Collapse to view only § 28.245 - Communication equipment.

§ 28.200 - Applicability.

Each documented commercial fishing industry vessel must meet the requirements of this subpart in addition to the requirements of subparts A and B of this part if it:

(a) Operates beyond the Boundary Lines;

(b) Operates with more than 16 individuals on board; or

(c) Is a fish tender vessel engaged in the Aleutian trade.

[CGD 94–025, 60 FR 54444, Oct. 24, 1995]

§ 28.205 - Fireman's outfits and self-contained breathing apparatus.

(a) Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must be equipped with at least two fireman's outfits stowed in widely separated locations.

(b) Each vessel that uses ammonia as a refrigerant must be equipped with at least two self-contained breathing apparatuses.

(c) A fireman's outfit must consist of one self-contained breathing apparatus with lifeline attached, one flashlight, a rigid helmet, boots, gloves, protective clothing, and one fire axe.

(d) At least one spare air bottle must be provided for each self-contained breathing apparatus.

(e) Each self-contained breathing apparatus must be approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), have as a minimum a 30 minute air supply, and a full facepiece.

§ 28.210 - First aid equipment and training.

(a) Each vessel must have on board a complete first aid manual and medicine chest of a size suitable for the number of individuals on board in a readily accessible location.

(b) First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) course certification. Certification in first aid and CPR must be as described in this paragraph.

(1) First aid—a certificate indicating completion of a first aid course from:

(i) The American National Red Cross “Standard First Aid and Emergency Care” or “Multi-media Standard First Aid” course; or

(ii) A course approved by the Coast Guard under § 11.201(i) of this chapter.

(2) CPR—A certificate indicating completion of course from:

(i) The American National Red Cross;

(ii) The American Heart Association; or

(iii) A course approved by the Coast guard under § 10.205(h)(2)(iii) of this chapter.

(c) Each vessel that operates with more than 2 individuals on board must have at least 1 individual certified in first aid and at least 1 individual certified in CPR. An individual certified in both first aid and CPR will satisfy both of these requirements.

(d) Each vessel that operates with more than 16 individuals on board must have at least 2 individuals certified in first aid and at least 2 individuals certified in CPR. An individual certified in both first aid and CPR may be counted for both requirements.

(e) Each vessel that operates with more than 49 individuals on board must have at least 4 individuals certified in first aid and at least 4 individuals certified in CPR. An individual certified in both first aid and CPR may be counted for both requirements.

[CGD 88–079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 95–012, 60 FR 48048, Sept. 18, 1995; USCG–2018–0874, 84 FR 30883, June 28, 2019]

§ 28.215 - Guards for exposed hazards.

(a) Each space on board a vessel must meet the requirements of this section.

(b) Suitable hand covers, guards, or railing must be installed in way of machinery which can cause injury to personnel, such as gearing, chain or belt drives, and rotating shafting. This is not meant to restrict necessary access to fishing equipment such as winches, drums, or gurdies.

(c) Each exhaust pipe from an internal combustion engine which is within reach of personnel must be insulated or otherwise guarded to prevent burns.

§ 28.225 - Navigational information.

(a) Each vessel must have at least the following navigational information on board:

(1) Marine charts of the area to be transited, published by the National Ocean Service, the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, or a river authority that—

(i) Are of a large enough scale and have enough detail to make safe navigation of the area possible; and

(ii) Are currently corrected.

(2) For the area to be transited, a currently corrected copy of, or applicable currently corrected extract from, each of the following publications:

(i) U.S. Coast Pilot; and

(ii) Coast Guard Light List.

(3) For the area to be transited, the current edition of, or applicable current extract from, each of the following publications:

(i) Tide tables promulgated by the National Ocean Service; and

(ii) Tidal current tables promulgated by the National Ocean Service, or a river current publication issued by the U.S. Corps of Engineers or a river authority.

(b) Each vessel of 39.4 feet (12 meters) or more in length that operates shoreward of the COLREG Demarcation Lines, as set forth in 33 CFR part 80, must carry on board and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland Navigation Rules, as set forth in 33 CFR chapter I, subchapter E.

