The purpose of the regulations in this subchapter is to set forth uniform minimum requirements for oceanographic research vessels designated in accordance with § 3.10-1 of this title and subject to Coast Guard inspection requirements. The regulations are necessary to carry out the provisions of applicable laws governing inspection and certification of oceanographic research vessels and have the force of law.

The regulations in this subchapter contain requirements for materials, design, construction, equipment, lifesaving appliances and procedures, fire protection, and fire prevention procedures, inspection and certification, and special operational requirements for oceanographic research vessels, including the handling, use, and control of explosives and other dangerous articles or substances.

Any person directly affected by a decision or action taken under this subchapter, by or on behalf of the Coast Guard, may appeal therefrom in accordance with subchapter 1.03 of this chapter.

(a) Purpose. This section collects and displays the control numbers assigned to information collection and recordkeeping requirements in this subchapter by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The Coast Guard intends that this section comply with the requirements of 44 U.S.C. 3507(f), which requires that agencies display a current control number assigned by the Director of the OMB for each approved agency information collection requirement.

(b) Display.

(a) This subchapter is applicable to all U.S.-flag vessels indicated in Column 6 of Table 188.05-1(a) to the extent prescribed by applicable laws and the regulations in this subchapter, except as follows:

(1) Any foreign vessel.

(2) Any vessel operating exclusively on inland waters which are not navigable waters of the United States.

(3) Any vessel while laid up and dismantled and out of commission.

(4) With the exception of vessels of the U.S. Maritime Administration, any vessel with title vested in the United States and which is used for public purposes.

(a) New vessels. In this application of the regulations in this subchapter, a new vessel is meant to be one, the construction of which is contracted for on or after March 1, 1968, or the major alteration of a vessel is contracted for on or after March 1, 1968, or the conversion of any vessel not previously inspected and certificated by the Coast Guard which is contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Existing vessels. In the application of the regulations in this subchapter an existing vessel is meant to be one which is holding a valid certificate of inspection as an oceanographic research vessel on March 1, 1968.

(c) Other vessels. When it is desired to have a vessel, which has been used in trade or for recreational purposes, initially inspected and certificated as an oceanographic research vessel on or after March 1, 1968, such vessel shall be subject to all the requirements governing a vessel contracted for on or after March 1, 1968. However, if such vessel has a current certificate of inspection as a passenger, tank, cargo, or miscellaneous vessel, the Commandant may authorize its inspection and certification under this subchapter as a vessel contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, subject to those requirements necessitated by change in service.

(a) At the beginning of the various parts, subparts, and sections, a more specific application is generally given for the particular portion of the text involved. This application sets forth the types, sizes, or services or vessels to which the text pertains, and in many cases limits the application of the text to vessels contracted for before or after a specific date. As used in this subchapter, the term “vessels contracted for” includes not only the contracting for the construction of a vessel, but also the contracting for a material alteration to a vessel, the contracting for the conversion of a vessel to an oceanographic research vessel, and the changing of area of operation of a vessel if such change increases or modifies the general requirements for the vessel or increases the hazards to which it might be subjected.

(a) Vessels inspected and certificated for ocean or unlimited coastwise routes shall be considered suitable for navigation insofar as the provisions of this subchapter are concerned on any inland routes, including the Great Lakes.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d) of this section, the regulations in this subchapter that apply to a vessel on an “international voyage” apply to a vessel that—

(1) Is mechanically propelled and of at least 500 gross tons; and

(2) Is engaged on a voyage—

(i) From a country to which the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, (SOLAS 74) applies, to a port outside that country or the reverse;

(ii) From any territory, including the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, all possessions of the United States, and all lands held by the United States under a protectorate or mandate, whose international relations are the responsibility of a contracting SOLAS 74 government, or which is administered by the United Nations, to a port outside that territory or the reverse; or

(iii) Between the contiguous states of the United States and the states of Hawaii or Alaska or between the states of Hawaii and Alaska.

(b) The regulations that apply to a vessel on an “international voyage” in this subchapter do not apply to a vessel that—

(1) Solely navigates the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River as far east as a straight line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd Meridian; or

(2) Is numbered in accordance with 46 U.S.C. Chapter 123.

(c) The Commandant or his authorized representative may exempt any vessel on an international voyage from the requirements of this subchapter if the vessel—

(1) Makes a single international voyage in exceptional circumstances; and

(2) Meets safety requirements prescribed for the voyage by the Commandant.

(d) The Commandant or his authorized representative may exempt any vessel from the construction requirements of this subchapter if the vessel does not proceed more than 20 nautical miles from the nearest land in the course of its voyage.

(a) Scientific personnel on oceanographic research vessels are not considered to be seamen or passengers, but are considered as “persons” when requirements are based on total persons on board.

(b) Scientific personnel on such vessels shall not be required to possess seamen's documents nor shall they be required to sign shipping articles.

(a) Certificated vessels shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Load Line Acts, and regulations in Subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter.

The term anniversary date means the day and the month of each year, which corresponds to the date of expiration of the Certificate of Inspection.

This term means approved by the Commandant unless otherwise stated.

This term means a container which is properly labeled, marked and approved by DOT for the commodity which it contains.

This term means any non-self-propelled vessel.

This term means an officer of the Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who, under the superintendence and direction of the Coast Guard District Commander, gives immediate direction to Coast Guard law enforcement activities within his assigned area. In addition, the District Commander shall be the Captain of the Port with respect to remaining areas in his district not assigned to officers designated by the Commandant as Captain of the Port.

This term means those chemicals intended for use in the performance of the vessel's scientific activities and is further defined in § 194.05-3.

This term refers to any compartment specifically constructed or modified for the stowage of chemical stores and so designated and identified.

This term includes any space in which experiments are conducted or chemicals are used for scientific purposes in conjunction with the research mission of the vessel, and is so identified.

This term means an officer of the Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant to command all Coast Guard activities within the officer's district, which include the inspections, enforcement, and administration of Subtitle II of Title 46, U.S. Code, Title 46 and Title 33 U.S. Code, and regulations issued under these statutes.

Under this designation shall be included all vessels normally navigating the waters of any ocean or the Gulf of Mexico 20 nautical miles or less offshore.

This term includes any liquid whose flashpoint, as determined by an open cup tester, is above 80° F.

This term means the Commandant of the Coast Guard.

This term includes any material or mixture having in the container an absolute pressure exceeding 40 p.s.i. at 70° F.; or regardless of the pressure at 70° F., having an absolute pressure exceeding 104 p.s.i. at 130° F.; or any liquid flammable material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 p.s.i. absolute at 100° F. as determined by the Reid method covered by the American Society for Testing Materials Method of Test for Vapor Pressure of Petroleum Products (D-323). Compressed gases are discussed in more detail in 49 CFR parts 171-179.

(a) This term includes those acids, alkaline caustic liquids, and other corrosive liquids which, when in contact with living tissues, will cause severe damage of such tissues, by chemical action; or in case of leakage, will materially damage or destroy other freight by chemical action, or are liable to cause fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals.

(b) A corrosive substance may be:

(1) Solid, such as iodine; or,

(2) Liquid, such as acids, or caustic soda solution; or,

(3) Gaseous, such as chlorine or sulfur dioxide.

This term means a chemical compound or mixture, the primary purpose of which is to function by explosion; i.e., with substantially instantaneous release of gas and heat. Explosives are discussed in more detail in 49 CFR parts 171-179.

This term includes any liquid whose flashpoint, as determined by an open cup tester, is 80° F. or below.

Under this designation shall be included all vessels navigating the Great Lakes.

(a) This section describes those voyages which are considered to be “international voyages” for the purposes of this subchapter.

(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, the term “international voyage” as used in this subchapter shall have the same meaning as that contained in Regulation 2(d), Chapter I of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, i.e., International voyage means a voyage from a country to which the present convention applies to a port outside such country, or conversely.”

(c) The International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, does not apply to vessels “solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and the River St. Lawrence as far east as a straight line drawn from Cap de Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63d Meridian.” Accordingly, such vessels shall not be considered as being on an “international voyage” for the purpose of this subchapter.

(d) In addition, although voyages between the continental United States and Hawaii or Alaska, and voyages between Hawaii and Alaska are not “international voyages” under the provisions of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, such voyages are similar in nature and shall be considered as “international voyages” for the purposes of this subchapter.

This term means the label required by 49 CFR part 172 to be affixed to containers of explosives or other hazardous materials.

Under this designation shall be included all vessels navigating the waters of any of the lakes, bays, or sounds, other than the waters of the Great Lakes.

This term means a gas which, under the charged pressure, is partially liquid at a temperature of 70° F.

This term means any flammable gas having a Reid vapor pressure exceeding 40 p.s.i. which has been liquefied.

These terms mean any person from the civilian or military branch of the Coast Guard assigned under the superintendence and direction of an Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or any other person as may be designated for the performance of duties with respect to the inspections, enforcement, and administration of Subtitle II of Title 46, U.S. Code, Title 46 and Title 33 U.S. Code, and regulations issued under these statutes.

This term means a vessel which is numbered under the provisions of 46 U.S.C. Chapter 123.

Under this designation shall be included all vessels navigating the waters of any ocean, or the Gulf of Mexico more than 20 nautical miles offshore.

The term oceanographic research vessel means a vessel that the Secretary finds is being employed only in instruction in oceanography or limnology, or both, or only in oceanographic or limnological research, including those studies about the sea such as seismic, gravity meter, and magnetic exploration and other marine geophysical or geological surveys, atmospheric research, and biological research.

This term means any person from the civilian or military branch of the Coast Guard designated as such by the Commandant and who, under the superintendence and direction of the Coast Guard District Commander, is in charge of an inspection zone for the performance of duties with respect to the inspections, enforcement, and administration of Subtitle II of Title 46, U.S. Code, Title 46 and Title 33 U.S. Code, and regulations issued under these statutes.

(a) Pilot boarding equipment means a pilot ladder, accomodation ladder, pilot hoist, or combination of them as required by this subchapter.

