Light load means the weight of the complete lifeboat empty and does
not include fuel, required equipment, or the equivalent weight of
persons. This is also known as the ``condition A'' weight.
    Officer In Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means an officer of the
Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who, under the
direction of the Coast Guard District Commander, is in charge of a
marine inspection zone, described in part 1 of this chapter, for the
performance of duties with respect to the inspection, enforcement, and
administration of vessel safety and navigation laws and regulations.
The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over
a vessel for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.
    Positive Stability is the condition of a lifeboat such that when it
is displaced a small amount in any direction from upright, it returns
on its own to the position before displacement.
    SOLAS means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974, as amended.

Sec.  160.135-5  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that
specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of
change in the Federal Register and the material must be available to
the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER> or go to
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html. Also, it is available for inspection
at COMMANDANT (CG-5214), U.S. COAST GUARD, 2100 2ND ST SW., STOP 7126,
WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7126 and is available from the sources indicated
in this section.
    (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08 Standard Specification for Carbon Structural
Steel, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-15 (``ASTM A
36'').
    (2) ASTM A 653/A 653M-08 Standard Specification for Steel Sheet,
Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by
the Hot-Dip Process, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7, 160.135-11,
and 160.135-15 (``ASTM A 653'').
    (3) ASTM B 127-05(2009) Standard Specification for Nickel-Copper
Alloy (UNS N04400) Plate, Sheet, and Strip, IBR approved for Sec.
160.135-7 (``ASTM B 127'').
    (4) ASTM B 209-07 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
Alloy Sheet and Plate, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``ASTM B
209'').
    (5) ASTM D 638-08 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of
Plastics, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11 (``ASTM D 638'').
    (6) ASTM D 790-07e1 Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties
of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating
Materials, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11 (``ASTM D 970'').
    (7) ASTM D 2584-08 Standard Test Method of Ignition Loss for Cured
Reinforced Resins, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-11 and 160.135-
15 (``ASTM D 2584'').
    (8) ASTM D 4029-09 Standard Specification for Finished Woven Glass
Fabrics, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``ASTM D 4029'').
    (9) ASTM F 1166-07 Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design
for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-13 (``ASTM F 1166'').
    (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service,
Office of the FAS Commissioner, 22200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor,
Arlington, VA 22202,<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (1) Federal Standard 595C--Colors Used in Government Procurement,
IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``FED-STD-595C'').
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications
Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20
7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/.
    (1) IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-reflective
Materials on Life-saving Appliances, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7
(``IMO Res. 658(16)'').
    (2) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving
Appliances and Arrangements, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and
160.135-19 (``IMO Res. A.760(18)'').
    (3) IMO Resolution MSC.81(70), IMO Revised recommendation on
testing of life-saving appliances, as amended by IMO Resolutions
MSC.226(82) and MSC.274(85), IBR approved for

Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-13 (``IMO Revised recommendation on
testing'').
    (4) IMO Resolution MSC.48(66), International Life-Saving Appliance
Code, as amended by IMO Resolutions MSC.207(81), MSC.218(82), and
MSC.272(85), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-13
(``IMO LSA Code'').
    (5) MSC Circular 980, Standardized life-saving appliance evaluation
and test report forms, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and
160.135-13 (``IMO MSC Circ. 980'').
    (6) MSC.1 Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and
Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, IBR approved for Sec.
160.135-21 (``IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205'').
    (e) International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO
Central Secretariat [ISO Copyright Office], Case Postale 56, CH-1211
Geneve 20, Switzerland.
    (1) ISO 14125:1998 Fibre-reinforced plastic composites--
Determination of flexural properties, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11
(``ISO 14125'').
    (2) ISO 527-1:1993 Plastics--Determination of tensile properties,
IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11 (``ISO 527'').
    (3) ISO 1172:1996 Textile-glass-reinforced plastics--Prepregs,
moulding compounds and laminates--Determination of the textile-glass
and mineral-filler content--Calcination methods, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.135-11 and 160.135-15 (``ISO 1172'').
    (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization Order
Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094,
https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/.
    (1) A-A-55308 Cloth And Strip, Laminated Or Coated, Vinyl Nylon Or
Polyester, High Strength, Flexible, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7
(``A-A-55308'').
    (2) MIL-C-19663D: Cloth, Woven Roving, For Plastic Laminate, 4 AUG
1998, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``MIL-C-19663D'').
    (3) MIL-P-17549D(SH): Plastic Laminates, Fibrous Glass Reinforced,
Marine, 31 AUG 1981, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``MIL-P-
17549D(SH)'').

Sec.  160.135-7  Design, construction, and performance of lifeboats.

    (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a lifeboat, a manufacturer must
comply with, and each lifeboat must meet, the requirements of the
following--
    (1) IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.135-5) applicable to the type of lifeboat;
    (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1/6 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5) applicable to the type of lifeboat;
    (3) 46 CFR part 159; and
    (4) This subpart.
    (b) Each lifeboat must meet the following requirements:
    (1) Design. (i) Each lifeboat, other than a totally enclosed
lifeboat, must be designed to be operable by persons wearing immersion
suits.
    (ii) Each lifeboat should be designed following standard human
engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). Design limits should be based on a
range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile
male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as
described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an
immersion suit correspond to the arctic clothed dimensions of ASTM F
1166.
    (2) Visibility from operator's station. (i) The operator's station
must be designed such that the operator, when seated at the control
station, has visibility 360 degrees around the lifeboat, with any areas
obstructed by the lifeboat structure or its fittings visible by moving
the operator's head and torso.
    (ii) The operator, while still being able to steer and control the
speed of the lifeboat, must be able to see the water--
    (A) Over a 90 degree arc within 3 m (9 ft, 10 in) of each side of
the lifeboat;
    (B) Over a 30 degree arc within 1 m (3 ft, 3 in) of each side of
the lifeboat; and
    (C) Within 0.5 m (1 ft, 8 in) of the entrances designated for
recovering persons from the water.
    (iii) In order to see a person in the water during recovery or
docking operations, a hatch must be provided so that the operator can
stand with his or her head outside the lifeboat for increased
visibility, provided the operator can still steer and control the speed
of the lifeboat.
    (3) Construction. Each major rigid structural component of each
lifeboat must be constructed of steel, aluminum, Fiber Reinforced
Plastic (FRP), or materials accepted by the Commandant as equivalent or
superior.
    (i) General. Metals in contact with each other must be either
galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous
materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or
tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing,
buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities.
    (ii) Steel. Sheet steel and plate must be low carbon, commercial
quality, either corrosion resistant or galvanized as per ASTM A 653,
coating designation G90 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-
5). Structural steel plates and shapes must be carbon steel as per ASTM
A 36 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5), or an equivalent
or superior steel accepted by the Commandant. All steel products,
except corrosion resistant steel, must be galvanized to provide high
quality zinc coatings suitable for the intended service life in a
marine environment. Corrosion resistant steel must be a standard 302
stainless steel or have equal or superior corrosion resistant
characteristics.
    (iii) Aluminum. Aluminum and aluminum alloys must conform to ASTM B
209 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5) and be high purity
for good marine corrosion resistance, free of iron, and containing not
more than 0.6 percent copper.
    (iv) Fiber Reinforced Plastic.
    (A) Resin. Any resin used for the hull, canopy, hatches, rigid
covers, and enclosures for the engine, transmission, and engine
accessories, must be fire retardant and accepted by the Commandant in
accordance with 46 CFR part 164, subpart 164.017.
    (B) Glass reinforcement. Any glass reinforcement used must have
good laminated wet strength retention and must meet the appropriate
specification in this paragraph. Glass cloth must be a finished fabric
woven from ``E'' electrical glass fiber yarns meeting ASTM D 4029-09
commercial style designation 1564 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.135-5). Woven roving must conform to MIL-C-19663D (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). Other glass materials equivalent or
superior in strength, design, wet out, and efficiency will be given
consideration on specific request to the Commandant.
    (C) Laminate. All exposed surfaces of any finished laminate must
present a smooth finish, and there must be no protruding surface
fibers, open voids, pits, cracks, bubbles, or blisters. The laminate
must be essentially free from resin-starved or overimpregnated areas,
and no foreign matter must remain in the finished laminate. The entire
laminate must be fully cured and free of tackiness, and must show no
tendency to delaminate, peel, or craze in any overlay. The laminate
must 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 non-gel
coated surface, including all interior inner and outer hull surfaces
and built-in lockers. The mechanical properties of the laminate must
meet the requirements for a Grade 3 laminate as

