information required by paragraph (a) of this section available in
English to the purchaser of a winch approved by the Coast Guard.

Sec.  160.115-21  Operation and maintenance instructions.

    (a) Each winch must have operation and maintenance instructions
that--
    (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1
Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.115-5 of this
subpart); and
    (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual
inspections of the winch.
    (b) The winch manufacturer must make the manual required by
paragraph (a) of this section available in English to the purchaser of
a winch 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 complete launching systems.

Sec.  160.115-23  Procedure for approval of design or material change.

    (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans
approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.115-13(h) of this
subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any
production winch. The manufacturer must submit any such change
following the procedures in Sec.  160.115-9 of this subpart, but
documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under
46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.115-13(h) of this subpart need not be
resubmitted.
    (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a
prototype winch 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.  160.115-9 through 160.115-13 of this subpart.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

0
26. Add subpart 160.132 to read as follows:

Subpart 160.132--Launching Appliances--Davits

Sec.
160.132-1 Scope.
160.132-3 Definitions.
160.132-5 Incorporation by reference.
160.132-7 Design, construction, and performance of davits.
160.132-9 Preapproval review.
160.132-11 [Reserved]
160.132-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype davits.
160.132-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of davits.
160.132-17 Marking and labeling.
160.132-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.
160.132-21 Operation and maintenance instructions.

160.132-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change.

Subpart 160.132--Launching Appliances--Davits

Sec.  160.132-1  Scope.

    This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for
seeking Coast Guard approval of a davit used in conjunction with a
winch approved under subpart 160.115 of this part for lifeboats
approved under subpart 160.135 of this part, liferafts approved under
subparts 160.051 or 160.151 of this part, and rescue boats approved
under subparts 160.056 or 160.156 of this part.

Sec.  160.132-3  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the
term:
    Commandant means the Commandant (CG-5214), U. S. Coast Guard, 2100
Second Street SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126.
    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.
    Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means an officer of the
Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who fulfills the
duties described in 46 CFR 1.01-15(b). The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the
OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over a vessel or geographic area
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.  160.132-5  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
Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., Stop
7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126. You may also inspect this material at
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may obtain copies of the
material from the sources specified in the following paragraphs
    (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon
Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.
160.132-7 (``ASTM A 36'').
    (2) ASTM A 216/A 216M-08, Standard Specification for Steel
Castings, Carbon, Suitable for Fusion Welding, for High-Temperature
Service, (approved November 1, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.  160.132-7
(``ASTM A 216'').
    (c) 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.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving
Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.132-19 (``IMO Res. A.760(18)'').
    (2) International Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010
Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (``IMO LSA Code''), IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.132-3 and 160.132-7.
    (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances,
pages 79-254 (``IMO Revised recommendation on testing''), IBR approved
for Sec. Sec.  160.132-7, 160.132-13, and 160.132-15.
    (4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-Saving Appliance Evaluation
and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for Sec.
160.132-13 (``IMO MSC Circ. 980'').
    (5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and
Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.132-21 (``IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205'').

Sec.  160.132-7  Design, construction, and performance of davits.

    (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a davit, a manufacturer must
comply with, and each davit must meet, the requirements of following--
    (1) IMO LSA Code chapter I/1.2.2 and Chapter VI/6.1 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart) applicable to the
design and intended service of the davit;
    (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 1/8.1 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart) applicable to the
design and intended service of the davit;
    (3) 46 CFR part 159; and
    (4) This subpart.
    (b) Each davit must meet the following requirements--
    (1) Materials. Each major structural component of each davit must
be constructed of steel. Other materials may be used if accepted by the
Commandant as equivalent or superior--
    (i) Structural steel made by the open-hearth or electric furnace
process must be in accordance with ASTM A 36 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart);
    (ii) Steel castings not intended for fusion welding must be in
accordance with ASTM A 36, Grades U-60-30, 60-30, 65-30, 65-35, and 70-
36;
    (iii) Steel castings intended to be fabricated by fusion welding
must be in accordance with ASTM A 216 (incorporated by reference, see
Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart), Grades WCA and WCB;
    (iv) Cast iron must not be used in the construction of a davit; and
    (v) 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;
    (2) Bearings. (i) Bearings must be of non-ferrous metal, or must be
of the roller or ball-bearing type;
    (ii) Positive means of lubrication must be provided; and
    (iii) The manufacturer must furnish a lubrication chart for each
davit together with a plate attached to the davit indicating the
lubricants recommended for extremes in temperature;
    (3) Guards. All moving parts must have guards;
    (4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the
Commandant, a classification society recognized by the Commandant in
accordance with 46 CFR 8.220, the U.S. Navy, or the national body where
the davit is constructed or the national body's designated recognized
organization. Only electrodes intended for use with the material being
welded may be used. All welds must be checked using appropriate non-
destructive tests; and
    (5) Hydraulic systems, if installed, must be in accordance with 46
CFR part 58, subpart 58.30.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