(b) Point of access means the place on deck of a vessel where a person steps onto or off of pilot boarding equipment.

This phrase means a container having a capacity greater than 110 gallons, which is independent of the vessel's structure.

This term means the American Bureau of Shipping or other classification society recognized by the Commandant.

Under this designation shall be included all vessels whose navigation is restricted to rivers and/or canals exclusively, and to such other waters as may be so designated by the Coast Guard District Commander.

A seagoing barge is a nonself-propelled vessel of at least 100 gross tons making voyages beyond the Boundary Line (as defined in 46 CFR part 7).

This term means equipment installed or carried on board an oceanographic research vessel and not normally required for the operation of a vessel or its machinery or for the navigation of the vessel, and which is used primarily in the gathering of scientific data or samples or in processing, analyzing, preserving, or storing such data or samples.

This term means those spaces on board an oceanographic research vessel used primarily for scientific experimentation or research, and are so identified.

This term means those persons who are aboard an oceanographic research vessel solely for the purpose of engaging in scientific research, or in instructing, or receiving instruction, in oceanography or limnology, and shall not be considered seamen under the provisions of Title 46, United States Code.

This term means any article or substance which is used on board a vessel subject to the appropriate portions of part 147 of Subchapter N (Dangerous Cargoes) of this chapter for the upkeep and maintenance of the vessel; or for the safety or comfort of the vessel, its passengers or crew; or for the operation or navigation of the vessel (except fuel for its own machinery).

This term means any vessel which is not required to have, and does not have, a valid marine document issued by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Where the word “vessel” is used in this subchapter, it shall be considered to include all inspected and certificated oceanographic research vessels as listed in Column 7 of Table 188.05-1(a).

(a) Where in this subchapter it is provided that a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, or equipment, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a vessel, or that any particular provision shall be made or arrangement shall be adopted, the Commandant may accept in substitution therefor any other fitting, material, apparatus, or equipment, or type thereof, or any other arrangement: Provided, That he shall have been satisfied by suitable trials that the fitting, material, appliance, apparatus, or equipment, or type thereof, or the provision or arrangement is at least as effective as that specified in this subchapter.

(b) In any case where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Commandant that the use of any particular equipment, apparatus, or arrangement not specifically required by law is unreasonable or impracticable, the Commandant may permit the use of alternate equipment, apparatus, or arrangement to such an extent and upon such conditions as will insure, to his satisfaction, a degree of safety consistent with the minimum standards set forth in this subchapter.

(a) In order not to inhibit design and application the Commandant may accept vessels of unusual, unique, special, or exotic design, both new and for conversion, after it is shown to his satisfaction that such a vessel is at least as safe as any vessel which meets the standards required by this subchapter.

(a) The marine engineering details shall be in accordance with Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

(a) The electrical engineering details shall be in accordance with subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

All lifesaving appliances and arrangements shall be in accordance with the requirements for special purpose vessels in subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(a) Where in this subchapter an item, or method of construction, or testing is required to meet the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, the current standards in effect at the time of construction of the vessel, or otherwise as applicable, shall be used.

(b) The current standards of other recognized classification societies may also be accepted upon approval by the Commandant.

(a) The standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping are usually published annually and may be purchased from the American Bureau of Shipping, ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060.

(b) These standards may also be examined at the Office of the Commandant (G-MOC), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593-0001, or at the Office of any Coast Guard District Commander or Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(a) Except as noted in this subpart or subpart 189.05 of this part, no vessel subject to inspection and certification shall be operated without a valid certificate of inspection.

(a) The original certificate of inspection shall, in general, be framed under glass or other transparent material and posted in a conspicuous place where it will be most likely to be observed. On other vessels such as barges, where the framing of the certificate under glass would be impracticable, the original certificate of inspection shall be kept on board to be shown on demand.

(a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years. Application may be made by the master, owner, or agent for inspection and issuance of a new certificate of inspection at any time during the period of validity of the current certificate.

(b) Certificates of inspection may be revoked or suspended by the Coast Guard where such process is authorized by law. This may occur if the vessel does not meet the requirements of law or regulations in this chapter or if there is a failure to maintain the safety requirements requisite to the issuance of a certificate of inspection.

(c)(1) In the case of the following vessels, modification of the period of validity of the certificate of inspection will be permitted as set forth in this paragraph:

(i) Non-self-propelled vessels of 100 gross tons and over proceeding on the high seas or ocean for the sole purpose of changing place of employment.

(ii) Non-self-propelled vessels of 100 gross tons and over making rare or infrequent voyages on the high seas or ocean and returning to the port of departure.

(2) The certificate of inspection may be issued for a specific period of time to cover a described situation or for one voyage only but not to exceed 5 years. The certificate of inspection will include the conditions under which the vessel must operate. Unless the vessel is in compliance with this subchapter insofar as it applies to seagoing barges of 100 gross tons and over, such vessel shall not carry any person on board while underway, and the certificate of inspection will be endorsed as an unmanned seagoing barge.

(a) If necessary to prevent delay of the vessel, a temporary certificate of inspection, Form CG-854, shall be issued pending the issuance and delivery of the regular certificate of inspection. Such temporary certificate shall be carried in the same manner as the regular certificate and shall in all ways be considered the same as the regular certificate of inspection which it represents.

(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.

(a) Such permit will only be issued upon the written application of the master, owner, or agent of the vessel.

(a) The permit will state upon its face the conditions under which it is issued.

(a) The permit shall be carried in a manner similar to that described in § 189.01-5 for a certificate of inspection.

In the inspection of hulls, boilers, and machinery of vessels, the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, see part 188, subpart 188.35 of this chapter, respecting material and construction of hulls, boilers, and machinery, and certificate of classification referring thereto, except where otherwise provided for by the rules and regulations in this subchapter, subchapter E (Load Lines), subchapter F (Marine Engineering), subchapter J (Electrical Engineering), and subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter shall be accepted as standard by the inspectors.

(a) The initial inspection is a prerequisite of the issuance of the original certificate of inspection.

(a) The initial inspection will only be made upon the written application of the owner or builder of the vessel to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, on Form CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, at or nearest the port where the vessel is located.

(a) Before application for inspection is made, and before construction is started, the owner or builder shall have plans approved by the Commandant indicating the proposed arrangement and construction of the vessel.

(b) The procedure for submitting plans and the list of plans to be supplied is set forth in subpart 189.55 of this part.

(a) The initial inspection, which may consist of a series of inspections during the construction of a vessel, shall include a complete inspection of the structure, machinery, and equipment, except scientific equipment which does not affect the safety of the vessel or personnel, but including the outside of the vessel's bottom, and the inside and outside of the boilers and unfired pressure vessels. The inspection shall be such as to insure that the arrangements, materials, and scantlings of the structure, boilers and other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, lifesaving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, pollution prevention equipment, and other equipment fully comply with the applicable regulations for such vessel and are in accordance with approved plans, and determine that the vessel is in possession of a valid certificate issued by the Federal Communications Commission, if any. The inspection shall be such as to ensure that the workmanship of all parts of the vessel and its equipment is in all respects satisfactory and that the vessel is provided with lights, means of making sound signals, and distress signals as required by applicable statutes and regulations.

(b) When equipment other than scientific equipment is installed which is not required by the applicable regulations in this subchapter, that equipment shall be inspected and tested as may be required for such equipment by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to assure safety.

(1) The electrical or pressure connections to the ship's supply shall be designed to marine standards and shall be free of personnel hazards.

(2) Scientific equipment will not be inspected but will be examined for external hazards associated with connection to the vessel, dangerous moving parts, extremes in temperature and shock.

The applicable tests and inspections as set forth in subpart 189.25 of this part shall be made at this time. In addition, the following specific tests and inspections shall be made by the marine inspector.

(a) For inspection procedures of lifesaving appliances and arrangements, see subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(b) Installation of carbon dioxide extinguishing piping. See § 193.15-15 of this subchapter.

(c) Marine engineering equipment and systems. See Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

(d) Electrical engineering equipment and systems. See Subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(a) If installed, the marine inspector shall examine the laboratories, storerooms, magazines, vans, and chests to insure that hazards are minimized.

(a) An inspection for certification is a prerequisite of the reissuance of a certificate of inspection.

You must submit a written application for an inspection for certification to the cognizant OCMI. To renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the expiration of the tank vessel's current certificate. You must use Form CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, and submit it to the OCMI at, or nearest to, the port where the vessel is located. 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.

(a) The inspection for certification shall include an inspection of the structure, boilers, and other pressure vessels, machinery, and equipment. The inspection shall be such as to insure that the vessel, as regards the structure, boilers, and other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxilliary machinery, electrical installations, life-saving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, pollution prevention equipment, and other equipment, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the applicable regulations for such vessel, and determine that the vessel is in possession of a valid certificate issued by the Federal Communications Commission, if required. The lights, means of making sound signals, and distress signals carried by the vessel shall also be subject to the above-mentioned inspection for the purpose of ensuring that they comply with the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

(b) When equipment other than scientific equipment is installed which is not required by the applicable regulations in this subchapter, that equipment shall be inspected and tested as may be required for such equipment by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to assure safety.

(1) Scientific equipment and their electrical or pressure connection to the ship's supply and laboratories may be checked to ascertain that they are maintained free of hazards.

For inspection procedures of lifesaving appliances and arrangements, see subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection, and at such other times as considered necessary the inspector shall determine that all fire-extinguishing equipment is in suitable condition and he may require such tests as are considered necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector shall determine if the tests and inspections required by § 196.15-60 of this subchapter have been conducted. At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the inspector shall conduct the following tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment:

(1) All hand portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire-extinguishing systems shall be checked as noted in Table 189.25-20(a)(1). In addition, the hand portable fire-extinguishers and semiportable fire-extinguishing systems shall be examined for excessive corrosion and general condition.

(2) Fixed fire-extinguishing systems shall be checked as noted in Table 189.25-20(a)(2). In addition, all parts of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems shall be examined for excessive corrosion and general conditions.

