the requirements in § 160.055–5 for a standard
life preserver and also meet the requirements in this section.
(b) Size. Each nonstandard life preserver must contain the following volume of plastic foam buoyant material,
determined by the displacement method:
(1) 700 cubic inches or more for an
adult size;
(2) 350 cubic inches or more for a
child size.
(c) Arrangement of buoyant materials.
The buoyant material in nonstandard
life preservers must:
(1) Be arranged to hold the wearer in
an upright or backward position with
head and face out of water;
(2) Have no tendency to turn the
wearer face downward in the water;
and
(3) Be arranged so that 68 to 73 percent of the total is located in the front
of the life preserver.
(d) Adjustment, fit, and donning. Each
nonstandard life preserver must be capable of being:
(1) Worn reversed;
(2) Adjusted to fit a range of wearers
for the type designed; and

150

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.055–9

(3) Donned in a time comparable to
that of a standard life preserver.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.055–7 Sampling,
spections.

tests,

and

in-

(a) Production tests and inspections
must be conducted by the manufacturer of a life preserver and the accepted laboratory inspector in accordance
with this section and § 160.001–5.
(b) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of
the pad inserts from the life preserver
shall be determined according to
§ 160.001–5(f) of this part with each compartment of the buoyant pad insert
covers slit so as not to entrap air. The
period of submersion must be at least
48 hours.
(c) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
pad inserts from Model 3 adult life preservers shall provide not less than 25
pounds buoyancy in fresh water, and
the pads from Model 5 child life preservers shall provide not less than 16.5
pounds buoyancy.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.055–8 Marking.
Each life preserver must have the following information clearly marked in
waterproof lettering:
(a) In letters three-fourths of an inch
or more in height;
(1) Adult (for persons weighing over
90 pounds); or
(2) Child (for persons weighing less
than 90 pounds).
(b) In letters that can be read at a
distance of 2 feet:
Type I or Type V Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of
(22 lb. or 11 lb.).
Approved for use on all vessels by persons
weighing (90 lb. or more, or less than 90
lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.055/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.)
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9,
1978; 43 FR 10913, Mar. 11, 1978]

§ 160.055–9 Procedure for approval—
standard and nonstandard life preservers.
(a) General. Manufacturers seeking
approval of a life preserver design shall
follow the procedures of subpart 159.005
of this chapter, as explained in
§ 160.001–3 of this part.
(b) Assignment of inspector; standard
life preservers. Upon receipt of an approval of a standard life preserver, a
Coast Guard inspector is assigned to
the factory to:
(1) Observe the production facilities
and manufacturing methods;
(2) Select from a lot of 10 manufactured life preservers or more, three or
more of each model for examination;
(3) Test the selected sample for compliance with the requirements of this
subpart; and
(4) Forward to the Commandant a
copy of his report of the tests and the
production and manufacturing facilities, a specimen life preserver selected
from those already manufactured but
not tested, and one copy of an affidavit
for each material used in the life preservers.
(b–1) Approval number—standard life
preserver. An approval number is assigned to the manufacturer by the
Coast Guard for a standard life preserver found to be in compliance with
the requirements of this subpart.
(c) Assignment of inspector—nonstandard life preserver. Upon receipt of
an application from a manufacturer for
approval of nonstandard life preservers,
an inspector is assigned to the factory
to:
(1) Observe the production facilities
and manufacturing methods;
(2) Select three samples of life preservers of each model for which approval is desired;
(3) Forward to the Commandant:
(i) Three samples of each model of
life preserver;
(ii) A copy of the inspector’s report of
tests and the production and manufacturing facilities; and
(iii) Four copies each of fully dimensioned, full-scale drawings showing all
details of construction of the sample
life preservers submitted, material affidavits, and four copies of a bill of materials showing all materials used in

151

§ 160.056–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

construction of the life preservers submitted by the manufacturer.
(c–1) Approval number—nonstandard
life preserver. An official approval number is assigned to the manufacturer by
the Coast Guard for a nonstandard life
preserver approved after tests.
(d) Private brand labels. Private brand
labels are those bearing the name and
address of a distributor in lieu of the
manufacturer. In order for a manufacturer to apply for an approval number
to be used on such a private brand
label, he shall forward a letter of request to the Commander of the Coast
Guard District in which the factory is
located, setting forth the life preservers involved, together with a letter
from his distributor also requesting
that approval be issued. The manufacturer’s request for approval together
with that of his distributor, will be forwarded to the Commandant, and when
deemed advisable, an approval number
or numbers will be issued in the name
of the distributor. Approvals issued to
a distributor under such an arrangement shall apply only to life preservers
made by the manufacturer named on
the certificate of approval, and this
manufacturer shall be responsible for
compliance of the life preservers with
the requirements of this subpart.
[CGFR 66–73, 32 FR 5500, Apr. 4, 1967, as
amended by CGD 163R, 38 FR 8121, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978;
CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–
028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.056—Rescue Boat
SOURCE: CGFR 61–15, 26 FR 9300, Sept. 30,
1961, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.056–1 General requirements.
(a) Rescue boats accepted and in use
prior to the effective date of this subpart may be continued in service if in
satisfactory condition.
(b) All rescue boats must be properly
constructed, of such form as to be readily maneuverable, and be of the open
rowboat type. They shall be suitable
for use of three persons.
(c) Rescue boats shall be constructed
of materials acceptable to the Officer
in Charge, Marine Inspection, having
jurisdiction of construction.

§ 160.056–2 Construction.
(a) General. Rescue boats shall be
square-sterned, of normal proportions,
not less than 11 feet nor more than 14
feet in length. The length shall be the
overall horizontal distance from bow to
stern.
(b) Construction. The method of construction shall be such as is accepted
as good engineering practice in the
case of the specific material used. The
hull shall be suitably stiffened to assure adequate strength.
(c) Weight. The weight of the rescue
boat, fully equipped, shall not exceed
225 pounds.
(d) Seats. The rescue boat shall be
fitted with three thwarts. The middle
thwart shall be arranged as the rowing
seat.
(e) Internal buoyancy. Buoyant material of suitable unicellular plastic foam
shall be installed in the rescue boat.
This material shall be protected from
mechanical damage. It shall be distributed uniformly in the boat and such
that at least one-quarter of the required volume is located at the sides of
the boat. The minimum amount of
buoyant material, in cubic feet, shall
be determined by the following:

B = 2 + (W ¥ W ÷ d) ÷ 62.4 Ø c
(1)
Where:
B = Volume of buoyant material required in
cubic feet.
W = Weight of equipped boat, in pounds.
d = Specific gravity of hull material.
c = Density of buoyant material, in pounds
per cubic foot.

§ 160.056–3 Fittings and equipment.
(a) Fittings. (1) The rescue boat shall
be fitted with one pair of rowlock sockets. Detachable rowlocks shall be permanently attached to the boat by
chain or other suitable means.
(2) At least one eyebolt, ring, or
other fitting suitable for attaching a
painter shall be fitted to the bow and
stern.
(b) Equipment. (1) The rescue boat
shall be provided with one pair of oars
of suitable size and material.
(2) A painter shall be attached to the
bow and to the stern fittings. Each
shall be of suitable material, at least

152

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§ 160.056–7

⁄ -inch in diameter, and at least 30 feet
long.

38

§ 160.056–4 Approval tests of prototype
rescue boat.
(a) Drop test. The rescue boat, fully
equipped, shall be dropped, in a free
fall, from a ten-foot height into water.
No damage which would render the rescue boat unserviceable shall result
from this drop.
(b) Stability and freeboard test. The
rescue boat shall have sufficient stability and freeboard so that the gunwale
on the low side shall not be submerged
with 350 pounds placed nine inches
from the side in way of and about the
level of the middle thwart.
(c) Rescue boarding test. With one man
in the rowing position, a second kneeling on the stern thwart facing aft, and
a third man balanced on the transom,
the minimum freeboard of the transom
shall be five inches. The men should
average 165 pounds each. This test simulates the rescue of a person over the
transom by a two-man boat crew.
(d) Rowing test. Three men, averaging
165 pounds each, shall be seated on the
centerline of the boat, one on each
thwart. One man, in the rowing position, using ordinary rowing technique,
shall demonstrate the satisfactory
course keeping and maneuvering characteristics of the boat in the ahead and
astern directions.
§ 160.056–6 Name plate.
(a) Each rescue boat shall have permanently fitted at the transom a metal
name plate, galvanically compatible
with the hull material, and bearing information relating to the testing and
approval of the prototype boat. Either
raised or indented letters shall be used.
(b) The following information shall
appear on the name plate:
RESCUEBOAT
U.S.C.G. Specification 160.056
Prototype approved lllllllllllll
(Date)
Approved by OCMI lllllllllllll
(Port)
Date of manufacture llllllllllll
(Date)
Manufacturer’s serial No. llllllllll
Manufacturer’s name and address lllll

§ 160.056–7

Procedure for approval.

(a) The manufacturer shall submit a
request for approval to the Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction of the place of manufacture
of the rescue boat.
(b) Formal plans will not be required.
However, a combined general arrangement and construction plan is required,
which includes principal dimensions,
and descriptive data of hull material,
buoyant material, and equipment.
(c) When plans and data are satisfactory, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, will assign a marine inspector
to conduct the tests required by
§ 160.056–4.
(d) Upon successful completion of the
test, the inspector shall submit a written report to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. A copy of this report,
with plans and photographs, shall be
forwarded to the Commandant for
record purposes. The date of approval
and the marine inspector’s initials
shall be indicated in this report.
(e) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, shall issue a letter to the
manufacturer indicating that approval
of the rescue boat has been granted,
and will include any conditions imposed. A copy of this approval letter
shall be forwarded to the District Commander and to the Commandant.
(f) If a rescue boat is required on
short notice, a boat may be approved
on an individual basis: Provided, That
the requirements in this subpart are
met to the satisfaction of the Officer in
Charge Marine Inspection. Sketches of
the boat showing alterations may be
submitted in lieu of the manufacturer’s
general arrangement and construction
plan. Under these circumstances, the
letter indicating that approval of the
rescue boat has been granted shall be
issued to the vessel using the boat.
[CGFR 61–15, 26 FR 9300, Sept. 30, 1961, as
amended by CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11480, Sept. 8,
1965]

Subpart 160.057—Floating Orange
Smoke Distress Signals (15
Minutes)
SOURCE: CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR
73091, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 160.057–1 Incorporations
by
reference.
(a) The following are incorporated by
reference into this subpart:
(1) ‘‘The Color Names Dictionary’’ in
Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of
Standards Special Publication 440, December 1976.
(2) ‘‘Development of a Laboratory
Test for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Smoke Signals,’’ National Bureau of Standards Report 4792, July
1956.
(b) NBS Special Publication 440 may
be obtained by ordering from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No.
C13.10:440).
(c) NBS Report 4792 may be obtained
from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001.
(d) Approval to incorporate by reference the materials listed in this section was obtained from the Director of
the Federal Register on November 1
and 29, 1979. The materials are on file
in the Federal Register library.
[CGD 76–048a and 76–048b, 44 FR 73091, Dec. 17,
1979, as amended by CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782,
Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7,
1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.057–2 Type.
(a) Floating orange. smoke distress
signals specified by this subpart shall
be of one type which shall consist essentially of an outer container, ballast,
an air chamber, an inner container, the
smoke producing composition, and an
igniter mechanism. Alternate arrangements which conform to the performance requirements of this specification
will be given special consideration.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.057–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction, and performance requirements.
(a) Materials. The materials shall
conform strictly to the specifications
and drawings submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant. Metal for containers shall be
not less than 0.5 mm (0.020 in.) in
thickness. Other dimensions or mate-

rials may be considered upon special
request when presented with supporting data. Igniter systems shall be of
corrosion-resistant metal. The combustible material shall be of such nature
that it will not deteriorate during long
storage, nor when subjected to frigid or
tropical climates, or both.
(b) Workmanship. Floating orange
smoke distress signals shall be of first
class workmanship and shall be free
from imperfections of manufacture affecting their appearance or that may
affect their serviceability.
(c) Construction. The outer container
shall be cylindrical and of a size suitable for intended use. All sheet metal
seams should be hook jointed and soldered. The whole container shall be
covered with two coats of waterproof
paint or other equivalent protection
system. The igniter mechanism shall
operate and provide ignition of the signal automatically when the ring life
buoy to which it is attached is thrown
overboard.
(d) Performance. Signals shall meet
all the inspection and test requirements contained in § 160.057–4.
§ 160.057–4 Approval and production
tests.
(a) Approval tests. The manufacturer
must produce a lot of at least 20 signals
from which samples must be taken for
testing for approval under § 160.057–7.
The approval tests are the operational
tests and technical tests in paragraphs
(c) and (d) of this section. The approval
tests must be conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the
Commandant under § 159.010 of this
chapter.
(b) Production inspections and tests.
Production inspections and tests of
each lot of signals produced must be
conducted under the procedures in
§ 159.007 of this chapter. Signals from a
rejected lot must not be represented as
meeting this subpart or as being approved by the Coast Guard. If the manufacturer identifies the cause of the rejection of a lot of signals, the signals in
the lot may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the problem. Samples from the rejected lot must be retested in order to be accepted. Records
shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the

154

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§ 160.057–4

rejected lot, and the results of the second test.
(1) Lot size. For the purposes of sampling the production of signals, a lot
must consist of not more than 1,200 signals. Lots must be numbered serially
by the manufacturer. A new lot must
be started with: (i) Any change in construction details, (ii) any change in
sources of raw materials, or (iii) the
start of production on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line.
(2) Inspections and tests by the manufacturer. The manufacturer’s quality
control procedures must include inspection of materials entering into
construction of the signals and inspection of the finished signals, to determine that signals are being produced in
accordance with the approved plans.
Samples from each lot must be tested
in accordance with the operational
tests in paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Inspections and tests by an independent laboratory. An independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant
under § 159.010 of this chapter must perform or supervise the inspections and
tests under paragraph (b)(2) of this section at least 4 times a year, unless the
number of lots produced in a year is
less than four. The inspections and
tests must occur at least once during
each quarterly period, unless no lots
are produced during that period. If less
than four lots are produced, the laboratory must perform or supervise the inspection and testing of each lot. In addition, the laboratory must perform or
supervise the technical tests in paragraph (d) of this section at least once
for every ten lots of signals produced,
except that the number of technical
tests must be at least one but not more
than four per year. If a lot of signals
tested by the independent laboratory is
rejected, the laboratory must perform
or supervise the inspections and tests
of the reworked lot and the next lot of
signals produced. The tests of each reworked lot and the next lot produced
must not be counted for the purpose of
meeting the requirement for the annual number of inspections and tests
performed or supervised by the independent laboratory.

(c) Operational tests. Each lot of signals must be sampled and tested as follows:
(1) Sampling procedure and accept/reject criteria. A sample of signals must
be selected at random from the lot. The
size of the sample must be the individual sample size in Table 160.057–4(c)(1)
corresponding to the lot size. Each signal in the sample is tested as prescribed in the test procedure in paragraph (c)(2) of this section. Each signal
that has a defect listed in the table of
defects (Table 160.057–4(c)(2)) is assigned a score (failure percent) in accordance with that table. In the case of
multiple defects, only the score having
the highest numerical value is assigned
to that signal If the sum of all the failure percents (cumulative failure percent) for the number of units in the
sample is less than or equal to the accept criterion, the lot is accepted. If
this sum is equal to or more than the
reject criterion the lot is rejected.
If the cumulative failure percent falls
between the accept and reject criteria,
another sample is selected from the
production lot and the operational
tests are repeated. The cumulative failure percent of each sample tested is
added to that of the previous samples
to obtain the cumulative failure percent for all the signals tested (cumulative sample size). Additional samples
are tested and the tests repeated until
either the accept or reject criterion for
the cumulative sample size is met. If
any signal in the sample explodes when
fired, or ignites in a way that could
burn or otherwise injure the person firing it, the lot is rejected without further testing. (This procedure is diagrammed in figure 160.057–4(c)).
(2) Test procedure. Each sample signal
(specimen) must be tested as follows:
(i) Conditioning of test specimens—
water resistance. Immerse specimen
horizontally with uppermost portion of
the signal approximately 25 mm (1 in.)
below the surface of the water for a period of 24 hours.
(ii) Smoke emitting time. Ignite specimen according to the directions printed on the signal and place signal in tub
or barrel of water. The smoke emitting
time of a specimen shall be obtained by
stop watch measurements from the

155

§ 160.057–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

time of distinct, sustained smoke emission until it ceases. There shall be no
flame emission during the entire
smoke emitting time of the signal. The
smoke emitting time for a specimen
shall not be less than 15 minutes. When
the tests are performed or supervised
by an independent laboratory, this test
shall be conducted with approximately
6 mm (1⁄4 in.) of gasoline covering the
water in the tub or barrel. The gasoline
vapors shall not ignite during the entire smoke emitting time of the signal.

(iii) Ignition and smoke emitting characteristics. Test specimens shall ignite
and emit smoke properly when the directions on the signal are followed.
Test specimens shall not ignite explosively in a manner that might be dangerous to the user or persons close by.
Test specimens shall emit smoke at a
uniform rate while floating in calm to
rough water. Signals should be so constructed that water submerging the
signal in moderately heavy seas will
not cause it to become inoperable.

TABLE 160.057–4(C)(1)—ACCEPT AND REJECT CRITERIA FOR OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS
Individual
sample
size

Lot size
150 or
less.

2

151 to
500.

3

More
than
501.

5

Sample
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ...
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ...
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh
First ......
Second
Third .....
Fourth ...
Fifth ......
Sixth .....
Seventh

Cumulative sample size

Accept 1

Reject 1

2
4
6
8
10
12
14
3
6
9
12
15
18
21
5
10
15
20
25
30
35

(2)
(2)
0
0
100
100
299
(2)
0
0
100
200
300
499
(2)
0
100
200
300
400
699

200
200
200
300
300
300
300
200
300
300
400
400
500
500
300
300
400
500
600
600
700

1 Cumulative
2 Lot

failure percent.
may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.

TABLE 160.057–4(C)(2)
Kind of defects
a. Failure to ignite ..............................................
b. Ignites or burns dangerously .........................
c. Nonuniform smoke emitting rate ...................
d. Smoke-emitting time less than 70 percent of
specified time .................................................
e. Smoke-emitting time at least 70 percent but
less than 80 percent of specified time ...........
f. Smoke-emitting time at least 80 percent but
less than 90 percent of specified time ...........

TABLE 160.057–4(C)(2)—Continued
Percentage
of failures

Kind of defects

100
100
50

g. Smoke-emitting time at least 90 percent but
less than 100 percent of specified time .........

100
75
50

156

Percentage
of failures
25

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.057–4

(d) Technical tests. One signal must be
subjected to each of the following
tests. Each signal must pass the test in

order for the lot of signals to be accepted.
(1) Drop test. One signal must be attached to a ring life buoy and arranged

157

§ 160.057–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

to be ignited by the dropping buoy in
the same manner as it would be when
used on a vessel. The signal and buoy
must be mounted at least 27 m (90 ft.)
above the surface of a body of water.
The buoy is released and must cause
the signal to ignite and fall to the
water with the buoy. The signal must
remain afloat and emit smoke at least
15 minutes.
(2) Wave test. A signal shall be tested
in a manner simulating its use at sea.
The signal shall be ignited and thrown
overboard under conditions where
waves are at least 30 cm (1 ft.) high.
The smoke emitting time must be for
the full 15 minutes and the signal shall
float in such a manner that it shall
function properly during this test. The
signal shall be attached to a ring life
buoy in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(3) Underwater smoke emission. Condition the signal in accordance with
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section. Ignite specimen and let it burn about 15
seconds in air. Submerge the burning
signal in water in a vertical position
with head down. Obtain underwater
smoke emission time by stop watch
measurements from time of submersion until smoke emission ceases. The
test specimen shall emit smoke under
water not less than 30 seconds when
subjected to this test.
(4) Elevated Temperature, Humidity and
Storage.
Place
specimen
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 75 °C. with not
less than 90 percent relative humidity
for 72 hours. Remove specimen and
store at room temperature (20° to 25
°C.) with approximately 65 percent relative humidity for 10 days. If for any
reason it is not possible to operate the
oven continuously for the 72-hour period, it may be operated at the required
temperature and humidity for 8 hours
out of each 24 during the 72-hour conditioning period. (Total of 24 hours on
and 48 hours off.) The signal shall not
ignite or decompose during this conditioning. The signal shall ignite and operate satisfactorily following this conditioning.
(5) Spontaneous ignition. Place the
specimen in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at
75 °C. with not more than 10% relative

humidity for 48 consecutive hours. The
signal must not ignite or undergo
marked decomposition.
(6) Susceptibility to explosion. Remove
smoke composition from signal and
punch a small hole in the composition.
Insert a No. 6 commercial blasting cap.
Ignite the cap. The test specimen shall
not explode or ignite.
(7) Corrosion resistance. Expose the
complete specimen with cover secured
hand-tight to a finely divided spray of
20 percent by weight sodium chloride
solution at a temperature between 32
°C and 38 °C (90 °F and 100 °F) for 100
hours. The container and cap must not
be corroded in any fashion that would
impair their proper functioning.
(8) Color of smoke. Ignite specimen in
the open air in daytime according to
the directions printed on the signal,
and determine the smoke color by direct
visual
comparison
of
the
unshadowed portions of the smoke with
a color chart held so as to receive the
same daylight illumination as the
unshadowed portions of the smoke. The
color of the smoke must be orange as
defined by sections 13 and 14 of the
‘‘Color Names Dictionary’’ (colors 34–39
and 48–54).
(9) Volume and density of smoke. The
test specimen shall show less than 70
percent transmission for not less than
12 minutes when measured with apparatus having a light path of 19 cm (71⁄2
in.), an optical system aperture of +3.7
degrees, and an entrance air flow of
18.4m 3 per minute (650 cu. ft. per
minute), such apparatus to be as described in National Bureau of Standards Report No. 4792.
§ 160.057–5 Marking.
(a) Directions for use. Each floating
orange smoke distress signal shall be
plainly and indelibly marked in black
lettering not less than 3 mm (1⁄8 in.)
high ‘‘Approved for daytime use only’’,
and in black lettering not less than 5
mm (3⁄16 in.) high with the word ‘‘Directions’’. Immediately below shall be
similarly marked in black lettering
not less than 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) high in numbered paragraphs, and in simple and
easily understood wording, instructions to be followed to make the device
operative. Pasted-on labels are not acceptable.

158

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§ 160.058–5

(b) Other markings. (1) There shall be
embossed or die-stamped, in the outer
container in figures not less than 5 mm
(3⁄16 in.) high, numbers, indicating the
month and year of manufacture, thus:
‘‘6–54’’ indicating June 1954. The outer
container shall also be plainly and indelibly marked with the commercial
designation of the signal, the words
‘‘Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signal (15 minutes)’’, name and address of
the manufacturer, the Coast Guard Approval No., the service life expiration
date (month and year to be entered by
the manufacturer), the month and year
of manufacture and the lot number.
(2) In addition to any other marking
placed on the smallest packing carton
or box containing floating orange
smoke distress signals, such cartons or
boxes shall be plainly and indelibly
marked to show the service life expiration date, the month and year of manufacture, and the lot number.
(3) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be
marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’
(c) Marking of expiration date. The expiration date must be not more than 42
months from the date of manufacture.

(1) Military specification. MIL–D–
5531D—Desalter Kit, Sea Water, Mark
2.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) Copies on file. A copy of the specification referred to in this section shall
be kept on file by the manufacturer,
together with the approved plans and
certificate of approval. The Military
Specification may be obtained from the
Commanding Officer, Naval Supply
Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., 19120.
§ 160.058–2 Type.
(a) Desalter kits specified by this
subpart shall be of the type described
in the specification listed in § 160.058–
1(a)(1).
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.058–3 Materials,
workmanship,
construction and performance requirements.
(a) The materials, construction,
workmanship, general and detail requirements shall conform to the requirements of the specification listed
in § 160.058–1(a)(1), except as otherwise
specifically provided by this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.058–1 Applicable specification.

§ 160.058–4 Inspections.
(a) Desalter kits specified by this
subpart are not inspected at regularly
scheduled factory inspections; however,
the Commander of the Coast Guard
District in which the desalter kits are
manufactured may detail a marine inspector at any time to visit places
where desalter kits are manufactured
to check materials and construction
methods and to satisfy himself that the
desalter kits are being manufactured in
compliance with the requirements of
the specification listed in § 160.058–
1(a)(1) as modified by this specification
and are suitable for the intended purpose. The manufacturer shall admit the
marine inspector to his plant and shall
provide a suitable place and the necessary apparatus for the use of the marine inspector in conducting tests at
the place of manufacture.
(b) [Reserved]

(a) Specification. The following specification, of the issue in effect on the
date the desalter kits are manufactured, forms a part of this subpart:

§ 160.058–5 Labeling and marking.
(a) In addition to the marking and instructions required by the specification

NOTE: Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve
the manufacturer of the responsibility of
complying with the label requirements of 15
U.S.C. 1263, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act.

§ 160.057–7 Procedure for approval.
(a) Signals are approved by the Coast
Guard under the procedures in subpart
159.005 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.058—Desalter Kits,
Sea Water, for Merchant Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11483, Sept. 8,
1965, unless otherwise noted.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

listed in § 160.058–1(a)(1), the Coast
Guard approval number shall be included. The contract number may be
omitted.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.060—Specification for
a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular
Polyethylene Foam, Adult and
Child
§ 160.060–1 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Specifications and Standards. This
subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) [Reserved]
(2) Military Specification:
MIL–W–530F–Webbing, Textile, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural or in Colors.

(3) Federal Standards:
No. 191–Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A–Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.

(4) Coast Guard Specification:
164.013—Foam,
Unicellular
Polyethylene
(Buoyant, Slab, Slitted Trigonal Pattern)

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the
issue in effect on the date buoyant
vests are manufacture, form a part of
this subpart:
Dwg. No. 160.060–1:
Sheet 1—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model AY.
Sheet 2—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CYM.
Sheet 3—Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CYS.
Sheet 4—Insert Pattern, Model AY.
Sheet 5—Insert Pattern, Model CYM.
Sheet 6—Insert Pattern, Model CYS.

(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and plans referred to in this
section shall be kept on file by the
manufacturer together with the Certificate of Approval.
(1) The Coast Guard plans and specifications may be obtained upon request
from the Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001
or a recognized laboratory listed in
§ 160.060–8b.
(2) The Federal Specifications and
Standard may be purchased from the
Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC,
20407.
(3) The Military Specification may be
obtained from the Commanding Offi-

cer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., 19120.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11590, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10839, May 31,
1972; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22,
1978; CGD 82–063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983;
CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–
072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61
FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.060–2 Type and model.
Each buoyant vest specified in this
subpart is a:
(a) Standard:
(1) Model AY, adult (for persons
weighing over 90 pounds); or
(2) Model CYM, child, medium (for
children weighing from 50 to 90
pounds); or
(3) Model CYS, child, small (for children weighing less than 50 pounds); or
(b) Nonstandard:
(1) Model, 1 adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds);
(2) Model, 1 child, medium (for persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds) or
(3) Model, 1 child, small (for persons
weighing less than 50 pounds).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.060–3 Materials—standard vests.
(a) General. All components used in
the construction of buoyant vests must
meet the applicable requirements of
subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in
this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given
to the use of alternate materials in lieu
of those specified. Detailed technical
data and samples of all proposed alternate materials must be submitted for
approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.
(b) Unicellular polyethylene foam. The
unicellular polyethylene foam shall be
all new material complying with specification subpart 164.013 of this subchapter.
(c) Envelope. The buoyant vest envelope, or cover, shall be made from 39″,
2.85 cotton jeans cloth, with a thread
count of approximately 96 × 64. The finished goods shall weigh not less than
1 A model designation for a nonstandard
vest is to be assigned by the individual manufactured and must be different from any
standard vest.

156

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.060–4

4.2 ounces per square yard, shall have
thread count of not less than 94 × 60,
and shall have a breaking strength of
not less than 85 pounds in the warp and
50 pounds in the filling. Other cotton
fabrics having a weight and breaking
strength not less than the above will be
acceptable. There are no restrictions as
to color, but the fastness of the color
to laundering, water, crocking, and
light shall be rated ‘‘good’’ when tested
in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630,
5650, and 5660.
(d) Tie tapes and body strap loops. The
tie tapes and body strap loops for both
adult and child sizes must be 3⁄4-inch
cotton webbing meeting the requirements of military specification MIL–T–
43566 (Class I) for Type I webbing.
(d–1) Body straps. The complete body
strap assembly including hardware,
must have a minimum breaking
strength of 150 pounds for an adult size
and 115 pounds for a child size. The
specifications for the webbing are as
follows:
(1) For an adult size vest, the webbing must be 1 inch.
(2) For a child size vest, the webbing
must be three-quarter inch and meet
military specification MIL–W–530 for
Type IIa webbing.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam.

inherently corrosion resistant materials
includes, but is not limited to, brass,
bronze, and stainless steel.
(2) The size of the opening of the device must be consistent with the webbing which will pass through the opening.
(b) Testing requirements. Dee ring and
snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests
must—
(1) Be tested for weathering. The
Coast Guard will determine which one
or more of the following tests will be
used:
(i) Application of a 20 percent sodium-chloride solution spray at a temperature of 95 °F (35 °C) for a period of
240 hours in accordance with the procedures contained in method 811 of the
Federal Test Method Standard No. 151.
(ii) Exposure to a carbon-arc weatherometer for a period of 100 hours.
(iii) Submergence for a period of 100
hours in each of the following:
(a) Leaded gasoline.
(b) Gum turpentine.
(iv) Exposure to a temperature of 0°±5
°F (17.6±2.775 °C) for 24 hours; and
(2) Within 5 minutes of completion of
the weathering test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the assembly must be attached to a support and
bear 150 pounds for an adult size and
115 pounds for a child size for 10 minutes at ambient temperatures without
breaking or distorting.

[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11590, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10839, May 31,
1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974; CGD
78–012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82–063b,
48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88–070, 53 FR
34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494,
May 20, 1993]

[CGD 73–130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974]

§ 160.060–3a Materials—Dee ring and
snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant
vests.
(a) Specifications. Dee ring and snap
hook assemblies and other instruments
of closure for buoyant vests may have
decorative platings in any thickness
and must meet the following specifications:
(1) The device must be constructed of
inherently corrosion resistant materials. As used in this section the term

§ 160.060–4
vests.

Materials—nonstandard

(a) General. All materials used in
nonstandard buoyant vests must be
equivalent to those specified in
§ 160.060–3 and be obtained from a supplier who furnishes an affidavit in accordance with the requirements in
§ 160.060–3(a).
(b) Reinforcing tape. When used, the
reinforcing tape around the neck shall
be 3⁄4″ cotton tape weighing not less
than 0.18 ounce per linear yard having
a minimum breaking strength of not
less than 120 pounds.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11590, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28,
1973]

161

§ 160.060–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 160.060–5 Construction—standard
vests.
(a) General. This specification covers
buoyant vests which essentially consist
of a fabric envelope in which are enclosed inserts of buoyant material arranged and distributed so as to provide
the flotation characteristics and buoyancy required to hold the wearer in an
upright or slightly backward position
with head and face out of water. The
buoyant vests are also fitted with
straps and hardware to provide for
proper adjustment and close and comfortable fit to the bodies of various size
wearers.
(b) Envelope. The envelope or cover
shall be made of three pieces. Two
pieces of fabric shall be cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No. 160.060–1, Sheet
1 for the adult size, and Sheets 2 and 3
for child sizes, and joined together with
a third piece which forms a 21⁄4″ finished gusset strip all around. Reinforcing strips of the same material as the
envelope shall be stitched to the inside
of the front piece of the envelope in
way of the strap attachments as shown
by the drawings.
(c) Buoyant inserts. The unicellular
plastic foam buoyant inserts shall be
cut and formed as shown on Dwg. No.
160.060–1, Sheets 4, 5, and 6 for the
adult, child medium, and child small
sizes, respectively.
(d) Tie tapes, body straps, and hardware. The tie tapes, body straps, and
hardware shall be arranged as shown
on the drawings and attached to the
envelope with the seams and stitching
indicated.
(e) Stitching. All stitching shall be
short lock stitch conforming to Stitch
Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751,
and there shall be not less than 7 nor
more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(f) Workmanship. Buoyant vests shall
be of first-class workmanship and shall
be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11590, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28,
1973]

§ 160.060–6 Construction—nonstandard
vests.
(a) General. The construction methods used for a nonstandard buoyant

vest must be equivalent to the requirements in § 160.060–5 for standard vests
and also meet the requirements specified in this section.
(b) Sizes. Each nonstandard vest must
contain the following volume of unicellular polyethylene foam buoyant
material, determined by the displacement method:
(1) Five hundred cubic inches or more
for the adult size, for persons weighing
over 90 pounds.
(2) Three hundred and fifty cubic
inches or more for a child medium size,
for children weighing from 50 to 90
pounds.
(3) Two hundred and twenty-five
cubic inches or more for children
weighing less than 50 pounds.
(c) Arrangement of buoyant material.
The buoyant material in a nonstandard
vest must:
(1) Be arranged to hold the wearer in
an upright or backward position with
head and face out of water;
(2) Have no tendency to turn the
wearer face downward in the water;
and
(3) Be arranged so that 70 to 75 percent of the total is located in the front
of the vest.
(d) Neck opening. Each cloth covered
nonstandard vest must have at the
neck opening:
(1) A gusset; or
(2) Reinforcing tape.
(e) Adjustment, fit, and donning. Each
nonstandard vest must be made with
adjustments to:
(1) Fit a range of wearers for the type
designed; and
(2) Facilitate donning time for an
uninitiated person.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.060–7 Inspections
and
tests—
standard and nonstandard vests.1
(a) General. Manufacturers of listed
and labeled buoyant vests shall—
(1) Maintain quality control of the
materials used, the manufacturing
methods, and the finished product to
meet the applicable requirements of
1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation
device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which require an instruction
pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

162

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.060–7

this subpart by conducting sufficient
inspections and tests of representative
samples and components produced;
(2) Make available to the recognized
laboratory inspector and the Coast
Guard inspector, upon request, records
of tests conducted by the manufacturer
and records of materials used during
production of the device, including affidavits by suppliers; and
(3) Permit any examination, inspection and test required by the recognized laboratory or the Coast Guard for
a produced listed and labeled device, either at the place of manufacture or
some other location.
(b) Lot size and sampling. (1) A lot
shall consist of 500 buoyant vests or
fewer;
(2) A new lot begins after any change
or modification in materials used or
manufacturing methods employed;
(3) The manufacturer of the buoyant
vests shall notify the recognized laboratory when a lot is ready for inspection;
(4) The manufacturer shall select
samples in accordance with the requirements in Table 160.060–7(b)(4) from
each lot of buoyant vests to be tested
for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
TABLE 160.060–7(B)(4)—SAMPLE FOR
BUOYANCY TESTS
Lot size
100
101
201
301

and under .......................................................
to 200 ..............................................................
to 300 ..............................................................
to 500 ..............................................................

Number
of vests
in sample
1
2
3
4

(5) If a sample vest fails the buoyancy test, the sample from the next
succeeding lot must consist of 10 specimen vests or more to be tested for
buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (e) of this section.
(c) Additional compliance tests. An inspector from the recognized laboratory
or Coast Guard may conduct an examination, test and inspection of a buoyant device that is obtained from the
manufacturer or through commercial
channels to determine the suitability
of the device for listing and labeling, or
to determine its conformance to applicable requirements.

(d) Test facilities. The manufacturer
shall admit the laboratory inspector
and the Coast Guard inspector to any
part of the premises at the place of
manufacture of a listed and labeled device to—
(1) Examine, inspect, or test a sample
of a part or a material that is included
in the construction of the device; and
(2) Conduct any examination, inspection, or test in a suitable place and
with appropriate apparatus provided by
the manufacturer.
(e) Buoyancy—(1) Buoyancy test method. Remove the buoyant inserts from
the vests. Securely attach the spring
scale in a position directly over the
test tank. Suspend the weighted wire
basket from the scale in such a manner
that the basket can be weighed while it
is completely under water. In order to
measure the actual buoyancy provided
by the inserts, the underwater weight
of the empty basket should exceed the
buoyancy of the inserts. To obtain the
buoyancy of the inserts, proceed as follows:
(i) Weigh the empty wire basket
under water.
(ii) Place the inserts inside the basket and submerge it so that the top of
the basket is at least 2 inches below
the surface of the water. Allow the inserts to remain submerged for 24 hours.
The tank shall be locked or sealed during this 24-hour submergence period. It
is important that after the inserts have
once been submerged they shall remain
submerged for the duration of the test,
and at no time during the course of the
test shall they be removed from the
tank or otherwise exposed to air.
(iii) After the 24-hour submergence
period, unlock or unseal the tank and
weigh the wire basket with the inserts
inside while both are still under water.
(iv) The buoyancy is computed as
paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section minus
paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of this section.
(2) Buoyancy required. The buoyant
inserts from adult size buoyant vests
shall provide not less than 151⁄2 pounds
of buoyancy in fresh water; the inserts
from the child medium size buoyant
vests shall provide not less than 11
pounds buoyancy; and the inserts from
the child small size buoyant vests shall
provide not less than 7 pounds buoyancy.

163

§ 160.060–8

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(f) Body strap test. The complete body
strap assembly, including hardware
shall be tested for strength by attaching the dee ring to a suitable support
such that the assembly hangs vertically its full length. A weight as specified in § 160.060–3(d) shall be attached to
the other end on the snap hook for 10
minutes. The specified weight shall not
break or excessively distort the body
strap assembly.
(g) Additional approval tests for nonstandard vests. Tests in addition to
those required by this section may be
conducted by the inspector for a nonstandard vest to determine performance equivalence to a standard vest.
Such additional tests may include determining performance in water, suitability of materials, donning time, ease
of adjustment, and similar equivalency
tests. Costs for any additional tests
must be assumed by the manufacturer.
[CGFR 65–37, 30 FR 11590, Sept. 10, 1965, as
amended by CGD 72–90R, 37 FR 10839, May 31,
1972; CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973;
CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978]

§ 160.060–8 Marking.
(a) Each buoyant vest must have the
following information clearly marked
in waterproof lettering:
Type II Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
Polyethylene foam buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (151⁄2 lb.,
11 lb., or 7 lb.).
Dry out thoroughly when wet.
Approved for use on all recreational boats
and on uninspected commercial vessels less
than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing (more
than 90 lb., 50 to 90 lb., or less than 50 lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.060/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.).

(b) Waterproof marking. Marking of
buoyant vests shall be sufficiently waterproof so that after 72 hours submergence in water it will withstand vigorous rubbing by hand while wet without
printed matter becoming illegible.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973, as
amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9771, Mar. 9,
1978]

§ 160.060–9

Recognized laboratory.

(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory
Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.

(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the
laboratory that performed the approval
testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13930, Mar. 28, 1996]

Subpart 160.061—Fishing Tackle
Kits, Emergency, for Merchant
Vessels
SOURCE: CGFR 65–9, 30 FR 11483, Sept. 8,
1965, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.061–1

Applicable specifications.

(a) The following specifications, of
the issue in effect on the date emergency fishing tackle kits are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
(1) Federal specifications:
QQ–I–706—Iron and steel; sheet, tinned (tin
plate).
QQ–W–423—Wire, steel, corrosion-resisting
HH–P–91—Packing, fiber, hard sheet.
CCC–F–451—Flannel, canton.

(2) Military specifications:
MIL–H–2846—Hooks, fish, steel.
MIL–B–1418—Blades, razor, safety.
MIL–A–140—Adhesive, water-resistant, W.P.
barrier-material.

(b) Copies of the specifications referred to in this section shall be kept
on file by the manufacturer, together
with the approved plans, if any, and
the certificate of approval.
(1) The Federal Specifications may be
purchased from the Business Service
Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20407.

164

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.061–3
TABLE 160.061–2(C)—FISHING KITS—
Continued

(2) The Military Specifications may
be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor
Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.

Item No.

Description 1

14 ...............

Lure, spoon, free swinging No. 1
treble double strength, short
shank, blade length 23⁄16 inches,
width 13⁄16 inch, weight 1⁄4 ounce,
stainless steel or chrome plated
brass.
Sinkers, pinch on or equal, 1⁄4
ounce, 5⁄16 ounce, 1 ounce.
Foil, shiny, 4 inches square ............
Squid, tinned body, length 2 inches,
weight 1⁄2 ounce.
Jig, painted lead head, bucktail
feathered with 1/0 hook.
Jig, painted lead head, bucktail
feathered with 3/0 hook.
Blades, razor, safety, single edge ...
Bait, pork rind, 4 inches long, 1⁄2
inch wide, with ends tapered to
1⁄8 inch wide and rounded.
Snap and swivels, No. 3 .................
Card, leader knots and hitches (fig.
1).
Winder (see § 160.061–3(h)) ...........

§ 160.061–2 Requirements.
(a) Material. Material shall be as
specified in this subpart.
(b) Assembly. Emergency fishing kits
shall consist of fishing rigs, accessories, and instructions furnished in a
hermetically sealed container.
(c) Components. Each fishing kit shall
consist of the items listed in table
160.06–2(c).

Description 1

1 .................

Booklet, Fishing Instructions (Refer
to § 160.061–3(i)).
Container, Fishing Kit (See Fig. 2)
Hooks, treble, size 1, short shank ..
Hooks, size 7/0, 5/0, 1/0, 2, 6, 8,
O’Shaugnessy, straight shank,
double strength.
Leader, wire, 0.011-inch diameter,
27-pound test (with No. 3 snap
on one end and No. 7 swivel on
the other end) 6-inch length.
Leader, wire, 0.016-inch diameter,
58-pound test (with No. 3 snap
on one end and No. 4 swivel on
the other end) 12-inch length.
Leader, monofilament, 0.021-inch
diameter, 15-pound test, 4-foot
length.
Line, monofilament, 18-pound test,
100-foot length.
Line, nylon or dacron, braided, 63pound test, 150 feet length.
Pad, canton flannel, 23⁄4 inches
square, specification CCC–F–
451, color, bright yellow.
Pad, canton flannel, 23⁄4 inches
square, specification CCC–F–
451, color, bright red.
Lure, spoon, removable No. 6 hook,
yellow feathers, blade length 13⁄32
inches, width 15⁄32 inch, weight
1⁄20 ounce, polished copper finish.
Lure, spoon, removable No. 5/0
hook, yellow feathers, blade
length 3 inches, width 7⁄8 inch,
2⁄5
ounce,
polished
weight
chrome finish.

2 .................
3 .................
4 .................

5 .................

6 .................

7 .................

8 .................
9 .................
10 ...............

11 ...............

12 ...............

13 ...............

16 ...............
17 ...............
18 ...............
19 ...............
20 ...............
21 ...............

TABLE 160.061–2(C)—FISHING KITS
Item No.

15 ...............

Quantity
1 ea.
1 ea.
2 ea.
2 ea.

2 ea.

2 ea.

4 ea.

1 ea.
1 ea.
1 ea.

1 ea.

1 ea.

1 ea.

22 ...............
23 ...............
24 ...............

Quantity
1 ea.

1 ea.
1 ea.
1 ea.
1 ea.
1 ea.
1 ea.
4 ea.

6 ea.
1 ea.
2 ea.

1 The

tolerances of these items shall be plus or minus 1⁄32inch on all dimensions.

§ 160.061–3 Design and construction.
(a) Container. The container shall be
made of ethyl cellulose, clear, type
EM—1, Specification MIL–P–3412 or
better. The dimensions shall not exceed
those specified in Figure 2. Other packaging arrangements acceptable to the
Commandant will be considered.
(b) Card. A card showing leader knots
and hitches shall be provided as per
Figure 1. Size of card should not exceed
23⁄4 by 43⁄4 inches.
(c) Hooks. Unless otherwise specified,
all hooks shall be of forged steel, hollow ground with filed out points. The
hooks shall be of ringed type and shall
be tinned. Hooks shall be tempered,
tough, flexible, and resilient.
(d) Leaders. Wire leaders shall be of
stainless steel, and shall be attached to
snaps and swivels with not less than six
turns of wire. Monofilament leaders
shall be blue mist and shall be provided
with a 5⁄8-inch inside diameter end loop
on one end.

165

§ 160.061–3

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(e) Snaps and swivels. Swivels shall be
either of brass or bronze. Snaps shall
be stainless steel.
(f) Lines. Unless otherwise specified
nylon lines shall be hard braided, waterproofed, and heat set to reduce
‘‘stretch’’. Lines may be either camouflage or mist in color.
(g) Spoons. Spoons shall be of the single-blade, egg-shaped dished type with
either fixed or free-swinging hooks.
The spoons shall be stainless steel or
stamped from brass and plated to resist
corrosion. Each spoon shall, on the for-

ward end, be provided with an eye for
attachment to the line. Spoons having
free-swinging hooks shall have the
hooks attached by means of a split ring
through a hole in the rear of the blade.
In fixed-hook spoons, the hook shall be
attached to the spoon by a screw and
shall be shaped to conform to the contour of the spoon. Feathers, if provided, shall be yellow hackle feathers
attached to the hook by wrapping with
thread, and the wrapping coated with
red lacquer.

166

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.061–4

Figure 2

(h) Winder. Winders shall conform to
Figure 3, or shall be of an equivalent
commercial design suitable to contain
required length of line.

how and under what conditions each
component should be used, and general
suggestions for fishing. It shall be prepared in easy to read form in such a
manner that a completely inexperienced person will know what equipment to use and how to use it. Both
physical form and the contents of the
booklet shall be specially approved by
the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard,
prior to acceptance. A copy of approved
contents for the instruction booklet
will be furnished on request.
§ 160.061–4

Figure 3—Winder. Material: Packing;
fiber, hard sheet, Specification HH–P–
91; dimensions in inches: Unless otherwise specified; tolerances: Fractions
plus or minus 1⁄32-inch.
(i) Booklet of instructions. The fishing
instructions shall be prepared in pamphlet form, approximately 21⁄2 inches
by 41⁄2 inches on parchment paper, in
waterproof ink, with printing on one
side of the paper only. The booklet
shall contain a complete description of

Kit assembly.

(a) Preparation of items. The items
shall be prepared for packing into the
kit as indicated below. Each transparent envelope shall be closed by heat
sealing.
Item No.
1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17, 23, 24.
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 18, 19, 21,
22.
8 and 9 .........................

167

Preparation for assembly
None.
Insert in a transparent envelope.
Gather into a hank 41⁄2 inches long
and restrain with tape.

§ 160.061–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Item No.

Preparation for assembly

20 ..................................

Wrap in paper envelope.