Sec.  160.132-9  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
davit, 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) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts;
    (4) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in
Sec. Sec.  160.132-19 and 160.132-21 of this subpart;
    (5) A description of the quality control procedures and
recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the davit, 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 and joints,
including welding inspection procedures; and
    (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of
fabrication to assure that the approved release mechanism complies with
the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart;
    (6) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the davit complies
with the requirements of this subpart;
    (7) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including
the name and address of any subcontractors, where the davit will be
constructed; and
    (8) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the
duties prescribed in Sec.  160.132-15 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 subpart 159.010.
    (d) Plan quality. All 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 davit meets the
construction requirements of this subpart;
    (3) Accurately depict the proposed davit;
    (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.  160.132-11  [Reserved]

Sec.  160.132-13  Approval inspections and tests for prototype davits.

    (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted
in accordance with Sec.  160.132-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to
the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the
prototype davit, and the approval inspections and tests required under
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 notifications must be in
sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements;
    (2) Arrange a testing schedule with the cognizant OCMI 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 davits or their component parts and materials
for the purpose of--
    (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the
prototype--
    (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.132-9 of this
subpart;
    (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified
in the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.132-9 of this subpart; and
    (C) When welding is part of the construction process, is
constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans
reviewed under Sec.  160.132-9 of this subpart and the welders are
appropriately qualified;
    (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 davits, together with records identifying the lot or
serial numbers of the davits in which such materials were used.
    (d) Tests. (1) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. Each
prototype davit of each design must pass each of the tests described in
IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 1, paragraph 8.1
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart)
applicable to the design and service of the davit.
    (2) Visual inspection. Each davit must be visually inspected to
confirm--
    (i) Compliance with this subpart;
    (ii) Conformance with the examined plans; and
    (iii) Ease of operation and maintenance.
    (3) Hydraulic controls. If the davit design includes a fluid power
and control system, a test of the hydraulic controls must be conducted
in accordance with 46 CFR 58.30-35.
    (e) Test waiver. The Commandant may waive certain tests for a davit
similar in construction to a davit that has successfully completed the
tests.
    (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.  160.132-5 of this subpart). 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 version of the plans required under Sec.  160.132-9
of this subpart in triplicate.
    (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.  160.132-15  Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of davits.

    (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent
laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests,
and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and
tests of davits 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 davits are produced to the same standard, and in the same
manner, as the prototype davit 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 davit
constructed;
    (ii) The 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 davit, if known;
    (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the
construction of the davit are in accordance with plans approved under
Sec.  160.132-13(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 davit, work or testing is performed on
davits or their component parts and materials, or records are retained
to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, 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) of this
section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the
davits are being made in accordance with the plans approved under Sec.
160.132-13(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 davit. The records must include--
    (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this
subpart, and each document listed in Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart;
    (2) A copy of the approved plans, documentation, and
certifications;
    (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved davit;
    (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers
identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved
davits, together with records identifying the serial numbers of davits
in which such materials were used;
    (5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s);
    (6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications;
    (7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name
and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration;
    (8) The serial number of each production davit, along with records
of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and
    (9) The original purchaser of each davit and the vessel on which it
was installed, if known.
    (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. The independent
laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, the inspections and
tests under this section for each Coast Guard-approved davit to be
installed on a U.S.-flagged vessel. If the manufacturer also produces
davits 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 davit must be
inspected and tested in accordance with the procedures in 46 CFR part
159, subpart 159.007 and the load test described in IMO Revised
recommendation on testing, Part 2, paragraph 6.1.1 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this subpart).

Sec.  160.132-17  Marking and labeling.

    (a) Each davit must be marked with a plate or label permanently
affixed in a conspicuous place readily for inspection and sufficiently
durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at
sea for the life of the davit.
    (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 tests;
    (4) Serial number of the davit;
    (5) U.S. Coast Guard approval number;
    (6) Month and year of manufacture;
    (7) Safe working load of the davit; and
    (8) Word ``SOLAS''.

