This subpart prescribes standards, tests, and procedures for seeking Coast Guard approval of an automatic release mechanism complying with SOLAS and the IMO LSA Code, for use with davit-launched liferafts approved under subparts 160.051 or 160.151 of this part, and single-fall rescue boats approved under subpart 160.156 of this part.

In addition to the definitions in the IMO LSA Code (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart), in this subpart, the term:

Commandant means the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division. Address: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509; telephone 202-372-1392 or fax 202-372-1924.

Full load means the weight of the complete rescue boat including all required equipment, provisions, fuel (if applicable), and the number of persons for which it is approved. This is also known as the “condition B” weight.

Independent laboratory has the same meaning as 46 CFR 159.001-3. A list of accepted independent laboratories is available from the Commandant and online at http://cgmix.uscg.mil.

Light load means the weight of the complete rescue boat empty and does not include fuel, required equipment, or the equivalent weight of persons. This is also known as the “condition A” weight.

Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) means an officer of the Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who fulfills the duties described in 46 CFR 1.01-15(b). The “cognizant OCMI” is the OCMI who has immediate jurisdiction over a vessel or geographic area for the purpose of performing the duties previously described.

SOLAS means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended.

(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at Coast Guard Headquarters and at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact the Coast Guard at: Commandant (CG-ENG-4), U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20593-7509; or email [email protected] or visit https://www.dco.uscg.mil/CG-ENG-4/. For information on the availability of this material at NARA, email: [email protected], or go to: www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The material may be obtained from the sources in the following paragraphs of this section.

(b) American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 100 Barr Harbor Drive, P.O. Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.

(1) ASTM A 36/A 36M-08, Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel, (approved May 15, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 36”).

(2) ASTM A 276-08a, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Bars and Shapes, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 276”).

(3) ASTM A 313/A 313M-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Spring Wire, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 313”).

(4) ASTM A 314-08, Standard Specification for Stainless Steel Billets and Bars for Forging, (approved October 1, 2008), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM A 314”).

(5) ASTM A 653/A 653M-08, Standard Specification for Steel Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by the Hot-Dip Process, (approved July 15, 2008), IBR approved for §§ 160.170-7, 160.170-13, and 160.170-15 (“ASTM A 653”).

(6) ASTM F 1166-07, Standard Practice for Human Engineering Design for Marine Systems, Equipment, and Facilities, (approved January 1, 2007), IBR approved for § 160.170-7 (“ASTM F 1166”).

(c) International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, United Kingdom, + 44 (0)20 7735 7611, http://www.imo.org/.

(1) IMO Resolution A.760(18), Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements, (adopted November 4, 1993), IBR approved for § 160.170-19 (“IMO Res. A.760(18)”).

(2) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), pages 7-71 (“IMO LSA Code”), IBR approved for §§ 160.170-3 and 160.170-7.

(3) Life-Saving Appliances, including LSA Code, 2010 Edition, (2010), Revised recommendation on testing of live-saving appliances, pages 79-254 (“IMO Revised recommendation on testing”), IBR approved for §§ 160.170-7, 160.170-13, 160.170-15, and 160.170-17.

(4) MSC/Circular 980, Standardized Life-saving Appliance Evaluation and Test Report Forms, (February 13, 2001), IBR approved for § 160.170-13 (“IMO MSC Circ. 980”).

(5) MSC.1/Circular 1205, Guidelines for Developing Operation and Maintenance Manuals for Lifeboat Systems, (May 26, 2006), IBR approved for § 160.170-21 (“IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205”).

(a) To seek Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism, a manufacturer must comply with, and each release mechanism must meet, the requirements of the following—

(1) IMO LSA Code, Chapter VI/6.1.5 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart);

(2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing Part 1/8.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart).

(3) 46 CFR part 159; and

(4) This subpart.