(b) Packing of items. The components
of the kit, after being prepared as specified, shall be packed in the container
in such manner that there is a minimum possibility of any item being bent
or crushed. The marking label shall be
placed on the bottom of the container
with the wording facing out. The instruction booklet shall be packed,
front cover up, under the lid. The container shall be sealed after the components have been packaged therein with
an 18-inch length of 3⁄4-inch wide adhesive tape conforming to Specification
JAN–P–127. The tape shall be applied
around the perimeter of the container
with an equal amount on each side of
the juncture of the two sections of the
container. An alternate packaging arrangement acceptable to the Commandant will be acceptable.
§ 160.061–5 Marking.
(a) General. The containers shall be
stenciled on the bottom in black with
the manufacturer’s name or trademark
and type or model number in letters
approximately 3⁄16 inch high, together
with the following legend in letters 3⁄16
inch high:
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD
APPROVAL NO. 160.061/—
EMERGENCY FISHING TACKLE KIT
OPEN ONLY
FOR ACTUAL EMERGENCY USE

part of the regulations of this subpart
(see §§ 2.75–17 through 2.75–19 of subchapter A (Procedures Applicable to
the Public) of this chapter):
(1)
Military
Specifications
and
Standards:
MIL–R–15041C—Releases, lifesaving equipment, hydraulic and manual.
MIL–STD–105—Sample procedures and tables
for inspection by attributes.

(2) Federal Test Method Standards:
Standard No. 151—Metals, test methods.

(b) Technical references. For guidance
purposes the technical reference may
be used, which is entitled ‘‘Corrosion
Handbook,’’ 1948, by H. H. Uhlig, and
published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.,
605 Third Avenue, New York, N.Y.
10016, and priced at $21 per copy.
(c) Copies on file. A copy of the specifications and standards listed in paragraph (a) of this section shall be kept
on file by the manufacturer, together
with the approved plans, specifications
and certificate of approval. It is the
manufacturer’s responsibility to have
the latest issue, including addenda and
changes, of these specifications and
standards on hand when manufacturing
or reconditioning equipment under this
specification subpart.
(1) The military specifications and
standards may be obtained from the
Commanding Officer, Naval Supply
Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.
(2) The Federal standards may be obtained from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration,
Washington, DC 20407.

NOT FOR INSPECTION

§ 160.062–2

(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 160.062—Releases. Lifesaving Equipment, Hydraulic
and Manual
SOURCE: CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12,
1968, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.062–1 Applicable
specifications,
and referenced material.
(a) Specifications and standards. The
following specifications of the issue in
effect on the date releases are manufactured or reconditioned shall form a

Types.

(a) The hydraulic releases referred to
under § 160.062–1(a)(1) are of the
diaphram-spring plunger type, which
releases a buoyant load under hydrostatic pressure.
(b) All hydraulic releases given an
approval under this subpart shall be designed and tested to operate with
spring-tensioned gripes. Such gripes
shall be considered as a part of each approval.
(c) Alternate designs will be given
special consideration, but the expense
of their preliminary investigation at a

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§ 160.062–4

laboratory accepted by the Commandant shall be borne by the manufacturer.
[CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as
amended by CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30,
1975]

§ 160.062–3 Materials,
construction,
workmanship, and performance requirements.
(a) General. The materials, construction, workmanship, and performance
requirements shall conform to the requirements of the specifications listed
in § 160.062–1(a)(1) except as otherwise
provided by this subpart. In addition,
all metals and materials used in a hydraulic release must be compatible
with each other so that the final assembly under conditions of use is not
subject to such deleterious effects as
galvanic corrosion, freezing, or buckling of moving parts, or loosening and
tightening of joints due to differences
in coefficients of thermal expansion.
Galvanizing or other forms of metallic
coating on the parts of a hydraulic release are not acceptable. The criteria
for accepting any combination of materials shall be determined by testing or
by the data stated in § 160.062–1(b).
(b) Buoyant load capacity. A hydraulic
release working in conjunction with its
spring-tensioned gripe must demonstrate that it can release buoyant
loads between the limits of 200 pounds
and 3,750 pounds and within the range
of depths specified by paragraph (c) of
this section.
(c) Release depth. A hydraulic release
shall automatically release the buoyant loads described in paragraph (b) of
this section at depths between 5 feet to
15 feet prior to being tested for either
the temperature or the corrosion resistance tests of 160.062–4(c)(2). After
exposure to these temperature and corrosion tests, a hydraulic release shall
release the buoyant loads of paragraph
(b) of this section between the depths
of 5 feet to 25 feet.
§ 160.062–4 Inspections and tests.
(a) General. Marine inspectors shall
be assigned to make factory inspections of hydraulic releases, as described
in paragraph (d) of this section for
sampling and testing. In addition, the
Commander of the Coast Guard Dis-

trict may detail a marine inspector at
any time to visit any place where approved hydraulic releases are manufactured or reconditioned to observe production methods and to conduct any
inspections or tests which may be
deemed advisable. The marine inspector shall be admitted to any place in
the factory or place where work is done
on hydraulic releases or their components. In addition, the marine inspector may take samples of assembled hydraulic releases or parts or materials
used in their construction for further
examination, inspection, or tests. The
manufacturer shall provide a suitable
place and the apparatus necessary for
the performance of the tests which are
conducted at the place of manufacture
by the marine inspector.
(b) Classification of tests. The sampling, inspections, and tests conducted
upon hydraulic releases shall fall within one of the following general classifications, as described hereafter:
(1) Preapproval tests.
(2) Factory inspections and tests.
(3) Spot check tests.
(4) Periodic servicing tests.
(c) Preapproval testing. The ‘‘Visual
and dimensional examination’’ referred
to in Table 160.062–4(c) shall be conducted by a marine inspector at the
factory. The ‘‘Physical and operational
tests’’ of that table shall be conducted
at a laboratory accepted by the Commandant.
TABLE 160.062–4(C)—PREAPPROVAL TESTS 1
Number
of specimens

Name of tests

4

Visual and dimensional
examination.

4

Physical and operational tests.

Reference
Para. 4.2.1, 4.2.2, and
4.3 of MIL–R–
15041C.
Para. 4.2.1, 4.2.3, and
4.4 of MIL–R–
15041C.

1 These tests are called ‘‘Lot acceptance tests,’’ in Military
Specification MIL–R–15041C.

(1) Visual and dimensional examination. The marine inspector shall examine the 4 hydraulic release samples of
the preapproval sample for their visual
and dimensional characteristics. If all
4 of the devices are in agreement with
the manufacturer’s plans previously reviewed by the Commandant, the 4 devices will be accepted and are to be assembled for further testing under the

169

§ 160.062–4

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

‘‘Physical and operational tests’’ of
paragraph (c)(2) of this section.
(2) Physical and operational tests. Each
hydraulic release selected under Table
160.062–4(c) for the ‘‘Physical and operational tests’’ shall undergo each of the
tests described in this paragraph without renewal of parts or repairs between
the tests. The tests shall be conducted
in the following sequence:
(i) Submergence test. A hydraulic release shall be tested by applying buoyant loads of its designed capacity to its
spring-tensioned gripe as required
under § 160.062–3(b) while the device is
submerged in water or in a water-filled
pressure testing tank. A hydraulic release shall show by its submergence
test that it meets the buoyant capacity
and release depth requirements of
§ 160.062–3 (b) and (c) by automatically
tripping and releasing its load.
(ii) Temperature test. After its submergence test, a hydraulic release sample
shall be placed in a cold box at minus
30 degrees F. for 4 hours. Upon completion of this conditioning, the sample
device shall be opened for inspection
and shall show no significant change in
the position of the hydraulic or manual
control as a result of the low temperature exposure.
(iii) Corrosion resisting test. After the
completion of its temperature test, a
hydraulic release sample shall be exposed to a 20 percent salt spray test for
160 continuous hours in accordance
with Federal Test Method Standard
No. 151. At the conclusion of this test,
the sample device shall be entirely
serviceable and shall show a minimal
amount of corrosion.
(iv) Second temperature test. After its
corrosion resisting test, a hydraulic release sample shall undergo a repeat of
the temperature test, subdivision (ii) of
this paragraph.
(v) Second submergence test. The final
test of a hydraulic release sample shall
be a repeat of the submergence test,
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section.
(d) Factory inspections and tests. For
purposes of sampling, a lot shall consist of not more than 500 hydraulic releases of the same model. Manufacturers of approved hydraulic releases shall
maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods,
workmanship, and the finished product

as to produce hydraulic releases in conformity with the approvals previously
issued by the Commandant.
(1) Visual and dimensional examination. A random sample of hydraulic releases shall be selected by a marine inspector at the factory in accordance
with Table 160.062–4(d)(1) from each assembled lot. After the samples have
been selected, they will undergo an examination of visual and dimensional
characteristics by referring to their approved drawings with their acceptance
based on Table 160.062–4(d)(1) and MIL–
STD–105, and checking for compliance
with specific details as described therein.
TABLE 160.062–4(D)(1)—SAMPLING FOR VISUAL
AND DIMENSIONAL EXAMINATION 1
Number of release devices in inspection lot

Number of
release devices in
sample

Rejection
number
(defectives)

15 and under ...............................
16 to 25 .......................................
26 to 40 .......................................
41 to 110 .....................................
111 to 180 ...................................
181 to 300 ...................................
301 to 500 ...................................

All ...............
15 ...............
25 ...............
35 ...............
50 ...............
75 ...............
110 .............

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

1 This table is derived from Table I of Paragraph 4.2.2 of
Military Specification MIL–R–15041C.

(2) Physical and operational tests. If
the sampling and examination of paragraph (d)(1) of this section are satisfactory, the marine inspector shall select
an additional random sample of hydraulic releases from the same assembled lot as described above. This second
group of samples, of a number determined by Table 160.062–4(d)(2), shall be
forwarded for testing at the manufacturer’s expense to a laboratory accepted by the Commandant. Each hydraulic
release shall undergo each of the tests
described in this paragraph without renewal of parts or repairs between tests.
The tests shall be conducted in the following sequence:
(i) Submergence test. Same test as described in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this
section.
(ii) Temperature test. Same test as described in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this
section.
(iii) Corrosion resisting test. Same test
as described in paragraph (c)(2)(iii) of
this section.

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§ 160.062–4

(iv) Second temperature test. Same test
as described in paragraph (c)(2)(iv) of
this section.
(v) Second submergence test. Same test
as described in paragraph (c)(2)(v) of
this section.
TABLE 160.062–4(D)(2)—SAMPLING FOR
PHYSICAL AND OPERATIONAL TESTS 1
Number of release devices in inspection lot

Number release devices in
sample

Rejection
number
(failures in
the tests)

15 and under ...............................
16 to 25 .......................................
26 to 40 .......................................
41 to 110 .....................................
111 to 180 ...................................
181 to 300 ...................................
301 to 500 ...................................

4 .................
5 .................
7 .................
10 ...............
12 ...............
16 ...............
20 ...............

1
1
1
1
1
1
1

1 This table is derived from Table II of Paragraph 4.2.3 of
Military Specification MIL–R–15041C.

(3) Lot acceptance at a factory. The
submergence test of paragraph (c)(2)(i)
shall be performed on each of the remaining hydraulic releases in a production lot after the selection of the lot
samples required by paragraph (d)(2) of
this section. Such individual submergence tests may be performed at the
factory in a pressure tank apparatus
which simulates the hydrostatic pressure and the various tension loads on
the hydraulic release. Those hydraulic
releases which do not pass this submergence test shall be removed from the
production lot as unacceptable, but
may be reworked and included in a subsequent lot. After the completion of
these individual submergence tests and
after receipt of the laboratory’s test report showing that the tests on the lot
samples were satisfactorily met, the
Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the factory is located
shall have the manufacturer notified
that this production lot of hydraulic
releases meets the requirements of this
specification subpart. After being
marked as required by § 160.062–5, the
manufacturer may sell such hydraulic
releases as approved equipment.
(i) Hydraulic releases which have
been rejected may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for
sale under representation as being in
compliance with this specification or
as being approved for use on vessels
subject to inspection under this chapter.

(4) Records and test reports. The manufacturer shall maintain records and
copies of test reports for each production lot of hydraulic releases manufactured for a period of five (5) years from
the date notified that a production lot
meets the requirements in this subpart. These records and test reports,
upon request, shall be made available
to the marine inspector. The manufacturer will be provided with a copy of
the laboratory’s test report concerning
each production lot of hydraulic releases submitted for testing.
(e) Spot checks. As one of the conditions in granting an approval for a hydraulic release under this subpart, the
Coast Guard reserves the right to spot
check at any time and at any place the
product, parts, and complete assemblies of hydraulic releases covered by
the approval. The spot check shall be
by a marine inspector who shall be admitted to the place or places where
work may be performed before, during,
or after the manufacture of hydraulic
releases or at any place where hydraulic releases may be assembled, reworked, repaired, or reconditioned by
the manufacturer of any repair facility
accepted by the Commandant in accordance with the procedure contained
in § 160.062–7. A spot check includes
having a marine inspector compare
materials, parts, and workmanship
and/or complete hydraulic releases
with the manufacturer’s approved
plans, records and test reports to ascertain compliance with these requirements. The marine inspector may select samples of materials or parts used
in the construction of hydraulic releases and complete hydraulic releases
and may order or have performed any
or all of the tests described in this section conducted on such devices or parts
thereof. This work and any tests required shall be borne by the manufacturer without cost to the Coast Guard.
(f) Periodic Servicing and Testing. A
hydraulic release is inspected as follows:
(1) Inspection for devices not installed
after manufacture. A hydraulic release,
that is not installed after manufacture
and is stored for period of 24 months or
less, is not required to be inspected or
tested before installation but must be
stamped by a marine inspector on the

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§ 160.062–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

inspection tag required in § 160.062–
5(b)(2) with—
(i) The word ‘‘Installed’’;
(ii) The installation date; and
(iii) The Marine Inspection Office
identification letters.
(2) Inspection for devices that have been
installed. A hydraulic release that is installed for a period of 12 months or
more must pass the test contained in
paragraph (f)(3) of this section and be
marked as required in paragraph (f)(5)
of this section. If, after passing the
test, the device is stored for a period of
24 months or less, it must be stamped
as required in paragraph (f)(1) of this
paragraph by the marine inspector before reinstallation.
(3) Devices stored longer than 24
months. A hydraulic release that is
stored for a period of more than 24
months must be inspected and tested
by an employee of a repair or test facility, accepted in accordance with the requirement contained in § 160.062–7 or
§ 160.062–8, as follows:
(i) The device must be manually operated to determine if it releases.
(ii) If the device releases, it must
pass the submergence test contained in
paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, at a
depth between 5 feet and 15 feet and be
marked as required in paragraph (f)(5)
of this section.
(iii) If the device fails to release or
fails to pass the submergence test required in paragraph (f)(3)(ii) of this section, the device must be disassembled,
repaired, and tested in accordance with
the requirements contained in paragraph (f)(4) of this paragraph.
(4) Disassembly and repair tests. If a
hydraulic release fails the test contained in paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this
section, it must be disassembled and
repaired by the manufacturer or a repair facility accepted in accord with
the requirements contained in § 160.062–
7 and be tested as follows:
(i) A production lot must be formed
consisting of 12 or more but not exceeding 100 devices.
(ii) In the presence of a marine inspector, the device must pass the submergence test contained in paragraph
(c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet.
(iii) Any device that fails must be—
(A) Repaired;

(B) Placed in a subsequent lot; and
(C) Submitted to the submergence
test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of
this section at a depth between 5 feet
and 15 feet.
(5) Marking of devices. If a hydraulic
release passes the submergence test required in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15
feet the marine inspector stamps the
inspection tag with—
(i) The test date;
(ii) The Marine Inspection Office
identification letters; and
(iii) The letters ‘‘USCG’’.
[CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as
amended by CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30,
1975; CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976]

§ 160.062–5

Markings.

(a) Hydraulic releases manufactured
prior to the granting of a certificate of
approval to the manufacturer may be
permitted in service only to July 1,
1969. However, such hydraulic releases
meeting the type and design requirements covered by a current certificate
of approval may be repaired and/or reconditioned as provided in § 160.062–4(f)
and be accepted as approved equipment
when it bears the following markings:
(1) Body marking. The name of the
manufacturer and the model designation are plainly visible.
(2) Inspection tag markings. Each hydraulic release repaired or reconditioned shall be provided with a 2″ by
31⁄2″ stainless steel tag of a minimum
thickness of 0.032 inches. This tag shall
be permanently attached to a hydraulic release with a single stainless steel
link made of wire 3⁄16″ in diameter. This
link shall provide nonrigid attachment
of the tag to the hydraulic release. The
top of the inspection tag shall be
stamped in block characters not less
than 1⁄16″ in height with the manufacturer’s name, Coast Guard approval
number, the limits of buoyant capacity
in pounds, the Marine Inspection Office
identification letters, and the letters
‘‘USCG.’’ The remaining space on the
tag will be used for the stamping of
periodic servicing test dates and the
marine inspector’s initials as described
in § 160.062–4(f).
(b) Hydraulic release manufactured
under a certificate of approval issued

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§ 160.062–7

under this subpart shall be provided
with 2 sets of markings as follows:
(1) Body marking. The metal body of a
hydraulic release shall be stamped in
block characters not less than 1⁄8″ in
height on a plainly visible portion with
the name of the manufacturer, the
model designation, the limits of buoyant capacity in pounds, the method of
manual release, the notation ‘‘DO NOT
PAINT’’, Coast Guard approval number, the Marine Inspection Office identification letters, and the letters
‘‘USCG’’.
(2) Inspection tag markings. Each hydraulic release shall be provided at its
time of manufacture with a 2″ by 31⁄2″
stainless steel tag of a minimum thickness of 0.032 inch. This tag shall be permanently attached to a hydraulic release with a single stainless steel link
made of wire 3⁄16″ in diameter. This link
shall provide nonrigid attachment of
the tag to the hydraulic release. The
top of the inspection tag shall be
stamped in block characters not less
than 1⁄8″ in height with the original lot
number of the hydraulic release, its
date of manufacture, and its release
depth range in feet. The remaining
space on the tag will be used for the
stamping of periodic servicing test
dates and the Marine Inspection Office
identification letters as described in
§ 160.062–4(f).
[CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as
amended by CGD75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11,
1976]

§ 160.062–6 Procedure for approval.
General. Hydraulic releases for use on
lifesaving equipment for merchant vessels are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. In order to
be approved, the hydraulic releases
must be tested in accordance with
§ 160.062–4(c) by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard
under 46 CFR 159.010. The independent
laboratory will forward the report to
the Commandant for examination, and
if satisfactory an official approval
number will be assigned to the manufacturer for the model hydraulic release submitted.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.062–7 Procedures for acceptance
of repair facility.
(a) Before a repair facility is accepted by the Commandant to perform the
services required in § 160.062–4(f), it
must be inspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to
determine if it has—
(1) The testing apparatus to perform
all the tests required in § 160.062–4;
(2) A source of supply of replacement
parts for a hydraulic release, evidenced
by a signed agreement between the facility and his source of supply, or the
parts for it; all replacement parts must
be in compliance with applicable specifications and standards contained in
§ 160.062–1; and
(3) Employees competent to perform
the services required in this paragraph.
Each employee who is engaged in serving a hydraulic release must demonstrate his competence to the Officer
in Charge, Marine Inspection by—
(i) Disassembling a hydraulic release;
(ii) Making all necessary repairs to
the disassembled unit;
(iii) Reassembling the unit in conformance with the specifications and
standards contained in § 160.062–1(a);
and
(iv) Showing that the reassembled
unit meets the buoyant capacity and
release depth requirements contained
in § 160.062–3 (b) and (c) after being inspected and tested in conformance with
the requirements contained in § 160.062–
4(f).
(b) Based on the report of the Officer
in Charge, Marine Inspection, regarding the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commandant notifies the facility that—
(1) It is an accepted repair facility for
the reconditioning and testing of hydraulic releases; or
(2) It is not accepted as a repair facility, lists each discrepancy noted by the
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection,
and describes the procedure for reinspection if applicable corrections are
made.
[CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975]

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§ 160.062–8

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

§ 160.062–8 Procedures for acceptance
of testing facility.
(a) The Commandant may consider
the acceptance of a facility that conducts only the submergence test contained in § 160.062–4(c)(2)(i). Before a facility is accepted by the Commandant
to conduct this test, it must be inspected by the cognizant Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection, to determine if it has—
(1) The testing apparatus to perform
the test required in § 160.062–4(c)(2)(i);
and
(2) Employees competent to perform
the test required in § 160.062–4(c)(2)(i).
Each employee who is engaged in testing a device must demonstrate his
competence to the Officer in Charge,
Marine Inspection by conducting a submergence test.
(b) Based on the report of the Officer
in Charge, Marine Inspection, regarding the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commandant notifies each applicant, in accordance with the procedures described
in § 160.062–7(b), whether or not it is an
accepted testing facility.
[CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975]

Subpart 160.064—Marine Buoyant
Devices
§ 160.064–1 Applicable specifications.
(a) Specifications. There are no other
Coast Guard specifications applicable
to this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964]

§ 160.064–2 Types and models.
(a) Types. Water safety buoyant devices covered by this subpart shall be
of two general types, viz, those intended to be worn on the body and
those intended to be thrown.
(b) Models. Water safety buoyant devices may be of different models which
incorporate characteristics considered
valuable for safety in various fields of
water sports or boating activities.
(c) Sizes. Water safety buoyant devices designed to be worn shall be of
sizes suitable for adults or children, as
intended and marked on the device.
Water safety buoyant devices intended

to be thrown in water shall be of a minimum size intended for adults.
(d) Dimensions. A foam cushion designed to be thrown must be 2 inches or
more in thickness and must have 225 or
more square inches of top surface area.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as
amended by CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct.
16, 1974]

§ 160.064–3 Requirements.1
(a) General. Every water safety buoyant device shall conform to the requirements as accepted by the Commandant for listing and labeling by a
recognized laboratory, and shall be of
such design, materials, and construction as to meet the requirements specified in this section.
(b) Designs and constructions. Water
safety buoyant devices shall be of designs suitable for the purposes intended. A design intended to be worn
on the body shall be capable of being
adjusted and secured to fit the range of
wearers for which designed with as few
fastenings or adjustments as are consistent with the purpose of the device.
Designs may be varied, but shall not
provide means intended for fastening
or securing the device to a boat. The
arrangement of the buoyancy of devices intended to be worn on the body
shall provide for flotation of the wearer
in an upright, slightly backward position in the water to as great a degree
as is consistent with the special purpose intended, and in no case shall the
device have a tendency to turn the
wearer face downward in the water. Devices intended to be thrown shall not
provide means for adjustment or close
fitting to the body. Methods of construction shall provide strengths, with
reinforcements where necessary, to be
adequate for the intended use and purpose of the device.
(c) Materials. All materials used in
any device covered by this subpart
must meet the applicable requirements
of subpart 164.019 of this chapter and
shall be all new materials and shall be
suitable for the purpose intended and
1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation
device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33
CFR 181.705 which require an instruction
pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.

174

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.064–4

shall be at least equivalent to corresponding materials specified for
standard buoyant vests or buoyant
cushions. Hardware or fastenings shall
be of sufficient strength for the purpose of the device and shall be of inherently
corrosion-resistant
material,
such as stainless steel, brass, bronze,
certain
plastics,
etc.
Decorative
platings of any thickness are permissible. Fabrics, coated fabrics, tapes,
and webbing shall be selected with a
view to the purposes of the device and
shall be either mildew resistant or
treated for mildew resistance. Buoyancy shall be provided by inherently
buoyant material and shall not be dependent upon loose, granulated material, gas compartments or inflation. So
long as the minimum required buoyancy is provided by inherently buoyant
material, the use of supplementary gas
compartments, or inflation, will be
permitted to supply additional buoyancy.
(d) Buoyancy. (1) Buoyancy for devices to be worn is as follows:
(i) Devices for persons weighing more
than 90 pounds must have 151⁄2 pounds
or more of buoyancy.
(ii) Devices for persons weighing 50 to
90 pounds must have 11 pounds or more
of buoyancy.
(iii) Devices for persons weighing less
than 50 pounds must have 7 pounds or
more of buoyancy.
(2) Buoyancy for devices to be thrown
is as follows:
(i) Ring life buoys must have 161⁄2
pounds or more of buoyancy.
(ii) Foam cushions must have 18
pounds or more of buoyancy.
(iii) A device other than those specified in paragraph (d)(2) (i) or (ii) of this
section must have 20 pounds or more of
buoyancy.
(3) The buoyancy values required in
paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section
must be as follows:
(i) For each device containing foam
buoyant materials, the required buoyancy value must remain after the device has been submerged in fresh water
for 24 or more continuous hours.
(ii) For each device containing
kapok, the required buoyancy value
must remain after the device has been

submerged in fresh water for 48 or more
continuous hours.
(e) Workmanship. Water safety buoyant devices covered by this subpart
shall be of first class workmanship and
shall be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as
amended by CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct.
16, 1974; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978;
CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.064–4

Marking.

(a) Each water safety buoyant device
must have the following information
clearly marked in waterproof lettering:
(1) For devices to be worn:
(Type II or Type III) Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of
(151⁄2 lb., 11 lb., or 7 lb.).
(Special purpose intended.).
Approved for use on all recreational boats
and on uninspected commercial vessels less
than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing (more
than 90 lb., 50 to 90 lb., 30 to 50 lb., or less
than 30 lb.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.064/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.).

(2) For devices to be thrown:
Type IV Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S.
Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of
(161⁄2 lb., 18 lb., or 20 lb.).
(Special purpose intended).
Approved for use on recreational boats only
as a throwable device.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.064/(assigned manufacturer’s No.)/(Revision No.);
(Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.).

(b) Durability of marking. Marking
shall be of a type which will be durable

175

§ 160.064–6

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

and legible for the expected life of the
device.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as
amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28,
1973; CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct. 16, 1974;
CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978; CGD 92–
045, 58 FR 41609, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95–028, 62
FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG–1998–4442, 63
FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.064–6 Examinations, tests and inspections.
(a) Manufacturer’s inspection and tests.
Manufacturers of listed and labeled
water safety buoyant devices shall
maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods and
the finished product so as to meet the
applicable requirements, and shall
make sufficient inspections and tests
of representative samples and components produced to maintain the quality
of the finished product. Records of
tests conducted by the manufacturer
and records of materials, including affidavits by suppliers that applicable requirements are met, entering into construction shall be made available to
the recognized laboratory inspector or
to the Coast Guard marine inspector,
or both, for review upon request.
(b) Laboratory inspections and tests.
Such examinations, inspections and
tests as are required by the recognized
laboratory for listed and labeled devices produced will be conducted by the
laboratory inspector at the place of
manufacture or other location at the
option of the laboratory.
(c) Test facilities. The laboratory inspector, or the Coast Guard marine inspector assigned by the Commander of
the District in which the factory is located, or both, shall be admitted to any
place in the factory where work is
being done on listed and labeled products, and either or both inspectors may
take samples of parts or materials entering into construction or final assemblies, for further examinations, inspections, or tests. The manufacturer shall
provide a suitable place and the apparatus necessary for the performance of
the tests which are done at the place of
manufacture.
(d) Additional tests, etc. Unannounced
examinations, tests, and inspections of
samples obtained either directly from
the manufacturer or through commer-

cial channels may be made to determine the suitability of a product for
listing and labeling, or to determine
conformance of a labeled product to
the applicable requirements. These
may be conducted by the recognized
laboratory or the United States Coast
Guard.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as
amended by CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct.
16, 1974]

§ 160.064–7 Recognized laboratory.
(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory
Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle
Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.

(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the
laboratory that performed the approval
testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13931, Mar. 28, 1996]

Subpart 160.066—Distress Signal
for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare
SOURCE: CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17,
1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.066–1 Type.
(a) Red aerial pyrotechnic distress
signals specified by this subpart must
be either self-contained or pistol
launched, and either meteor or parachute assisted type.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.066–5 Design, construction, and
manufacturing requirements.
(a) Each signal must be either:
(1) A self-contained unit with all necessary components for firing the signal, or

176

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.066–9

(2) A cartridge intended for firing
from a signal pistol that is approved
under Subpart 160.028 of this chapter.
(b) Each signal unit must have an interior chamber which contains the
main propulsion charge and which is
constructed so that it is capable of
withstanding the forces generated by
ignition without rupture, crack, or deformation of any kind.
(c) Signals must be constructed in
lots numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot must be started when:
(1) Any change in construction details occurs;
(2) Any change in sources of raw materials occurs;
(3) Production is started on a new
production line or on a previously discontinued production line; or
(4) A lot exceeds 30,000 units.
§ 160.066–7 Performance requirements
(a) Each signal must:
(1) Burn ‘‘vivid red’’ when tested as
specified in §160.021–4(d)(7) for at least
5.5 seconds.
(2) Have a peak luminous intensity of
at least 10,000 candela.
(3) Burn a total of not less than 1,000
candleminutes (Cm) using the formula
I × T = Cm
Where:
I = the luminous intensity measured as in
subsection (c);
T = the total burn time of the device in minutes; and
Cm = the candle-minute rating of the device.

(4) Burn out completely before falling
back to the level of launch.
(5) Function in a manner that would
not cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(6) Not malfunction in a manner that
would cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
(b) Each signal must meet the requirements of paragraph (a) after:
(1) Submersion in water for 24 hours,
or
(2) If protected by a sealed container,
submersion in water for 24 hours inside
the sealed container immediately followed by submersion for 10 minutes
without the container, and

(3) Being exposed to the Elevated
Temperature, Humidity, and Storage
Test in §160.066–13(b).
(c) Testing for burn time and luminous intensity pursuant to paragraphs
(a)(1) and (a)(2), respectively, shall be
conducted in conformity with the following requirements and procedures:
(1) The chart speed of the light measuring equipment shall not be slower
than 5 seconds per inch;
(2) The chart sweep of the light measuring equipment shall not be slower
than .5 seconds for full scale;
(3) The first and last seconds of the
burn shall be eliminated in measuring
luminous intensity;
(4) The time during which the candle
burns (excluding first and last seconds
of burn) is to be used to determine the
luminous intensity by averaging the
readings taken during the burning; and
(5) Burn time is to be measured from
first light of the signal to dark.
§ 160.066–9

Labeling.

(a) Each signal must be legibly and
indelibly marked with the following information:
(1) The manufacturer’s name,
(2) The designed burning time of the
pyrotechnic candle(s),
(3) The specific signal pistol for
which the signal is designed, if any,
(4) The lot number,
(5) The Coast Guard approval number,
(6) Operation and storage instructions,
(7) The month and year of expiration
determined by § 160.066–10, and
(8) The words:
‘‘Aerial Flare. Acceptable as a Day
and Night Visual Distress Signal for
boats as required by 33 CFR 175.110. For
Emergency Use Only’’.
(b) If the signal is too small to contain all of the information required by
paragraph (a) and any labeling which
may be required by paragraph (d), the
information required by paragraphs (a)
(2), (6), and (8) may be printed on a separate piece of paper packed with each
signal or with the smallest container
in which several signals are packed.
(c) The largest carton or box in which
the manufacturer ships signals must be

177

§ 160.066–10

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

marked with the following or equivalent words: ‘‘Keep under cover in a dry
place.’’
(d) Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of the Federal Hazardous
Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1263.
§ 160.066–10 Expiration date.
Each approved signal must have an
expiration date marked on it. That
date must not be more than forty-two
months from date of manufacture.
§ 160.066–11 Approval procedures.
(a) Red aerial pyrotechnic flare distress signals are approved under the
procedures of subpart 159.005 of this
chapter.
(b) The manufacturer must produce a
lot of at least 100 signals from which
samples for approval testing must be
drawn. Approval testing must be conducted in accordance with the operational tests in § 160.066–12 and the
technical tests in § 160.066–13. In order
for the signal to be approved, the samples must pass both the operational
and the technical tests.
(c) The approval tests must be performed by an independent laboratory
accepted by the Commandant under
Subpart 159.010 of this chapter.
[CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979, as
amended by CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13931, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.066–12 Operational tests.
(a) The procedure for conducting
operational tests is described in figure
(1).
(1) An ‘‘accept lot’’ decision must be
reached in order to pass the operational tests.
(2) If a ‘‘reject lot’’ decision is
reached, the entire lot is rejected.
(3) Signals from ‘‘reject lots’’ may be
reworked by the manufacturer to correct the deficiency for which they were
rejected and be resubmitted for inspec-

tion. Records shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the ‘‘reject lot’’, and the result of the second test. Signals from
‘‘reject lots’’ may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for
sale as being in compliance with this
specification.
(b) Each signal selected for the operational tests must be conditioned by:
(1) Being submerged under at least 25
mm (1 in.) of water for 24 hours without
any protection other than its waterproofing; or
(2) If waterproofing is provided by a
sealed plastic bag or other waterproof
packaging, submersion under 25 mm (1
in.) of water for 24 hours in the packaging, followed immediately by submersion under 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 10
minutes with the signal removed from
the packaging.
(c) After each signal selected has undergone the conditioning required by
paragraph (b) of this section it must be
fired as described by the manufacturer’s operating instructions. The following data as observed must be recorded
for each signal:
(1) Burning time of the pyrotechnic
candle;
(2) Color;
(3) Whether the pyrotechnic candle
burns out above, at, or below the level
of launch.
(d) A signal fails the operational
tests if:
(1) It fails to fire,
(2) The pyrotechnic candle fails to ignite,
(3) The pyrotechnic candle continues
to burn after it falls back to the level
of launch,
(4) The observed color is other than
vivid red, or
(5) The burning time is less than 5.5
seconds.
(e) A lot is rejected if a ‘‘reject lot’’
decision is reached using Figure (1) and
Table 1 after completion of the operational tests.

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Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.066–12

179

§ 160.066–13

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

TABLE 1— ACCEPT AND REJECT CRITERIA FOR
OPERATIONAL TEST LOTS

Lot size

Individual
sample
size

280 or
less.

8

281 to
500.

13

501 to
1,200.

20

1,201 to
3,200.

32

More
than
3,200.

50

Sample

Cumulative
sample
size

Accept 1

Reject 1

First ................
Second ..........
Third ..............
Fourth ............
Fifth ................
Sixth ...............
Seventh .........
First ................
Second ..........
Third ..............
Fourth ............
Fifth ................
Sixth ...............
Seventh .........
First ................
Second ..........
Third ..............
Fourth ............
Fifth ................
Sixth ...............
Seventh .........
First ................
Second ..........
Third ..............
Fourth ............
Fifth ................
Sixth ...............
Seventh .........
First ................
Second ..........
Third ..............
Fourth ............
Fifth ................
Sixth ...............
Seventh .........

8
16
24
32
40
48
56
13
26
39
52
65
78
91
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
32
64
96
128
160
192
224
50
100
150
200
250
300
350

(2)
1
2
3
5
7
9
2
( )
1
3
5
7
10
13
(2)
3
6
8
11
14
18
1
4
8
12
17
21
25
2
7
13
19
25
31
37

4
5
6
7
8
9
10
4
6
8
10
11
12
14
5
8
10
13
15
17
19
7
10
13
17
20
23
26
9
14
19
25
29
33
38

1 Cumulative
2 Lot

number of failures.
may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.

§ 160.066–13 Technical tests.
(a) The following conditions apply to
technical tests as described in this section:
(1) A total of nine signals must be selected at random from the lot being
tested;
(2) If the signals are protected by
sealed packaging, then the conditioning for the technical tests must be
conducted with the signal in the sealed
packaging;
(3) If signals in the test sample fail to
pass one of the technical tests, the entire lot is rejected;
(4) Signals from ‘‘reject lots’’ may be
reworked by the manufacturer to correct the deficiency for which they were
rejected and be resubmitted for inspection. Records shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking per-

formed on the ‘‘reject lot’’, and the result of the second test. Signals from
‘‘reject lots’’ may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for
sale as being in compliance with this
specification.
(b) The Elevated Temperature, Humidity, and Storage Test must be conducted in the following manner:
(1) Select three signals from the nine;
(2)
Place
each
signal
in
a
thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 55 Degrees C (131
Degrees F), and at not less than 90%
relative humidity, for at least 72 hours
(If for any reason it is not possbie to
operate the oven continuously for the
72 hour period, it may be operated at
the required temperature and humidity
for 8 hours of each 24 during the 72 hour
conditioning period.);
(3) After removal from the oven immediately place each signal in a chamber:
(i) At a temperature of at least 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) but not more
than 25 degrees C (77 degrees F);
(ii) At not less than 65% relative humidity;
(iii) For ten days;
(4) Then remove each signal from any
sealed packaging and fire it.
(5) The test sample fails the test if:
(i) Any signal ignites or decomposes
before firing;
(ii) Any signal when fired malfunctions in a manner that would cause
burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal, or;
(iii) Two or more of the signals fail to
project and ignite the pyrotechnic candle.
(c) The Spontaneous Combustion
Test must be performed in the following manner:
(1) Select three signals from the remaining six signals and place them in a
thermostatically controlled even temperature over for 48 hours at a temperature of 75 degrees C (167 degrees F).
(2) The test sample fails the test if
any signal ignites or decomposes during the test.
(d) The Luminous Intensity and
Chromaticity Test must be performed
in the following manner:
(1) Remove the pyrotechnic candle
from the remaining three signals.

180

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.072–3

(2) Ignite, measure, and record the intensity of the burning candle with a
visual photometer or equivalent photometric device or automatic recorder:
(i) While the specimen is supported in
a horizontal position and the photometer is at right angles to the axis of the
specimen,
(ii) At a distance of at least 3 m (10
ft.).
(3) Calculate the intensity of the candle as in § 160.066–7(c).
(4) Measure and record the chromaticity of the burning candle as specified in § 160.021–4(d)(4).
(5) The test sample fails the test if
more than one signal has a luminous
intensity of less than 10,000 candela, or
more than one signal is not ‘‘vivid
red’’.
§ 160.066–15 Production testing.
(a) Production tests must be performed under the procedures in Subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
(b) The operational tests in § 160.066–
12 must be performed for every lot of
signals produced.
(c) The technical tests in § 160.066–13
must be performed at least once every
twelve months,or at least once every 10
lots, whichever occurs first.
(d) If a lot is rejected on the basis of
the technical tests, then each subsequent lot produced must be tested according to the technical tests until
samples from a lot pass these tests.
(e) An independent laboratory acceptable to the Commandant must perform or directly supervise:
(1) Each technical test, and
(2) All operational tests for at least
four lots in a 12 month period, unless
fewer than four lots are produced in a
12 month period. If less than four lots
are produced in a 12 month period, each
operational test must be performed or
directly supervised by the independent
laboratory.
(f) If a lot selected by the independent laboratory for an operational test
is rejected, then the operational tests
for the next lot produced, and the rejected lot, if reworked, must be performed or directly supervised by the
independent laboratory. The tests required by this paragraph must not be
counted for the purpose of meeting the
requirements of paragraph (e).

(g) The independent laboratory selects the lots upon which technical
tests are performed.
(h) If the manufacturer produces
more than four lots within a 12 month
period, the independent laboratory selects the lots for which it performs or
directly supervises the operational
tests.
(i) The operational test performed or
directly supervised by the independent
laboratory must occur at least once
during each quarterly period, unless no
lots are produced during that period.
(j) The independent laboratory, when
it performs or directly supervises the
technical tests required by paragraph
(c) or (d) of this section, must inspect
the signals selected for testing and
compare them with the approved plans.
Each signal inspected must conform to
the plans.

Subpart 160.071 [Reserved]
Subpart 160.072—Distress Signals
for Boats, Orange Flag
SOURCE: CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73054, Dec. 17,
1979, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.072–1

Applicability.

(a) This subpart establishes standards for distress flags for boats.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.072–3 General
quirements.

performance

re-

(a) Each flag must:
(1) Be a square or rectangle at least
90 cm (36 inches) wide and at least 90
cm (36 inches) long. If the flag is a rectangle, the shorter side cannot be less
than 2⁄3 the length of the longer side;
(2) Have no less than 70% of the total
area colored a bright red-orange color;
(3) Display a black disc and a black
square on the red-orange background
on both sides arranged as follows:
(i) The diameter of the disc and the
length of one side of the square shall be
equal, and shall each be 1⁄3 of the length
of the longest side of the flag, or 30 cm
(12 inches), whichever is greater.
(ii) The disc and square must be centered on one axis of the flag parallel to
the longest side of the flag as shown in

181

§ 160.072–5

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Figure 160.072–3. If the flag is a square,
the axis may be parallel to any side.

(d) The flag fails the accelerated
weathering test if
(1) After conditioning, the flag cannot be unfolded without damage,
(2) There is any tearing,
(3) The flag does not retain its bright
red/orange color,
(4) The disc and square images no
longer meet the requirements of
§ 160.072–3(a)(3) or,
(5) There is any visible rot over more
than 3% of the flag’s surface.
§ 160.072–7 Manufacturer certification
and labeling.

FIGURE 160.072–3

(iii) The disc and square shall be separated by a distance of 1⁄6 the length of
the longest side of the flag or 15 cm (6
inches), whichever is greater.
(4) Be capable of passing the accelerated weathering test of § 160.072–5;
(5) Have reinforced corners, each with
a grommet; and,
(6) Be packaged with 4 pieces of line,
with a tensile strength of at least 225 N
(Newtons) (50 lbs) no less than 30 cm (12
inches) long, capable of passing
through the grommets freely.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.072–5 Accelerated
test.

weathering

(a) Condition the flag, folded to 1⁄16th
its size or as packaged, whichever is
smaller, by submersion in 5% by
weight sodium chloride solution for 2
hours followed immediately by storage
at 95% (±5) related humidity and 40 °C
(±3°) (100 °F ±5°) for at least 15 days.
(b) Unfold and suspend flag by the
lines provided, secured through each
grommet.
(c) Subject the flag to alternate 3
minute cycles of 5% by weight sodium
chloride solution at 55 degrees (±5°) C
and air blasts of 40 knots at 55 degrees
(±5°) C, perpendicular to and over the
entire surface of one side of the flag,
without interruption for a period of not
less than 24 hours.

(a) Each distress flag intended as a
Day Visual Distress Signal required by
33 CFR Part 175 must be certified by
the manufacturer as complying with
the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Each distress flag must be legibly
and indelibly marked with:
(1) The manufacturer’s name; and
(2) The following words—
‘‘Day Visual Distress Signal for
Boats. Complies with U.S. Coast Guard
Requirements in 46 CFR 160.072. For
Emergency Use Only’’.
§ 160.072–09

Manufacturer notification.

(a) Each manufacturer certifying
flags in accordance with the specifications of this subpart must send written
notice to the Commandant (G–MSE),
U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC
20591—
(1) Within 30 days after first certifying a flag,
(2) Every five years as long as the
manufacturer continues to produce
flags, and
(3) Each time the design or construction material of the flag changes.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73054, Dec. 17, 1979, as
amended by CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7,
1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

Subpart 160.073—Float-Free Link
or Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus
SOURCE: CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41378, Sept. 20,
1982, unless otherwise noted.

182

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.073–20

§ 160.073–1 Scope.
(a) This subpart contains requirements for a float-free link used for connecting a life float or buoyant apparatus painter to a vessel. The float-free
link is designed to be broken by the
buoyant force of the life float or buoyant apparatus so that the float or apparatus breaks free of a vessel that sinks
in water deeper than the length of the
painter.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.073–5 Certification.
(a) The float-free link is not approved
by the Coast Guard. The manufacturer
of the link must certify that it meets
all of the requirements of this subpart
by application of the markings required in § 160.073–20.
(b) If the manufacturer wants the
link to be listed in the Coast Guard
publication COMDTINST M16714.3 (Series), ‘‘Equipment Lists,’’ the manufacturer must send a letter requesting the
listing to Commandant (G–MSE), U.S.
Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–
0001.
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41378, Sept. 20, 1982, as
amended by CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7,
1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.073–10 Construction
formance.

and

per-

(a) The link must be constructed essentially as shown in figure 160.073–10.
The link must be formed from a single
salt water corrosion-resistant wire. A
loop at least 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter
must be provided at each end of the
wire. Each loop must be permanently
secured.
(b) The breaking strength of each
link must be between:
(1) 450 N (100 lb.) and 600 N (134 lb.) for
links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 10 persons and less capacity.
(2) 900 N (200 lb.) and 1200 N (268 lb.)
for links intended for life floats and
buoyant apparatus of 11 to 20 persons
capacity.
(3) 1800 N (400 lb.) and 2400 N (536 lb.)
for links intended for life floats and
buoyant apparatus of 21 persons and
more capacity.

§ 160.073–15

Tests.

(a) The manufacturer shall perform a
tensile test on the first three links
made from a particular spool of wire.
The test must be done by slowly loading the link until it breaks. The link
must break between the limits specified in § 160.073–10(b). The break must
occur in the length of wire at or between the points where the loops are
secured (see Figure 160.073–10).
(b) If each of the three links passes
the test, each link constructed in the
same manner from the same spool of
wire may be certified by the manufacturer as meeting the requirements of
this subpart.
(c) If one or more of the three links
fails the test, no link manufactured in
the same manner and from the same
spool of wire as the test links may be
certified as meeting the requirements
of this subpart.
§ 160.073–20

Marking.

(a) Each link certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of
this subpart must have a corrosion resistant, waterproof tag attached to it
that has the following information on
it (the manufacturer must make the
appropriate entries in the indicated
space):
FLOAT-FREE LINK FOR LIFE FLOATS
AND BUOYANT APPARATUS
Of (10 or less) (11 to 20) (21 or more) persons capacity.
Normal breaking strength ll.
Meets U.S. coast guard
Requirements—46 CFR 160.073.
Made by: (name and address) lll
(Date) ll

183

(b) [Reserved]

§ 160.076–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Subpart 160.076—Inflatable Recreational Personal Flotation
Devices
SOURCE: CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23,
1995, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.076–1 Scope.
(a) This subpart contains structural
and performance standards for approval of inflatable recreational personal flotation devices (PFDs), as well
as requirements for production followup inspections, associated manuals, information pamphlets, and markings.
(b) Inflatable PFDs approved under
this subpart—
(1) Rely entirely upon inflation for
buoyancy; and
(2) Are approved for use by adults
only.
§ 160.076–3 Applicability.
Inflatable PFDs approved under this
subpart may be used to meet the carriage requirements of 33 CFR 175.15 and
175.17 on the following types of vessels
only:
(a) Recreational vessels.
(b) Uninspected recreational submersible vessels.
§ 160.076–5 Definitions.
As used in this part:
Commandant means the Chief of the
Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division,
Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. Address: Commandant (G–
MSE–4), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001; phone: 202–267–
1444; facsimile: 202–267–1069; electronic
mail: ‘‘mvi-3/G-M18@cgsmtp.uscg.mil’’.
Conditional approval means a category of PFD which has condition(s) on
its approval with which the user must
comply in order for the PFD to be
counted toward meeting the carriage
requirements of the vessel being used.
All conditionally approved PFDs are
designated Approval Type V.
First quality workmanship means construction which is free from any defect
materially affecting appearance or
serviceability.
Inflation medium means any solid, liquid, or gas that, when activated, provides inflation for buoyancy.

