[Title 46 CFR 61]
[Code of Federal Regulations (annual edition) - October 1, 2006 Edition]
[Title 46 - SHIPPING]
[Chapter I - COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)]
[Subchapter F - MARINE ENGINEERING]
[Part 61 - PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


46SHIPPING22006-10-012006-10-01falsePERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS61PART 61SHIPPINGCOAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)MARINE ENGINEERING
PART 61_PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS--Table of Contents




                          Subpart 61.01_General

Sec.
61.01-1 Scope.

[[Page 287]]

                Subpart 61.03_Incorporation of Standards

61.03-1 Incorporation by reference.

             Subpart 61.05_Tests and Inspections of Boilers

61.05-1 Scope.
61.05-5 Preparation of boilers for inspection and test.
61.05-10 Boilers in service.
61.05-15 Boiler mountings and attachments.
61.05-20 Boiler safety valves.

         Subpart 61.10_Tests and Inspections of Pressure Vessels

61.10-1 Scope.
61.10-5 Pressure vessels in service.

             Subpart 61.15_Periodic Tests of Piping Systems

61.15-1 Scope.
61.15-5 Steam piping.
61.15-10 Liquefied petroleum gas piping for heating and cooking.
61.15-12 Nonmetallic expansion joints.
61.15-15 Other piping.

         Subpart 61.20_Periodic Tests of Machinery and Equipment

61.20-1 Steering gear.
61.20-3 Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, including 
          fluid control systems.
61.20-5 Drydock examination.
61.20-15 Tailshaft examination.
61.20-17 Examination intervals.
61.20-18 Examination requirements.
61.20-21 Extension of examination interval.
61.20-23 Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

   Subpart 61.30_Tests and Inspections of Fired Thermal Fluid Heaters

61.30-1 Scope.
61.30-5 Preparation of thermal fluid heater for inspection and test.
61.30-10 Hydrostatic test.
61.30-15 Visual inspection.
61.30-20 Automatic control and safety tests.

  Subpart 61.35_Design Verification and Periodic Testing for Automatic 
                            Auxiliary Boilers

61.35-1 General.
61.35-3 Required tests and checks.

 Subpart 61.40_Design Verification and Periodic Testing of Vital System 
                               Automation

61.40-1 General.
61.40-3 Design verification testing.
61.40-6 Periodic safety tests.
61.40-10 Test procedure details.

    Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3307, 3703; E.O. 
12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland 
Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

    Source: CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, unless otherwise 
noted.



                          Subpart 61.01_General



Sec. 61.01-1  Scope.

    (a) Periodic tests and inspection shall be made of the main and 
auxiliary machinery, boilers, and other equipment as prescribed in this 
part.
    (b) The inspections and tests shall insure that the equipment and 
associated structure are in satisfactory operating conditions and fit 
for the service for which they are intended.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 95-012, 60 FR 
48050, Sept. 18, 1995]



                Subpart 61.03_Incorporation of Standards



Sec. 61.03-1  Incorporation by reference.

    (a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part 
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 
552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that 
specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must publish 
a notice of change in the Federal Register and the material must be 
available to the public. All approved material is available for 
inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering 
Standards (G-MSE), 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001 and 
is available from the sources indicated in paragraph (b) of this section 
or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For 
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-
6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal--register/code--of--
federal--regulations/ibr--locations.html.
    (b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this 
part and the sections affected are as follows:


[[Page 288]]



            American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959.
ASTM D 665-98, Standard Test Method for Rust-Preventing Characteristics 
of Inhibited Mineral Oil in the Presence of Water...............61.20-17

[CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996, as amended by CGD 96-041, 61 FR 
50728, Sept. 27, 1996; 97-057, 62 FR 51044, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-1999-
6216, 64 FR 53225, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-1999-5151, 64 FR 67180, Dec. 1, 
1999]



             Subpart 61.05_Tests and Inspections of Boilers



Sec. 61.05-1  Scope.

    The term boiler as used in this subpart includes power boilers 
subject to part 52 and heating boilers subject to part 53 of this 
subchapter.

[CGD 80-064, 49 FR 32193, Aug. 13, 1984]



Sec. 61.05-5  Preparation of boilers for inspection and test.

    (a) For internal inspection, manhole and handhold plates, and 
washout plugs shall be removed as required by the marine inspector and 
the furnace and combustion chambers shall be thoroughly cooled and 
cleaned. Portable obstructions shall be removed as necessary for proper 
access.
    (b) In preparing the boilers for the hydrostatic test, they shall be 
filled with water at not less than 70 [deg]F. and not more than 160 
[deg]F. for watertube boilers, and not more than 100 [deg]F. for 
firetube boilers. The safety valves shall be secured by means of gags or 
clamps.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 95-027, 61 FR 
26001, May 23, 1996]



Sec. 61.05-10  Boilers in service.