specified in Table I of MIL-P-17549D(SH) (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  160.135-5). Other grades will be given consideration on
specific request to the Commandant.
    (4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the
Commandant, American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Navy, or an independent
laboratory accepted by the Commandant. Only electrodes intended for use
with the material being welded may be used. All welds must be checked
using appropriate non-destructive tests.
    (5) Lifeboat buoyancy. (i) The buoyancy material must be accepted
by the Commandant as meeting the performance requirements of the IMO
Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, 6.2.2 to 6.2.7, with a
density of 32  8 kg/m\3\ (2  0.5 lb/ft\3\). The
buoyancy foam or lifeboat manufacturer must certify the results of the
testing to IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, 6.2.2 to
6.2.7 and submit those results to the Commandant. A list of accepted
buoyancy foams may be obtained from the Commandant upon request and
online at http://cgmix.uscg.mil.
    (ii) All voids in the hull and canopy required to provide buoyancy
for positive stability and self righting must be completely filled with
Coast Guard accepted buoyancy material.
    (6) Engines. (i) In order to be accepted by the Commandant, any
compression ignition engine fitted to an approved lifeboat must meet
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission requirements in 40
CFR part 89, part 94, or part 1042, as applicable, and have reports
containing the same information as recommended by MSC Circ. 980
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5) certified and
witnessed by a U.S. Coast Guard inspector or an independent laboratory.
    (ii) A hydraulic system, if used to start the engine, must be in
accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings
in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60, except that--
    (A) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and
FC332-X are not permitted; and
    (B) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm
(30 in). Longer, nonmetallic flexible hoses may be allowed in emergency
steering systems at the discretion of the Commandant.
    (iii) If a hand pump is provided, or if the engine has a manual
starting system, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or
hand start operation.
    (7) Fuel system. (i) The fuel system must meet 46 CFR 56.50-75(b)
and, except as specified in this paragraph, the fuel tank must meet 46
CFR 58.50-10.
    (ii) Tanks constructed with--
    (A) Aluminum must be at least 5 mm (0.20 in) thick of ASTM B 209 or
5086 alloy;
    (B) Nickel-copper must be at least 0.9 mm (0.0375 in) thick of ASTM
B 127 hot-rolled sheet or plate;
    (C) Steel or iron must be at least 1.9 mm (0.0747 in) thick. Diesel
tanks of steel or iron must not have interior galvanizing;
    (D) Fiberglass reinforced plastic must be at least 5 mm (0.187 in)
thick; be sealed against porosity by at least one ply of chopped strand
mat; be reinforced in the way of tank openings; be fitted with
corrosion-resistant fittings; have each joint at the top of the tank;
and have each joint bonded and through-bolted; or
    (E) Roto-molded plastic must be at least 5 mm thick; must meet the
requirements of 33 CFR 183.510 (a), (b), and (e) regardless of tank
capacity; must be able to pass all static pressure tests as required in
33 CFR 183.510 at a minimum pressure of 5 psi; and be fitted with
corrosion-resistant fittings.
    (iii) Each fuel tank over 0.75 m (30 in) long must be baffled at
intervals not exceeding 0.45 m (18 in).
    (iv) A fuel level indicator must be provided for each fuel tank.
    (v) Any fuel tank vent piping must be at least 6 mm (0.25 in)
outside diameter tubing.
    (vi) A shut-off valve must be provided at the fuel tank and must
not be provided at the fuel pump. The valve must be clearly labeled.
The position of the valve must be clearly indicated by a permanent
marking inside the lifeboat. The marking must be an arrow pointing in
the direction of the valve, and the words ``FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE'' must
be in a color that contrasts with their background. The marking must be
legible to a person within the vicinity of the engine.
    (8) Starting system batteries. Any battery fitted in a totally
enclosed lifeboat must be stored in a sealed compartment with exterior
venting. If the lifeboat has more than one engine, then only one
starting battery is required per engine.
    (9) Exhaust. Engine exhaust must be routed away from bilge and
potential oil drips. Any paint used on engines, manifolds, or exhaust
must not give off fumes when heated. All exhaust lagging must be non-
absorbent.
    (10) Propeller guard. Each propeller on a lifeboat must be fitted
with a propeller guard with a maximum opening of 76 mm (3 in) on all
sides on which a person is likely to be exposed.
    (11) Control and steering station. The operator's control and
steering station must have complete lifeboat lowering and launching,
hook release, engine throttle, steering controls, and if applicable, an
air system and water spray system.
    (i) The throttle must be a continuous manual control and must be
able to be set and locked at any position.
    (ii) The control and steering station must be designed and laid out
in accordance with ASTM F 1166 sections 9 and 10, so that controls and
displays are unambiguous, accessible, and easy to reach and use from
the operator's normal seated position, while wearing an immersion suit
or a lifejacket.
    (iii) Each control, gauge, or display must be identified by a
marking posted on, above, or adjacent to the respective item. Each
control must operate in a logical manner and be marked with an arrow to
show direction of movement of control which will cause an increased
response. Each gauge must be marked with the normal operating range and
indicate danger or abnormal conditions. Each marking must be permanent
and weatherproof.
    (iv) Gauges, and audio and visual alarms must be provided to
monitor at least the following parameters--
    (A) Coolant temperature, for a liquid cooled engine;
    (B) Oil pressure, for an engine with an oil pump;
    (C) Tachometer, for an engine not provided with over-speed
protection; and
    (D) State of charge, or rate of charge, for each rechargeable
engine starting power source.
    (12) Drain plug. The position of each drain plug must be clearly
indicated by a permanent marking inside the lifeboat. The marking must
be an arrow pointing in the direction of the plug, and the words
``DRAIN PLUG'' must be 76 mm (3 in) high and have letters of a color
that contrast with their background. The marking must be clearly
visible to a person within the vicinity of the drain plug.
    (13) Remote steering. The procedure to change over from remote to
local steering must be simple, not require the use of tools, and be
clearly posted. There must be sufficient clear space to install,
operate, remove, and stow the removable tiller arm. The tiller arm and
its connection to the rudder stock must be of sufficient strength so
that there is no slippage or bending of the tiller arm. Rudder stops or
other means must be provided to prevent the rudder from turning too far
on either side.
    (14) Lifelines. Buoyant lifelines must be of ultraviolet resistant
material.

    (15) Rails provided as handholds. Rails provided as handholds to
cling when the lifeboat is overturned must extend for half the length
of the lifeboat on both sides of the hull, and the clearance between
the rail and hull must also be at least 38 mm (1.5 in). The rails must
be attached to the hull below the chine or turn of the bilge, must be
faired to prevent any fouling, and not project beyond the widest part
of the lifeboat.
    (16) Storage compartments and collection and storage of rainwater.
(i) Each storage compartment must be supported and secured against
movement. It must have adequate hand access for removing and storing
the required equipment, provisions, or water, and for cleaning the
inside of the compartment.
    (ii) The rain water collecting device may be incorporated into the
design of the canopy or may be a separate unit to be mounted outside
the lifeboat. The device must have a projected horizontal area of at
least 1 m\2\ (10.7 ft\2\) collection area and be designed to function
unattended.
    (iii) Provision must be made to continue to collect water in the
storage compartment while drawing water to fill a cup. The compartment
must have a means of drainage and adequate access to allow filling the
graduated drinking cup required to be carried as part of the lifeboat
equipment.
    (17) Release mechanism. Each release mechanism must be identified
at the application for approval of the prototype lifeboat and must be
approved under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.133. The release lever or
control in the lifeboat must be red in color, and the area immediately
surrounding the control must be a sharply contrasting light color. An
illustrated operating instruction plate or placard showing the correct
off-load and emergency on-load release procedure and recovery procedure
must be posted so that it is visible and legible from the helmsman's
normal operating position. The plate or placard must be corrosion
resistant and weatherproof and must be marked with the word ``DANGER''.
    (18) Painter release. Any painter release must be located such that
the lifeboat operator can readily release the painter from the
operator's control and steering station.
    (19) Canopy lamp. Any exterior lifeboat position-indicating light
must be approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.101.
    (20) Manually-controlled interior light. Any interior light must be
approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.101.
    (21) Lifeboat equipment. Each lifeboat must be designed to
accommodate and carry the equipment as specified in 46 CFR 199.175.
    (22) Oars. Oars are not required on a lifeboat with more than one
engine, provided one engine can be operated while the other is
disabled.
    (23) Bilge pump. Each lifeboat that is not automatically self-
bailing, must be fitted with a manual bilge pump approved under 46 CFR
part 160, subpart 160.044. Each such lifeboat with a capacity of 100
persons or more must carry an additional approved manual bilge pump or
an engine-powered bilge pump.
    (24) Exterior color. The primary color of the exterior of the
canopy and interior of partially enclosed lifeboats visible from the
air must be a highly visible color equivalent to vivid reddish orange
color number 12197 of FED-STD-595C (incorporated by reference, see
Sec.  160.135-5), or a durable fluorescent color of a similar hue.
    (25) Self-contained air supply system and fire protection system
operating instructions. Each compressed gas air cylinder must meet the
requirements in 46 CFR 147.60. The cylinders must be accessible for
removal and charging in place. Water-resistant instructions for
starting the water spray and air supply, if fitted, must be provided
and mounted in a conspicuous place near the system controls.
    (26) Navigating lights. Each lifeboat must have navigation lights
that are in compliance with the applicable sections of the
International and Inland Navigation Rules and meet 46 CFR 111.75-17.
    (27) Retroreflective material. The exterior of each lifeboat and
its canopy must be marked with Type II retroreflective material
approved under 46 CFR part 164, subpart 164.018. The arrangement of the
retroreflective material must comply with IMO Res. A.658(16)
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5).
    (28) Permanently attached foldable canopy. For a partially enclosed
lifeboat, the foldable canopy cloth material must meet the
specifications for Type II, Class 1 requirements of A-A-55308
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5), or be accepted by the
Commandant as equivalent or superior.
    (29) Labels and notices. Any labels, caution and danger notices,
and operating, maintenance, or general instructions, must be in
accordance with ASTM F 1166, Section 15, in terms of format, content,
lettering size and spacing, color, and posted location. They must be
illustrated with symbols in accordance with IMO Res. A.760(18)
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5), as applicable.
Information and instruction plates, not specifically mentioned in this
section, must not be posted in the vicinity of the control and steering
station without prior approval from the Commandant. Identification
label plates, if required, must be posted on or above the component or
equipment to be identified.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

Sec.  160.135-9  Preapproval review.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the
Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this
section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5.
    (b) Manufacturer requirements. To seek Coast Guard approval of a
lifeboat, the manufacturer must submit an application to the Commandant
meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5 for preapproval review. To
meet the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5(a)(2), the manufacturer must
submit in triplicate--
    (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other
documentation submitted, with each document identified by number,
title, revision issue, and date;
    (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal
dimensions;
    (3) Seating arrangement plan, including a dimensioned seat form to
scale;
    (4) A complete material list, with each material referenced to a
U.S. national standard or, if a copy is provided in English, an
equivalent international standard;
    (5) Plans for carriage and, in detail, stowage of equipment;
    (6) Hull, canopy, and critical parts lay-up schedule for a Fiber
Reinforced Plastic (FRP) lifeboat;
    (7) Hull and canopy construction drawings, including particulars of
joints, welds, seams, and other fabricating details;
    (8) Weights and thickness of each major FRP structural component,
including the hull, canopy, and inner liners, before outfitting;
    (9) Specification and identification of materials such as steel,
aluminum, resin, foam, fiberglass, cloth, and plastic used in the
lifeboat's manufacture;
    (10) Fabrication details for each major structural component,
including details of each welded joint;
    (11) Lines plans;
    (12) Propulsion system specifications and arrangement and
installation drawings;

    (13) Steering system drawings and specifications;
    (14) Release mechanism installation drawings and the mechanism's
Coast Guard approval number;
    (15) Air and water spray systems drawings and specifications, if
installed;
    (16) Plans for critical subassemblies;
    (17) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed;
    (18) Electrical system schematics and specifications;
    (19) Stability data, including righting arm curves in the light and
loaded condition for both intact and flooded stability;
    (20) Drawings of all signs and placards, showing actual
inscription, format, color, size, and location on the lifeboat;
    (21) Complete data pertinent to the installation and use of the
proposed lifeboat, including the light load (condition A) and full load
(condition B) weights;
    (22) Specifications for the required launching ramp length and
angle, and the height of free-fall lifeboat installation above the
water;
    (23) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in
Sec. Sec.  160.135-19 and 160.135-21 of this subpart;
    (24) A description of the quality control procedures and record
keeping that will apply to the production of the lifeboat, which must
include but is not limited to--
    (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 fabrication, seams, and
joints, including welding inspection procedures; and
    (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of
fabrication to assure that the approved lifeboat complies with the
approved plans and the requirements of this subpart;
    (25) Full details of any other unique capability;
    (26) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the lifeboat
complies with the requirements of this subpart;
    (27) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including
the name and address of any subcontractors, where the lifeboat will be
constructed; and
    (28) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the
duties prescribed in Sec. Sec.  160.135-11 and 160.135-15 of this
subpart.
    (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the
Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review
required by this section so long as the preapproval review is conducted
in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent
laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010.
    (d) Plan quality. The plans and specifications submitted to the
Commandant under this section must--
    (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and
designations for configuration control;
    (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this
section in sufficient detail to show that the lifeboat meets the
construction requirements of this subpart;
    (3) Accurately depict the proposed lifeboat;
    (4) Be internally consistent;
    (5) Be legible; and
    (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of
this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the
plans meet the quality requirements of this section.
    (e) Alternatives. Alternatives in materials, parts, or
construction, and each item replaced by an alternative, must be clearly
indicated as such in the plans and specifications submitted to the
Commandant under this section.
    (f) Coast Guard review. If the plans or specifications do not
comply with the requirements of this section, Coast Guard review may be
suspended, and the applicant notified accordingly.

Sec.  160.135-11  Fabrication of prototype lifeboats for approval.

