Collapse to view only § 169.222 - Scope of inspection for certification.

Certificate of Inspection

§ 169.201 - When required.

(a) No sailing school vessel shall be operated without a valid Certificate of Inspection, Form CG-3753.

(b) Except as noted in this subpart, each sailing school vessel inspected and certificated under the provisions of this subchapter must, during the tenure of the certificate, be in full compliance with the terms of the certificate when carrying six or more individuals who are sailing school students or sailing school instructors.

(c) If necessary to prevent delay of the vessel, a temporary Certificate of Inspection, Form CG-854, is issued pending the issuance and delivery of the regular Certificate of Inspection, Form CG-3753. The temporary certificate is carried in the same manner as the regular certificate and is considered the same as the regular certificate of inspection which it represents.

§ 169.203 - Description.

The certificate of inspection issued to a vessel describes the vessel, the route which it may travel, the minimum manning requirements, the major lifesaving equipment carried, the minimum fire extinguishing equipment and life preservers required to be carried, the maximum number of sailing school students and instructors and the maximum number of persons which may be carried, the name of the owner and operator, and such conditions of operations as may be determined by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

§ 169.205 - Obtaining or renewing a Certificate of Inspection.

(a) A qualified organization attempting to obtain or renew a certificate of inspection for a vessel must submit to the Coast Guard Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection located in or nearest the port at which the inspection is to be made, the following—

(1) An application for inspection on Form CG-3752; and

(2) Evidence that the vessel has been designated as a sailing school vessel or an application for designation, as set forth in § 169.218; and

(3) Information concerning the program's age and physical qualifications for students and instructors and the ratio of students to instructors.

(b) The application for initial inspection of a vessel being newly constructed or converted must be submitted prior to the start of such construction or conversion.

(c) The construction, arrangement and equipment of all vessels must be acceptable to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as a prerequisite of the issuance of the initial certificate of inspection. Acceptance will be based on the information, specifications, drawings and calculations available to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, and on the successful completion of an initial inspection for certification.

(d) You must submit a written application for an inspection for certification to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. To renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the expiration of the vessel's current certificate. Applications are available at any U.S. Coast Guard Sector Office or Marine Inspection Office. When renewing a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection for certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the current Certificate of Inspection.

(e) The condition of the vessel and its equipment must be acceptable to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as a prerequisite of the certificate of inspection renewal. Acceptance will be based on the condition of the vessel as found at the inspection for certification.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000; USCG-2006-25556, 72 FR 36330, July 2, 2007]

§ 169.207 - Period of validity for a Certificate of Inspection.

(a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.

(b) Certificates of inspection may be revoked, or suspended and withdrawn by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, at any time for noncompliance with the provisions of this subchapter or requirements established thereunder.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.209 - Routes permitted.

(a) The area of operation for each vessel is designated by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection and recorded on its Certificate of Inspection. Each area of operation is described on the Certificate of Inspection under the major headings “exposed waters,” “partially protected waters,” or “protected waters,” as applicable. Further limitations imposed or extensions granted are described by reference to bodies of waters, geographical points, distance from geographical points, distances from land, depths of channel, seasonal limitations, etc.

(b) Operation of vessels on routes of lesser severity than those specifically described or designated on the Certificate of Inspection are permitted, unless expressly prohibited on the Certificate of Inspection. The general order of severity is: exposed, partially protected, and protected waters.

§ 169.211 - Permit to proceed for repair.

(a) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may issue a permit to proceed to another port for repair, Form CG-948, to a vessel if in his judgment it can be done with safety even if the Certificate of Inspection of the vessel has expired or is about to expire.

(b) The permit is issued only upon the written application of the master, owner, or agent of the vessel.

(c) The permit states upon its face the conditions under which it is issued and that guests may not be carried when operating under the permit. The permit must be carried in a manner similar to that described in § 169.217(a) for a certificate of inspection.

§ 169.213 - Permit to carry excursion party.

(a) A vessel may be permitted to engage in a temporary excursion operation with a greater number of persons and/or on a more extended route than permitted by its certificate of inspection when in the opinion of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, the operation can be undertaken with safety. A “Permit To Carry Excursion Party” Form CG-949, is a prerequisite of such an operation.