Sec.  160.132-19  Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.

    (a) Each davit 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.  160.132-5 of this subpart) to
describe the location and operation of the davit.
    (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 complete launching
systems.
    (c) The davit manufacturer must make operating instructions and
information required by paragraph (a) of this section available in
English to the purchaser of a davit approved by the Coast Guard.

Sec.  160.132-21  Operation and maintenance instructions.

    (a) Each davit must have operation and maintenance instructions
that--
    (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1
Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.132-5 of this
subpart); and
    (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual
inspections of the davit.
    (b) The davit manufacturer must make the manual required by
paragraph (a) of this section available in English to the purchaser of
a davit 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 complete launching systems.

Sec.  160.132-23  Procedure for approval of design or material change.

    (a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans
approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.132-13(h) of this
subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any
production davit. The manufacturer must submit any such change
following the procedures in Sec.  160.132-9 of this subpart, but
documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under
46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.115-13(h) of this subpart need not be
resubmitted.
    (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a
prototype davit 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.  160.132-9 through 160.132-13 of this subpart.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

0
27. Add subpart 160.133 to read as follows:

Subpart 160.133--Release Mechanisms for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats
(SOLAS)

Sec.
160.133-1 Scope.
160.133-3 Definitions.
160.133-5 Incorporation by reference.
160.133-7 Design, construction, and performance of release
mechanisms.
160.133-9 Preapproval review.
160.133-11 [Reserved]
160.133-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype release
mechanisms.
160.133-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of release mechanisms.
160.133-17 Marking and labeling.
160.133-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.
160.133-21 Operation and maintenance instructions.
160.133-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change.

Subpart 160.133--Release Mechanisms for Lifeboats and Rescue Boats
(SOLAS)

Sec.  160.133-1  Scope.

    This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for
seeking Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism used for davit-
launched and free-fall lifeboats approved under subpart 160.135 of this
part, and rescue boats approved under subpart 160.156 of this part.

Sec.  160.133-3  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the
term:
    Commandant means the Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100
Second Street, SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126.
    Full load means the weight of the complete lifeboat or 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 lifeboat or 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 fulfills the
duties described in 46 CFR 1.01-15(b). The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the
OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over a vessel or geographic area
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.  160.133-5  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
Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., Stop
7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126. You may also inspect this material at
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may obtain copies of the
material from the sources specified in the following paragraphs.
    (b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr
Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959.
    (1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon
Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.
160.133-7 (``ASTM A 36'').
    (2) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars
and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.  160.133-
7 (``ASTM A 276'').
    (3) ASTM A 313/A 313M -08, Standard Specification for Stainless
Steel Spring Wire, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.
160.133-7 (``ASTM A 313'').
    (4) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel
Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.133-7 (``ASTM A 314'').
    (5) 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, (approved July 15, 2008), IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.133-7, 160.133-13, and 160.133-15. (``ASTM A 653'').
    (6) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design
for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1,
2007), IBR approved for Sec.  160.133-7 (``ASTM F 1166'').
    (c) 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.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving

Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.133-19 (``IMO Res. A.760(18)'').
    (2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), pages 7-71 (``IMO LSA Code''), IBR approved for Sec.  Sec.
160.133-3 and 160.133-7.
    (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances,
pages 79-254 (``IMO Revised recommendation on testing''), IBR approved
for Sec. Sec.  160.133-7 and 160.133-13 (``IMO Revised recommendation
on testing'').
    (4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-saving Appliance Evaluation
and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for Sec.
160.133-13 (``IMO MSC Circ. 980'').
    (5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and
Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.133-21 (``IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205'').

Sec.  160.133-7  Design, construction, and performance of release
mechanisms.