[CGD 88–079, 59 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 96–046, 61 FR 57275, Nov. 5, 1996; CGD 96–046, 62 FR 46677, Sept. 4, 1997; USCG–2001–10224, 66 FR 48619, Sept. 21, 2001; USCG–2014–0688, 79 FR 58279, Sept. 29, 2014]

§ 28.230 - Compasses.

Each vessel must be equipped with an operable magnetic steering compass with a compass deviation table at the operating station.

§ 28.235 - Anchors and radar reflectors.

(a) Each vessel must be fitted with an anchor(s) and chain(s), cable, or rope appropriate for the vessel and the waters of the intended voyage.

(b) Except for a vessel rigged with gear that provides a radar signature from a distance of 6 miles, each nonmetallic hull vessel must have a radar reflector.

§ 28.240 - General alarm system.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (f) of this section, each vessel with an accommodation space or a work space which is not adjacent to the operating station, must have an audible general alarm system with a contact-maker at the operating station suitable for notifying individuals on board in the event of an emergency.

(b) The general alarm system must be capable of notifying an individual in any accommodation space or work space where they may normally be employed.

(c) In a work space where background noise makes a general alarm system difficult to hear, a flashing red light must also be installed.

(d) Each general alarm bell and flashing red light must be identified with red lettering at least 1/2 inch (13 millimeters) high as follows:

Attention

General Alarm—When Alarm Sounds Go to Your Station.

(e) A general alarm system must be tested prior to operation of the vessel and at least once each week thereafter.

(f) A public address system or other means of alerting all individuals on board may be used in lieu of a general alarm system provided it complies with paragraphs (b), (c), and (e) of this section and can be activated from the operating station.

[CGD 88–079, 56 span 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 95–012, 60 span 48048, Sept. 18, 1995]

§ 28.245 - Communication equipment.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section, each vessel must be equipped as follows.

(1) Each vessel must be equipped with a VHF radiotelephone capable of transmitting and receiving on the frequency or frequencies within the 156–162 MHz band necessary to communicate with a public coast station or U.S. Coast Guard station serving the area in which the vessel is operating.

(2) Each vessel that operates more than 20 miles from the coastline, in addition to the VHF radiotelephone required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, must be equipped with a radiotelephone transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving on frequencies in the 2–4 MHz band necessary to communicate with a public coast station or U.S. Coast Guard station serving the area in which the vessel is operating.

(3) Each vessel that operates more than 100 miles from the coastline, in addition to the communication equipment required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be equipped with a radiotelephone transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving on frequencies in the 2–27.5 MHz band necessary to communicate with a public coast station or U.S. Coast Guard station serving the area in which the vessel is operating.

(4) Each vessel that operates in waters contiguous to Alaska where no public coast station or U.S. Coast Guard station is within communications range of a VHF radio transceiver operating on the 156–162 MHz band or the 2–4 MHz band, in addition to the VHF radio communication equipment required by paragraph (a)(1) of this section, must be equipped with a radiotelephone transceiver capable of transmitting and receiving on frequencies in the 2–27.5 MHz band necessary to communicate with a public coast station or a U.S. Coast Guard station serving the area in which the vessel is operating.

(b) A single radio transceiver capable of meeting the requirements of paragraphs (a) (2) and (3), or paragraphs (a) (2), (3), and (4) of this section, is acceptable.

(c) Satellite communication capability with the system servicing the area in which the vessel is operating is acceptable as an alternative to the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this section.

(d) A cellular telephone capable of communicating with a public coast station or a U.S. Coast Guard station serving the area in which the vessel is operating is acceptable as an alternative to the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(3), or (a)(4) of this section.

(e) A radiotelephone transceiver installed on board a vessel before September 15, 1991, capable of transmitting and receiving on frequencies on the 4–20 MHz band may continue to be used to satisfy the requirements of paragraphs (a)(3) and (a)(4) of this section.

(f) The principle operating position of the communication equipment must be at the operating station.

(g) Communication equipment must be installed to ensure safe operation of the equipment and to facilitate repair. It must be protected against vibration, moisture, temperature, and excessive currents and voltages. It must be located so as to minimize the possibility of water intrusion from windows broken by heavy seas.

(h) Communication equipment must comply with the technical standards and operating requirements issued by the Federal Communications Commission, as set forth in 47 CFR part 80.