(b) Any Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, having jurisdiction may issue a permit to carry an excursion party upon the written application of the operator, owner or agent of the vessel.

(c) The OCMI will reevaluate the vessel's sailing instruction program to ensure that the permit fits within the scope of the training program and that the vessel continues to meet the definition of a sailing school vessel.

(d) The OCMI may require an inspection prior to the issuance of a permit to carry an excursion party.

(e) The permit states upon its face the conditions under which it is issued, a reminder about the prohibition against carrying passengers, the number of persons the vessel may carry, the crew required, and additional lifesaving or safety equipment required, the route for which the permit is granted, and the dates on which the permit is valid.

(f) The permit must be carried with the certificate of inspection. Any vessel operating under a permit to carry an excursion party must be in full compliance with the terms of its certificate of inspection as supplemented by the permit.

§ 169.215 - Certificate of inspection amendment.

(a) An amended certificate of inspection may be issued at any time by any Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. The amended certificate of inspection replaces the original. An amended certificate of inspection may be issued to authorize and record a change in the character of a vessel or in its route, equipment, ownership, operator, etc., from that specified in the current certificate of inspection.

(b) A request for an amended certificate of inspection must be made to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, by the master, operator, owner, or agent of the vessel at any time there is a change in the character of a vessel or in its route, equipment, ownership, operation etc., as specified in its current certificate of inspection.

(c) The OCMI may require an inspection prior to the issuance of an amended certificate of inspection.

§ 169.217 - Posting.

The certificate of inspection must be framed under glass or other suitable transparent material and posted in a conspicuous place on the vessel except on open boats where the certificate may be retained in a watertight container, which is secured to the vessel.

Letter of Designation

§ 169.218 - Procedures for designating sailing school vessels.

(a) Upon written request by a qualified institution, a determination is made by the OCMI whether the vessel may be designated as a sailing school vessel.

(b) The request should contain sufficient information to allow the OCMI to make this determination. At a minimum the following items must be submitted:

(1) A detailed description of the vessel, including its identification number, owner, and charterer.

(2) A specific operating plan stating precisely the intended use of the vessel and the intended course of instruction for sailing school students.

(3) A copy of the Internal Revenue Service designation as a non-profit, tax-exempt, organization under sections 501(a) and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

(4) An affidavit certifying that the owner or charterer has financial resources to meet any liability incurred for death or injury to sailing school students or sailing school instructors on voyages aboard the vessel, in an amount not less than $50,000 for each student and instructor.

(5) Any additional information as requested by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(c) If a designation is granted it is indicated on the certificate of inspection and remains valid for the duration of the certificate, provided all operating conditions remain unchanged.

(d) In the event of a change, the institution must advise the OCMI who issued the designation. After reviewing the pertinent information concerning the change, the OCMI shall determine if the vessel is eligible to retain its designation as a sailing school vessel.

§ 169.219 - Renewal of letter of designation.

At least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the certificate of inspection, a request for renewal must be submitted in the same manner as described in § 169.218. If the request for renewal is submitted to the OCMI who made the initial determination and all operating conditions remain unchanged, the information need not be resubmitted.

Inspection for Certification

§ 169.220 - General.

(a) An inspection is required before the issuance of a certificate of inspection.

(b) An inspection for certification is not made until after receipt of the information required in § 169.205(a) of this subchapter.

§ 169.221 - Initial inspection for certification.

(a) The initial inspection includes an inspection of the hull structure, yards, masts, spars, rigging, sails, machinery, and equipment, including unfired pressure vessels.

(b) The initial inspection of a vessel being newly constructed or converted normally consists of a series of inspections during the construction or conversion.

(c) The inspection ensures that the vessel and its equipment comply with the regulations in this subchapter to the extent they are applicable to the vessel being inspected, and are in accordance with approved plans. The inspection also ensures that the materials, workmanship and condition of all parts of the vessel and its machinery and equipment are in all respects satisfactory for the service intended, and that the vessel is in possession of a valid certificate issued by the Federal Communications Commission, if required.

(d) Before construction is started, the owner, operator, or builder must develop plans indicating the proposed arrangement and construction of the vessel. This list of plans to be developed and the required disposition of these plans are set forth in § 169.305.

§ 169.222 - Scope of inspection for certification.

Items normally included in an Inspection for Certification are:

(a) Structure.

