Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 50189, June 12, 2024.

(a) All automatically or remotely controlled or monitored vital systems addressed by part 62 of this subchapter must be subjected to tests and inspections to evaluate the operation and reliability of controls, alarms, safety features, and interlocks. Test procedures must be submitted to the Coast Guard for approval.

(b) Persons designated by the owner of the vessel shall conduct all tests and the Design Verification and Periodic Safety tests shall be witnessed by the Coast Guard.

(c) Design Verification and Periodic Safety test procedure documents approved by the Coast Guard must be retained aboard the vessel.

(a) Tests must verify that automated vital systems are designed, constructed, and operate in accordance with all applicable requirements of part 62 of this subchapter. The tests must be based upon the failure analysis, if required by § 62.20-3(b) of this subchapter, functional performance requirements, and the Periodic Safety tests of § 61.40-6.

(b) Tests must be performed immediately after the installation of the automated equipment or before the issuance of the initial Certificate of Inspection.

Link to an amendment published at 89 FR 50189, June 12, 2024.

(a) Periodic Safety tests must demonstrate the proper operation of the primary and alternate controls, alarms, power sources, transfer override arrangements, interlocks, and safety controls. Systems addressed must include fire detection and extinguishing, flooding safety, propulsion, maneuvering, electric power generation and distribution, and emergency internal communications.

(b) Tests must be conducted at periodic intervals specified by the Coast Guard to confirm that vital systems and safety features continue to operate in a safe, reliable manner.

Note:

Normally, these tests are conducted annually.

(a) Test procedure documents must be in a step-by-step or checkoff list format. Each test instruction must specify equipment status, apparatus necessary to perform the tests, safety precautions, safety control and alarm setpoints, the procedure to be followed, and the expected test result.

(b) Test techniques must not simulate monitored system conditions by mis-adjustment, artificial signals, improper wiring, tampering, or revision of the system unless the test would damage equipment or endanger personnel. In the latter case, the use of a synthesized signal or condition applied to the sensor is acceptable if test equipment is maintained in good working order and is periodically calibrated to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Other test techniques must be approved by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

[CGD 80-064, 49 FR 32193, Aug. 13, 1984, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50463, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50728, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49229, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59778, Oct. 1, 2012; USCG-2012-0208, 79 FR 48924, Aug. 18, 2014]