    (a) Each boiler, including superheater, reheater, economizer, 
auxiliary boiler, low-pressure heating boiler, and unfired steam boiler, 
must be available for examination by the marine inspector at intervals 
specified by Table 61.05-10, and more often if necessary, to determine 
that the complete unit is in a safe and satisfactory condition. When a 
hydrostatic test is required, the marine inspector may examine all 
accessible parts of the boiler while it is under pressure.
    (b) The owner, master, or person in charge of the vessel shall give 
ample notice to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, so 
that a marine inspector may witness the tests and make the required 
inspections.
    (c) Firetube boilers which cannot be entered or which cannot be 
satisfactorily examined internally, all boilers of lap seam construction 
and all boilers to which extensive repairs have been made or the 
strength of which the marine inspector has any reason to question, shall 
be subjected to a hydrostatic test of 1\1/2\ times the maximum allowable 
working pressure. All other boilers shall be subjected to a hydrostatic 
test of 1\1/4\ times the maximum allowable working pressure.
    (d) In applying hydrostatic pressure to boilers, arrangements shall 
be made to prevent main and auxiliary stop valves from being 
simultaneously subjected to the hydrostatic pressure on one side and 
steam pressure on the other side.
    (e) If the marine inspector has reason to believe that the boiler 
has deteriorated to any appreciable extent under the bottom where it 
rests on saddles or foundations, he shall cause the boiler to be lifted 
to such position that it can be thoroughly examined, provided the 
examination cannot be made otherwise.
    (f) The marine inspector may require any boiler to be drilled or 
gaged to determine actual thickness any time its safety is in doubt. At 
the first inspection for certification after a firetube or flue boiler 
has been installed for 10 years, it shall be gaged to determine the 
extent of deterioration. Thickness will be measured at or near the 
waterline, at the bottom and at such other places deemed necessary by 
the marine inspector. Examination may be by drilling or a nondestructive 
means acceptable to the marine inspector. Prior to the use of a 
nondestructive method of examination, the user shall demonstrate to the 
marine inspector that results having an accuracy within plus or minus 5 
percent are consistently obtainable when using specimens similar to 
those to be examined on the boiler.
    (g) If the thickness is found to be less than the original thickness 
upon which

[[Page 289]]

the maximum allowable working pressure was based, it shall be 
recalculated. The thickness of the thinnest measured portion shall be 
used in this calculation. Either the design formulas given in this 
subchapter or the ones in effect when the boiler was contracted for or 
built may normally be used in this recalculation. In no case will an 
increase in the pressure allowed be made.

                            Table 61.05-10--Inspection Intervals for Boilers \1,2,3\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                             Firetube                      Any
                                                            boiler = 150     boiler      boiler for  boiler < 150
                                                                psi                     propulsion       psi
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hydro Test:
    Passenger Vessel.....................................           2.5           2.5            1           2.5
    Other Vessel.........................................           2.5           5              1           5
Fireside Inspection......................................           1             2.5            1           2.5
Waterside Inspection.....................................           1             2.5            1           2.5
Boiler Safety-Valve Test.................................           1             2.5            1           1
Valves Inspection........................................           5             5              5           5
Studs and Bolts Inspection...............................          10            10             10          10
Mountings Inspection.....................................          10            10             10          10
Steam Gauge Test.........................................           2.5           2.5          2.5           2.5
Fusible Plug Inspection..................................           2.5  ............          2.5           2.5 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ All intervals are in years.
\2\ Where the 2.5-year interval is indicated: two tests or inspections must occur within any five-year period,
  and no more than three years may elapse between any test or inspection and its immediate predecessor.
\3\ Intervals for hybrid boilers are the same as for firetube boilers.


[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 80-064, 49 FR 
32193, Aug. 13, 1984; CGD 83-043, 60 FR 24781, May 10, 1995; USCG-1999-
4976, 65 FR 6500, Feb. 9, 2000]



Sec. 61.05-15  Boiler mountings and attachments.