Inspector means a recognized laboratory representative assigned to perform, supervise or oversee the duties
described in §§ 160.076–29 and 160.076–31
of this subpart or any Coast Guard representative performing duties related
to the approval.
MOU means memorandum of understanding which describes the approval
functions a recognized independent laboratory performs for the Coast Guard,
and the recognized independent laboratory’s working arrangements with the
Coast Guard.
Performance type means the in-water
performance classification of the PFD
(I, II, or III).
PFD means personal flotation device
as defined in 33 CFR 175.13.
PFD Approval Type means the Type
designation assigned by the Commandant, as documented in the approval certificate for the PFD, based
primarily on the in-water performance
and serviceability of the PFD.
Plans and specifications means the
drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials submitted in accordance with
§ 160.076–13 for approval of a PFD design.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13945, Mar. 28, 1996;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.076–7 PFD Approval Type.
(a) An inflatable PFD may be approved without conditions as a Type I,
II, or III PFD for persons over 36 kg (80
lb) if it meets the requirements of this
subpart.
(b) Each inflatable PFD that can be
demonstrated to meet the in-water performance requirements of a type I, II
or III PFD in UL 1180 during approval
testing and the applicable requirements of this subpart provided that
certain conditions are placed on its
use, may be approved as a Type V PFD.
Each such PFD has conditional approval.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13945, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–9 Conditional approval.
(a) A conditionally approved inflatable PFD is categorized as a Type V

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§ 160.076–13

PFD and may be used to meet the
Coast Guard PFD carriage requirements of 33 CFR part 175 only if the
PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label.
PFDs marked ‘‘Approved only when
worn’’ must be worn whenever the vessel is underway and the intended wearer is not within an enclosed space if the
PFD is intended to be used to satisfy
the requirements of 33 CFR part 175.
Note: Additional approved PFDs may
be needed to satisfy the requirements
of 33 CFR part 175 if ‘‘Approved only
when worn’’ PFDs are not worn.
(b) PFDs not meeting the performance specifications for type I, II, or III
PFDs in UL 1180 may be classified as
Type V, conditionally approved PFDs,
when the Commandant determines that
the performance or design characteristics of the PFD make such classification appropriate.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13945, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–11 Incorporation
by
reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than the one
listed in paragraph (b) of this section,
the Coast Guard must publish notice of
the 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 Division (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 materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart,
and the sections affected are as follows:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
19428–2959.
ASTM D 751–79 Standard Methods of Testing
Coated Fabrics, 1979, 160.076–25;
ASTM D 1434–75 Gas Transmission Rate of
Plastic Film and Sheeting, 1975, 160.076–25.

FEDERAL STANDARDS
Naval Publishing and Printing Center, Customer Service, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.
In Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A
(dated July 20, 1978) the following methods:
(1) Method 5100, Strength and Elongation,
Breaking of Woven Cloth; Grab Method,
160.076–25;
(2) Method 5132, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Falling-Pendulum Method, 160.076–
25;
(3) Method 5134, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Tongue Method, 160.076–25.
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 12 Laboratory
Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995
(Phone (919) 549–1400; Facsimile: (919) 549–
1842)
UL 1123, ‘‘Marine Buoyant Devices’’, February 17, 1995, 160.076–35;
UL 1180, ‘‘Fully Inflatable Recreational Personal Flotation Devices’’, May 15, 1995,
160.076–7; 160.076–21; 160.076–23; 160.076–25;
160.076–29; 160.076–31; 160.076–37; 160.076–39.
UL 1191, ‘‘Components for Personal Flotation
Devices’’, May 16, 1995, 160.076–21; 160.076–25;
160.076–39.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29,
1995, CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13945, Mar. 28, 1996;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD
97–057, 62 FR 51048, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.076–13 Approval procedures for
inflatable PFDs.
(a) Manufacturers seeking approval
of an inflatable PFD design shall follow
the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Each application for approval of
an inflatable PFD must contain the information specified in § 159.005–5 of this
chapter. The application must be submitted to a recognized laboratory. One
copy of the application and, except as
provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a prototype PFD must be submitted to the Commandant for preapproval
review. If a similar design has already
been approved, the Commandant may
authorize the recognized laboratory to
waive the preapproval review under
§§ 159.005–5 and 159.005–7 of this chapter.
(c) The application must include the
following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by
§ 159.005–12 of this chapter, including
drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.

185

§ 160.076–15

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) The information specified in
§ 159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this
chapter must be included in the application, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype PFD sample to the Commandant.
(3) The type of performance (Type I,
II, or III) that the PFD is designed to
provide along with the Approval Type
sought (Type I, II, III, or V).
(4) Any special purpose(s) for which
the PFD is designed and the vessel(s)
or vessel type(s) on which its use is intended.
(5) Buoyancy, torque, and other relevant tolerances to be met during production.
(6) The text of any optional marking
to be included on the PFD in addition
to the markings required by § 160.076–39.
(7) A draft of the information pamphlet required by § 160.076–35.
(8) A draft of the owner’s manual required by § 160.076–37.
(9) For any conditionally approved
PFD, the intended approval condition(s).
(d) The description required by
§ 159.005–9 of this chapter of quality
control procedures may be omitted if
the manufacturer’s planned quality
control procedures meet the requirements of §§ 160.076–29 and 160.076–31.
(e) Manual and pamphlet. Before
granting approval of a PFD design, the
Commandant may require changes to
the manual and information pamphlet
submitted for review to ensure compliance
with
the
requirements
of
§§ 160.076–35 and 160.076–37.
(f) Waiver of tests. A manufacturer
may request that the Commandant
waive any test prescribed for approval
under this subpart. To request a waiver, the manufacturer must submit to
the Commandant and the recognized
laboratory, one of the following:
(1) Satisfactory test results on a PFD
of sufficiently similar design as determined by the Commandant.
(2) Engineering analysis demonstrating that the test for which a waiver is
requested is not appropriate for the
particular design submitted for approval or that, because of its design or
construction, it is not possible for the
PFD to fail that test.

(g) Alternative requirements. A PFD
that does not meet the requirements of
this subpart may be approved by the
Commandant if the device—
(1) Meets other requirements prescribed by the Commandant in place of
or in addition to the requirements of
this subpart; and
(2) As determined by the Commandant, provides at least the same
degree of safety provided by other
PFDs that meet the requirements of
this subpart.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–15 Suspension
nation of approval.

or

termi-

As provided in § 159.005–15 of this
chapter, the Commandant may suspend
or terminate the approval of an inflatable PFD design if the manufacturer
fails to comply with this subpart or the
recognized laboratory’s accepted procedures or requirements.
§ 160.076–17 Approval of design or material changes.
(a) The manufacturer must submit
any proposed changes in design, material, or construction to the recognized
laboratory and the Commandant for
approval before changing PFD production methods.
(b) Determinations of equivalence of
design, construction, and materials
may be made only by the Commandant
or a designated representative.
§ 160.076–19

Recognized laboratories.

(a) PFDs. The following laboratories
are recognized under § 159.010–9 of this
chapter to perform the approval and
production oversight functions required by this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 12
Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995,
(919) 549–1400.
(b) Components. The following laboratories are recognized under subpart
159.010 of this chapter and may perform
the component material acceptance,
production oversight, and certification
functions required by § 160.076–21(a)(1):

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§ 160.076–25

Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 12
Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995,
(919) 549–1400.
§ 160.076–21 Component materials.
(a) Each component material used in
the manufacturer of an inflatable PFD
must—
(1) Meet the applicable requirements
of subpart 164.019 of this chapter, UL
1191, UL 1180, and this section; and
(2) Be of good quality and suitable for
the purpose intended.
(b) The average permeability of inflation chamber material, determined in
accordance with the procedures specified in § 160.076–25(d)(2)(iii) must not be
more than 110% of the permeability of
the materials determined in approval
testing required by § 160.076–25(d)(2)(iii).
(c) The average grab breaking
strength and tear strength of the inflation chamber material, determined in
accordance with the procedures specified in §§ 160.076–25(d)(2)(i) and 160.076–
25(d)(2)(ii), must be at least 90% of the
grab breaking strength and tear
strength determined from testing required
by
§§ 160.076–25(d)(2)(i)
and
160.076–25(d)(2)(ii). No individual sample
result for breaking strength or tear
strength may be more than 20% below
the results obtained in approval testing.
(d) Each manual, automatic, or manual-auto inflation mechanism must be
marked in accordance with § 160.076–
39(e).
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–23 Construction
and
formance requirements.

per-

(a) Each inflatable PFD design
must—
(1) Meet the requirements in UL 1180
applicable to the PFD performance
type for which approval is sought; and
(2) Meet any additional requirements
that the Commandant may prescribe to
approve unique or novel designs.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–25 Approval testing.
(a) To obtain approval of an inflatable PFD design, approval tests specified in UL 1180 and this section must be
conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using PFDs that have
been constructed in accordance with
the plans and specifications submitted
with the application for approval.
(b) Each PFD design must pass the
tests required by UL 1180 and this section that are applicable to the PFD
performance type for which approval is
sought.
(c) Each test subject participating in
the tests in UL 1180, section 6 shall in
addition, demonstrate that the test
subject can repack the PFD such that
it can be used in the donning tests and
manual activation tests required by—
(1) Section 6.2.3 of UL 1180; and
(2) Sections 6.4.1, and 6.4.2 of UL 1180,
if the test engineer cannot verify that
the manual and oral inflators are properly stowed.
(d) Each PFD design must pass the
following tests and evaluations:
(1) Visual examination. The complete
PFD must be visually examined for
compliance with the construction and
performance requirements of §§ 160.076–
21 and 160.076–23 and UL 1180 and 1191.
(2) Inflation chamber properties. The
following tests must be conducted after
successful completion of all other approval tests. The test samples used in
the following tests must come from one
or more PFDs that were each used in
all the Use Characteristics Tests required by UL 1180 section 6.
(i) Grab breaking strength. The grab
breaking strength of chamber materials must be determined in accordance
with Method No. 5100 of Federal Test
Method Standard 191 or ASTM D 751.
(ii) Tear strength. The tear strength of
chamber materials must be determined
in accordance with Method No. 5132 or
5134 of Federal Test Method Standard
191 or ASTM D 751.
(iii) Permeability. The permeability of
chamber materials must be determined
in accordance with ASTM D 1434 using
CO2 as the test gas.
(iv) Seam strength. The seam strength
of the seams in each inflation chamber
of at least one PFD must be determined in accordance with ASTM D 751
except that 25 by 200 mm (1 by 8 in.)

187

§ 160.076–27

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

samples may be used where insufficient
length of straight seam is available.
(e) Additional tests. The Commandant
may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–27 [Reserved]
§ 160.076–29 Production oversight.
(a) Production tests and inspections
must be conducted in accordance with
this section and subpart 159.007 of this
chapter unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe
additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality
control and to monitor compliance
with the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless the
Commandant determines that the employees of an alternative laboratory
have received training and have access
to the same information as the inspectors of the laboratory that conducted
the approval testing.
(c) In addition to responsibilities set
out in part 159 of this chapter and the
accepted Laboratory Follow-up Procedures, each manufacturer of an inflatable PFD and each recognized laboratory inspector shall comply with the
following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer
must—
(i) Except as provided in paragraph
(e)(2) of this section, perform all required tests and examinations on each
PFD lot before any required inspector’s
tests and inspection of the lot;
(ii) Follow established procedures for
maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations,
and the finished product;
(iii) Implement a continuing program
of employee training and a program for
maintaining production and test equipment;
(iv) Admit the inspector to any place
in the factory where work is done on
PFDs or component materials, and
where parts or completed PFDs are
stored;

(v) Have an inspector observe the
production methods used in producing
the first PFD lot and observe any revisions in production methods made
thereafter; and
(vi) Allow the inspector to take samples of completed PFDs or of component materials for tests required by
this subpart and for tests relating to
the safety of the design.
(2) Recognized laboratory oversight. An
inspector from a recognized laboratory
shall oversee production in accordance
with the MOU. During production oversight, the inspector shall not perform
or supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and
(ii) The inspector has first observed
the manufacturer’s production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(3) The inspector must perform or supervise testing and inspection of at
least one in each five lots of PFDs produced.
(4) During each inspection, the inspector must check for compliance
with the manufacturer’s quality control procedures.
(5) Except as provided in paragraph
(c)(6) of this section, at least once each
calendar quarter, the inspector must
examine the manufacturer’s records required by § 160.076–33 and observe the
manufacturer perform each of the tests
required by § 160.076–31(c).
(6) If less than six lots are produced
during a calendar year, only one lot inspection and one records’ examination
and test performance observation are
required during that year. Each lot
tested and inspected under paragraph
(c)(3) of this section must be within
seven lots of the previous lot inspected.
(d) PFD lots. A lot number must be
assigned in accordance with UL 1180 to
each group of PFDs produced. Lots
must be numbered serially. A new lot
must be started whenever any change
in materials or a revision to a production method is made, and whenever any
substantial discontinuity in the production process occurs. Changes in lots
of component materials must be treated as changes in materials. The lot
number assigned, along with the approval number, must enable the PFD

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manufacturer, by referring to the
records required by this subpart, to determine the supplier of the components
used in the PFD and the component
supplier’s identifying information for
the component lot.
(e) Samples. For the tests, examinations, and inspections required by
§ 160.076–31, inspectors and manufacturers shall select samples as provided in
this paragraph.
(1) Samples shall be selected at random from a lot in which all PFDs or
materials in the lot are available for
selection. Except as provided in
§ 160.076–31(c), samples must be selected
from completed PFDs.
(2) Different samples must be selected for the manufacturer’s and inspector’s tests, except, if the total production for any five consecutive lots
does not exceed 250 PFDs, the manufacturer’s and inspector’s tests may be
run on the same sample(s) at the same
time.
(3) The number of samples selected
per lot must be at least equal to the
applicable number required by Table
160.076–29A for manufacturers or Table
160.076–29B for inspectors.
(4) The following additional requirements apply as indicated in Table
160.076–29A to individual sample selections by manufacturers:
(i) Samples must be selected from
each lot of incoming material. The

tests required under paragraphs 160.076–
25(d)(2)(i) through 160.076–25(d)(2)(iv)
prescribe the number of samples to select.
(ii) Samples selected for the indicated tests may not be used for more
than one test.
(iii) If a sample fails the over-pressure test, the number of samples to be
tested in the next lot produced must be
at least two percent of the total number of PFDs in the lot or 10 PFDs,
whichever is greater.
(iv) The indicated test must be conducted at least once each calendar
quarter or whenever a new lot of material is used or a production process is
revised.
(5) The following additional requirements apply as indicated in Table
160.076–29B to individual sample selections by inspectors:
(i) Samples selected for the indicated
tests may not be used for more than
one test.
(ii) The indicated test may be omitted if it was conducted by the manufacturer on the materials used and by the
inspector on a previous lot within the
past 12 months.
(iii) One sample of each means of
marking on each type of fabric or finish used in PFD construction must be
tested at least every six months or
whenever a new lot of materials is
used.

TABLE 160.076–29A—MANUFACTURER’S SAMPLING PLAN
Number of Samples Per Lot
Lot size:
Tests:
Inflation Chamber Materials ....................................
Seam Strength ........................................................
Over-pressure (b)(c) ..................................................
Air Retention ............................................................
Buoyancy and Inflation Medium Retention .............
Tensile Strength ......................................................
Detailed Product Examination ........................................
Retest Sample Size (b) ...................................................
Final Lot Inspection ........................................................
Notes to Table: (a) See
§ 160.076–29(e)(4)(iv).

1–100

101–200

1
1
1
2
................

§ 160.076–29(e)(4)(i). (b) See

201–300

301–500

501–750

See Note (a)
1
2
2
2
3
4
EVERY DEVICE IN THE LOT
2
3
4
See Note (d)
2
3
4
................
13
13
EVERY DEVICE IN THE LOT

§ 160.076–29(e)(4)(ii). (c) See

751–1000

3
6

4
8

6

8

6
20

8
20

§ 160.076–29(e)(4)(iii). (d) See

TABLE 160.076–29B—INSPECTOR’S SAMPLING PLAN
Number of Samples Per Lot
Lot size:
Tests:
Over-pressure (a) .....................................................
Air Retention ............................................................
Buoyancy & Inflation Medium Retention .................

1–100
1
1
1

189

101–200

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

1
1
1

2
2
2

2
2
2

3
3
3

4
4
4

§ 160.076–31

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)
TABLE 160.076–29B—INSPECTOR’S SAMPLING PLAN—Continued
Number of Samples Per Lot
Lot size:

1–100

Tensile Strength ......................................................
Waterproof marking .................................................
Detailed Project Examination .........................................
Retest Sample Size (a) ....................................................
Final Lot Inspection ........................................................

101–200

1
10
10

1
10
15

201–300

301–500

See Note (b)
See Note (c)
1
13
20

501–750

751–1000

2
20
27

3
20
30

2
13
25

Notes to Table: (a) See § 160.076–29(e)(5)(i). (b) See § 160.076–29(e)(5)(ii). (c) See § 160.076–29(e)(5)(iii).

(f) Accept/reject criteria: manufacturer
testing. (1) A PFD lot passes production
testing if each sample passes each test.
(2) In lots of 200 or less PFDs, the lot
must be rejected if any sample fails
one or more tests.
(3) In lots of more than 200 PFDs, the
lot must be rejected if—
(i) One sample fails more than one
test;
(ii) More than one sample fails any
test or combination of tests; or
(iii) One sample fails one test and in
redoing that test with the number of
samples specified for retesting in Table
160.076–29A, one or more samples fail
the retest.
(4) A rejected PFD lot may be retested only if allowed under § 160.076–
31(e).
(g) Accept/reject criteria: independent
laboratory testing. (1) A lot passes production testing if each sample passes
each test.
(2) A lot must be rejected if—
(i) A sample fails more than one test;
(ii) More than one sample fails any
test or combination of tests; or
(iii) One sample fails one test and in
redoing that test with the number of
samples specified for retesting in Table
160.076–29B, one or more samples fail
the test.
(3) A rejected lot may be retested
only if allowed under § 160.076–31(e).
(h) Facilities and equipment. (1) General. The manufacturer must provide
the test equipment and facilities necessary for performing production tests,
examinations, and inspections, unless
Commandant has accepted testing at a
location other than the manufacturer’s
facility.

(2) Calibration. The manufacturer
must have the calibration of all test
equipment checked at least every six
months by a weights and measures
agency or the equipment manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
(3) Facilities. The manufacturer must
provide a suitable place and the necessary equipment for the inspector to
use in conducting or supervising tests.
For the final lot inspection, the manufacturer must provide a suitable working environment and a smooth-top
table for the inspector’s use.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28,
1996; 61 FR 15868, 61 FR Apr. 9, 1996]

§ 160.076–31 Production tests and examinations.
(a) Samples used in testing must be
selected in accordance with § 160.076–
29(e).
(b) On each sample selected—
(1) The manufacturer must conduct
the tests in paragraphs (c)(2) through
(c)(8) of this section;
(2) The recognized laboratory inspector must conduct or supervise the tests
in paragraphs (c)(4) through (c)(8) of
this section; and
(3) In addition to meeting the requirements of this section, each test
result must meet the requirements, if
any, contained in the approved plans
and specifications.
(c) When conducting the tests specified by this paragraph, the following
conditions must be met:
(1) Inflation chamber materials. The average and individual results of testing
the minimum number of samples prescribed by § 160.076–25(d)(2) must comply with the requirements in § 160.076–
21 (b) and (c) for permeability, grab
strength, and tear strength. Lots not

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§ 160.076–31

meeting this requirement must be rejected and, unless authorized by the
Commandant, may not be subdivided
and retested.
(2) Seam strength. The seams in each
inflation chamber of each sample must
be tested in accordance with § 160.076–
25(d)(2)(iv). The results for each inflation chamber must be at least 90% of
the results obtained in approval testing.
(3) Over-pressure. Each sample must
be tested in accordance with and meet
UL 1180 section 7.15. Prior to initiating
the test at the specified values, samples may be prestressed by inflating
them to a greater pressure than the required test pressure.
(4) Air retention. Each sample must be
tested in accordance with and meet UL
1180 section 7.16. Prior to initiating the
test at the specified values, test samples may be prestressed by inflating to
a pressure greater than the design pressure, but not exceeding 50 percent of
the required pressure for the tests in
paragraph (c)(3) of this section. No alternate test method may be used that
decreases the length of the test unless
authorized by the Commandant. Such
alternative test must require a proportionately lower allowable pressure loss
and the same percentage sensitivity
and accuracy as the standard allowable
loss measured with the standard instrumentation.
(5) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention. Each sample must be tested in
accordance with and meet UL 1180 section 7.2.2–7.2.10, except 7.2.5. Each buoyancy value must fall within the tolerances specified in the approved plans
and specifications.
(6) Tensile strength. Each sample primary closure system must be tested in
accordance with and meet UL 1180 section 7.4.1 and .2.
(7) Detailed product examination. Each
sample PFD must be disassembled to
the extent necessary to determine compliance with the following:
(i) All dimensions and seam allowances must be within tolerances prescribed in the approved plans and specifications.
(ii) The torque of each screw type
mechanical fastener must be within its
tolerance as prescribed in the approved
plans and specifications.

(iii) The arrangement, markings, and
workmanship must be as specified in
the approved plans and specifications
and this subpart.
(iv) The PFD must not contain any
apparent defects.
(8) Waterproof Marking Test. Each
sample must be completely submerged
in fresh water for at least 30 minutes.
The sample must then be removed, immediately placed on a hard surface, and
the markings vigorously rubbed with
the fingers for 15 seconds. If the printing becomes illegible, the sample must
be rejected.
(d) Final lot examination and inspection—(1) General. On each PFD lot that
passes production testing, the manufacturer shall perform a final lot examination and, on every fifth lot, a laboratory inspector shall perform a final
lot inspection. Samples must be selected in accordance with paragraph
§ 160.076–29(e). Each final lot must demonstrate—
(i) First quality workmanship;
(ii) That the general arrangement
and attachment of all components,
such as body straps, closures, inflation
mechanisms, tie tapes, and drawstrings, are as specified in the approved
plans and specifications;
(iii) Compliance with the marking requirements in § 160.076–39; and
(iv) That the information pamphlet
and owner’s manual required by
§ 160.076–35 and 160.076–37, respectively,
are securely attached to the device,
with the pamphlet selection information visible and accessible prior to purchase.
(2) Accept/reject criteria. Each nonconforming PFD must be rejected. If
three or more nonconforming PFDs are
rejected for the same kind of defect, lot
examination or inspection must be discontinued and the lot rejected.
(3) Manufacturer examination. This examination must be conducted by a
manufacturer’s representative who is
familiar with the approved plans and
specifications, the functioning of the
PFD and its components, and the production testing procedures. This person
must not be responsible for meeting
production schedules or be supervised
by someone who is. This person must
prepare and sign the record required by

191

§ 160.076–33

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

159.007–13(a) of this chapter and 160.076–
33(b).
(4) Independent laboratory inspection.
(i) The inspector must discontinue lot
inspection and reject the lot if examination of individual PFDs or the
records for the lot shows noncompliance with either this section or the
laboratory’s or the manufacturer’s
quality control procedures.
(ii) If the inspector rejects a lot, the
inspector must advise the Commandant
or the recognized laboratory within 15
days.
(iii) The inspector must prepare and
sign the inspection record required by
159.007–13(a) of this chapter and 160.076–
33(b). If the lot passes, the record must
include the inspector’s certification
that the lot passed inspection and that
no evidence of noncompliance with this
section was observed.
(e) Disposition of rejected PFD lot or
PFD. (1) A rejected PFD lot may be resubmitted for testing, examination or
inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each defective PFD
or, if authorized by the Commandant,
reworks the lot to correct the defect.
(2) Any PFD rejected in a final lot examination or inspection may be resubmitted for examination or inspection if
all defects have been corrected and reexamination or reinspection is authorized by the Commandant.
(3) A rejected lot or rejected PFD
may not be sold or offered for sale
under the representation that it meets
this subpart or that it is Coast Guardapproved.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13946, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–33 Manufacturer records.
(a) Each manufacturer of inflatable
PFDs shall keep the records of production inspections and tests as required
by § 159.007–13 of this chapter, except
that they must be retained for at least
120 months after the month in which
the inspection or test was conducted.
(b) In addition to the information required by § 159.007–13 of this chapter,
the manufacturer’s records must also
include the following information:
(1) For each test, the serial number
of the test instrument used if more

than one test instrument was available.
(2) For each test and inspection, the
identification of the samples used, the
lot number, the approval number, and
the number of PFDs in the lot.
(3) For each lot rejected, the cause
for rejection, any corrective action
taken, and the final disposition of the
lot.
(4) For all materials used in production the—
(i) Name and address of the supplier;
(ii) Date of purchase and receipt;
(iii) Lot number; and
(iv) Where required by § 164.019–5 of
this chapter, the certification received
with standard components.
(5) A copy of this subpart.
(6) Each document incorporated by
reference in § 160.076–11.
(7) A copy of the approved plans and
specifications.
(8) The approval certificate obtained
in accordance with § 2.75–1 and 2.75–5 of
this chapter.
(9) Certificates evidencing calibration of test equipment, including the
identity of the agency performing the
calibration, date of calibration, and results.
(c) A description or photographs of
procedures and equipment used in testing required by § 159.007–13(a)(4) of this
chapter, is not required if the manufacturer’s procedures and equipment meet
the requirements of this subpart.
(d) The records required by paragraph
(b)(4) of this section must be kept for
at least 120 months after preparation.
All other records required by paragraph (b) of this section must be kept
for at least 60 months after the PFD
approval expires or is terminated.
§ 160.076–35 Information pamphlet.
A pamphlet that is consistent in format to that specified in UL 1123 must
be attached to each inflatable PFD sold
or offered for sale in such a way that a
prospective purchaser can read the
pamphlet prior to purchase. The pamphlet text and layout must be submitted to the Commandant for approval.
The text must be printed in each pamphlet exactly as approved by the Commandant. Additional information, instructions, or illustrations must not be
included within the approved text and

192

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§ 160.077–1

layout. Sample pamphlet text and layout may be obtained by contacting the
Commandant. This pamphlet may be
combined with the manual required by
§ 160.076–37 if PFD selection and warning information is provided on the PFD
packaging in such a way that it remains visible until purchase.
§ 160.076–37 Owner’s manual.
(a) General. The manufacturer must
provide an owner’s manual with each
inflatable PFD sold or offered for sale.
A draft of the manual for each model
must be submitted for approval in accordance with § 160.076–13.
(b) Manual contents. Each owner’s
manual must contain the information
specified in section 11 of UL 1180, and,
if the PFD is conditionally approved,
an explanation of the meaning of, and
reasons for, the approval conditions.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13947, Mar. 28,
1996]

§ 160.076–39 Marking.
(a) General. Each inflatable PFD
must be marked as specified in UL 1180
section 10 and this section.
(b) PFD Type. Based on its approval
certificate, each PFD must be marked
as follows—
(l) ‘‘Type I PFD’’;
(2) ‘‘Type II PFD’’;
(3) ‘‘Type III PFD’’; or
(4) ‘‘Type V [insert exact text of description noted on the approval certificate, if any] PFD—[insert text required
by paragraph (c) of this section]. This
PFD provides in-water performance
equivalent to a Type [insert performance
type criteria noted on the approval certificate] PFD.’’
(c) A Type V, conditionally approved,
inflatable PFD must be marked with
the approval conditions specified on
the approval certificate.
(d) Additional markings. (1) Unless
otherwise noted on the approval certificate, each inflatable PFD must be
marked with the following:
(i) ‘‘NOT APPROVED TO MEET
CARRIAGE
REQUIREMENTS
ON
COMMERCIAL VESSELS.’’
(ii) The unique model, style, or part
number of the inflation mechanism approved for use on the PFD.

(2) [Reserved]
(e) Inflation mechanisms. Each manual, automatic, or manual-auto inflation mechanism must be permanently
marked with its unique model number.
[CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, as
amended by CGD 94–110, 61 FR 13947, Mar. 28,
1996]

Subpart 160.077—Hybrid Inflatable
Personal Flotation Devices
SOURCE: CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22,
1985, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.077–1

Scope.

(a) This specification contains requirements for approving hybrid inflatable personal flotation devices (hybrid
PFDs).
(b) Under this chapter and 33 CFR
part 175, certain commercial vessels
and recreational boats may carry Type
I, II, or III hybrid PFDs to meet carriage requirements. Type V hybrid
PFDs may be substituted for other required PFDs if they are worn under
conditions prescribed in their manual
as required by § 160.077–29 and on their
marking as prescribed in § 160.077–31.
For recreational boats or boaters involved in a special activity, hybrid
PFD approval may also be limited to
that activity.
(c) Unless approved as a Type I
SOLAS Lifejacket, a hybrid PFD on an
inspected commercial vessel will be approved only—
(1) As work vest; or
(2) For the special purpose stated on
the approval certificate and PFD
marking.
(d) A hybrid PFD may be approved
for adults, weighing over 40 kg (90 lb);
youths, weighing 23–40 kg (50–90 lb);
small children, weighing 14–23 kg (30–50
lb); or for the size range of persons for
which the design has been tested, as indicated on the PFD’s label.
(e) This specification also contains
requirements for—
(1) Manufacturers and sellers of recreational hybrid PFD’s to provide an
information pamphlet and owner’s
manual with each PFD; and

193

§ 160.077–2

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Manufacturers of commercial hybrid PFD’s to provide a user’s manual.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2486, Jan. 9,
1995]

§ 160.077–2 Definitions.
(a) Commandant means the Chief of
the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, Marine Safety and Environmental
Protection. Address: Commandant (G–
MSE–4), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20593–0001.
(b) Commercial hybrid PFD means a
hybrid PFD approved for use on commercial vessels identified on the PFD
label.
(c) First quality workmanship means
construction which is free from any defect materially affecting appearance or
serviceability.
(d) Hybrid PFD means a personal flotation device that has at least one inflation chamber in combination with
inherently buoyant material.
(e) Inflation medium means any solid,
liquid, or gas, that, when activated,
provides inflation for buoyancy.
(f) Inspector means an independent
laboratory representative assigned to
perform duties described in § 160.077–23.

(g) PFD means a personal flotation
device of a type approved under this
subpart.
(h) Recreational hybrid PFD means a
hybrid PFD approved for use on a recreational boat as defined in 33 CFR
175.3.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Reference vest means a model AK–
1, adult PFD; model CKM–1, child medium PFD; or model CKS–2, child small
PFD, meeting the requirements of subpart 160.047 of this chapter, except that,
in lieu of the weight and displacement
values prescribed in Tables 160.047–
4(c)(2) and 160.047–4(c)(4), each insert
must have the minimum weight of
kapok and displacement as shown in
Table 160.077–2(j). To achieve the specified volume displacement, front and
back insert pad coverings may be larger than the dimensions prescribed by
§ 160.047–1(b) and the width of the front
fabric envelope and height of the back
fabric envelope may be increased to accommodate a circumference no greater
than 1/4″ larger than the filled insert
circumference. As an alternative, unicellular plastic foam inserts of the
specified displacement and of an equivalent shape, as accepted by the Commandant, may be substituted for kapok
inserts.

TABLE 160.077–2(J)—REFERENCE VEST MINIMUM KAPOK WEIGHT AND VOLUME DISPLACEMENT
Front insert (2 each)
Reference PFD type

Devices for adults, weighing over 40 kg
(90 lb):
Type II, III, and V Recreational .........
Devices for youths, weighing 23–40 kg
(50–90 lb):
Type I ................................................
Type II, III, and V 1 ............................
Devices for small children, weighing 14–
23 kg (30–50 lb):
Type I ................................................
Type II ...............................................
1 Both

Minimum kapok
weight g (oz)

Volume displacement N (lb)

Back insert
Minimum kapok
weight g (oz)

Volume displacement
N (lb)

234 (8.25) .........

40±1 (9.0±0.25)

156 (5.5) ...........

27±1 (6.0±0.25)

184 (6.5) ...........
156 (5.5) ...........

31±1 (7.0±0.25)
26±1 (5.75±0.25)

170 (6.0) ...........
149 (5.25) .........

30±1 (6.5±0.25)
24±1 (5.5±0.l25)

128 (4.5) ...........
100 (3.5) ...........

21±1 (4.75±0.25)
17±1 (3.75±0.25)

156 (5.5) ...........
135 (4.75) .........

30±1 (6.5±0.25)
22±1 (5.0±0.25)

Recreational and Commercial.

(k) Second stage donning means adjustments or steps necessary to make a
PFD provide its intended flotation
characteristics after the device has
been properly donned and then inflated.
(l) SOLAS lifejacket, in the case of a
hybrid inflatable PFD, means a PFD

approved as meeting the requirements
for lifejackets in the 1983 Amendments
to the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/

194

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.077–5

83), in addition to the requirements of
this subpart.

cial vessels or both if the applicable requirements are met.

[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4351, Feb. 4,
1986; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988.
Redesignated and amended by CGD 78–174, 60
FR 2486, Jan. 9, 1995; 60 FR 7131, Feb. 7, 1995;
CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

[CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2486, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–3 Required to be worn.
(a) A Type V hybrid PFD may be
used to meet the Coast Guard PFD carriage requirements of subpart 25.25 of
this chapter, and 33 CFR part 175, only
if the PFD is used in accordance with
any requirements on the approval
label. PFDs marked ‘‘REQUIRED TO
BE WORN’’ must be worn whenever the
vessel is underway and the intended
wearer is not within an enclosed space.
(b) If hybrid PFD’s with the marking
‘‘REQUIRED TO BE WORN’’ are not
worn under the conditions stated in
paragraph (a) of this section, other approved PFD’s will have to be provided
to comply with the applicable carriage
requirements in 33 CFR part 175 and
subpart 25.25 of this chapter.
(c) The following PFD’s must be
marked ‘‘REQUIRED TO BE WORN’’ as
specified in § 160.077–31:
(1) Each Type V recreational hybrid
PFD.
(2) Each Type V commercial hybrid
PFD.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985. Redesignated and amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR
2486, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–4 Type.
(a) A hybrid PFD that successfully
passes all applicable tests may be approved as a Type I, II, III, or V for various size ranges of persons weighing
over 23 kg (50 lb), as Type I or II for
persons weighing 14–23 kg (30–50 lb) or
as Type I or II for other sizes. A Type
V PFD has limitations on its approval.
(b) The approval tests in this subpart
require each Type V hybrid PFD to
have at least the same performance as
a Type I, II, or III PFD for adult and
youth sizes or Type I or II PFD for
child sizes.
(c) A hybrid PFD may be approved
for use on recreational boats, commer-

§ 160.077–5 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register. The Office of the
Federal Register publishes a table,
‘‘Material Approved for Incorporation
by Reference,’’ which appears in the
Finding Aids section of this volume. In
that table is found the date of the edition approved, citations to the particular sections of this part where the material is incorporated, addresses where
the material is available, and the date
of approval by the Director of the Federal Register. To enforce any edition
other than the one listed in the table,
notice of the change must be published
in the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material made available to the public. All
approved material is on file at the Office of the Federal Register, Washington, DC 20408, and at the U.S. Coast
Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G–MSE–4), Washington, DC 20593.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart
are:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)
ASTM B 117, Standard Method of Salt Spray
(Fog) Testing.
ASTM D 471, Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids.
ASTM D 751, Standard Methods of Testing
Coated Fabrics.
ASTM D 1434, Gas Transmission Rate of
Plastic Film and Sheeting.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNICAL STANDARD ORDER
TSO–C13, Federal Aviation Administration
Standard for Life Preservers.
FEDERAL STANDARDS
In Federal Test Method Standard No. 191 the
following test methods:
(1) Method 5100, Strength and Elongation,
Breaking of Woven Cloth; Grab Method.
(2) Method 5132, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Falling-Pendulum Method.
(3) Method 5134, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Tongue Method.
(4) Method 5804.1, Weathering Resistance of
Cloth; Accelerated Weathering Method.
(5) Method 5762, Mildew Resistance of Textile Materials; Soil Burial Method.
Federal Standard No. 751, Stitches, Seams,
and Stitching.

195

§ 160.077–6

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS
MIL–L–24611(SH)—Life Preserver Support
Package For Life Preserver, MK 4.
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS (NBS)
‘‘The Universal Color Language’’ and ‘‘The
Color Names Dictionary’’ in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440.
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)
UL 1191, ‘‘Components for Personal Flotation
Devices.’’
UL 1517, ‘‘Hybrid Personal Flotation Devices.’’
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985. Redesignated by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2486, Jan. 9,
1995; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995;
CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.077–6 Approval procedures.
(a) General. Subpart 159.005 of this
chapter contains the approval procedures. Those procedures must be followed, excepted as modified in this
paragraph.
(1)
Preapproval
review
under
§§ 159.005–5 and 159.005–7 may be omitted
if a similar design has already been approved.
(2) The information required in all
three subparagraphs of § 159.005–5(a)(2)
must be included in the application.
(3) The application must also include
the following:
(i) The type of performance (i.e.
Donned Type I, Type II or Type III)
that the PFD is designed to provide.
(ii) Any special purpose(s) for which
the PFD is designed and the vessel(s)
or type(s) of vessel on which its use is
planned.
(iii) Buoyancy and torque tolerances
to be allowed in production.
(iv) The text of any optional marking
to be provided in addition to required
text.
(v) The manual required by § 160.077–
29 (UL 1517 text may be omitted in this
submission).
(vi) The size range of wearers that
the device is intended to fit.
(4) The description of quality control
procedures required by § 159.005–9 of
this chapter to be submitted with the
test report may be omitted as long as
the manufacturer’s planned quality
control
procedures
comply
with
§ 160.077–23.
(b) Waiver of tests. If a manufacturer
requests that any test in this subpart

be waived, one of the following must be
provided to the Commandant as justification for the waiver:
(1) Acceptable test results on a PFD
of sufficiently similar design.
(2) Engineering analysis showing that
the test is not applicable to the particular design or that by design or construction the PFD cannot fail the test.
(c) Alternative Requirements. A PFD
that does not meet requirements in
this subpart may still be approved if
the device—
(1) Meets other requirements prescribed by the Commandant in place of
or in addition to requirements in this
subpart; and
(2) Provides at least the same degree
of safety provided by other PFD’s that
do comply with this subpart.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4351, Feb. 4,
1986. Redesignated and amended by CGD 78–
174, 60 FR 2491, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–7 Procedure for approval of
design or material revision.
(a) Each change in design, material,
or construction of an approved PFD
must be approved by the Commandant
before being used in any production of
PFDs.
(b) Determinations of equivalence of
design, construction, and materials
may be made only by the Commandant.
[CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2492, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–9

Recognized laboratory.

(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast
Guard approval of a product under this
subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are
recognized under § 159.010–7 of this part,
to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart: Underwriters
Laboratories, 12 Laboratory Drive, P.O.
Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC
27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.
(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that
performs the approval tests unless, as
determined by the Commandant, the
employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the

196

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§ 160.077–11

laboratory that performed the approval
testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13931, Mar. 28, 1996; 61 FR
15868, Apr. 9, 1996]

§ 160.077–11 Materials—Recreational
Hybrid PFD’s.
(a) General—(1) Application. This section contains requirements for materials used in recreational hybrid PFD’s.
(2) Condition of Materials. All materials must be new.
(3) Acceptance, certification, and quality. All components used in the construction of hybrid PFDs must meet
the applicable requirements of subpart
164.019 of this chapter.
(4) Temperature range. Unless otherwise specified in standards incorporated by reference in this section, all
materials must be designed for use in
all weather conditions throughout a
temperature range of ¥30 °C to +65 °C
(¥22 °F to +150 °F).
(5) Weathering Resistance. Each nonmetallic component which is not suitably covered to shield against ultraviolet exposure must be designed to—
(i) Retain at least 40% of its strength
after being subjected to 300 hours of
sunshine carbon arc weathering as
specified by Method 5804.1 of Federal
Test Method Standard Number 191; or
(ii) Meet UL 1517, section 4.3.
(6) Fungus Resistance. Each non-metallic component must be designed to
retain at least 90% of its strength after
being subjected to the mildew resistance test specified by Method 5762 of
Federal Test Method Standard 191
when untreated cotton is used as the
control specimen. Also, the gas transmission rate of inflation chamber materials must not be increased by more
than 10% after being subjected to this
test. Materials that are covered when
used in the PFD may be tested with
that covering.
(7) Corrosion resistance. Each metal
component must be—
(i) Galvanically compatible with each
other metal part in contact with it;
and
(ii) Unless it is expendable (such as
an inflation medium cartridge), 410
stainless steel or have salt water and
salt air corrosion characteristics equal
or superior to 410 stainless steel or perform its intended function, and have no

visible pitting or other damage on any
surface, after 720 hours of salt spray
testing according to ASTM B 117.
(8) Materials not covered. Materials
not covered in this section must be of
good quality and suitable for the purpose intended.
(b) Flotation material. Inherent buoyancy must be provided by—
(1) Plastic foam meeting—
(i) Subpart 164.013 of this chapter;
(ii) Subpart 164.015 of this chapter; or
(iii) UL 1191 and having a V factor of
89 except that foam with a lower V factor may be used if it provides buoyancy
which, after a normal service life, is at
least equal to that of a PFD made with
material having a V factor of 89 and
the required minimum inherent buoyancy when new; or
(2) Kapok meeting subpart 164.003 of
this chapter.
(c) Fabric—(1) All fabric. All fabric,
except inner envelope fabric, must—
(i) Be of a type accepted for use on
Type I PFD’s approved under subpart
160.002 of this chapter; or
(ii) Meet the Type V requirements for
‘‘Fabrics for Wearable Devices’’ in UL
1191, except that its breaking strength
must be at least 400 N (90 lb.) in both
the directions of greater and lesser
thread count.
(2) Rubber coated fabric. Rubber coated fabric must be of a copper-inhibiting
type.
(3) Inner envelope fabric. Inner envelope fabric must—
(i) Meet the requirements in paragraph (c)(i) of this section; or
(ii) Be of a type accepted for use on
Type II PFD’s approved under subpart
160.047 of this chapter.
(d) Inflation chamber materials—(1) All
materials. The average permeability of
inflation chamber material must not
be more than 110% of the permeability
of materials determined in approval
testing prescribed in § 160.077–19(d). The
average grab breaking strength and
tear strength of the material must be
at least 90% of the grab breaking
strength and tear strength determined
from testing prescribed in § 160.077–
19(d). No individual sample result for
breaking strength or tear strength may
be more than 20% below the results obtained in approval testing.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Fabric covered chambers. Each material used in the construction of inflation chambers that are covered with
fabric must meet the requirements
specified for—
(i) Bladder materials in section 3.2.6
of MIL–L–24611(SH) if the material is
an unsupported film, except that any
color or finish may be used; or
(ii) Coated fabric in section 3.1.1 of
TSO–C13 if the material is a coated fabric.
(3) Uncovered chambers. Each material
used in the construction of inflation
chambers that are not covered with
fabric must meet the requirements
specified in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) and
(a)(5)(i) of this section.
(e) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam. Thread and
fabric combinations must have similar
elongation and durability characteristics.
(f) Webbing. Webbing used as a body
strap, tie tape or drawstring, or reinforcing tape must meet § 160.002–3(e),
§ 160.002–3(f), and § 160.002–3(h) of this
chapter respectively. Webbing used for
tie tape or drawstring must be capable
of easily holding a knot and being easily tied and untied. Webbing used as reinforcing tape must be smooth enough
to prevent chafing the wearer.
(g) Closures—(1) Strength. Each closure such as a buckle, snap hook and
dee ring, or other type of fastening
must comply with UL 1517, section 4.1.
The width of each closure opening
through which body strap webbing
passes must be the same as the width
of that webbing.
(2) Means of Locking. Each closure
used to secure a PFD to the body, except a zipper, must have a quick and
positive means of locking, such as a
snap hook and dee ring.
(3) Zipper. If a zipper is used to secure
a PFD to the wearer it must be—
(i) Easily initiated;
(ii) Non-jamming;
(iii) Right handed; and
(iv) Of a locking type.
(h) Inflation medium. If a hybrid PFD
has an automatic or manual inflation
mechanism—
(1) The inflation medium must not
contain or produce compounds more

toxic than CO2 in sufficient quantity to
cause an adverse reaction if inhaled
through any of its oral inflation mechanisms; and
(2) Any chemical reaction during inflation must not leave a toxic residue.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Kapok pad covering. If kapok flotation material is used, pad covering that
meets § 160.047–3(e) of this chapter must
be provided to enclose the material in
at least three separate pads.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20,
1993; CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2486, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–13 Materials—Type
Commercial Hybrid PFD.

I

and

(a) General. All commercial hybrid
PFD materials must meet § 160.077–11
and this section.
(b) Closures. Each closure other than
a zipper must have a minimum breaking strength of 1000 N (225 lbs). If a zipper is used to secure the PFD to the
body, it must be used in combination
with another closure that has a quick
and positive means of locking.
(c) Retroreflective Material. Each PFD
must have at least 200 sq. cm. (31 sq.
in.) of retroreflective material on its
front side, at least 200 sq. cm. on its
back side and at least 200 sq. cm. of
material on each reversible side, if any.
The material must be Type I material
that is approved under Subpart 164.018
of this chapter. The material attached
on each side must be divided equally
between the upper quadrants of the
side. The material, as attached, must
not impair PFD performance.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2487, Jan. 9,
1995]

§ 160.077–15 Construction and Performance—Recreational
Hybrid
PFD.
(a) Performance. (1) Each recreational
hybrid PFD must be able to pass the
tests in § 160.077–19.
(2) Each recreational hybrid PFD
must—
(i) If second stage donning is required, have an obvious method for
doing it;

198

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.077–15

(ii) If it is to be marked as Type II or
Type V providing Type I or II performance, not require second stage donning
to achieve that performance;
(iii) Be capable of being worn while
inflated at 60 N (13 lb.) of buoyancy
without significantly changing its appearance from, or making it significantly less comfortable than, the
uninflated condition;
(iv) Not cause significant discomfort
to the wearer during and after inflation; and
(v) If it has a manual or automatic
inflation mechanism and can be put on
inside out, not restrict breathing when
donned inside out, adjusted to fit, and
inflated.
(b) Construction; General. Each recreational hybrid PFD must—
(1) Have one or more inflation chambers;
(2) Have at least one oral means of
inflation on each inflation chamber;
(3) Have at least one automatic inflation mechanism that inflates at least
one chamber, if marked as providing
Type I or II performance;
(4) Be constructed so that the intended method of donning is obvious to
an untrained wearer;
(5) Not have a channel that can direct water to the wearer’s face to any

greater extent than that of the reference vest defined in § 160.077–3(j).
(6) Have a retainer for each adjustable closure to prevent any part of the
closure from being easily removed from
the PFD;
(7) If marked as universally sized for
wearers weighing over 40 kg (90
pounds), have a chest size range of at
least 76 to 120 cm (30 to 52 in.);
(8) Not have means of access to any
inherently buoyant inserts;
(9) Not have edges, projections, or
corners, either external or internal,
that are sufficiently sharp to damage
the PFD or cause injury to anyone
using or maintaining the PFD;
(10) Be of first quality workmanship;
(11) Unless otherwise allowed by the
approval certificate—
(i) Not incorporate means obviously
intended for attaching the PFD to the
vessel; and
(ii) Not have any instructions indicating that attachment is intended;
(12) Except as otherwise required by
this section, meet UL Standard 1517,
sections 6.14, 6.20, 7.1, 7.3, 7.8, 8.4, and 9;
and
(13) Provide the minimum buoyancies
specified in Table 160.077–15(b)(13).