(b) Watertight integrity.

(c) Pressure vessels and appurtenances.

(d) Piping.

(e) Auxiliary machinery.

(f) Steering apparatus.

(g) Electrical installations.

(h) Lifesaving appliances.

(i) Navigation equipment.

(j) Fire detecting and extinguishing systems.

(k) Pollution prevention equipment.

(l) Sanitary conditions.

(m) Fire hazards.

(n) Verification of valid certificates issued by the Federal Communications Commission.

(o) Lights and signals required by navigation rules.

(p) Bilge and ballast systems.

(q) Rigging, yards, masts, spars, and sails.

§ 169.223 - Subsequent inspections for certification.

An inspection for renewal of a certificate of inspection includes an inspection of the structure, machinery, yards, spars, masts, rigging, sails, and equipment. The inspection ensures that the vessel is in satisfactory condition, fit for the service intended and complies with the applicable regulations in this subchapter.

Reinspection

§ 169.225 - Annual inspection.

(a) Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within 3 months before or after each anniversary date, except as specified in § 169.226.

(b) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is required.

(c) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the inspection for certification as specified in § 169.222 but in less detail unless the cognizant marine inspector finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a major change to the vessel has occurred, the marine inspector will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope to ensure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the annual inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.

(d) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

[USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.226 - Periodic inspection.

(a) Your vessel must undergo a periodic inspection within 3 months before or after the second or third anniversary of the date of your vessel's Certificate of Inspection. This periodic inspection will take the place of an annual inspection.

(b) You must contact the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is required.

(c) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for the inspection for certification, as specified in § 169.222. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection will insure that the vessel is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If your vessel passes the periodic inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.

(d) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your vessel's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

[USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.227 - Certificate of Inspection: Conditions of validity.

To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in §§ 169.225 and 169.226 respectively and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.

[USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]

Drydocking or Hauling Out

§ 169.229 - Drydock examination, internal structural examination, and underwater survey intervals.

(a) Except as provided for in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section, each vessel must undergo drydock and internal structural examinations as follows:

(1) If your vessel operates in saltwater, it must undergo two drydock examinations and two internal structural examinations within any 5-year period unless it has been approved to undergo an underwater survey (UWILD) under § 169.230 of this part. No more than 3 years may elapse between any two examinations.

(2) If your vessel operated in fresh water at least 50 percent of the time since your last drydocking, it must undergo a dry dock and internal structural examination at intervals not to exceed 5 years unless it has been approved to undergo an underwater survey (UWILD) under § 169.230 of this part.

(b) Vessels with wooden hulls must undergo two drydock and two internal structural examinations within any five year period regardless of the type of water in which they operate. No more than three years may elapse between any two examinations.

(c) If, during an internal structural examination damage or deterioration to the hull plating or structural members is discovered, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may require the vessel to be drydocked or otherwise taken out of service to further assess the extent of the damage and to effect permanent repairs.

(d) Each vessel which has not met with the applicable examination schedules in paragraphs (a) through (c) of this section because it is on a voyage, must undergo the required examinations upon completion of the voyage.

(e) The Commandant (CG-CVC) may authorize extensions to the examination intervals specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

[CGD 84-024, 52 FR 39656, Oct. 23, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 32232, Aug. 24, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50468, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50734, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2000-6858, 67 FR 21083, Apr. 29, 2002; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49239, Sept. 25, 2009; USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59788, Oct. 1, 2012]

§ 169.230 - Underwater Survey in Lieu of Drydocking (UWILD).

(a) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), on a case-by-case basis, may approve an underwater survey instead of a drydock examination at alternating intervals if your vessel is—

(1) Less than 15 years of age;

(2) A steel or aluminum hulled vessel;

(3) Fitted with an effective hull protection system; and

(4) Listed in § 169.229(a)(1) or (2) of this part.

(b) For vessels less than 15 years of age, you must submit an application for an underwater survey to the OCMI at least 90 days before your vessel's next required drydock examination. The application must include—

(1) The procedure for carrying out the underwater survey;

(2) The time and place of the underwater survey;

(3) The method used to accurately determine the diver's or remotely operated vehicle's (ROV) location relative to the hull;

(4) The means for examining all through-hull fittings and appurtenances;

(5) The condition of the vessel, including the anticipated draft of the vessel at the time of survey;

(6) A description of the hull protection system; and

(7) The name and qualifications of any third party examiner.