(b) Each release mechanism must meet the following requirements—

(1) Design. All functions of the release mechanism, including removal of interlocks, operation of the release handle, resetting the hooks, and reattaching the falls to the hooks, must be designed to be operable by persons wearing immersion suits;

(2) Each release mechanism should be designed following standard human engineering practices described in ASTM F 1166 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). Design limits should be based on a range from the fifth percentile female to the ninety-fifth percentile male values for critical body dimensions and functional capabilities as described in ASTM F 1166. The dimensions for a person wearing an immersion suit correspond to the arctic-clothed dimensions of ASTM F 1166;

(3) Steel. Each major structural component of each release mechanism must be constructed of steel. Other materials may be used if accepted by the Commandant as equivalent or superior. Sheet steel and plate must be low-carbon, commercial quality, either corrosion resistant or galvanized as per ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart), coating designation G115. Structural steel plates and shapes must be carbon steel as per ASTM A 36 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). All steel products, except corrosion resistant steel, must be galvanized to provide high-quality zinc coatings suitable for the intended service life in a marine environment. Each fabricated part must be galvanized after fabrication. Corrosion resistant steel must be a type 302 stainless steel per ASTM A 276, ASTM A 313 or ASTM A 314 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) or another corrosion resistant stainless steel of equal or superior corrosion resistant characteristics;

(4) Welding. Welding must be performed by welders certified by the Commandant, a classification society recognized by the Commandant in accordance with 46 CFR 8.220, the U.S. Navy, or the national body where the release mechanism is constructed or the national body's designated recognized organization. Only electrodes intended for use with the material being welded may be used. All welds must be checked using appropriate non-destructive tests;

(5) Metals in contact with each other must be either galvanically compatible or insulated with suitable non-porous materials. Provisions must also be made to prevent loosening or tightening resulting from differences of thermal expansion, freezing, buckling of parts, galvanic corrosion, or other incompatibilities;

(6) Screws, nuts, bolts, pins, keys, and other similar hardware, securing moving parts must be fitted with suitable lock washers, cotter pins, or locks to prevent them from coming adrift;

(7) The on-load operation of the release mechanism must require two separate, deliberate actions by the operator;

(8) To prevent an accidental release during recovery of the boat, the release hooks must not be able to carry any weight until the release mechanism is properly reset;

(9) The release and recovery procedures must be included as an illustrated operation instruction plate or placard. The plate or placard must be corrosion resistant and weatherproof and must be marked with the word “Danger”. The illustrations must correspond exactly to those used in the instruction and maintenance manual provided by the manufacturer;

(10) The release lever or control must be red in color, and the area immediately surrounding the control must be a sharply contrasting light color;

(11) Each load carrying part of the release mechanism, including its connection to the boat, must be designed with a safety factor of six based on the ultimate strength of the materials used;

(12) The release lever and its connection to the release mechanism must be of sufficient strength so that there is no deformation of the release lever or the release control assembly during on-load release;

(13) Positive means of lubrication must be provided for each bearing which is not permanently lubricated. Points of lubrication must be so located that they are clearly visible and accessible in the installed position in the boat; and

(14) A hydraulic system, if used to activate the release mechanism, must be in accordance with 46 CFR part 58, subpart 58.30, with hose and fittings in accordance with 46 CFR part 56, subpart 56.60, except that—

(i) Push-on type fittings such as Aeroquip 1525-X, 25156-X, and FC332-X are not permitted;

(ii) The length of nonmetallic flexible hose is limited to 760 mm (30 in); and

(iii) If a hand pump is provided, adequate space must be provided for the hand pump or hand operation.

(c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the Commandant must conduct the preapproval review, required by this section, in accordance with 46 CFR 159.005-5.

(b) Manufacturer requirements. To seek Coast Guard approval of a release mechanism, the manufacturer must submit an application to the Commandant meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5 for preapproval review. To meet the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-5(a)(2), the manufacturer must submit in triplicate—

(1) A list of drawings, specifications, manuals, and any other documentation submitted, with each document identified by number, title, revision issue, and date;

(2) General arrangement and assembly drawings, including principal dimensions;

(3) Stress calculations for all load carrying parts, including the release hooks, release mechanisms, and connections;

(4) Hydraulic systems drawings and specifications, if installed;

(5) Drawings of all signs and placards showing actual inscription, format, color, and size;

(6) An operation, maintenance, and training manual as described in §§ 160.170-19 and 160.170-21 of this subpart;