(3) On all fire-extinguishing systems all piping, controls, valves, and alarms shall be checked to ascertain that the system is in operating condition.

(4) The fire main system shall be operated and the pressure checked at the outlets having the greatest pressure drop between the fire pumps and the nozzles which may not always be the most remote and highest outlets. All firehoses shall be subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure to which they may be subjected in service, but not less than 100 p.s.i.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the inspector shall conduct the following tests and inspections of hull equipment:

(1) All watertight doors shall be operated locally by manual power and also by hydraulic or electric power if so fitted. Where remote control is fitted, the doors shall also be operated by the remote control apparatus.

(2) The remote controls of all valves shall be operated.

(3) An examination of installed weight, handling gear and related shipboard records shall be made to ascertain the condition and suitability of the equipment for the service intended. In conducting this examination the marine inspector shall be guided by the provisions of subpart 189.35. Current valid certificates and registers, issued by a recognized nonprofit organization or association approved by the Commandant, may be accepted as prima facie evidence of the condition and suitability of the weight handling gear. Weight handling gear certificates and registers will not be issued by the Coast Guard.

(a) For inspection procedures of Electrical Engineering equipment and systems, see Subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(a) For inspection procedures of Marine Engineering equipment and systems, see Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector shall examine the vessel to determine that it meets the vessel design and equipment requirements for pollution prevention in 33 CFR part 155, subpart B.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the quarters, toilets, and washing spaces, galleys, serving pantries, lockers, etc., shall be examined by the marine inspector to be assured that they are in a sanitary condition.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector shall examine the tank tops and bilges in the machinery spaces to see that there is no accumulation of oil which might create a fire hazard.

(a) The marine inspector shall inspect every chemistry laboratory, scientific laboratory, and chemical storeroom during each inspection for certification and periodic inspection.

(b) Magazines, vans, and chests shall be inspected during each inspection for certification and periodic inspection.

(a) Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date, except as specified in § 189.27-5.

(b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI 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 § 189.25-10, 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 OCMI.

(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.

(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 OCMI 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 § 189.25-10. The OCMI 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 OCMI.

(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.

To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in §§ 189.27-1 and 189.27-5 respectively, and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.

(a) A survey, either general or partial, according to the circumstances, shall be made every time an accident occurs or a defect is discovered which affects the safety of the vessel or the efficacy or completeness of its lifesaving appliances, firefighting or other equipment, or whenever any important repairs or renewals are made. The survey shall be such as to insure that the necessary repairs or renewals have been effectively made, that the material and the workmanship of such repairs or renewals are in all respects satisfactory, and that the vessel complies in all respects with the regulations in this subchapter.

(a) The requirements of this subpart shall apply to all weight handling gear installed on oceanographic research vessels except weight handling gear designated to handle primary lifesaving equipment. Weight handling gear designated for this use shall meet the applicable portions of Subchapter I (Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels) of this chapter.

(b) Weight handling gear placed under the inspection and testing required for cargo gear by the classification society or cargo gear bureaus recognized in Subchapter I (Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels) of this chapter may be considered as having met the intent of this subpart.

(a) In recognition of the special nature of oceanographic research vessel operations, it is intended that maximum flexibility be given to the owner or operator in complying with the safety requirements for weight handling gear in this subpart. The primary interest of the Coast Guard shall extend to hazards associated with the connections to the vessel, dangerous moving parts, extremes in temperature and shock hazards.

(a) An installation load test and safety assessment shall be conducted by the owner or operator. Section 189.35-13 may be used as a guide for the safety assessment. It shall be the responsibility of the owner or operator to notify the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, of the time and place of the installation tests when occurring in a port of the United States to permit a marine inspector to witness the tests if desired. Subsequent owner or operator conducted tests may be required at the time of the vessel's inspection periods if a visual examination or review of the equipment record reveals evidence of an unsafe condition. Tests should normally consist of exercising the equipment as a unit with a proof load 25 percent in excess of the equipment's normal working load, however manufacturer's design limitations should not be exceeded. Consideration shall be given to the plans of loading when conducting these tests. Braking, safety and limiting devices shall be tested whenever feasible.

(a) Examination of weight handling gear will normally consist of a visual examination with access covers removed. Suitability of the equipment for the service intended will be emphasized. Disassembly of the equipment will be required only when there is evidence of a deficiency or an unsafe condition. Non-destructive tests, such as radiography, ultrasonic, electronic, or other methods may be used if appropriate, however will not be required.

(a) Plans will not normally be required, however depending on the use of the weight handling gear, submission of plans or other technical information may be required by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Unless an unsafe condition is in evidence, vessel operations will not be delayed while plans or other technical information are under review. Plans, when required, shall normally include:

(1) One line electrical diagrams showing appropriate overload protection as currently required by subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(2) Plans showing hydraulic or pneumatic equipment.

(3) Stress and/or arrangement diagrams with supporting design calculations as appropriate to the specific equipment in question.

(b) When weight handling gear is built to a recognized code or specification, plans or other technical data will not normally be required. Purchase specification or vendor's information may be accepted in lieu of design calculations if sufficiently definitive of materials, design (safety) factors and operating limitations.

(c) Design information, when required, will be evaluated against the following minimum design criteria:

(1) Wet Weight Handling Gear: Wet gear shall be considered to consist of gear used to lower equipment, apparatus or objects beneath the surface of the water or for trailing objects, where the wire rope or cable is payed out beneath the surface and becomes part of the line pull at the head sheave or winch drum. Wet gear shall be designed, as a minimum, to withstand and operate in excess of the breaking strength of the strongest section or wire to be used in any condition of loading. The safety factor for all metal structural parts shall be a minimum of 1.5; i.e., the yield strength of the material shall be at least 1.5 times the calculated stresses resulting from application of a load equal to the nominal breaking strength of the strongest section or wire rope to be used. Suitable assumptions for the actual loading conditions shall be used in the design of wet gear. The lead of the wire rope from the head sheave or winch drum shall be considered to vary from the vertical and in azimuth in a manner to represent the most adverse loading condition.

(2) Other weight handling gear will be evaluated on the basis of the standards of a recognized organization or association recognized by the Commandant under § 31.10-6.

(3) Hydraulic or pneumatic systems will be evaluated on the basis of Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

(a) If the above safety requirements defeat the purpose of any particular piece of weight handling gear, consideration will be given to a relaxation of the requirements.

(a) The master of the vessel shall ensure the following:

(1) The gear is properly installed and secure.

(2) Suitable safety guards are installed in way of rotating machinery, hazardous cable runs and at other appropriate locations.

(3) Operating limitations are posted in an appropriate manner.

(4) Only qualified operators are permitted to operate the weight handling gear. The master shall designate the operators.

(5) A minimum number of persons are allowed in the immediate area.

(6) The installation does not violate the approved trim and stability information.

(7) A suitable permanent record is maintained on the equipment as appropriate showing such items as inspections, tests, important repairs and casualties experienced. This record shall be made available to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, upon request.

(b) Prior to a vessel's departure, an entry shall also be made in the official logbook that the ship's weight handling gear is in compliance with the applicable requirements in this subchapter.

(a) Where the installation of weight handling gear requires modifications to the vessel's structure or affects the stability in a manner which cannot be assessed by the information contained in the approved trim and stability information, appropriate plans and information shall be submitted for approval. The installation shall then be inspected by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection for conformance with the approved installation plans and information.

(a) Weight handling gear manufactured prior to March 1, 1968, will be accepted on the basis of appropriate tests and examinations should plans or other technical information not be available.

As used in this 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.

(b) 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.

(c) Underwater survey means the examination, while the vessel is afloat, of all accessible parts of the vessel's underwater body and all through-hull fittings.

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

(1) Vessels that operate in salt water must undergo two drydock and two internal structural examinations within any five year period. No more than three years may elapse between any two examinations.

(2) Vessels that operate in fresh water at least six months in every 12 month period since the last drydock examination must undergo drydock and internal structural examinations at intervals not to exceed five years.

(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 or underwater survey, 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 under paragraph (a) of this section that is less than 15 years of age may be considered for an underwater survey instead of alternate drydock examinations, provided the vessel is fitted with an effective hull protection system. Vessel owners or operators must apply to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, for approval of underwater surveys instead of alternate drydock examinations for each vessel. The application must include the following information:

(1) The procedure to be followed in carrying out the underwater survey.

(2) The location where the underwater survey will be accomplished.

(3) The method to be used to accurately determine the diver location relative to the hull.

(4) The means that will be provided for examining through-hull fittings.

(5) The means that will be provided for taking shaft bearing clearances.

(6) The condition of the vessel, including the anticipated draft of the vessel at the time of the survey.

(7) A description of the hull protection system.

(e) Vessels otherwise qualifying under paragraph (d) of this section, that are 15 years of age or older, may be considered for continued participation in or entry into the underwater survey program on a case-by-case basis if—

(1) Before the vessel's next scheduled drydocking, the owner or operator submits a request for participation or continued participation to Commandant (G-MOC);

(2) During the vessel's next drydocking after the request is submitted, no appreciable hull deterioration is indicated as a result of a complete set of hull gaugings; and

(3) The results of the hull gauging and the results of the Coast Guard drydock examination together with the recommendation of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, are submitted to Commandant (G-MOC) for final approval.

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

(g) The Commandant (G-MOC) may authorize extensions to the examination intervals specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(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, internal structural examination, or underwater survey 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, internal structural examination, or underwater survey or whenever repairs are made to the barge's hull.

(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.

(a) No repairs or alterations affecting the stability or safety of the vessel with regard to the hull, machinery, and equipment shall be made without the knowledge of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) Drawings of alterations shall be approved before work is started unless deemed unnecessary by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(c) Drawings will not be required for repairs in kind.

(d) Notice is not required for repairs or alterations to scientific equipment where the stability or safety of the vessel with regard to the hull and machinery or equipment is not affected.

(a) An inspection, either general or partial depending upon the circumstances, shall be made whenever any important repairs or alterations are undertaken.