    (a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism, a
manufacturer must comply with, and each release mechanism must meet,
the requirements of the following--
    (1) IMO LSA Code, chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS> (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart), and a release mechanism for free-
fall lifeboats must also meet the applicable provisions of chapter VI/
6.1.4;
    (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part \1/6\.9
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart);
    (3) 46 CFR part 159; and
    (4) This subpart.
    (b) Each release mechanism must meet the following requirements--
    (1) Design. All functions of the release mechanism, including
removal of interlocks, operation of the release handle, resetting the
hooks, and reattaching the falls to the hooks, must be designed to be
operable by persons wearing immersion suits;
    (2) Each release mechanism should be designed following standard
human engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart). 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;
    (3) Steel. Each major structural component of each release
mechanism must be constructed of steel. Other materials may be used if
accepted by the Commandant as equivalent or superior. Sheet steel and
plate must be low-carbon, commercial quality, either corrosion
resistant or galvanized as per ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference,
see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart), coating designation G115.
Structural steel plates and shapes must be carbon steel as per ASTM A
36 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart).
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. Each fabricated part
must be galvanized after fabrication. Corrosion resistant steel must be
a type 302 stainless steel per ASTM A 276, ASTM A 313 or ASTM A 314
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart) or
another corrosion resistant stainless steel of equal or superior
corrosion resistant characteristics;
    (4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the
Commandant, a classification society recognized by the Commandant in
accordance with 46 CFR 8.220, the U.S. Navy, or the national body where
the release mechanism is constructed or the national body's designated
recognized organization. Only electrodes intended for use with the
material being welded may be used. All welds must be checked using
appropriate non-destructive tests;
    (5) 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;
    (6) Screws, nuts, bolts, pins, keys, and other similar hardware,
securing moving parts must be fitted with suitable lock washers, cotter
pins, or locks to prevent them from coming adrift;
    (7) The on-load operation of the release mechanism must require two
separate, deliberate actions by the operator;
    (8) The mechanical protection required by LSA Code Chapter IV/
<IP_ADDRESS>.2.2 must only be able to be engaged when the release mechanism
is properly and completely reset. Proper engagement of the mechanical
protection must be visually indicated;
    (9) The release and recovery procedures required by LSA Code
Chapter IV/<IP_ADDRESS>.5 must be included as an illustrated operation
instruction plate or placard. The plate or placard must be corrosion
resistant and weatherproof and must be marked with the word ``Danger''.
The illustrations must correspond exactly to those used in the
instruction and maintenance manual provided by the manufacturer;
    (10) The release lever or control must be red in color, and the
area immediately surrounding the control must be a sharply contrasting
light color;
    (11) The release lever and its connection to the release mechanism
must be of sufficient strength so that there is no deformation of the
release lever or the release control assembly during on-load release;
    (12) Positive means of lubrication must be provided for each
bearing which is not permanently lubricated. Points of lubrication must
be so located that they are clearly visible and accessible in the
installed position in the boat;
    (13) A hydraulic system, if used to activate the release mechanism,
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--
    (i) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and
FC332-X are not permitted;
    (ii) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm
(30 in); and
    (iii) If a hand pump is provided, adequate space must be provided
for the hand pump or hand operation;
    (14) Each release mechanism designed to launch a boat by free-fall
must not be able to carry any weight until the release mechanism is
properly reset, and each of the two independent activation systems
required to be operated from inside the boat must require at least two
independent actions from different locations inside the boat to release
the hook; and
    (15) Each release mechanism must have mechanical protection against
accidental or premature release that can only be engaged when the
release mechanism is properly and completely reset. Proper engagement
of the mechanical protection must be visually indicated.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and
materials will be made by the Commandant only.

Sec.  160.133-9  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
release

mechanism, 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) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts, including the
release hooks, release mechanisms, and connections;
    (4) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed;
    (5) Drawings of all signs and placards showing actual inscription,
format, color, and size;
    (6) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in
Sec. Sec.  160.133-19 and 160.133-21 of this subpart;
    (7) A description of the quality control procedures and
recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the release
mechanism, 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 and joints,
including welding inspection procedures; and
    (iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of
fabrication to assure that the approved release mechanism complies with
the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart;
    (8) Full details of any other unique capability;
    (9) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the release
mechanism complies with the requirements of this subpart;
    (10) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including
the name and address of any subcontractors, where the release mechanism
will be constructed; and
    (11) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the
duties prescribed in Sec.  160.133-15 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 release mechanism meets
the construction requirements of this subpart;
    (3) Accurately depict the proposed release mechanism;
    (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.  160.133-11  [Reserved]

Sec.  160.133-13  Approval inspections and tests for prototype release
mechanisms.