TABLE 160.077–15(B)(13)—BUOYANCY FOR RECREATIONAL HYBRID PFDS

Inherent buoyancy (deflated condition):
Type II ...............................................
Type III ..............................................
Type V ...............................................
Total buoyancy (inflated condition):
Type II ...............................................
Type III ..............................................
Type V ...............................................

Adult

Youth

45 N (10 lb) ......................
45 N (10 lb) ......................
33 N (7.5 lb) .....................

40 N (9 lb) ........................
40 N (9 lb) ........................
34 N (7.5 lb) .....................

30 N (7 lb)
N/A
N/A

100 N (22 lb) ....................
100 N (22 lb) ....................
100 N (22 lb) ....................

67 N (15 lb) ......................
67 N (15 lb) ......................
67 N (15 lb) ......................

53 N (12 lb)
N/A
N/A

(14) Meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe, if necessary, to approve unique
or novel designs.
(c) Inflation mechanism. (1) Each inflation mechanism on a recreational hybrid PFD must—
(i) Not require tools to activate it or
replace its inflation medium cartridge
or water sensitive element;
(ii) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained
wearer; and

Small child

(iii) Be located outside of its inflation chamber.
(2) Each oral inflation mechanism
must—
(i) Be designed to operate without
pulling on the mechanism;
(ii) Not be capable of locking in the
open or closed position except that, a
friction-fit dust cap that only locks in
the closed position may be used; and
(iii) Have a non-toxic mouthpiece.
(3) Each automatic and manual inflation mechanism must—

199

§ 160.077–17

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(i) Have a simple method for replacing the inflation medium cartridge;
and
(ii) Be in a ready-to-use condition or
be conspicuously marked to indicate
that the inflation mechanism is not in
a ready-to-use condition and that the
purchaser must assemble it.
(4) Each manual inflation mechanism
must—
(i) Provide an easy means of inflation
that requires only one deliberate action on the part of the wearer to actuate it; and
(ii) Be operated by pulling on an inflation handle that is marked ‘‘Jerk to
Inflate’’ at two visible locations.
(5) Each automatic inflation mechanism must—
(i) Have an obvious method for indicating whether the mechanism has
been activated; and
(ii) Be incapable of assembly without
its water sensitive element.
(6) The marking required for the inflation handle of a manual inflation
mechanism must be waterproof, permanent, and readable from a distance of
2.5 m (8 ft.).
(d) Deflation mechanism. (1) Each inflation chamber must have its own deflation mechanism.
(2) Each deflation mechanism must—
(i) Be readily accessible to either
hand when the PFD is worn while inflated;
(ii) Not require tools to operate it;
(iii) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained
wearer, and
(iv) Not be able to be locked in the
open or closed position.
(3) The deflation mechanism may be
the oral inflation mechanism.
(e) Sewn seams. Stitching used in each
structural seam of a PFD must provide
performance equal to or better than a
Class 300 Lockstitch meeting Federal
Standard No. 751.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4351, Feb. 4,
1986; CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2487, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–17 Construction and Performance—Type I and Commercial
Hybrid PFD.
(a) General. Each commercial hybrid
PFD must meet—
(1) Paragraph (b) of this section; and
(2) Section 160.077–15, except § 160.077–
15(a)(2)(iii) and § 160.077–15(c)(1)(i).
(b) Additional requirements. Each commercial hybrid PFD must—
(1) Be able to pass the tests in
§ 160.077–21;
(2) Not present a snag hazard when
properly worn;
(3) When worn inflated, have a visible
external surface area of at least 1300 sq.
cm (200 sq. in.) in front and 450 sq. cm
(70 sq. in.) in back that are primarily
vivid reddish orange as defined by sections 13 and 14 of the ‘‘Color Names
Dictionary’’;
(4) Have at least one inflation chamber, except that a hybrid PFD approved
as a SOLAS lifejacket must have at
least two inflation chambers;
(5) Have at least one manual inflation mechanism.
(6) Have at least one automatic inflation mechanism that inflates at least
one chamber; and
(7) Not require second stage donning
after inflation.
(8) If approved for adults, be universally sized as specified in § 160.077–
15(b)(7).
(9) Commercial hybrid PFDs employing closures with less than 1600 N (360
lb) strength, must have at least two
closures that meet UL 1517, Section
22.1.
(10) Each commercial hybrid PFD
must have an attachment for a PFD
light securely fastened to the front
shoulder area. The location should be
such that if the light is attached it will
not damage or impair the performance
of the PFD.
(11) In the deflated and the inflated
condition, provide buoyancies of at
least the values in Table 160.077–
17(b)(11).

TABLE 160.077–17(B)(11)—MINIMUM BUOYANCY OF TYPE I AND COMMERCIAL HYBRID PFDS

Inherent buoyancy (deflated condition):
Type I ................................................
Type V ...............................................
Total buoyancy (inflated condition):

Adult

Youth

70 N (15.5 lb) ...................
60 N (13 lb) ......................

50 N (11 lb) ......................
34 N (7.5 lb) .....................

200

Small child
40 N (9 lb)
N/A

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.077–19

TABLE 160.077–17(B)(11)—MINIMUM BUOYANCY OF TYPE I AND COMMERCIAL HYBRID PFDS—
Continued

Type I ................................................
Type V ...............................................

Adult

Youth

130 N (30 lb) ....................
100 N (22 lb) ....................

80 N (18 lb) ......................
67 N (15 lb) ......................

[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2487, Jan. 9,
1995]

§ 160.077–19 Approval
Testing—Recreational Hybrid PFD’s.
(a) General. (1) This section contains
approval tests and examinations for
recreational hybrid PFD’s. Each test
and examination must be conducted or
supervised by an independent laboratory. The tests must be done using
PFD’s that have been constructed in
accordance with the plans and specifications in the application for approval. In each test only one PFD is required to be tested unless otherwise
specified or needed to complete the
tests in paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) All data relating to buoyancy and
pressure must be taken at, or corrected
to, standard atmospheric pressure of
760 mm (29.92 inches) of mercury and
temperature of 20 ° C (68 ° F).
(3) The tests in paragraph (b) of this
section must be completed before doing
the tests in paragraph (d) of this section.
(4) In each test that specifies inflation by an automatic inflation mechanism and either or both of the other
mechanisms, the automatic inflation
mechanism must be tested first.
(5) Some tests in this section require
PFD’s to be tested while being worn.
The number and characteristics of the
test subjects must be as prescribed in
section 11 of UL 1517.
(b) Tests. Each PFD design must be
tested according to the procedures in
the following tests and meet the requirements in those tests:
(1) Donning and Operability, UL 1517,
section 12.
(2) Jump Test, UL 1517, section 13.
(3) Flotation Stability and Inflation.
(i) Uninflated Flotation Stability, UL
1517, section 14.
NOTE: If the freeboard of a test subject is
close to zero, caution must be taken to prevent the subject from inhaling water. The

Small child
67 N (15 lb)
N/A

subject may use lightweight breathing aids
to avoid inhaling water.

(ii) Inflation, UL 1517, section 14.3
through 14.5 using a PFD with each
automatic inflation mechanism disabled.
(iii) Inflated flotation stability, UL
1517, section 15, for Type II and Type III
performance except comparisons are to
be made to the appropriate size and
Type reference vest as defined in
§ 160.077–2(j).
(4) Water Emergence, UL 1517, section
16.
(5) Operation Force Test, UL 1517, section 17.
(6) Buoyancy, buoyancy distribution,
and inflation medium retention test, UL
1517, sections 18 and 19, except:
(i) Recreational hybrid inflatables
must provide minimum buoyancy as
specified in Table 160.077–15(b)(13):
(ii) The buoyancy and volume displacement of kapok buoyant inserts
must be tested in accordance with the
procedures prescribed in § 160.047–4(c)(4)
and § 160.047–5(e)(1) in lieu of the procedures in UL 1517, section 18 and 19.
(7) Inflation Chamber Tests.
(i) Over-pressure Test, UL 1517, section
28.
(ii) Air Retention Test, UL 1517, section 29.
(8) Temperature Cycling Tests, UL 1517,
section 23.
(9) Solvent Exposure Test, UL 1517, section 24.
(10) Environmental Tests, UL 1517, section 31.1.
(i) Humidity Exposure, UL 1517, section 31.4.
(ii) Rain Exposure, UL 1517, section
31.2 and 31.3.
(11) Abrasion/Compression Test, UL
1517, section 26.
(12) Water Entrapment Test, UL 1517,
section 20.
(13) Tensile Tests, UL 1517, section 22.
(14) Strength of Attachment of Inflation
Mechanism, UL 1517, section 30.

201

§ 160.077–21

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(15) Flame Exposure Test, UL 1517, section 25.
(16) Impact Test, UL 1517, section 21.
(17) Seam Strength Test, UL 1517, section 33.
(18) Puncture Test, UL 1517, section 27.
(c) Visual Examination. One complete
PFD must be visually examined for
compliance with the requirements of
§ 160.077–15.
(d) Inflation Chamber Properties—(1)
General. The tests in this paragraph
must be run if the tests in paragraph
(b) of this section are successfully completed. The results of these tests will
be used to check the quality of incoming PFD components and the production process. Test samples must come
from one of more PFD’s that were each
used in all of the tests in paragraphs
(b)(2), (b)(6), (b)(7), (b)(16), and (b)(18) of
this section.
(2) Grab breaking strength. Grab
breaking strength of chamber materials must be determined according to
Method No. 5100 of Federal Test Method Standard 191, or ASTM D 751.
(3) Tear strength. Tear strength of
chamber materials must be determined
according to Method No. 5132 or 5134 of
Federal Test Method Standard 191, or
ASTM D 751.
(4) Permeability. The permeability of
chamber materials must be determined
according to ASTM D 1434 using CO2 as
the test gas.
(5) Seam strength. The seam strength
of the seams in each inflation chamber
of at least one PFD must be determined according to ASTM D 751, except
that 25 mm by 200 mm (1 in. by 8 in.)
samples may be used where insufficient
length of straight seam is available.
(e) The Commandant may prescribe
additional tests, if necessary, to approve unique or novel designs.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2487, Jan. 9,
1995]

§ 160.077–21 Approval Testing—Type I
and Commercial Hybrid PFD.
(a) General. This section contains
commercial hybrid PFD approval tests.
The provisions of § 160.077–19(a) apply to
each test in this section.
(b) Tests. Each test prescribed in
§ 160.077–19(b), except the tests in para-

graphs (b)(2), (b)(3)(i), (b)(3)(ii), and
(b)(6), must be conducted and passed.
(c) Additional tests. Each PFD design
must also be tested according to the
procedures in the following tests and
meet the requirements in these tests:
(1) Jump test, UL 1517, section S6 for
Adult size. Youth and Small Child sizes
are exempt from this test.
(2) In-water removal, UL 1517, section
S9 for Adult and Youth sizes. The
Small Child size is exempt from this
test.
(3) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention test, UL 1517, Section S10, except the minimum buoyancies must be
as specified in the Table 160.077–
17(b)(11):
(4) Flotation stability.
(i) Uninflated flotation stability, UL
1517, section S7, except that for Type I
devices the requirements of paragraph
S7.1.A apply to all subjects regardless
of their in-water weight. For Type V
adult-size devices the requirements of
paragraph S7.1.A apply to all adult subjects having an in-water weight of 13 lb
or less, and the requirements of paragraph S7.1.B apply to all other adult
subjects.
NOTE: —If the freeboard of a test subject is
close to zero, caution must be taken to prevent the subject from inhaling water. The
subject may use lightweight breathing aids
to avoid inhaling water.

(ii) Righting action test, 46 CFR
160.176–13(d)(2) through (d)(5) for Type I
hybrid PFDs. UL 1517, Section S8, for
Type V hybrid PFDs.
(5) Flotation stability—youths and
small children.
(i) Uninflated flotation stability, UL
1517, section S7, except that the requirements of paragraph S7.1.A apply
to all subjects regardless of their inwater weight.
(ii) Righting action test, UL 1517, Section 15.3 through 15.13, for Youth and
Small Child hybrid PFDs except comparisons are to be made to the appropriate size and type reference vest as
defined in § 160.077–2(j).
(d) Flotation Stability Criteria. At the
end of the righting action test—
(1) At least 75% of the PFD’s
retroreflective material on the outside
of the PFD, and the PFD light, must be
above the water when the subject is

202

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.077–23

floating in the stable flotation attitude; and
(2) The subject when floating in the
stable flotation position and looking to
the side, must be able to see—
(i) The water no more than 3 m (10
ft.) away; or
(ii) A mark on a vertical scale no
higher than the lowest mark which can
be viewed when floating in the same
position in the reference vest defined
in § 160.077–3(j).
(3) Each adult test subject must have
a freeboard of at least:
(i) 100 mm (4 inches) if the PFD being
tested is to be approved as a Type I hybrid PFD; or
(ii) 120 mm (4.75 inches) if the PFD
being tested is to be approved as a
SOLAS lifejacket.
(e) Visual Examination. One complete
PFD must be visually examined for
compliance with the requirements of
§ 160.077–15 and § 160.077–17.
(f) Inflation Chamber Properties. If the
tests in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this
section are completed successfully, the
tests in § 160.077–19(d) must be run.
(g) The Commandant may prescribe
additional tests, if necessary, to approve unique or novel designs.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2488, Jan. 9,
1995; 60 FR 7131, Feb. 7, 1995; CGD 95–072, 60
FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995]

§ 160.077–23 Production tests and inspections.
(a) General. (1) Production tests and
inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section and subpart
159.007 of this chapter.
(2) The Commandant may prescribe
additional production tests and inspections if needed to maintain quality
control and check for compliance with
the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Test and Inspection Responsibilities.
In addition to responsibilities set out
in part 159 of this chapter, each manufacturer of a hybrid PFD and each
independent laboratory inspector must
comply with the following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer
must—(i) Perform all required tests
and examinations on each PFD lot before the independent laboratory inspec-

tor tests and inspects the lot, except as
provided in § 160.077–23(d)(5);
(ii) Perform required testing of each
incoming lot of inflation chamber material before using that lot in production;
(iii) Have procedures for maintaining
quality control of the materials used,
manufacturing operations, and the finished product;
(iv) Have a continuing program of
employee training and a program for
maintaining production and test equipment;
(v) Have an inspector from the independent laboratory observe the production methods used in producing the
first PFD lot produced and observe any
revisions made thereafter in production methods;
(vi) Admit the inspector and any
Coast Guard representative to any
place in the factory where work is done
on hybrid PFD’s or component materials, and where completed PFD’s are
stored; and
(vii) Allow the inspector and any
Coast Guard representative to take
samples of completed PFD’s or of component materials for tests prescribed in
this subpart.
(2) Independent Laboratory.
(i) An inspector may not perform or
supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(A) The manufacturer has a current
approval certificate; and
(B) The inspector has first observed
the manufacturer’s production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(ii) Except as specified in paragraph
(b)(2)(v) of this section, an inspector
must perform or supervise testing and
inspection of at least one PFD lot in
each five lots produced.
(iii) During each inspection, the inspector must check for noncompliance
with the manufacturer’s quality control procedures.
(iv) Except as specified in paragraph
(b)(2)(v) of this section, at least once
each calendar quarter, the inspector
must, as a check on the manufacturer’s
compliance with this section, examine
the manufacturer’s records required by
§ 160.077–25 and observe the manufacturer perform each of the tests required by paragraph (h) of this section.

203

§ 160.077–23

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(v) If less than six lots are produced
during any calendar year, only one lot
inspection in accordance with paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, and one
records examination and test performance observation in accordance with
paragraph (b)(2)(iv) of this section is
required during that year. Each lot
tested and inspected must be within
seven lots of the previous lot inspected.
(c) PFD Lots. A lot number must be
assigned to each group of PFD’s produced. No lot may exceed 1000 PFD’s. A
new lot must be started whenever any
change in materials or a production
method is made, or whenever any substantial discontinuity in the production process occurs. Changes in lots of
component materials must be treated
as changes in materials. Lots must be
numbered serially. The lot number assigned, along with the approval number, must enable the PFD manufacturer, by referring to the records required by this subpart, to determine
who produced the components used in
the PFD.

(d) Samples. (1) Samples used in testing and inspections must be selected at
random. Sampling must be done only
when all PFD’s or materials in the lot
are available for selection.
(2) Each sample PFD selected must
be complete, unless otherwise specified
in paragraph (h) of this section.
(3) Each adult test subject must have
a freeboard of at least:
(i) 100 mm (4 inches) if the PFD being
tested is to be approved as a Type I hybrid PFD; or
(ii) 120 mm (4.75 inches) if the PFD
being tested is to be approved as a
SOLAS lifejacket.
(4) The number of samples selected
per lot must be at least the number
listed in Table 160.077–23A or Table
160.077–23B, as applicable, except as allowed in paragraph (d)(5) of this section.
(5) If the total production for any five
consecutive lots does not exceed 250 devices, the manufacturer’s and inspector’s tests can be run on the same sample(s) at the same time.

TABLE 160.077–23A—MANUFACTURER’S SAMPLING
Number of samples per lot
Lot size
1–100

101–200

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

2
3

2
4

3
6

4
8

3
1
3
13

4
1
4
13

6
1
6
20

8
1
8
20

Tests:
Inflation chamber materials.
See note 1
Seam strength ..........................................................................
1
1
Over-pressure(2), (3) ...............................................................
1
2
Air retention.
Every device in the lot
Buoyancy and inflation media retention ..................................
1
2
Tensile strength(4) ...................................................................
1
1
Detailed product examination ..................................................
2
2
Retest sample size(2) .................................................................. .......... ..............
Final lot examination.
Every device in the lot

NOTES TO TABLE:
(1) Samples must be selected from each lot of incoming material. The tests referenced in § 160.077–19(d)(2) through
§ 160.077–19(d)(4) prescribe the number of samples to select.
(2) Samples selected for this test may not be the same samples selected for other tests.
(3) If any sample fails this test, the number of samples to be tested in the next lot produced must be at least 2% of the total
number of PFD’s in the lot or 10 PFD’s, whichever is greater.
(4) This test is required only when a new lot of materials is used and when a revised production process is used. However, the
test must be run at least once every calendar quarter regardless of whether a new lot of materials or revised process is started
in that quarter.

TABLE 160.077–23B—INSPECTOR’S SAMPLING
Number of samples per lot
Lot size
1–100

101–200

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

1
1

1
1

2
2

2
2

3
3

4
4

Tests:
Over-pressure 1 .......................................................................
Air retention ..............................................................................

204

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.077–23

TABLE 160.077–23B—INSPECTOR’S SAMPLING—Continued
Number of samples per lot
Lot size
1–100

101–200

Buoyancy and inflation media retention ..................................
1
Tensile strength 2 ....................................................................
1
Waterproof marking.
See note 3 for sampling
Detailed product examination ..................................................
1
Retest sample size 1 ...................................................................
10
Final Lot Inspection .....................................................................
10

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

1
1

2
1

2
1

3
1

4
1

1
10
15

1
13
20

2
13
25

2
20
27

3
20
30

NOTES TO TABLE:
(1) Samples selected for this test may not be the same PFD’s selected for other tests.
(2) This test may be omitted if the manufacturer has previously conducted it and the inspector has conducted the test on a
previous lot within the past year.
(3) One sample of each means of marking on each type of fabric or finish used in PFD construction must be tested whenever
a new lot of materials is used or at least every six months regardless of whether a new lot of materials was used within the past
six months.

(e) Accept/Reject Criteria: Manufacturer
Testing. (1) A PFD lot passes production testing if each sample passes each
test.
(2) In lots of 200 or less PFD’s the lot
must be rejected if any sample fails
one or more tests.
(3) In lots of more than 200 PFD’s, the
lost must be rejected if—
(i) One sample fails more than one
test;
(ii) More than one sample fails; or
(iii) One sample fails one test and in
redoing that test with the number of
samples specified for retesting in Table
160.077–23A, one or more samples fail
the test.
(4) A rejected PFD lot may be retested only if allowed under paragraph
(k) of this section.
(5) In testing inflation chamber materials, a lot is accepted only if the average of the results of testing the minimum number of samples prescribed in
the reference tests in § 160.077–19(d) is
within the tolerances specified in
§ 160.077–11(d)(1). Any lot that is rejected may not be used in production.
(f) Accept/Reject Criteria: Independent
Laboratory Testing. (1) A lot passes production testing if each sample passes
each test.
(2) A lot must be rejected if—
(i) One sample fails more than one
test;
(ii) More than one sample fails; or
(iii) One sample fails one test and in
redoing that test with the number of
samples specified for retesting in Table
160.077–23B, one or more samples fail
the test.

(3) A rejected lot may be retested
only if allowed under paragraph (k) of
this section.
(g) Facilities and Equipment—(1) General. The manufacturer must provide
the test equipment and facilities described in this section for performing
production tests, examinations, and inspections.
(2) Calibration. The manufacturer
must have the calibration of all test
equipment checked at least annually
by a weights and measures agency or
the equipment manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
(3) Equipment. The following equipment is required:
(i) A Sample Basket for buoyancy
tests. It must be made of wire mesh
and be of sufficient size and durability
to hold a complete inflated PFD. The
basket must be heavy enough or be sufficiently weighted to become submerged when holding a test sample.
(ii) A Tank Filled with Fresh Water for
buoyancy tests. The height of the tank
must be sufficient to allow a water
depth of at least 5 cm (2 inches) from
the water surface to the top of the basket when the basket is not touching
the bottom. The length and width of
the tank must be sufficient to prevent
each submerged basket from contacting another basket or the tank sides
and bottom. Means for locking or sealing the tank must be provided to prevent disturbance of any samples or a
change in water level during testing.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(iii) A Scale that has sufficient capacity to weigh a submerged sample basket. The scale must be sensitive to 14 g
(0.5 oz) and must not have an error exceeding ±14 g (0.5 oz).
(iv) Tensile Test Equipment that is
suitable for applying pulling force in
conducting
body
strap
assembly
strength subtests. The equipment assembly may be (A) a known weight and
winch, (B) a scale, winch, and fixed anchor, or (C) a tensile test machine that
is capable of holding a given tension.
The assembly must provide accuracy to
maintain a pulling force within ±2 percent of specified force. Additionally, if
the closed loop test method is used,
two cylinders of the type described in
that method must be provided.
(v) A Thermometer that is sensitive to
0.5 ° C (1 ° F) and does not have an error
exceeding ±0.25 ° C (0.5 ° F).
(vi) A Barometer that is capable of
reading mm (inches) of mercury with a
sensitivity of 1 mm (0.05 in.) Hg and an
error not exceeding ±0.05 mm (0.02 in.)
Hg.
(vii) A Regulated Air Supply that is
capable of supplying the air necessary
to conduct the tests specified in paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5) of this section.
(viii) A Pressure Gauge that is capable
of measuring air pressure with a sensitivity of 1 kPa (0.1 psig) and an error
not exceeding ±0.5 kPa (0.05 psig).
(ix) A Torque Wrench if any screw fasteners are used. The wrench must be
sensitive to, and have an error of less
than, one-half the specified tolerance
for the torque values of the fasteners.
(x) Inflation chamber materials test
equipment. If the required tests in paragraph (h)(2) of this section are performed by the PFD manufacturer, test
equipment suitable for conducting
Grab
Breaking
Strength,
Tear
Strength, Permeability, and Seam
Strength tests must be available at the
PFD manufacturer’s facility.
(4) Facilities. The manufacturer must
provide a suitable place and the necessary apparatus for the inspector to
use in conducting or supervising tests.
For the final lot inspection, the manufacturer must provide a suitable working environment and a smooth-top
table for the inspector’s use.
(h) Production Tests and Examinations—(1) General. (i) Samples used in

testing must be selected according to
paragraph (d) of this section.
(ii) On the samples selected for testing—
(A) The manufacturer must conduct
the tests in paragraph (h)(2) through
(h)(8) of this section; and
(B) The independent laboratory inspector must conduct or supervise the
tests in paragraph (h)(4) through (h)(9)
of this section.
(iii) Each individual test result must,
in addition to meeting the requirements in this paragraph, comply with
the requirements, if any, set out in the
approved plans and specifications.
(2) Inflation Chamber Materials. Each
sample must be tested according to
§ 160.077–19(d)(1)
through
§ 160.077–
19(d)(4). The average and individual results of testing the minimum number
of samples prescribed in § 160.077–19(d)
must comply with the requirements in
§ 160.077–11(d)(1).
(3) Seam Strength. The seams in each
inflation chamber of each sample must
be tested according to §§ 160.077–19(d)(1)
and 160.077–19(d)(5). The results for each
inflation chamber must be at least 90%
of the results obtained in approval
testing.
(4) Over-pressure. Each sample must
be tested according to and meet UL
1517, section 28. Test samples may be
prestressed by inflating them to a
greater pressure than the required test
pressure prior to initiating the test at
the specified values.
(5) Air Retention. Each sample must
be tested according to and meet UL
1517, section 36. Prior to initiating the
test at the specified values, test samples may be prestressed by inflating to
a pressure greater than the design pressure, but not exceeding 50 percent of
the required pressure for the tests in
paragraph (h)(4) of this section. Any alternate test method that decreases the
length of the test must be accepted by
the Commandant and must require a
proportionately lower allowable pressure loss and the same percentage sensitivity and accuracy as the standard
allowable loss measured with the
standard instrumentation.
(6) Buoyancy and Inflation Medium Retention. Each sample must be tested according to and meet § 160.077–19(b)(6),
except that the UL 1517 section 19 test

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§ 160.077–23

is not required unless specified on the
approved plans and specifications. In
addition to meeting the minimum values required by § 160.077–19(b)(6), each
buoyancy value must fall within the
tolerances specified in the approved
plans and specifications.
(7) Tensile Strength. Each sample
must be tested according to and meet
UL 1517, section 22.
(8) Detailed Product Examination. Each
sample must be disassembled to the extent necessary to determine compliance with the following:
(i) All dimensions and seam allowances must be within tolerances prescribed in the approved plans and specifications.
(ii) The torque of each screw type
mechanical fastener must be within its
tolerance as prescribed in the approved
plans and specifications.
(iii) The arrangement, markings, and
workmanship must be as specified on
the approved plans and specifications
and this subpart.
(iv) The PFD must not otherwise be
defective.
(9) Waterproof Marking Test. Each
sample is completely submerged in
fresh water for at least 30 min. and
then removed and immediately placed
on a hard surface. The markings are
vigorously rubbed with the fingers for
15 seconds. If the printing becomes illegible, the sample is rejected.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Final Lot Examination and Inspection. (1) General. On each PFD lot that
passes production testing, the manufacturer must perform a final lot examination and an independent laboratory
inspector must perform a final lot inspection. Samples must be selected according to paragraph (d) of this section. Each final lot examination and
inspection must show—
(i) First quality workmanship;
(ii) That the general arrangement
and attachment of all components such
as body straps, closures, inflation
mechanisms, tie tapes, drawstrings,
etc. are as specified in the approved
plans and specifications; and
(iii) Compliance with the marking requirements in § 160.077–31.
(2) Accept/Reject Criteria. Each nonconforming PFD must be rejected. If
three or more nonconforming PFD’s

are rejected for the same kind of defect, lot examination or inspection
must be discontinued and the lot rejected.
(3) Manufacturer Examination. This
examination must be done by a manufacturer’s representative who is familiar with the approved plans and specifications, the functioning of the PFD
and its components, and the production
testing procedures. This person must
not be responsible for meeting production schedules or be supervised by
someone who is. This person must prepare and sign the inspection record required by § 159.077–13 of this chapter
and § 160.077–25(b).
(4) Independent Laboratory Inspection.
(i) The inspector must discontinue lot
inspection and reject the lot if observation of the records for the lot or of individual PFD’s shows noncompliance
with this section or the manufacturer’s
quality control procedures.
(ii) An inspector may not perform a
final lot inspection unless the manufacturer has a current approval certificate.
(iii) If the inspector rejects a lot, the
inspector shall notify the Commandant
immediately.
(iv) The inspector must prepare and
sign the record required by § 159.077–13
of this chapter and § 160.077–25(b). If the
lot passes, the record must also include
the inspector’s certification to that effect and a certification that no evidence of noncompliance with this section was observed.
(k) Disposition of PFD’s Rejected in
Testing or Inspections. (1) A rejected
PFD lot may be resubmitted for testing, examination, or inspection if the
manufacturer first removes and destroys each PFD having the same type
of defect or, if authorized by the Commandant or an authorized representative of the Commandant, reworks the
lot to correct the defect.
(2) Any PFD rejected in a final lot examination or inspection may be resubmitted for examination or inspection if
all defects have been corrected and reexamination or reinspection is authorized by the Commandant or an authorized representative of the Commandant.
(3) A rejected lot or rejected PFD
may not be sold or offered for sale with

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

the representation that it meets this
subpart or that it is Coast Guard approved.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4351, Feb. 4,
1986; CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2488, Jan. 9, 1995]

§ 160.077–25 Manufacturer records.
(a) Each manufacturer of hybrid
PFD’s must keep the records required
by § 159.007–13 of this chapter, except
that they must be retained at least 120
months after the month in which the
inspection or test was conducted.
(b) Each record required by § 159.007–
13 of this chapter must also include the
following information:
(1) For each test, the serial number
of the test instrument used if there is
more than one available.
(2) For each test and inspection, the
identification of the samples used, the
lot number, the approval number, and
the number of PFD’s in the lot.
(3) For each lot rejected, the cause
for rejection, any corrective action
taken, and the final disposition of the
lot.
(c) The description or photographs of
procedures and apparatus used in testing is not required for the records prescribed in § 159.077–13 of this chapter as
long as the manufacturer’s procedures
and apparatus meet the requirements
of this subpart.
(d) Each manufacturer of hybrid
PFD’s must also keep the following
records:
(1) Records for all materials used in
production including the following:
(i) Name and address of the supplier.
(ii) Date of purchase and receipt.
(iii) Lot number.
(iv) Certification meeting § 160.077–
11(a)(4).
(2) A copy of this subpart.
(3) Each document incorporated by
reference in § 160.077–9.
(4) A copy of the approved plans and
specifications.
(5) The approval certificate.
(6) Calibration of test equipment, including the identity of the agency performing the calibration, date of calibration, and results.
(e) The records required by paragraph
(d)(1) of this section must be kept for
at least 120 months after preparation.
All other records required by para-

graph (d) of this section must be kept
for at least 60 months.
EFFECTIVE DATE NOTE: At 50 FR 33935, Aug.
22, 1985, § 160.077–25 (a) and (e) were added.
This amendment contains information collection requirements which will not be effective until approval has been obtained from
the Office of Management and Budget. A notice will be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER.

§ 160.077–27 Pamphlet.
(a) Each recreational hybrid PFD
sold or offered for sale must be provided with a pamphlet that a prospective purchaser can read prior to purchase. The required pamphlet text
must be printed verbatim and in the sequence set out in paragraph (e) of this
section. Additional information, instructions, or illustrations must not be
included within the required text. The
type size shall be no smaller than 8point.
(b) Each pamphlet must be prominently marked ‘‘Seller, do not remove
pamphlet.’’
(c) No person may sell or offer for
sale any recreational hybrid PFD unless the pamphlet required by this section is provided with it.
(d) The text specified in paragraphs
(e)(2) of this section must be accompanied by illustrations of the types of
devices being described. The illustrations provided must be either photographs or drawings of the manufacturer’s own products or illustrations of
other Coast Guard-approved PFDs.
(e) For a Type I hybrid PFD intended
for recreational use or a Type II, III, or
V recreational hybrid PFD, the pamphlet contents must be as follows:
(1) The text in UL 1517, Section 39,
item A;
(2) The following text and illustrations:
THERE ARE FIVE TYPES OF PERSONAL
FLOTATION DEVICES
This is a Type [insert approved Type] Hybrid
Inflatable PFD.
NOTE: The following types of PFDs are designed to perform as described in calm water
and when the wearer is not wearing any
other flotation material (such as a wetsuit).
Type I—A Type I PFD has the greatest required inherent buoyancy and turns most unconscious persons in the water from a face
down position to a vertical and slightly

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§ 160.077–27

backward position, therefore greatly increasing one’s chances of survival. The Type I
PFD is suitable for all waters, especially for
cruising on waters where rescue may be slow
coming, such as large bodies of water where
it is not likely that boats will be nearby.
This type PFD is the most effective of all
types in rough water. It is reversible and
available in only two sizes—Adult (over 40 kg
(90 lb)) and child (less than 40 kg (90 lb))
which are universal sizes (designed for all
persons in the appropriate category).
[Insert illustration of Type I PFD]
Type II—A Type II PFD turns most wearers
to a vertical and slightly backward position
in the water. The turning action of a Type II
PFD is less noticeable than the turning action of a Type I PFD and the Type II PFD
will not turn as many persons under the
same conditions as the Type I. The Type II
PFD is usually more comfortable to wear
than the Type I. This type of PFD is designed to fit a wide range of people for easy
emergency use, and is available in the following sizes: Adult (over 40 kg (90 lb)), Medium Child (23–40 kg (50–90 lb)), and two categories of Small Child (less than 23 kg (50 lb)
or less than 14 kg (30 lb). Additionally, some
models are sized by chest sizes. You may prefer to use the Type II where there is a good
chance of fast rescue, such as areas where it
is common for other persons to be engaged in
boating, fishing and other water activities.
[Insert illustration of Type II PFD]
Type III—The Type III PFD allows the
wearer to tilt backwards in the water, and
the device will maintain the wearer in that
position and will not turn the wearer face
down. It is not designed to turn the wearer
face up. A Type III is generally more comfortable than a Type II, comes in a variety of
styles which should be matched to the individual use, and is often the best choice for
water sports, such as skiing, hunting, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. This type PFD
normally comes in many chest sizes and
weight ranges; however, some universal sizes
are available. You may also prefer to use the
Type III where there is a probability of quick
rescue such as areas where it is common for
other persons to be engaged in boating, fishing, and other water activities.
[Insert illustration of Type III PFD]
Hybrid Inflatable Type I, II, or III—A Type
I, II, or III Hybrid PFD is an inflatable device which is the most comfortable PFD to
wear and has a minimal amount of buoyancy
when deflated and significantly increased
buoyancy when inflated (See accompanying
table for actual buoyancy for your Type of
hybrid). When inflated it turns the wearer
with the action of a Type I, II, or III PFD as
indicated on its label. Boaters taking advantage of the extra comfort of hybrid inflatable
PFDs must take additional care in the use of

these devices. Boaters should test their hybrid PFDs in the water, under safe, controlled conditions to know how well the devices float them with limited buoyancy. Approximately 90 percent of boaters will float
while wearing a Type II or III hybrid inflatable PFD when it is not inflated. However,
hybrid inflatable PFDs are not recommended
for non-swimmers unless worn with enough
additional inflation to float the wearer. Almost all boaters will float while wearing a
Type I hybrid inflatable PFD that is not inflated. The PFD’s ‘performance type’ indicates whether it should be used only where
help is nearby, or if it also may be used
where help may be slow coming. Type I hybrids are suitable where rescue may be slow
coming, while Types II and III are good only
when there is a chance of fast rescue. Type I
hybrids are approved in three weight ranges,
adult, for persons weighing over 40 kg (90 lb);
youth, for persons weighing 23–40 kg (50–90
lb); and small child, for persons weighing 14–
23 kg (30–50 lb). Type II hybrid PFDs are approved in the same size ranges as Type I hybrids but may be available in a number of
chest sizes and in universal adult sizes. Type
III hybrids are only approved in adult and
youth sizes but may also be available in a
number of chest sizes and in universal adult
sizes.
[For a pamphlet provided with a Type I, II or
III hybrid PFD, insert illustration of the Type
Hybrid PFD being sold]
Type IV—A Type IV PFD is normally
thrown or tossed to a person who has fallen
overboard so that the person can grasp and
hold the device until rescued. Until May 15,
1995 (or May 1, 1996 at commercial liveries),
the Type IV is acceptable in place of a wearable device in certain instances. However,
this type is suitable only where there is a
good chance of quick rescue, such as areas
where it is common for other persons to be
nearby engaged in boating, fishing, and other
water activities. It is not recommended for
use by non-swimmers and children.
[Insert illustration of Type IV PFD]
Type V (General)—A Type V PFD is a PFD
approved for restricted uses or activities
such as boardsailing, or commercial white
water rafting. These PFDs are not suitable
for other boating activities. The label on the
PFD indicates the kinds of activities for
which the PFD may be used and whether
there are limitations on how it may be used.
Type V Hybrid—A Type V Hybrid PFD is an
inflatable device which can be the most comfortable and has very little buoyancy when it
is not inflated, and considerably more buoyancy when it is inflated. In order for the device to count toward carriage requirements
on recreational boats, it must be worn except when the boat is not underway or when
the user is below deck. When inflated it

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

turns the wearer similar to the action provided by a Type I, II, or III PFD (the type of
performance is indicated on the label). This
type of PFD is more comfortable because it
is less bulky when it is not inflated. Boaters
taking advantage of the extra comfort of hybrid inflatable PFDs must take additional
care in the use of these devices. Boaters
should test their hybrid PFDs in the water,
under safe, controlled conditions to know
how well the devices float them with limited
buoyancy. Approximately 70 percent of boaters will float while wearing a Type V hybrid
PFD when the device is not inflated. Therefore, it is not recommended for non-swimmers unless worn with enough additional inflation to float the wearer. The PFD’s ‘‘performance type’’ indicates whether it should
be used only where help is nearby, or if it
may also be used where help may be slow
coming. This type of PFD is approved in two
sizes, adult, for persons weighing over 40 kg
(90 lb); and youth, for persons weighing 23–40
kg (50–90 lb), and may be available in a number of chest sizes and in universal adult
sizes.
[For a pamphlet provided with a Type V hybrid
PFD, insert illustration of TYPE V Hybrid
PFD]

(3) Additional information, instructions, or illustrations may be included
within the specified text of the manuals required by this section if there is
no contradiction to the required information.
(c) Type I, II or III Hybrid PFD. For a
Type I, II and III hybrid PFD the manual contents must be as follows:
(1) The following text:

(3) A table with the applicable PFD
Type, size, and buoyancy values from
Table
160.077–15(b)(13)
or
160.077–
17(b)(11), as applicable; and
(4) The text in UL 1517, Section 39,
items D, E, and F.

(2) Instructions on use including instructions on donning, inflation, replenishing inflation mechanisms, and
recommended practice operation;
(3) Instructions on how to properly
inspect and maintain the PFD, and recommendations concerning frequency of
inspection;
(4) Instructions on how to get the
PFD repaired;
(5) The text in UL 1517, Section 40,
items B and D;
(6) The following text:

[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2489, Jan. 9,
1995]

§ 160.077–29 PFD Manuals.
(a) Approval. The text of each manual
required by this section is reviewed
with the application for approval.
Changes may be required if needed to
comply with this section.
(b) Required Manuals. An owner’s
manual must be provided with each
recreational and commercial hybrid
PFD sold or offered for sale as follows:
(1) The manual text for a recreational hybrid PFD must be printed
verbatim and in the sequence set out in
paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, as
applicable.
(2) The manual for a commercial hybrid PFD must meet the requirements
of paragraph (f) of this section except
that the manual for a commercial Type
I PFD which is also labeled for recreational use must meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.

HYBRID LIMITATIONS
This PFD has limited inherent buoyancy
which means YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE
THIS PFD TO FLOAT, and its inflatable portion requires maintenance. While these PFDs
are not required to be worn, if you have an
accident or fall overboard, you are much
more likely to survive if you are already
wearing a PFD.
There is only one way to find out if you
will float while wearing the PFD when it is
not inflated. That is to try this PFD in the
water as explained in [insert reference to the
section of the manual that discusses how to test
the PFD]. If you have not tested this device
in accordance with these guidelines, the
Coast Guard does not recommend its use.

WHY DO YOU NEED A PFD?
A PFD provides buoyancy to help keep
your head above water and to help you stay
face up. The average in-water-weight of an
adult is only about 5 to 10 pounds. The buoyancy provided by most PFDs will support
that weight in water. However, the hybrid
Type I, II, or III PFD may be an exception.
The uninflated buoyancy provided by this
PFD may only float 90 percent of the boating
public. This is because the inherent buoyancy has been reduced to make it more comfortable to wear. So, you may not float adequately without inflating the device. Once
the device is inflated you will have a minimum of 22 lb of buoyancy for adult sizes,
which should be more than enough to float
everyone. (See table above [below] for the actual minimum buoyancy for different Types
of hybrids.) Your body weight alone does not

210

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§ 160.077–30

determine your in-water-weight. Since there
is no simple method of determining your
weight in water, you should try the device in
the water in both its deflated and inflated
condition.

(7) The text in UL 1517, Section 40,
item G;
(8) The following text:
WEAR YOUR PFD
Your PFD won’t help you if you don’t have
it on. It is well-known that most boating accidents occur on calm water during a clear
sunny day. It is also true that in approximately 80 percent of all boating accident fatalities, the victim did not use a PFD. Don’t
wait until it’s too late. Non-swimmers and
children especially should wear their PFD at
all times when on or near the water. Hybrid
Type I, II, III or V PFDs are not recommended for non-swimmers unless inflated
enough to float the wearer.

(9) The text in UL 1517, Section 40,
items I, J, K, and L; and
(10) A table with the applicable PFD
Type, size, and buoyancy values from
Table
160.077–15(b)(13)
or
160.077–
17(b)(11), as applicable, or provide a reference to appropriate pamphlet table,
if the pamphlet is combined with the
manual.
(d) Type V Recreational Hybrid PFD.
For a Type V recreational hybrid PFD
the manual contents must be as follows:
(1) The text in UL 1517, Section 40,
item A;
(2) Instructions on use including instructions on donning, inflation, replenishing inflation mechanisms, and
recommended practice operation;
(3) Instructions on how to properly
inspect and maintain the PFD, and recommendations concerning frequency of
inspection;
(4) Instructions on how to get the
PFD repaired; and
(5) The text in UL 1517, section 40,
that is not included under paragraph
(d)(1) of this section.
(e) Commercial Hybrid PFD. (1) For a
commercial hybrid PFD that is ‘‘REQUIRED TO BE WORN’’ the manual
must meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) For a commercial hybrid PFD approved as a ‘‘Work Vest Only’’ or Type
I PFD the manual must meet the requirements of either paragraphs (e) (3)
and (4) or of paragraph (c) of this sec-

tion. The manual for a commercial
Type I hybrid PFD which is also labeled for use on recreational boats
must meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section.
(3) Each commercial hybrid PFD approved with special purpose limitation
must have a user’s manual that—
(i) Explains in detail the proper care,
maintenance, stowage, and use of the
PFD; and
(ii) Includes any other safety information as prescribed by the approval
certificate.
(4) If the manual required in paragraph (e)(3) of this section calls for inspection or service by vessel personnel,
the manual must—
(i) Specify personnel training or
qualifications needed;
(ii) Explain how to identify the PFDs
that need to be inspected; and
(iii) Provide a log in which inspections and servicing may be recorded.
(5) If a PFD light approved under subpart 161.012 is not provided at time of
sale, the manual must specify the recommended type of light to be used.
(6) Notwithstanding the requirements
of paragraph (b) of this section, manufacturers that make shipments to purchasers that do not redistribute the
PFDs, must provide at least one manual in each carton of PFDs shipped.
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2490, Jan. 9,
1995]

§ 160.077–30 Spare operating components and temporary marking.
(a) Spare operating components. Each
recreational and commercial hybrid
PFD must—
(1) If it has a manual or automatic
inflation mechanism and is packaged
and sold with one inflation medium
cartridge loaded into the inflation
mechanism, have at least two additional spare inflation cartridges packaged with it. If it is sold without an inflation medium cartridge loaded into
the inflation mechanism, it must be
packaged and sold with at least three
cartridges; and
(2) If it has an automatic inflation
mechanism and is packaged and sold
with one water sensitive element loaded into the inflation mechanism, have

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at least two additional spare water sensitive elements packaged with it. If it
is sold without a water sensitive element loaded into the inflation mechanism, it must be packaged and sold
with at least three water sensitive elements.
(b) Temporary marking. Each recreational and commercial hybrid PFD
which is sold—
(1) In a ready-to-use condition but
which has covers or restraints to inhibit tampering with the inflation
mechanism prior to sale, must have
any such covers or restraints conspicuously
marked
‘‘REMOVE
IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE.’’; or
(2) Without an inflation medium cartridge, a water sensitive element, or
both pre-loaded into the inflation
mechanism, must include the markings
required in § 160.077–15(c)(3)(ii).
[CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2491, Jan. 9, 1995]

WARNING—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
DEATH BY DROWNING
—YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD
TO FLOAT.
—TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH
SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU
WITHOUT INFLATION.
—CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE PFD AND
WEAR IT—FASTEN ALL CLOSURES AND
ADJUST FOR SNUG FIT.
—THIS PFD REQUIRES MAINTENANCE.
FOLLOW MANUFACTURER’S USE AND
CARE INSTRUCTIONS.
—REMOVE HEAVY OBJECTS FROM POCKETS IN AN EMERGENCY.
—[Unless impact tested at high speed as noted
on the approval certificate] DO NOT USE IN
HIGH-SPEED ACTIVITIES.
—DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE BOATING.