(a) The provisions of “Standard for the Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels To Be Repaired,” NFPA No. 306, published by National Fire Protection Association, 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, shall be used as a guide in conducting the inspections and issuance of certificates required by this section.

(b) Until an inspection has been made to determine that such operation can be undertaken with safety, no alterations, repairs, or other such operations involving riveting, burning, welding, or like fire-producing actions shall be made:

(1) Within or on the boundaries of tanks which have been used to carry combustible liquids or chemicals; or,

(2) Within spaces adjacent to tanks which have been used to carry Grade D combustible liquids, except where the distance between such tanks and the work to be performed is not less than twenty-five (25) feet; or,

(3) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks; or,

(4) Within or on the boundaries of tanks carrying Grade B or Grade C flammable liquids or within spaces adjacent to such tanks; or,

(5) To pipelines, heat coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to such fuel tanks.

(c) Such inspections shall be made and evidenced as follows:

(1) In ports or places in the United States or its territories and possessions the inspection shall 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 or their representative shall select a person who, in the case of an individual vessel, shall be authorized to make such inspection. If the inspection indicates that such operations can be undertaken with safety, a certificate setting forth the fact in writing and qualified as may be required, shall be issued by the certified marine chemist or the authorized person before the work is started. Such qualifications shall include any requirements as may be deemed necessary to maintain, insofar as can reasonably be done, the safe conditions in the spaces certified throughout the operation and shall include such additional tests and certifications as considered required. Such qualifications and requirements shall include precautions necessary to eliminate or minimize hazards that may be present from protective coatings or residues from cargoes.

(2) When not in such a port or place, and a marine chemist or such person authorized by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, is not reasonably available, the inspection shall be made by the senior officer in the crew present and a proper entry shall be made in the vessel's logbook.

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

(a) The following list of required plans in § 189.55-5 is general in character, but includes all plans which normally show construction and safety features coming under the cognizance of the Coast Guard. In the case of a particular vessel, all of the plans enumerated may not be applicable and it is intended that only those plans and specifications be submitted as will clearly show the vessel's arrangements, construction and required equipment.

(b) In the following list of required plans in § 189.55-5, the items which must be approved by the American Bureau of Shipping for vessels classed by that organization are indicated by an asterisk. When prints bearing record of such approval by the American Bureau of Shipping are forwarded to the Coast Guard they will in general be accepted as satisfactory except insofar as the law or the Coast Guard regulations contain requirements which are not covered by the American Bureau of Shipping.

(a) General. (1) Specifications.

(2) General arrangement plan of decks, holds, inner bottoms, etc., and including inboard and outboard profile.

(b) Hull structure. 1 (1) *Inner bottom plating and framing.

(2) *Midship section.

(3) *Shell plating and framing.

(4) *Stem, stern frame, and rudder.

(5) *Structural deck plans for strength decks.

(6) *Pillars and girders.

(7) *Watertight and oiltight bulkheads.

(8) *Foundations for main machinery and boilers.

(9) *Arrangement of ports, doors, and airports in shell plating.

(10) *Hatch coamings and covers in weather and watertight decks.

(11) *Details of hinged subdivision watertight doors and operating gear.

(12) *Scuppers and drains penetrating shell plating.

(13) Weight handling gear when required by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as provided for by § 189.35-9.

(c) Subdivision and stability. Plans required by part 170 of this chapter.

(d) Fire control. (1) General arrangement plans showing for each deck the control stations, the various fire sections enclosed by fire resisting bulkheads, the arrangement of the alarm and extinguishing systems, the fire extinguishers, means of access to different compartments and decks and the ventilation system including location of ventilation shutdowns, positions of dampers and the number identifying each system.

(2) Ventilation diagram including dampers and other fire control features.

(3) Details of alarm systems.

(4) Details of extinguishing systems, including fire mains, carbon dioxide, foam and sprinkling systems.

(e) Marine engineering. For plans required for marine engineering equipment and systems. See Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

(f) Electrical engineering. For plans required for electrical engineering, equipment, and systems, see Subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(g) Lifesaving equipment. These plans are to show the location and arrangement of embarkation decks, all overboard discharges and projections in way of launching lifeboats, weights of lifeboats fully equipped and loaded, working loads of davits and winches, types and sizes of falls, the manufacturer's name and identification for all equipment, and all other relevant and necessary information.

(1) Arrangement of lifeboats.

(2) Arrangement of davits.

(3) Location and stowage of liferafts and buoyant apparatus.

(h) Accommodations for crewmembers and scientific personnel. Arrangement plans showing accommodations, ventilation, escapes, hospitals, and sanitary facilities for all crewmembers and scientific personnel.

(i) Magazines and magazine vans. (1) All plans relating to the arrangement, construction, ventilation, and fire protection system for magazines and magazine vans. (The plans required for magazines and magazine vans to be installed or carried on a vessel after the vessel is in operation, are set forth in subpart 195.11 of this subchapter.)

(2) Ventilation and sprinkler system calculations for magazines and magazine vans.

(j) For vessels of 100 meters (328 feet) or more in length contracted for on or after September 7, 1990, a plan must be included which shows how visibility from the navigation bridge will meet the standards contained in § 190.02-15 of this subchapter.

(a) In the event of alterations involving the safety of the vessel, the applicable plans shall be submitted for approval covering the proposed work except as modified by § 189.45-1.

(a) As the relative location of shipyards, design offices, and Coast Guard offices vary throughout the country, no specific routing will be required in the submittal of plans. In general, one of the following procedures would apply, but in a particular case, if a more expeditious procedure can be used, there will be no objection to its adoption.

(1) The plans may be submitted to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in the district in which the vessel is to be built. This procedure will be most expeditious in the case of those offices where personnel and facilities are available for examination and approval of plans locally.

(2) The plans may be submitted by visitors directly to the Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, 1900 Half Street, SW., Suite 1000, Room 525, Washington, DC 20024, or transmitted by mail to: Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center, JR10-0525, 2100 2nd Street, SW., Washington, DC 20593, in a written or electronic format. Information for submitting the VSP electronically can be found at http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/MSC. In this case, the plans will be returned directly to the submitter, with a copy of the action being forwarded to the interested Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(3) In the case of classed vessels, upon specific request by the submitter, the American Bureau of Shipping will arrange to forward the necessary plans to the Coast Guard indicating its action thereon. In this case, the plans will be returned as noted in paragraph (a)(2) of this section.

(a) Three copies of each plan are normally required so that one can be returned to the submitter. If the submitter desires additional approved plans, a suitable number should be submitted to permit the required distribution.

The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all oceanographic research vessels on an international voyage. (See § 188.05-10 of this subchapter.)

(a) All vessels on an international voyage are required to have a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.

(b) All such vessels shall meet the applicable requirements of this chapter for vessels on an international voyage.

Every vessel equipped with a radio installation on an international voyage must have a Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate. Each radio installation must meet the requirements of the Federal Communication Commission and the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea.

(a) A vessel may be exempted by the Commandant from complying with certain requirements of the Convention under his administration upon request made in writing to him and transmitted via the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) When an exemption is granted to a vessel by the Commandant under and in accordance with the Convention, an Exemption Certificate describing such exemption shall be issued through the appropriate Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in addition to other required certificates.

All vessels to which 33 CFR part 96 applies on an international voyage must have a valid Safety Management Certificate and a copy of their company's valid Document of Compliance certificate on board.

The Convention certificates must be on board the vessel and readily available for examination at all times.

(a) The following certificates are valid for a period of not more than 60 months (5 years).

(1) A Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.

(2) A Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate.

(3) A Safety Management Certificate.

(4) A Cargo Ship Safety Radio Certificate.

(b) An Exemption certificate must not be valid for longer than the period of the certificate to which it refers.

(c) A Convention certificate may be withdrawn, revoked, or suspended at any time when it is determined that the vessel is no longer in compliance with applicable requirements. (See § 2.01-70 of this chapter for procedures governing appeals.)

(a) The American Bureau of Shipping, with its home office at ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060, is hereby designated as an organization duly authorized to issue the “Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate” to certain oceanographic research vessels on behalf of the United States of America as provided in Regulation 12, Chapter I, of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, and Executive Order 12234 and the certificate shall be subject to the requirements in this subpart. The American Bureau of Shipping is authorized to place the official seal of the United States of America on the certificate. This designation and delegation to the American Bureau of Shipping shall be in effect until terminated by proper authority and notice of cancellation is published in the Federal Register.

(b) At the option of the owner or agent of a vessel on an international voyage and on direct application to the American Bureau of Shipping, the Bureau may issue to such vessel a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate, having a period of validity of not more than 60 months after ascertaining that the vessel:

(1) Has met the applicable requirements of the Convention; and

(2) Is currently classed by the Bureau and classification requirements have been dealt with to the satisfaction of the Bureau.

(c) When the Bureau determines that a vessel to which it has issued a Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate no longer complies with the Bureau's applicable requirements for classification, the Bureau shall immediately furnish to the Coast Guard all relevant information, which will be used by the Coast Guard to determine whether or not to withdraw, revoke or suspend the Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate.

(a) The provisions of this subpart, with the exception of § 190.01-90, shall apply to all vessels contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Vessels contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, shall meet the requirements of § 190.01-90.

(a) For vessels assigned a load line, see Subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter for special requirements as to strength, closure of openings, etc.

(a) In general, compliance with the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, see subpart 188.35 of this subchapter, will be considered as satisfactory evidence of the structural efficiency of the vessel. However, in special cases, a detailed analysis of the entire structure or some integral part may be made by the Coast Guard to determine the structural requirements.

(a) Special consideration will be given to the structural requirements for small vessels or vessels of an unusual design not contemplated by the rules of the American Bureau of Shipping.

(a) Existing structure previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as it is maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original construction.

(b) Conversions, major alterations, new installations, and replacements, shall meet the applicable specifications in this subpart for new vessels.