    (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted
in accordance with Sec.  160.135-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to
the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the
prototype lifeboat as set forth in this section.
    (b) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent
laboratory must conduct inspections, tests, and oversight required by
this section. Prototype inspections and tests of a lifeboat must be
carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent
laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this
section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and
inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional prototype tests
and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor
compliance with the requirements of this subpart.
    (c) Fabrication of a lifeboat must proceed in the following
sequence:
    (1) The manufacturer must arrange for an independent laboratory (or
Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (b) of this section)
to inspect, test, and oversee the lifeboat during its fabrication and
prepare an inspection and test report meeting the requirements of 46
CFR 159.005-11.
    (2) The independent laboratory must make such inspections as are
necessary to determine that the prototype is constructed by the methods
and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under Sec.
160.135-9 of this subpart. By conducting at least one inspection during
its construction, the independent laboratory must determine the
prototype lifeboat conforms with those plans by inspecting--
    (i) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Construction.
    (A) FRP components of each prototype lifeboat must have a layup
made of unpigmented clear resins so that details of construction are
visible for inspection. Test panels representative of each prototype
layup must be tested in accordance with MIL-P-17549D(SH) (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). If an accepted MIL-R-21607E(SH)
Grade B resin is used for the prototype lifeboat, additives for fire
retardancy must not be used so that the laminate is translucent for
inspection purposes. Any prototype test lifeboat with Grade B resins
will not be marked in accordance with Sec.  160.135-17 of this subpart
for use as a production lifeboat regardless of the outcome of the
performance tests. Whichever accepted resin the manufacturer decides to
use for the prototype lifeboat, the same resin must be used in the
production lifeboats.
    (B) The hull, canopy, and major structural laminates of each
prototype FRP lifeboat must be tested for resin content, ultimate
flexural strength, and tensile strength. The test samples must be cut
out from the prototype lifeboat, or be laid up at the same time, using
the same procedures and by the same operators as the laminate used in
the lifeboat. The number of samples used for each test, and the
conditions and test methods used, must be as per the applicable test
specified in this paragraph. The resin content must be determined as
per ASTM D 2584 or ISO 1172 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.135-5). The flexural ultimate strength must be determined by ASTM D
790 method I (test condition ``A'', flatwise, dry) or the corresponding
ISO 14125 test method (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5).
The tensile strength, lengthwise, must be determined as per ASTM D 638
or ISO 527 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5).

    (C) Each major FRP component, such as the hull, canopy, and inner
liner(s), of each prototype FRP lifeboat must be examined and weighed
after it is completed but before it is assembled. If the lifeboat is
constructed by the spray lay-up technique, the hull and canopy
thicknesses must be measured using ultrasonic or equivalent techniques;
    (ii) Steel construction. Steel sheet and plate used for the hull,
floors, and other structural components of a prototype steel lifeboat
must meet the bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5) after galvanizing or
other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This may be
demonstrated through a supplier's certification papers or through
witnessing actual tests.
    (iii) Coated cloth for partially enclosed lifeboats. Cloth material
used in the construction of each prototype lifeboat must be confirmed
to have met the requirements specified under Sec.  160.135-7(b)(28) of
this subpart. This may be demonstrated through a supplier's
certification papers or through witnessing actual tests.
    (iv) Welding. Structural components of each prototype lifeboat
joined by welding must be welded by the welding procedures and
materials as per the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.135-9 of this
subpart and by welders appropriately qualified.
    (v) Buoyancy foam. Each major subassembly of a prototype lifeboat,
such as the hull with liner and canopy with liner, must be weighed
after the buoyancy foam is installed and before it is further
assembled.
    (vi) Installation of the propulsion system.
    (vii) Installation of the steering system.
    (viii) Installation of the water spray fire-protection and air
support system(s), if fitted.
    (3) The independent laboratory must submit the inspection report to
the Commandant.

Sec.  160.135-13  Approval inspections and tests for prototype
lifeboats.

    (a) After the Commandant notifies the manufacturer that the
prototype lifeboat is in compliance with the requirements of Sec.
160.135-11 of this subpart, the manufacturer may proceed with the
prototype approval inspections and tests required under this section.
The prototype lifeboat, the construction of which was witnessed under
Sec.  160.135-11 of this subpart, must be used for the tests in this
section.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast
Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval
tests required under this section.
    (c) Manufacturer requirements. To proceed with approval inspections
and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must--
    (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine
Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required
under this section will take place, and such notification must be in
sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements;
    (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard
inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed;
    (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or
testing is performed on lifeboats or their component parts and
materials for the purpose of--
    (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the
prototype is constructed by the methods and with the materials
specified in the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.135-9 of this subpart
and the inspection report under Sec.  160.135-11 of this subpart;
    (ii) Assuring that the quality assurance program of the
manufacturer is satisfactory;
    (iii) Witnessing tests; and
    (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional
inspections or test; and
    (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or
invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the
production of lifeboats, together with records identifying the lot or
serial numbers of the lifeboats in which such materials were used.
    (d) Tests--(1) Prototype lifeboat readiness. All tests must be
conducted on a completely outfitted lifeboat, including fixed equipment
such as compass, searchlight, and navigating lights. Loose equipment
may be substituted by weights.
    (2) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) prototype lifeboat lay-up. For
the prototype of each design of an FRP lifeboat, the lay-up must be
made of unpigmented resins and clear gel coat.
    (3) Fuel tank. Each non-portable fuel tank must be tested by a
static head above the tank top of 3 m (10 ft) of water without showing
any leaks or signs of permanent distortion.
    (4) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. Each prototype lifeboat
of each design must pass each of the tests for davit-launched or free-
fall lifeboats, as applicable, described in the IMO Revised
recommendation on testing, Part 1, paragraphs 6.1 through 6.17
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). Tests must be
conducted in accordance with these paragraphs of IMO Revised
recommendation on testing, Part 1, with the following modifications:
    (i) Fire retardancy/release mechanism and engine tests (Paragraphs
1/6.2, 6.9, 6.10, 6.14). The tests in the following IMO Revised
recommendation on testing paragraphs may be accomplished independent of
the lifeboat, and may be considered completed and need not be repeated
if the tests have been previously shown to meet the necessary
requirements--
    (A) Paragraph 6.2;
    (B) Paragraphs 6.9.3 through 6.9.6;
    (C) Paragraph 6.10.2 through 6.10.6; and
    (D) Paragraphs 6.14.6 through 6.14.8.
    (ii) Lifeboat overload test (Paragraph 1/6.3). For a davit launched
lifeboat, the overload test must be conducted with the lifeboat
suspended from the lifting hooks. During this test, the canopy of a
free-fall lifeboat must not deform so as to harm any potential
occupants.
    (iii) Impact test (Paragraph 1/6.4). The rigid vertical surface
must not be displaced or deformed as a result of the test.
    (iv) Lifeboat seating space test (Paragraph 1/6.7). The average
mass of persons used to test the lifeboat seating space must be
determined by weighing as a group or individually. Each person must
wear an inherently buoyant SOLAS lifejacket with at least 150 N of
buoyancy or a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket approved under approval
series 160.155. For other than a totally enclosed lifeboat, the
operator(s) must demonstrate that the lifeboat can be operated while
wearing a Coast Guard approved, insulated-buoyant immersion suit
approved under approval series 160.171. The Commandant will give
consideration to requests to test at, and designate lifeboats for, a
heavier occupant weight than that stated in the IMO LSA Code, Chapter
IV (incorporated by reference, Sec.  160.135-5).
    (v) Flooded stability test (Paragraph 1/6.8). Any materials used to
raise the test weights representing the lifeboat occupants above the
seat pan must be at least as dense as fresh water.
    (vi) Lifeboat operational test, Operation of engine (Paragraph 1/
6.10.1). For the 4-hour lifeboat maneuvering period, the lifeboat must
not (except for a short period to measure towing force and to
demonstrate towing fixture durability) be secured, and must be run
through its full range of speeds and full range of all controls
throughout the period.

    (vii) Survival recovery test (Paragraph 1/6.10.8). The recovery
demonstration must show that no more than two crewmembers are required
to recover a helpless person of ninety-fifth percentile by weight
described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-
5) while the crewmembers and helpless person are each wearing a
lifejacket.
    (viii) Flooded capsizing test (Paragraph 1/6.14.3-.5). For any
lifeboat also approved as a rescue lifeboat, the lifeboat must return
to an upright position and, without undue delay, the crew must be able
to use the lifeboat again as a lifeboat.
    (ix) Fire test (Paragraph 1/6.16.4). The locations where
temperatures are measured along with the rationale for the proposed
locations must be provided to the Commandant for approval prior to the
testing.
    (x) Water spray tests (Paragraph 1/6.16.9). The delivery rate of
water, or the sprayed water film thickness over the lifeboat, must be
at least equivalent to that used to achieve passing results for the
fire test. Full coverage must be obtained without the need to rock the
lifeboat or induce wetting by wiping or applying any agent.
    (xi) Measuring and evaluating acceleration forces (Paragraph 1/
6.17.5). For free-fall lifeboats, the selection, placement, and
mounting of the accelerometers along with the rationale for the
proposed selection, placement, and mounting must be provided to the
Commandant for approval prior to the testing.
    (xii) Evaluation acceleration forces with the dynamic response
model (Paragraph 1/6.17.9). For free-fall lifeboats only, sections
6.17.9 thru 6.17.12 must be used along with the displacement limits for
lifeboats in Table 2 under ``Evaluation with the dynamic response
model''.
    (5) Visual inspection. Each lifeboat must be visually inspected to
confirm--
    (i) Compliance with this subpart;
    (ii) Conformance with plans reviewed under Sec.  160.135-9 of this
subpart; and
    (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance.
    (e) Test waiver. The Commandant may waive certain tests for a
lifeboat identical in construction to smaller and larger lifeboats that
have successfully completed the tests. Tests associated with lifeboat
components that have already been approved by the Commandant are not
required to be repeated.
    (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the
Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections
and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the
inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with
the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and
Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010.
    (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by
this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46
CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for
review--
    (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same
information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). The report must include a signed
statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as
permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing,
indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its
results; and
    (2) The final plans of the lifeboat as built. The plans must
include, in triplicate--
    (i) The instructions for training and maintenance described in
Sec. Sec.  160.135-19 and 160.135-21 of this subpart; and
    (ii) The final version of the plans required under Sec.  160.135-9
of this subpart.
    (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under
paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant,
will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13.

Sec.  160.135-15  Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of lifeboats.