(c) If your vessel is 15 years old or older, the cognizant District Commander, on a case-by-case basis, may approve an underwater survey instead of a drydock examination at alternating intervals. You must submit an application for an underwater survey to the OCMI at least 90 days before your vessel's next required drydock examination. You may be allowed this option if—

(1) The vessel is qualified under paragraphs (a)(2) through (4) of this section;

(2) Your application includes the information in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(7) of this section; and

(3) During the vessel's drydock examination, preceding the underwater survey, a complete set of hull gaugings was taken and they indicated that the vessel was free from appreciable hull deterioration.

(d) After the drydock examination required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the OCMI submits a recommendation for future underwater surveys, the results of the hull gauging, and the results of the Coast Guards' drydock examination results to the cognizant District Commander, for review.

[USCG-2000-6858, 67 FR 21083, Apr. 29, 2002]

§ 169.231 - Definitions relating to hull examinations.

As used in the part—

(a) Drydock examination means hauling out a vessel or placing a vessel in a drydock or slipway for an examination of all accessible parts of the vessel's underwater body and all through-hull fittings, sea chests, sea valves, sea strainers, and valves for the emergency bilge suction.

(b) Underwater survey means the examination of the vessel's underwater hull including all through-hull fittings and appurtenances, while the vessel is afloat.

(c) Internal structural examination means an examination of the vessel while afloat or in drydock and consists of a complete examination of the vessel's main strength members, including the major internal framing, the hull plating, voids, and ballast tanks, but not including cargo or fuel oil tanks.

[CGD 84-024, 52 FR 39656, Oct. 23, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 32232, Aug. 24, 1988; USCG-2000-6858, 67 FR 21084, Apr. 29, 2002]

§ 169.233 - Notice and plans required.

(a) The master, owner, operator, or agent of the vessel shall notify the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, whenever the vessel is to be drydocked regardless of the reason for drydocking.

(b) Each vessel, except barges, that holds a Load Line Certificate must have on board a plan showing the vessel's scantlings. This plan must be made available to the Coast Guard marine inspector whenever the vessel undergoes a drydock examination or internal structural examination or whenever repairs are made to the vessel's hull.

(c) Each barge that holds a Load Line Certificate must have a plan showing the barge's scantlings. The plan need not be maintained on board the barge but must be made available to the Coast Guard marine inspector whenever the barge undergoes a drydock examination or internal structural examination or whenever repairs are made to the barge's hull.

[CGD 84-024, 52 FR 39656, Oct. 23, 1987]

§ 169.234 - Integral fuel oil tank examinations.

(a) Each fuel oil tank with at least one side integral to the vessel's hull and located within the hull (“integral fuel oil tank”) is subject to inspection as provided in this section. The owner or operator of the vessel shall have the tanks cleaned out and gas freed as necessary to permit internal examination of the tank or tanks designated by the marine inspector. The owner or operator shall arrange for an examination of the fuel tanks of each vessel during an internal structural examination at intervals not to exceed five years.

(b) Integral non-double-bottom fuel oil tanks need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by external examination that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.

(c) Double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels less than 10 years of age need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by external examination that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.

(d) All double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels 10 years of age or older but less than 15 years of age need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by internal examination of at least one forward double-bottom fuel oil tank, and by external examination of all other double-bottom fuel oil tanks on the vessel, that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.

(e) All double-bottom fuel oil tanks on vessels 15 years of age or older need not be cleaned out and internally examined if the marine inspector is able to determine by internal examination of at least one forward, one amidships, and one aft double-bottom fuel oil tank, and by external examination of all other double-bottom fuel oil tanks on the vessel, that the general condition of the tanks is satisfactory.

[CGD 84-024, 52 FR 39656, Oct. 23, 1987, as amended at 53 FR 32232, Aug. 24, 1988]

Repairs and Alterations

§ 169.235 - Permission required.

(a) Repairs or alterations to the hull, machinery, or equipment which affects the safety of the vessel may not be made without the knowledge and approval of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) Drawings, sketches or written specifications describing the alterations in detail must be submitted to the OCMI. Proposed alterations must be approved by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, before work is started.

(c) Drawings are not required for repairs or replacements in kind.