(d) Type I and Commercial Hybrid PFD.
Each Type I hybrid PFD intended for
recreational use and each commercial
hybrid PFD must be marked with the
following text using capital letters
where shown and be presented in the
exact order shown:

§ 160.077–31 PFD Marking.
(a) General. Each hybrid PFD must be
marked with the applicable information required by this section. Each
marking must be waterproof, clear,
permanent, and readable from a distance of three feet.
(b) Prominence. Each marking, other
than the text in paragraphs (c) and (d)
of this section, must be significantly
less prominent and in smaller print
than paragraph (c) and (d) text.
(c) Recreational Hybrid PFD. Each recreational hybrid PFD must be marked
with the following text using capital
letters where shown and be presented
in the exact order shown:
TYPE [II, III, or V, as applicable] PFD
[See paragraph (k) of this section for exact text
to be used here]
Recreational hybrid inflatable—Approved
for use only on recreational boats. [For Type
V only] REQUIRED TO BE WORN to meet
Coast Guard carriage requirements (except
for persons in enclosed spaces as explained in
owner’s manual).
[For Type V only] When inflated this PFD
provides performance equivalent to a [see
paragraph (h) of this section for exact test to be
used here].
A Pamphlet and Owner’s Manual must be
provided with this PFD.

TYPE [‘‘I’’, ‘‘V’’, or ‘‘V Work Vest Only’’,
as applicable] PFD
[See paragraph (k) of this section for exact text
to be used here]
Commercial hybrid inflatable—Approved
for use on [see paragraph (j) of this section for
exact text to be used here].
[For Type V only] When inflated this PFD
provides performance equivalent to a [see
paragraph (h) of this section for exact test to be
used here].
[For Type I devices intended for recreational
use] A Pamphlet and Owner’s Manual must
be provided with this PFD.
WARNING—TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
DEATH BY DROWNING
—YOU MAY HAVE TO INFLATE THIS PFD
TO FLOAT.
—TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER EACH
SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL FLOAT YOU
WITHOUT INFLATION.
—[For Type I devices intended for recreational
use] CHOOSE THE RIGHT SIZE PFD AND
WEAR IT.
—FASTEN ALL CLOSURES AND ADJUST
FOR SNUG FIT.
—THIS PFD MUST BE MAINTAINED,
STOWED, AND USED ONLY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE OWNER’S MANUAL.
—REMOVE HEAVY OBJECTS FROM POCKETS IN AN EMERGENCY.
—[Unless impact tested at high speed as noted
on the approval certificate For Type I devices
intended for recreational use] DO NOT USE
IN HIGH-SPEED ACTIVITIES.

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§ 160.151–3

—[For Type I devices intended for recreational
use] DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL WHILE
BOATING.

(e) All PFD’s. Each hybrid PFD must
also be marked with the following information below the text required by
paragraph (c) or (d) of this section:
(1) U.S. Coast Guard Approval Number (insert assigned approval number).
(2) Manufacturer’s or private labeler’s name and address.
(3) Lot Number.
(4) Date, or year and calendar quarter, of manufacture.
(5) Necessary vital care or use instructions, if any, such as the following:
(i) Warning against dry cleaning.
(ii) Size and type of inflation medium
cartridges required.
(iii) Specific donning instructions.
(f) Identification of User. Each hybrid
PFD must have adequate space within
which to mark the name or other identification of the intended user.
(g) Flotation material buoyancy loss.
When kapok flotation material is used,
the statement ‘‘—REPLACE PFD IF
PADS BECOME STIFF OR WATERLOGGED.’’ must follow the warning
‘‘—TRY THIS PFD IN THE WATER
EACH SEASON TO SEE IF IT WILL
FLOAT YOU WITHOUT INFLATION.’’
required by paragraph (c) or (d) of this
section.
(h) Type equivalence. The exact text
to be inserted for Type V hybrid PFDs
will be one of the following type
equivalents as noted on the Approval
Certificate.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Approved use. Unless the Commandant has authorized omitting the
display of approved use, the exact text
to be inserted will be one or more of
the following statements as noted on
the approval certificate:
(1) ‘‘all recreational boats and on
uninspected commercial vessels’’
(2) ‘‘all recreational boats and on
uninspected commercial vessels. REQUIRED TO BE WORN to meet Coast
Guard carriage requirements (except
for persons in enclosed spaces as explained in owner’s manual)’’
(3) ‘‘inspected commercial vessels as
a WORK VEST only.’’

(4) ‘‘[Insert exact text of special purpose
or limitation and vessel(s) or vessel
type(s), noted on approval certificate].’’
(k) Size Ranges. The exact text to be
inserted will be one of the following
statements as noted on the approval
certificate:
(1) ADULT—For persons weighing
more than 40 kg (90 lb).
(2) YOUTH—For persons weighing 23–
40 kg (50–90 lb).
(3) CHILD SMALL—For persons
weighing 14–23 kg (30–50 lb).
(4) ‘‘[Other text noted on approval certificate].’’
[CGD 78–174, 50 FR 33928, Aug. 22, 1985, as
amended by CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4351, Feb. 4,
1986; CGD 78–174, 60 FR 2491, Jan. 9, 1995; 60
FR 7131, Feb. 7, 1995]

Subpart 160.151—Inflatable
Liferafts (SOLAS)
SOURCE: CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9,
1997, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.151–1

Scope.

This subpart prescribes standards,
tests, and procedures for approval by
the Coast Guard of SOLAS A and
SOLAS B inflatable liferafts, and for
their periodic inspection and repair at
approved facilities (‘‘servicing’’). Certain provisions of this subpart also
apply to inflatable buoyant apparatus
as specified in § 160.010–3 and to inflatable liferafts for domestic service as
specified in subpart 160.051.
§ 160.151–3

Definitions.

In this subpart, the term:
Commandant means the Commandant
(G–MSE), United States Coast Guard,
2100 Second Street, SW., Washington,
DC 20593–0001.
Servicing means periodic inspection,
necessary repair, and repacking by a
servicing facility approved by the
Coast Guard. Requirements for periodic
inspection and repair of inflatable liferafts approved by the Coast Guard are
described
in
§§ 160.151–35
through
160.151–57.
SOLAS means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea,
1974, as amended by the International
Maritime Organization through the

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

1988 (GMDSS) amendments, dated 9 November 1988.
SOLAS A Liferaft means a liferaft
that meets the requirements of this
subpart for an inflatable liferaft complying with SOLAS and equipped with
a SOLAS A equipment pack.
SOLAS B Liferaft means a liferaft
that meets the requirements of this
subpart for an inflatable liferaft complying with SOLAS and equipped with
a SOLAS B equipment pack.
§ 160.151–5 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain material is incorporated
by reference into this subpart with the
approval of the Director of the Federal
Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C.
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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 make the
material available to the public. All
approved material is on file at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North
Capitol Street NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC, and at the U.S. Coast Guard,
Office of Design and Engineering
Standards (G–MSE), 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 subpart
and the sections affected are as follows:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)
1916 Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103
ASTM F1014—Standard Specification for
Flashlights on Vessels, 1986—160.151–21
MARITIME
ORGANIZATION
INTERNATIONAL
(IMO)
Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment,
London SE1 7SR, England
Resolution A.689(17)—Recommendation on
Testing of Life-saving Appliances, 27 November
1991,
including
amendments
through Resolution MSC.54(66), adopted 30
May 1996—160.151–21; 160.151–27; 160.151–31;
160.151–57
Resolution A.657(16)—Instructions for Action
in Survival Craft, 19 November 1989—
160.151–21
Resolution A.658(16)—Use and Fitting of
Retro-reflective Materials on Life-saving
Appliances, 20 November 1989—160.151–15;
160.151–57.
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND
TECHNOLOGY (FORMERLY NATIONAL BUREAU
OF STANDARDS)

c/o National Technical Information Service,
Springfield, VA 22161
NBS Special Publication 440 (Order No.
PB265225) Color: Universal Language and
Dictionary of Names, 1976—160.151–15
NAVAL FORMS AND PUBLICATIONS CENTER
Customer Service, Code 1052, 5801 Tabor Ave.,
Philadelphia, PA 19120
MIL–C–17415E—(Ships)—Cloth, Coated, and
Webbing, Inflatable Boat and Miscellaneous Use—160.151–15

§ 160.151–7 Construction of inflatable
liferafts.
Except as specified in this subpart,
each SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable
liferaft must meet the requirements of
Chapter III of SOLAS. To be approved
under this subpart, inflatable liferafts
must be constructed in accordance
with the following provisions of
SOLAS:
(a) Chapter III, Regulation 30, paragraph 2 (III/30.2), General requirements
for life-saving appliances.
(b) Chapter III, Regulation 38 (III/38)
General requirements for liferafts.
(c) Chapter III, Regulation 39 (III/39)
Inflatable liferafts.
(d) Chapter III, Regulation 51 (III/51)
Training manual.
(e) Chapter III, Regulation 52 (III/52)
Instructions for on-board maintenance.
§ 160.151–9

Independent laboratory.

Tests and inspections that this subpart requires to be conducted by an
independent laboratory must be conducted by an independent laboratory
accepted by the Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of part 159 of this chapter
to perform such tests and inspections.
A list of accepted laboratories is available from the Commandant.
§ 160.151–11

Approval procedure.

(a) A manufacturer seeking approval
of an inflatable liferaft must comply
with the procedures in part 159, subpart
159.005, of this chapter and in this section.
(b) A manufacturer seeking approval
of an inflatable liferaft must submit an
application meeting the requirements
of § 159.005–5 of this chapter for
preapproval review. To meet the requirements of § 159.005–5(a)(2) of this
chapter, the manufacturer shall submit—

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§ 160.151–13

(1) General-arrangement drawing including principal dimensions;
(2) Seating-arrangement plan;
(3) Plans for subassemblies;
(4) Plans for carriage and, in detail,
stowage of equipment;
(5) Plans for the inflation system;
(6) Plans for the outer container;
(7) Plans for any lifting shackle or
ring, including diameter in cross-section, used for connecting the suspension tackle of a davit-launched inflatable liferaft to the automatic disengaging device used for its hoisting and
lowering;
(8) Other drawing(s) necessary to
show that the inflatable liferaft complies with the requirements of this subpart;
(9) Description of methods of seam
and joint construction;
(10) Samples and identification of
each material used in the buoyancy
chambers, floor, and canopy, including
the identity of their manufacturers,
and segments of each type of seam
made from such materials; and
(11) Complete data pertinent to the
installation and use of the proposed inflatable liferaft, including the maximum proposed height of its installation above the water, and the maximum length of the sea painter installed
in the inflatable liferaft.
§ 160.151–13 Fabrication of prototype
inflatable liferafts for approval.
If the manufacturer is notified that
the information submitted in accordance with § 160.151–11 is satisfactory to
the Commandant, fabrication of a prototype inflatable liferaft must proceed
in the following sequence:
(a) The manufacturer shall arrange
for an independent laboratory to inspect the liferaft during its fabrication
and prepare an inspection report meeting the requirements of § 159.005–11 of
this chapter. The independent laboratory shall conduct at least one inspection during layup of the buoyancy
tubes of the liferaft, at least one inspection of the finished liferaft when
fully inflated, and as many other inspections as are necessary to determine
that the liferaft—
(1) Is constructed by the methods and
with the materials specified in the
plans;

(2) Passes the applicable inspections
and tests required by § 160.151–31; and
(3) Conforms with the manufacturer’s
plans.
(b) The manufacturer shall submit
the independent laboratory’s inspection report to the Commandant for review.
(c) If, after review of the inspection
report of the independent laboratory,
the Commandant notifies the manufacturer that the liferaft is in compliance
with the requirements of this subpart,
the manufacturer may proceed with
the approval tests required under
§§ 160.151–27 and 160.151–29.
(d) The manufacturer shall notify the
cognizant OCMI of where the approval
tests required under §§ 160.151–27 and
160.151–29 will take place and arrange
with the OCMI a testing schedule that
allows for a Coast Guard inspector to
travel to the site where the testing is
to be performed.
(e) The manufacturer shall admit the
Coast Guard inspector to any place
where work or testing is performed on
inflatable liferafts or their component
parts and materials for the purpose
of—
(1) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is
satisfactory;
(2) Witnessing tests; and
(3) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests.
(f) The manufacturer shall make
available to the Coast Guard inspector
the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in
the production of inflatable liferafts,
together with records identifying the
lot numbers of the liferafts in which
such materials were used.
(g) On conclusion of the approval
testing, the manufacturer shall comply
with the requirements of § 159.005–
9(a)(5) of this chapter by submitting
the following to the Commandant:
(1) The report of the prototype testing prepared by the manufacturer. The
report must include a signed statement
by the Coast Guard inspector who witnessed the testing, indicating that the
report accurately describes the testing
and its results.
(2) The final plans of the liferaft as
built. The plans must include—

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(i) The servicing manual described in
§ 160.151–37;
(ii) The instructions for training and
maintenance described in §§ 160.151–59
and 160.151–61, respectively;
(iii) The final version of the plans required under § 160.151–11(b), including—
(A) Each correction, change, or addition made during the construction and
approval testing of prototypes;
(B) Sufficient detail to determine
that each requirement of this subpart
is met;
(C) Fabrication details for the inflatable liferaft, including details of the
method of making seams and joints;
and
(D) Full details of the inflation system.
(3) A description of the quality-control procedures that will apply to the
production of the inflatable liferaft.
These must include—
(i) The system for checking material
certifications received from suppliers;
(ii) The method for controlling the
inventory of materials;
(iii) The method for checking quality
of seams and joints; and
(iv) The inspection checklists used
during various stages of fabrication to
assure that the approved liferaft complies with the approved plans and the
requirements of this subpart.
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997; 62 FR
35392, July 1, 1997]

§ 160.151–15 Design and performance
of inflatable liferafts.
To satisfy the requirements of the
regulations of SOLAS indicated in
§ 160.151–7, each inflatable liferaft must
meet the following requirements of
this section:
(a) Workmanship and materials (Regulation III/30.2.1). Each liferaft must be
constructed of the following types of
materials meeting MIL–C–17415E, or
materials accepted by the Commandant as equivalent or superior—
(1) Type 2, Class B, for the canopy;
(2) Type 8 for seam tape;
(3) Type 11 for the inflatable floor;
and
(4) Type 16, Class AA, for all other inflatable compartments and structural
components.
(b) Seams (Regulation III/30.2.1). Each
seam must be at least as strong as the

weakest of the materials joined by the
seam. Each seam must be covered with
tape where necessary to prevent lifting
of and damage to fabric edges.
(c) Protection from cold inflation-gas
(Regulation III/30.2.1). Each inflatable
compartment must be provided with a
protective liner or baffling arrangement at the inflation-gas inlet, or
other equally effective means to prevent damage from exposure to cold inflation-gas.
(d) Compatibility of dissimilar materials
(Regulation III/30.2.4). Where dissimilar
materials are combined in the construction of a liferaft, provisions must
be made to prevent loosening or tightening due to differences in thermal expansion, freezing, buckling, galvanic
corrosion, or other incompatibilities.
(e) Color (Regulation III/30.2.6). The
primary color of the exterior of the
canopy must be vivid reddish orange
(color number 34 of NBS Special Publication 440), or a fluorescent color of a
similar hue.
(f) Retroreflective material (Regulation
III/30.2.7). Each inflatable liferaft must
be marked with Type I retroreflective
material approved under part 164, subpart 164.018, of this chapter as complying with SOLAS. The arrangement of
the retroreflective material must comply with IMO Resolution A.658(16).
(g) Towing attachments (Regulation III/
38.1.4.) Each towing attachment must
be reinforced strongly enough to withstand the towing strain, and marked to
indicate its function.
(h) Weight (Regulation III/38.2.2). The
weight of the liferaft including its container and equipment may not exceed
185 kg (407.8 lb), unless the liferaft is
intended for launching into the water
directly from its stowed position using
an inclined or hand-tilted rack, or is
served by a launching appliance approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.163.
(i) Lifelines (Regulation III/38.3.1).
Each lifeline must be made of nylon tubular webbing with a minimum diameter of 14 mm (9/16-inch), rope with a
minimum diameter of 10 mm (3⁄8-inch),
or equivalent. Each lifeline-attachment patch must have a minimum
breaking strength of 1.5 kN (350 lb) pull
exerted perpendicular to the base of
the patch. Each bight of an exterior

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§ 160.151–17

lifeline must be long enough to allow
the lifeline to reach to the waterline of
the liferaft when it is afloat.
(j) Painter length (Regulation III/
38.3.2). The length of the liferaft painter shall be not less than 10 meters (33
feet) plus the liferaft’s maximum stowage height, or 15 meters (49 feet),
whichever is greater.
(k) Painter system (Regulation III/
38.6.1). The painter protruding from the
liferaft container must be inherently
resistant, or treated to be resistant, to
deterioration from sunlight and salt
spray, and resistant to absorption and
wicking of water.
(l) Inflation cylinders (Regulation III/
39.2.3). Each compressed-gas inflation
cylinder within the liferaft must meet
the requirements of § 147.60 of this
chapter, and be installed so that—
(1) Slings and reinforcements of sufficient strength retain the inflation cylinders in place when the liferaft is
dropped into the water from its stowage height and during inflation; and
(2) The painter and the inflation cylinders of the liferaft are linked to start
inflation when the painter is pulled by
one person exerting a force not exceeding 150 N (34 lb).
(m) Boarding ladders (Regulation III/
39.4.2). The steps of each boarding ladder must provide a suitable foothold.
(n) Canopy lamps (Regulation III/
39.6.2). The exterior liferaft canopy
lamp must be approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.101.
(o) Containers (Regulation III/39.7.1).
Each container for packing liferafts—
(1) Must include a telltale made with
a seal-and-wire, or equivalent, method
for indicating whether the liferaft has
been tampered with or used since packing;
(2) Must be designed so that the liferaft breaks free of the container when
inflation is initiated, without the need
to manually open or remove any closing arrangement;
(3) Must have an interior surface
smooth and free from splinters, barbs,
or rough projections;
(4) Must be of rigid construction
where the liferaft is intended for floatfree launching or for exposed stowage
on deck;
(5) If rigid, must be designed to facilitate securing the inflatable liferaft to

a vessel to permit quick release for
manual launching;
(6) If constructed of fibrous-glass-reinforced plastic, must be provided with
a means to prevent abrasion of the liferaft fabric, such as by using a gel-coated interior finish of the container, enclosing the liferaft in an envelope of
plastic film, or equivalent means; and
(7) Except as provided in paragraph
(o)(4) of this section, may be of fabric
construction. Each container of fabric
construction must be made of coated
cloth, include carrying handles and
drain holes, and be adaptable to stowage and expeditious removal from lockers and deck-mounted enclosures adjacent to liferaft-launching stations. The
weight of a liferaft in a fabric container including its container and
equipment may not exceed 100 kg (220
lb).
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.151–17 Additional requirements
for design and performance of
SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable
liferafts.
To satisfy the requirements of the indicated regulations of SOLAS, each
SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferaft must be manufactured in accordance with §§ 160.151–7 and 160.151–15, and
must comply with the following additional requirements:
(a) Stability (Regulation III/39.5.1). (1)
Each liferaft with a capacity of more
than 8 persons must have a waterplane
of circular or elliptical shape. A hexagonal, octagonal, or similar outline
approximating a circular or elliptical
shape is acceptable.
(2) Each liferaft manufactured under
this subpart must have water-containing stability appendages on its underside to resist capsizing from wind and
waves. These appendages must meet
the following requirements:
(i) The total volume of the appendages must not be less than 220 liters
(7.77 ft3) for liferafts approved to accommodate up to 10 persons. The volume of an appendage is calculated
using the bottom of the lowest opening
in an appendage as the height of the

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§ 160.151–21

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

appendage, and by deducting the volume of any objects inside the appendage. No opening designed to close as
water is forced out of an appendage is
an opening for the purpose of this calculation.
(ii) The total volume of the appendages for liferafts approved to accommodate more than 10 persons must be not
less than 20 × N liters (0.706 × N ft3),
where N = the number of persons for
which the liferaft is approved.
(iii) The appendages must be securely
attached and evenly distributed around
the periphery of the exterior bottom of
the liferaft. They may be omitted at
the locations of inflation cylinders.
(iv) The appendages must consist of
at least two separate parts so that
damage to one part will permit at least
half of the required total volume to remain intact.
(v) Openings in or between the appendages must be provided to limit the
formation of air pockets under the inflatable liferaft.
(vi) The appendages must be designed
to deploy underwater when the liferaft
inflates, and to fill to at least 60 percent of their capacity within 25 seconds
of deployment. If weights are used for
this purpose, they must be of corrosion-resistant material.
(vii) The primary color of the appendages must be vivid reddish orange
(color number 34 of NBS Special Publication 440), or a fluorescent color of a
similar hue.
(b) Boarding ramp (Regulation III/
39.4.1). The boarding ramp must have
sufficient size and buoyancy to support
one person weighing 100 kg (220 lb), sitting or kneeling and not holding onto
any other part of the liferaft.
(c) Marking (Regulation III/39.8).
Means must be provided for identifying
the liferaft with the name and port of
registry of the ship to which it is to be
fitted, so that the identification can be
changed without opening the liferaft
container.
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.151–21 Equipment required for
SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable
liferafts.
To obtain Coast Guard approval, the
equipment in each SOLAS A and
SOLAS B inflatable liferaft must meet
the following specific requirements
when complying with the indicated
regulations of SOLAS:
(a) Heaving line (Regulation III/
38.5.1.1). The buoyant heaving line described by Regulation III/38.5.1.1 must
have a breaking strength of not less
than 1.1 kN (250 lb), and must be attached to the inflatable liferaft near
the entrance furthest from the painter
attachment.
(b) Jackknife (Regulation III/38.5.1.2).
Each folding knife carried as permitted
by Regulation III/38.5.1.2 must be a
jackknife approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.043.
(c) Bailer (Regulation III/38.5.1.3). Each
bailer described by Regulation III/
38.5.1.3 must have a volume of at least
2 L (125 in3).
(d) Sponge (Regulation III/38.5.1.4).
Each sponge described by Regulation
III/38.5.1.4 must have a volume of at
least 750 cm3 (48 in3) when saturated
with water.
(e) Sea anchors (Regulation III/38.5.1.5).
Sea anchors without the swivels described by Regulation III/38.5.1.5 may
be used if, during the towing test, a sea
anchor of their design does not rotate
when streamed. The sea anchors need
not have the tripping lines described by
Regulation III/38.5.1.5 if, during the
towing test, a sea anchor of their design can be hauled in by one person.
(f) Paddles (Regulation III/38.5.1.6).The
paddles must be at least 1.2 m (4 ft)
long and must be of the same size and
type as used to pass the maneuverability test in paragraph 1/5.10 of IMO Resolution A.689(17).
(g) Tin-opener (Regulation III/38.5.1.7).
Each sharp part of a tin-opener described by Regulation III/38.5.1.7 must
have a guard.
(h) First-aid kit (Regulation III/
38.5.1.8). Each first-aid kit described by
Regulation III/38.5.1.8 must be approved
by the Commandant under approval series 160.054.

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§ 160.151–21

(i) Whistle (Regulation III/38.5.1.9). The
whistle described by Regulation III/
38.5.1.9 must be a ball-type or multitone whistle of corrosion-resistant construction.
(j) Rocket parachute flare (Regulation
III/38.5.1.10). Each rocket parachute
flare described by Regulation III/
38.5.1.10 must be approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.136.
(k)
Hand
flare
(Regulation
III/
38.5.1.11). Each hand flare described by
Regulation III/38.5.1.11 must be approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.121.
(l) Buoyant smoke signal (Regulation
III/38.5.1.12). Each buoyant smoke signal described by Regulation III/38.5.1.12
must be of the floating type approved
by the Commandant under approval series 160.122.
(m) Electric torch (Regulation III/
38.5.1.13). The waterproof electric torch
described by Regulation III/38.5.1.13
must be a Type I or Type III flashlight
constructed and marked in accordance
with ASTM F1014. Three-cell-size flashlights bearing Coast Guard approval
numbers in the 161.008 series may continue to be used as long as they are
serviceable.
(n) Radar reflector (Regulation III/
38.5.1.14). The radar reflector may be
omitted if the outside of the container
of the inflatable liferaft includes a notice near the ‘‘SOLAS A’’ or ‘‘SOLAS
B’’ marking indicating that no radar
reflector is included.
(o) Signalling mirror (Regulation III/
38.5.1.15). Each signalling mirror described by Regulation III/38.5.1.15 must
be approved by the Commandant under
approval series 160.020.
(p) Lifesaving signals (Regulation III/
38.5.1.16). If not provided on a waterproof card or sealed in a transparent
waterproof container as described in
Regulation III/38.5.1.16, the table of
lifesaving signals may be provided as
part of the instruction manual.
(q) Fishing tackle (Regulation III/
38.5.1.17). The fishing tackle must be in
a kit approved by the Commandant
under approval series 160.061.
(r) Food rations (Regulation III/
38.5.1.18.) The food rations must be approved by the Commandant under approval series 160.046.

(s) Drinking water (Regulation III/
38.5.1.19). The fresh water required by
Regulation III/38.5.1.19 must be ‘‘emergency drinking water’’ approved by the
Commandant under approval series
160.026. The desalting apparatus described in Regulation III/38.5.1.19 must
be approved by the Commandant under
approval series 160.058. 1.0 liter/person
of the required water may be replaced
by an approved manually powered reverse osmosis desalinator capable of
producing an equal amount of water in
two days.
(t) Drinking cup (Regulation III/
38.5.1.20). The drinking cup described in
Regulation III/38.5.1.20 must be graduated in ounces or milliliters or both.
(u) Anti-seasickness medicine (Regulation III/38.5.1.21). The anti-seasickness
medicine required by Regulation III/
38.5.1.21 must include instructions for
use and be marked with an expiration
date.
(v) Survival instructions (Regulation
III/38.5.1.22). The instructions required
by Regulation III/38.5.1.22 on how to
survive in a liferaft must—
(1) Be waterproof;
(2) Whatever other language or languages they may be in, be in English;
(3) Meet the guidelines in IMO Resolution A.657(16); and
(4) Be suspended in a clear film envelope from one of the arch tubes of the
canopy.
(w) Instructions for immediate action
(Regulation III/38.5.1.23). The instructions for immediate action must—
(1) Be waterproof;
(2) Whatever other language or languages they may be in, be in English;
(3) Meet the guidelines in IMO Resolution A.657(16);
(4) Explain both the noise accompanying the operation of any provided
pressure-relief valves, and the need to
render them inoperable after they complete venting; and
(5) Be suspended from the inside canopy, so they are immediately visible by
survivors on entering the inflatable
liferaft. They may be contained in the
same envelope with the instructions on
how to survive if the instructions for
immediate action are visible through
both faces of the envelope.
(x) Thermal protective aid (Regulation
III/38.5.1.24).

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Each thermal protective aid described by Regulation III/38.5.1.24 must
be approved by the Commandant under
approval series 160.174.
(y) Repair outfit (Regulation III/
39.10.1.1). The repair outfit required by
Regulation III/39.10.1.1 must include—
(1) Six or more sealing clamps or serrated conical plugs, or a combination
of the two;
(2) Five or more tube patches at least
50 mm (2 in) in diameter;
(3) A roughing tool, if necessary to
apply the patches; and
(4) If the patches are not self-adhesive, a container of cement compatible
with the liferaft fabric and the patches,
marked with instructions for use and
an expiration date.
(z) Pump or bellows (Regulation III/
39.10.1.2). The pump or bellows required
by Regulation III/39.10.1.2 must be
manually operable and arranged to be
capable of inflating any part of the inflatable structure of the liferaft.
(aa) Plugs for pressure-relief valves.
Plugs for rendering pressure-relief
valves inoperable must be provided in
any liferaft fitted with such valves, unless the valves are of a type that can be
rendered inoperable without separate
plugs. If provided, plugs for pressurerelief valves must be usable with hands
gloved in an immersion suit, and must
either float or be secured to the liferaft
by a lanyard.
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.151–25 Additional equipment for
inflatable liferafts.
The manufacturer may specify additional equipment to be carried in inflatable liferafts if the equipment is
identified in the manufacturer’s approved drawings and if the packing and
inspection of the equipment is covered
in the servicing manual. Any such additional equipment for which performance or approval standards are prescribed in this part or in 47 CFR part 80
must comply with those standards.
§ 160.151–27 Approval inspections and
tests for inflatable liferafts.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph
(b) of this section, to satisfy the testing requirements of: IMO Resolution

A.689(17), part 1, paragraphs 5.1 through
5.15 inclusive; paragraph 5.16 for a
davit-launched inflatable liferaft; and
paragraph 5.17, a prototype inflatable
liferaft of each design submitted for
Coast Guard approval must meet the
additional specific requirements and
tests specified in paragraphs (c) and (d)
of this section.
(b) The Commandant may waive certain tests for a liferaft identical in construction to a liferaft that has successfully completed the tests, if the liferafts differ only in size and are of essentially the same design.
(c) Tests must be conducted in accordance with the indicated paragraphs
of IMO Resolution A.689(17), except:
(1) Jump test (Paragraph 1/5.2). Onehalf of the jumps must be with the canopy erect, and the remainder with the
canopy furled or deflated. If a ‘‘suitable
and equivalent mass’’ is used, it must
be equipped with the shoes described in
paragraph
1/5.2.1
of
Resolution
A.689(17), and arranged so the shoes
strike the liferaft first.
(2) Mooring-out test (Paragraph 1/5.5).
Initial inflation may be with compressed air.
(3) Loading and seating test (Paragraph
1/5.7). For a liferaft not intended for
use with a launching or embarkation
appliance, the persons used to determine seating capacity shall wear insulated buoyant immersion suits rather
than lifejackets.
(4) Boarding test (Paragraph 1/5.8).
This test must be performed using each
boarding ramp or boarding ladder
which is installed on the liferaft.
(5) Canopy-closure test (Paragraph 1/
5.12). This test is required only for
SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts. For a davit-launched liferaft, any
opening near the lifting eye should be
sealed during the test to prevent the
ingress of water. The water accumulated within the liferaft at the end of
the test must not exceed 4 liters (1 gallon).
(6) Detailed inspection (Paragraph 1/
5.14). The independent laboratory’s inspection of the prototype liferaft under
§ 160.151–13(a) satisfies the requirements
of paragraph 1/5.14.
(7) Davit-launched liferafts—strength
test (Paragraph 1/5.16.1). The calculation
of combined strength of the lifting

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§ 160.151–31

components must be based on the lesser of—
(i) The lowest breaking strength obtained for each item; or
(ii) The component manufacturer’s
ultimate strength rating.
(d) The boarding ramp on each liferaft equipped with one must be demonstrated capable of supporting one
person weighing 100 kg (220 lb), sitting
or kneeling and not holding onto any
other part of the liferaft.
§ 160.151–29 Additional approval tests
for SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts.
To verify compliance with the requirements of Regulation III/39.5.1, the
following test must be conducted for
SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable liferafts in addition to those required by
§ 160.151–27
and
IMO
Resolution
A.689(17):
(a) Test of filling time for stability appendages. A representative sample of
each type and size of stability appendage to be fitted to a liferaft must be
tested as follows:
(1) The appendage must be attached
to a testing jig similar in material and
construction to the appendage’s intended location on a liferaft. The
method of attachment must be the
same as used on a liferaft. The appendage and jig must be attached to a scale
capable of recording peak readings, and
suspended over a pool of calm water.
The dry weight must be recorded.
(2) The appendage and jig must then
be quickly lowered into the water until
the appendage is completely submerged. When the appendage has been
in the water for 25 seconds, it must be
smoothly lifted completely out of the
water, and the peak weight after the
appendage is removed from the water
recorded.
(3) The difference in weights measured according to paragraphs (a) (1)
and (2) of this section must be at least
60 percent of the appendage’s volume,
calculated in accordance with § 160.151–
17(a)(2)(i).
(b) [Reserved]
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.151–31 Production
inspections
and tests of inflatable liferafts.
(a) Production inspections and tests
of inflatable liferafts must be carried
out in accordance with the procedures
for independent laboratory inspection
in part 159, subpart 159.007, of this
chapter and with those of this section.
(b) Each liferaft approved by the
Coast Guard must be identified with
unique lot and serial numbers as follows:
(1) Each lot must consist of not more
than 50 liferafts of the same design and
carrying capacity.
(2) A new lot must begin whenever
the liferafts undergo changes of design,
material, production method, or source
of supply for any essential component.
(3) The manufacturer may use a running-lot system, whereby the fabrication of the individual liferafts of a lot
occurs over an extended interval under
an irregular schedule. Each running lot
must comprise not more than 10 liferafts of the same design and carrying
capacity. Each running-lot system
must be in accordance with a procedure
proposed by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant.
(4) Unless a lot is a running lot, each
lot must consist of liferafts produced
under a process of continuous production.
(c) Among the records required to be
retained by the manufacturer under
§ 159.007–13 of this chapter, are affidavits or invoices from the suppliers
identifying all essential materials used
in the production of approved liferafts,
together with the lot numbers of the
liferafts constructed with those materials.
(d) Each approved liferaft must pass
each of the inspections and tests described in IMO Resolution A.689(17),
part 2, paragraphs 5.1.3 through 5.1.6 inclusive, and prescribed by paragraphs
(e) through (g) of this section. For a
davit-launched liferaft, these tests
must be preceded by the test described
in IMO Resolution A.689(17), part 2,
paragraph 5.2.
(e) The test described in IMO Resolution A.689(17), Paragraph 2/5.1.5, must
be conducted under the following conditions:
(1) The test must last 1 hour, with a
maximum allowable pressure drop of 5

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

percent after compensation for changes
in ambient temperature and barometric pressure.
(2) For each degree Celsius of rise in
temperature, 0.385 kPa must be subtracted from the final pressure reading
(0.031 psig per degree Fahrenheit). For
each degree Celsius of drop in temperature, 0.385 kPa must be added to the
final pressure reading (again, 0.031 psig
per degree Fahrenheit).
(3) For each mm of mercury of rise in
barometric pressure, 0.133 kPa must be
added to the final temperature-corrected pressure reading (0.049 psig per
0.1 inch of mercury). For each mm of
mercury of drop in barometric pressure, 0.133 kPa must be subtracted
from the final temperature-corrected
pressure reading (again, 0.049 psig per
0.1 inch of mercury). Corrections for
changes in ambient barometric pressure are necessary only if a measuring
instrument open to the atmosphere,
such as a manometer, is used.
(f) One liferaft from each lot of fewer
than 30 liferafts, and two from each lot
of 30 to 50 liferafts, must pass the test
described in IMO Resolution A.689(17),
part 2, paragraphs 5.1.1 and 5.1.2. If any
liferaft fails this test—
(1) The reason for the failure must be
determined;
(2) Each liferaft in the lot must be
examined for the defect and repaired if
reparable, or scrapped if irreparable;
and
(3) The lot test must be repeated, including random selection of the liferaft
or liferafts to be tested. If any liferafts
from the lot have left the place of manufacture, they must be recalled for examination, repair, and testing as necessary; or else the required actions
must take place at an approved servicing facility.
(g) The manufacturer shall arrange
for inspections by an accepted independent laboratory at least once in
each calendar quarter in which production of liferafts approved by the Coast
Guard takes place. The time and date
of each inspection must be selected by
the independent laboratory, to occur
when completed liferafts are in the
manufacturing facility and others are
under construction. The manufacturer
shall ensure that the inspector from
the independent laboratory—

(1) Conducts the inspection and witnesses the tests required by paragraph
(f) of this section, and further conducts
a visual inspection to verify that the
liferafts are being made in accordance
with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart;
(2) Examines the records of production inspections and tests for liferafts
produced since the last inspection by
an independent laboratory to verify
that each required inspection and test
has been carried out satisfactorily;
(3) Conducts a design audit on at
least one liferaft approved by the Coast
Guard each year. If possible, different
models of liferafts must be examined in
the design audit from year to year. To
retain Coast Guard approval, the manufacturer shall demonstrate to the inspector during each design audit that—
(i) Each part used in the liferaft
matches the part called for by the approved plans;
(ii) Each part and subassembly are of
the materials and components indicated on the approved plans or their
bills of materials; and
(iii) Each critical dimension is correct as shown either by measurement
or by proper fit and function in the
next-higher assembly.
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.151–33 Marking and labeling.
(a) Whatever other languages they
may be in, markings required on each
inflatable liferaft and its container
must be in English.
(b) The markings required on the liferaft container under Regulation III/
39.7.3 of SOLAS must be on a plate or
label sufficiently durable to withstand
continuous exposure to environmental
conditions at sea for the life of the liferaft. In addition, the container must be
marked with the—
(1) Manufacturer’s model identification; and
(2) U.S. Coast Guard approval number.
(c) In addition to the markings required on the inflatable liferaft under
Regulation III/39.8 of SOLAS, the liferaft must be marked with the—
(1) Manufacturer’s model identification;

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§ 160.151–37

(2) Lot number; and
(3) U.S. Coast Guard approval number.
§ 160.151–35 Servicing.
(a) Inspection and repair. Inflatable
liferafts carried under the regulations
in this chapter, and in chapter I of title
33 CFR, must be inspected periodically
by a servicing facility approved by the
Coast Guard, repaired as necessary,
and repacked. Requirements for periodic inspection and repair of liferafts
approved by the Coast Guard appear in
§§ 160.151–37 through 160.151–57.
(b) Manufacturer’s requirements. To retain Coast Guard approval of liferafts,
the manufacturer must:
(1) Prepare a servicing manual or
manuals complying with § 160.151–37 to
cover each model and size of liferaft
that the manufacturer produces. The
manual or manuals must be submitted
to the Commandant for approval.
(2) At least once each year, issue a
list of revisions to the manual or
manuals, and issue a list of bulletins
affecting the manual or manuals, that
are in effect.
(3) Make available to each servicing
facility approved by the Coast Guard
the manual or manuals, the revisions,
the bulletins, the plans, and any
unique parts and tools that may be
necessary to service the liferaft. The
plans may be either the manufacturing
drawings, or special plans prepared especially for use by servicing technicians. They may be incorporated into
the manual or manuals.
(4) Have a training program complying with § 160.151–39 for the certification of servicing technicians.
(5) Notify the OCMI for the zone in
which the servicing facility is located
whenever the manufacturer becomes
aware of servicing at approved facilities that is not in accordance with the
requirements of this subpart, or aware
of falsification by an approved facility
of records required by this subpart.
(c) A manufacturer of liferafts not
approved by the Coast Guard may establish servicing facilities approved by
the Coast Guard for such liferafts in
the United States if the manufacturer
meets the requirements of paragraph
(b) of this section.

§ 160.151–37

Servicing manual.

(a) The servicing manual must provide instructions on performing the following tasks:
(1) Removing the inflatable liferaft
from the container for testing without
damaging the liferaft or its contents.
(2) Examining the liferaft and its
container for damage and wear including deteriorated structural joints and
seams.
(3) Determining the need for repairs.
(4) Performing each repair which can
be made by a servicing facility.
(5) Identifying repairs that the manufacturer must perform.
(6) Determining when liferaft equipment must be replaced.
(7) Conducting tests required by
§ 160.151–57.
(8) Repacking the liferaft.
(9) Changing the maximum height of
stowage of the liferaft by changing the
length of the painter.
(10) Special equipment limitations or
packing instructions, if any, necessary
to qualify the liferaft for a particular
height of stowage.
(11) Changing the service of the liferaft by changing the contents of the
equipment pack.
(12) Proper marking of the liferaft
container, including approval number,
persons’ capacity, maximum height of
stowage, service (equipment pack), and
expiration date of servicing.
(13) A list of parts for—
(i) Survival equipment;
(ii) Compressed-gas cylinders;
(iii) Inflation valves;
(iv) Relief valves; and
(v) Repair equipment.
(14) The necessary pressures for each
size of approved liferaft for conducting
the ‘‘Necessary Additional Pressure’’
test required by § 160.151–57(k).
(b) Each revision to a servicing manual, and each bulletin, that authorizes
the modification of a liferaft, or that
affects the compliance of a liferaft
with any requirement under this subpart, must be submitted to and approved by the Commandant. Other revisions and bulletins need not be approved, but a copy of each must be submitted to the Commandant when
issued.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(c) Each manual provided under this
section must bear the original signature of a representative of the manufacturer attesting that it is a true copy
of the manual approved by the Commandant.
§ 160.151–39 Training of servicing technicians.
(a) The training program for certification of servicing technicians must
include—
(1) Training and practice in packing
an inflatable liferaft, repairing buoyancy tubes, repairing inflation-system
valves, and other inspections and operations described in the approved servicing manual;
(2) An evaluation at the end of the
training to determine whether each
trainee has successfully completed the
training; and
(3) Issuance of a certificate of competence to each technician who successfully completes the training.
(b) The manufacturer shall maintain
refresher training for recertification of
previously trained servicing technicians. This training must include—
(1) Checking the performance of the
technicians in the inspections and operations described in the manual;
(2) Retraining of the technicians in
inspections and operations for which
they are deficient;
(3) Training and practice in new inspections and operations;
(4) An evaluation at the end of the
training to determine whether or not
each trainee has successfully completed the training; and
(5) Issuance of a certificate of competence to each technician who successfully completes the training.
(c) Each time the manufacturer holds
a course for servicing technicians who
will perform servicing on liferafts approved by the Coast Guard, the manufacturer shall notify the cognizant
OCMI sufficiently in advance to allow,
at the option of the OCMI, for a Coast
Guard inspector or inspectors to travel
to the site where the training is to
occur.
§ 160.151–41 Approval of servicing facilities.
(a) To obtain and maintain Coast
Guard approval as an ‘‘approved servic-

ing facility’’ for a particular manufacturer’s inflatable liferafts, a facility
must meet the requirements, and follow the procedures, of this section.
(b) The owner or operator of a servicing facility desiring Coast Guard approval shall apply to the cognizant
OCMI. The application must include—
(1) The name and address of the facility;
(2) The name(s) of its competent servicing technician(s);
(3) Identification of the manufacturer(s) of the liferafts the facility will
service; and
(4) Any limits or special conditions
that should apply to the approval of
the facility.
(c) The owner or operator of the servicing facility shall arrange for an inspection with the OCMI to whom the
owner or operator applied under paragraph (b) of this section. A currently
trained servicing technician shall successfully demonstrate the complete
service to each make and type of liferaft for which approval as a servicing
facility is sought, in the presence of a
Coast Guard inspector or of a thirdparty inspector accepted by the OCMI,
or such technician shall present evidence of having performed such service
at the time of initial or refresher training. The service must include:
(1) Removing the liferaft from the
container for testing without damaging
the liferaft or its contents;
(2) Examining the liferaft and its
container for damage and wear;
(3) Determining the need for repairs;
(4) Determining whether equipment
must be replaced;
(5) Conducting the tests required by
§ 160.151–57;
(6) Repacking the liferaft;
(7) Inflating the fully packed liferaft
using its inflation mechanism; and
(8) Repairing a leak in a main buoyancy chamber, and subjecting the repaired chamber to the Necessary Additional Pressure test described in
§ 160.151–57(k). This repair may be done
on a liferaft that actually needs it, on
one condemned, or on an inflatable
chamber fabricated of liferaft material
specifically for this purpose. (An otherwise serviceable liferaft should not be
damaged for this purpose.)

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§ 160.151–45

(d) Whenever servicing of liferafts
takes place, each servicing facility
must allow Coast Guard inspectors or
third-party inspectors accepted by the
OCMI access to the place where the
servicing occurs.
(e) Each servicing facility must employ at least one servicing technician
who has successfully completed the
manufacturer’s training described in
§ 160.151–39 (a) or (b), including training
in the servicing of davit-launched liferafts if the facility will service these.
The training must have been completed
within the preceding—
(1) 12 months for the facility to obtain its approval to service the liferafts
of a particular manufacturer; or
(2) 36 months for the facility to retain approval to service the liferafts of
a particular manufacturer.
§ 160.151–43 Conditions at servicing facilities.
(a) Each facility must maintain a
room to service inflatable liferafts
that—
(1) Is clean;
(2) Is fully enclosed;
(3) Has enough space to service the
number of liferafts likely to be present
for service at one time;
(4) Has a ceiling high enough to hold
and allow overturning of a fully inflated liferaft of the largest size to be
serviced, or is furnished with an equally efficient means to facilitate the inspection of bottom seams;
(5) Has a smooth floor that will not
damage a liferaft, can be easily
cleaned, and is kept clean and free
from oil, grease, and abrasive material;
(6) Is well lit but free from direct
sunlight;
(7) Is arranged to maintain an even
temperature and low humidity in each
area where liferafts are pressure tested,
including by mechanical air-conditioning equipment in climates where it
is necessary;
(8) Is arranged so that stored liferafts
are not subjected to excessive loads
and, if stacked one directly on top of
another, does not have them stacked
more than two liferafts high;
(9) Is efficiently ventilated but free of
drafts; and
(10) Is a designated no-smoking area.