    (a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted
in accordance with Sec.  160.133-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to
the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the
prototype release mechanism, and the approval inspections and tests
required under 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 release mechanisms or their component parts and
materials for the purpose of--
    (i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the
prototype--
    (A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.133-9 of this
subpart;
    (B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified
in the plans reviewed under Sec.  160.133-9 of this subpart; and
    (C) When welding is part of the construction process, is
constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans
reviewed under Sec.  160.133-9 of this subpart and the welders are
appropriately qualified;
    (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 release mechanisms, together with records identifying the
lot or serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials
were used.
    (d) Tests. (1) Prototype release mechanism readiness. All tests
must be conducted on a complete release mechanism.
    (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. Each prototype release
mechanism of each design must pass each of the tests described in IMO
Revised recommendation on testing, part 1, paragraph 6.9 (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart) applicable to davit-
launched or free-fall lifeboats. Tests must be conducted in accordance
with these paragraphs of IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1,
with the following modifications--
    (i) Visual inspection. Each release mechanism must be visually
inspected to confirm--
    (A) Compliance with this subpart;
    (B) Conformance with the examined plans; and
    (C) Ease of operation and maintenance;
    (ii) Operation. Operation of the off-load control, for a davit-
launched boat, must be tested to confirm that the release lever cannot
be shifted to release the boat in either the full load or light load
condition. For a free-fall boat, the operation of the hook release must
be demonstrated using both activation

systems and may be tested without launching the boat;
    (iii) Materials. Steel meeting ASTM A 653 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart) must meet the coating
mass and bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653 after
galvanizing or other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This
compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's certification or by
conducting actual tests;
    (iv) Tensile tests. The release mechanism hook assembly and
supporting structure must be tensile tested in a jig built to load the
hook assembly in the same way it would be loaded when installed in a
boat. The hook assembly will be approved for a maximum of one-sixth of
the highest load applied without failure;
    (v) Universal joints. This test is required if the release
mechanism employs universal joints to transmit the release power from
the control to the hook release. One of each type and size of universal
joint must be set up in a jig with the angles of leads set at 0 (zero),
30, and 60 degrees, respectively. A torque of 540 Nm (400 ft lb) must
be applied. This torque must be applied with the connecting rod secured
beyond the universal and with the lever arm in the horizontal position.
There must be no permanent set, or undue stress, as a result of this
test; and
    (vi) Hydraulic controls. If the release mechanism includes a fluid
power and control system, a test of the hydraulic controls must be
conducted in accordance with 46 CFR 58.30-35.
    (e) Test waiver. The Commandant may waive certain tests for a
release mechanism identical in construction to smaller and larger
release mechanisms that have successfully completed the tests. However,
stress calculations in accordance with Sec.  160.133-9(b)(3) of this
subpart must still be submitted. Tests associated with release
mechanism components that have already been accepted 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.  160.133-5 of this subpart). The report must
include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent
laboratory as permitted under 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 release mechanism as built, in
triplicate. The plans must include the instructions for training and
maintenance described in Sec. Sec.  160.133-19 and 160.133-21 of this
subpart, respectively.
    (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.  160.133-15  Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of release mechanisms.

    (a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent
laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests,
and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and
tests of release mechanisms 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 release mechanisms are produced to the same standard, and in
the same manner, as the prototype release mechanism 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 release
mechanism constructed;
    (ii) The name of the representative of the independent laboratory
(or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this
section); and
    (iii) Serial number and model of the lifeboat or rescue boat in
which the release mechanism is installed, if known;
    (4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the
construction of the release mechanism are in accordance with plans
approved under Sec.  160.133-13(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 release mechanism, work or testing is
performed on release mechanism or their component parts and materials,
or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of
this section, 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) of this
section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the
release mechanisms are being made in accordance with the approved plans
approved under Sec.  160.133-13(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 release mechanism. The records must
include--
    (1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this
subpart, and each document listed in Sec.  160.133-5 of this subpart;
    (2) A copy of the approved plans, documentation, and
certifications;
    (3) A current certificate of approval for each approved release
mechanism;
    (4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers
identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved
release mechanisms, together with records

identifying the serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such
materials were used;
    (5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s);
    (6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications;
    (7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name
and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration;
    (8) The serial number of each production release mechanism, along
with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this
section; and
    (9) The original purchaser of each release mechanism and the vessel
on which it was installed, if known.
    (d) Independent laboratory responsibility. The independent
laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, the inspections and
tests under paragraph (e) of this section for each Coast Guard-approved
release mechanism to be installed on a U.S.-flagged vessel. If the
manufacturer also produces release mechanisms for approval by other
maritime safety administrations, the inspections may be coordinated
with inspection visits for those administrations.
    (e) Production inspections and tests. Each finished release
mechanism must be visually inspected. The manufacturer must develop and
maintain a visual inspection checklist designed to ensure that all
applicable requirements have been met. Each approved release mechanism
constructed with non-corrosion resistant steel must be confirmed to
have met the coating mass and bend tests requirement specified under
ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this
subpart) after galvanizing or other anti-corrosion treatment has been
applied. This compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's
certification papers or through conducting actual tests.