Note:

Each vessel which uses radio equipment to meet the communication requirements of this section must have a Ship Radio Station License issued by the Federal Communications Commission, as set forth in 47 CFR part 80.

(i) All communication equipment must be provided with an emergency source of power that complies with § 28.375.

§ 28.250 - High water alarms.

On a vessel 36 feet (11.8 meters) or more in length, a visual and audible alarm must be provided at the operating station to indicate high water level in each of the following normally unmanned spaces:

(a) A space with a through-hull fitting below the deepest load waterline, such as the lazarette;

(b) A machinery space bilge, bilge well, shaft alley bilge, or other space subject to flooding from sea water piping within the space; and

(c) A space with a non-watertight closure, such as a space with a non-watertight hatch on the main deck.

§ 28.255 - Bilge pumps, bilge piping, and dewatering systems.

(a) Each vessel must be equipped with a bilge pump and bilge piping capable of draining any watertight compartment, other than tanks and small buoyancy compartments, under all service conditions. Large spaces, such as enginerooms must be fitted with more than one suction line.

(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, a space used in the sorting or processing of fish in which water is used must be fitted with dewatering system capable of dewatering the space under normal conditions of list and trim at the same rate as water is introduced. Pumps used as part of the processing of fish do not count for meeting this requirement. The dewatering system must be interlocked with the pump(s) supplying water to the space, so that in the event of failure of the dewatering system, the water supply is inactivated.

(c) Except as provided by paragraph (f) of this section, each vessel 79 feet (24 meters) or more in length must be equipped with a fixed, self-priming, powered, bilge pump connected to a bilge manifold.

(d) If a bilge pump required by paragraph (a) of this section is portable, it must be provided with a suitable suction hose of adequate length to reach the bilges of each watertight compartment it must serve and with a discharge hose of adequate length to ensure overboard discharge. A portable pump must be capable of dewatering each space it serves at a rate of at least 2 inches (51 millimeters) of water depth per minute.

(e) Except for a fire pump required by § 28.315, a bilge pump may be used for other purposes.

(f) Except where an individual pump is provided for a separate space or for a portable pump, each individual bilge suction line must be led to a manifold. Each bilge suction line must be provided with a stop valve at the manifold and a check valve at some accessible point in the bilge line to prevent unintended flooding of a space.

(g) Each bilge suction line and dewatering system suction must be fitted with a suitable strainer to prevent clogging of the suction line. Strainers must have an open area of not less than three times the open area of the suction line.

(h) Each vessel must comply with the oil pollution prevention requirements of 33 CFR parts 151 and 155.

§ 28.260 - Electronic position fixing devices.

Each vessel 79 feet (24 meters) or more in length must be equipped with an electronic position fixing device capable of providing accurate fixes for the area in which the vessel operates.

§ 28.265 - Emergency instructions.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, each vessel must have emergency instructions posted in conspicuous locations accessible to the crew.

(b) The instructions identified in paragraphs (d)(6), (d)(7), (d)(8), and (d)(9) of this section, may be kept readily available as an alternative to posting.

(c) On a vessel which operates with less than 4 individuals on board, the emergency instructions may be kept readily available as an alternative to posting.

(d) The emergency instructions required by this section must identify at least the following information, as appropriate for the vessel:

(1) The survival craft embarkation stations aboard the vessel and the survival craft to which each individual is assigned;

(2) The fire and emergency signal and the abandon ship signal;

(3) If immersion suits are provided, the location of the suits and illustrated instructions on the method for donning the suits;

(4) Procedures for making a distress call, such as:

(i) Make sure your communication equipment is on.

(ii) Select 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16), 2182 kHz, or other distress frequency used in your area of operation. Note: VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz on SSB are for emergency and calling purposes only.

(iii) Press microphone button and speaking slowly—clearly—calmly say:

“Mayday—Mayday—Mayday”

(iv) Say: “This is the M/V (Insert name of your vessel), (Insert name of your vessel), (Insert name of your vessel), Over.”

(v) Release the microphone button briefly and listen for acknowledgment. If no one answers, repeat steps in paragraphs (d)(4) (iii) and (iv) of this section.

