(a) The following specification, of the issue in effect on the date life raft skids are manufactured, forms a part of this subpart:

(1) Coast Guard specification:

160.018, Life Rafts.

(b) [Reserved]

(a) The requirements of this subpart provide for a standard life raft skid for use on ocean and coastwise vessels in conjunction with the stowage of Type A rafts which may be used on such vessels.

(b) Life raft skids shall be constructed and arranged so as to properly support a Type A life raft in the stowed position and permit the launching of the life raft directly into the water without the application of any force other than that necessary to release the gripping arrangement and operate the release mechanism.

(c) Arrangements other than those specified by this subpart will be given special consideration.

(a) The trackways of the skids shall be constructed of 6″ × 3 1/2″ × 1/2″ structural angles, or of material of approved shape and equivalent strength, inclined approximately 60 degrees from the horizontal. The trackways shall be spaced 8′-4″ from the inside of the 3 1/2″ vertical leg of one trackway angle to the inside of the 3 1/2″ vertical leg of the other trackway angle. The inside of the 6″ leg of the trackway angles shall form the skid surface for the life raft. The trackways shall be supported by a substantial structure suitable for stowing a Type A life raft at a 60-degree angle without having the raft project over the side of the vessel.

(b) The lower end of the life raft shall be supported by a base plate so arranged as to permit launching of the raft by a quick release assembly.

(c) All bearing surfaces of the quick release mechanism shall be constructed of non-corrosive metal. Alemite fittings shall be provided to insure positive lubrication of all bearing surfaces.

(a) Life raft skids covered by this subpart are not subject to inspection at the place of manufacture, but are inspected on the basis of this specification during the annual or other inspection of the vessel upon which they are placed.

(b) [Reserved]

(a) Life raft skids are not subject to formal approval by the Commandant, but for each merchant vessel on which Type A life rafts are to be installed, plans showing the construction and arrangement of the life raft stowage and launching device on the vessel are required to be submitted for approval to the Commandant through the Commander of the Coast Guard District prior to the actual installation. Life raft skids should comply with the requirements of this specification in order to be acceptable for use in such installations.

(b) Correspondence pertaining to the subject matter of this specification should be addressed to the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the skids are to be installed.