    (a) Each valve shall be opened and examined by the marine inspector 
at the interval specified in Table 61.05-10.
    (b) Each stud or bolt for each boiler mounting that paragraph (c) of 
this section requires to be removed may be examined by the marine 
inspector.
    (c)(1) Each boiler mounting may be removed from the boiler and be 
examined by the marine inspector at the interval specified by Table 
61.05-10 when any of the following conditions exist:
    (2) Where boiler mountings or valves are attached to boiler nozzles 
and a satisfactory internal examination of these mountings or valves and 
their attaching studs, bolts, or other means of attachment, can be 
performed by opening up the valves, such mountings or valves need not be 
removed from the boiler unless in the opinion of the Officer in Charge, 
Marine Inspection, such action is necessary.
    (d) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, may require the 
examinations prescribed in this section to be made at more frequent 
intervals, if in his opinion such action is necessary to be assured of 
the safety of the boiler and its attachments.
    (e) Water columns, gage glasses, and gage cocks shall be examined to 
determine that they are in satisfactory working order.
    (f) Each steam gauge for a boiler or a main steam line may be 
examined and checked for accuracy by the marine inspector at the 
interval specified by Table 61.05-10.
    (g) Each fusible plug may be examined by the marine inspector at the 
interval specified by Table 61.05-10.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 
FR 9980, June 17, 1970; CGD 83-043, 60 FR 24782, May 10, 1995]



Sec. 61.05-20  Boiler safety valves.

    Each safety valve for a drum, superheater, or reheater of a boiler 
shall be tested at the interval specified by table 61.05-10.

[CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51202, Sept. 30, 1997]

[[Page 290]]



         Subpart 61.10_Tests and Inspections of Pressure Vessels



Sec. 61.10-1  Scope.

    All pressure vessels aboard ships, mobile offshore drilling units, 
and barges are subject to periodic inspection.

[CGD 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 73-251, 43 FR 
56801, Dec. 4, 1978; CGD 95-012, 60 FR 48050, Sept. 18, 1995]



Sec. 61.10-5  Pressure vessels in service.

    (a) Basic requirements. Each pressure vessel must be examined or 
tested every 5 years. The extent of the test or examination should be 
that necessary to determine that the pressure vessel's condition is 
satisfactory and that the pressure vessel is fit for the service 
intended.
    (b) Internal and external tests and inspections. (1) Each pressure 
vessel listed on the Certificate of Inspection must be thoroughly 
examined externally every 5 years.
    (2) In addition, each pressure vessel listed on the Certificate of 
Inspection that is fitted with a manhole or other inspection opening so 
it can be satisfactorily examined internally, must be opened for 
internal examination every 5 years.
    (3) No pressure vessel need be hydrostatically tested except when a 
defect is found that, in the marine inspector's opinion, may affect the 
safety of the pressure vessel. In this case, the pressure vessel should 
be hydrostatically tested at a pressure of 1\1/2\ times the maximum 
allowable working pressure.
    (c) Special purpose vessels. (1) If your vessel's Certificate of 
Inspection is renewed annually, the following must be examined under 
operating conditions at each inspection for certification: all tubular 
heat exchangers, hydraulic accumulators, and all pressure vessels used 
in refrigeration service.
    (2) If your vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed less often 
than annually, the following must be examined under operating conditions 
twice every 5 years: all tubular heat exchangers, hydraulic 
accumulators, and all pressure vessels used in refrigeration service.
    (3) No more than 3 years may elapse between any examination and its 
immediate predecessor.
    (d) Hydrostatic tests under pressure. Each pressure vessel, other 
than one exempted by this section, must be subjected to a hydrostatic 
test at a pressure of 1\1/4\ times the maximum allowable working 
pressure twice within any five-year period, except that no more than 
three years may elapse between any test and its immediate predecessor.
    (e) Exemptions from hydrostatic tests. The following pressure 
vessels will not normally be subjected to a hydrostatic test:
    (1) Tubular heat exchangers.
    (2) Pressure vessels used in refrigeration service.
    (3) Hydraulic accumulators.
    (4) Pressure vessels which have been satisfactorily examined 
internally by a marine inspector and in which no defects have been found 
which impair the safety of the pressure vessel.
    (5) Pressure vessels which were initially pneumatically tested in 
accordance with part 54 of this subchapter.
    (6) Pressure vessels not stamped with the Coast Guard Symbol.
    (f) Compressed gas or hazardous liquid pressure vessel tests. Cargo 
tanks of pressure vessel configuration containing liquefied, compressed 
gases or hazardous liquids must be inspected and tested as required by 
the applicable regulations published in subchapter D or subchapter I of 
this chapter.
    (g) Bulk storage tanks. Each bulk storage tank containing 
refrigerated liquefied CO2 for use aboard a vessel as a fire-
extinguishing agent shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test of 1\1/2\ 
times the maximum allowable working pressure in the tenth year of the 
installation and at ten-year intervals thereafter. After the test, the 
tank should be drained and an internal examination made. Parts of the 
jacket and lagging on the underside of the tank designated by the marine 
inspector must be removed at the time of the test so the marine 
inspector may determine the external condition of the tank.
    (h) Pneumatic tests. (1) Pressure vessels that were pneumatically 
tested before being stamped with the Coast

