(a) The required vessel, equipment, or installation plans, as listed in this subchapter, are general in character, but include all plans which normally show the intended construction and safety features coming under the cognizance of the Coast Guard. In a particular case, however, not all of the plans enumerated may be applicable, and in such cases the Coast Guard will so notify the submitter.

(b) Manufacturers of pressure vessels and other components, which require specific fabrication inspection in accordance with the requirements of this subchapter, shall submit and obtain approval of the applicable construction plans prior to the commencement of such fabrication. Manufacturers of automatically controlled boilers shall submit and obtain approval of the applicable control system plans prior to installation of the boiler. Manufacturers of boilers which must meet the requirements of part 52 of this subchapter shall submit the applicable construction plans for review prior to installation.

(a) As the relative locations of shipyards, design offices, and Coast Guard offices vary throughout the country, no specific routing will be required in the submittal of plans. In general, one of the procedures outlined in this section apply, but if a more expeditious procedure can be used, there will normally be no objection to it.

(b) The plans may be submitted in duplicate to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, at or nearest the place where the vessel is to be built. Alternatively, the plans may be submitted in triplicate to the Marine Safety Center.

(c) In the case of classed vessels, upon specific request by the submitter, the American Bureau of Shipping will arrange to forward the necessary plans to the Coast Guard indicating its action thereon. In this case, the plans will be returned directly to the submitter as noted in paragraph (c) of this section.

(a) Three copies of each plan are normally required so that one copy can be returned to the submitter. If the submitter desires additional copies of approved plans, a suitable number should be submitted to permit the required distribution.

(a) A manufacturer wishing to fabricate equipment in accordance with a plan previously approved (including work accomplished under a different contract) shall not be required to resubmit such plans provided:

(1) Certification is submitted that the proposed equipment conforms in every respect to the plan previously approved, and such certification contains the drawing number, title, date, and last revision or change date, and date of previous approval;

(2) The current regulations, including adopted specifications, standards or codes, pertaining to the proposed equipment are the same as those current when the original plan was approved; and

(3) A copy of the approved plan is available for review by the approving office.

(a) Calculations shall be forwarded with plans submitted for approval and shall clearly substantiate compliance with the regulations in this subchapter. Care shall be taken to identify sources of equations, factors and other information upon which the calculations are based.

(b) The results of the calculations, such as the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP), test pressure, and safety device settings, shall be clearly identified.

(a) When new or alternative procedures, designs, or methods of construction are submitted for approval and for which no regulations have been provided, the Commandant will act regarding the approval or disapproval thereof.

(b) If, in the development of industrial arts, improved materials or methods of construction are developed, their use in lieu of those specified will be given consideration upon formal application to the Commandant, with full information as to their characteristics, together with such scientific data and evidence as may be necessary to establish the suitability of such materials or methods of construction for the purpose intended.

(a) When it becomes necessary for a marine inspector to make decisions on matters covered by the regulations in this subchapter or by requirements in referenced specifications, standards or codes, the inspector shall inform the owner or his representative of the requirement, which will be identified by source, section and paragraph number, on which the decisions are based. Whenever it is necessary to make decisions in matters not specifically covered by the regulations in this subchapter or by referenced requirements, the marine inspector shall clearly state the reasons which caused him to arrive at such decisions.

(b) If the owner or his representative disagrees with a decision made by the marine inspector, he shall take up the matter with the local Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. The owner or his representative may appeal the decision of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in accordance with § 50.20-40.

Any person directly affected by a decision or action taken under this subchapter, by or on behalf of the Coast Guard, may appeal therefrom in accordance with subpart 1.03 of this chapter.