§ 169.236 - Inspection and testing required.

(a) The provisions of NFPA 306, (incorporation by reference, see § 169.115) are used as a guide in conducting the inspections and issuing certificates required by this section.

(b) Until an inspection has been made to determine that the operations can be undertaken safely, no alterations, repairs, or other operations involving riveting, welding, burning, or other fire-producing actions may be made—

(1) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks; or

(2) To pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to fuel tanks.

(c) Inspections must be conducted as follows:

(1) In ports or places in the United States or its territories and possessions, the inspection must be made by a marine chemist certificated by the National Fire Protection Association; however, if the services of such certified marine chemist are not reasonably available, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, upon the recommendation of the vessel owner and his contractor on their representative, may authorize a person to inspect the particular vessel. If the inspection indicates that the operations can be undertaken with safety, a certificate setting forth this fact in writing must be issued by the certified marine chemist or the authorized person before the work is started. The certificate must include any requirements necessary to reasonably maintain safe conditions in the spaces certified throughout the operation, including any precautions necessary to eliminate or minimize hazards that may be present from protective coatings or residues from cargoes.

(2) When not in a port or place in the United States or its territories and possessions, and when a marine chemist or a person authorized by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, is not reasonably available, the senior officer present shall conduct the inspection and enter the results of the inspection in the vessel's logbook.

(d) It is the responsibility of the senior officer present to secure copies of certificates issued by the certified marine chemist or a person authorized by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. It is the responsibility of the senior officer present, insofar as the persons under his control are concerned, to maintain a safe condition on the vessel by full observance of all requirements listed by the marine chemist in the certificate.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48295, July 22, 2016]

Inspections

§ 169.237 - Inspection standards.

Vessels are inspected for compliance with the standards required by this subchapter. Items not covered by standards in this subchapter must be in accordance with good marine practice and acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

§ 169.239 - Hull.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the vessel must be afloat and ready for the following tests and inspections of the hull structure and its appurtenances:

(a) All accessible parts of the exterior and interior of the hull, the watertight bulkheads, and weather deck are examined. Where the internals of the vessel are completely concealed, sections of the lining or ceiling may be removed or the parts otherwise probed or exposed so that the inspector may be satisfied as to the condition of the hull structure.

(b) All watertight closures in the hull, decks and bulkheads are examined and operated.

(c) The condition of the superstructure, masts, and similar arrangements constructed on the hull is checked. All spars, standing rigging, running rigging, blocks, fittings, and sails, including storm sails are inspected.

(d) All railings and bulwarks and their attachment to the hull structure are inspected. Special attention is paid to ensure that guards or rails are provided in all dangerous places.

(e) All weathertight closures above the weather deck are inspected. The provisions for drainage of sea water from the exposed decks are checked.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.241 - Machinery.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the marine inspector will examine and test the following items to the extent necessary, to determine that they are in proper operating condition and fit for the service for which they are intended:

(1) Engine starting system. Alternate methods of starting are checked.

(2) Engine control mechanisms. Mechanisms are operationally tested and visually examined.

(3) Auxiliary machinery. All machinery essential to the routine operation of the vessel is checked.

(4) Fuel systems. Tanks, tank vents and other appurtenances, piping and pipe fittings are examined. The fuel systems for the auxiliary propulsion engines and all other fuel systems installed are checked. All valves in the fuel lines are tested by operating locally and at remote operating positions.

(5) Sea valves and bulkhead closure valves. All overboard discharge and intake valves are checked.

(6) Bilge and drainage systems. The means provided for pumping bilges are operationally tested. All suction strainers are examined.

(b) During all inspections special attention is paid to ensure that no fire hazards exist and that guards or protective devices are provided in all hazardous places.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.243 - Electrical.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the marine inspector will examine and test the following items to the extent necessary, to determine that they are in proper operating condition, in safe electrical condition, and fit for the service for which they are intended:

(a) Electrical cable. All cable is examined as far as practicable without undue disturbance of the cable or electrical apparatus.

(b) Overload or circuit protective devices. Circuit breakers are tested by manual operation and fuses examined visually. The ratings of fuses are checked to determine suitability for the service intended.

(c) Rotating machinery. Rotating electrical machinery essential to the routine operation of the vessel is examined.