(b) In addition to the room required
by paragraph (a) of this section, each
facility must maintain areas or rooms
for storage of liferafts awaiting servicing, repair, or delivery; for repair and
painting of reinforced plastic containers; for storage of pyrotechnics and
other materials, such as spare parts
and required equipment; and for administrative purposes.
§ 160.151–45 Equipment
servicing facilities.

required

for

Each servicing facility approved by
the Coast Guard must maintain equipment to carry out the operations described in the manufacturer’s servicing
manual approved in accordance with
§ 160.151–35(b)(1), including—
(a) A set of plans, as specified in
§ 160.151–35(b)(3), for each inflatable
liferaft to be serviced;
(b) A current copy of this subpart;
(c) A current copy of the manual approved in accordance with § 160.151–
35(b)(1), including all revisions and bulletins in effect as indicated on the annual list issued in accordance with
§ 160.151–35(b)(2);
(d) Hot presses (if applicable);
(e) Safety-type glue pots or equivalents;
(f) Abrasive devices;
(g) A source of clean, dry, pressurized
air; hoses; and attachments for inflating liferafts;
(h) A source of vacuum; hoses; and
attachments for deflating liferafts;
(i) Mercury manometer, water manometer, or other pressure-measurement device or pressure gauge of equivalent accuracy and sensitivity;
(j) Thermometer;
(k) Barometer, aneroid or mercury;
(l) Calibrated torque-wrench for assembling the inflation system;
(m) Accurate weighing scale;
(n) Repair materials and equipment,
and spare parts as specified in the applicable manual, except that items of
limited ‘‘shelf life’’ need not be stocked
if they are readily available;
(o) A complete stock of the survival
equipment required to be stowed in the
liferafts, except for items of equipment
that are readily available;
(p) A means for load-testing davitlaunched liferafts, unless the facility

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

services only non-davit-launched liferafts;
(q) A supply of parts for all inflation
components and valves specified in the
applicable manual; and
(r) A tool board that clearly indicates
where each small tool is stored, or has
an equivalent means to make sure that
no tools are left in the liferaft when repacked.
§ 160.151–47 Requirements for owners
or operators of servicing facilities.
To maintain Coast Guard approval,
the owner or operator of each servicing
facility approved by the Coast Guard
must—
(a) Ensure that servicing technicians
have received sufficient information
and training to follow instructions for
changes and for new techniques related
to the inflatable liferafts serviced by
the facility, and have available at least
one copy of each manufacturer’s approved servicing manual, revision, and
bulletin;
(b) Calibrate each pressure gauge,
mechanically-operated barometer, and
weighing scale at intervals of not more
than 1 year, or in accordance with the
equipment
manufacturer’s
requirements;
(c) Ensure that each liferaft serviced
under the facility’s Coast Guard approval is serviced by or under the direct supervision of a servicing technician who has completed the requirements of either § 160.151–39 (a) or (b);
(d) Ensure that each liferaft serviced
under the facility’s Coast Guard approval is serviced in accordance with
the approved manual;
(e) Specify which makes of liferafts
the facility is approved to service when
representing that the facility is approved by the Coast Guard; and
(f) Ensure that the facility does not
service any make of liferaft for an inspected vessel of the U.S. or any other
U.S.-flag vessel required to carry approved liferafts, unless the facility is
approved by the Coast Guard to service
that make of liferafts.
§ 160.151–49 Approval of servicing facilities at remote sites.
A servicing facility may be approved
for servicing liferafts at a remote site,
provided that appropriate arrange-

ments have been made to ensure that
each such site meets the requirements
of §§ 160.151–41(e), 160.151–43, and 160.151–
45. The facility must have a portable
assortment of test equipment, spare
parts, and replacement survival equipment to accompany the technician
doing the servicing. However, if repair
of liferafts will not be attempted at a
remote site, equipment needed for repair does not need to be available at
that site. A facility must be specifically authorized in its letter of approval to conduct servicing at a remote
site.
§ 160.151–51

Notice of approval.

If the cognizant OCMI determines
that the servicing facility meets the
applicable requirements of §§ 160.151–39
through 160.151–47, the OCMI notifies
the facility that it is approved and notifies the Commandant. The Commandant issues an approval letter to
the servicing facility with copies to the
OCMI and to the manufacturer(s)
whose liferafts the facility is approved
to service. The letter will specify any
limits on the approval, and will assign
the facility’s approval code for use on
the inspection sticker required by
§ 160.151–57(m)(3). The Commandant will
maintain a current list of approved facilities.
§ 160.151–53
ing.

Notice to OCMI of servic-

(a) Before servicing an inflatable liferaft under the servicing facility’s Coast
Guard approval, the owner or operator
of the facility must tell the cognizant
OCMI for each liferaft to be serviced—
(1) The make and size of the liferaft;
(2) The age of the liferaft; and
(3) Whether the liferaft is due for a
five-year inflation test.
(b) The OCMI will inform the servicing facility whether the servicing of
the liferaft must be witnessed by an inspector.
(c) If the OCMI requires the servicing
of the liferaft to be witnessed by an inspector—
(1) The servicing facility must arrange a schedule with the OCMI that
will allow a Coast Guard inspector to
travel to the site where the servicing is
to occur;

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§ 160.151–57

(2) The owner or operator of the servicing facility, by permission of the
OCMI, may arrange for the servicing to
be witnessed instead by a third-party
inspector accepted by the OCMI if a
Coast Guard marine inspector is not
available in a timely manner; and
(3) The servicing facility must not
begin servicing the liferaft until the inspector arrives at the site.
(d) No deviation from servicing-manual procedures may occur without the
prior approval of the OCMI. To request
the approval of a deviation, the owner
or operator of the servicing facility
shall notify the OCMI of the proposed
deviation from the procedures, and
must explain to the OCMI the need for
the deviation.
§ 160.151–55 Withdrawal of approval.
(a) The OCMI may withdraw the approval of the servicing facility, or may
suspend its approval pending correction of deficiencies, if the Coast Guard
inspector or accepted third-party inspector finds that—
(1) The facility does not meet the requirements of §§ 160.151–41 through
160.151–47, or
(2) The servicing is not performed in
accordance with § 160.151–57.
(b) A withdrawal of approval may be
appealed in accordance with part 1,
subpart 1.03, of this chapter.
(c) The OCMI may remove a suspension pending correction of deficiencies
if the servicing facility demonstrates
that the deficiencies have been corrected.
§ 160.151–57 Servicing procedure.
(a) Each inflatable liferaft serviced
by a servicing facility approved by the
Coast Guard must be inspected and
tested in accordance with paragraphs
(b) through (r) of this section, and the
manufacturer’s servicing manual approved in accordance with § 160.151–
35(b)(1).
(b) The following procedures must be
carried out at each servicing:
(1) The working-pressure leakage test
described in IMO Resolution A.689(17),
paragraph 2/5.1.5, must be conducted.
(2) Inflation hoses must be pressurized and checked for damage and leakage as part of the working-pressure
leakage test, or in a separate test.

(3) An inflatable floor must be inflated until it is firm, and let stand for
one hour. The inflatable floor must
still be firm at the end of the hour.
(4) The seams connecting the floor to
the buoyancy tube must be checked for
slippage, rupture, and lifting of edges.
(5) Each item of survival equipment
must be examined, and—
(i) Replaced if its expiration date has
passed; and
(ii) Otherwise, repaired or replaced if
it is damaged or unserviceable.
(6) Each battery must be replaced
with a fresh one if—
(i) Its expiration date has passed;
(ii) It has no expiration date; or
(iii) It is to return to service in an
item of survival equipment, but its
measured voltage is less than its rated
voltage.
(7) Each power cell for the top and inside canopy lights must be inspected
and tested as prescribed in the servicing manual unless it is a battery serviced in accordance with paragraph
(b)(6) of this section. Each cell that is
tested and found satisfactory may be
reinstalled. Each cell that is outdated,
is not tested, or fails the test must be
replaced.
(8) If the liferaft is equipped with an
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio
Beacon (EPIRB) or a Search and Rescue Transponder (SART), the EPIRB or
SART must be inspected and tested in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. An EPIRB must be tested
using the integrated test circuit and
output indicator to determine whether
it is operative. Each EPIRB or SART
not operative must be repaired or replaced.
(9) The manual inflation-pump must
be tested for proper operation.
(10) Each damaged, faded, or incorrect instruction label or identification
label on the liferaft or its container
must be replaced.
(11) Each liferaft must be examined
to ensure that it is properly marked
with retroreflective material. The arrangement of the retroreflective material must meet the requirements of
IMO Resolution A.658(16). Damaged or
missing retroreflective material must
be replaced with Type I material approved under part 164, subpart 164.018,

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

of this subchapter as complying with
SOLAS.
(12) Each inflation cylinder must be
weighed. If its weight loss exceeds five
percent of the weight of the charge, it
must be recharged.
(c) When an inflation cylinder is recharged for any reason, the following
inflation-head components must be renewed:
(1) The poppet-pin assembly, if any.
(2) Each plastic or elastomeric seal,
and each other part that deteriorates
with age.
(d) Each recharged inflation cylinder
must stand for at least two weeks and
be checked for leakage by weighing before being installed in a liferaft. An alternative mechanical or chemical test
for fast detection of leakage may be
used if the servicing manual approved
by the Commandant in accordance
with § 160.151–35(b)(1) provides for it.
(e) Each inflation cylinder that requires a hydrostatic test under 49 CFR
173.34 must be tested and marked in accordance with that section.
(f) At every second servicing of a
davit-launched liferaft, the launchingload test in paragraph 2/5.2 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) must be conducted.
(g) At every fifth annual servicing,
before the conduct of the tests and inspections required in paragraphs (b)
through of this section, each liferaft
must be removed from its container
and, while still folded, inflated by the
operation of its gas-inflation system.
(h) Each liferaft showing minor leaks
during the gas inflation test conducted
in accordance with paragraph (g) of
this section, may be repaired.
(i) Each liferaft ten or more years
past its date of manufacture must be
condemned if it leaks extensively, or
shows fabric damage other than minor
porosity, during the gas inflation test
conducted in accordance with paragraph (g) of this section.
(j) After the gas inflation test conducted in accordance with paragraph
(g) of this section, the liferaft may be
evacuated and refilled with air for the
tests in paragraphs (b) through (f) of
this section.
(k) At each annual servicing of a liferaft ten or more years past its date of
manufacture during which the gas-inflation test in paragraph (g) of this sec-

tion is not conducted, a ‘‘Necessary Additional Pressure’’ (NAP) test must be
conducted. Before the tests and inspections required in paragraphs (b)
through (f) of this section are conducted, the NAP test must be completed, using the following procedure:
(1) Plug or otherwise disable the pressure-relief valves.
(2) Gradually raise the pressure to
the lesser of 2 times the design working
pressure, or that specified in the manufacturer’s servicing manual as sufficient to impose a tensile load on the
tube fabric of 20 percent of its minimum required tensile strength.
(3) After 5 minutes, there should be
no seam slippage, cracking, other defects, or pressure drop greater than 5
percent. If cracking in the buoyancy
tubes is audible, accompanied by pressure loss, condemn the liferaft. If it is
not, reduce the pressure in all buoyancy chambers simultaneously by enabling the pressure-relief valves.
(l) At each annual servicing of a liferaft 10 or more years past its date of
manufacture, the integrity of the
seams connecting the floor to the
buoyancy tube must be checked by the
following procedure, or an equivalent
procedure specified in the manufacturer’s approved servicing manual:
(1) With the buoyancy tube supported
a sufficient distance above the floor of
the servicing facility to maintain
clearance during the test, a person
weighing not less than 75 kg (165 lb)
shall walk or crawl around the entire
perimeter of the floor of the liferaft.
(2) The seams connecting the floor to
the buoyancy tube must then be inspected for slippage, rupture, and lifting of edges.
(m) The servicing facility must complete the following for each liferaft
that passes these inspections and tests:
(1) Permanently mark the liferaft on
its outside canopy, or on a servicingrecord panel on an interior portion of
one of its buoyancy tubes near an entrance, with—
(i) The date of the servicing;
(ii) The identification and location of
the servicing facility; and
(iii) If applicable, an indication that
the special fifth-year servicing was performed.

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(2) Permanently and legibly mark on
the identification device provided in
accordance with § 160.151–17(c), or on
the outside canopy of the liferaft, the
name, if known, of the vessel on which
the raft will be installed or the name,
if known, of the vessel owner.
(3) Affix an inspection sticker to the
liferaft container or valise. The sticker
must be of a type that will remain legible for at least 2 years when exposed
to a marine environment, and that cannot be removed without being destroyed. The sticker must be about 100
mm x 150 mm (4 by 6 inches), with the
last digit of the year of expiration superimposed over a background color
that corresponds to the colors specified
for the validation stickers for recreational-boat numbers in 33 CFR
174.15(c), and be marked with the Coast
Guard identifying insignia in accordance with the requirements of 33 CFR
23.12. The sticker must also contain the
following:
(i) The name of the manufacturer of
the liferaft.
(ii) The year and month of expiration
determined in accordance with paragraph (n) of this section.
(iii) Identification of the servicing facility, printed on the sticker or indicated on the sticker by punch using an
approval code issued by the Commandant.
(n) The expiration date of the servicing sticker is 12 months after the date
the liferaft was repacked, except that:
(1) For a new liferaft, the expiration
date may be not more than two years
after the date the liferaft was first
packed, if—
(i) Dated survival equipment in the
liferaft will not expire before the sticker expiration date; and
(ii) The liferaft will not be installed
on a vessel certificated under SOLAS.
(2) For a liferaft stored indoors,
under controlled temperatures (between 0 °C (32 °F) and 45 °C (113 °F)), for
not more than 6 months from the date
it was serviced or first packed, the expiration date may be extended up to
the length of time the liferaft remained in storage.
(3) For a liferaft stored indoors,
under controlled temperatures (between 0 °C (32 °F) and 45 °C (113 °F)), for
not more than 12 months from the date

it was serviced or first packed, the expiration date may be extended up to
the length of time the liferaft remained in storage, if the liferaft is
opened, inspected, and repacked in a
servicing facility approved in accordance with §§ 160.151–49 and 160.151–51.
When the liferaft is opened—
(i) The condition of the liferaft must
be visually checked and found to be
satisfactory;
(ii) The inflation cylinders must be
checked and weighed in accordance
with paragraph (b)(12) of this section;
(iii) All survival equipment whose expiration date has passed must be replaced; and
(iv) All undated batteries must be replaced.
(o) The servicing facility must remove and destroy the markings of
Coast Guard approval on each liferaft
condemned in the course of any servicing test or inspection.
(p) The servicing facility must issue
a certificate to the liferaft owner or
owner’s agent for each liferaft it services. The certificate must include—
(1) The name of the manufacturer of
the liferaft;
(2) The serial number of the liferaft;
(3) The date of servicing and repacking;
(4) A record of the fifth-year gas-inflation test required in paragraph (g) of
this section, whenever that test is performed;
(5) A record of the hydrostatic test of
each inflation cylinder required in
paragraph (e) of this section, whenever
that test is performed;
(6) A record of any deviation from the
procedures of the manufacturer’s servicing manual authorized by the OCMI
in accordance with § 160.151–53(d);
(7) The identification of the servicing
facility, including its name, address,
and the approval code assigned by the
Commandant
in
accordance
with
§ 160.151–51;
(8) The name, if known, of the vessel
or vessel owner receiving the liferaft;
and
(9) The date the liferaft is returned to
the owner or owner’s agent.
(q) The servicing facility must keep a
record of each liferaft approved by the
Coast Guard that it services for at
least five years, and must make those

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

records available to the Coast Guard
upon request. Those records must include—
(1) The serial number of the liferaft;
(2) The date of servicing and repacking;
(3) The identification of any Coast
Guard or third-party inspector present;
(4) The name, if known, of the vessel
or vessel owner receiving the liferaft;
and
(5) The date the liferaft is returned to
the owner or owner’s agent.
(r) The servicing facility must prepare and transmit to the OCMI, at
least annually, statistics showing the
nature and extent of damage to and defects found in liferafts during servicing
and repair. The facility must notify the
OCMI immediately of any critical defects it finds that may affect other liferafts.
[CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25547, May 9, 1997, as
amended by USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52192,
Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 160.151–59 Operating
instructions
and information for the ship’s training manual.
(a) The liferaft manufacturer shall
make operating instructions and information for the ship’s training manual
available in English to purchasers of
inflatable liferafts approved by the
Coast Guard, to enable vessel operators
to meet regulations III/18.2, 19.3, 51, and
52 of SOLAS.
(b) The instructions and information
required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for hydrostatic releases or
launching equipment, and must explain—
(1) Release of the inflatable liferaft
from its stowage position;
(2) Launching of the liferaft;
(3) Survival procedures, including instructions for use of survival equipment aboard; and
(4) Shipboard installations of the liferaft.
(c) The operating instructions required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this
section must also be made available in
the form of an instruction placard. The
placard must be not greater than 36 cm
(14 in.) by 51 cm (20 in.), made of durable material and suitable for display
near installations of liferafts on ves-

sels, providing simple procedures and
illustrations for launching, inflating,
and boarding the liferaft.
§ 160.151–61 Maintenance instructions.
(a) The liferaft manufacturer shall
make maintenance instructions available in English to purchasers of inflatable liferafts approved by the Coast
Guard, to enable vessel operators to
meet regulations III/19.3 and III/52 of
SOLAS.
(b) The maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section
must include—
(1) A checklist for use in monthly,
external, visual inspections of the
packed liferaft;
(2) An explanation of the requirements for periodic servicing of the liferaft by an approved servicing facility;
and
(3) A log for maintaining records of
inspections and maintenance.

Subpart 160.171—Immersion Suits
SOURCE: CGD 84–069a, 52 FR 1188, Jan. 12,
1987, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.171–1 Scope.
This subpart contains construction
and performance requirements, and approval tests for adult and child insulated, buoyant immersion suits that
are designed to prevent shock upon entering cold water and lessen the effect
of hypothermia (extreme body heat
loss due to immersion in cold water).
Immersion suits approved under this
subpart will meet the requirements of
Regulation 33 of Chapter III of the
International Convention for Safety of
Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, under the
Second Set of Amendments adopted 17
June 1983.
§ 160.171–3 Incorporations
by
reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subchapter with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR
part 51. The Office of the Federal Register publishes a table, ‘‘Material Approved for Incorporation by Reference,’’ which appears in the Finding
Aids section of this volume. In that

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§ 160.171–9

table is found citations to the particular sections of this part where the material is incorporated. To enforce any
edition other than the one listed in
paragraph (b) of this section, notice of
change must be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material made
available. All approved material is on
file at the Office of the Federal Register, Washington, DC 20408, and at the
U.S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving and Fire
Safety Division (G–MSE–4), Washington, DC 20593.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart
are:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
19428–2959.
ASTM B 117–73 (Reapproved 1979), Standard
Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing.
ASTM C 177–76, Standard Test Method for
Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded Hot Plate.
ASTM C 518–76, Standard Test Method for
Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter.
ASTM D 975–81, Standard Specification for
Diesel Fuel Oils.
ASTM D 1004–66 (Reapproved 1976), Tear Resistance of Plastic Film and Sheeting.
FEDERAL STANDARDS SPECIFICATION UNIT
(WFSIA)
Regional Office Building, Room 6039, 7th and D
Streets SW, Washington, DC 20407.
National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440—Color, Universal Language and
Dictionary of Names; December 1976.
Federal Test Method Standard No. 191a dated
July 20, 1978, Method 5304.1, Abrasion Resistance of Cloth, Oscillatory Cylinder
(Wyzenbeek) Method, dated July 9, 1971.
Federal Standard No. 751a, Stitches, Seams,
and Stitchings, dated January 25, 1965.
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES, INC.
12 Laboratory Drive, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709–3995.
UL 1191, First Edition (Standard for Components for Personal Flotation Devices), as
revised March 29, 1977.
[CGD 84–069a, 52 FR 1188, Jan. 12, 1987, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996;
CGD 97–057, 62 FR 51048, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.171–5 Independent laboratory.
The approval and production tests in
this subpart must be conducted by an
independent laboratory accepted by the
Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of
this chapter.

§ 160.171–7

Approval procedures.

(a) General. An immersion suit is approved by the Coast Guard under the
procedures in subpart 159.005 of this
chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval
test must be conducted in accordance
with § 160.171–17 or § 160.171–19.
(c) Approval of child size and oversize
adult suits. No child size or oversize
adult sized suit will be approved unless
the adult size of the suit has been approved.
§ 160.171–9

Construction.

(a) General. Each immersion suit
must be constructed primarily of a
closed-cell flexible foam that meets the
buoyancy and thermal insulation requirements in § 160.171–11 (a) and (c).
Each suit must be designed to cover
the wearer’s entire body, except for the
area of the nose and eyes. It must be
capable of being worn inside-out or be
clearly capable of being worn in only
one way and, as far as possible, incapable of being donned incorrectly.
(b) Impact resistance and body strength.
The body of each suit must be designed
to allow the wearer to jump from a
height of at least 4.5 m into the water
without injury and without dislodging
or damaging the suit.
(c) Seams. Stitching in each sewn
structural seam of an immersion suit
must be lock type stitching that meets
the requirements in Federal Standard
No. 751 for one of the following:
(1) Class 300 Lockstitch.
(2)
Class
700
Single
Thread
Lockstitch.
Other stitches which are not true lock
stitches may be used to reinforce a
glued seam provided the adhesive alone
has the required seam strength after
the non-standard stitch has been removed.
(d) Seam strength. Each seam must
have a strength of at least 225 Newtons
(50 lb.).
(e) Closures and seals. Each closure
and seal must be designed so that, following a jump from a height of not less
than 4.5 m into the water, there is no
undue ingress of water into the suit.
(f) Hardware. All hardware of an immersion suit must be of a size and design that allows ease of operation by

231

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

the wearer. The hardware must be attached to the suit in a manner that allows the wearer to operate it easily and
that prevents it from attaining a position in which it can be operated improperly.
(g) Metal parts. Each metal part of an
immersion suit must be—
(1) 410 stainless steel or have salt
water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal or superior to 410 stainless
steel; and
(2) Galvanically compatable with
each other metal part in contact with
it.
(h) Suit exterior. The primary color of
the exterior of each suit must be vivid
reddish orange (color number 34 of National Bureau of Standards Publication
440). The exterior surface of the suit
must resist tearing and abrasion when
tested as prescribed in § 160.171–17 (n)
and (o).
(i) Buoyant materials and compartments. Buoyant materials used in a
suit must not be loose or granular. The
suit must not have an inflated or inflatable chamber, except as prescribed
in § 160.171–11(a)(2).
(j) Hand and arm construction. The
hand of each suit must be a glove that
allows sufficient dexterity for the
wearer to pick up a 9.5 mm (3/8 in.) diameter wooden pencil from a table and
write with it, after being immersed in
water at 5° C for a period of one hour.
The glove may not be removable unless
it is attached to the arm and unless it
can be secured to the arm or stowed in
a pocket on the arm when not in use. A
removable glove must be designed so
that there is no undue ingress of water
into the glove during use. Each arm
with a removable glove must have a
wristlet seal that meets paragraph (e)
of this section.
(k) Leg construction. Each suit must
be designed to minimize or reduce free
air in its legs when the wearer enters
the water headfirst.
(l) Foot construction. Each leg of a
suit must have a foot that has a hard
sole or enough room for a work shoe to
be worn inside. The sole of each foot
must be—
(1) Natural or synthetic rubber that
is ribbed or bossed for skid resistance;
and

(2) Designed to prevent the wearer
from slipping when the suit is tested as
prescribed in § 160.171–17(c)(5).
(m) Size. Each adult suit must fit persons ranging in weight from 50 kg (110
lb.) to 150 kg (330 lb.) and in height
from 1.5 m (59 in.) to 1.9 m (75 in.). Each
child size suit must fit children or
small adults ranging in weight from 20
kg (44 lb.) to 50 kg (110 lb.) and in
height from 1.0 m (39 in.) to 1.5 m (59
in.). An oversize adult suit is intended
for persons too large for the standard
adult suit. Each suit must be capable
of being worn comfortably over clothing and must not restrict the wearer’s
motion. The suit size and design must
allow successful completion of the mobility tests prescribed in § 160.171–
17(c)(2) through (7).
(n) Retroreflective material. Each immersion suit must be fitted with Type
I retroreflective material that meets
subpart 164.018 of this chapter. When
the wearer of an immersion suit is in
any stable floating position, at least
200 cm 2 (31 sq. in.) of the material must
be visible above water.
(o) PFD Light. Each immersion suit
must be designed so that a light meeting the requirements of subpart 161.012
of this chapter can be attached to its
front shoulder area and so that the
light when attached does not damage
the suit and cannot adversely affect its
performance. If the manufacturer of
the suit designates a specific location
for the light, or designates a specific
model light, this information must be
clearly printed on the suit or in the instructions prescribed by § 160.171–15(c).
(p) Inflation tube. If the suit has an
inflatable auxiliary means of buoyancy, each joint in the oral inflation
tube must be joined with a clamping
device. A flange connection between
the tube and the inflatable chamber
must be reinforced so that the flange
on the inflation tube is secured between the material of the inflatable
section and the reinforcement.
§ 160.171–11 Performance.
(a) Buoyancy. Each suit must meet
the following buoyancy requirements
as measured in the test conducted
under § 160.171–17(h):
(1) The adjusted buoyancy of each
adult and each oversize adult size suit

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§ 160.171–13

must be at least 100 N (22 lb.). The adjusted buoyancy of each child size suit
must be at least 50 N (11 lb.) The measured buoyancy must not be reduced by
more than 5% after 24 hours submersion in fresh water.
(2) Each suit must have a stable
floating position in which the wearer’s
head must be tilted to a position between 30° and 80° above the horizontal,
with the mouth and nose at least 120
mm (43⁄4 in.) above the surface of the
water. If necessary, this position may
be obtained through the use of an auxiliary means of buoyancy such as an inflatable bladder behind the wearer’s
head.
(3) If an auxiliary means of buoyancy
is necessary to meet paragraph (a)(2) of
this section, the suit must have a stable floating position without the auxiliary means of buoyancy in which the
mouth and nose of the wearer are at
least 50 mm (2 in.) above the surface of
the water.
(4) The buoyancy of any auxiliary
means of buoyancy must not be counted when determining the buoyancy of
the suit.
(b) Righting. The suit must be designed to turn the body of an unconscious person in the water from any position to one where the mouth is clear
of the water in not more than five seconds, without assistance or the use of
any means of auxiliary buoyancy
which must be inflated by the wearer;
or to allow the wearer to turn from a
face down to a face up position in not
more than 5 seconds, without assistance or the use of any means of auxiliary buoyancy. If an automatically inflated means of auxiliary buoyancy is
used to meet this paragraph, the inflation mechanism must meet the requirements for commercial hybrid
PFDs in § 160.077–15(c) of this chapter,
and the tests required under § 160.077–
21(c)(3) of this chapter. Auxiliary buoyancy, if fitted and/or inflated, must not
interfere with righting.
(c) Thermal protection. The suit must
be designed to protect against loss of
body heat as follows:
(1) The thermal conductivity of the
suit material when submerged 1 m (39
in.) in water must be less than or equal
to that of a control sample of 4.75 mm
(3⁄16 in.) thick, closed-cell neoprene

foam. The control sample of foam must
have a thermal conductivity of not
more than 0.055 watt/meter¥° K (0.38
Btu¥in./hr.¥sq.ft.¥° F).
(2) The suit must provide the wearer
with sufficient thermal insulation, following one jump into the water from a
height of 4.5 m, to ensure that the
wearer’s body core temperature does
not fall more than 2° C (3.6° F) after a
period of 6 hours immersion in calm
circulating water at a temperature of
between 0° C (32° F) and 2° C (35.6° F).
(d) Donning time. Each suit must be
designed so that a person can don the
suit correctly within two minutes after
reading the donning and use instructions described in § 160.171–15(a).
(e) Vision. Each suit must be designed
to allow unrestricted vision throughout an arc of 60° to either side of the
wearer’s straight-ahead line of sight
when the wearer’s head is turned to
any angle between 30° to the right and
30° to the left. Each suit must be designed to allow a standing wearer to
move head and eyes up and down far
enough to see both feet and a spot directly overhead.
(f) Water penetration. An immersion
suit must be designed to prevent undue
ingress of water into the suit following
a period of flotation in calm water of
one hour.
(g) Splash protection. Each suit must
have a means to prevent water spray
from directly entering the wearer’s
mouth.
(h) Storage temperature. Each suit
must be designed so that it will not be
damaged by storage in its storage case
at any temperature between ¥30° C
(¥22° F) and +65° C (149° F).
(i) Flame exposure. Each suit must be
designed to prevent sustained burning
or continued melting after it is totally
enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds.
(j) Oil resistance. Each immersion suit
must be designed to be useable after a
24 hour exposure to diesel oil.
§ 160.171–13 Storage case.
(a) Each suit must have a storage
case made of vinyl coated cloth or material that provides an equivalent
measure of protection to the suit.
(b) Each storage case must be designed so that it is still useable after

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two seconds contact with a gasoline
fire.
§ 160.171–15 Instructions.
(a) Each suit must have instructions
for its donning and use in an emergency. The instructions must be in
English and must not exceed 50 words.
Illustrations must be used in addition
to the words. These instructions must
be on the exterior of the storage case
or printed on a waterproof card attached to the storage case or to the
suit.
(b) If the suit has an inflatable auxiliary means of buoyancy, separate instructions covering the use of the inflation valve must be provided on the suit
near the valve or on a waterproof card
attached near the valve.
(c) Instructions for donning and use
of the suit in an emergency must also
be available in a format suitable for
mounting on a bulkhead of a vessel.
This placard must be in English, must
include illustrations, and must include
a warning as to the risk of entrapment
in a submerged compartment due to
the buoyancy of the suit.
(d) Instructions for donning and use
of the suit in an emergency, instructions for care and repair of the suit,
and any additional necessary information concerning stowage and use of the
suit on a vessel must be available in
81⁄2×11 loose-leaf format suitable for inclusion in the vessel’s training manual.
§ 160.171–17 Approval testing for adult
size immersion suit.
Caution: During each of the in-water
tests prescribed in this section, a person ready to render assistance when
needed should be near each subject in
the water.
(a) General. An adult size immersion
suit must be tested as prescribed in
this section. If the suit is also made in
a child size, a child size suit must be
tested as prescribed in § 160.171–19. If
the suit is also made in an oversize
adult size, an oversize adult suit must
be tested as prescribed in § 160.171–17(g)
to determine the measured buoyancy
for the suit. No additional testing will
be required if the oversize adult suit is
of the same design as the adult suit except for extra material to provide for
larger persons.

(b) Test samples. Each test prescribed
in this section may be performed by
using as many immersion suits as
needed to make efficient use of the test
subjects and test equipment, except
that each subject in the impact test described in § 160.171–17(c)(11) must not
use more than one suit during the test,
and the suits used in the impact test
must also be used in the thermal protection test described in § 160.171–17(d).
(c) Mobility and flotation tests. The
mobility and flotation capabilities of
each immersion suit must be tested
under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test subjects. Seven males and
three females must be used in the tests
described in this paragraph. The subjects must represent each of the three
physical types (ectomorphic, endomorphic, and mesomorphic). Each subject must be in good health. The heaviest subject, of either sex, must weigh
at least 135 kg (298 lb.). The heaviest
male subject must weigh at least 115 kg
(254 lb.) and the lightest male subject
must weigh not more than 55 kg (121
lb). The heaviest female subject must
weigh at least 115 kg (254 lb.) and the
lightest female subject must weigh not
more than 55 kg (121 lb). Each subject
must be unfamiliar with the specific
suit under test. Each subject must
wear a standard range of clothing consisting of:
(i) Underwear (short sleeved, short
legged);
(ii) Shirt (long sleeved);
(iii) Trousers (not woolen);
(iv) Woolen or equivalent synthetic
socks;
(v) Rubber soled work shoes.
(2) Donning time. Each subject is removed from the view of the other subjects and allowed one minute to examine a suit and the manufacturer’s instructions for donning and use of the
suit in an emergency. At the end of
this period, the subject attempts to
don the suit as rapidly as possible
without the aid of a chair or any support to lean on. If the subject does not
don the suit completely, including
gloves and any other accessories, within two minutes, the subject removes
the suit and is given a demonstration
of correct donning, and again attempts
to don the suit. At least nine of the ten

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subjects must be able to don the suit
completely, including time to remove
shoes if necessary, in two minutes in at
least one of the two attempts.
(3) Field of vision. The immersion
suit’s field of vision must be tested as
follows:
(i) While wearing a suit, each subject
sits upright and faces straight ahead.
An observer is positioned to one side of
the subject at an angle of 60° away
from the subject’s straight-ahead line
of sight. The observer must be able to
see the subject’s closest eye at this position. The observer then walks past
the front of the subject to a position on
the subject’s other side that is at an
angle of 60° away from the subject’s
straight-ahead line of sight. The suit
must not obstruct the observer’s view
of the subject’s eyes at any point between the two positions.
(ii) While wearing the suit, each subject stands upright and faces straight
ahead. An observer is positioned to one
side of the subject at an angle of 90°
away from the subject’s straight-ahead
line of sight. The subject then turns his
or her head through an arc of 30° toward the position of the observer. This
procedure is repeated with the observer
positioned on the other side of the subject at an angle of 90° away from the
subject’s straight ahead line of sight.
The suit must not obstruct the observer’s view of the subject’s eyes when the
subject’s head is turned 30° toward the
observer.
(iii) While wearing the suit, each subject stands upright and faces straight
ahead. Through a combination of head
and eye movement, the subject looks
first at a spot directly overhead, then
looks at a spot on or between the feet.
An observer must verify that the subject can make the necessary head and
eye movements while wearing the suit.
(4) Hand dexterity. A physician must
always be present during this test.
While wearing a suit, including a removable glove if any, and after being
immersed in water at 5° C (41° F) for a
period of one hour, each subject must
be able to pick up a 9.5 mm (3⁄8 in.) diameter wooden pencil from a flat hard
surfaced table using only one hand.
Still using only one hand, the subject
must be able to position the pencil and
write with it. At least eight of the ten

test subjects must be able to complete
this test. This test may be performed
in conjunction with the thermal protection test described in § 160.171–17(d),
in which case five of the six test subjects specified in § 160.171–17(d)(1) must
be able to complete the test.
(5) Walking. A 30 m (100 ft.) long
walking course must be laid out on a
smooth linoleum floor. The finish on
the floor must allow water to lie on it
in a sheet rather than in beads. The
course may have gradual turns, but
must not have any abrupt change in direction. Each subject is timed walking
the course two times at a normal pace
with the floor dry. Each subject then
dons a suit and is timed again walking
the course two times with the floor
wet. The subject is given adequate rest
between trials to avoid fatigue. The
subject must not slip on the wet floor
when wearing the suit. The average
time for each subject to walk the
course while wearing the suit must be
not more than 1.25 times the subject’s
average time to walk the course without the suit.
(6) Climbing. A vertical ladder extending at least 5 meters (17 feet) above a
level floor must be used for this test.
Each subject is timed climbing the ladder twice to a rung at least 3 meters (10
feet) above the floor. The subject then
dons a suit and is again timed climbing
to the same rung twice. The subject is
given adequate rest between trials to
avoid fatigue. The average time for
each subject to climb the ladder while
wearing the suit must not be more
than 1.25 times the subject’s average
time to climb the ladder without the
suit.
(7) Swimming and water emergence test.
A pool with an inflatable liferaft at one
side must be used for this test. The
liferaft must be of a type approved
under Subpart 160.051 of this Chapter
and must not have a boarding ramp.
Each subject, wearing a life preserver
but not the immersion suit, enters the
water and swims 25 m. The subject
must then be able to emerge from the
pool onto the liferaft using only the
hands placed on top of the liferaft as an
aid and without pushing off of the bottom of the pool. Any subject unable to
emerge onto the liferaft within 30 seconds is disqualified for this test. At

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least five subjects must qualify and be
used for this test. If less than five subjects of the original ten qualify, substitute subjects must be used. Each
qualified subject, after sufficient rest
to avoid fatigue, repeats this test wearing an immersion suit instead of the
life preserver. At least two-thirds of
the qualified subjects must be able to
swim this distance, and emerge onto
the liferaft within 30 seconds, wearing
the immersion suit.
(8) Stability and retroreflective material.
While wearing the suit in water witiout
any auxiliary means of buoyancy, each
subject assumes a face-up position and
then allows his or her body to become
limp. The distance from the water surface to the lowest part of the subject’s
mouth or nose is measured. This procedure is repeated using the auxiliary
means of buoyancy, if one is provided.
For each test subject, the stable position and the distance of the mouth and
nose above the water must be prescribed in § 160.171–11(a)(2) and § 160.171–
11(a)(3). During this test, each subject
must be viewed by observers to determine whether the retroreflective material of the suit meets § 160.171–9(n).
(9) Righting. Each subject while wearing a suit in water, without the use of
any auxiliary means of buoyancy,
takes a deep breath, assumes a facedown position, allows his or her body
to become limp, and slowly expels air.
The suit must cause the subject to turn
to a position where the face is clear of
the water within 5 seconds; or if the
suit does not turn the subject within 5
seconds, the subject must be able to
turn face up under his or her own
power within 5 seconds. If the suit is
provided with any means of auxiliary
buoyancy, the procedure is repeated
under each of the following applicable
conditions:
(i) With any means of auxiliary buoyancy attached but not inflated;
(ii) With any means of auxiliary
buoyancy which must be inflated by
the wearer inflated according to the instructions; or
(iii) With any means of auxiliary
buoyancy which inflates automatically
inflated by its automatic mechanism.
(10) Water and air penetration. Each
subject is weighed while wearing a prewetted suit without any auxiliary

means of buoyancy. The subject jumps
into water from a height that will
cause the subject to be completely immersed. The subject swims or treads
water for approximately one minute,
emerges from the water, and is weighed
within 10 seconds after emerging. The
procedure is repeated with the subject
entering the water headfirst. If air accumulates in the legs as the subject enters the water head-first, it must be expelled automatically. At the end of this
test, the weight of the subject in the
suit must not exceed the weight of the
subject in the suit at the beginning of
the test by more than 500 grams. Each
test subject then re-enters the water
and floats for a period of one hour. The
subject then emerges from the water
and is weighed within 10 seconds. The
weight of the subject in the suit at the
end of this test must not exceed the
weight of the subject in the suit at the
beginning of the period of flotation by
more than 200 grams.
(11) Impact. While wearing a suit
without any auxiliary means of buoyancy, each subject jumps into water
feet first six times from a height of 4.5
m (15 ft.) above the water surface. Each
subject must be able to assume a face
up stable position without assistance
after each jump. The suit must not
tear, separate at any seam, or exhibit
any characteristic that could render it
unsafe or unsuitable for use in water.
(d) Thermal protection. The thermal
protection capability of a suit must be
tested under the following conditions
and procedures;
(1) Test subjects. Male subjects must
be used for this test. Each subject must
be familiarized with the test procedure
before starting the test. Each subject
must have somatotype parameters
within the following ranges according
to the Heath-Carter anthropometric
method: endomorphy 3.5±1.0; mesomorphy 4.0±1.5; ectomorphy 3.5±1.0.
NOTE: The following publication, among
others, contains guidance for use of the
Heath-Carter anthropometric method: ‘‘Body
Type and Performance,’’ Hebbelinck and
Ross; FITNESS, HEALTH AND WORK CAPACITY, INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
FOR ASSESSMENT; Larson, L. A. (Ed.);
International Committee for the Standardization of Physical Fitness Tests; Macmillan; New York; 1974 (pp. 266–283).

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Each subject must have had a normal
night’s sleep before the test, a wellbalanced meal 1 to 5 hours before the
test, and no alcoholic beverages for 24
hours before the test. In addition to
the suit, each subject must wear:
(i) Underwear (short sleeved, short
legged);
(ii) Shirt (long sleeved);
(ii) Trousers (not woolen);
(iv) Woolen or equivalent synthetic
socks;
(v) Work shoes, if the suit is designed
for shoes to be worn inside.
(2) Test equipment. The test must be
conducted in calm water with a temperature between 0° C (32° F) and 2° C
(35.6° F). The air temperature 300 mm (1
ft.) above the water surface must be between minus 10° C (14° F) and 20° C (68°
F). Each subject must be instrumented
with an electrocardiograph, a thermistor or thermocouple in the rectum
placed 150 mm (6 in) beyond the anus,
thermistor or thermocouple in the
lumbar region, a thermistor or thermocouple on the tip of the index finger,
and a thermistor or thermocouple on
the tip of the great toe. Each thermistor or thermocouple must have an accuracy of 0.1° C (0.18° F). The suits used
in this test must be the same ones previously subjected to the impact test described in § 160.171–17(c)(11).
(3) Test procedure. A physician must
always be present during this test. Before donning the suit, each subject
rests quietly in a room with a temperature between 10° C (50° F) and 25° C (77°
F) for 15 minutes. The rectal temperature is then recorded as the initial rectal temperature. The subject dons a
suit as rapidly as possible without
damaging the instrumentation and immediately enters the water. The subject assumes a face-up, stable floating
position. No auxiliary means of buoyancy may be used during this test. The
subject remains in the water engaging
in activity that maintains the heart
rate between 50 and 140 per minute for
the first hour, and between 50 and 120
per minute during the remainder of the
test, except that no attempt is made to
control heart rate if the subject is shivering. Each thermistor or thermocouple reading is recorded at least
every 10 minutes.