[[Page 291]]

Guard Symbol must be examined internally twice every 5 years and 
examined externally at each Inspection for Certification. No more than 3 
years may elapse between any external examination and its immediate 
predecessor.
    (2) For tanks whose design precludes a thorough internal or external 
examination, the thickness must be determined by a nondestructive method 
acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
    (3) If (due to the product carried) your vessel's inspection 
intervals are prescribed in subchapter D (Tank Vessels), subchapter I 
(Cargo and Miscellaneous Vessels), or subchapter I-A (Mobile Offshore 
Drilling Units), you must comply with the pneumatic test regulations 
there, instead of the ones in this section.
    (i) Safety or relief valves on pressure vessels. (1) If your 
vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed annually, the marine 
inspector must check the settings of the safety or relief valves on all 
pressure vessels, except cargo tanks, at each inspection for 
certification.
    (2) If your vessel's Certificate of Inspection is renewed less often 
than annually, the marine inspector must check the settings of the 
safety or relief valves on all pressure vessels, except cargo tanks, 
twice every 5 years. No more than 3 years may elapse between any check 
and its immediate predecessor.
    (3) Cargo tank safety or relief valves must be checked at the 
interval required in subchapter D (Tank Vessels) or subchapter I (Cargo 
and Miscellaneous Vessels) of this chapter.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGFR 69-127, 35 
FR 9980, June 17, 1970; CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56801, Dec. 4, 1978; CGD 77-
147, 47 FR 21811, May 20, 1982; CGD 86-033, 53 FR 36024, Sept. 16, 1988; 
CGD 83-043, 60 FR 24782, May 10, 1995; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51202, Sept. 
30, 1997; USCG-1999-6216, 64 FR 53225, Oct. 1, 1999; USCG-1999-4976, 65 
FR 6500, Feb. 9, 2000]



             Subpart 61.15_Periodic Tests of Piping Systems



Sec. 61.15-1  Scope.

    In conducting hydrostatic tests on piping, the required test 
pressure shall be maintained for a sufficient length of time to permit 
an inspection to be made of all joints and connections. The setting of 
the relief valve or safety valve will be considered as establishing the 
maximum allowable working pressure of the system.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 95-012, 60 FR 
48050, Sept. 18, 1995]



Sec. 61.15-5  Steam piping.

    (a) Main steam piping shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test equal 
to 1\1/4\ times the maximum allowable working pressure at the same 
periods prescribed for boilers in Sec. 61.05-10. The hydrostatic test 
shall be applied from the boiler drum to the throttle valve. If the 
covering of the piping is not removed, the test pressure shall be 
maintained on the piping for a period of ten minutes. If any evidence of 
moisture or leakage is detected, the covering shall be removed and the 
piping thoroughly examined.
    (b) All steam piping subject to pressure from the main boiler should 
be subjected to a hydrostatic test at a pressure of 1\1/4\ times the 
maximum allowable working pressure of the boiler after every five years 
of service except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (a) of this 
section. Unless the covering of the piping is removed, the test pressure 
must be maintained on the piping for ten minutes. If any evidence of 
moisture or leakage is detected, the covering should be removed and the 
piping thoroughly examined. No piping with a nominal size of 3 inches or 
less need be hydrostatically tested.
    (c) The setting of safety and relief valves installed in piping 
systems shall be checked by the marine inspector at each inspection for 
certification for vessels whose Certificates of Inspection are renewed 
each year. For other vessels, the setting must be checked twice within 
any 5-year period, and no more than 3 years may elapse between any check 
and its immediate predecessor.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 73-248, 39 FR 
30839, Aug. 26, 1974; CGD 83-043, 60 FR 24782, May 10, 1995; USCG-1999-
4976, 65 FR 6500, Feb. 9, 2000]

[[Page 292]]



Sec. 61.15-10  Liquefied petroleum gas piping for heating and cooking.