(7) A description of the quality control procedures and recordkeeping that will apply to the production of the release mechanism, which must include but is not limited to—

(i) The system for checking material certifications received from suppliers;

(ii) The method for controlling the inventory of materials;

(iii) The method for checking quality of fabrication and joints, including welding inspection procedures; and

(iv) The inspection checklists used during various stages of fabrication to assure that the approved release mechanism complies with the approved plans and the requirements of this subpart;

(8) Full details of any other unique capability;

(9) Any other drawing(s) necessary to show that the release mechanism complies with the requirements of this subpart;

(10) The location or address of all manufacturing sites, including the name and address of any subcontractors, where the release mechanism will be constructed; and

(11) The name of the independent laboratory that will perform the duties prescribed in § 160.170-15 of this subpart.

(c) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may conduct preapproval review required by this section, so long as the preapproval review is conducted in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010.

(d) Plan quality. The plans and specifications submitted to the Commandant under this section must—

(1) Be provided in English, including all notes, inscriptions, and designations for configuration control;

(2) Address each of the applicable items in paragraph (b) of this section in sufficient detail to show that the release mechanism meets the construction requirements of this subpart;

(3) Accurately depict the proposed automatic release hook;

(4) Be internally consistent;

(5) Be legible; and

(6) If reviewed by an independent laboratory under paragraph (c) of this section, include the independent laboratory's attestation that the plans meet the quality requirements of this section.

(e) Alternatives. Alternatives in materials, parts, or construction, and each item replaced by an alternative, must be clearly indicated as such in the plans and specifications submitted to the Commandant under this section.

(f) Coast Guard review. If the plans or specifications do not comply with the requirements of this section, Coast Guard review may be suspended, and the applicant notified accordingly.

(a) If the manufacturer is notified that the information submitted in accordance with § 160.170-9 of this subpart is satisfactory to the Commandant, the manufacturer may proceed with fabrication of the prototype release mechanism, and the approval inspections and tests required under this section.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, the Coast Guard must conduct the approval inspections and witness the approval tests required under this section.

(c) Manufacturer's requirements. To proceed with approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must—

(1) Notify the Commandant and cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) of where the approval inspections and tests required under this section will take place, and such notification must be in sufficient time to allow making travel arrangements;

(2) Arrange a testing schedule that allows for a Coast Guard inspector to travel to the site where the testing is to be performed;

(3) Admit the Coast Guard inspector to any place where work or testing is performed on release mechanisms or their component parts and materials for the purpose of—

(i) Conducting inspections as necessary to determine that the prototype—

(A) Conforms with the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart;

(B) Is constructed by the methods and with the materials specified in the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart; and

(C) When welding is part of the construction process, is constructed by the welding procedure and materials as per the plans reviewed under § 160.170-9 of this subpart, and the welders are appropriately qualified;

(ii) Assuring that the quality-assurance program of the manufacturer is satisfactory;

(iii) Witnessing tests; and

(iv) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and

(4) Make available to the Coast Guard inspector the affidavits or invoices from the suppliers of all essential materials used in the production of release mechanisms, together with records identifying the lot or serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials were used.

(d) Tests. (1) Prototype release mechanism readiness. All tests must be conducted on a complete release mechanism.

(2) IMO Revised recommendation on testing. Each prototype release mechanism of each design must pass each of the tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, paragraph 8.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). Tests must be conducted in accordance with these paragraphs of IMO Revised recommendation on testing, Part 1, with the following modifications:

(i) Visual inspection. Each release mechanism must be visually inspected to confirm—

(A) Compliance with this subpart;

(B) Conformance with the examined plans; and

(C) Ease of operation and maintenance.

(ii) Materials. Steel meeting ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) must meet the coating mass and bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653 after galvanizing or other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's certification or by conducting actual tests.

(iii) Tensile tests. The release mechanism hook assembly and supporting structure must be tensile tested in a jig built to load the hook assembly in the same way or ways it would be loaded when used with a liferaft or rescue boat. The hook assembly will be approved for a maximum of one-sixth of the highest load applied.