(4) Completion of testing. Testing of a
subject ends six hours after he first enters the water, unless terminated sooner.
(5) Termination of test. Testing of a
subject must be terminated before
completion if any of the following occurs:
(i) The physician determines that the
subject should not continue.
(ii) The subject requests termination
due to discomfort or illness.
(iii) The subject’s rectal temperature
drops more than 2° C (3.6° F) below the
initial rectal temperature, unless the
physician determines that the subject
may continue.
(iv) The subject’s lumbar, finger, or
toe temperature drops below 10° C (50°
F), unless the physician determines
that the subject may continue.
(6) Test results. The test results must
be prepared as follows:
(i) The total rectal temperature drop
during the test period and the average
lumbar, finger and toe temperature at
the end of the test must be determined
for each subject in the test, except subjects who did not complete testing for
a reason stated in paragraph (d)(5)(i) or
(d)(5)(ii) of this section. These temperatures and temperature drops must then
be averaged. The average drop in rectal
temperature must not be more than 2°
C (3.6° F), and the average lumbar, toe
and finger temperature must not be
less than 5° C (41° F). Data from at
least four subjects must be used in
making these temperature calculations.
(ii) Rates of toe, finger, lumbar, and
rectal temperature drop for each subject who did not complete testing for a
reason stated in paragraph (d)(5)(iii) or
(d)(5)(iv) of this section must be determined using the highest temperature
measured and the temperature measured immediately before testing was
terminated. These rates must be used
to extrapolate to 6 hours the estimated
rectal, finger, lumbar, and toe temperature at the end of that time. These
estimated temperatures must be the
temperatures used in computing the
average temperatures described in
paragraph (d)(6)(i) of this section.
(e) Insulation. Suit material must be
tested under the following conditions
and procedures, except that if the suit

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

material meets the requirements for
the control sample in paragraph
(e)(1)(iii) of this section, the test procedure in paragraph (e)(2) of this section
is not required.
(1) Test equipment. The following
equipment is required for this test:
(i) A sealed copper or aluminum can
that has at least two parallel flat surfaces and that contains at least two liters (two quarts) or water and no air.
One possible configuration of the can
shown in figure 160.171–17(e)(1)(i).
(ii) A thermistor or thermocouple
that has an accuracy of ±0.1° C (±0.18°
F) and that is arranged to measure the
temperature of the water in the can.
(iii) A control sample of two flat
pieces of 4.75 mm (3/16 in.) thick, closed
cell neoprene foam of sufficient size to
enclose the can between them. The
control sample must have a thermal
conductivity of not more than 0.055
watt/meter¥°
K
(0.38
Btu¥in./
hr.¥sq.ft.¥° F). The thermal conductivity of the control sample must be
determined in accordance with the procedures in ASTM C 177 or ASTM C 518.
(iv) Two flat pieces of suit material
of sufficient size to enclose the can between them. The surface covering, surface treatment, and number of layers
of the material tested must be the
same as those of material used in the
suit. If the material used in the suit
varies in thickness or number of layers, the material tested must be representative of the portion of the suit
having the least thickness or number
of layers.
(v) A clamping arrangement to form
a watertight seal around the edges of
the material when the can is enclosed
inside. A sealing compound may be
used. Figure 160.171–17(e)(1)(v) shows
one possible arrangement of the clamping arrangement.
(vi) A container of water deep enough
to hold the entire assembly of the can,
material, and clamp at least 1 meter
(39 in.) below the surface of the water.
(vii) A means to control the temperature of the water in the container between 0° C (32° F) and 1° C (33.8° F).
(viii) A thermistor or thermocouple
that has an accuracy of ±0.1° C (0.18° F)
and that is arranged to measure the
temperature of the water in the con-

tainer at the depth at which the can,
material, and clamp are held.
(2) Test procedure. The can is held
under water (which can be at room
temperature) and clamped between the
two pieces of the neoprene control sample so that the assembly formed conforms as closely as possible to the
shape of the can, and so that water fills
all void spaces between the can and the
sample. When the water temperature in
the can is at or above 45° C (113° F), the
assembly is then placed in the container and submerged to a depth of 1 m
(39 in.) at the highest point of the assembly. The water temperature in the
container must be between 0° C (32° F)
and 1° C (33.8° F) and must be maintained within this range for the remainder of the test. No part of the assembly may touch the bottom or sides
of the container. Every two minutes
the assembly is shaken and then inverted from its previous position. The
time for the water inside the can to
drop from 45° C (113° F) to 33° C (91° F)
is recorded. This procedure is performed three times using the control
sample and then repeated three times
using the suit material instead of the
control sample. The shortest time for
the drop in water temperature when
the suit material is used must be greater than or equal to the shortest time
when the neoprene control sample is
used.
(f) Storage temperature. Two samples
of the immersion suits, in their storage
cases, must be alternately subjected to
surrounding temperatures of ¥30° C to
+65° C. These alternating cycles need
not follow immediately after each
other and the following procedure, repeated for a total of ten cycles, is acceptable:
(1) 8 hours conditioning at 65° C to be
completed in one day;
(2) The specimens removed from the
warm chamber that same day and left
exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day;
(3) 8 hours conditioning at ¥30° C to
be completed the next day; and
(4) The specimens removed from the
cold chamber that same day and left
exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day. At the conclusion of the final cycle of cold storage,
two test subjects who successfully

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completed the donning test in paragraph (c)(2) of this section enter the
cold chamber, unpack and don the immersion suits. Alternatively, the suits
may be upacked in the chamber, then
removed and immediately donned. Neither of the suits must show damage
such as shrinking, cracking, swelling,
dissolution or change of mechanical
qualities.
(g) Measured buoyancy. The buoyancy
of a suit must be measured under the
following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The following
equipment is required for this test:
(i) A mesh basket that is large
enough to hold a folded suit, and that
is weighted sufficiently to overcome
the buoyancy of the suit when placed
in the basket.
(ii) A tank of water that is large
enough to contain the basket submerged with its top edge 50 mm (2 in.)
below the surface of the water.
(iii) A scale or load cell that has an
accuracy of 0.15 Newtons (1/2 oz.) and
that is arranged to support and weigh
the basket in the tank.
(2) Test procedure. The basket is submerged so that its top edge is 50 mm (2
in.) below the surface of the water. The
basket is then weighed. Thereafter, a
suit is submerged in water and then
filled with water, folded, and placed in
the submerged basket. The basket is titled 45° from the vertical for five minutes in each of four different directions
to allow all entrapped air to escape.
The basket is then suspended with its
top edge 50 mm (2 in.) below the surface
of the water for 24 hours. At the beginning and end of this period, the basket
and suit are weighed underwater. The
measured buoyancy of the suit is the
difference between this weight and the
weight of the basket as determined at
the beginning of the test. The measured buoyancy after 24 hours must not
be more than 5% lower than the initial
measured buoyancy. The measured
buoyancy after 24 hours is used to determine adjusted buoyancy as described in paragraph (h) of this section.
(h) Adjusted buoyancy. The adjusted
buoyancy of a suit is its measured
buoyancy reduced by the percentage
buoyancy loss factor of the buoyant
suit material. The percentage buoyancy loss factor is part of the buoyancy

rating code determined in accordance
with UL 1191, except that the minimum
number of samples required to determine each property is 10 instead of 75.
(i) Suit flame exposure. The suit’s resistance to flame must be tested under
the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The following
equipment is required for this test:
(i) A metal pan that is at least 300
mm (12 in.) wide, 450 mm (18 in.) long,
and 60 mm (21⁄2 in.) deep. The pan must
have at least 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) of water on
the bottom with approximately 40 mm
(11⁄2 in.) of gasoline floating on top of
the water.
(ii) An arrangement to hold the suit
over the gasoline.
(2) Test procedure. A suit is held from
its top by the holding arrangement.
The gasoline is ignited and allowed to
burn for approximately 30 seconds in a
draft-free location. The suit is then
held with the lowest part of each foot
240 mm (9.5 in.) above the surface of the
burning gasoline. After two seconds,
measured from the moment the flame
first contacts the suit, the suit is removed from the fire. The suit must not
sustain burning or continue melting
after removal from the flames. If the
suit sustains any visible damage other
than scorching, it must then be subjected to the stability test described in
paragraph (c)(8) of this section, except
that only one subject need be used; the
impact test described in paragraph
(c)(11) of this section, except that only
one subject need be used; the thermal
protection test described in paragraph
(d) of this section, except that only one
subject need be used; and the buoyancy
test described in paragraph (g) of this
section, except that the buoyancy test
need be conducted for only 2 hours.
(j) Storage case flame exposure. The
storage case must be tested using the
same equipment required for the suit
flame exposure test. The immersion
suit must be inside the storage case for
this test. The storage case is held from
its top by the holding arrangement.
The gasoline is ignited and allowed to
burn for approximately 30 seconds in a
draft-free location. The storage case is
then held with its lowest part 240 mm

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(9.5 in.) above the surface of the burning gasoline. After two seconds, measured from the moment the flames first
contact the case, the case is removed
from the fire. If the case is burning, it
is allowed to continue to burn for six
seconds before the flames are extinguished. The storage case material
must not burn through at any point in
this test and the immersion suit must
not sustain any visible damage.
(k) Corrosion resistance. Each metal
part of a suit that is not 410 stainless
steel, or for which published evidence
of salt-spray corrosion resistance equal
to or greater than 410 stainless steel is
not available, must be tested as described in ASTM B 117. A sample of
each metal under test and a sample of
410 stainless steel must be tested for
720 hours. At the conclusion of the test,
each sample of test metal must show
corrosion resistance equal to or better
than the sample of 410 stainless steel.
(l) Body strength. The body strength
of a suit must be tested under the following conditions and procedures:
(1) Test equipment. The test apparatus
shown in figure 160.171–17(1)(1) must be
used for this test. This apparatus consists of—
(i) Two rigid cylinders each 125 mm (5
in.) in diameter, with an eye or ring at
each end;
(ii) A weight of 135 kg (300 lb.); and
(iii) Ropes or cables of sufficient
length to allow the suit to be suspended as shown in Figure 160.171–
17(1)(1).
(2) Test procedure. The suit is cut at
the waist and wrists, or holes are cut
into it as necessary to accommodate
the test apparatus. The suit is immersed in water for at least two minutes. The suit is then removed from the
water and immediately arranged on the
test apparatus, using each closure as it
would be used by a person wearing the
suit. The 135 kg (300 lb.) load is applied
for 5 minutes. No part of the suit may
tear or break during this test. The suit
must not be damaged in any way that
would allow water to enter or that
would affect the performance of the
suit.
(m) Seam strength. The strength of
each different type of seam used in a
suit must be tested under the following
conditions and procedures:

(1) Test equipment. The following
equipment must be used for this test.
(i) A chamber in which air temperature can be kept at 23° C (73.4° F) ±2° C
(1.8° F) and in which relative humidity
can be kept at 50% ±5%.
(ii) A device to apply tension to the
seam by the means of a pair of top jaws
and a pair of bottom jaws. Each set of
jaws must grip the material on both
sides so that it does not slip when the
load is applied.
(2) Test samples. Each test sample
must consist of two pieces of suit material, each of which is a 100 mm (4 in.)
square. The two pieces are joined by a
seam as shown in figure 160.171–
17(m)(3). For each type of seam, 5 samples are required. Each sample may be
cut from the suit or may be prepared
specifically for this test. One type of
seam is distinguished from another by
the type and size of stitch or other
joining method used and by the type
and thickness of the materials joined
at the seam.
(3) Test procedure. Each sample is conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23° C
(73.4° F) ±2°(1.8° F) C and 50% ±5% relative humidity. Immediately after conditioning, each sample is mounted individually in the tension device as shown
in figure 160.171–17(m)(3). The jaws are
separated at a rate of 5 mm/second (12
in./minute). The force at rupture is recorded. The average force at rupture
must be at least 225 Newtons (50 lb.).
(n) Tear resistance. The tear resistance of suit material must be determined by the method described in
ASTM D 1004. If more than one material is used, each material must be
tested. If varying thickness of a material are used in the suit, samples representing the thinnest portion of the
material must be tested. If multiple
layers of a material are used in the
suit, samples representing the layer on
the exterior of the suit must be tested.
Any material which is a composite
formed of two or more materials bonded together is considered to be a single
material. The average tearing strength
of each material must be at least 45
Newtons (10 lb.).
(o) Abrasion resistance. The abrasion
resistance of each type of suit material
on the exterior of the suit must be determined by the method described in

240

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§ 160.171–25

Federal Test Method Standard 191,
Method 5304.1. If varying thicknesses of
exterior suit material are used, samples representing the thinnest portion
of the material must be tested. If exterior material has multiple layers, samples of the layer on the outside surface
of the suit must be tested. Any exterior
material which is a composite formed
of two or more layers bonded together
is considered to be a single material
and the abradant must be applied to
the surface that is on the exterior of
the suit. The residual breaking
strength of each material must be at
least 225 Newtons (50 lb.).
(p) Test for oil resistance. After all its
apertures have been sealed, an immersion suit is immersed under a 100 mm
head of diesel oil, grade No. 2–D as defined in ASTM D–975, for 24 hours. The
surface oil is then wiped off and the immersion suit subjected to the leak test
prescribed in § 160.171–17(c)(10). The ingress of water must not be greater than
200 grams.
§ 160.171–19 Approval testing for child
size immersion suit.
A child size suit must pass the following tests:
(a) The stability test prescribed in
§ 160.171–17(c)(8), except that only six
children need be used as test subjects
and they can be of either sex. The subjects must be within the ranges of
weight and height prescribed in
§ 160.171–9(m). The heaviest subject
must weigh at least 10 kg (22 lb.) more
than the lightest subject. During this
test the face seal, neck and chin fit are
evaluated and must be comparable to
the fit of the corresponding adult size
suit on an adult.
(b) The buoyancy test prescribed in
§ 160.171–17(g).
(c) The body strength test prescribed
in § 160.171–17(k) except that the cylinders must be 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter and the test weight must be 55 kg
(120 lb.).
§ 160.171–23 Marking.
(a) Each immersion suit must be
marked with the words ‘‘IMMERSION
SUIT—COMPLIES WITH SOLAS 74/
83,’’ the name of the manufacturer, the
date of manufacturer, the model, the

size, and the Coast Guard approval
number.
(b) Each storage case must be
marked with the words ‘‘immersion
suit’’ and the size.
(c) The markings for the child size
immersion suits required under paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section must
also include the following statements
in print smaller than the word ‘‘child’’:
‘‘(Small Adult Under 50 kg. (110 lb.))’’,
and ‘‘Children Require Adult Assistance for Donning and Use.’’
(d) If an auxiliary means of buoyancy
is removable and is needed to meet
§ 160.171–11(a)(2), the marking on the
suit must indicate that the suit is not
Coast Guard approved unless the auxiliary means of buoyancy is attached.
§ 160.171–25 Production testing.
(a) Immersion suit production testing
is conducted under the procedures in
this section and subpart 159.007 of this
chapter.
(b) One out of every 100 immersion
suits produced must be tested as prescribed in § 160.171–17(g) and must be
given a complete visual examination.
The suit must be selected at random
from a production lot of 100 suits and
tested by or under the supervision of
the independent laboratory. A suit fails
this test if—
(1) The measured buoyancy of the
suit differs by more than 10% from the
measured buoyancy of the suit tested
for approval,
(2) The adjusted buoyancy of the suit
calculated using the buoyancy loss factor determined during approval testing
is less than that required in § 160.171–
11(a)(1), or
(3) The visual examination shows
that the suit does not conform to the
approved design.
(c) If the suit fails to pass the test as
prescribed in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2)
of this section, 10 additional suits from
the same lot must be selected at random and subjected to the test. If a defect in the suit is detected upon visual
examination, 10 additional suits from
the same lot must be selected at random and examined for the defect.
(d) If one or more of the 10 suits fails
to pass the test or examination, each
suit in the lot must be tested or examined for the defect for which the lot

241

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

was rejected. Only suits that pass the
test or that are free of defects may be
sold as Coast Guard approved.
(e) The manufacturer must ensure
that the quality control procedure de-

scribed in the test plans previously
submitted for approval under § 159.005–
9(a)(5)(iii) is followed.

FIGURE 160.171(e)(1)(i). WATER CAN FOR INSULATION TEST.

FIGURE 160.171–17(e)(1)(v). INSULATION TEST ASSEMBLY.

242

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.171–25

239

§ 160.174–1

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

Subpart 160.174—Thermal
Protective Aids

§ 160.174–3 Incorporations
erence.

SOURCE: CGD 84–069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29,
1986, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.174–1 Scope.
This subpart contains construction
and performance requirements, and approval tests for thermal protective aids
that are designed to minimize the occurrence of or aid in the recovery from
hypothermia (lowered body temperature) during long periods in a survival
craft.

by

ref-

(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subchapter with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register. The Office
of the Federal Register publishes a
table, ‘‘Material Approved for Incorporation by Reference,’’ which appears in
the Finding Aids section of this volume. In that table is found citations to
the particular sections of this part
where the material is incorporated and
the date of the approval by the Director of the Federal Register. To enforce
any edition other than the one listed in

240

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.174–9

paragraph (b) of the section, notice of
change must be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material made
available. All approved material is on
file at the Office of the Federal Register, Washington, DC 20408, and at the
U.S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving and Fire
Safety Division (G–MMS–4), Washington, DC 20593.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart
are:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS

100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
19428–2959.
ASTM C 177–76, Standard Test Method for
Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Guarded Hot Plate.
ASTM C 518–76, Standard Test Method for
Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter.
ASTM D 1518–77, Thermal Transmittance of
Textile Materials Between Guarded HotPlate and Cool Atmosphere.
ASTM D 1004–66, Tear Resistance of Plastic
Film and Sheeting.
ASTM D 975–81, Standard Specification for
Diesel Fuel Oils.
GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Specification Unit (WFSIA), Regional Office
Building, Room 6039, 7th and D Streets SW.,
Washington, DC 20407
Federal Standard No. 751a—Stitches, Seams,
and Stitchings.
National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440—Color, Universal Language and
Dictionary of Names.
[CGD 84–069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986, CGD
95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041,
61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD 97–057, 62 FR
51049, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.174–5 Independent laboratory.
(a) The approval and production tests
and inspections in this subpart must be
conducted by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard
under subpart 159.010 of this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.174–7 Approval procedures.
(a) General. A thermal protective aid
is approved by the Coast Guard under
the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this
chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval
test must be conducted in accordance
with § 160.174–17.

§ 160.174–9 Construction.
(a) General. Each thermal protective
aid must be constructed primarily of a
durable insulating or heat reflecting
material that meets the thermal insulation requirements in § 160.174–11(a).
Each aid must be designed to cover the
wearer’s entire body, except for the
area of the mouth, nose, and eyes.
(b) Seams. Stitching, if used in structural seams of a thermal protective
aid, must be lock type stitching that
meets the requirements in Federal
Standard No. 751 for one of the following:
(1) Class 300 lockstitch.
(2) Class 700 single thread lock stitch.
(c) Seam strength. Each seam must
have a strength of at least 225 Newtons
(50 lb.).
(d) Hardware. All hardware of a thermal protective aid must be of a size
and design that allows ease of operation by the wearer. The hardware
must be attached to the aid in a manner that allows the wearer to operate it
easily and that prevents it from attaining a position in which it can be operated improperly.
(e) Metal parts. Each metal part of a
thermal protective aid must be—
(1) 410 stainless steel or have salt
water and salt air corrosion characteristics equal to or superior to 410 stainless steel; and
(2) Galvanically compatible with
each other metal part in contact with
it.
(f) Thermal protective aid exterior. The
primary color of the exterior surface of
each thermal protective aid must be
vivid reddish orange (color number 34
of National Bureau of Standards Publication 440). The exterior surface of the
aid must resist tearing when tested as
prescribed in § 160.174–17(i).
(g) Hand and arm construction. The
hand of each thermal protective aid
must be a glove that allows sufficient
dexterity for the wearer to close and
open the zipper or other hardware of
the aid and to open and eat survival rations, unless the glove is removable.
The glove may not be removable unless
it is attached to the arm and unless it
can be secured to the arm or stowed in
a pocket on the arm when not in use.
(h) Retroreflective material. Each thermal protective aid must be fitted with

241

§ 160.174–11

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

at least 200 cm2(31 sq. in.) of Type I
retroreflective material that meets
subpart 164.018 of this chapter.
(i) Size. Each thermal protective aid
must fit persons ranging in weight
from 50 kg. (110 lbs.) to 150 kg. (330 lbs.)
and in height from 1.5 m. (59 in.) to 1.9
m. (75 in.).
(j) Lifejacket. Each thermal protective aid must be designed so that any
Type I Personal Flotation Device
meeting the requirements of this chapter can be worn inside the aid and,
when worn, will not damage the aid
and will not adversely affect its performance.
§ 160.174–11 Performance.
(a) Thermal protection. The thermal
protective aid must be designed to protect against loss of body heat as follows:
(1) The thermal conductivity of the
material from which the thermal protective aid is constructed must be not
more than 0.25 W/(m¥°K).
(2) The thermal protective aid must
prevent evaporative heat loss.
(3) The aid must function properly at
an air temperature of ¥30 °C (¥22 °F)
to +20 °C (68 °F).
(b) Donning Time. Each thermal protective aid must be designed to enable
a person to don the aid correctly within one minute after reading the donning and use instructions described in
§ 160.174–15(a).
(c) Storage Temperature. A thermal
protective aid must not be damaged by
storage in its storage case at any temperature between ¥30 °C (¥22 °F) and
+65 C (149 °F).
(d) In water performance. The thermal
protective aid must be designed to permit the wearer to remove it in the
water within two minutes, if it impairs
ability to swim.
(e) Water penetration. The fabric from
which the thermal protective aid is
constructed must maintain its watertight integrity when supporting a column of water 2 meters high.
(f) Oil resistance. Each thermal protective aid must be designed to be useable after 24 hours exposure to diesel
oil.

§ 160.174–13 Storage case.
Each thermal protective aid must be
provided with a ziplock bag or equivalent storage case.
§ 160.174–15 Instructions.
(a) Each thermal protective aid must
have instructions for its donning and
use in an emergency. The instructions
must be in English and must not exceed 50 words. Illustrations must be
used in addition to the words. The instructions must include advice as to
whether to swim in the aid or discard
it if the wearer is thrown into the
water.
(b) The instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section must be on the
exterior of the storage case, printed on
a waterproof card attached to the storage case, or printed on the thermal
protective aid and visible through a
transparent storage case. The instructions must also be available in 81⁄2×11
inch loose-leaf format for inclusion in
the vessel’s training manual.
§ 160.174–17 Approval testing.
(a) General. A thermal protective aid
must be tested as prescribed in this
section.
(b) Mobility and swimming tests. The
mobility and swimming capabilities of
each thermal protective aid must be
tested under the following conditions
and procedures:
(1) Test subjects. Seven males and
three females must be used in the tests
described in this paragraph. The subjects must represent each of the three
physical types (ectomorphic, endomorphic, and mesomorphic). Each subject must be in good health. The heaviest male subject must weigh at least 25
kg (55 lb) more than the lightest male
subject. The heaviest female subject
must weigh at least 25 kg (55 lb) more
than the lightest female subject. The
heaviest subject must weigh 150±5 Kg
(330±11 lbs.) and the lightest subject
must weigh 50±5 Kg (110±11 lbs.). Each
subject must be unfamiliar with the
specific thermal protective aid under
test. Each subject must wear a standard range of clothing consisting of:
(i) Underwear (short sleeved, short
legged);
(ii) Shirt (long sleeved);
(iii) Trousers (not woolen);

242

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§ 160.174–17

(iv) Woolen socks;
(v) Rubber soled shoes; and
(vi) A life preserver.
(2) Donning test. Each subject is removed from the view of the other subjects and allowed one minute to examine the thermal protective aid and the
manufacturer’s instructions for donning and use of the aid in an emergency. At the end of this period, the
subject attempts to don the thermal
protective aid as rapidly as possible. If
the subject does not don the thermal
protective aid completely, including
gloves and any other accessories, within 60 seconds, the subject removes the
aid and is given a demonstration of
correct donning, and again attempts to
don the aid. At least nine out of ten
subjects must be able to don the thermal protective aid completely in 60
seconds on at least one of the two attempts.
(3) Discarding test. If the thermal protective aid impairs the ability of the
wearer to swim, it must be demonstrated that it can be discarded by
the test subjects, when immersed in
water, in not more than two minutes.
Caution: During each of the in water
tests prescribed in this section, a person ready to render assistance when
needed should be near each subject in
the water.
(i) Unless the manufacturer specifies
in the instructions that the thermal
protective aid does impair ability to
swim and should always be discarded in
the water, each subject, wearing a life
preserver, enters the water and swims
25 meters. The subject, after sufficient
rest to avoid fatigue, repeats this test
wearing a thermal protective aid in addition to the life preserver. At least
nine out of ten subjects must be able to
swim this distance wearing the thermal protective aid in not more than
125% of the time taken to swim the distance wearing only a life preserver, or
the aid will be determined to impair
the ability to swim.
(ii) If the thermal protective aid is
determined by the above test or specified by the manufacturer to impair the
ability to swim, each subject, after entering the water from a height of one
meter (three feet), attempts to remove
the aid and discard it. At least nine out

of ten subjects must be able to discard
the device within two minutes.
(c) [Reserved]
(d) Storage temperature. Two samples
of the thermal protective aids, in their
storage cases, are alternately subjected
to surrounding temperatures of ¥30° C
to +65° C. These alternating cycles need
not follow immediately after each
other and the following procedure, repeated for a total of ten cycles, is acceptable:
(1) 8 hours conditioning at 65° C to be
completed in one day;
(2) The specimens removed from the
warm chamber that same day and left
exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day;
(3) 8 hours conditioning at ¥30° C to
be completed the next day; and
(4) The specimens removed from the
cold chamber that same day and left
exposed under ordinary room conditions until the next day. At the conclusion of step (3) of the final cycle of cold
storage, two test subjects who successfully completed the donning test previously enter the cold chamber, unpack
and don the thermal protective aids.
The aids must not show any damage,
such as shrinking, cracking, swelling,
dissolution or change of mechanical
qualities.
(e) Water penetration. A sample of the
fabric from which the thermal protective aid is constructed is installed as a
membrane at one end of a tube of at
least 2.5 cm (one inch) diameter and 2
meters long. The tube is fixed in a
vertical position with the membrane at
the bottom, and filled with water.
After one hour the membrane must
continue to support the column of
water with no leakage.
(f) Insulation. The material from
which the thermal protective aid is
constructed is tested in accordance
with the procedures in ASTM C 177,
ASTM C 518, or ASTM D 1518. The material must have a thermal conductivity of not more than 0.25 W/(m¥°K).
(g) Test for oil resistance. After all its
apertures have been sealed, a thermal
protective aid is immersed under a 100
mm head of diesel oil, grade no. 2–D as
defined in ASTM D–975, for 24 hours.
The surface oil is then wiped off and a
sample of the material from the aid is
again tested in accordance with the

247

§ 160.174–23

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

procedures in ASTM C 177 or ASTM C
518. The material must still have a
thermal conductivity of not more than
0.25 W/(m¥° K).
(h) Seam strength. The strength of
each different type of seam used in a
thermal protective aid must be tested
under the following conditions and procedures.
(1) Test equipment. The following
equipment must be used in this test:
(i) A chamber in which air temperature can be kept at 25° C (73.4° F) ±2° C
(1.8° F) and in which relative humidity
can be kept at 50% ±5%.
(ii) A device to apply tension to the
seam by means of a pair of top jaws
and a pair of bottom jaws. Each set of
jaws must grip the material on both
sides so that it does not slip when the
load is applied. Each front jaw must be
25 mm (1 inch) wide by 25 mm (1 inch)
long. The distance between the jaws before the load is applied must be 75mm
(3 inches).
(2) Test samples. Each test sample
consists of two pieces of the material
from which the thermal protective aid
is constructed, each of which is 100 mm
(4 inches) square. The two pieces are
joined by a seam as shown in figure
160.171–17(m)(3). For each type of seam,
5 samples are required. Each sample
may be cut from a thermal protective
aid or may be prepared specifically for
this test. One type of seam is distinguished from another by the type and
size of stitch or other joining method
used (including orientation of warp and
fill, if any) and by the type and thickness of the materials joined at the
seam.
(3) Test procedure. Each sample is conditioned for at least 40 hours at 23° C±2°
C and 50% ±5% relative humidity. Immediately after conditioning, each
sample is mounted individually in the
tension device as shown in figure
160.171–17(m)(3). The jaws are separated
at a rate of 5 mm/second (12 in/minute).
The maximum force to achieve rupture
is recorded. The average force at rupture must be at least 225 Newtons (50
lb).
(i) Tear resistance. The tear resistance
of the material from which a thermal
protective aid is constructed must be
determined by the method described in
ASTM D 1004. If more than one mate-

rial is used, each material must be
tested. If varying thicknesses of a material are used in the aid, samples representing the thinnest portion of the
material must be tested. If multiple
layers of a material are used in the aid,
samples representing the layer on the
exterior of the aid must be tested. Any
material that is a composite formed of
two or more materials bonded together
is considered to be a single material.
The average tearing strength of each
material must be at least 45 Newtons
(10 lb).
[CGD 84–069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986, as
amended by CGD 84–069a, 52 FR 1197, Jan. 12,
1987]

§ 160.174–23 Marking.
(a) Each thermal protective aid must
be marked with the words ‘‘Thermal
Protective Aid,’’ the name of the manufacturer, the model, the date of manufacture or a lot number from which the
date of manufacture may be determined, and the Coast Guard approval
number.
(b) Each storage case must be
marked with the words ‘‘Thermal Protective Aid’’ or the thermal protective
aid must have a similar marking which
is visible through a transparent storage case.
§ 160.174–25 Production testing.
(a) Thermal protective aid production testing is conducted under the
procedures in this section and subpart
159.007 of this chapter.
(b) One out of every 100 thermal protective aids produced must be given a
complete visual examination. The sample must be selected at random from a
production lot of 100 thermal protective aids and examined by or under the
supervision of the independent laboratory. The sample fails if the visual examination shows that the aid does not
conform to the approved design.
(c) If a defect in the thermal protective aid is detected upon visual examination, 10 additional samples from the
same lot must be selected at random
and examined for the defect.
(d) If one or more of the 10 samples
fails the examination, each thermal
protective aid in the lot must be examined for the defect for which the lot
was rejected. Only thermal protective

248

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§ 160.176–4

aids that are free of defects may be
sold as Coast Guard approved.
[CGD 84–069b, 51 FR 19343, May 29, 1986; 51 FR
20650, June 6, 1986]

Subpart 160.176—Inflatable
Lifejackets
SOURCE: CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5,
1989, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.176–1 Scope.
(a) This subpart contains structural
and performance standards and procedures for approval of inflatable lifejackets, as well as requirements for associated manuals, servicing programs,
and shore-side service facilities.
(b) Other regulations in this chapter
provide that inflatable lifejackets must
be:
(1) Serviced annually at designated
servicing facilities; and
(2) Maintained in accordance with
their user manuals.
(c) Inflatable lifejackets approved
under this subpart—
(1) Rely entirely upon inflation for
buoyancy;
(2) Meet the requirements for lifejackets in the 1983 Amendments to the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83);
(3) Have performance equivalent to
Type I Personal Flotation Devices
(PFD’s) with any one chamber deflated;
and
(4) Are designed to be worn by adults.
§ 160.176–2 Application.
(a) Inflatable lifejackets approved
under this subpart may be used to meet
carriage requirements for Type I PFD’s
only on:
(1) Uninspected submersible vessels;
and
(2) Inspected vessels for which a servicing program has been approved by
the Commandant.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.176–3 Definitions.
(a) Commandant means the Chief of
the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, Marine Safety and Environmental
Protection. Address: Commandant (G–
MSE–4), U.S. Coast Guard Head-

quarters, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001.
(b) First quality worksmanship means
construction which is free from any defect materially affecting appearance or
serviceability.
(c) Functional deterioration means—
(1) Damage such as deformation in
hardware or a rip, tear, or loose stitches;
(2) Decline in any performance characteristic; or
(3) Any other change making the lifejacket unfit for use.
(d) Functional residual capacity (FRC)
means the amount of lung volume a
person has remaining at the bottom of
the normal breathing cycle when at
rest.
(e) Inflation medium means any solid,
liquid, or gas, that, when activated,
provides inflation for buoyancy.
(f) Inspector means an independent
laboratory representative assigned to
perform the duties described in
§ 160.176–15 of this subpart.
(g) PFD means personal flotation device as defined in 33 CFR 175.13.
(h) Reference vest means a model AK–
1 PFD meeting subpart 160.047 of this
part, except that, in lieu of the weight
and displacement values prescribed in
Tables 160.047–4(c)(2) and § 160.047–
(4)(c)(4), each front insert must have a
weight of kapok of at least 8.25 oz. and
a volume displacement of 9.0 ± 0.25 lb.,
and the back insert must have a weight
of kapok of at least 5.5 oz. and a volume displacement of 6.0 ± 0.25 lb. To
achieve the specified volume displacement, front insert envelopes may be
larger than the dimensions prescribed
by § 160.047–1(b).
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Second stage donning means adjustments or steps necessary to make a
lifejacket provide its intended flotation characteristics after the device
has been properly donned and then inflated.
[CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.176–4 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5

249

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

U.S.C. 552(a). To enforce any edition
other than the one listed in paragraph
(b) of this section, notice of the change
must be published in the FEDERAL REGISTER and the material made available
to the public. All approved material is
on file 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 Division (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 materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart,
and the sections affected are:
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)
100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA
19428–2959.
ASTM B 177–73/79 Standard Method of Salt
Spray
(Fog)
Testing,
1973—160.176–8;
160.176–13
ASTM D 751–79 Standard Methods of Testing
Coated Fabrics, 1979—160.176–13
ASTM D 975–81 Standard Specification for
Diesel Fuel Oils, 1981—160.176–13
ASTM D 1434–75 Gas Transmission Rate of
Plastic Film and Sheeting, 1975—160.176–13
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION TECHNICAL STANDARD ORDER
Policy and Procedure Br., AWS–110, Aircraft
Engineering Division, Office of Airworthiness,
800 Independence Ave., SW., Washington, DC
20591
TSO–C13d, Federal Aviation Administration
Standard for Life Preservers, January 3,
1983—160.176–8
FEDERAL STANDARDS
Naval Publications and Forms Center, Customer
Service, Code 1052, 5801 Tabor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120
In Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A
(dated July 20, 1978) the following methods:
(1) Method 5100, Strength and Elongation,
Breaking of Woven Cloth; Grab Method—
160.176–13
(2) Method 5132, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Falling-Pendulum Method—160.176–
13
(3) Method 5134, Strength of Cloth, Tearing; Tongue Method—160.176–13
(4) Method 5804.1, Weathering Resistance of
Cloth; Accelerated Weathering Method—
160.176–8
(5) Method 5762, Mildew Resistance of Textile Materials; Soil Burial Method—
160.176–8
Federal Standard No. 751a, Stitches, Seams,
and Stitching, January 25, 1965—160.176–9
MILITARY SPECIFICATIONS

Naval Publications and Forms Center, Customer
Service, Code 1052, 5801 Tabor Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19120
MIL–L–24611—Life Preserver Support Package For Life Preserver, MK 4, dated May
18, 1982—160.176–8
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS AND
TECHNOLOGY (NIST) (FORMERLY NATIONAL
BUREAU OF STANDARDS)
C/O Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402
Special Pub. 440, Color: Universal Language
and Dictionary of Names; ‘‘The Universal
Color Language’’ and ‘‘The Color Names
Dictionary’’, 1976—160.176–9
UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES (UL)
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc., 12 Laboratory
Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–
3995.P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park,
NC 27709–3995
UL 1191, ‘‘Components for Personal Flotation
Devices’’, November 11, 1984—160.176–8;
160.176–13
[CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996;
CGD 97–057, 62 FR 51049, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 160.176–5 Approval procedures.
(a) Modifications to general procedures.
Subpart 159.005 of this chapter contains
the approval procedures. Those procedures must be followed, except as modified in this paragraph.
(1)
Preapproval
review
under
§§ 159.005–5 and 159.005–7 may be omitted
if a similar design has already been approved.
(2) The information required under
§ 159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this
chapter must be included in the application.
(3) The application must also include
the following:
(i) The Type of performance (i.e.
Type I or Type V) that the lifejacket is
designed to provide.
(ii) Any special purpose(s) for which
the lifejacket is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use
is planned.
(iii) Buoyancy and torque values
along with tolerances to be allowed in
production. The Coast Guard normally
will approve tolerances of up to ±10%
unless prototypes are tested at greater
extremes or greater tolerances are otherwise justified.
(iv) The text of any optional marking
to be provided in addition to required
text.

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(v) The service manual and written
guidelines required by §§ 160.176–19(c)
and 160.176–19(d) of the part and the
user’s manual required by § 160.176–21 of
this part.
(vi) A list of proposed servicing facilities.
(4) The description of quality control
procedures required by § 159.005–9 of
this chapter to be submitted with the
test report may be omitted as long as
the manufacturer’s planned quality
control
procedures
comply
with
§ 160.176–15 of this part.
(5) The test report must include, in
addition to information required by
§ 159.005–9 of this chapter, a report of
inspection of each proposed servicing
facility. The report must include the
time, date, place, and name of the person doing the inspection and observations that show whether the facility
meets §§ 160.176–19(b)(2), 160–176–19(b)(4),
and 160.176–19(d) of this part.
(6) The certificate of approval, when
issued, is accompanied by a letter to
the manufacturer listing the servicing
facilities that have been approved. Copies of the letter are also provided for
each facility.
(7) An approval will be suspended or
terminated under § 159.005–15 of this
chapter if the manufacturer fails to
maintain approved servicing facilities
that meet § 160.176–19 of this part.
(b) Manuals and guidelines. The manuals and servicing facility guidelines required by this subpart are reviewed
with the application for lifejacket approval. Changes will be required if
needed to comply with §§ 160.176–19 and
160.176–21 of this part.
(c) Approval of servicing facilities. (1)
Approval of servicing facilities initially proposed for use is considered
during and as a part of the lifejacket
approval process described in paragraph (a) of this section.
(2) Other servicing facilities may subsequently be considered for approval,
upon submission of a letter of application to Commandant containing each
of the applicable items required of
manufacturers and laboratories under
§ 159.005–5 of this chapter and the following:
(i) A copy of guidelines meeting
§ 160.176–19(d) of this part, if different

from those originally approved with
the lifejacket;
(ii) A list of the sources the servicing
facility proposes to use for parts and
manuals for the servicing of the make
and model of lifejacket applied for; and
(iii) A report of inspection prepared
by an independent laboratory which includes the time, date, and place of the
inspection, the name of the inspector,
and observations that show whether
the facility meets §§ 160.176–19(b)(2)
through 160.176–19(b)(4) and 160.176–19(d)
of this part.
(3) To conduct servicing at a remote
or mobile site, the servicing facility
must be authorized in its letter of approval to conduct this type of servicing. Approval for servicing at these
sites is obtained according to paragraph (c)(2) of this section except that
portable or mobile equipment must be
available when evaluating the compliance with § 160.176–19(b)(3) of this part.
(4) Each change to equipment, procedure, or qualification and training of
personnel of an approved servicing facility must be also approved.
(d) Waiver of tests. If a manufacturer
requests that any test in this subpart
be waived, one of the following must be
provided to the Commandant as justification for the waiver:
(1) Acceptable test results on a lifejacket of sufficiently similar design.
(2) Engineering analysis showing that
the test is not applicable to the particular design or that by design or construction the lifejacket can not fail the
test.
(e) Alternative requirements. A lifejacket that does not meet requirements in this subpart may still be approved if the device—
(1) Meets other requirements prescribed by the Commandant in place of
or in addition to requirements in this
subpart; and
(2) Provides at least the same degree
of safety provided by other lifejackets
that do comply with this subpart.
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29441, June
27, 1991]

§ 160.176–6 Procedure for approval of
design or material revision.
(a) Each change in design, material,
or construction must be approved by

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

the Commandant before being used in
lifejacket production.
(b) Determinations of equivalence of
design, construction, and materials
may only be made by the Commandant.
§ 160.176–7 Independent laboratories.
A list of independent laboratories
which have been accepted by the Commandant for conducting or supervising
the following tests and inspections required by this subpart, may be obtained from the Commandant:
(a) Approval tests.
(b) Production tests and inspections.
(c) Inspection of approved servicing
facilities.
(d) Testing of materials for the purpose of making the certification required by § 160.176–8(a)(3) of this part.
§ 160.176–8 Materials.
(a) General—(1) Acceptance, certification, and quality. All components
used in the construction of lifejackets
must meet the requirements of subpart
164.019 of this chapter.
(2) Condition of materials. All materials must be new.
(3) Temperature range. Unless otherwise specified in standards incorporated by reference in this section, all
materials must be usable in all weather
conditions throughout a temperature
range of ¥30 ° C to +65 ° C(¥22 ° F to
+150 ° F).
(4) Weathering resistance. Each nonmetallic component which is not suitably covered to shield against ultraviolet exposure must retain at least
40% of its strength after being subjected to 300 hours of sunshine carbon
arc weathering as specified by Method
5804.1 of Federal Test Method Standard
Number 191A.
(5) Fungus resistance. Each non-metallic component must retain at least 90%
of its strength after being subjected to
the mildew resistance test specified by
Method 5762 of Federal Test Method
Standard No. 191A when untreated cotton is used as the control specimen.
Also, the gas transmission rate of inflation chamber materials must not be
increased by more than 10% after being
subjected to this test. Materials that
are covered when used in the lifejacket
may be tested with the covering material.

(6) Corrosion resistance. Each metal
component must—
(i) Be galvanically compatible with
each other metal part in contact with
it; and
(ii) Unless it is expendable (such as
an inflation medium cartridge), be 410
stainless steel, have salt water and salt
air corrosion characteristics equal or
superior to 410 stainless steel, or perform its intended function and have no
visible pitting or other damage on any
surface after 720 hours of salt spray
testing according to ASTM B 117.
(7) Materials not covered. Materials
having no additional specific requirements in this section must be of good
quality and suitable for the purpose intended.
(b) Fabric—(1) All fabric. All fabric
must—
(i) Be of a type accepted for use on
Type I life preservers approved under
subpart 160.002 of this part; or
(ii) Meet the Type V requirements for
‘‘Fabrics for Wearable Devices’’ in UL
1191 except that breaking strength
must be at least 400 N (90 lb.) in both
directions of greater and lesser thread
count.
(2) Rubber coated fabric. Rubber coated fabric must be of a copper-inhibiting
type.
(c) Inflation chamber materials—(1) All
materials. (i) The average permeability
of inflation chamber material, determined according to the procedures
specified in § 160.176–13(y)(3) of this
part, must not be more than 110% of
the permeability of the materials determined in approval testing prescribed
in § 160.176–13(y)(3) of this part.
(ii) The average grab breaking
strength and tear strength of the material, determined according to the procedures specified in §§ 160.176–13(y)(1)
and 160.176–13(y)(2) of this part, must be
at least 90% of the grab breaking
strength and tear strength determined
from testing prescribed in §§ 160.176–
13(y)(1) and 160.176–13(y)(2) of this part.
No individual sample result for breaking strength or tear strength may be
more than 20% below the results obtained in approval testing.
(2) Fabric covered chambers. Each material used in the construction of inflation chambers that are covered with

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fabric must meet the requirements
specified for—
(i) ‘‘Bladder’’ materials in section
3.2.6 of MIL–L–24611(SH) if the material
is an unsupported film; or
(ii) Coated fabric in section 3.1.1 of
TSO–C13d if the material is a coated
fabric.
(3) Uncovered chambers. Each material
used in the construction of inflation
chambers that are not covered with
fabric must meet the requirements
specified in paragraph (c)(2)(ii) of this
section.
(d) Thread. Each thread must meet
the requirements of subpart 164.023 of
this chapter. Only one kind of thread
may be used in each seam. Thread and
fabric combinations must have similar
elongation and durability characteristics.
(e) Webbing. Webbing used as a body
strap, tie tape or drawstring, or reinforcing tape must meet § 160.002–3(e),
§ 160.002–3(f), § 160.002–3(h) of this part
respectively. Webbing used for tie tape
or drawstring must easily hold a knot
and be easily tied and untied. Webbing
used as reinforcing tape must not chafe
the wearer.
(f) Closures—(1) Strength. Each buckle, snap hook, dee ring or other type of
fastening must have a minimum breaking strength of 1600 N (360 lbs). The
width of each opening in a closure,
through which body strap webbing
passes, must be the same as the width
of that webbing.
(2) Means of Locking. Each closure
used to secure a lifejacket to the body,
except a zipper, must have a quick and
positive locking mechanism, such as a
snap hook and dee ring.
(3) Zipper. If a zipper is used to secure
the lifejacket to the body, it must be—
(i) Easily initiated;
(ii) Non-jamming;
(iii) Right handed;
(iv) Of a locking type; and
(v) Used in combination with another
type of closure that has a quick and
positive means of locking.
(g) Inflation medium. (1) No inflation
medium may contain any compound
that is more toxic than CO2 if inhaled
through any of the oral inflation mechanisms.

(2) Any chemical reaction of inflation
medium during inflation must not
produce a toxic residue.
(h) Adhesives. Adhesives must be waterproof and acceptable for use with
the materials being bonded.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Retroreflective Material. Each lifejacket must have at least 200 sq. cm.
(31 sq. in.) of retroreflective material
on its front side, at least 200 sq. cm. on
its back side, and at least 200 sq. cm. of
material on each reversible side. The
retroreflective material must be Type I
material that is approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter. The
retroreflective material attached on
each side must be divided equally between the upper quadrants of the side.
Attachment of retroreflective material
must not impair lifejacket performance or durability.
(k) PFD light. Each lifejacket must
have a PFD light that is approved
under subpart 161.012 of this chapter
and that meets the requirements of
Regulations III/30.2 and III/32.3 of the
1983 Amendments to the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83). The light must
be securely attached to the front shoulder area of the lifejacket. Attachment
of the light must not impair lifejacket
performance.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Whistle. Each lifejacket must
have a whistle of the ball type or
multi-tone type and of corrosion-resistant construction. The whistle must be
securely attached to the lifejacket by a
lanyard. The lanyard must be long
enough to permit the whistle to reach
the mouth of the wearer. If the lanyard
would normally allow the whistle to
hang below the waist of the average
size wearer, the whistle must be stowed
in a pocket on the lifejacket. The attachment of the whistle must not impair lifejacket performance.
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29441, June
27, 1991; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.176–9

Construction.

(a) General Features. Each inflatable
lifejacket must—
(1) Have at least two inflation chambers;

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Be constructed so that the intended method of donning is obvious to
an untrained wearer;
(3) If approved for use on a passenger
vessel, be inside a sealed, non-reusable
package that can be easily opened;
(4) Have a retainer for each adjustable closure to prevent any part of the
closure from being easily removed from
the lifejacket;
(5) Be universally sized for wearers
weighing over 40 kg. (90 pounds) and
have a chest size range of at least 76 to
120 cm. (30 to 52 in.);
(6) Unless the lifejacket is designed
so that it can only be donned in one
way, be constructed to be donned with
either the inner or outer surface of the
lifejacket next to the wearer (be reversible);
(7) Not have a channel that can direct water to the wearer’s face to any
greater extent than that of the reference vest defined in § 160.176–3(h) of
this part;
(8) Not have edges, projections, or
corners, either external or internal,
that are sharp enough to damage the
lifejacket or to cause injury to anyone
using or maintaining the lifejacket;
(9) Have a means for drainage of entrapped water;
(10) Be primarily vivid reddish orange, as defined by sections 13 and 14 of
the ‘‘Color Names Dictionary,’’ on its
external surfaces;
(11) Be of first quality workmanship;
(12) Unless otherwise allowed by the
approval certificate—
(i) Not incorporate means obviously
intended for attaching the lifejacket to
the vessel; and
(ii) Not have any instructions indicating attachment to a vessel is intended; and
(13) Meet any additional requirements that the Commandant may prescribe, if necessary, to approve unique
or novel designs.
(b) Inflation mechanisms. (1) Each inflatable lifejacket must have
(i) At least one automatic inflation
mechanism;
(ii) At least two manual inflation
mechanisms on separate chambers;
(iii) At least one oral inflation mechanism on each chamber; and

(iv) At least one manual inflation
mechanism or one automatic inflation
mechanism on each inflation chamber.
(2) Each inflation mechanism must
(i) Have an intended method of operation that is obvious to an untrained
wearer;
(ii) Not require tools to activate the
mechanism;
(iii) Be located outside its inflation
chamber; and
(iv) Be in a ready to use condition.
(3) Each oral inflation mechanism
must
(i) Be easily accessible after inflation
for the wearer to ‘‘top off’’ each chamber by mouth;
(ii) Operate without pulling on the
mechanism;
(iii) Not be able to be locked in the
open or closed position; and
(iv) Have a non-toxic mouthpiece.
(4) Each manual inflation mechanism
must
(i) Provide an easy means of inflation
that requires only one deliberate action on the part of the wearer to actuate it;
(ii) Have a simple method for replacing its inflation medium cartridge; and
(iii) Be operated by pulling on an inflation handle that is marked ‘‘Jerk to
Inflate’’ at two visible locations.
(5) Each automatic inflation mechanism must
(i) Have a simple method for replacing its inflation medium cartridge and
water sensitive element;
(ii) Have an obvious method of indicating whether the mechanism has
been activated; and
(iii) Be incapable of assembly without its water sensitive element.
(6) The marking required for the inflation handle of a manual inflation
mechanism must be waterproof, permanent, and readable from a distance of
2.5 m (8 feet).
(c) Deflation mechanism. (1) Each
chamber must have its own deflation
mechanism.
(2) Each deflation mechanism must
(i) Be readily accessible to either
hand when the lifejacket is worn while
inflated;
(ii) Not require tools to operate it;
(iii) Not be able to be locked in the
open or closed position; and

254

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§ 160.176–13

(iv) Have an intended method of operation which is obvious to an untrained
wearer.
(3) The deflation mechanism may
also be the oral inflation mechanism.
(d) Sewn seams. Stitching used in
each structural seam of a lifejacket
must provide performance equal to or
better than a Class 300 Lockstitch
meeting Federal Standard No. 751a.
(e) Textiles. All cut edges of textile
materials must be treated or sewn to
minimize raveling.
(f) Body strap attachment. Each body
strap assembly must be securely attached to the lifejacket.
§ 160.176–11 Performance.
(a) General. Each inflatable lifejacket
must be able to pass the tests in
§ 160.176–13 of this part.
(b) Snag Hazard. The lifejacket must
not present a snag hazard when properly worn.
(c) Chamber Attachment. Each inflation chamber on or inside an inflatable
lifejacket must not be able to be moved
to a position that(1) Prevents full inflation; or
(2) Allows inflation in a location
other than in its intended location.
(d) Comfort. The lifejacket must not
cause significant discomfort to the
wearer during and after inflation.
§ 160.176–13 Approval Tests.
(a) General. (1) This section contains
requirements for approval tests and examinations of inflatable lifejackets.
Each test or examination must be conducted or supervised by an independent
laboratory. The tests must be done
using lifejackets that have been constructed in accordance with the plans
and specifications in the application
for approval. Unless otherwise specified, only one lifejacket, which may or
may not have been subjected to other
tests, is required to be tested in each
test. One or more lifejackets that have
been tested as prescribed in paragraph
(h) of this section must be used for the
tests prescribed in paragraphs (j), (n),
(q), and (r) of this section. The tests
prescribed in paragraph (y) of this section require one or more lifejackets as
specified in that paragraph.
(2) All data relating to buoyancy and
pressure must be taken at, or corrected

to, an atmospheric pressure of 760 mm
(29.92 inches) of mercury and a temperature of 20 °C (68 °F).
(3) The tests in this section are not
required to be run in the order listed,
except where a particular order is specified.
(4) Some tests in this section require
a lifejacket to be tested while being
worn. In each of these tests the test
subjects must represent a range of
small, medium, and large heights and
weights. Unless otherwise specified, a
minimum of 18 test subjects, including
both males and females, must be used.
The test subjects must not be practiced
in the use of the lifejacket being tested. However, they must be familiar
with the use of other Coast Guard approved lifejackets. Unless specified
otherwise, test subjects must wear
only swim suits. Each test subject
must be able to swim and relax in the
water.
NOTE: Some tests have inherent hazards for
which adequate safeguards must be taken to
protect personnel and property in conducting
the tests.

(b) Donning. (1) No second stage donning is allowed in the tests in this
paragraph. Test subjects may read the
donning instructions to be provided
with the device, if any. An uninflated
lifejacket with size adjustment at its
mid-range is given to each test subject
with the instruction: ‘‘Please don as
quickly as possible, adjust to fit snugly, and inflate.’’ Each subject must,
within one minute, don the uninflated
lifejacket, adjust it to fit snugly, and
then activate the manual inflation
mechanism.
NOTE: For this test the manual inflation
mechanism may be disabled.

