(a) Unless otherwise specified, all lifesaving equipment must be approved by the Commandant under the approval series specified in each section. Lifesaving equipment for personal use which is not required by this part need not be approved by the Commandant.

(b) A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may be contacted for information concerning approved equipment and materials.

(c) Equipment requirements are based on the area in which a towing vessel is operating, not the route for which it is certificated. However, the towing vessel must be equipped per the requirements of its certificated route at the time of certification.

(a) Alternate arrangements or equipment to comply with this part may be approved in accordance with § 136.115 of this subchapter.

(b) If a Towing Safety Management System (TSMS) is applicable to the towing vessel, alternative means for complying with §§ 141.340, 141.350, and 141.360 may be approved by a third-party organization (TPO) and documented in the TSMS applicable to the vessel.

(c) The Coast Guard may approve a novel lifesaving appliance or arrangement as an equivalent if it has performance characteristics at least equivalent to the appliance or arrangement required under this subchapter, and if it has been evaluated and tested under IMO Resolution A.520(13) (incorporated by reference, see § 136.112 of this subchapter). Requests for evaluation of novel lifesaving appliances must be sent to the Commandant (CG-ENG).

(d) The cognizant OCMI may require a towing vessel to carry specialized or additional lifesaving equipment if:

(1) He or she determines that the conditions of the voyage render the requirements of this part inadequate; or

(2) The towing vessel is operated in globally remote areas or severe environments not covered under this part. Such areas may include, but are not limited to, polar regions, remote islands, areas of extreme weather, and other remote areas where timely emergency assistance cannot be anticipated.

The master must ensure that all lifesaving equipment is properly maintained and ready for use at all times.

(a) All lifesaving equipment must be tested and maintained in accordance with the minimum requirements of § 199.190 of this chapter, as applicable, and the vessel's TSMS, if the vessel has a TSMS.

(b) Inspections and tests of lifesaving equipment must be recorded in the TVR, official logbook, or in accordance with any TSMS applicable to the vessel. The following minimum information is required:

(1) The dates when inspections and tests were performed, the number or other identification of each unit inspected and tested, the results of the inspections and tests, and the name of the crewmember, surveyor or auditor and any others conducting the inspections and tests; and

(2) Receipts and other records documenting these inspections and tests must be retained for at least 1 year after the expiration of the COI and made available upon request.

Training requirements are contained in part 140 of this subchapter.