(iv) Universal joints. This test is required if the release mechanism employs universal joints to transmit the release power from the control to the hook release. One of each type and size of universal joint must be set up in a jig with the angles of leads set at 0 (zero), 30, and 60 degrees, respectively. A torque of 540 Nm (400 ft lb) must be applied. This torque must be applied with the connecting rod secured beyond the universal and with the lever arm in the horizontal position. There must be no permanent set, or undue stress, as a result of this test.

(v) Hydraulic controls. If the release mechanism includes a fluid power and control system, a test of the hydraulic controls must be conducted in accordance with 46 CFR 58.30-35.

(e) Test waiver. The Commandant may waive certain tests for a release mechanism identical in construction to smaller and larger release mechanisms that have successfully completed the tests. However, stress calculations in accordance with § 160.170-9(b) of this subpart must still be submitted. Tests associated with release mechanism components that have already been accepted by the Commandant are not required to be repeated.

(f) At the request of the manufacturer and discretion of the Commandant, an independent laboratory may perform approval inspections and witness approval tests required by this section so long as the inspections and tests are performed and witnessed in accordance with the procedures agreed upon between the independent laboratory and Commandant under 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.010.

(g) After completion of approval inspections and tests required by this section, the manufacturer must comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 159.005-9(a)(5) by preparing and submitting to the Commandant for review—

(1) The prototype approval test report containing the same information recommended by IMO MSC Circ. 980 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). The report must include a signed statement by the Coast Guard inspector (or independent laboratory as permitted by paragraph (f) of this section) who witnessed the testing, indicating that the report accurately describes the testing and its results; and

(2) The final plans of the release mechanism as built. The plans must include, in triplicate, the instructions for training and maintenance described in §§ 160.170-19 and 160.170-21 of this subpart, respectively.

(h) The Commandant will review the report and plans submitted under paragraph (g) of this section, and if satisfactory to the Commandant, will approve the plans under 46 CFR 159.005-13.

(a) Unless the Commandant directs otherwise, an independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, inspections, tests, and oversight required by this section. Production inspections and tests of release mechanisms must be carried out in accordance with the procedures for independent laboratory inspection in 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.007 and in this section unless the Commandant authorizes alternative tests and inspections. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subpart.

(b) Manufacturer's responsibility. The manufacturer must—

(1) Institute a quality control procedure to ensure that all production release mechanisms are produced to the same standard, and in the same manner, as the prototype release mechanism approved by the Commandant. The manufacturer's quality control personnel must not work directly under the department or person responsible for either production or sales;

(2) Schedule and coordinate with the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) to ensure that all tests are performed as described in this section;

(3) Submit to the Commandant, a yearly report that contains the following—

(i) Serial number and date of final assembly of each release mechanism constructed;

(ii) The name of the representative of the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section); and

(iii) Serial number and model name of the liferaft or rescue boat with which the release hook is to be used, if known;

(4) Ensure that the arrangement and materials entering into the construction of the release mechanism are in accordance with plans approved under § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart;

(5) Allow an independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) access to any place where materials are stored for the release mechanism, work or testing is performed on release mechanisms or their component parts and materials, or records are retained to meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, for the purpose of—

(i) Assuring that the quality control program of the manufacturer is satisfactory;

(ii) Witnessing tests; or

(iii) Taking samples of parts or materials for additional inspections or tests; and

(6) Ensure that the independent laboratory (or Coast Guard inspector if required under paragraph (a) of this section) conducts the inspections and witnesses the tests required by paragraph (e) of this section, and further conducts a visual inspection to verify that the release mechanisms are being made in accordance with the plans approved under § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart and the requirements of this subpart.