Each oceanographic research vessel which is 100 meters (328 feet) or more in length and contracted for on or after September 7, 1990, must meet the following requirements:

(a) The field of vision from the navigation bridge, whether the vessel is in a laden or unladen condition, must be such that:

(1) From the conning position, the view of the sea surface is not obscured forward of the bow by more than the lesser of two ship lengths or 500 meters (1640 feet) from dead ahead to 10 degrees on either side of the vessel. Within this arc of visibility any blind sector caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 5 degrees.

(2) From the conning position, the horizontal field of vision extends over an arc from at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on one side of the vessel, through dead ahead, to at least 22.5 degrees abaft the beam on the other side of the vessel. Blind sectors forward of the beam caused by cargo, cargo gear, or other permanent obstruction must not exceed 10 degrees each, nor total more than 20 degrees, including any blind sector within the arc of visibility described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(3) From each bridge wing, the field of vision extends over an arc from at least 45 degrees on the opposite bow, through dead ahead, to at least dead astern.

(4) From the main steering position, the field of vision extends over an arc from dead ahead to at least 60 degrees on either side of the vessel.

(5) From each bridge wing, the respective side of the vessel is visible forward and aft.

(b) Windows fitted on the navigation bridge must be arranged so that:

(1) Framing between windows is kept to a minimum and is not installed immediately in front of any work station.

(2) Front windows are inclined from the vertical plane, top out, at an angle of not less than 10 degrees and not more than 25 degrees.

(3) The height of the lower edge of the front windows is limited to prevent any obstruction of the forward view previously described in this section.

(4) The height of the upper edge of the front windows allows a forward view of the horizon at the conning position, for a person with a height of eye of 1.8 meters (71 inches), when the vessel is at a forward pitch angle of 20 degrees.

(c) Polarized or tinted windows must not be fitted.

Each vessel must comply with the applicable requirements in Subchapter S of this chapter.

(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels, except as noted otherwise in this subpart.

(b) Non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons shall not be subject to the provisions of this subpart.

(a) The general construction of the vessel shall be such as to minimize fire hazards.

(a) Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler, and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition shall be kept clear of and suitably insulated from any woodwork or other combustible matter.

(a) Chemical storerooms, lamp, paint, and oil lockers and similar compartments shall be constructed of steel or shall be wholly lined with metal.

(a) When a compartment containing the emergency source of electric power, or vital components thereof, adjoins a space containing either the ship's service generators or machinery necessary for the operation of the ship's service generators, all common bulkheads and/or decks shall be protected by approved “structural insulation” or other approved material. This protection shall be such as to be capable of preventing an excessive temperature rise in the space containing the emergency source of electric power, or vital components thereof, for a period of at least 1 hour in the event of fire in the adjoining space. Bulkheads or decks meeting Class A-60 requirements, as defined by § 72.05-10 of Subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) of this chapter, will be considered as meeting the requirements of this paragraph.

(a) The provisions of this section shall apply to all vessels contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Chemical storerooms shall not be located in horizontal proximity to nor below accommodation or safety areas.

(c) Chemical storerooms shall not be located adjacent to the collision bulkhead, nor boundary divisions of the boilerroom, engineroom, galley, or other high fire hazard area.

(d) Chemical laboratories shall not be located adjacent to nor immediately below safety areas. Wherever possible they shall be similarly separated from accomodation spaces and high fire hazard areas such as the galley.

(a) The provisions of this subpart, with the exception of § 190.10-90, shall apply to all vessels other than non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons, contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Vessels contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, shall meet the requirements of § 190.10-90.

(c) Non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons shall not be subject to the provisions of this subpart.

(a) There shall be at least two means of escape from all general areas where the crew or scientific personnel may be quartered or normally employed. At least one of these two means of escape shall be independent of watertight doors and hatches, except for quick acting watertight doors giving final access to weather decks.

(a) The two means of escape shall be as remote as practicable so as to minimize the possibility of one incident blocking both escapes.

(a) Vertical ladders and deck scuttles shall not in general be considered satisfactory as one of the required means of escape. However, where it is demonstrated that the installation of a stairway would be impracticable, a vertical ladder may be used as the second means of escape.

(a) No means shall be provided for locking door giving access to either of the two required means of escape except that crash doors or locking devices, capable of being easily forced in an emergency, may be employed provided a permanent and conspicuous notice to this effect is attached to both sides of the door. This paragraph shall not apply to outside doors to deckhouses where such doors are locked by key only and such key is under the control of one of the vessel's officers.

(a) Stairways shall be of sufficient width having in mind the number of persons having access to such stairs for escape purposes.

(b) All interior stairways, other than those within the machinery spaces, shall have minimum width of 28 inches. The angle of inclination with the horizontal of such stairways shall not exceed 50°.

(c) Special consideration for relief may be given if it is shown to be unreasonable or impracticable to meet the requirements in this section.

(a) Dead end corridors, or the equivalent, more than 40 feet in length shall not be permitted.

(a) In all cases, public spaces having a deck area of over 300 square feet shall have at least two exits. Where practicable, these exits shall give egress to different corridors, rooms, or spaces to minimize the possibility of one incident blocking both exits.

(a) The stairways, corridors, and doors shall be so arranged as to permit a ready and direct access to the various lifeboat and liferaft embarkation areas.

(a) Vertical communication shall be provided between the various weather decks by means of permanent inclined ladders.

(a) Existing arrangements previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original design: Provided, That in no case will a greater departure from the standards of §§ 190.10-5 through 190.10-45 be permitted than presently exists. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as exempting any vessel from having two means of escape from all main compartments where persons on board may be quartered or normally employed.

(a) The provisions of this subpart, with the exception of § 190.15-90, shall apply to all vessels other than non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons, contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Vessels contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, shall meet the requirements of § 190.15-90.

(c) Non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons shall not be subject to the provisions of this subpart.

(a) All enclosed spaces within the vessel shall be properly vented or ventilated. Means shall be provided to close off all vents and ventilators.

(b) Means shall be provided for stopping all fans in ventilation systems serving the chemical laboratories, scientific laboratories, chemical storerooms, and machinery spaces and for closing all doorways, ventilators, and annular spaces around funnels and other openings to such spaces, from outside these spaces, in case of fire.

(c) See §§ 194.15-5 and 194.20-5 of this subchapter for ventilation of chemical laboratories, scientific laboratories, and storerooms.

(a) All living spaces shall be adequately ventilated in a manner suitable to the purpose of the space.

(b) All spaces used as quarters for crewmembers and scientific personnel shall be ventilated by a mechanical system unless it can be shown that a natural system will provide adequate ventilation. By a natural system is meant those spaces so located that the windows, ports, skylights, etc., and doors to passageways can be kept open and thereby provide adequate ventilation under all ordinary conditions of weather.

(a) Existing arrangements previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original design: Provided, That in no case will a greater departure from the standards of §§ 190.15-5 through 190.15-15 be permitted than presently exists.

(a) Except as noted below, the provisions of this subpart apply to all vessels contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Vessels contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, must meet the requirements of § 190.20-90.

(a) The accommodations provided for officers, crew, and scientific personnel on all vessels must be securely constructed, properly lighted, heated, drained, ventilated, equipped, located, arranged, and, where practicable, shall be insulated from undue noise, heat, and odors.

(b) Provided the intent of this subpart is met, consideration may be given by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection to relax the requirements relating to the size and separation of accommodations for scientific personnel.

(a) Crew quarters must not be located farther forward in the vessel than a vertical plane located at 5 percent of the vessel's length abaft the forward side of the stem at the designated summer load water line. However, for vessels in other than ocean or coastwise service, this distance need not exceed 8.5 meters (28 feet). For purpose of this paragraph, the vessel's length shall be as defined in § 43.15-1 of subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter. Unless approved by the Commandant, no section of the deck head of the crew spaces may be below the deepest load line.

(b) There must be no direct communication, except through solid, close fitted doors or hatches between crew spaces and chain lockers, or machinery spaces.

All crew spaces are to be constructed and arranged in a manner suitable to the purpose for which they are intended and so they can be kept in a clean, workable and sanitary condition.

(a) Where practicable, each licensed officer must be provided with a separate stateroom.

(b) Sleeping accommodations for the crew must be divided into rooms, no one of which must berth more than 4 persons.

(c) Each room must be of such size that there are at least 2.78 square meters (30 square feet) of deck area and a volume of at least 5.8 cubic meters (210 cubic feet) for each person accommodated. The clear head room must be not less than 190 centimeters (75 inches). In measuring sleeping accommodations any furnishings contained therein for the use of the occupants are not to be deducted from the total volume or from the deck area.

(d) Each person shall have a separate berth and not more than one berth may be placed above another. The berth must be composed of materials not likely to corrode. The overall size of a berth must not be less than 68 centimeters (27 inches) wide by 190 centimeters (75 inches) long, except by special permission of the Commandant. Where two tiers of berths are fitted, the bottom of the lower berth must not be less than 30 centimeters (12 inches) above the deck. The berths must not be obstructed by pipes, ventilating ducts, or other installations.

(e) A locker must be provided for each person accommodated in a room.

(a) There must be provided at least 1 toilet, 1 washbasin, and 1 shower or bathtub for each 8 members or portion thereof in the crew to be accommodated who do not occupy rooms to which private or semi-private facilities are attached.

(b) The toilet rooms and washrooms must be located convenient to the sleeping quarters of the crew to which they are allotted but must not open directly into such quarters except when they are provided as private or semi-private facilities.

(c) All washbasins, showers, and bathtubs must be equipped with adequate plumbing, including hot and cold running water. All toilets must be installed with adequate plumbing for flushing. Where more than 1 toilet is located in a space or compartment, each toilet must be separated by partitions.

(a) Messrooms must be located as near to the galley as is practicable except where the messroom is equipped with a steam table.

(b) Each messroom must seat the number of persons expected to eat in the messroom at one time.

(a) Except as specifically modified by paragraph (f) of this section, each vessel which in the ordinary course of its trade makes voyages of more than 3 days duration between ports and which carries a crew of 12 or more, must be provided with a hospital space. This space must be situated with regard to the comfort of the sick so that they may receive proper attention in all weather.

(b) The hospital must be suitably separated from other spaces and must be used for the care of the sick and for no other purpose.

