(a) Stability information (stability details indicated on the Certificate of Inspection, a stability letter, or a stability booklet), is required on certain vessels by paragraphs (b), (c), or (d) of this section. Enough stability information, including stability calculations and assumptions made to use them, must be provided to allow the master to be able to determine operating guidelines, loading restrictions, and ensure compliance with the applicable intact and damage stability regulations of this chapter.

(b) A vessel which, under § 178.310 of this part, complies with requirements in subchapter S of this chapter, must have stability details on the vessel's Certificate of Inspection, a stability letter issued by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, or an approved stability booklet. The form in which the stability information must be contained (i.e., stability details on the Certificate of Inspection, a stability letter, or a stability booklet) will be determined by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

(c) When necessary for safe operation, the cognizant OCMI may place specific stability restrictions in a stability letter or on the Certificate of Inspection of a vessel not more than 65 feet (19.8 meters) in length, which, under § 178.310 of this part, complies with the requirements of § 178.320 of this part.

(d) Each pontoon vessel must have a stability letter and each stability letter issued after March 14, 2011 must be issued by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

(a) This section applies to each vessel, regardless of when constructed, for which stability information is based on the results of a simplified stability proof test.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, and if not provided in the stability information required, the owner of each vessel must provide the master with the total test weight used in the simplified stability proof test and the number of passengers and crew included in the total test weight. Owners and masters must use a total weight of passengers and crew carried that is based upon an assumed weight per person, which is determined in accordance with § 170.090 of this chapter.

(c) The information specified in paragraph (b) of this section need not be provided if the owner attests that the vessel complies with applicable intact stability requirements when carrying the number of passengers and crew permitted by the Certificate of Inspection with an assumed weight per person determined in accordance with § 170.090 of this chapter.

When the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center determines, in accordance with § 178.210(b), that a vessel must have a stability booklet, the owner or operator must prepare the booklet in accordance with subchapter S of this chapter, and submit it to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

(a) When the cognizant OCMI or the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center determines, in accordance with § 178.210, that a vessel must have stability details indicated on its Certificate of Inspection or a stability letter, the owner or operator must submit the information listed in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) If § 178.210(c) is applicable, to the OCMI for approval; or

(2) If § 178.210(b) is applicable, to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center for approval.

(b) If § 178.210(b) of this part applies, the applicable information described in subpart C of part 170 of this title, and the calculations used to determine that information, must be submitted in addition to the applicable information listed in paragraph (b) of this section.

(1) Allowable weight and number of passengers and crew on each deck;

(2) Deepest waterline drafts or freeboard;

(3) Location of watertight bulkheads and openings in watertight bulkheads;

(4) Explanation of the vessel's subdivision and specific identification of the vessel's subdivision bulkheads;

(5) Location of openings through watertight bulkheads, such as watertight doors, which must be closed to limit flooding in an emergency;

(6) Location, type and amount of fixed ballast;

(7) Location and details of foam flotation material; and

(8) Maximum weight of portable equipment permitted on the vessel including diving equipment.

(c) If § 178.210(c) of this part applies, the allowable weight and number of passengers and crew on each deck, and the necessary calculations used to determine that information, must be submitted in accordance with paragraph (a) of this section.