    (a) Leak tests as described in paragraph (b) of this section shall 
be conducted at least once each month, at each inspection for 
certification, and at each periodic inspection. The tests required at 
monthly intervals shall be conducted by a licensed officer of the vessel 
or qualified personnel acceptable to the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection. The owner, master, or person in charge of the vessel shall 
keep records of such tests showing the dates when performed and the 
name(s) of the person(s) and/or company conducting the tests. Such 
records shall be made available to the marine inspector upon request and 
shall be kept for the period of validity of the vessel's current 
certificate of inspection. Where practicable, these records should be 
kept in or with the vessel's logbook.
    (b) Test system for leakage in accordance with the following 
procedure: With appliance valve closed, the master shutoff valve on the 
appliance open, and with one cylinder valve open, not pressure in gage. 
Close cylinder valve. The pressure should remain constant for at least 
10 minutes. If the pressure drops, locate leakage by application of 
liquid detergent or soapy water solution at all connections. Never use 
flame to check for leaks. Repeat test for each cylinder in a 
multicylinder system.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 
65 FR 6500, Feb. 9, 2000]



Sec. 61.15-12  Nonmetallic expansion joints.

    (a) Nonmetallic expansion joints must be examined externally at each 
inspection for certification and periodic inspection for signs of 
excessive wear, fatigue, deterioration, physical damage, misalignment, 
improper flange-to-flange spacing, and leakage. A complete internal 
examination must be conducted when an external examination reveals 
excessive wear or other signs of deterioration or damage.
    (b) A nonmetallic expansion joint must be replaced 10 years after it 
has been placed into service if it is located in a system which 
penetrates the side of the vessel and both the penetration and the 
nonmetallic expansion joint are located below the deepest load 
waterline. The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection may grant an 
extension of the ten year replacement to coincide with the vessel's next 
drydocking.

[CGD 77-140, 54 FR 40615, Oct. 2, 1989, as amended by CGD 95-028, 62 FR 
51202, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6501, Feb. 9, 2000]



Sec. 61.15-15  Other piping.

    (a) All other piping systems shall be examined under working 
conditions as required by the marine inspector.



         Subpart 61.20_Periodic Tests of Machinery and Equipment



Sec. 61.20-1  Steering gear.

    (a) The marine inspector must inspect the steering gear at each 
inspection for certification for vessels whose Certificate of 
Inspections are renewed each year. For other vessels, the marine 
inspector must inspect the steering gear twice within a 5-year period, 
and no more than 3 years may elapse between any inspection and its 
immediate predecessor. The marine inspector may inspect the steering 
gear more often, if necessary.
    (b) All devices employed in the change-over from automatic to manual 
operation shall be examined and tested.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 
65 FR 6501, Feb. 9, 2000]



Sec. 61.20-3  Main and auxiliary machinery and associated equipment, 
including fluid control systems.

    (a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the 
marine inspector shall conduct such tests and inspections of the main 
propulsion and auxiliary machinery and of its associated equipment, 
including the fluid control systems, as he feels necessary to check safe 
operation.
    (b) Remote control for the means of stopping machinery driving 
forced and induced draft fans, fuel oil transfer pumps, fuel oil unit 
pumps, and fans in

[[Page 293]]

the ventilation systems serving machinery and cargo spaces shall be 
tested at each regular inspection for certification and periodic 
inspection.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 
65 FR 6501, Feb. 9, 2000]



Sec. 61.20-5  Drydock examination.

    (a) When any vessel is drydocked, examination shall be made of the 
propeller, stern bushing, sea connection, and fastenings if deemed 
necessary by the marine inspector.
    (b) Sea chests, sea valves, sea strainers, and valves for the 
emergency bilge suction shall be opened up for examination every 5 years 
at the time of drydocking.

[CGFR 68-82, 33 FR 18890, Dec. 18, 1968, as amended by CGD 84-024, 53 FR 
32231, Aug. 24, 1988; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51202, Sept. 30, 1997]



Sec. 61.20-15  Tailshaft examination.

    The rules in Sec. Sec. 61.20-15 through 61.20-23 apply only to 
vessels in ocean and coastwise service. Each examination, inspection and 
test prescribed by these sections must be conducted in the presence of a 
marine inspector.

[CGD 78-153, 45 FR 52388, Aug. 7, 1980]



Sec. 61.20-17  Examination intervals.