    (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent
laboratory must conduct or witness inspections, tests, and oversight
required by this section. Production inspections and tests of lifeboats
must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent
laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this
section, 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) Manufacturer's responsibility. The manufacturer must--
    (1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all
production lifeboats are produced to the same standard, and in the same
manner, as the prototype lifeboat approved by the Commandant. The
manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under
the department or person responsible for either production or sales;
    (2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or
Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section)
to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section;
    (3) Submit to the Commandant, a yearly report that contains the
following--
    (i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each lifeboat
constructed;
    (ii) Name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or
Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section);
and
    (iii) Name of the vessel and company receiving the lifeboat, if
known;
    (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the
construction of the lifeboat are in accordance with plans approved
under Sec.  160.135-13(h) of this subpart;
    (5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if
required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where
materials are stored for the lifeboat, work or testing is performed on
lifeboats or their component parts and materials, or records are
retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) below, for the
purpose of--
    (i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer
is satisfactory;
    (ii) Witnessing tests; or
    (iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional
inspections or tests; and
    (6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard
inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the
inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e)(2) of
this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that
the lifeboats are being made in accordance with the plans approved
under Sec.  160.135-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this
subpart.
    (c) Recordkeeping. The manufacturer must maintain records in
accordance with 46 CFR 159.007-13. The manufacturer must keep records
of all items listed in this section for at least 5 years from the date
of termination of approval of each lifeboat. The records must include--
    (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this
subpart, and each applicable document listed in Sec.  160.135-5 of this
subpart;
    (2) A copy of approved plans, documentation, and certifications;

    (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved lifeboat;
    (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers
identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved
lifeboats, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the
lifeboats in which such materials were used;
    (5) Start and finish date and time of the lay-up of each major
Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) component such as the hull, canopy, and
inner liner and the names of the operator(s);
    (6) Start and finish date and time of pouring of foam-in-place
rigid buoyancy foam, and name of operator(s);
    (7) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s);
    (8) Records of welder certificates, training and qualifications;
    (9) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name
and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration;
    (10) The serial number of each production lifeboat, along with
records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section;
and
    (11) The original purchaser of each lifeboat and the vessel on
which it was installed, if known.
    (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. The independent
laboratory must perform or witness the inspections and tests under
paragraph (e)(2) of this section for each Coast Guard-approved lifeboat
to be installed on a U.S.-flagged vessel. If the manufacturer also
produces lifeboats for approval by other maritime safety
administrations, the inspections may be coordinated with inspection
visits for those administrations.
    (e) Production inspections and tests. Each approved lifeboat must
be inspected and tested in accordance with each of the following
procedures:
    (1) In-process inspections and tests. Each production lifeboat must
be examined during lay-up of the hull to verify that the lay-up
conforms to the approved drawings. Each FRP major component, such as
the hull, canopy, and inner liner, must be examined and weighed after
it is completed but before assembled. If the lifeboat is constructed by
the spray lay-up technique, the hull and canopy thicknesses must be
measured using ultrasonic or equivalent techniques. Laboratory tests of
laminates must be conducted at this time. Test samples must be cut out
from the lifeboat itself or be laid up at the same time, using the same
procedures and by the same operators as the laminate used in the
lifeboat. The number of samples used for each test, and the conditions
and test methods used, must be as described in the applicable test
specified in this paragraph.
    (i) Weight. The weight of each FRP section, such as hull, canopy,
and inner liner, must be within 10 percent of similar sections of the
prototype lifeboat. These weights must be the bare laminate weights.
Backing plates that are molded into the laminate may be included.
    (ii) Thickness. The average thickness of each section of sprayed-up
laminate must be within 20 percent of the corresponding sections of the
prototype.
    (iii) Resin content. Laminate samples from the hull, canopy, and
inner liners must be tested in accordance with ASTM D 2584 or ISO 1172
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). The resin content
must be within 8 percentage points of the prototype results. If the
resin content does not comply, flexural ultimate strength and tensile
tests in paragraph (e)(1)(iv) of this section must be conducted.
    (iv) Flexural ultimate strength and tensile tests. Each laminate
sample from each major component, such as hull and liner, that does not
comply with the resin content requirement in paragraph (e)(1)(iii) of
this section, and from each component of every fifth production
lifeboat, must be subjected to the flexural ultimate strength and
tensile strength tests as described in Sec.  160.135-13(c)(2)(i)(B) of
this subpart. The values must be at least 90 percent of the prototype
results.
    (v) Buoyancy material. If block foam buoyancy material is used,
each piece must be weighed after it is cut and shaped to make sure that
the correct amount of foam is installed. If foamed-in-place buoyancy
material is used, a separate sample of the foam must be poured, and
used to make a density determination after it has set. The density must
be 32 +/- 8 kg/m\3\ (2 +/- 0.5 lb/ft\3\).
    (vi) Steel sheet and plate. Steel sheet and plate for the hull,
floors, and other structural components must meet ASTM A 36 and ASTM A
653 as applicable (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5).
Non-corrosive resistant steel must meet the coating mass and bend tests
requirement specified under ASTM A 653. Compliance for this paragraph
can be ascertained through supplier's certification papers or through
conducting actual tests.
    (vii) Cloth. The cloth material used for the construction of each
partially enclosed lifeboat must meet the material specification of A-A
55308 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5). This compliance
can be ascertained through supplier's certification papers or through
witnessing actual tests.
    (viii) Fuel tank. Each fuel tank must be tested by a static head
above the tank top of 3 m (10 ft) of water without showing any leaks or
signs of permanent distortion.
    (ix) Welding. It must be determined that structural components
joined by welding was performed by welders who are appropriately
qualified and that the welding procedure and materials are as per the
plans approved under Sec.  160.135-13(h) of this subpart.
    (2) Post assembly tests and inspections. The finished lifeboat must
be visually inspected inside and out. The manufacturer must develop and
maintain a visual inspection checklist designed to ensure that all
applicable requirements have been met and the lifeboat is equipped in
accordance with approved plans. At a minimum, each lifeboat must be
operated for 2 hours during which all lifeboat systems must be
exercised.

Sec.  160.135-17  Marking and labeling.

    (a) Each lifeboat must be marked with a plate or label permanently
affixed to the hull in a conspicuous place readily accessible for
inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to
environmental conditions at sea for the life of the lifeboat.
    (b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other
languages.
    (c) The plate or label must contain the--
    (1) Name and address of the manufacturer;
    (2) Manufacturer's model identification;
    (3) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype
or production test and inspections;
    (4) Serial number of the lifeboat;
    (5) U.S. Coast Guard approval number;
    (6) Month and year of manufacture;
    (7) Material of hull construction;
    (8) Number of persons for which the lifeboat is approved;
    (9) Light load and full load (condition A and condition B weight);
and
    (10) Word ``SOLAS.''

Sec.  160.135-19  Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.

    (a) Each lifeboat must have instructions and information for the
ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18)
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5) to describe the
location and operation of the lifeboat.

    (b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of
this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft
and rescue boats, and their launching systems.
    (c) The lifeboat manufacturer must make the instructions and
information required by paragraph (a) of this section available--
    (1) In English to purchasers of a lifeboat approved by the Coast
Guard; and
    (2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple
procedures and illustrations for operation of the lifeboat. The placard
must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in) by 51 cm (20 in), and must be
made of durable material and suitable for display near installations of
lifeboats on vessels.

Sec.  160.135-21  Operation and maintenance instructions.

    (a) Each lifeboat must have operation and maintenance instructions
that--
    (1) Follows the general format and content specified in MSC.1 Circ.
1205 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5); and
    (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual
inspections of the lifeboat.
    (b) The lifeboat manufacturer must make the manual required by
paragraph (a) of this section available in English to purchasers of a
lifeboat approved by the Coast Guard.
    (c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by
paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for
survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems.

Sec.  160.135-23  Procedure for approval of design, material, or
construction change.

    (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans
approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.135-13(h) of this
subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any
production lifeboat. The manufacturer must submit any such change
following the procedures in Sec.  160.135-9 of this subpart, but
documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under
46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.135-13(h) of this subpart need not be
resubmitted.
    (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a
prototype lifeboat with each change described in paragraph (a) of this
section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new
approvals in Sec. Sec.  160.135-9 through 160.135-13 of this subpart.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

Subpart 160.151--Inflatable Liferafts (SOLAS)

    29. Revise Sec.  160.151-1 to read as follows:

Sec.  160.151-1  Scope.

    This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for
approval by the Coast Guard of inflatable liferafts. This subpart does
not apply to any inflatable liferaft approved by the Commandant before
(EFFECTIVE DATE OF FINAL RULE), so long as the liferaft satisfies the
annual servicing requirements set forth in 46 CFR 160.151-57.
    30. In Sec.  160.151-3--
    a. In the definition for ``Commandant'', remove the text ``(CG-
512)'' and add, in its place, the text ``(CG-5214)''; and
    b. Add, in alphabetical order, the definition for ``Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI)'', to read as follows:

Sec.  160.151-3  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means an officer of the
Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who, under the
direction of the Coast Guard District Commander, is in charge of a
marine inspection zone, described in part 1 of this chapter, for the
performance of duties with respect to the inspection, enforcement, and
administration of vessel safety and navigation laws and regulations.
The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over
a vessel for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.
* * * * *
    31. Revise Sec.  160.151-5 to read as follows:

Sec.  160.151-5  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that
specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of
change in the Federal Register and the material must be available to
the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER> or go to
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html. Also, it is available for inspection
at COMMANDANT (CG-5214), U.S. COAST GUARD, 2100 2ND ST SW., STOP 7126,
WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7126 and is available from the sources indicated
in this section.
    (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM F 1014-02(2007), Standard Specification for Flashlights on
Vessels, IBR approved for Sec.  160-151-21 (``ASTM F 1014'').
    (2) [Reserved]
    (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service,
Office of the FAS Commissioner, 22200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor,
Arlington, VA 22202,<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (1) Federal Standard 595C--Colors Used in Government Procurement,
IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.151-15 and 160.151-17 (``FED-STD-
595C'').
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications
Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20
7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/.
    (1) IMO Resolution A.657(16), Instructions for Action in Survival
Craft, October 1989, IBR approved for Sec.  160.151-21 (``IMO Res.
A.657(16)'').
    (2) IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-reflective
Materials on Life-saving Appliances, IBR approved for Sec.  160.151-15
(``IMO Res. A.658(16)'').
    (3) IMO Resolution MSC.48(66), International Life-Saving Appliance
Code, as amended by IMO Resolutions MSC.207(81), MSC.218(82), and
MSC.272(85), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.151-7, 160.151-15,
160.151-17, 160.151-21, 160.151-29, 160.151-33, 160.151-59, and
160.151-61 (``IMO LSA Code'').
    (4) IMO Resolution MSC.81(70), IMO Revised recommendation on
testing of life-saving appliances, as amended by IMO Resolutions
MSC.226(82) and MSC.274(85), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.151-21,
160.151-27, 160.151-29, 160.151-31, and 160.151-57 (``IMO Revised
recommendation on testing'').
    (e) International Standards Organization ISO Copyright Office, Case
Postale 56, CH 1211 Geneva 20.
    (1) ISO 15738:2002 Ships and marine technology--Gas inflation
systems for inflatable life-saving appliances, IBR approved for Sec.
160.151-27 (``ISO 15738'').
    (2) ISO 17339:2002 Ships and marine technology--Sea anchors for
survival craft and rescue boats, IBR approved for Sec.  160.151-21
(``ISO 17339'').
    (3) ISO 18813:2006 Ships and marine technology--Survival equipment
for

survival craft and rescue boats, IBR approved for Sec.  160.151-21
(``ISO 18813'').
    (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization
Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robins Avenue, Philadelphia PA
19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/.
    (1) MIL-C-17415E--Cloth, Coated, and Webbing, Inflatable Boat and
Miscellaneous Use, IBR approved for Sec.  160.151-15 (``MIL-C-
17415E'').
    (2) [Reserved]
    32. In Sec.  160.151-7--
    a. In the introductory text, after the words ``Chapter III of
SOLAS'', add the words ``and the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)''; and after the words ``provisions
of'', remove the word ``SOLAS'' and add, in its place, the words ``the
IMO LSA Code:'';
    b. Revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as set forth below; and
    c. Remove paragraphs (c), (d), and (e).