(c) The hospital must be fitted with berths in the ratio of 1 berth to every 12 members of the crew or portion thereof who are not berthed in single occupancy rooms, but the number of berths need not exceed 6. Where all single occupancy rooms are provided, the requirement for a separate hospital may be withdrawn, provided that 1 stateroom is fitted with a bunk accessible from both sides.

(d) [Reserved]

(e) The hospital must have a toilet, washbasin, and bathtub or shower conveniently situated. Other necessary suitable equipment such as a clothes locker, a table and a seat must be provided.

(f) On vessels in which the crew is berthed in single occupancy rooms, a hospital space will not be required, provided that 1 room must be designated and fitted with use as a treatment or isolation room. This room must meet the following standards:

(1) The room must be available for immediate medical use; and

(2) A washbasin with hot and cold running water must be installed either in or immediately adjacent to the space and other required sanitary facilities must be conveniently located.

Each vessel shall have—

(a) Sufficient facilities where the crew may wash and dry their own clothes, including at least 1 sink supplied with hot and cold fresh water;

(b) Recreation spaces; and

(c) A space or spaces of adequate size on the open deck to which the crew has access when off duty.

Each berth must have a light.

(a) All manned spaces must be adequately heated and cooled in a manner suitable to the purpose of the space.

(b) Radiators and other heating apparatus must be so placed and shielded, where necessary, to avoid risk of fire, danger or discomfort to the occupants. Pipes leading to radiators or heating apparatus must be insulated where those pipes create a hazard to persons occupying the space.

Provisions must be made to protect the crew quarters against the admission of insects.

Existing structures, arrangements, materials, and facilities previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original construction, provided that in no case will a greater departure from the standards of §§ 190.20-5 through 190.20-55 be permitted than presently exists.

(a) The provisions of this subpart with the exception of § 190.25-90, apply to all vessels contracted for on or after July 1, 1969.

(b) Vessels contracted for prior to July 1, 1969 shall meet the requirements of § 190.25-90.

(a) All vessels shall have efficient guard rails or bulwarks on decks and bridges. The height of rails or bulwarks shall be at least 391/2 inches from the deck. At exposed peripheries of the freeboard and superstructure decks, the rails shall be in at least three courses, including the top. The opening below the lowest course shall not be more than 9 inches. The courses shall not be more than 15 inches apart. In the case of ships with rounded gunwales the guard rail supports shall be placed in the flat of the deck. On other decks and bridges the rails shall be in at least two courses, including the top, approximately evenly spaced. If it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, that the installation of rails of such height will be unreasonable and impracticable, having regard to the business of the vessel, rails of a lesser height or in some cases grab rails may be accepted and inboard rails may be eliminated if the deck is not generally accessible.

(b) Where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Commandant that a vessel is engaged exclusively in voyages of a sheltered nature, the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section may be relaxed.

(a) On vessels in ocean and coastwise service, suitable storm rails shall be installed in all passageways and at the deckhouse sides where persons on board might have normal access. Storm rails shall be installed on both sides of passageways which are 6 feet or more in width.

(a) Suitable hand covers, guards, or rails shall be installed in way of all exposed and dangerous places such as gears, machinery, etc.

(a) Existing structures, arrangements, materials, and facilities previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original construction: Provided, That in no case will a greater departure from the standards of §§ 190.25-5 through 190.25-15 be permitted than presently exists.

(a) The provisions of this part shall apply to all vessels except as specifically noted in this part.

(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a). To enforce any edition other than the one listed in paragraph (b) of this section, notice of the change must be published in the Federal Register and the material made available to the public. All approved material is on file at the Office of the Federal Register, Washington, DC 20408, and at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, and is available from the address indicated in paragraph (b).

(b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this part, and the sections affected is:

(a) The installation of all systems of a marine engineering nature, together with the details of design, construction, and installation, shall be in accordance with the requirements of Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter. Systems of this type include the following:

(a) The installation of all systems of an electrical engineering or interior communication nature, together with the details of design, construction, and installation shall be in accordance with the requirements of Subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter. Systems of this type include the following:

All lifesaving appliances and arrangements shall be in accordance with the requirements for special purpose vessels in subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(a) The provisions of this subpart, with the exception of § 195.07-90, shall apply to all vessels other than unmanned barges, contracted for on or after March 1, 1968.

(b) Vessels other than unmanned barges contracted for prior to March 1, 1968 shall meet the requirements of § 195.07-90.

(a) Vessels in ocean, coastwise, or Great Lakes service shall be fitted with anchors, chains, and hawsers which shall be in general agreement with the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, see subpart 188.35 of part 188 of this subchapter.

(b) In addition to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the following requirements and alternatives also apply:

(1) The American Bureau of Shipping rules relating to anchor equipment are mandatory, not a guide.

(2) Vessels under 200 feet (61 meters) in length and with an American Bureau of Shipping equipment number of less than 150 may be equipped with either:

(i) One anchor of the tabular weight and one-half the tabulated length of anchor chain listed in the applicable standard, or

(ii) Two anchors of one-half the tabular weight with the total length of anchor chain listed in the applicable standard provided both anchors are in a position that allows for ready use at all times and the windlass is capable of heaving in either anchor.

(c) Standards of other recognized classification societies may be used, in lieu of those established by the American Bureau of Shipping, upon approval by the Commandant.

(a) Vessels in lakes, bays, and sounds, or river service shall be fitted with such ground tackle and hawsers as deemed necessary by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, depending upon the size of the vessel and the waters on which it operates.

(a) Vessels contracted for prior to March 1, 1968, shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Existing arrangements, materials, installations, and facilities previously accepted or approved shall be considered satisfactory for the same service so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. If the service of the vessel is changed, the suitability of the equipment will be established by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(2) Minor repairs, alterations and replacements may be permitted to the same standards as the original installations. However, all new installations, major alterations, or major replacements shall meet the applicable requirements in this subpart for new vessels.

(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels.

(a) All scientific equipment shall be designed to good commercial standards for such appliances, where applicable. Their electrical and pressure connections to the ship's supply shall be designed to marine standards.

(b) It shall be the responsibility of the owner to assure that the scientific equipment and their electrical or pressure connections to the ship's supply are maintained in such a manner as to be free of personnel hazards which may be caused by shock, temperature extremes, and moving parts.

(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels.

(a) The provisions in this subpart contain requirements for the design, construction, and stowage of portable vans, or tanks, which may be carried on board vessels. As used in this subpart, portable vans and tanks, are intended to include those temporary structures which may be carried aboard a vessel for a limited period of time and which are not permanently attached to the vessel.

(b) Special consideration may be given to the approval of portable structures which have been used for other purposes prior to proposed use on these vessels.

(c) As used in this subpart, portable vans, magazines, chests, etc., are intended to include those temporary structures which may be carried aboard a vessel for a limited period of time and which are not permanently attached to the vessel. The use, arrangement, and handling of such portable structures shall be approved by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, prior to placement on board the vessel.

(a) The design and material selection shall incorporate consideration of forces and environmental conditions to which the structure, attachments, and attachment points will be exposed.

(b) Steel, aluminum or other substantial material suitable for a marine environment may be used for construction of the basic van box.

(c) Accommodation vans are those intended to provide increased accommodation and related spaces of a temporary nature aboard a vessel. They shall, insofar as is reasonable and practicable, meet the applicable requirements of this subchapter for means of escape, arrangement, interior construction, and electrical installations.

(d) Power vans are those outfitted with electrical power generating machinery or batteries providing electrical power for other vans or to scientific equipment. They shall insofar as is reasonable and practicable meet the applicable requirements of this subchapter for pressure piping, electrical, fire extinguishing and ventilation systems.

(e) Vans for the use or storage of chemical stores as defined in § 194.05-3 of this subchapter shall be constructed and outfitted in accordance with the applicable requirements of this subchapter.

(f) Vans containing scientific equipment are considered as within the definition of § 188.10-67 of this subchapter.

(a) Accommodation, power and chemical stores vans are subject to normal plan submission procedures of subpart 189.55 and to initial construction inspection. They must be inspected at each inspection for certification and periodic inspection.

(b) Vans which have not undergone plan review and initial inspection may be accepted on a single voyage basis by the OCMI provided that they are in good condition and are free of hazards to personnel.

(a) All vans shall be provided with a label plate stating light weight, gross weight, and power requirements where applicable.

(b) For vans subject to inspection label plates shall provide space for the date of initial inspection, the marine inspector's initials, and stamp. Space shall also be provided for the reinspection stamping.

(a) Vans required to be inspected and bearing a current inspection stamp may be accepted for loading and stowage by the master of the vessel who shall insure that the van is in good condition.

(1) Vans containing scientific equipment and nonhazardous stores may be accepted by the master of the vessel subject to his inspection to determine that electrical and pressure connections are in good condition and adequate for the service intended.

(b) The master shall insure that all vans are securely stowed and attached to the vessel to prevent shifting in a seaway. Portable vans to be occupied during the vessel's operation shall be securely attached to the vessel by welding, bolting, or equivalent means.

(c) Vans shall be located with due regard to access and to prevent recirculation of the discharge from the exhaust systems of the vessel.

(d) The loading of vans shall be in accordance with the stability requirements of the vessel.

(e) Prior to a vessel's departure, an entry shall be made in the official logbook for each portable van placed on board that such van and its stowage are in compliance with the applicable requirements in this subchapter.

(a) All portable tanks, whether hazardous or nonhazardous commodities, shall be loaded and stowed in accordance with the stability requirements of the vessel.

(b) Portable tanks for flammable or combustible liquids in bulk (see § 188.05-30(b) of this subchapter) shall not be carried on vessels.

(c) Portable tanks containing other hazardous materials shall be in accordance with the requirements of 49 CFR parts 171-179.

All mechanically propelled vessels of 1,600 gross tons and over in ocean or coastwise service must be fitted with a marine radar system for surface navigation. Facilities for plotting radar readings must be provided on the bridge.