(d) Generators, etc. All generators, motors, lighting fixtures and circuit interrupting devices located in spaces or areas which may contain flammable vapors are checked.

(e) Storage batteries. Batteries are checked for condition and security of stowage.

(f) Fire detection and alarm system. Electrical apparatus, which operates as part of or in conjunction with a fire detection or alarm system installed on board the vessel, is operationally tested. The test is applied, in a manner to simulate, as closely as practicable, the actual operation in case of fire.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.245 - Lifesaving equipment.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the following tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment will be conducted:

(a) All air tank buoyant units of all lifesaving appliances are tested for airtightness.

(b) Each lifeboat is lowered to near the water and loaded with its allowed capacity, evenly distributed throughout the length. The total weight used is at least equal to the allowed capacity of the lifeboat considering persons to weigh 75 kg (165 pounds) each. The lifeboat is then lowered into the water until it is afloat and released from the falls.

(c) Each personal flotation device is examined to determine its serviceability. If found to be satisfactory, it is stamped “Passed,” together with the date and the port. If found to be unsatisfactory, the personal flotation device must be removed from the vessel's equipment and repaired. If it is beyond repair it must be destroyed in the presence of the Coast Guard inspector.

(d) Each lifeboat winch electrical control apparatus is opened and inspected.

(e) Where gravity davits are installed, it must be demonstrated that the lifeboat can be swung out and lowered from any stopped position by merely releasing the brake on the lifeboat winch. The use of force to start the davits or the lifeboat winch is not permitted.

(f) Inflatable liferaft containers are examined for defects and the inspector verifies that the inflatable liferafts and hydraulic releases, if installed, have been serviced at an approved facility in accordance with the provisions of subparts 160.051 and 160.062, respectively, of this chapter.

(g) All other items of lifesaving equipment are examined to determine that they are in suitable condition.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.247 - Fire fighting equipment.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection and at such other times as considered necessary, all fire extinguishing equipment must be inspected to ensure it is in suitable condition. Tests may be necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector must verify that the following tests and inspections have been conducted by a qualified servicing facility at least once every 12 months:

(1) Portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 169.115) as amended here:

(i) Certification or licensing as fire extinguisher servicing agency by a state or local authority having jurisdiction will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.

(ii) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(iii) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(iv) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.

(2) All parts of the fixed fire extinguishing systems must be examined for excessive corrosion and general condition. Table 169.247(a)(1) of this section provides detailed inspection and test requirements of fixed systems.

(3) Piping, controls, valves, and alarms on all fire extinguishing systems must be checked to be certain the system is in operating condition.

(4) The fire main system is operated and the pressure checked at the most remote and highest outlets.

(5) Each firehose is subjected to a test pressure equivalent to its maximum service pressure.

(b) [Reserved]

Table 169.247(a)(1)—Fixed Systems

Type of system Test Carbon dioxide or HALON 1301Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of weight of the charge.
[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48295, July 22, 2016]

§ 169.249 - Pressure vessels.

Pressure vessels must meet the requirements of part 54 of this chapter. The inspection procedures for pressure vessels are contained in subpart 61.10 of this chapter.

§ 169.251 - Steering apparatus.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the steering apparatus is inspected and operationally tested to determine that its condition is satisfactory and that it is fit for the service intended.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.253 - Miscellaneous systems and equipment.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection all items in the ship's outfit, such as ground tackle, navigation lights, compass, etc., which are required to be carried by the regulations in this subchapter are examined and tested as necessary to determine that they are fit the service intended.

(b) Approved work vests, where carried, are inspected as provided in § 169.556.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.255 - Sanitary inspection.

At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection, and annual inspection quarters, toilet and washing spaces, galleys, serving pantries, lockers, etc., are examined to determine that they are serviceable and in a sanitary condition.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.257 - Unsafe practices.

(a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection, annual inspection, and at every other vessel inspection all observed unsafe practices and hazardous situations must be corrected.

(b) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection, annual inspection, and at every other vessel inspection the bilges and other spaces are examined to see that there is no accumulation of oil or other matter which might create a fire hazard.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]

§ 169.259 - Limitations of inspections.

The OCMI may require that a vessel and its equipment meet any test or inspection deemed necessary to determine that they are suitable for the service in which they are to be employed.