(a) Buoyant work vests carried under the permissive authority of this subpart shall be of an approved type, and shall be constructed, listed, and labeled in accordance with subpart 160.053 of subchapter Q (Specifications) of this chapter.

(a) Approved buoyant work vests are considered to be items of safety apparel and may be carried aboard vessels to be worn by crew members when working near or over the water under favorable working conditions.

(b) When carried, approved buoyant work vests shall not be accepted in lieu of any portion of the required number of approved lifesaving appliances required by § 25.25-10 of this subchapter.

(a) The approved buoyant work vests shall be stowed separately from the regular stowage of required lifesaving equipment.