(a) All mechanically propelled vessels of 500 gross tons and over shall be fitted with an efficient electronic deep-sea sounding apparatus and another independent means of obtaining deep-sea soundings, which may be a deep-sea hand lead.

(a) This subpart, except § 195.30-90, applies to each vessel that is contracted for on or after November 23, 1992, and is equipped with any refrigeration unit using—

(1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than 20 cubic feet; or

(2) Fluorocarbons to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than 1000 cubic feet.

(b) Each vessel that is contracted for before November 23, 1992, must satisfy § 195.30-90 if it is equipped with any refrigeration unit using—

(1) Ammonia to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than 20 cubic feet, or

(2) Fluorocarbons to refrigerate any space with a volume of more than 1000 cubic feet.

(a) Each self-contained breathing apparatus must be of the pressure-demand, open-circuit type, approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and have at a minimum a 30-minute air supply, a full facepiece, and a spare charge.

(b) All equipment shall be maintained in an operative condition, and it shall be the responsibility of the master and chief engineer to ascertain that a sufficient number of the crew are familiar with the operation of the equipment.

(a) Each vessel must have a self-contained breathing apparatus for use as protection against gas leaking from a refrigeration unit.

(b) The self-contained breathing apparatus required by paragraph (a) of this section may be one of those required by § 195.35-10.

Vessels contracted for before November 23, 1992, must meet the following requirements:

(a) Each vessel must satisfy §§ 195.30-5 through 195.30-15 concerning the number of items and method of stowage of equipment.

(b) Items of equipment previously approved, but not meeting the applicable specifications set forth in § 195.30-5, may continue in service as long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection; but each item in an installation or a replacement must meet all applicable specifications.

(c) Each respirator must either satisfy § 195.30-5(a) or be a self-contained compressed-air breathing apparatus previously approved by MSHA and NIOSH under part 160, subpart 160.011, of this chapter.

(a) This subpart, except § 195.35-90, applies to each vessel, other than an unmanned barge, contracted for on or after November 23, 1992.

(b) Each vessel, other than an unmanned barge, contracted for before November 23, 1992, must satisfy § 195.35-90.

(c) All unmanned barges are exempt from the requirements in this subpart. However, if any unmanned barge carries a fireman's outfit, the outfit must meet the requirements in this subpart for such outfits aboard manned barges.

(a) All flame safety lamps shall be of an approved type, constructed in accordance with subpart 160.016 of part 160 of Subchapter Q (Specifications) of this chapter.

(b) Each self-contained breathing apparatus must be of the pressure-demand, open-circuit type, approved by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and have at a minimum a 30-minute air supply and a full facepiece.

(c) Flashlights shall be Type II or Type III, constructed and marked in accordance with ASTM F 1014 (incorporated by reference, see § 195.01-3).

(d) All lifelines shall be of steel or bronze wire rope. Steel wire rope shall be either inherently corrosion-resistant, or made so by galvanizing or tinning. Each end shall be fitted with a hook with keeper having throat opening which can be readily slipped over a 5/8-inch bolt. The total length of the lifeline shall be dependent upon the size and arrangement of the vessel, and more than one line may be hooked together to achieve the necessary length. No individual length of lifeline may be less than 50 feet in length. The assembled lifeline shall have a minimum breaking strength of 1,500 pounds.

(e) All equipment shall be maintained in an operative condition, and it shall be the responsibility of the master and chief engineer to ascertain that a sufficient number of the crew are familiar with the operation of the equipment.

(f) Boots and gloves shall be of rubber or other electrically nonconducting material.

(g) The helmet shall provide effective protection against impact.

(h) Protective clothing shall be of material that will protect the skin from the heat of fire and burns from scalding steam. The outer surface shall be water resistant.

(a) Each fireman's outfit must consist of one self-contained breathing apparatus, one lifeline with a belt or a suitable harness, one flashlight, one flame safety lamp, one rigid helmet, boots and gloves, protective clothing, and one fire ax.

(b) Every vessel shall carry at least two fireman's outfits. The fireman's outfits must be stored in widely separated, accessible locations.

(a) Equipment shall be stowed in a convenient, accessible location as determined by the master, for use in case of emergency.

(a) A complete recharge shall be carried for each self-contained breathing apparatus, and a complete set of spare batteries shall be carried for each flashlight. The spares shall be stowed in the same location as the equipment it is to reactivate.

(a) This section applies to each vessel that normally embarks or disembarks a pilot from a pilot boat or other vessel.

(b) Each vessel must have suitable pilot boarding equipment available for use on each side of the vessel. If a vessel has only one set of equipment, the equipment must be capable of being easily transferred to and rigged for use on either side of the vessel.

(c) Pilot boarding equipment must be capable of resting firmly against the vessel's side and be secured so that it is clear from overboard discharges.

(d) Each vessel must have lighting positioned to provide adequate illumination for the pilot boarding equipment and each point of access.

(e) Each vessel must have a point of access that has—

(1) A gateway in the rails or bulwark with adequate handholds; or

(2) Two handhold stanchions and a bulwark ladder that is securely attached to the bulwark rail and deck.

(f) The pilot boarding equipment required by paragraph (b) of this section must include at least one pilot ladder approved under subpart 163.003 of this chapter. Each pilot ladder must be of a single length and capable of extending from the point of access to the water's edge during each condition of loading and trim, with an adverse list of 15°.

(g) Whenever the distance from the water's edge to the point of access is more than 30 feet, access from a pilot ladder to the vessel must be by way of an accommodation ladder or equally safe and convenient means.

(h) Pilot hoists, if used, must be approved under subpart 163.002 of this chapter.

(a) Licensed deck officers are required to acquaint themselves with the latest information published by the Coast Guard and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency regarding aids to navigation. Neglect to do so is evidence of neglect of duty. It is desirable that all vessels have available in the pilothouse for convenient reference at all times a file of the applicable Notice to Mariners.

(b) Weekly Notices to Mariners (Great Lakes Edition) as published by the Commander, 9th Coast Guard District, contains announcements and information on changes in aids to navigation and other marine information affecting the safety of navigation on the Great Lakes. These notices may be obtained free of charge, by making application to Commander, 9th Coast Guard District.

(c) Weekly Notices to Mariners (worldwide coverage) are prepared jointly by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, National Ocean Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard. They include changes in aids to navigation in assembled form for the 1st, 5th, 7th, Greater Antilles Section, 8th, 11th, 13th, 14th, and 17th Coast Guard Districts. Foreign marine information is also included in these notices. These notices are available without charge from the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, U.S. Collector of Customs of the major seaports in the United States and are also on file in the U.S. Consulates where they may be inspected.

As appropriate for the intended voyage, all vessels except barges, and vessels operating exclusively on rivers, must carry adequate and up-to-date—

(a) Charts;

(b) Sailing directions;

(c) Coast pilots;

(d) Light lists;

(e) Notices to mariners;

(f) Tide tables;

(g) Current tables; and

(h) All other nautical publications necessary. 1

The requirements for providing notice and reporting of marine casualties and for retaining voyage records are contained in part 4 of this chapter.

If a stability letter is issued in accordance with the requirements in § 170.120 of this chapter, it must be posted under glass or other suitable transparent material in the pilothouse of the vessel.

The requirements for muster lists, emergency signals, and manning must be in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

For each ocean and coastwise vessel of 1,600 gross tons or over, the following apply:

(a) The following maneuvering information must be prominently displayed in the pilothouse on a fact sheet:

(1) For full and half speed, a turning circle diagram to port and starboard that shows the time and the distance of advance and transfer required to alter the course 90 degrees with maximum rudder angle and constant power settings.

(2) The time and distance to stop the vessel from full and half speed while maintaining approximately the initial heading with minimum application of rudder.

(3) For each vessel with a fixed propeller, a table of shaft revolutions per minute for a representative range of speeds.

(4) For each vessel with a controlable pitch propeller a table of control settings for a representative range of speeds.

(5) For each vessel that is fitted with an auxiliary device to assist in maneuvering, such as a bow thruster, a table of vessel speeds at which the auxiliary device is effective in maneuvering the vessel.

(b) The maneuvering information must be provided in the normal load and normal light condition with normal trim for a particular condition of loading assuming the following—

(1) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea;

(2) No current;

(3) Deep water conditions—water depth twice the vessel's draft or greater; and

(4) Clean hull.

(c) At the bottom of the fact sheet, the following statement must appear:

(d) The information on the fact sheet must be:

(1) Verified six months after the vessel is placed in service; or

(2) Modified six months after the vessel is placed into service and verified within three months thereafter.

(e) The information that appears on the fact sheet may be obtained from:

(1) Trial trip observations;

(2) Model tests;

(3) Analytical calculations;

(4) Simulations;

(5) Information established from another vessel of similar hull form, power, rudder and propeller; or

(6) Any combination of the above.

(f) The requirements for information for fact sheets for specialized craft such as semi-submersibles, hydrofoils, hovercraft and other vessels of unusual design will be specified on a case by case basis.

(a) The unnecessary sounding of the vessel's whistle is prohibited within any harbor limits of the United States.

(a) No person shall flash or cause to be flashed the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light onto the bridge or into the pilothouse of any vessel underway.

(a) Nothing in this part shall exonerate any master or officer in command from the consequences of any neglect to keep a proper lookout or the neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case.

(a) Before making any repairs to boilers or unfired pressure vessels, the Chief Engineer shall submit a report covering the nature of the repairs to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, at or nearest to the U.S. port where the repairs are to be made.

(a) In the event of an accident to a boiler, unfired pressure vessel, or machinery tending to render the further use of the item unsafe until repairs are made, or if by ordinary wear such items become unsafe, a report shall be made by the Chief Engineer immediately to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or if at sea, immediately upon arrival at port.

(a) No repairs or alterations, except in an emergency, shall be made to any lifesaving or fire detecting or extinguishing equipment without advance notice to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. When emergency repairs or alterations have been made, notice shall be given to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as soon as practicable.

(a) If at any time it is necessary to break the seal on a safety valve for any purpose, the Chief Engineer shall advise the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, at the next port of call, giving the reason for breaking the seal and requesting that the valve be examined and adjusted by an inspector.