Sec.  160.151-7  Construction of inflatable liferafts.

* * * * *
    (a) IMO LSA Code 1.2, General requirements for life-saving
appliances; and
    (b) IMO LSA Code 4.2, Inflatable liferafts.

Sec.  160.151-11  [Amended]

    33. In Sec.  160.151-11(b) introductory text, after the words
``must submit an application'', add the words ``to the Commandant''.
    34. In Sec.  160.151-15--
    a. In the introductory text, remove the words ``indicated in Sec.
160.151-7'' and add, in their place, the words ``and the IMO LSA Code
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)'';
    b. In paragraph (a) introductory text, remove the words
``Regulation III/30.2.1'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA
Code, Chapter I/1.2.1''; after the words ``meeting MIL-C-17415E'', add
the words ``(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)''; after
the words ``equivalent or superior'' remove the symbol ``-''and add, in
its place, the words ``and be capable of withstanding the prototype
tests specified in 160.151-27 of this subchapter.'';
    c. Remove paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4);
    d. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``Regulation III/30.2.1'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter I/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    e. In paragraph (c), remove the words ``Regulation III/30.2.1'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code Chapter I/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    f. In paragraph (d), remove the words ``Regulation III/30.2.4'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter I/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    g. In paragraph (e), remove the words ``Regulation III/30.2.6'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter I/<IP_ADDRESS>''; and
remove the words ``(color number 34 of NBS Special Publication 440)''
and add, in their place, the words ``(color number 12197 of FED-STD-
595C (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5))'';
    h. In paragraph (f), remove the words ``Regulation III/30.2.7'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter I/<IP_ADDRESS>''; and
remove the words ``IMO Resolution A.658(16)'' and add, in their place,
the words '' IMO Res. A.658(16) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.151-5)'';
    i. In paragraph (g), remove the words ``Regulation III/38.1.4'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    j. In paragraph (h), remove the words ``Regulation III/38.2.2'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    k. In paragraph (i), remove the words ``Regulation III/38.3.1'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    l. Remove and reserve paragraph (j);
    m. In paragraph (k), remove the words ``Regulation III/38.6.1'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    n. In paragraph (l) introductory text, remove the words
``Regulation III/39.2.3'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA
Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    o. Redesignate paragraphs (m), (n), and (o) as paragraphs (n), (o),
and (p) respectively.
    p. Add paragraph (m) to read as set out below;
    q. In newly redesignated paragraph (n), remove the words
``Regulation III/39.4.2'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA
Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    r. In newly redesignated paragraph (o), remove the words
``Regulation III/39.6.2'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA
Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>''; after the word ``exterior'', add the words
``and interior''; and remove the word ``lamp'' and add, in its place,
the word ``lamps''; and
    s. In newly redesignated paragraph (p) introductory text, remove
the words ``Regulation III/39.7.1'' and add, in their place, the words
``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>''.

Sec.  160.151-15  Design and performance of inflatable liferafts.

* * * * *
    (m) Inflation systems (IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>). Gas
inflation systems, including gas-cylinder valves; gas-cylinder
operating heads; high-pressure hose assemblies; and pressure relief,
inflation/deflation, and non-return/transfer valves; must be certified
as complying with the requirements of ISO 15738 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.151-5).
* * * * *

Sec.  160.151-17  [Amended]

    35. In 160.151-17--
    a. In the introductory text, after the words ``regulations of
SOLAS'', add the words ``and IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  160.151-5)'';
    b. In paragraph (a), remove the words ``Regulation III/39.5.1'' and
add, in their place, the words ``the IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/4.2.5'';
    c. In paragraph (a)(2)(vii), remove the words ``(color number 34 of
NBS Special Publication 440)'' and add, in their place, the words
``(color number 12197 of FED-STD-595C (incorporated by reference, see
Sec.  160.151-5))'';
    d. In paragraph (b), remove the words ``Regulation III/39.4.1'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
and
    e. Remove and reserve paragraph (c).
    36. In Sec.  160.151-21--
    a. In the introductory text, after the words ``regulations of
SOLAS'', add the words ``and the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)'';
    b. In paragraph (a), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.1''; and after the words ``buoyant heaving
line'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    c. In paragraph (b), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.2''; and after the words ``folding
knife'', remove the words ``carried as permitted by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    d. In paragraph (c), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``(IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.3 and ISO 18813 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.151-5))''; and after the words ``Each
bailer'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    e. In paragraph (d), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.4''; and after the words ``Each sponge'',
remove the words ``described by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';

    f. In paragraph (e), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.5 and ISO 17339 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)''; remove the two instances of the
words ``described by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''; and after the words
``hauled in by one person.'', add the sentence ``Sea anchors must be
attached to the raft at a position so as to orient the primary entrance
away from the seas as far as practicable while still allowing the sea
anchor to be retrieved by a person inside the raft.'';
    g. In paragraph (f), remove the words ``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.6
and ISO 18813''; and remove the words ``IMO Resolution A.689(17)'' and
add, in their place, the words ``IMO Revised recommendation on testing
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5).'';
    h. In paragraph (g), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.7 and ISO 18813''; and after the words ``a
tin-opener'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    i. In paragraph (h), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.8''; and after the words ``Each first-aid
kit'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    j. In paragraph (i), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.9 and ISO 18813''; and after the words
``The whistle'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    k. In paragraph (j), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.10''; and after the words ``Each rocket
parachute flare'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    l. In paragraph (k), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.11''; and after the words ``Each hand
flare'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    m. In paragraph (l), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.12''; and after the words ``Each buoyant
smoke signal'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    n. In paragraph (m), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.13''; after the words ``The waterproof
electric torch'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>''; and after the words ``see Sec.  160.151-5'', add the
symbol '')'';
    o. In paragraph (n), remove the words ``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/
<IP_ADDRESS>.14'';
    p. In paragraph (o), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.15''; and after the words ``Each
signalling mirror'' remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    q. In paragraph (p), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.16''; and after the words ``transparent
waterproof container'', remove the words ``as described by Regulation
III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    r. In paragraph (q), remove the words ``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/
<IP_ADDRESS>.17'';
    s. In paragraph (r), remove the words ``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>.''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/
<IP_ADDRESS>.18'';
    t. In paragraph (s), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.19''; remove the words ``The fresh water
required by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS> must be ``emergency drinking
water'''' and add, in their place, the words ``Emergency drinking water
must be''; after the words ``The desalting apparatus'', remove the
words ``described in Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''; and remove the last
sentence of the paragraph;
    u. In paragraph (t), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.20 and ISO 18813''; and after the words
``The drinking cup'', remove the words ``described in Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    v. In paragraph (u), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.21 and ISO 18813''; and after the words
``The anti-seasickness medicine'', remove the words ``required by
Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    w. In paragraph (v), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.22 and ISO 18813''; and after the words
``The instructions'', remove the words ``required by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    x. In paragraph (v)(3), remove the words ``IMO Resolution
A.657(16)'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Res. A.657(16)
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)'';
    y. In paragraph (w), remove the words ``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/
<IP_ADDRESS>.23'';
    z. In paragraph (w)(3), remove the words ``IMO Resolution
A.657(16)'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Res. A.657(16)'';
    aa. In paragraph (x), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.24''; and after the words ``Each thermal
protective aid'', remove the words ``described by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    bb. In paragraph (y), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.1 and ISO 18813''; and after the words
``The repair outfit'', remove the words ``required by Regulation III/
<IP_ADDRESS>'';
    cc. Revise paragraph (y)(2) to read as set out below;
    dd. In paragraph (y)(3), remove the text ``; and'' and add, in its
place, the symbol ``.'';
    ee. Remove paragraph (y)(4); and
    ff. In paragraph (z), remove the first instance of the words
``Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO
LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.2''; and after the words ``The pump or
bellows'', remove the words ``required by Regulation III/<IP_ADDRESS>''.

Sec.  160.151-21  Equipment required for SOLAS A and SOLAS B inflatable
liferafts.

* * * * *
    (y) * * *
    (2) Five or more tube patches at least 50 mm (2 in) in diameter
(the Commandant will consider self-adhesive patches per ISO 18813 as an
alternative); and
* * * * *

Sec.  160.151-27  [Amended]

    37. In Sec.  160.151-27--
    a. Remove each instance of the words ``IMO Resolution A.689(17)''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Revised recommendation on
testing'';
    b. In paragraph (a), remove the word ``inclusive''; and
    c. In paragraph (c)(5), remove the word ``liters'' and add, in its
place, the text ``L''.

Sec.  160.151-29  [Amended]

    38. In Sec.  160.151-29, in the introductory text, remove the words
``Regulation III/39.5.1'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO LSA
Code, Chapter IV/4.3.5 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-
5)''; and remove the words ``IMO Resolution A.689(17)'' and add, in
their place, the words ``IMO Revised recommendation on testing
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)''.
    39. In Sec.  160.151-31--
    a. Remove each instance of the words ``IMO Resolution A.689(17)''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Revised recommendation on
testing'';
    b. In paragraph (a) introductory text, remove the word ``part'' and
add, in its place, the text ``46 CFR part''; and remove the words ``of
this chapter'';
    c. In paragraph (c), remove the symbol ``Sec.  '' and add, in its
place, the text ``46 CFR''; and remove the words ``of this chapter'';
    d. In paragraph (d), after the words ``through 5.1.6 inclusive,'',
add the words ``(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)''; and
    e. Add paragraph (h) to read as follows:

Sec.  160.151-31  Production inspections and tests of inflatable
liferafts.

* * * * *
    (h) The manufacturer must notify the cognizant Officer in Charge,
Marine Inspection (OCMI) whenever final production inspections and
tests are to be performed so that the OCMI may assign a marine
inspector to the factory to witness the applicable tests and to ensure
that the quality assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory.

Sec.  160.151-33  [Amended]

    40. In 160.151-33--
    a. In paragraph (b) introductory text, remove the words
``Regulation III/39.7.3 of SOLAS'' and add, in their place, the words
``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS> (incorporated by reference, see
Sec.  160.151-5)''; and
    b. In paragraph (c) introductory text, remove the words
``Regulation III/39.8 of SOLAS'' and add, in their place, the words
``IMO LSA Code, Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>''.

Sec.  160.151-57  [Amended]

    41. In 160.151-57--
    a. In paragraph (b)(1), remove the words ``IMO Resolution A.689(17)
paragraph 2/5.1.5'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Revised
recommendation on testing, paragraph 2/5.1.5 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.151-5)'';
    b. In paragraph (b)(5)(i), remove the words ``if its expiration
date has passed'' and add, in their place, the words ``at the time of
servicing if there is less than 6 months remaining before the
expiration date'';
    c. In paragraph (b)(11), remove the words ``IMO Resolution
A.658(16)'' and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Revised
recommendation on testing''; add the words ``46 CFR'' in front of the
words ``part 164''; and remove the words ``of this subchapter'';
    d. In paragraph (e), remove the words ``49 CFR 173.34'' and add, in
their place, the text ``49 CFR 180.205'';
    e. In paragraph (f), remove the words ``IMO Resolution A.689(17)''
and add, in their place, the words ``IMO Revised recommendation on
testing''; and
    f. In paragraph (g), after the text ``(b) through'', add the text
``(f)''.