    (a) A lubricant that demonstrates the corrosion inhibiting 
properties of oil when tested in accordance with ASTM D 665 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 61.03-1) is considered to be 
equivalent to oil for the purposes of the tailshaft examination 
interval.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) through (f) of this 
section, each tailshaft on a vessel must be examined twice within any 5 
year period. No more than 3 years may elapse between any 2 tailshaft 
examinations.
    (c) Tailshafts on vessels fitted with multiple shafts must be 
examined once every 5 years.
    (d) Tailshafts with inaccessible portions fabricated of materials 
resistant to corrosion by sea water, or fitted with a continuous liner 
or a sealing gland which prevents sea water from contacting the shaft, 
must be examined once every 5 years if they are constructed or fitted 
with a taper, keyway, and propeller designed in accordance with the 
American Bureau of Shipping standards to reduce stress concentrations or 
are fitted with a flanged propeller. Accessible portions of tailshafts 
must be examined visually during each drydock examination.
    (e) Tailshafts with oil lubricated bearings, including bearings 
lubricated with a substance considered to be equivalent to oil under the 
provisions of paragraph (a) of this section need not be drawn for 
examination--
    (1) If tailshaft bearing clearance readings are taken whenever the 
vessel undergoes a drydock examination or underwater survey;
    (2) If the inboard seal assemblies are examined whenever the vessel 
undergoes a drydock examination or underwater survey;
    (3) If an analysis of the tailshaft bearing lubricant is performed 
semiannually in accordance with the lubrication system manufacturer's 
recommendations to determine bearing material content or the presence of 
other contaminants; and
    (4) If--
    (i) For tailshafts with a taper, the propeller is removed and the 
taper and the keyway (if fitted) are nondestructively tested at 
intervals not to exceed 5 years; or
    (ii) For tailshafts with a propeller fitted to the shaft by means of 
a coupling flange, the propeller coupling bolts and flange radius are 
nondestructively tested whenever they are removed or made accessible in 
connection with overhaul or repairs.
    (f) Tailshafts on mobile offshore drilling units are not subject to 
examination intervals under paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section 
if they are--
    (1) Examined during each regularly scheduled drydocking; or
    (2) Regularly examined in a manner acceptable to the Commandant (G-
MOC).

[CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996, as amended by CGD 96-041, 61 FR 
50728, Sept. 27, 1996; 61 FR 52497, Oct. 7, 1996; USCG-1999-5151, 64 FR 
67180, Dec. 1, 1999]



Sec. 61.20-18  Examination requirements.

    (a) Each tailshaft must be drawn and visually inspected at each 
examination.

[[Page 294]]

    (b) On tailshafts with a taper, keyway, (if fitted) and propeller 
designed in accordance with American Bureau of Shipping standards to 
reduce stress concentrations, the forward \1/3\ of the shaft's taper 
section must be nondestructively tested in addition to a visual 
inspection of the entire shaft.
    (c) On tailshafts with a propeller fitted to the shaft by means of a 
coupling flange, the flange, the fillet at the propeller end, and each 
coupling bolt must be nondestructively tested in addition to a visual 
inspection of the entire shaft.

[CGD 84-024, 52 FR 39652, Oct. 23, 1987, as amended by CGD 84-024, 53 FR 
32231, Aug. 24, 1988]



Sec. 61.20-21  Extension of examination interval.

    The Commandant (G-MOC) may authorize extensions of the interval 
between tailshaft examinations.

[CGD 84-024, 52 FR 39652, Oct. 23, 1987, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 
50463, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50728, Sept. 27, 1996]



Sec. 61.20-23  Tailshaft clearance; bearing weardown.

    (a) Water lubricated bearings, other than rubber, must be rebushed 
as follows:
    (1) Where the propelling machinery is located amidship, the after 
stern tube bearing must be rebushed when it is worn down to 6.4 mm (0.25 
in) clearance for shafts of 229 mm (9 in) or less in diameter, 7.95 mm 
(0.3125 in) clearance for shafts exceeding 229 mm (9 in) but not 
exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter, and 9.53 mm (0.375 in) clearance 
for shafts exceeding 305 mm (12 in) in diameter.
    (2) Where the propelling machinery is located aft, the after stern 
tube bearing must be rebushed when weardown is 1.6 mm (.0625 in) less 
than the applicable clearance for propelling machinery located amidship.
    (b) Water lubricated rubber bearings must be rebushed when any water 
groove is half the original depth.
    (c) Oil lubricated bearings must be rebushed when deemed necessary 
by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. The manufacturer's 
recommendation shall be considered in making this determination.

[CGD 78-153, 45 FR 52388, Aug. 7, 1980]



   Subpart 61.30_Tests and Inspections of Fired Thermal Fluid Heaters

    Source: CGD 80-064, 49 FR 32193, Aug. 13, 1984, unless otherwise 
noted.



Sec. 61.30-1  Scope.