Sec.  160.133-17  Marking and labeling.

    (a) Each hook body of a release mechanism must be marked with a
plate or label permanently affixed 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 release mechanism.
    (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) Manufacturer's name and model identification;
    (2) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype
or production tests;
    (3) Serial number of the release mechanism;
    (4) U.S. Coast Guard approval number;
    (5) Month and year of manufacture;
    (6) Safe working load of the release mechanism; and
    (7) Word ``SOLAS.''

Sec.  160.133-19  Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.

    (a) Each release mechanism 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.  160.133-5 of this
subpart) to describe the location and operation of the release
mechanism.
    (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 release mechanism manufacturer must make the instructions
and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available--
    (1) In English to purchasers of release mechanisms approved by the
Coast Guard; and
    (2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple
procedures and illustrations for operation of the release mechanism.
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 inside a
lifeboat and rescue boat and/or near launching appliances on vessels.

Sec.  160.133-21  Operation and maintenance instructions.

    (a) Each release mechanism must have operation and maintenance
instructions that--
    (1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1
Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.133-5 of this
subpart); and
    (2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external visual
inspections of the release mechanism.
    (b) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the manual
required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to
purchasers of a release mechanism 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.  160.133-23  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.  160.133-13(h) of this
subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any
production release mechanism. The manufacturer must submit any such
change following the procedures set forth in Sec.  160.133-9 of this
subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans
approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and Sec.  160.133-13(h) of this
subpart need not be resubmitted.
    (b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a
prototype release mechanism 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.  160.133-9 through 160.133-13 of this
subpart.
    (c) Determinations of equivalence of design, material, or
construction will be made by the Commandant only.

0
28. Add subpart 160.135 to read as follows:

Subpart 160.135--Lifeboats (SOLAS)

Sec.
160.135-1 Scope.
160.135-3 Definitions.
160.135-5 Incorporation by reference.
160.135-7 Design, construction, and performance of lifeboats.
160.135-9 Preapproval review.
160.135-11 Fabrication of prototype lifeboats for approval.
160.135-13 Approval inspections and tests for prototype lifeboats.
160.135-15 Production inspections, tests, quality control, and
conformance of lifeboats.
160.135-17 Marking and labeling.
160.135-19 Operating instructions and information for the ship's
training manual.
160.135-21 Operation and maintenance instructions.
160.135-23 Procedure for approval of design or material change.

Subpart 160.135--Lifeboats (SOLAS)

Sec.  160.135-1  Scope.

    This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for
seeking Coast Guard approval of a lifeboat.

Sec.  160.135-3  Definitions.

    In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the
term:
    Commandant means the Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100
Second Street SW., Stop 7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126.

    Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) means a composite structural
material formed by electrical-grade glass fibers in Coast Guard
accepted catalyst activated resin.
    Full load means the weight of the complete lifeboat 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 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 fulfills the
duties described in 46 CFR 1.01-15(b). The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the
OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over a vessel or geographic area
for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.
    Positive Stability means 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
Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., Stop
7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126. You may also inspect this material at
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may obtain copies of the
material from the sources specified in the following paragraphs.
    (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, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
160.135-7 and 160.135-15 (``ASTM A 36'').
    (2) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars
and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-
7 (``ASTM A 276'').
    (3) ASTM A 313/A 313M -08, Standard Specification for Stainless
Steel Spring Wire, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.
160.135-7 (``ASTM A 313'').
    (4) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel
Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.135-7 (``ASTM A 314'').
    (5) 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, (approved July 15, 2008), IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.135-7, 160.135-11, and 160.135-15 (``ASTM A 653'').
    (6) ASTM B 127-05 (Reapproved 2009), Standard Specification for
Nickel-Copper Alloy (UNS N04400) Plate, Sheet, and Strip, (approved
October 1, 2009), IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7 (``ASTM B 127'').
    (7) ASTM B 209-07, Standard Specification for Aluminum and
Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate, (approved August 1, 2007), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.135-7 (``ASTM B 209'').
    (8) ASTM D 638-08, Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of
Plastics, (approved April 1, 2008), IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11
(``ASTM D 638'').
    (9) ASTM D 790-07e1, Standard Test Methods for Flexural Properties
of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating
Materials, (approved September 1, 2007), IBR approved for Sec.
160.135-11 (``ASTM D 970'').
    (10) ASTM D 2584-08, Standard Test Method of Ignition Loss for
Cured Reinforced Resins, (approved May 1, 2008), IBR approved for
Sec. Sec.  160.135-11 and 160.135-15 (``ASTM D 2584'').
    (11) ASTM D 4029-09, Standard Specification for Finished Woven
Glass Fabrics, (approved January 15, 2009), IBR approved for Sec.
160.135-7 (``ASTM D 4029'').
    (12) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design
for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1,
2007), 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, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor,
Arlington, VA 22202,<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (1) Federal Standard 595C, Colors Used in Government Procurement,
(January 16, 2008), 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, (adopted October 19, 1989), 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, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved
for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-19 (``IMO Res. A.760(18)'').
    (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), pages 7-71 (``IMO LSA Code''), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
160.135-3, 160.135-7, and 160.135-13.
    (4) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances,
pages 79-254 (``IMO Revised recommendation on testing''), IBR approved
for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-13.
    (5) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized life-saving Appliance Evaluation
and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), 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, (May 26, 2006), 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 527-1:1993(E), Plastics--Determination of tensile
properties, part 1: General Principles, First Edition (June 15, 1993),
IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11 (``ISO 527'').
    (2) ISO 1172:1996(E), Textile-glass-reinforced plastics--Prepregs,
moulding compounds and laminates--Determination of the textile-glass
and mineral-filler content--Calcination methods, Second Edition
(December 15, 1996), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-11 and
160.135-15 (``ISO 1172'').

    (3) ISO 14125:1998(E), Fibre-reinforced plastic composites--
Determination of flexural properties, First Edition (March 1, 1998),
IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-11 (``ISO 14125'').
    (f) Military Specifications and Standards, Standardization
Documents Order Desk, Building 4D, 700 Robbins Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
19111-5094, https://assist.daps.dla.mil/quicksearch/.
    (1) A-A-55308, Commercial Item Description, Cloth And Strip,
Laminated Or Coated, Vinyl Nylon Or Polyester, High Strength, Flexible,
(May 13, 1997), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.  160.135-7 and 160.135-15.
(``A-A-55308'').
    (2) MIL-C-19663D, Military Specification, Cloth, Woven Roving, For
Plastic Laminate, (August 4, 1988), IBR approved for Sec.  160.135-7
(``MIL-C-19663D'').
    (3) MIL-P-17549D(SH), Military Specification, Plastic Laminates,
Fibrous Glass Reinforced, Marine Structural, (August 31, 1981), IBR
approved for Sec.  160.135-11 (``MIL-P-17549D(SH)'').
    (4) MIL-R-21607E(SH), Military Specification, Resins, Polyester,
Low Pressure Laminating, Fire-Retardant, (May 25, 1990), IBR approved
for Sec.  160.135-11,

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 of this subpart) applicable to the type of lifeboat;
    (2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part \1/6\ (incorporated
by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this subpart) 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 of this subpart). 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
of this subpart). Structural steel plates and shapes must be carbon
steel as per ASTM A 36 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5
of this subpart), 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 type 302 stainless steel per ASTM A 276, ASTM A 313 or
ASTM A 314 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this
subpart) or another corrosion resistant stainless steel of 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 of this subpart)
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 164.120.
    (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
commercial style designation 1564 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.
160.135-5 of this subpart). Woven roving must conform to MIL-C-19663D
(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this subpart). 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 of
this subpart). Other grades will be given consideration on specific
request to the Commandant.
    (4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the
Commandant, a classification society recognized by the Commandant in
accordance with 46 CFR 8.220, the U.S. Navy, or the national body where
the lifeboat is constructed or the national body's designated
recognized organization. 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 of this subpart)
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) Hull 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 of this subpart), 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 of this subpart).
    (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 of this subpart), 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 of this subpart), 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 perform or witness, as appropriate, 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 outer hull and any
FRP inner hull or liner components that are bonded or bolted to the
outer hull 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
of this subpart). If an accepted MIL-R-21607E(SH) (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this subpart) 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 of this subpart). 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 of this subpart). The tensile strength, lengthwise,
must be determined as per ASTM D 638 or ISO 527 (incorporated by
reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this subpart).