(vi) If there is still no answer, or if the Coast Guard or another vessel responds, say: “Mayday—This is the M/V (Insert Name of Your Vessel).”

(vii) Describe your position using latitude and longitude coordinates, or range and bearing from a known point.

(viii) State the nature of the distress.

(ix) Give number of individuals aboard and the nature of any injuries.

(x) Estimate the present seaworthiness of your vessel.

(xi) Describe your vessel: (Insert length, color, hull type, trim, masts, power, and any additional distinguishing features).

(xii) Say: “I will be listening on Channel 16/2182 (or other channel monitored).”

(xiii) End message by saying: “This is (insert vessel's name and call sign).”

(xiv) If your situation permits, stand by the radio to await further communication with the Coast Guard or another vessel. If no answer, repeat, then try another channel.

(5) Essential action that must be taken in an emergency by each individual, such as:

(i) Making a distress call.

(ii) Closing of hatches, airports, watertight doors, vents, scuppers, and valves for intake and discharge lines which penetrate the hull, stopping of fans and ventilation systems, and operation of all safety equipment.

(iii) Preparing and launching of survival craft and rescue boats.

(iv) Fighting a fire.

(v) Mustering of personnel including—

(A) Seeing that they are properly dressed and have put on their lifejackets or immersion suits; and

(B) Assembling personnel and directing them to their appointed stations.

(vi) Manning of fire parties assigned to deal with fires.

(vii) Special duties required for the operation of fire fighting equipment.

(6) The procedures for rough weather at sea, crossing hazardous bars, flooding, and anchoring of the vessel, such as:

(i) Close all watertight and weathertight doors, hatches and airports to prevent taking water aboard or further flooding in the vessel.

(ii) Keep bilges dry to prevent loss of stability due to water in bilges. Use power driven bilge pump, hand pump, and buckets to dewater.

(iii) Align fire pumps to use as bilge pumps, if possible.

(iv) Check all intake and discharge lines which penetrate the hull for leakage.

(v) Personnel should remain stationary and evenly distributed.

(vi) Personnel should don lifejackets and immersion suits if the going becomes very rough, the vessel is about to cross a hazardous bar, or when otherwise instructed by the master or individual in charge of the vessel.

(7) The procedures for anchoring the vessel.

(8) The procedures to be used in the event an individual falls overboard, such as:

(i) Throw a ring life buoy as close to the individual as possible;

(ii) Post a lookout to keep the individual in the water in sight;

(iii) Launch the rescue boat and maneuver it to pick up the individual in the water;

(iv) Have a crewmember put on a lifejacket or immersion suit, attach a safety line to the crewmember, and have the crewmember standby to jump into the water to assist in recovering the individual in the water if necessary;

(v) If the individual overboard is not immediately located, notify the Coast Guard and other vessels in the vicinity; and

(vi) Continue searching until released by the Coast Guard.

(9) Procedures for fighting a fire, such as:

(i) Shut off air supply to the fire—close hatches, ports, doors, ventilators, and similar openings.

(ii) Deenergize the electrical systems supplying the affected space, if possible.

(iii) Immediately use a portable fire extinguisher or use water for fires in ordinary combustible materials. Do not use water on electrical fires.

(iv) If the fire is in a machinery space, shut off the fuel supply and ventilation system and activate the fixed extinguishing system, if installed.

(v) Maneuver the vessel to minimize the effect of wind on the fire.

(vi) If unable to control the fire, immediately notify the Coast Guard and other vessels in the vicinity.

(vii) Move personnel away from the fire, have them put on lifejackets, and if necessary, prepare to abandon the vessel.

[CGD 88–079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by USCG–2010–0759, 75 FR 60002, Sept. 29, 2010]

§ 28.270 - Instruction, drills, and safety orientation.

(a) Drills and instruction. The master or individual in charge of each vessel must ensure that drills are conducted and instruction is given to each individual on board at least once each month. Instruction may be provided in conjunction with drills or at other times and places provided it ensures that each individual is familiar with their duties and their responses to at least the following contingencies:

(1) Abandoning the vessel;

(2) Fighting a fire in different locations on board the vessel;

(3) Recovering an individual from the water;

(4) Minimizing the effects of unintentional flooding;

(5) Launching survival craft and recovering lifeboats and rescue boats;

(6) Donning immersion suits and other wearable personal flotation devices;

(7) Donning a fireman's outfit and a self-contained breathing apparatus, if the vessel is so equipped;

(8) Making a voice radio distress call and using visual distress signals;

(9) Activating the general alarm; and

(10) Reporting inoperative alarm systems and fire detection systems.