On all vessels navigating in other than protected waters, where the distance between deckhouses is more than 46 meters (150 feet) a fixed means of facilitating communication between both ends of the vessel, such as a raised fore and aft bridge or side tunnels, must be provided. Previously approved arrangements may be retained so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(a) Provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels.

(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. They shall be used under the supervision and control of designated ship's officers. When carried, such vests shall not be accepted in lieu of any portion of the required number of approved life preservers and shall not be substituted for the approved life preservers required to be worn during drills and emergencies.

(a) The approved buoyant work vests shall be stowed separately from the regular stowage of approved life preservers.

(b) The locations for the stowage of work vests shall be such as not to be easily confused with that for approved life preservers.

(a) Each work vest shall be subject to examination by a marine inspector to determine its serviceability. If found to be satisfactory, it may be continued in service, but shall not be stamped by a marine inspector with a Coast Guard stamp. If a work vest is found not to be in a serviceable condition, then such work vest shall be removed from the vessel. If a work vest is beyond repair, it shall be destroyed or mutilated in the presence of a marine inspector so as to prevent its continued use as a work vest.

(a) In addition to the other requirements in this subpart, commercial hybrid PFD's must be—

(1) Used, stowed, and maintained in accordance with the procedures set out in the manual required for these devices by § 160.077-29 of this chapter and any limitations(s) marked on them; and

(2) Of the same or similar design and have the same method of operation as each other hybrid PFD carried on board.

(a) Except as specifically noted, the provisions of this subpart shall apply to all manned vessels.

(a) The master or person in charge of an oceanographic research vessel that is required by 46 U.S.C. 11301 to have an official logbook may maintain the logbook on form CG-706 or in the owner's format for an official logbook. Such logs must be kept available for a review for a period of 1 year after the date to which the records refer, or for the period of validity of the vessel's current certificate of inspection, whichever is longer. When the voyage is completed, the master or person in charge shall file the logbook with the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) The master or person in charge of a vessel that is not required by 46 U.S.C. 11301 to have an official logbook, shall maintain, on aboard, an unofficial logbook or record in any form desired for the purposes of making entries therein as required by law or regulations in this subchapter. Such logs or records are not filed with the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, but must be kept available for review by a marine inspector for a period of 1 year after the date to which the records refer. Separate records of tests and inspections of fire fighting equipment must be maintained with the vessel's logs for the period of validity of the vessel's certificate of inspection.

(a) All manned vessels shall have permanently exhibited for the guidance of the officer in charge of the vessel, general arrangement plans showing for each deck the various fire retardant bulkheads together with particulars of the fire-detecting, manual alarm and fire extinguishing systems, fire doors, means of ingress to the different compartments, the ventilating systems including the positions of the dampers, the location of the remote means of stopping the fans, and the identification of the fans serving each section.

(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels.

(a) It is the intent of this subpart to provide such markings as are necessary for the guidance of the persons on board in case of an emergency. In any specific case, and particularly on small vessels, where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, that the prescribed markings are unnecessary for the guidance of the persons on board in case of emergency, such markings may be modified or omitted.

(b) In addition to English, notices, directional signs, etc., shall be printed in languages appropriate to the service of the vessel.

(c) Where in this subpart red letters are specified, letters of a contrasting color on a red background will be accepted.

(a) Each general alarm contact maker must be marked in accordance with requirements in Subpchapter J (Electrical Engineering Regulations) of this chapter.

(a) All general alarm bells shall be identified by red lettering at least 1/2 inch high: “GENERAL ALARM—WHEN BELL RINGS GO TO YOUR STATION.”

(a) The branch line valves of all fire extinguishing systems shall be plainly and permanently marked indicating the spaces served.

(a) The control cabinets or spaces containing valves or manifolds for the various fire extinguishing systems shall be distinctly marked in conspicuous red letters at least 2 inches high: “CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE APPARATUS,” or “FOAM FIRE APPARATUS,” etc., as the case may be.

(a) Each fire hydrant shall be identified in red letters and figures at least 2 inches high “FIRE STATION NO. 1”, “2”, “3”, etc. Where the hose is not stowed in the open or behind glass so as to be readily seen, this identification shall be so placed as to be readily seen from a distance.

(a) Lockers or spaces containing self-contained breathing apparatus shall be marked “SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS”.

(a) Each hand portable fire extinguisher shall be marked with a number and the location where stowed shall be marked with a corresponding number at least 1/2 inch high. Where only one type and size of hand portable fire extinguisher is carried, the numbering may be omitted.

(a) All emergency lights shall be marked with a letter “E” at least 1/2 inch high.

(a) Instructions in at least 1/2 inch letters and figures shall be posted in the steering engineroom, relating in order, the different steps to be taken in changing to the emergency steering gear. Each clutch, gear, wheel, lever, valve, or switch which is used during the changeover shall be numbered or lettered on a metal plate or painted so that the markings can be recognized at a reasonable distance. The instructions shall indicate each clutch or pin to be “in” or “out” and each valve or switch which is to be “opened” or “closed” in shifting to any means of steering for which the vessel is equipped. Instructions shall be included to line up all steering wheels and rudder amidship before changing gears.

(a) At all steering stations, there shall be installed a suitable notice on the wheel or device or in such other position as to be directly in the helmsman's line of vision, to indicate the direction in which the wheel or device must be turned for “right rudder” and for “left rudder”.

Lifesaving appliances, instructions to passengers, and stowage locations must be marked in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(a) Portable magazine chests shall be marked in letters at least 3 inches high:

(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels except as specifically noted.

Vessels shall be marked as required by parts 67 and 69 of this chapter.

(a) All vessels must have draft marks plainly and legibly visible upon the stem and upon the sternpost or rudderpost or at any place at the stern of the vessel as may be necessary for easy observance. The bottom of each mark must indicate the draft.

(b) The draft must be taken from the bottom of the keel to the surface of the water at the location of the marks.

(c) In cases where the keel does not extend forward or aft to the location of the draft marks, due to raked stem, or cutaway skeg, the datum line from which the draft shall be taken shall be obtained by projecting the line of the bottom of keel forward, or aft, as the case may be, to the location of the draft marks.

(d) In cases where a vessel may have a skeg or other appendage extending locally below the line of the keel, the draft at the end of the vessel adjacent to such appendage shall be measured to a line tangent to the lowest part of such appendage and parallel to the line of the bottom of the keel.

(e) Draft marks must be separated so that the projections of the marks onto a vertical plane are of uniform height equal to the vertical spacing between consecutive marks.

(f) Draft marks must be painted in contrasting color to the hull.

(g) In cases where draft marks are obscured due to operational constraints or by protrusions, the vessel must be fitted with a reliable draft indicating system from which the bow and stern drafts can be determined.

(a) Vessels assigned a load line shall have the deck line and the load line marks permanently marked or embossed as required by Subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter.

The provisions of this subpart apply to all vessels on an international voyage, and all other vessels of 150 gross tons or over in ocean, coastwise, or Great Lakes service.

On all vessels to which this subpart applies there must be readily available to the deck officer of the watch a placard containing instructions for the use of the lifesaving signals set forth in regulation 16, chapter V, of the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea, 1974. These signals must be used by vessels or persons in distress when communicating with lifesaving stations and maritime rescue units.

(a) It shall be the duty of the master and the engineer in charge of the boilers of any vessel to require that a steam pressure is not carried in excess of that allowed by the certificate of inspection and to require that the safety valves, once set and sealed by the inspector, are in no way tampered with or made inoperative except as provided in § 196.30-20.

All licensed officers on a vessel shall have their licenses conspicuously displayed.

(a) It shall be the responsibility of the master to have prepared, signed, and prominently posted in conspicuous locations, operating procedures, plans, and safety precautions for all operations involving the use of explosives.

(b) The operating procedures referred to in paragraph (a) of this section shall include and set forth the special duties and stations of appropriate qualified persons for various operations involving the use of explosives. Assignment of such persons shall be commensurate with their experience and training.

(c) A copy of the operating procedures, plans and safety precautions required by paragraph (a) of this section and all subsequent changes or revisions shall be forwarded to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, issuing the certificate of inspection for review.

(a) Keys to magazine spaces and magazine chests shall be kept in the sole control or custody of the Master or one delegated qualified person at all times. Test fittings for magazine sprinkler systems shall be kept in a locked cabinet under the custody of the Master.

(b) Whenever explosives are stored in magazines and magazine chests they shall be inspected daily. Magazine inspection results and corrective action, when taken, shall be noted in the ship's log daily. Maximum and minimum temperatures for the previous 24-hour period shall be recorded in the ship's log along with general magazine condition and corrective action taken when necessary.

(c) The magazine sprinkler controls shall be tested monthly. Test results and all corrective actions taken shall be recorded in the ship's log.

(d) The Master shall limit access to the magazines, or the contents thereof, to persons who can document 3 months on board ship training in the use of explosives. This shall not be construed as prohibiting access to the Master or others designated by the Master.

(a) The master shall ensure that pilot boarding equipment is maintained as follows:

(1) The equipment must be kept clean and in good working order.

(2) Each damaged step or spreader step on a pilot ladder must be replaced in kind with an approved replacement step or spreader step, prior to further use of the ladder. The replacement step or spreader step must be secured by the method used in the original construction of the ladder, and in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

(b) The master shall ensure compliance with the following during pilot boarding operations:

(1) Only approved pilot boarding equipment may be used.

(2) The pilot boarding equipment must rest firmly against the hull of the vessel and be clear of overboard discharges.

(3) Two man ropes, a safety line and an approved lifebuoy with an approved water light must be at the point of access and be immediately available for use during boarding operations.

(4) Rigging of the equipment and embarkation/debarkation of a pilot must be supervised in person by a deck officer.

(5) Both the equipment over the side and the point of access must be adequately lit during the night operations.

(6) If a pilot hoist is used, a pilot ladder must be kept on deck adjacent to the hoist and available for immediate use.