    The term thermal fluid heater as used in this part includes any 
fired automatic auxiliary heating unit which uses a natural or synthetic 
fluid in the liquid phase as the heat exchange medium and whose 
operating temperature and pressure do not exceed 204 [deg]C (400 [deg]F) 
and 225 psig, respectively. Thermal fluid heaters having operating 
temperatures and pressures higher than 204 [deg]C (400 [deg]F) and 225 
psig, respectively, are inspected under subpart 61.05--Tests and 
Inspections of Boilers.



Sec. 61.30-5  Preparation of thermal fluid heater for inspection and test.

    For visual inspection, access plates and manholes shall be removed 
as required by the marine inspector and the heater and combustion 
chambers shall be thoroughly cooled and cleaned.

[CGD 80-064, 49 FR 32193, Aug. 13, 1984, as amended by CGD 95-027, 61 FR 
26002, May 23, 1996]



Sec. 61.30-10  Hydrostatic test.

    All new installations of thermal fluid heaters must be given a 
hydrostatic test of 1\1/2\ times the maximum allowable working pressure. 
The test must be conducted in the presence of a marine inspector. No 
subsequent hydrostatic tests are required unless, in the opinion of the 
Officer in Charge Marine Inspection, the condition of the heater 
warrants such a test. Where hydrostatic tests are required, an 
inspection is made of all accessible parts under pressure. The thermal 
fluid may be used as the hydrostatic test medium.



Sec. 61.30-15  Visual inspection.

    Thermal fluid heaters are examined by a marine inspector at the 
inspection for certification, periodic inspection and when directed by 
the Officer in

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Charge Marine Inspection, to determine that the complete unit is in a 
safe and satisfactory condition. The visual examination includes, but is 
not limited to, the combustion chamber, heat exchanger, refractory, 
exhaust stack, and associated pumps and piping.

[CGD 80-064, 49 FR 32193, Aug. 13, 1984, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 
65 FR 6501, Feb. 9, 2000]



Sec. 61.30-20  Automatic control and safety tests.

    Operational tests and checks of all safety and limit controls, 
combustion controls, programming controls, and safety relief valves must 
be conducted by the owner, chief engineer, or person in charge at the 
inspection for certification, periodic inspection, and when directed by 
the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to determine that the control 
components and safety devices are functioning properly and are in 
satisfactory operating condition. These tests and checks must be 
conducted in the presence of a marine inspector and must include the 
following: proper prepurge, burner ignition sequence checks, operation 
of the combustion controls, limit controls, fluid flow controls, fluid 
level controls, high temperature control, proper postpurge control, and 
verification of the flame safeguard.

[CGD 88-057, 55 FR 24237, June 15, 1990, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 
65 FR 6501, Feb. 9, 2000]

    Note: Sections 63.05-90 and 63.10-90 of this chapter may be 
referenced concerning operating tests.



  Subpart 61.35_Design Verification and Periodic Testing for Automatic 
                            Auxiliary Boilers

    Source: CGD 88-057, 55 FR 24237, June 15, 1990, unless otherwise 
noted.



Sec. 61.35-1  General.

    (a) All automatic auxiliary boilers except fired thermal fluid 
heaters must be tested and inspected in accordance with this subpart and 
subpart 61.05 of this part.
    (b) Fired thermal fluid heaters must be tested and inspected in 
accordance with subpart 61.30 of this part.
    (c) All controls, safety devices, and other control system equipment 
must be tested and inspected to verify their proper design, 
construction, installation, and operation.
    (d) All tests must be performed after installation of the automatic 
auxiliary boiler and its control system(s) aboard the vessel.
    (e) As far as practicable, test techniques must not simulate 
monitored system conditions by misadjustment, artificial signals, 
improper wiring, tampering, or revision of the system tested. The use of 
a synthesized signal or condition applied to a sensor is acceptable if 
the required test equipment is maintained in good working order and is 
periodically calibrated. Proper operation and proper calibration of test 
equipment must be demonstrated to the Officer in Charge, Marine 
Inspection.



Sec. 61.35-3  Required tests and checks.