(b) Participation in drills. Drills must be conducted on board the vessel as if there were an actual emergency and must include participation by all individuals on board, breaking out and using emergency equipment, testing of all alarm and detection systems, donning protective clothing, and donning immersion suits, if the vessel is so equipped.

(c) Training. No individual may conduct the drills or provide the instructions required by this section unless that individual has been trained in the proper procedures for conducting the activity.

(d) The viewing of videotapes concerning at least the contingencies listed in paragraph (a) of this section, whether on board the vessel or not, followed by a discussion led by an individual familiar with these contingencies will satisfy the requirement for instruction but not the requirement for drills in paragraph (b) of this section or for the safety orientation in paragraph (e) of this section.

(e) Safety orientation. The master or individual in charge of a vessel must ensure that a safety orientation is given to each individual on board that has not received the instruction and has not participated in the drills required by paragraph (a) of this section before the vessel may be operated.

(f) The safety orientation must explain the emergency instructions required by § 28.265 and cover the specific evolutions listed in paragraph (a) of this section.

Note:

The individual conducting the drills and instruction need not be the master, individual in charge of the vessel, or a member of the crew.

[CGD 88–079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 95–012, 60 FR 48048, Sept. 18, 1995; CGD 96–046, 61 FR 57275, Nov. 5, 1996, CGD 96–046, 62 FR 46677, Sept. 4, 1997; USCG–2002–13058, 67 FR 61278, Sept. 30, 2002]

§ 28.275 - Acceptance criteria for instructors and course curricula.

(a) A Fishing Vessel Safety Instructor shall submit a detailed course curriculum that relates directly to the contingencies listed in § 28.270(a), or a letter certifying the use of the “Personal Survival and Emergency Drills Course,” a national standard curriculum, to the cognizant OCMI. This document can be ordered through the U.S. Marine Safety Association (USMSA), 5050 Industrial Road, Farmingdale, NJ 07727; telephone: (732) 751–0102; fax: (732) 751–0508; or e-mail: [email protected]. For the criteria of Fishing Vessel Safety Instructor, the following documentation shall be provided to the cognizant OCMI:

(1) Proof of at least 1 year of experience in a marine related field and experience that relates directly to the contingencies listed in § 28.270(a) including—

(i) Experience as an instructor; or

(ii) Training received in instructional methods; or

(2) A valid license or officer endorsement issued by the Coast Guard authorizing service as master of uninspected fishing industry vessels and proof of experience that relates directly to the contingencies listed in § 28.270(a) including—

(i) Experience as an instructor; or

(ii) Training received in instructional methods; or

(3) A valid license or officer endorsement issued by the Coast Guard authorizing service as a master of inspected vessels of 100 gross tons or more and proof of experience that relates directly to the contingencies listed in § 28.270(a) including—

(i) Experience as an instructor; or

(ii) Training received in instructional methods.

(b) Each OCMI will issue a letter of acceptance to all qualified individuals and will maintain a list of accepted instructors in his/her zone.

(c) Letters of acceptance shall be valid for a period of 5 years.

(d) Fishing Vessel Safety Instructors or the organization providing training shall issue documents to Fishing Vessel Drill Conductors upon successful completion of all required training.

[CGD 96–046, 61 FR 57275, Nov. 5, 1996, as amended by CGD 96–046, 62 FR 46677, Sept. 4, 1997; USCG–2001–10224, 66 FR 48619, Sept. 21, 2001; USCG–2004–18884, 69 FR 58344, Sept. 30, 2004; USCG–2008–0906, 73 FR 56509, Sept. 29, 2008; USCG–2006–24371, 74 FR 11264, Mar. 16, 2009; USCG–2014–0688, 79 FR 58279, Sept. 29, 2014; USCG–2020–0304, 85 FR 58282, Sept. 18, 2020]