(2) The average time of all subjects to
complete the test in paragraph (b)(1) of
this section must not exceed 30 seconds. The criteria in this paragraph do
not apply to the tests in paragraphs
(b)(3) and (b)(4) of this section.
(3) The test in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section is repeated with each subject
wearing an insulated, hooded parka
and gloves made from heavy, cottonjersey (knit) fabric.
(4) The test in paragraph (b)(1) of this
section is then repeated twice more
with a fully inflated lifejacket. In the

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

first test the subjects must wear swim
suits and in the second test, parka and
gloves.
(c) Inflation Testing. No second stage
donning is allowed in the tests in this
paragraph. A lifejacket with each automatic inflation mechanism disabled
must be used for the tests prescribed in
paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this section. For the tests prescribed in paragraph (c)(4) of this section, remove any
non-reusable cover or packaging from
the lifejacket, but do not open any
cover or closure which is intended to be
closed when the lifejacket is worn in
the uninflated condition.
(1) Each test subject dons an
uninflated lifejacket and is instructed
to enter the water and swim for approximately 30 seconds and then, on
command, inflate the lifejacket using
only oral inflation mechanisms. Within
30 seconds after the command is given,
the lifejacket must be sufficiently inflated to float each subject with respiration unimpeded.
(2) Each test subject dons an
uninflated lifejacket and is instructed
to enter the water and swim for approximately 30 seconds, bring both
hands to the surface, and then, on command, inflate the lifejacket using each
manual inflation mechanism. Each test
subject must find and operate all the
manual inflation mechanisms within 5
seconds after the command is given.
The manual inflation mechanisms
must inflate the lifejacket sufficiently
to float the wearers within 5 seconds
after the mechanisms are operated.
Within 20 seconds after activation each
subject must be floating in the position
described in paragraph (d)(3) of this
section.
(3) One small and one large test subject don uninflated lifejackets and
jump feet first from a height of 1 meter
into the water. The automatic inflation mechanisms must inflate the lifejackets sufficiently to float the wearers within 10 seconds after the subjects
enter the water. Within 20 seconds
after entering the water each subject
must be floating in the position described in paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(4) Air at a pressure of 4.2 kPa (0.6
psig) is applied separately to each oral
inflation mechanism of the lifejacket.

In each application the chamber must
fully inflate within 1 minute.
(5) Each oral inflation mechanism of
an unpacked lifejacket is connected to
a regulated air source constantly supplying air at a pressure of 7 kPa (1
psig). Each mechanism must pass at
least 100,000 cc of air per minute.
(d) Flotation stability—(1) Uninflated
flotation stability. Lifejackets with their
automatic inflation mechanisms disabled must be used for this test. Each
subject dons an uninflated lifejacket,
enters the water, and assumes an upright, slightly back of vertical, position. Each subject then relaxes. For
each subject that floats, the uninflated
lifejacket must not tend to turn the
wearer face-down when the head is allowed to fall back.
(2) Righting action. (i) Each test subject dons an uninflated lifejacket, enters the water, allows the automatic
inflation mechanism to inflate the lifejacket, and swims for 30 seconds. While
swimming, freedom of movement and
comfort are observed and noted by the
person conducting the test. Freedom of
movement and comfort must comply
with § 160.176-11(d). Also, each subject
must demonstrate that the lifejacket
can be adjusted while the subject is in
the water.
(ii) Each subject then takes three
gentle breast strokes and while still
face-down in the water, relaxes completely while slowly exhaling to FRC.
Each subject remains in this limp position long enough to determine if the
lifejacket will turn the subject from
the face-down position to a position in
which the subject’s breathing is not
impaired. The time from the last
breast stroke until breathing is not impaired is recorded. Each subject repeats
these steps two additional times, and
the average time for the three righting
actions is calculated. This average
time must not exceed 5 seconds.
(iii) If the lifejacket does not have
automatic inflation mechanisms for all
chambers, the tests in paragraphs
(d)(2)(i) and (d)(2)(ii) of this section are
repeated with each lifejacket fully inflated.
(iv) Each subject then performs the
test in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section with one chamber of the lifejacket
deflated. This test is then repeated as

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§ 160.176–13

many times as necessary to test the
lifejacket with a different chamber deflated until each chamber has been
tested in this manner.
(v) Each subject then performs the
test in paragraph (d)(2)(ii) of this section but exhales to FRC at the end of
the third breast stroke and holds the
breath prior to relaxing.
(3) Static measurements. At the end of
each test with each subject in § 160.176–
13(d)(2)(ii),
through
§ 160.176–
13(d)(2)(v)—
(i) The freeboard (the distance from
the water surface to the bottom of the
mouth) must be at least 100 mm (4.0
in.) without repositioning of any part
of the body and at least 120 mm (4.75
in.) after the head is positioned on the
lifejacket for maximum freeboard and
then relaxed;
(ii) The distance from water surface
to the lower portion of the ear canal
must be at least 50 mm (2 in.);
(iii) The torso angle (the angle between a vertical line and a line passing
through the shoulder and hip) must be
between 20° and 65° (back of vertical);
(iv) The face-plane angle (the angle
between a vertical line and a line passing through the most forward part of
the forehead and chin) must be between
15° and 60° (back of vertical);
(v) The lowest mark on a vertical
scale 6 m (20 ft.) from and in front of
the subject which the subject can see
without moving the head must be no
higher than 0.3 m (12 in.) from the
water level.
(vi) The subject when looking to the
side, must be able to see the water
within 3 m (10 ft.) away; and
(vii)
At
least
75%
of
the
retroreflective material on the outside
of the lifejacket, and the PFD light,
must be above the water.
(4) Average requirements. The test results for all subjects must be averaged
for the following static measurements
and must comply with the following:
(i) The average freeboard prior to positioning the head for maximum
freeboard must be at least 120 mm (4.75
in.);
(ii) The average torso angle must be
between 30° and 50° (back of vertical);
and

(iii) The average face-plane angle
must be between 20° and 50° (back of
vertical).
(5) ‘‘HELP’’ Position. Starting in a relaxed, face-up position of static
balance, each subject brings the legs
and arms in towards the body so as to
attain the ‘‘HELP’’ position (a fetal position, but holding the head back). The
lifejacket must not turn the subject
face down in the water.
(e) Jump test. (1) Each test subject
dons an uninflated lifejacket and with
hands above head, jumps feet first, into
the water from a height of 4.5 m (15 ft.).
No second stage donning is allowed
during this test and the lifejacket
must—
(i) Inflate automatically, float the
subject to the surface, and stabilize the
body with the mouth out of the water;
(ii) Maintain its intended position on
the wearer;
(iii) Not be damaged; and
(iv) Not cause injury to the wearer.
(2) The jump test in paragraph (e)(1)
of this section is repeated using a lifejacket which has been fully inflated
manually.
(3) The jump test in paragraph (e)(2)
of this section is then conducted with
one chamber deflated.This test is then
repeated as many times as necessary to
test the lifejacket with a different
chamber deflated until each chamber
has been tested in this manner.
NOTE: Before conducting these tests at the
4.5 m height, subjects should first do the test
from heights of 1 m and 3 m to lessen the
possibility of injury. It is suggested that subjects wear a long-sleeve cotton shirt to prevent abrasions when testing the device in the
inflated condition and that the teeth should
be tightly clenched together when jumping.

(f) Water emergence—(1) Equipment. A
pool with a wooden platform at one
side must be used for this test.The
platform must be 300 mm (12 in.) above
the water surface and must not float
on the water. The platform must have
a smooth painted surface. Alternatively, a Coast Guard approved inflatable liferaft may be used in lieu of
a platform.
(2) Qualifying. Each test subject enters the water wearing only a bathing
suit and swims 25 m. The subject must
then be able to emerge from the pool
onto the platform using only his or her

257

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

hands on the top of the platform as an
aid and without pushing off of the bottom of the pool. Any subject unable to
emerge onto the platform within 30
seconds is disqualified for this test. If
less than 2/3 of the test subjects qualify, substitute subjects must be used.
(3) Test. Each qualified subject dons
an inflated lifejacket, enters the water
and swims 25 m. Afterward, at least 2/
3 of the qualified subjects must then be
able to climb out of the pool in the
manner prescribed in paragraph (f)(2)
of this section within 45 seconds while
wearing the lifejacket. If marking on
the lifejacket so indicates, and if the
wearer can read the marking while the
lifejacket is being worn, the subjects
may deflate the device during the 45
second attempt.
(g) Lanyard pull test and strength. (1)
An uninflated lifejacket is placed on a
rigid metal test form built according to
Figure 160.176–13(n)(2) and suspended
vertically.
(2) The inflation handle of each manual inflation mechanism is attached to
a force indicator. The force indicator is
then used to activate each manual inflation mechanism separately. The
force required to activate each mechanism is recorded. In each test the force
must be between 25 and 70 N (5 and 15
lb.).
(3) A weight of 225 N (50 lb.) is in turn
attached to the inflation handle of
each manual inflation mechanism. The
weight is then allowed to hang freely
for 5 minutes from each manual inflation mechanism. The handle must not
separate from the mechanism.
(h) Temperature cycling tests. (1) Three
uninflated lifejackets, 2 packed and 1
unpacked, are maintained at room
temperature (20 ± 3 °C (68 + 6 °F)) for 4
hours and then at a temperature of 65
± 2 °C (150 ± 5 °F) for 20 hours. The lifejackets are then maintained at room
temperature for at least 4 hours, after
which they are maintained at a temperature of minus 30 ± 2 °C (¥22 ± 5 °F)
for 20 hours. This cycle is then repeated once.
(2) Upon the completion of the conditioning in paragraph (h)(1) of this section all sealed or non-reusable packaging is removed from the two packed
units. The lifejackets must show no
functional deterioration after being in-

flated immediately after removal from
the conditioning. The lifejackets must
be inflated as follows:
(i) One unit which was packed during
conditioning must fully inflate within
2 minutes using only oral inflation.
(ii) The other unit which was packed
during conditioning must fully inflate
within 45 seconds of submersion in
water at 2 ± 2 °C (37 ± 5 °F) as a result
of automatic inflation.
(iii) The unit which was unpacked
during conditioning must fully inflate
within 30 seconds of activation of the
manual inflation mechanisms.
(3) The same 3 lifejackets used for the
test in paragraph (h)(1) of this section
are deflated and, with 2 repacked and 1
unpacked, are maintained at room
temperature for 4 hours and then at a
temperature of minus 30 ± 2 °C (¥22 ± 5
°F) for 20 hours. The lifejackets are
then stored at room temperature for at
least 4 hours, after which they are
maintained at a temperature of 65 ± 2
°C (150 ± 5 °F) for 20 hours. This cycle is
then repeated once. The steps in paragraph (h)(2) of this section are then repeated, and the lifejackets must meet
the criteria in that paragraph.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention test. A lifejacket which has been
used in the tests in paragraph (h) of
this section must be used for this test.
(1) Equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(i) A wire mesh basket that is large
enough to hold the inflated lifejacket
without compressing it, is designed not
to allow the lifejacket to float free,
and is heavy enough to overcome the
buoyancy of the lifejacket.
(ii) A scale that is sensitive to 14 g
(0.5 oz.) and that has an error of less
than ±14 g (0.5 oz.).
(iii) A test tank, filled with fresh
water, that is large enough to hold the
basket with its top 50 mm (2 in.) below
the surface without the basket touching the tank.
(2) Method. One inflation chamber is
inflated using its automatic inflation
mechanism. The lifejacket is placed in
the basket. The basket is then suspended from the scale and submerged
in the test tank with the lifejacket and
basket completely below the water surface. An initial reading of the scale is

258

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.176–13

taken after 30 minutes and again after
24 hours. The buoyancy of the lifejacket is the submerged weight of the
basket minus the submerged weight of
the basket with the lifejacket inside.
This test is repeated as many times as
necessary until each chamber has been
tested. On each chamber that does not
have an automatic inflation mechanism the manual or oral inflation
mechanism may be used.
(3) Requirement. The buoyancy of each
inflation chamber must be within the
tolerances specified in the plans and
specifications for the lifejacket required by § 160.176–5(a)(2) of this part.
Each inflation chamber must retain at
least 95% of its initial buoyancy after
being submerged for 24 hours.
(k) Uninflated floatation test. A
packed lifejacket, with all automatic
inflation mechanisms disabled, is
dropped from a height of 1 m (3 ft.) into
fresh water. The lifejacket must remain floating on the surface of the
water for at least 30 minutes. This test
is
repeated
with
an
unpacked,
uninflated lifejacket, with all automatic inflation mechanisms disabled.
(l) [Reserved]
(m) Environmental tests—(1) Salt spray
exposure. An uninflated lifejacket is
subjected to 720 hours of salt spray as
specified by ASTM B 117. The automatic inflation mechanism(s) must not
be activated by the salt spray. The lifejacket is then inflated first using the
automatic inflation mechanism(s) and
then twice more using first the manual
mechanisms and then the oral mechanisms. The lifejacket must show no
functional deterioration.
(2) Rain exposure. An uninflated lifejacket is mounted on a rigid metal test
form built according to Figure 160.176–
13(n)(2). The test form must be vertical.
Spray nozzles that deliver 0.05 mm of
water per second (0.7 inch/hour) over
the area of the lifejacket at a tempera-

ture between 2 and 16 °C (35 and 60 °F)
and at a 45° angle below horizontal toward the lifejacket are mounted 1.5 m
(4.5 ft.) above the base of the test form.
There must be at least 4 nozzles evenly
spaced around the lifejacket at a horizontal distance of 1 m from the center
of the lifejacket and each nozzle must
deliver water at the same rate. Water
is then sprayed on the lifejacket for 1
hour. The lifejacket must not inflate
during the test.
(n) Tensile tests. Two lifejackets that
have been subjected to the tests in
paragraph (h) of this section must be
used for these tests.
(1) Body tensile test. (i) In this test
one lifejacket must be fully inflated
and the other deflated.
(ii) Two unconnected rigid cylinders
are passed through the body portion of
each lifejacket, or through the encircling body strap for yoke style devices,
with one closure fastened and adjusted
to its mid range, as shown in Figure
160.176–13(n)(1). Each cylinder must be
125 mm (5 inches) in diameter. The top
cylinder is connected to a winch or pulley system. The bottom cylinder is
connected to a test load which when
combined with the weight of the lower
cylinder and the linkage equals 325 kg
(720 lb.). The winch or pulley system
lifts the top cylinder so the test load is
raised off of its support. The test load
is left suspended for 30 minutes.
(iii) There must be no functional deterioration of any component of either
lifejacket during the test. Each friction type closure must not permit slippage of more than 25 mm (1 in.).
(iv) If a lifejacket has friction type
closures, the test must be repeated immediately after the lifejacket has been
immersed in water for a least 2 minutes.
(v) The test is repeated until each
different type of closure is tested separately.

259

§ 160.176–13

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Shoulder tensile test. Each shoulder
section of a lifejacket is subjected to
this test separately. A fully inflated
lifejacket, with all closures fastened,
must be secured to a rigid metal test
form built according to Figure 160.176–
13(n)(2). A 2 ±1⁄4 in. wide web is passed
through the shoulder section of the
lifejacket and is connected to a winch
or pulley system. The bottom portion
of the form is connected to a dead
weight load which when combined with

the weight of the form and the linkage
equals 90 kg. (200 lb.). The winch or pulley system is operated to raise the
weight off of its support. The weight is
left suspended for 30 minutes. There
must be no functional deterioration of
any component of the lifejacket during
the test.

260

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.176–13

(3) Strength of attachment of inflation
mechanism. (i) A fully inflated lifejacket is secured to a rigid metal test
form as in Figure 160.176–13(n)(2), and
the pressure of each inflated chamber
is measured. The top portion of the
form is then connnected to a winch or
pulley system. A 35 kg (75 lb.) weight is
attached by a line to one of the inflation mechanisms as close as possible to
the point of attachment on the lifejacket. The winch or pulley system is
operated to raise the weight off of its
support. The weight is left suspended
for 5 minutes and then released. The
inflation chamber to which the inflation mechanism is attached must not
lose more than 3 kPa (0.4 psig) or 20%
of its original pressure.
(ii) The test is paragraph (n)(3)(i) of
this section is repeated until each type
of inflation mechanism has been tested
separately.
(iii) The test is then repeated as
many additional times as necessary to
test each joint in each type of inflation

mechanism beyond its point of attachment to an inflation chamber. In each
test the point of attachment must be
as close as possible to the joint being
tested.
(o) [Reserved]
(p) Impact test. (1) an uninflated lifejacket is secured to the test form
shown in Figure 160.176–13(n)(2). The
lifejacket, with the automatic inflation mechanism disabled, is secured to
the form as it is intended to be worn.
The lifejacket is accelerated to 25 m/s
(50 mph) horizontally and is then
dropped from a height of not more than
0.5 m (1.5 ft.) into the water in the following positions:
(i) Face down, shoulder forward.
(ii) Face down, shoulder back.
(iii) Back down, shoulder forward.
(iv) Back down, shoulder back.
(v) Left side down, shoulder forward.
(vi) Right side down, shoulder back.
(2) Following each impact, there
must be no sign of functional deterioration, and the lifejacket must not
come off of the test form. After each

257

§ 160.176–13

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

impact the closures may be readjusted
as necessary.
(3) Following the six impacts, the
lifejacket must fully inflate using only
its oral inflation mechanisms.
(4) The test in this paragraph is repeated on the same lifejacket after inflating, with manual inflation mechanisms, all chambers that have those
mechanism.
(q) Flame exposure test. A lifejacket
that has been subjected to the tests in
paragraph (h) of this section must be
used for this test.
(1) Equipment. The following equipment is required for this test:
(i) A test pan 300 mm by 450 mm by
60 mm (12 in. by 18 in. by 21⁄2 in.) containing 12 mm (1⁄2 in.) of water under 25
mm (1 in.) of N-heptane.
(ii) an arrangement to hold the lifejacket over the N-heptane.
(2) Method. The test is only conducted when there is no significant air
movement other than that caused by
the fire. The N-heptane is ignited and
allowed to burn for 30 seconds. A lifejacket which has been fully inflated
with air is then passed through the
flames in an upright, forward, vertical,
free-hanging position with the bottom
of the lifejacket 240 mm C 91⁄2 in.) above
the top edge of the test pan. The lifejacket is exposed to the flames for 2
seconds.
(3) Requirement. The lifejacket must
not burn or melt for more than 6 seconds after being removed from the
flames. The lifejacket must remain inflated throughout the test. If the lifejacket sustains any visible damage
other than discoloration after being exposed to the flames, the lifejacket
must—
(i) pass the test in paragraph (e)(2) of
this section, except that only one subject is used and the test is done six
times; and
(ii) pass the tensile test in paragraph
(n)(1) of this section, except that a
weight of 245 kg (540 lb.) is used in lieu
of the 325 kg (720 lb.) weight.
(r) Solvent exposure test. Lifejackets
with their automatic inflation mechanisms disabled must be used for this
test. Two uninflated lifejackets that
have been subjected to the tests in
paragraph (h) of this section are totally submerged in diesel fuel, grade

No. 2–D as defined in ASTM D 975, for
24 hours. The lifejackets are then removed and the excess fuel removed.
One lifejacket must fully inflate using
only its manual inflation mechanisms
and the other using only its oral inflation mechanisms. The lifejackets must
show no functional deterioration as a
result of the test.
(s) Puncture test. A fully inflated lifejacket is placed on a flat, level surface.
A test point 4 mm (5⁄32 in.) in diameter
tapering to a rounded point, 1 mm (3⁄64
in.) in diameter, is pressed against an
inflation chamber of the lifejacket perpendicular to the surface of the chamber at a rate of 300 mm/minute (12 in./
minute). The test point is applied until
the inflation chamber is punctured or
the chamber walls are touching each
other. The force required to puncture
the inflation chamber or make the
chamber walls touch each other is recorded. The force required must exceed
30 N (7 lb.).
(t) Inflation chamber tests—(1) Overpressure test. One lifejacket is used in
this test. Before pressurizing the lifejacket, each over-pressure valve, if
any, must be blocked. One inflation
chamber is then pressurized with air to
70 kPa (10 psig) and held for 5 minutes.
After the 5 minute period, there must
be no sign of permanent deformation,
damage, or pressure loss of more than
3.5 kPa (0.5 psig). This test is then repeated as many times as necessary to
test a different chamber until each
chamber has been tested in this manner.
(2) Air retention test. One inflation
chamber of a lifejacket is filled with
air until air escapes from the overpressure valve or, if the lifejacket does
not have an over-pressure valve, until
its design pressure, as stated in the
plans and specifications, is reached.
After 12 hours the lifejacket must still
be firm with an internal pressure of at
least 14 kPa (2.0 psig). This test is then
repeated as many times as necessary to
test a different chamber until each
chamber has been tested in this manner.
(u) Seam strength test. Samples of
each type of structural sewn seam
must be subjected to and pass the
‘‘Seam Strength (Sewability) Test’’
specified in Underwriters Laboratories

258

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.176–15

Standard UL 1191 except that the
breaking strength of each seam in the
directions of both greater and lesser
thread count must be at least 400 N (90
lb.).
(v) [Reserved]
(w) Visual examination. One complete
lifejacket must be visually examined
for compliance with the requirements
of §§ 160.176–9 and 160.176–11 of this part
(x) [Reserved]
(y) Inflation chamber properties. The
tests in this paragraph must be run
after successful completion of all other
approval tests. The results of these
tests will be used to check the quality
of incoming lifejacket components and
the production process. Test samples
must come from one or more lifejackets that were each used in all of
the tests in paragraphs (e), (j), (p), (s),
and (t) of this section.
(1) Grab breaking strength. The grab
breaking strength of chamber materials must be determined according to
Method No. 5100 of Federal Test Method Standard 191A or ASTM D 751.
(2) Tear strength. The tear strength of
chamber materials must be determined
according to Method No. 5132 or 5134 of
Federal Test Method Standard 191A or
ASTM D 751.
(3) Permeability. The permeability of
chamber materials must be determined
according to ASTM D 1434 using CO2 as
the test gas.
(4) Seam strength. The seam strength
of the seams in each inflation chamber
of at least one lifejacket must be determined according to ASTM D 751 except
that 25 by 200 mm (1 by 8 in.) samples
may be used where insufficient length
of straight seam is available.
(z) Additional tests. The Commandant
may prescribe additional tests, if necessary, to approve novel or unique designs.
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29441, June
27, 1991]

§ 160.176–15 Production tests and inspections.
(a) General. (1) Production tests and
inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section and subpart
159.007 of this chapter.
(2) The Commandant may prescribe
additional production tests and inspec-

tions if needed to maintain quality
control and check for compliance with
the requirements in this subpart.
(b) Test and inspection responsibilities.
In addition to responsibilities set out
in part 159 of this chapter, each manufacturer of an inflatable lifejacket and
each independent laboratory inspector
must comply with the following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer
must—
(i) Perform all required tests and examinations on each lifejacket lot before the independent laboratory inspector tests and inspects the lot;
(ii) Perform required testing of each
incoming lot of inflation chamber material before using that lot in production;
(iii) Have procedures for maintaining
quality control of the materials used,
manufacturing operations, and the finished product;
(iv) Have a continuing program of
employee training and a program for
maintaining production and test equipment;
(v) Have an inspector from the independent laboratory observe the production methods used in producing the
first lifejacket lot produced and observe any revisions made thereafter in
production methods;
(vi) Admit the inspector and any
Coast Guard representative to any
place in the factory where work is done
on lifejackets or component materials,
and where completed lifejackets are
stored; and
(vii) Allow the inspector and any
Coast Guard representative to take
samples of completed lifejackets or of
components materials for tests prescribed in this subpart.
(2) Independent laboratory. (i) An inspector may not perform or supervise
any production test or inspection
unless—
(A) The manufacturer has a current
approval certificate; and
(B) The inspector has first observed
the manufacturer’s production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(ii) An inspector must perform or supervise all required tests and inspections of each lifejacket lot produced.

259

§ 160.176–15

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(iii) During each inspection, the inspector must check for noncompliance
with the manufacturer’s quality control procedures.
(iv) At least once each calendar quarter, the inspector must, as a check on
manufacturer compliance with this
section, examine the manufacturer’s
records required by § 160.176–17 of this
part and observe the manufacturer in
performing each of the tests required
by paragraph (h) of this section.
(c) Lifejacket lots. A lot number must
be assigned to each group of lifejackets
produced. No lot may exceed 1000 lifejackets. A new lot must be started
whenever any change in materials or a
revision to a production method is
made, and whenever any substantial
discontinuity in the production process
occurs. Changes in lots of component
materials must be treated as changes
in materials. Lots must be numbered

serially. The lot number assigned,
along with the approval number, must
enable the lifejacket manufacturer, by
referring to the records required by
this subpart, to determine who produced the components used in the lifejacket.
(d) Samples. (1) Samples used in testing and inspections must be selected at
random. Sampling must be done only
when all lifejackets or materials in the
lot are available for selection.
(2) Each sample lifejacket selected
must be complete, unless otherwise
specified in paragraph (h) of this section.
(3) The inspector may not select the
same samples tested by the manufacturer.
(4) The number of samples selected
per lot must be at least the applicable
number listed in Table 160.176–15A or
Table 160.176–15B.

TABLE 160.176–15A—MANUFACTURER’S SAMPLING PLAN
Number of Samples Per Lot
Lot Size
1–100

101–200

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

Tests:
Inflation Chamber Materials.
SEE NOTE (1)
Seam Strength ............................................................
1
1
1
2
Over-pressure 2 3 .........................................................
Air Retention.
EVERY DEVICE IN THE LOT
Buoyancy & Inflation Media Retention .......................
1
2
1
1
Tensile Strength 4 ........................................................
Detailed Product Examination ....................................
2
2
2
—
—
Retest Sample Size .........................................................
Final Lot Inspection:.
EVERY DEVICE IN THE LOT

2
3

2
4

3
6

4
8

3
1
3
13

4
1
4
13

6
1
6
20

8
1
8
20

1 Samples must be selected from each lot of incoming material. The tests referenced in §§ 160.176–13(y)(1) through 160.176–
13(y)(4) of this part prescribe the number of samples to select.
2 Samples selected for this test may not be the same samples selected for other tests.
3 If any sample fails the over-pressure test, the number of samples to be tested in the next lot produced must be at least 2% of
the total number of lifejackets in the lot or 10 lifejackets, whichever is greater.
4 This test is required only when a new lot of materials is used and when a revised production process is used. However, the
test must be run at least once every calendar quarter regardless of whether a new lot of materials or a revised process is started
in that quarter.

TABLE 160.176–15B—INSPECTOR’S SAMPLING PLAN
Number of samples per lot
Lot size
1–100

101–200

Tests:
1
2
Over-pressure 1 ...........................................................
Air Retention ...............................................................
1
2
Buoyancy & Inflation Media Retention .......................
1
2
2
1
1
Tensile Strength ........................................................
Waterproof marking.
SEE NOTE (3) FOR SAMPLING
Detailed Product Examination ....................................
2
2
10
10
Retest Sample Size 1 .........................................................

260

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

3
3
3
1

4
4
4
1

6
6
6
1

8
8
8
1

2
13

3
13

3
20

3
20

Coast Guard, DOT

§ 160.176–15

TABLE 160.176–15B—INSPECTOR’S SAMPLING PLAN—Continued
Number of samples per lot
Lot size
1–100

101–200

201–300

301–500

501–750

751–1000

20

32

50

60

70

80

Final Lot Inspection: ............................................................
1 Samples

selected for this test may not be the same lifejackets selected for other tests.
2 This test may be omitted if the manufacturer has previously conducted it on the lot and the inspector has conducted the test
on a previous lot during the same calendar quarter.
3 One sample of each means of marking on each type of fabric or finish used in lifejacket construction must be tested. This
test is only required when a new lot of materials is used. However, the test must be run at least once every calendar quarter regardless of whether a new lot of materials is started in that quarter.

(e) Accept/reject criteria: manufacturer
testing. (1) A lifejacket lot passes production testing if each sample passes
each test.
(2) In lots of 200 or fewer lifejackets,
the lot must be rejected if any sample
fails one or more tests.
(3) In lots of more than 200 lifejackets, the lot must be rejected if—
(i) One sample fails more than one
test;
(ii) More than one sample fails any
test or combination of tests; or
(iii) One sample fails one test and in
redoing that test with the number of
samples specified for retesting in Table
160.176–15A, one or more samples fail
the test.
(4) A rejected lifejacket lot may be
retested only if allowed under paragraph (k) of this section.
(5) In testing inflation chamber materials, a lot is accepted only if the average of the results of testing the minimum number of samples prescribed in
the reference tests in § 160.176–13(y) of
this part is within the tolerances specified in § 160.176–8(c)(1) of this part. A rejected lot may not be used in production.
(f) Accept/reject criteria: independent
laboratory testing. (1) A lot passes production testing if each sample passes
each test.
(2) A lot must be rejected if—
(i) One sample fails more than one
test;
(ii) More than one sample fails any
test or combination of tests; or
(iii) One sample fails one test and in
redoing that test with the number of
samples specified for retesting in Table
160.176–15B, one or more samples fail
the test.

(3) A rejected lot may be retested
only if allowed under paragraph (k) of
this section.
(g) Facilities and equipment—(1) General. The manufacturer must provide
the test equipment and facilities described in this section for performing
production tests, examinations, and inspections.
(2) Calibration. The manufacturer
must have the calibration of all test
equipment checked at least every six
months by a weights and measures
agency or the equipment manufacturer, distributor, or dealer.
(3) Equipment. The following equipment is required:
(i) A sample basket for buoyancy tests.
It must be made of wire mesh and be of
sufficient size and durability to securely hold a completely inflated lifejacket under water without compressing it. The basket must be heavy
enough or be sufficiently weighted to
submerge when holding an inflated test
sample.
(ii) A tank filled with fresh water for
buoyancy tests. The height of the tank
must be sufficient to allow a water
depth of 5 cm (2 inches) minimum between the top of the basket and water
surface when the basket is not touching the bottom. The length and width
of the tank must be sufficient to prevent each submerged basket from contacting another basket or the tank
sides and bottom. Means for locking or
sealing the tank must be provided to
prevent disturbance of any samples or
a change in water level during testing.
(iii) A scale that has sufficient capacity to weigh a submerged basket for
buoyancy tests. The scale must be sensitive to 14 g (0.5 oz.) and must not
have an error exceeding ±14 g (0.5 oz.).

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(iv) Tensile test equipment that is suitable for applying pulling force in conducting body strap assembly strength
subtests. The equipment assembly may
be (A) a known weight and winch, (B) a
scale, winch, and fixed anchor, or (C) a
tensile test machine that is capable of
holding a given tension. The assembly
must provide accuracy to maintain a
pulling force within ±2 percent of specified force. Additionally, if the closed
loop test method in § 160.176–13(h)(1) of
this Part is used, two cylinders of the
type described in that method must be
provided.
(v) A thermometer that is sensitive to
0.5 °C (1 °F) and does not have an error
exceeding ±0.25 °C (0.5 °F).
(vi) A barometer that is capable of
reading mm (inches) of mercury with a
sensitivity of 1 mm (0.05 in.) Hg and an
error not exceeding ±5 mm (0.02 in.) Hg.
(vii) A regulated air supply that is capable of supplying the air necessary to
conduct the tests specified in paragraphs (h)(4) and (h)(5) of this section.
(viii) A pressure gauge that is capable
of measuring air pressure with a sensitivity of 1 kPa (0.1 psig) and an error
not exceeding ±0.5 kPa (0.05 psig).
(ix) A torque wrench if any screw fasteners are used. The wrench must be
sensitive to, and have an error of less
than, one half the specified tolerance
for the torque values of the fasteners.
(4) Facilities: The manufacturer must
provide a suitable place and the necessary apparatus for the inspector to
use in conducting or supervising tests.
For the final lot inspection, the manufacturer must provide a suitable working environment and a smooth-top
table for the inspector’s use.
(h) Production tests and examinations—
(1) General. (i) Samples used in testing
must be selected according to paragraph (d) of this section.
(ii) On each sample selected—
(A) The manufacturer must conduct
the tests in paragraphs (h)(2) through
(h)(8) of this section; and
(B) The independent laboratory inspector must conduct or supervise the
tests in paragraphs (h)(4) through (h)(9)
of this section.
(iii) Each individual test result must,
in addition to meeting the requirements in this paragraph, meet the requirements, if any, set out in the ap-

proved plans and specifications required by § 160.176–5(a)(2) of this part.
(2) Inflation chamber materials. Each
sample must be tested according to
§§ 160.176–13(y)(1)
through
160.176–
13(y)(3) of this part. The average and
individual results of testing the minimum number of samples prescribed by
§ 160.176–13(y) of this part must comply
with the requirements in § 160.176–
8(c)(1) of this part.
(3) Seam strength. The seams in each
inflation chamber of each sample must
be tested according to § 160.176–13(y)(4)
of this part. The results for each inflation chamber must be at least 90% of
the results obtained in approval testing.
(4) Over-pressure. Each sample must
be tested according to and meet
§ 160.176–13(t)(1) of this part.
(5) Air retention. Each sample must be
tested according to and meet § 160.176–
13(t)(2) of this part.
(6) Buoyancy and inflation medium retention. Each sample must be tested according to and meet § 160.176–13(j) of
this part. Each buoyancy value must
fall within the tolerances specified in
the approved plans and specifications.
(7) Tensile strength. Each sample must
be tested according to and meet
§ 160.176–13(n) of this part.
(8) Detailed product examination. Each
sample lifejacket must be disassembled
to the extent necessary to determine
compliance with the following:
(i) All dimensions and seam allowances must be within tolerances prescribed in the approved plans and specifications required by § 160.176–5(a)(2) of
this part.
(ii) The torque of each screw type
mechanical fastener must be within its
tolerance as prescribed in the approved
plans and specifications.
(iii) The arrangement, markings, and
workmanship must be as specified in
the approved plans and specifications
and this subpart.
(iv) The lifejacket must not otherwise be defective.
(9) Waterproof marking test. Each sample is completely submerged in fresh
water for a minimum of 30 minutes,
and them removed and immediately
placed on a hard surface. The markings
are vigorously rubbed with the fingers

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§ 160.176–17

for 15 seconds. If the printing becomes
illegible, the sample is rejected.
(i) [Reserved]
(j) Final lot examination and inspection—(1) General. On each lifejacket lot
that passes production testing, the
manufacturer must perform a final lot
examination and an independent laboratory inspector must perform a final
lot inspection. Samples must be selected according to paragraph (d) of
this section. Each final lot examination and inspectin must show—
(i) First quality workmanship;
(ii) That the general arrangement
and attachment of all components such
as body straps, closures, inflation
mechanisms, tie tapes, drawstrings,
etc. are as specified in the approved
plans and specifications; and
(iii) Compliance with the marking requirements in § 160.176–23 of this Part.
(2) Accept/reject criteria. Each nonconforming lifejacket must be rejected.
If three or more nonconforming lifejackets are rejected for the same kind
of defect, lot examination or inspection
must be discontinued and the lot rejected.
(3) Manufacturer examination. This examination must be done by a manufacturer’s representative who is familiar
with the approved plans and specifications required by § 160.176–5(a)(2) of this
part, the functioning of the lifejacket
and its components, and the production
testing procedures. This person must
not be responsible for meeting production schedules or be supervised by
someone who is. This person must prepare and sign the record required by
§ 159.007–13(a) of this chapter and
§ 160.176–17(b) of this part.
(4) Independent laboratory inspection.
(i) The inspector must discontinue lot
inspection and reject the lot if observation of the records for the lot or of individual lifejackets shows noncompliance with this section or the manufacturer’s quality control procedures.
(ii) An inspector may not perform a
final lot inspection unless the manufacturer has a current approval certificate.
(iii) If the inspector rejects a lot, the
Commandant must be advised immediately.
(iv) The inspector must prepare and
sign the inspection record required by

§ 159.007–13(a) of this chapter and
§ 160.176–17(b) of this part. If the lot
passes, the record must also include
the inspector’s certification to that effect and a certification that no evidence of noncompliance with this section was observed.
(v) If the lot passes, each lifejacket
in the lot must be plainly marked with
the words, ‘‘Inspected and Passed,
(Date), (Inspection Laboratory ID).’’
This marking must be done in the presence of the inspector. The marking
must be permanent and waterproof.
The stamp which contains the marking
must be kept in the independent laboratory’s custody at all times.
(k) Disposition of rejected lifejacket lot
or lifejacket. (1) A rejected lifejacket lot
may be resubmitted for testing, examination or inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each
defective lifejacket or, if authorized by
the Commandant, reworks the lot to
correct the defect.
(2) Any lifejacket rejected in a final
lot examination or inspection may be
resubmitted for examination or inspection if all defects have been corrected
and reexamination or reinspection is
authorized by the Commandant.
(3) A rejected lot or rejected lifejacket may not be sold or offered for
sale under representation that it meets
this subpart or that it is Coast Guard
approved.
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29442, June
27, 1991]

§ 160.176–17

Manufacturer records.

(a) Each manufacturer of inflatable
lifejackets must keep the records required by § 159.007–13 of this chapter except that they must be retained for at
least 120 months after the month in
which the inspection or test was conducted.
(b) Each record required by § 159.007–
13 of this chapter must also include the
following information:
(1) For each test, the serial number
of the test instrument used if there is
more than one available.
(2) For each test and inspection, the
identification of the samples used, the
lot number, the approval number, and
the number of lifejackets in the lot.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(3) For each lot rejected, the cause
for rejection, any corrective action
taken, and the final disposition of the
lot.
(c) The description or photographs of
procedures and apparatus used in testing is not required for the records prescribed in § 159.007–13 of this chapter as
long as the manufacturer’s procedures
and apparatus meet the requirements
of this subpart.
(d) Each manufacturer of inflatable
lifejackets must also keep the following records:
(1) Records for all materials used in
production including the following:
(i) Name and address of the supplier.
(ii) Date of purchase and receipt.
(iii) Lot number.
(iv) Certification meeting § 160.176–
8(a)(3) of this part.
(2) A copy of this subpart.
(3) Each document incorporated by
reference in § 160.176–4 of this part.
(4) A copy of the approved plans and
specifications required by § 160.176–
5(a)(2) of this part.
(5) The approval certificate.
(6) Calibration of test equipment, including the identity of the agency performing the calibration, date of calibration, and results.
(7) A listing of current and formerly
approved servicing facilities.
(e) The records required by paragraph
(d)(1) of this section must be kept for
at least 120 months after preparation.
All other records required by paragraph (d) of this section must be kept
for at least 60 months after the lifejacket approval expires or is terminated.
§ 160.176–19 Servicing.
(a) General. This section contains requirements for servicing facilities,
manuals, training, guidelines, and
records. Other regulations in this chapter require inflatable lifejackets to be
serviced at approved facilities at 12
month intervals.
(1) Each manufacturer of an approved
inflatable lifejacket must provide one
or more Coast Guard approved facilities for servicing those lifejackets. The
manufacturer must notify the Commandant whenever an approved facility
under its organization no longer provides servicing of a lifejacket make

and model listed in the guidelines required by paragraph (d) of this section.
(2) Each manufacturer of an approved
inflatable lifejacket must make replacement parts available to Coast
Guard approved independent servicing
facilities.
(b) Servicing facilities. Each Coast
Guard approved servicing facility must
meet the requirements of this paragraph and paragraph (d) of this section
in order to receive and keep its approval for each make and model of lifejacket. Approval is obtained according
to § 160.176–5(c) of this part.
(1) Each servicing facility must conduct lifejacket servicing according to
its servicing guidelines and follow the
procedures in the service manual required by this section.
(2) Each servicing facility must have
a suitable site for servicing which must
be clean, well lit, free from excessive
dust, drafts, and strong sunlight, and
have appropriate temperature and humidity control as specified in the service manual.
(3) Each servicing facility must have
the appropriate service, repair, and
test equipment and spare parts for performing required tests and repairs.
(4) Each servicing facility must have
a current manufacturer’s service manual for each make and model of lifejacket serviced.
(5) A servicing facility may have
more than one servicing site provided
that each site meets the requirements
of paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(6) Each servicing facility must be inspected at intervals not exceeding six
months by an accepted independent
laboratory, and a report of the inspections must be submitted to the Commandant at least annually. The report
must contain enough information to
show compliance with paragraphs (b)
(1) through (4) of this section and paragraph (d) of this section. Where a facility uses more than one site the report
must show compliance at each site at
least biennially.
(c) Service manual. (1) Each manufacturer of an approved inflatable lifejacket must prepare a service manual
for the lifejacket. The service manual
must be approved by the Commandant
according to § 160.176–5(b) of this part.

268

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§ 160.176–21

(2) The manufacturer must make the
service manual, service manual revisions, and service bulletins available to
each approved servicing facility.
(3) Each service manual must contain
the following:
(i) Detailed procedures for inspecting, servicing, and repackaging the
lifejacket.
(ii) A list of approved replacement
parts and materials to be used for servicing and repairs, if any.
(iii) A requirement to mark the date
and servicing facility name on each
lifejacket serviced.
(iv) Frequency of servicing.
(v) Any specific restrictions or special procedures prescribed by the Coast
Guard or manufacturer.
(4) Each service manual revision and
service bulletin which authorizes the
modification of a lifejacket, or which
affects a requirement under this subpart, must be approved by the Commandant. Other revisions and service
bulletins are not required to be approved, but a copy of each must be sent
to the Commandant when it is issued.
At least once each year, the manufacturer must provide to the Commandant
and to each servicing facility approved
to service its lifejackets a bulletin listing each service manual revision and
bulletin in effect.
(d) Servicing facilities guidelines. Each
servicing facility must have written
guidelines that include the following:
(1) Identification of each make and
model of lifejacket which may be serviced by the facility as well as the manual and revision to be used for servicing.
(2) Identification of the person, by
title or position, who is responsible for
the servicing program.
(3) Training and qualifications of
servicing technicians.
(4) Provisions for the facility to retain a copy of its current letter of approval from the Coast Guard at each
site.
(5) Requirements to—
(i) Ensure each inflatable lifejacket
serviced under its Coast Guard approval is serviced in accordance with
the manufacturer’s service manual;
(ii) Keep servicing technicians informed of each approved servicing
manual revision and bulletin and en-

sure servicing technicians understand
each change and new technique related
to the lifejackets serviced by the facility;
(iii) Calibrate each pressure gauge,
weighing scale, and mechanically-operated barometer at intervals of not
more than one year;
(iv) Ensure each inflatable lifejacket
serviced under the facility’s Coast
Guard approval is serviced by or under
the supervision of a servicing technician who meets the requirements of
item (3) of this paragraph;
(v) Specify each make and model of
lifejacket it is approved to service
when it represents itself as approved by
the U.S. Coast Guard; and
(vi) Not service any lifejacket for a
U.S. registered commercial vessel, unless it is approved by the U.S. Coast
Guard to service the make and model
of lifejacket.
(e) Servicing records. Each servicing
facility must maintain records of all
completed servicing. These records
must be retained for at least 5 years
after they are made, be made available
to any Coast Guard representative and
independent laboratory inspector upon
request, and include at least the following:
(1) Date of servicing, number of lifejackets serviced, lot identification, approval number, and test results data
for the lifejackets serviced.
(2) Identification of the person conducting the servicing.
(3) Identity of the vessel receiving
the serviced lifejackets.
(4) Date of return to the vessel.
§ 160.176–21 User manuals.
(a) The manufacturer must develop a
user’s manual for each model of inflatable lifejacket. The content of the
manual must be provided for approval
according to §§ 160.176–5(a)(3)(v) and
160.176–5(b) of this part.
(b) A user’s manual must be provided
with each lifejacket except that only
five manuals need be provided to a single user vessel if more than five lifejackets are carried on board.
(c) Each user’s manual must contain
in detail the following:
(1) Instructions on use of the lifejacket and replacement of expendable
parts.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(2) Procedures for examining serviceability of lifejackets and the frequency
of examination.
(3) Pages for logging on board examinations.
(4) Frequency of required servicing at
approved servicing facilities.
(5) Instructions, if any, on proper
stowage.
(6) Procedures for getting the lifejackets repaired by a servicing facility
or the manufacturer.
(7) Procedures for making emergency
repairs on board.
(8) Any specific restrictions or special instructions.
§ 160.176–23 Marking.
(a) General. Each inflatable lifejacket
must be marked with the information
required by this section. Each marking
must be waterproof, clear, and permanent. Except as provided elsewhere in
this subpart, each marking must be
readable from a distance of three feet.
(b) Prominence. Each marking required in paragraph (d) of this section,
except vital care and use instructions,
if any, must be less prominent and in
smaller print than markings required
in paragraph (c) of this section. Each
optional marking must be significantly
less prominent and smaller than required
markings.
The
marking
‘‘ADULT’’ must be in at least 18 mm (3⁄4
inch) high bold capital lettering. If a
lifejacket is stored in a package, the
package must also have the marking
‘‘ADULT’’ or this marking must be
easily visible through the package.
(c) Text. Each inflatable lifejacket
must be marked with the following
text in the exact order shown:
ADULT—For a person weighing more than
90 pounds.
Type V PFD—Approved for use on (see
paragraph (e) of this section for exact text to be
used here) in lieu of (see paragraph (f) of this
section for exact text to be used here).
This lifejacket must be serviced, stowed,
and used in accordance with (insert description of service manual and user’s manual).
When fully inflated this lifejacket provides
a minimum buoyant force of (insert the design
buoyancy in lb.).

(d) Other Information. Each lifejacket
must also be marked with the following information below the text required by paragraph (c) of this section:

(1) U.S. Coast Guard Approval No.
(insert assigned approval number).
(2) Manufacturer’s or private labeler’s name and address.
(3) Lot Number.
(4) Date, or year and calendar quarter, of manufacture.
(5) Necessary vital care or use instructions, if any, such as the following:
(i) Warning against dry cleaning.
(ii) Size and type of inflation medium
cartridges required.
(iii) Specific donning instructions.
(e) Approved applications. The text to
be inserted in paragraph (c) of this section as the approved use will be one or
more of the following as identified by
the Commandant on the approval certificate issued according to § 159.005–
13(a)(2) of this chapter:
(1) The name of the vessel.
(2) The type of vessel.
(3) Specific purpose or limitation approved by the Coast Guard.
(f) Type equivalence. The exact text to
be inserted in paragraph (c) of this section as the approved performance type
will be one of the following as identified by the Commandant on the approval certificate:
(1) Type I PFD.
(2) Type V PFD—(insert exact text of
additional description noted on the approval certificate).
[CGD 78–1746, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989, as
amended by CGD 78–174b, 56 FR 29442, June
27, 1991]

PART 161—ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Subpart 161.001 [Reserved]
Subpart 161.002—Fire-Protective Systems
Sec.
161.002–1 Incorporation by reference.
161.002–2 Types of fire-protective systems.
161.002–3 Materials and workmanship.
161.002–4 General requirements.
161.002–8 Automatic fire detecting systems,
general requirements.
161.002–9 Automatic fire detecting system,
power supply.
161.002–10 Automatic fire detecting system
control unit.
161.002–12 Manual fire alarm systems.
161.002–14 Watchman’s supervisory systems.
161.002–15 Sample extraction smoke detection systems.
161.002–17 Equivalents.

270