Collapse to view only § 160.072-3 - General performance requirements.
- § 160.072-1 - Applicability.
- § 160.072-3 - General performance requirements.
- § 160.072-5 - Accelerated weathering test.
- § 160.072-7 - Manufacturer certification and labeling.
- § 160.072-09 - Manufacturer notification.
§ 160.072-1 - Applicability.
(a) This subpart establishes standards for distress flags for boats.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.072-3 - General performance requirements.
(a) Each flag must:
(1) Be a square or rectangle at least 90 cm (36 inches) wide and at least 90 cm (36 inches) long. If the flag is a rectangle, the shorter side cannot be less than 2/3 the length of the longer side;
(2) Have no less than 70% of the total area colored a bright red-orange color;
(3) Display a black disc and a black square on the red-orange background on both sides arranged as follows:
(i) The diameter of the disc and the length of one side of the square shall be equal, and shall each be 1/3 of the length of the longest side of the flag, or 30 cm (12 inches), whichever is greater.
(ii) The disc and square must be centered on one axis of the flag parallel to the longest side of the flag as shown in Figure 160.072-3. If the flag is a square, the axis may be parallel to any side.
(iii) The disc and square shall be separated by a distance of 1/6 the length of the longest side of the flag or 15 cm (6 inches), whichever is greater.
(4) Be capable of passing the accelerated weathering test of § 160.072-5;
(5) Have reinforced corners, each with a grommet; and,
(6) Be packaged with 4 pieces of line, with a tensile strength of at least 225 N (Newtons) (50 lbs) no less than 30 cm (12 inches) long, capable of passing through the grommets freely.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.072-5 - Accelerated weathering test.
(a) Condition the flag, folded to 1/16th its size or as packaged, whichever is smaller, by submersion in 5% by weight sodium chloride solution for 2 hours followed immediately by storage at 95% (±5) related humidity and 40 °C (±3°) (100 °F ±5°) for at least 15 days.
(b) Unfold and suspend flag by the lines provided, secured through each grommet.
(c) Subject the flag to alternate 3 minute cycles of 5% by weight sodium chloride solution at 55 degrees (±5°) C and air blasts of 40 knots at 55 degrees (±5°) C, perpendicular to and over the entire surface of one side of the flag, without interruption for a period of not less than 24 hours.
(d) The flag fails the accelerated weathering test if
(1) After conditioning, the flag cannot be unfolded without damage,
(2) There is any tearing,
(3) The flag does not retain its bright red/orange color,
(4) The disc and square images no longer meet the requirements of § 160.072-3(a)(3) or,
(5) There is any visible rot over more than 3% of the flag's surface.
§ 160.072-7 - Manufacturer certification and labeling.
(a) Each distress flag intended as a Day Visual Distress Signal required by 33 CFR Part 175 must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Each distress flag must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
(1) The manufacturer's name; and
(2) The following words—
“Day Visual Distress Signal for Boats. Complies with U.S. Coast Guard Requirements in 46 CFR 160.072. For Emergency Use Only”.
§ 160.072-09 - Manufacturer notification.
(a) Each manufacturer certifying flags in accordance with the specifications of this subpart must send written notice to the Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509;
(1) Within 30 days after first certifying a flag,
(2) Every five years as long as the manufacturer continues to produce flags, and
(3) Each time the design or construction material of the flag changes.
(b) [Reserved]