    (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 of this subpart) 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; and
    (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 of this subpart). 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 of this subpart).
    (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 of this subpart) 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 of this subpart). 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 perform or witness, as appropriate, 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; and
    (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) of this section, 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, as appropriate, 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 of this subpart). 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 of
this subpart). 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 of this
subpart). 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 of this subpart) 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) Follow the general format and content specified in MSC.1 Circ.
1205 (incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.135-5 of this subpart);
and
    (2) Include 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)

0
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
[INSERT DATE 30 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION OF INTERIM RULE], so
long as the liferaft satisfies the annual servicing requirements set
forth in 46 CFR 160.151-57.

0
30. Amend Sec.  160.151-3 as follows:
0
a. In the definition for ``Commandant'', remove the text ``(CG-521)''
and add, in its place, the text ``(CG-5214)''; and
0
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 fulfills the
duties described in 46 CFR 1.01-15(b). The ``cognizant OCMI'' is the
OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over a vessel or geographic area
for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.

0
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
Commandant (CG-5214), U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street, SW., Stop
7126, Washington, DC 20593-7126. You may also inspect this material at
the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may obtain copies of the
material from the sources specified in the following paragraphs.
    (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 (Reapproved 2007), Standard Specification for
Flashlights on Vessels, (approved May 1, 2007), IBR approved for Sec.
160.151-21 (``ASTM F 1014'').
    (2) [Reserved].
    (c) General Services Administration, Federal Acquisition Service,
Office of the FAS Commissioner, 2200 Crystal Drive, 11th Floor,
Arlington, VA 22202,<PHONE_NUMBER>.
    (1) Federal Standard 595C, Colors Used in Government Procurement,
(January 16, 2008), 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, (adopted 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, (adopted October 19, 1989), IBR
approved for Sec.  160.151-15 (``IMO Res. A.658(16)'').
    (3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), pages 7-71 (``IMO LSA Code''), IBR approved for Sec. Sec.
160.151-7, 160.151-15, 160.151-17, 160.151-21, 160.151-29, and 160.151-
33.
    (4) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition,
(2010), Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances,
pages 79-254 (``IMO Revised recommendation on testing''), IBR approved
for Sec. Sec.  160.151-21, 160.151-27, 160.151-29, 160.151-31, and
160.151-57.
    (e) International Standards Organization (ISO): ISO Central
Secretariat [ISO Copyright Office], Case Postale 56, CH 1211 Geneva 20,
Switzerland.
    (1) ISO 15738:2002(E), Ships and marine technology--Gas inflation
systems for inflatable life-saving appliances, First Edition (February
1, 2002), IBR approved for Sec.  160.151-15 (``ISO 15738'').
    (2) ISO 17339:2002(E), Ships and marine technology--Sea anchors for
survival craft and rescue boats, First Edition (November 15, 2002), IBR
approved for Sec.  160.151-21 (``ISO 17339'').
    (3) ISO 18813:2006(E), Ships and marine technology--Survival
equipment

for survival craft and rescue boats, First Edition (April 1, 2006), 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-17415F, Military Specification, Cloth, Coated, and
Webbing, Inflatable Boat and Miscellaneous Use, (May 31, 1989), IBR
approved for Sec.  160.151-15 (``MIL-C-17415F'').
    (2) [Reserved].
0
32. Amend Sec.  160.151-7 as follows:
0
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 of this subpart)''; and after the words ``provisions
of'', remove the word ``SOLAS'' and add, in its place, the words ``the
IMO LSA Code:'';
0
b. Revise paragraphs (a) and (b) to read as set forth below; and
0
c. Remove paragraphs (c), (d), and (e).

Sec.  160.151-7  Construction of inflatable liferafts.

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

Sec.  160.151-11  [Amended]

0
33. In Sec.  160.151-11(b) introductory text, after the words ``must
submit an application'', add the words ``to the Commandant''.

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34. Amend Sec.  160.151-15 as follows:
0
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 of this subpart)'';
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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-17415F'', add the words
``(incorporated by reference, see Sec.  160.151-5 of this subpart)'';
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.'';
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c. Remove paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4);
0
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>'';
0
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>'';
0
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>'';
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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 of this
subpart))'';
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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 of this subpart)'';
0
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>'';
0
j. In paragraph (h), remove the words ``Regulation III/38.2.2'' and