Sec.  160.151-59  [Amended]

    42. In 160.151-59(a), remove the words ``regulations III/18.2,
19.3, 51, and 52 of SOLAS'' and add, in their place, the words ``SOLAS
Chapter III, Regulation 35 (III/35)''.

Sec.  160.151-61  [Amended]

    43. In 160.151-61(a), remove the words ``regulations III/19.3 and
III/52 of SOLAS'' and add, in their place, the words ``SOLAS Chapter
III, Regulation 36 (III/36)''.
    44. Add subpart 160.156 to read as follows:
Subpart 160.156--Rescue Boats and Fast Rescue Boats (SOLAS)
Sec.
160.156-1 Scope.
160.156-3 Definitions.
160.156-5 Incorporation by reference.
160.156-7 Design, construction, and performance of rescue boats and
fast rescue boats.
160.156-9 Preapproval review.
160.156-11 Fabrication of prototype rescue boats for approval.
160.156-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype rescue
boats.
160.156-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of rescue boats.
160.156-17 Marking and labeling.
160.156-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.
160.156-21 Operation and maintenance instructions.
160.156-23 Procedure for approval of design, material, or
construction change.

Subpart 160.156--Rescue Boats and Fast Rescue Boats (SOLAS)

Sec.  160.156-1  Scope.

    This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for
seeking Coast Guard approval of a rescue boat, including a fast rescue
boat, complying with SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, for use on waters
other than protected waters as defined in 46 CFR 175.400.

Sec.  160.156-3  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.156-5), in this subpart, the term:
    Commandant means the Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. COAST GUARD, 2100
2ND ST SW., STOP 7126, WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7126.
    Full load means the weight of the complete rescue boat, including
all required equipment, provisions, fuel, and the number of persons for
which it is approved. This is also known as the condition ``B'' weight.
    Independent laboratory has the same meaning as 46 CFR 159.001-3. A
list of accepted independent laboratories is available from the
Commandant and online at http://cgmix.uscg.mil.
    Light load means the weight of the complete rescue boat empty and
does not include fuel, required equipment, or the equivalent weight of
persons. This is also known as the condition ``A'' weight.
    Officer In Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means an officer of the
Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who, under the
direction of the Coast Guard District Commander, is in charge of a
marine inspection zone, described in part 1 of this chapter, for the
performance of duties with respect to the inspection, enforcement, and
administration of vessel safety and navigation laws and regulations.
The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over
a vessel for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.
    SOLAS means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at
Sea, 1974, as amended.

Sec.  160.156-5  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that
specified in this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of
change in the Federal Register and the material must be available to
the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the
National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on
the availability of this material at NARA, call<PHONE_NUMBER> or go to
http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_
regulations/ibr_locations.html. Also, it is available

for inspection at COMMANDANT (CG-5214), U.S. COAST GUARD, 2100 2ND ST
SW., STOP 7126, WASHINGTON, DC 20593-7126 and is available from the
sources indicated in this section.
    (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08 Standard Specification for Carbon Structural
Steel, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and 160.156-15 (``ASTM A
36'').
    (2) ASTM A 653/A 653M-08 Standard Specification for Steel Sheet,
Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by
the Hot-Dip Process, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-7, 160.156-11
and 160.156-15 (``ASTM A 653'').
    (3) ASTM B 209-07 Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-
Alloy Sheet and Plate, IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``ASTM B
209'').
    (4) ASTM D 638-08 Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of
Plastics, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-11 (``ASTM D 638'').
    (5) ASTM D 790-07e1 Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties
of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating
Materials, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-11 (``ASTM D 790'').
    (6) ASTM D 2584-08 Standard Test Method of Ignition Loss for Cured
Reinforced Resins, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-11 and 160.156-
15 (``ASTM D 2584'').
    (7) ASTM D 4029-09 Standard Specification for Finished Woven Glass
Fabrics, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-7 (``ASTM D 4029'').
    (8) ASTM F 1166-07 Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design
for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and 160-156-13 (``ASTM F 1166'').
    (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service,
Office of the FAS Commissioner, 22200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor,
Arlington, VA 22202,<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (1) Federal Standard 595C--Colors Used in Government Procurement,
IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-7 ``(FED-STD-595C'').
    (2) [Reserved]
    (d) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications
Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, +44 (0)20
7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/.
    (1) IMO Resolution A.658(16), Use and Fitting of Retro-reflective
Materials on Life-saving Appliances, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-7
(``IMO Res. A.658(16)'').
    (2) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving
Appliances and Arrangements, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and
160.156-19 (``IMO Res. A.760(18)'').
    (3) IMO Resolution MSC.81(70), IMO Revised recommendation on
testing of life-saving appliances, as amended by IMO Resolutions
MSC.226(82) and MSC.274(85), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and
160.156-13 (``IMO Revised recommendation on testing'').
    (4) IMO Resolution MSC.48(66), International Life-Saving Appliance
Code, as amended by IMO Resolutions MSC.207(81), MSC.218(82), and
MSC.272(85), IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-7 (``IMO LSA Code'').
    (5) MSC Circular 980, Standardized life-saving appliance evaluation
and test report forms, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and
160.156-13 (``IMO MSC Circ. 980'').
    (6) MSC.1 Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and
Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, IBR approved for Sec.
160.156-21 (``IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205'').
    (e) International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat [ISO Copyright Office], Case Postale 56, CH-1211
Geneve 20, Switzerland.
    (1) ISO 14125:1998 Fibre-reinforced plastic composites--
Determination of flexural properties, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-11
(``ISO 14125'').
    (2) ISO 527-1:1993 Plastics--Determination of tensile properties,
IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-11 (``ISO 527'').
    (3) ISO 1172:1996 Textile-glass-reinforced plastics--Prepregs,
moulding compounds and laminates--Determination of the textile-glass
and mineral-filler content--Calcination methods, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.156-11 and 160.156-15 (``ISO 1172'').
    (4) ISO 15372:2000 Ships and marine technology--Inflatable rescue
boats--Coated fabrics for inflatable chambers, IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and 160.156-15 (``ISO 15372'').
    (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization
Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robins Avenue, Philadelphia PA
19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/.
    (1) MIL-C-19663D, Cloth, Woven Roving, For Plastic Laminate, 4 AUG
1998, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-7 (``MIL-C-19663D'').
    (2) MIL-P-17549D(SH): Plastic Laminates, Fibrous Glass Reinforced,
Marine, 31 AUG 1981, IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.156-7 and 160.156-
11 (``MIL-P-17549D(SH)'').
    (3) MIL-R-21607E(SH), Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating,
Fire-Retardant, 25 May 1990, IBR approved for Sec.  160.156-11 (``MIL-
R-21607E(SH)'').
    (g) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive,
Warrendale, PA 15096.
    (1) SAE J1527-93, Marine Fuel Hoses, IBR approved for Sec.
160.156-7 (``SAE J1527'').
    (2) [Reserved]
    (h) Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 NW. Lake Rd, Camas, WA
98607-8542, Phone:<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (1) UL 1102, Standard for Nonintegral Marine Fuel Tanks, IBR
approved for Sec.  160.156-7 (``UL 1102'').
    (2) UL 1185, Standard for Portable Marine Fuel Tanks, IBR approved
for Sec.  160.156-7 (``UL 1185'').

Sec.  160.156-7  Design, construction and performance of rescue boats.

    (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a rescue boat, including a fast
rescue boat, a manufacturer must comply with, and each rescue boat must
meet, the requirements of the following:
    (1) IMO LSA Code Chapter V (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.156-5);
    (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1/7 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5) applicable to the type of rescue
boat;
    (3) 46 CFR part 159; and
    (4) This subpart.
    (b) Each rescue boat must meet the following requirements:
    (1) Design. (i) Each rescue boat must be designed to be operable by
persons wearing immersion suits.
    (ii) Each rescue boat should be designed following standard human
engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.156-5). Design limits should be based on a
range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile
male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as
described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an
immersion suit correspond to the arctic-clothed dimensions of ASTM F
1166.
    (2) Visibility from operator's station. (i) The operator's station
must be designed such that the operator, when seated at the control
station, has visibility 360 degrees around the rescue boat, with any
areas obstructed by the rescue boat structure or its fittings visible
by moving the operator's head and torso.
    (ii) The operator, while still being able to steer and control the
speed of the rescue boat, must be able to see the water--
    (A) Over a 90 degree arc within 3 m (10 ft) of each side of the
rescue boat;

    (B) Over a 30 degree arc within 1 m (3 ft, 3 in) of each side of
the rescue boat; and
    (C) Within 0.5 m (1 ft, 8 in) of the entrances designated for
recovering persons from the water.
    (iii) In order to see a person in the water during recovery or
docking operations, a hatch must be provided in fully enclosed rescue
boats so that the operator can stand with his or her head outside the
rescue boat for increased visibility, provided the operator can still
steer and control the speed of the rescue boat.
    (3) Construction. Each major rigid structural component of each
rescue boat must be constructed of steel, aluminum, or Fiber Reinforced
Plastic (FRP), or materials accepted by the Commandant as equivalent or
superior.
    (i) General. Metals in contact with each other must be either
galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous
materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or
tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing,
buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities.
    (ii) Steel. Sheet steel and plate must be low carbon, commercial
quality, either corrosion resistant or galvanized as per ASTM A 653,
coating designation G90 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-
5). Structural steel plates and shapes must be carbon steel as per ASTM
A 36 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5), or an equivalent
or superior steel accepted by the Commandant. All steel products,
except corrosion resistant steel, must be galvanized to provide high
quality zinc coatings suitable for the intended service life in a
marine environment. Corrosion resistant steel must be a standard 302
stainless steel or have equal or superior corrosion resistant
characteristics.
    (iii) Aluminum. Aluminum and aluminum alloys must conform to ASTM B
209 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5) and be high purity
for good marine corrosion resistance, free of iron, and containing not
more than 0.6 percent copper.
    (iv) Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP).
    (A) Resin. Any resin used for the hull, canopy, hatches, rigid
covers, and enclosures for the engine, transmission, and engine
accessories, must be fire retardant and accepted by the Commandant in
accordance with 46 CFR part 164, subpart 164.017.
    (B) Glass reinforcement. Any glass reinforcement used must have
good laminated wet strength retention and must meet the appropriate
specification in this paragraph. Glass cloth must be a finished fabric
woven from ``E'' electrical glass fiber yarns meeting ASTM D 4029-09
commercial style designation 1564 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.156-5). Woven roving must conform to MIL-C-19663D, (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.156-5). Other glass materials equivalent or
superior in strength, design, wet out, and efficiency will be given
consideration on specific request to the Commandant.
    (C) Laminate. All exposed surfaces of any finished laminate must
present a smooth finish, and there must be no protruding surface
fibers, open voids, pits, cracks, bubbles, or blisters. The laminate
must be essentially free from resin-starved or overimpregnated areas,
and no foreign matter must remain in the finished laminate. The entire
laminate must be fully cured and free of tackiness, and must show no
tendency to delaminate, peel, or craze in any overlay. The laminate
must 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 non-gel
coated surface, including all interior inner and outer hull surfaces
and built-in lockers. The mechanical properties of the laminate must
meet the requirements for a Grade 3 laminate as specified in Table I of
MIL-P-17549D(SH) (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5).
Other grades will be given consideration on specific request to the
Commandant.
    (4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the
Commandant, American Bureau of Shipping, U.S. Navy, or an independent
laboratory accepted by the Commandant. Only electrodes intended for use
with the material being welded may be used. All welds must be checked
using appropriate non-destructive tests.
    (5) Rescue boat buoyancy. (i) The buoyancy material must be
accepted by the Commandant as meeting the performance requirements of
IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, 6.2.2 to 6.2.7, with a
density of 32  8 kg/m\3\ (2  0.5 lb/ft\3\). The
buoyancy foam or rescue boat manufacturer must certify the results of
the testing to IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, 6.2.2 to
6.2.7 and submit those results to the Commandant. A list of accepted
buoyancy foams may be obtained from the Commandant upon request.
    (ii) All voids in the hull and canopy required to provide buoyancy
for positive stability and self righting must be completely filled with
Coast Guard-accepted buoyancy material.
    (iii) Air in the inflated collar of a rigid-hull inflatable rescue
boat will not be considered inherently buoyant material for the
purposes of meeting the additional 280 N/person requirement of the LSA
Code, Chapter IV/4.4.4.
    (6) Coated fabric. Any coated fabric used in the construction of
inflatable chambers on a rescue boat must be shown to have been
subjected to the criteria listed in IMO MSC Circ. 980 for Inflation
Chamber Characteristics Test (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.156-5) by meeting the requirements of ISO 15372 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.156-5). The color of the finished fabric must
be vivid reddish orange color number 12197 of FED-STD-595C
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5), or a durable
fluorescent color of a similar hue. 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.
    (7) Engines. (i) In order to be accepted by the Commandant, any
spark ignition engine fitted to an approved rescue boat must meet the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emission requirements in 40 CFR
part 91 or part 1045, as applicable, or for a compression ignition
engine the requirements in 40 CFR part 89, part 94, or part 1042, as
applicable, and have reports containing the same information as
recommended by MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.156-5) certified and witnessed by a U.S. Coast Guard inspector or
an independent laboratory.
    (ii) A hydraulic system, if used to start the engine, must be in
accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings
in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60 except that--
    (A) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and
FC332-X are not permitted; and
    (B) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm
(30 in). Longer nonmetallic flexible hoses may be allowed in emergency
steering systems at the discretion of the Commandant.
    (iii) If a hand pump is provided, or if the engine has a manual
starting system, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or
hand start operation.
    (8) Fuel system. (i) The fuel system must meet 46 CFR 56.50-75(b)
and, except as specified in this paragraph, the fuel tank must meet 46
CFR 58.50-10.
    (ii) The fuel tank and fuel system must be in accordance with
paragraph (A), (B), or (C) of this paragraph, as follows:

    (A) Permanently installed fuel systems must meet the requirements
in 46 CFR 160.135-7.
    (B) Portable fuel systems for outboard engines must meet UL 1185
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5) or equivalent, except
that hoses must be Coast Guard Type A per SAE J1527 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.156-5), and hose clamps, primers, filters, and
strainers must be successfully tested in accordance with 33 CFR
183.590. Anti-siphon devices must be provided in the fuel system to
prevent fuel spillage when the hose is disconnected. Arrangements must
be provided to secure the fuel tank in its normal operating position on
the rescue boat.
    (C) Fuel systems for outboard engines using non-integral,
permanently installed fuel tanks must meet the requirements of 33 CFR
part 183, subpart J--Fuel Systems. UL 1102 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  160.156-5) meets these requirements for fuel tanks.
    (9) Starting system batteries. Each battery fitted in a totally
enclosed rescue boat must be stored in a sealed compartment with
exterior venting. If the rescue boat has more than one engine, then
only one starting battery is required per engine.
    (10) Exhaust. Engine exhaust must be routed away from bilge and
potential oil drips. Any paint used on engines, manifolds, or exhaust
must not give off fumes when heated. All exhaust lagging must be non-
absorbent.
    (11) Propeller guard. Each propeller on a rescue boat must be
fitted with a propeller guard with a maximum opening of 76 mm (3 in) on
all sides on which a person is likely to be exposed.
    (12) Control and steering station. Rescue boat starting,
maneuvering, and steering controls must be provided at the control and
steering station.
    (i) The throttle must be a continuous manual control and must be
able to be set and locked at any position.
    (ii) The control and steering station must be designed and laid out
in accordance with ASTM F 1166 sections 9 and 10, so that controls and
displays are unambiguous, accessible, and easy to reach and use from
the operator's normal seated position, while wearing an immersion suit
or a lifejacket.
    (iii) Each control, gauge, or display must be identified by a
marking posted on, above, or adjacent to the respective item. Each
control must operate in a logical manner and be marked with an arrow to
show direction of movement of control which will cause an increased
response. Each gauge must be marked with the normal operating range and
indicate danger or abnormal conditions. Each marking must be permanent
and weatherproof.
    (iv) Gauges, and audio and visual alarms, must be provided to
monitor at least the following parameters on inboard engines--
    (A) Coolant temperature, for a liquid cooled engine;
    (B) Oil pressure, for an engine with an oil pump;
    (C) Tachometer, for an engine not provided with over-speed
protection; and
    (D) State of charge, or rate of charge, for each rechargeable
engine starting power source.
    (13) Drain plug. The position of each drain plug must be clearly
indicated by a permanent marking inside the lifeboat. The marking must
be an arrow pointing in the direction of the plug, and the words
``DRAIN PLUG'' must be 76 mm (3 in) high and have letters of a color
that contrast with their background. The marking must be clearly
visible to a person within the vicinity of the drain plug.
    (14) Remote steering. The procedure to change over from remote to
local steering must be simple, not require the use of tools, and be
clearly posted. There must be sufficient clear space to install,
operate, remove, and stow the removable tiller arm. The tiller arm and
its connection to the rudder stock must be of sufficient strength so
that there is no slippage or bending of the tiller arm. Rudder stops or
other means must be provided to prevent the rudder from turning too far
on either side.
    (15) Lifelines. Buoyant lifelines must be of ultraviolet resistant
material.
    (16) Rails provided as handholds. Rails provided as handholds on
rigid and rigid-inflated rescue boats must extend for half the length
of the rescue boat on both sides of the hull, and the clearance between
the rail and hull must be at least 38 mm (1.5 in). The rails must be
attached to the hull below the chine or turn of the bilge, must be
faired to prevent any fouling, and not project beyond the widest part
of the rescue boat.
    (17) Equipment list. A weatherproof equipment list must be
permanently mounted in a conspicuous and prominent location on a
stowage locker or compartment, or on inside of canopy. The list must
include a stowage plan oriented such that the stowage location of each
item of loose equipment is readily apparent.
    (18) Release mechanism. Each release mechanism fitted to a rescue
boat, including a fast rescue boat, must be identified at the
application for approval of the prototype rescue boat and must be
approved under 46 CFR part 160, subparts 160.133 or 160.170. The
release lever or control must be red in color, and the area immediately
surrounding the control must be a sharply contrasting light color. An
illustrated operating instruction plate or placard, showing the correct
off-load and emergency on-load release procedure and recovery
procedure, must be posted so that it is visible and legible from the
helmsman's normal operating position. The plate or placard must be
corrosion resistant and weatherproof and must be marked with the word
``DANGER''.
    (19) Painter/painter release. Each rescue boat must be fitted with
a device to secure the painter near the bow of the rescue boat. The
device must be arranged such that the rescue boat does not exhibit
unsafe or unstable characteristics when being towed by the ship with
the ship underway at 5 knots. A quick-release device must be provided,
which allows the painter to be released from inside the rescue boat
while under tension. The quick-release handle must be clearly
identified by a label.
    (20) Canopy lamp. Any exterior rescue boat position-indicating
light must be approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.101.
    (21) Manually-controlled interior light. Any interior light must be
approved by the Commandant under approval series 161.101.
    (22) Manual bilge pump. Each rescue boat that is not automatically
self-bailing must be fitted with a manual bilge pump approved under 46
CFR part 160, subpart 160.044, or an engine-powered bilge pump.
    (23) Labels and notices. Any labels, caution and danger notices,
and any operating, maintenance, or general instructions, must be in
accordance with ASTM F 1166, Section 15, in terms of format, content,
lettering size and spacing, color, and posted location. They must be
illustrated with symbols in accordance with IMO Res. A.760(18)
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5), as applicable.
Information and instruction plates, not specifically mentioned in this
section, must not be posted in the vicinity of the control and steering
station without prior approval from the Commandant. Identification
label plates, if required, must be posted on or above the component or
equipment to be identified.
    (24) Stowage. Each stowage compartment must be supported and
secured against movement. It must have adequate hand access for
removing and storing the required equipment, and for cleaning the
inside of the compartment.

There must be sufficient stowage volume to store the equipment required
by 46 CFR 199.175.
    (25) Rescue boat equipment. The rescue boat must be designed to
accommodate and carry the equipment required by 46 CFR 199.175.
    (26) Exterior color. The primary color of the exterior of the hull,
exterior of any canopy or bow cover, and the interior of a rescue boat
not covered by a canopy or bow cover must be a highly visible color
equivalent to vivid reddish orange color number 12197 of FED-STD-595C,
or a durable fluorescent color of a similar hue.
    (27) Navigation light. Each rescue boat must have navigation lights
that are in compliance with the applicable sections of the
International and Inland Navigation Rules and meet 46 CFR 111.75-17.
    (28) Retroreflective material. The exterior of each rescue boat and
canopy must be marked with Type II retroreflective material approved
under 46 CFR part 164, subpart 164.018. The arrangement of the
retroreflective material must comply with IMO Res. A.658(16)
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5).
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

Sec.  160.156-9  Preapproval review.