(c) Recordkeeping. The manufacturer must maintain records in accordance with 46 CFR 159.007-13. The manufacturer must keep records of all items listed in this section for at least 5 years from the date of termination of approval of each release mechanism. The records must include—

(1) A copy of this subpart, other CFR sections referenced in this subpart, and each document listed in § 160.170-5 of this subpart;

(2) A copy of the approved plans and documentation;

(3) A current certificate of approval for each approved release mechanism;

(4) Affidavits, certificates, or invoices from the suppliers identifying all essential materials used in the production of approved release mechanisms, together with records identifying the serial numbers of the release mechanisms in which such materials were used;

(5) Records of all structural welding and name of operator(s);

(6) Records of welder certificates, training, and qualifications;

(7) Date and results of calibration of test equipment and the name and address of the company or agency that performed the calibration;

(8) The serial number of each production release gear, along with records of its inspections and tests carried out under this section; and

(9) The original purchaser of each release gear and the vessel on which it was installed, if known.

(d) Independent laboratory responsibility. The independent laboratory must perform or witness, as appropriate, the inspections and tests under paragraph (e) of this section for each Coast Guard-approved release mechanism to be installed on a U.S.-flagged vessel. If the manufacturer also produces release mechanisms for approval by other maritime safety administrations, the inspections may be coordinated with inspection visits for those administrations.

(e) Production inspections and tests. Each finished release mechanism must be visually inspected. The manufacturer must develop and maintain a visual inspection checklist designed to ensure that all applicable requirements have been met. Each approved release mechanism constructed with non-corrosion resistant steel must be confirmed to have met the coating mass and bend tests requirement specified under ASTM A 653 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) after galvanizing or other anti-corrosion treatment has been applied. This compliance can be ascertained through a supplier's certification papers or through conducting actual tests.

(f) Each approved release mechanism must pass each of the tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2, paragraph 6.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart). However, each approved release mechanism for installation of a single-fall rescue boat must pass each of the tests described in IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2, paragraph 5.3.1 and 5.3.4.

(a) Each hook body of a release mechanism must be marked with a plate or label permanently affixed in a conspicuous place readily accessible for inspection and sufficiently durable to withstand continuous exposure to environmental conditions at sea for the life of the release mechanism.

(b) The plate or label must be in English, but may also be in other languages.

(c) The plate or label must contain the—

(1) Manufacturer's name and model identification;

(2) Name of the independent laboratory that witnessed the prototype or production tests;

(3) Serial number of the release mechanism;

(4) U.S. Coast Guard approval number;

(5) Month and year of manufacture;

(6) Safe working load of the release mechanism;

(7) Number of the test certificate in accordance with IMO Revised recommendation on testing, part 2/6.2.2 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart); and

(8) Word “SOLAS.”

(a) In order to comply with SOLAS, each release mechanism must have instructions and information for the ship's training manual that use the symbols from IMO Res. A.760(18) (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart) to describe the location and operation of the winch.

(b) The instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems.

(c) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the instructions and information required by paragraph (a) of this section available—

(1) In English to purchasers of release mechanisms approved by the Coast Guard; and

(2) In the form of an instruction placard providing simple procedures and illustrations for operation of the release mechanism. The placard must be not greater than 36 cm (14 in) by 51 cm (20 in), and must be made of durable material and suitable for display inside a lifeboat and rescue boat, and near launching apparatuses on vessels.

(a) Each release mechanism must have operation and maintenance instructions that—

(1) Follows the general format and content specified in IMO MSC.1 Circ. 1205 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.170-5 of this subpart); and

(2) Includes a checklist for use in monthly, external inspections of the release mechanism.

(b) The release mechanism manufacturer must make the manual required by paragraph (a) of this section available in English to purchasers of a release mechanism approved by the Coast Guard.

(c) The operation and maintenance instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section may be combined with similar material for survival craft and rescue boats, and their launching systems.

(a) Each change in design, material, or construction from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart must be approved by the Commandant before being used in any production release mechanism. The manufacturer must submit any such change following the procedures in § 160.170-9 of this subpart, but documentation on items that are unchanged from the plans approved under 46 CFR 159.005-13 and § 160.170-13(h) of this subpart need not be resubmitted.

(b) Unless determined by the Commandant to be unnecessary, a prototype release mechanism with each change described in paragraph (a) of this section must be made and tested according to the procedures for new approvals in §§ 160.170-9 through 160.170-13 of this subpart.

(c) Determinations of equivalence of design, construction, and materials will be made by the Commandant only.