    (a) Tests and checks must include the following:
    (1) Safety (Programming) controls. Safety controls must control and 
cycle the unit in the proper manner and sequence. Proper prepurge, 
ignition, postpurge, and modulation must be verified. All time intervals 
must be verified.
    (2) Flame safeguard. The flame safeguard system must be tested by 
causing flame and ignition failures. Operation of the audible alarm and 
visible indicator must be verified. The shutdown times must be verified.
    (3) Fuel supply controls. Satisfactory shutdown operation of the two 
fuel control solenoid valves must be verified. No visible leakage from 
the valves into the burner(s) must be verified.
    (4) Fuel oil pressure limit control. A safety shutdown must be 
initiated by lowering the fuel oil pressure below the value required for 
safe combustion. System shutdown and the need for manual reset prior to 
automatic startup must be verified.
    (5) Fuel oil temperature limit control. (Units designed to burn 
heavy fuel oil.) A safety shutdown must be initiated by lowering the 
fuel oil temperature below the designed temperature. System shutdown and 
the need for manual

[[Page 296]]

reset prior to automatic startup must be verified.
    (6) Combustion controls. Smooth and stable operation of the 
combustion controls must be verified.
    (7) Draft limit control. The draft loss interlock switch must be 
tested to ensure proper operation. The draft limit control must cause 
burner shutdown and prevent startup when an inadequate air volume is 
supplied to the burner(s).
    (8) Limit controls. Shutdown caused by the limit controls must be 
verified.
    (9) Water level controls. Water level controls must be tested by 
slowly lowering the water level in the boiler. Each operating water 
level control must be individually tested. The upper low water cutoff 
and the lower low water cutoff must each be tested. The audible alarm 
and visible indicator associated with the lower low water cutoff must be 
tested. The manual reset device must be tested after the lower low water 
cutoff has been activated.
    (10) Feed water flow controls. The feed water flow limit device 
(found on steam boilers and water heaters without water level controls) 
must be tested by interrupting the feed water supply. Manual reset must 
be required prior to restarting the boiler.
    (11) Low voltage test. The fuel supply to the burners must 
automatically shut off when the supply voltage is lowered.
    (12) Switches. All switches must be tested to verify satisfactory 
operation.



 Subpart 61.40_Design Verification and Periodic Testing of Vital System 
                               Automation

    Source: CGD 81-030, 53 FR 17837, May 18, 1988, unless otherwise 
noted.



Sec. 61.40-1  General.

    (a) All automatically or remotely controlled or monitored vital 
systems addressed by part 62 of this subchapter must be subjected to 
tests and inspections to evaluate the operation and reliability of 
controls, alarms, safety features, and interlocks. Test procedures must 
be submitted to the Coast Guard for approval.
    (b) Persons designated by the owner of the vessel shall conduct all 
tests and the Design Verification and Periodic Safety tests shall be 
witnessed by the Coast Guard.
    (c) Design Verification and Periodic Safety test procedure documents 
approved by the Coast Guard must be retained aboard the vessel.



Sec. 61.40-3  Design verification testing.

    (a) Tests must verify that automated vital systems are designed, 
constructed, and operate in accordance with all applicable requirements 
of part 62 of this subchapter. The tests must be based upon the failure 
analysis, if required by Sec. 62.20-3(b) of this subchapter, functional 
performance requirements, and the Periodic Safety tests of Sec. 61.40-
6.
    (b) Tests must be performed immediately after the installation of 
the automated equipment or before the issuance of the initial 
Certificate of Inspection.



Sec. 61.40-6  Periodic safety tests.

    (a) Periodic Safety tests must demonstrate the proper operation of 
the primary and alternate controls, alarms, power sources, transfer 
override arrangements, interlocks, and safety controls. Systems 
addressed must include fire detection and extinguishing, flooding 
safety, propulsion, maneuvering, electric power generation and 
distribution, and emergency internal communications.
    (b) Tests must be conducted at periodic intervals specified by the 
Coast Guard to confirm that vital systems and safety features continue 
to operate in a safe, reliable manner.

    Note: Normally, these tests are conducted annually.



Sec. 61.40-10  Test procedure details.

    (a) Test procedure documents must be in a step-by-step or checkoff 
list format. Each test instruction must specify equipment status, 
apparatus necessary to perform the tests, safety precautions, safety 
control and alarm setpoints, the procedure to be followed, and the 
expected test result.
    (b) Test techniques must not simulate monitored system conditions by 
mis-adjustment, artificial signals, improper wiring, tampering, or 
revision of

[[Page 297]]

the system unless the test would damage equipment or endanger personnel. 
In the latter case, the use of a synthesized signal or condition applied 
to the sensor is acceptable if test equipment is maintained in good 
working order and is periodically calibrated to the satisfaction of the 
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Other test techniques must be 
approved by the Commandant (G-MSE).

[CGD 80-064, 49 FR 32193, Aug. 13, 1984, as amended by CGD 95-072, 60 FR 
50463, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50728, Sept. 27, 1996]