    (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the
Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this
section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5.
    (b) Manufacturer requirements. To seek Coast Guard approval of a
rescue boat, the manufacturer must submit an application to the
Commandant meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5 for preapproval
review. To meet the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5(a)(2), the
manufacturer must submit in triplicate--
    (1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other
documentation submitted, with each document identified by number,
title, revision issue, and date;
    (2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal
dimensions;
    (3) Seating-arrangement plan, including a dimensioned seat form to
scale;
    (4) A complete material list, with each material referenced to a
U.S. national standard or, if a copy is provided in English, an
equivalent international standard;
    (5) Plans for carriage and, in detail, stowage of equipment;
    (6) Hull, canopy, and critical parts lay-up schedule for Fiber
Reinforced Plastic (FRP) rescue boats, including fast rescue boats;
    (7) Hull and canopy construction drawings, including particulars of
joints, welds, seams, and other fabricating details;
    (8) Weights and thickness of each major FRP structural component,
including the hull, canopy, and inner liners, before outfitting;
    (9) Specification and identification of materials such as steel,
aluminum, resin, foam, fiberglass, coated fabric, and plastic used in
the rescue boat's manufacture;
    (10) Fabrication details for each major structural component,
including details of each welded joint;
    (11) Lines plans;
    (12) Propulsion system specifications and arrangement and
installation drawings;
    (13) Steering system drawings and specifications;
    (14) Release mechanism installation drawings and the mechanism's
Coast Guard approval number;
    (15) Plans for critical subassemblies;
    (16) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed;
    (17) Electrical system schematics and specifications;
    (18) Stability data, including righting arm curves in the light
load and load condition for both intact and flooded;
    (19) Drawings of all signs and placards, showing actual
inscription, format, color, size, and location on the rescue boat;
    (20) Complete data pertinent to the installation and use of the
proposed rescue boat, including--
    (i) The light load (condition A) and full load (condition B)
weights; and
    (ii) Complete details of the lifting arrangement to include enough
detail for operators of the rescue boat to select a suitable release
mechanism approved under subpart 160.133 or 160.170 of this part;
    (21) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in
Sec. Sec.  160.156-19 and 160.156-21 of this subpart;
    (22) A description of the quality control procedures and record
keeping that will apply to the production of the rescue boat, which
must include but is not limited to--
    (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 fabrication, seams, and
joints, including welding inspection procedures; and
    (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of
fabrication to assure that the approved lifeboat complies with the
approved plans and the requirements of this subpart;
    (23) Full details of any other unique capability;
    (24) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the rescue boat
complies with the requirements of this subpart;
    (25) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including
the name and address of any subcontractors, where the rescue boat will
be constructed; and
    (26) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the
duties prescribed in Sec. Sec.  160.156-11 and 160.156-15 of this
subpart.
    (c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the
Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review
required by this section so long as the preapproval review is conducted
in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent
laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010.
    (d) Plan quality. The plans and specifications submitted to the
Commandant under this section must--
    (1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and
designations for configuration control;
    (2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this
section in sufficient detail to show that the lifeboat meets the
construction requirements of this subpart;
    (3) Accurately depict the proposed rescue boat;
    (4) Be internally consistent;
    (5) Be legible; and
    (6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of
this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the
plans meet the quality requirements of this section.
    (e) Alternatives. Alternatives in materials, parts, or
construction, and each item replaced by an alternative, must be clearly
indicated as such in the plans and specifications submitted to the
Commandant under this section.
    (f) Coast Guard review. If the plans or specifications do not
comply with the requirements of this section, Coast Guard review may be
suspended, and the applicant notified accordingly.

Sec.  160.156-11  Fabrication of prototype rescue boats for approval.

    (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted
in accordance with Sec.  160.156-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to
the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the
prototype rescue boat as set forth in this section.

    (b) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent
laboratory must conduct inspections, tests, and oversight required by
this section. Prototype inspections and tests of a rescue boat must be
carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent
laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this
section, unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and
inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional prototype tests
and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor
compliance with the requirements of this subpart.
    (c) Fabrication of a rescue boat must proceed in the following
sequence:
    (1) The manufacturer must arrange for an independent laboratory (or
Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (b) of this section)
to inspect, test, and oversee the rescue boat during its fabrication
and prepare an inspection and test report meeting the requirements of
46 CFR 159.005-11.
    (2) The independent laboratory must make such inspections as are
necessary to determine that the prototype is constructed by the methods
and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under Sec.
160.156-9 of this subpart. By conducting at least one inspection during
its construction, the independent laboratory must determine the
prototype rescue boat conforms with those plans by inspecting--
    (i) Fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) construction.
    (A) FRP components of each prototype rescue boat must have a layup
made of unpigmented clear resins so that details of construction are
visible for inspection. Test panels representative of each prototype
layup must be tested in accordance with MIL-P-17549D(SH) (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5). If an accepted MIL-R-21607E(SH)
Grade B resin is used for the prototype rescue boat, additives for fire
retardancy must not be used so that the laminate is translucent for
inspection purposes. A prototype test rescue boat with Grade B resins
will not be marked in accordance with Sec.  160.156-17 of this subpart
for use as a production rescue boat regardless of the outcome of the
performance tests. Whichever accepted resin the manufacturer decides to
use for the prototype rescue boat, the same resin must be used in the
production rescue boats.
    (B) The hull, canopy, and major structural laminates of each
prototype FRP rescue boat must be tested for resin content, ultimate
flexural strength, and tensile strength. The test samples must be cut
out from the prototype rescue boat, or be laid up at the same time,
using the same procedures and by the same operators as the laminate
used in the rescue boat. The number of samples used for each test, and
the conditions and test methods used, must be as per the applicable
test specified in this paragraph. The resin content must be determined
as per ASTM D 2584 or ISO 1172 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.156-5). The flexural ultimate strength must be determined by ASTM D
790 method I (test condition ``A'', flatwise, dry) or the corresponding
ISO 14125 test method (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5).
The tensile strength, lengthwise, must be determined as per ASTM D 638
or ISO 527 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5).
    (C) Each major FRP component, such as the hull, canopy, and inner
liner(s) of each prototype FRP rescue boat, must be examined and
weighed after it is completed but before it is assembled. If the rescue
boat is constructed by the spray lay-up technique, the hull and canopy
thicknesses must be measured using ultrasonic or equivalent techniques.
    (ii) Steel construction. Steel sheet and plate used for the hull,
floors, and other structural components of a prototype steel rescue
boat must meet the bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5) after galvanizing or
other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This may be
demonstrated through supplier's certification papers or through
witnessing actual tests.
    (iii) Welding. Structural components of each prototype rescue boat
joined by welding must be joined by the welding procedures and
materials per the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.156-9 of this subpart
and by welders appropriately qualified.
    (iv) Buoyancy material. If block foam buoyancy material is used,
each piece must be weighed after it is cut and shaped to make sure that
the correct amount of foam is installed. If foamed-in-place buoyancy
material is used, a separate sample of the foam must be poured, and
used to make a density determination after it has set. The density must
be 32  8 kg/m\3\ (2  0.5 lb/ft\3\). Each major
subassembly such as the hull-with-liner and canopy-with-liner must be
weighed after the buoyancy foam is installed and before it is further
assembled.
    (v) Coated fabric. Coated fabric for inflatable collars used in the
construction of each rescue boat must meet the requirements specified
under Sec.  160.156-7(b)(3) of this subpart. This may be demonstrated
through a supplier's certification papers or through witnessing actual
tests.
    (vi) Installation of the propulsion system.
    (vii) Installation of the steering system.
    (3) The independent laboratory must submit the inspection report to
the Commandant.

Sec.  160.156-13  Approval inspections and tests for prototype rescue
boats.

    (a) After the Commandant notifies the manufacturer that the
prototype rescue boat is in compliance with the requirements of Sec.
160.156-11 of this subpart, the manufacturer may proceed with the
prototype approval inspections and tests required under this section.
The prototype rescue boat, the construction of which was witnessed
under Sec.  160.135-11 of this part, must be used for the tests in this
section.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast
Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval
tests required under this section.
    (c) Manufacturer requirements. To proceed with approval inspections
and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must--
    (1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine
Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required
under this section will take place, and such notification must be in
sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements;
    (2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard
inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed;
    (3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or
testing is performed on rescue boats or their component parts and
materials for the purpose of--
    (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the
prototype is constructed by the methods and with the materials
specified in the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.156-9, and the
inspection report under Sec.  160.156-11, of this subpart;
    (ii) Assuring that the quality assurance program of the
manufacturer is satisfactory;
    (iii) Witnessing tests; and
    (iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional
inspections or tests; and
    (4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or
invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the
production of rescue boats, together with records identifying the lot

or serial numbers of the rescue boats in which such materials were
used.
    (d) Tests--(1) Prototype rescue boat readiness. All tests must be
conducted on a completely outfitted rescue boat, including fixed
equipment such as a compass, searchlight, and navigating lights. Loose
equipment may be substituted by weights.
    (2) FRP prototype rescue boat lay-up. For the prototype of each
design of an FRP rescue boat, the lay-up must be made of unpigmented
resins and clear gel coat.
    (3) Fuel tank. Each non-portable fuel tank must be tested by a
static head above the tank top of 3 m (10 ft) of water without showing
any leaks or signs of permanent distortion.
    (4) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. Each prototype rescue
boat of each design must pass each of the tests for the applicable hull
type described in the IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1,
section 7 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-5). Tests must
be conducted in accordance with these paragraphs of IMO Revised
recommendation on testing, Part 1, with the following modifications:
    (i) Fire retardancy/release mechanism and engine tests (Paragraphs
1/6.2, 6.9, 6.10, 6.14). The tests in the following IMO Revised
recommendation on testing paragraphs may be accomplished independent of
the rescue boat, and may be considered completed and need not be
repeated if the tests have been previously shown to meet the following
necessary requirements--
    (A) Paragraphs 6.9.3 through 6.9.6;
    (B) Paragraphs 6.10.2 through 6.10.6; and
    (C) Paragraphs 6.14.6 through 6.14.8.
    (ii) Impact test (Paragraph 1/6.4). The rigid vertical surface must
not be displaced or deformed as a result of the test.
    (iii) Flooded stability test for rigid rescue boats only (Paragraph
1/6.8). Any materials used to raise the test weights representing the
rescue boat occupants above the seat pan must be at least as dense as
fresh water.
    (iv) Rescue boat operational test, operation of engine (Paragraph
1/7.1.5). For the 4-hour rescue boat maneuvering period, the rescue
boat must not (except for a short period to measure towing force and to
demonstrate towing fixture durability) be secured, and must be run
through its full range of speeds and full range of all controls
throughout the period.
    (v) Survival recovery test (Paragraph 1/6.10.8). The recovery
demonstration must show that no more than two crewmembers are required
to recover a helpless person of ninety-fifth percentile by weight
described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.156-
5) while the crewmembers and helpless person are each wearing a
lifejacket.
    (vi) Rescue boat seating space test (Paragraph 1/7.1.3). The
average mass of persons used to test the rescue boat seating space must
be determined by weighing as a group or individually. Each person must
wear an inherently buoyant SOLAS lifejacket with at least 150 N of
buoyancy or a Coast Guard-approved lifejacket approved under approval
series 160.155. The operator(s) must demonstrate that the rescue boat
can be operated while wearing a Coast Guard approved, insulated-buoyant
immersion suit approved under approval series 160.171. The Commandant
will give consideration to requests to test at, and designate rescue
boats for, a heavier occupant weight than that stated in the IMO LSA
Code, Chapter V (incorporated by reference, Sec.  160.156-5).
    (5) Visual inspection. Each rescue boat must be visually inspected
to confirm--
    (i) Compliance with this subpart;
    (ii) Conformance with the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.156-9 of
this subpart; and
    (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance.
    (e) Test waiver. The Commandant may waive certain tests for a
rescue boat identical in construction to smaller and larger rescue
boats that have successfully completed the tests. Tests associated with
rescue boat components that have already been approved by the
Commandant are not required to be repeated.
    (f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the
Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections
and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the
inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with
the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and
Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010.
    (g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by
this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46
CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for
review--
    (1) The prototype approval test report containing the same
information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.156-5). The report must include a signed
statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as
permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing,
indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its
results; and
    (2) The final plans of the rescue boat as built. The plans must
include, in triplicate--
    (i) The instructions for training and maintenance described in
Sec. Sec.  160.156-19 and 160.156-21 of this subpart; and
    (ii) The final version of the plans required under Sec.  160.156-9
of this subpart.
    (h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under
paragraph (g) of this section, and, if satisfactory to the Commandant,
will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13.

Sec.  160.156-15  Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of rescue boats.

    (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent
laboratory must conduct inspections, tests, and oversight required by
this section. Production inspections and tests of rescue boats must be
carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent
laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this
section, 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) Manufacturer's responsibility. The manufacturer must--