The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.

(a) A vessel to which this subchapter applies may not be operated without having on board a valid U.S. Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection.

(b) Except as noted in § 115.114 of this part, each vessel inspected and certificated under the provisions of this subchapter must, when any passengers are aboard during the tenure of the certificate, be in full compliance with the terms of the certificate.

(c) If necessary to prevent delay of the vessel, a temporary Certificate of Inspection may be issued pending the issuance and delivery of the regular Certificate of Inspection. The temporary certificate must be carried in the same manner as the regular certificate and is considered the same as the regular Certificate of Inspection which it represents.

(d) A vessel on a foreign voyage between a port in the United States and a port in a foreign country, whose Certificate of Inspection expires during the voyage, may lawfully complete the voyage without a valid Certificate of Inspection provided the voyage is completed within 30 days of expiration and the certificate did not expire within 15 days of sailing on the foreign voyage from a U.S. port.

The Certificate of Inspection issued to a vessel describes the vessel, the route(s) that it may travel, the minimum manning requirements, the survival and rescue craft carried, the minimum fire extinguishing equipment and life jackets required to be carried, the maximum number of passengers and total persons that may be carried, the number of passengers the vessel may carry in overnight accommodation spaces, the name of the owner and managing operator, any equivalences accepted or authorized by the Commandant or any Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) in accordance with § 114.540 or § 114.550 of this subchapter and such other conditions of operations as may be determined by the cognizant OCMI.

(a) A Certificate of Inspection is obtained or renewed by making application on Form CG 3752, “Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel,” to the Coast Guard OCMI of the marine inspection zone in which the inspection is to be made. Form CG-3752 may be obtained at any U.S. Coast Guard Sector Office or Marine Inspection Office.

(b) The application for initial inspection of a vessel being newly constructed or converted must be submitted prior to the start of the construction or conversion.

(c) The construction, arrangement, and equipment of each vessel must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI as a prerequisite of the issuance of the initial Certificate of Inspection. Acceptance is based on the information, specifications, drawings and calculations available to the OCMI, and on the successful completion of an initial inspection for certification.

(d) A Certificate of Inspection is renewed by the issuance of a new Certificate of Inspection.

(e) The condition of the vessel and its equipment must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI as a prerequisite to the Certificate of Inspection renewal. Acceptance is based on the condition of the vessel as found at the inspection for certification.

(a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 1 year for vessels carrying more than 12 passengers on international voyages.

(b) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years for all other vessels.

(c) A Certificate of Inspection may be suspended and withdrawn or revoked by the cognizant OCMI at any time for noncompliance with the requirements of this subchapter.

(a) The area of operation for each vessel and any necessary operational limits are determined by the cognizant OCMI, and recorded on the vessel's Certificate of Inspection. Each area of operation, referred to as a route, is described on the Certificate of Inspection under the major headings “Oceans,” “Coastwise,” “Limited Coastwise,” “Great Lakes,” “Lakes, Bays, and Sounds,” or “Rivers,” as applicable. Further limitations imposed or extensions granted are described by reference to bodies of waters, geographical points, distance from geographical points, distances from land, depths of channel, seasonal limitations, and similar factors.

(b) Operation of a vessel on a route of lesser severity than those specifically described or designated on the Certificate of Inspection is permitted unless expressly prohibited on the certificate of Inspection. The general order of severity of routes is: oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, Great Lakes, lakes, bays and sounds, and rivers. The cognizant OCMI may prohibit a vessel from operating on a route of lesser severity than the primary route a vessel is authorized to operate on if local conditions necessitate such a restriction.

(c) Non-self-propelled vessels are prohibited from operating on an oceans, coastwise, limited coastwise, or Great Lakes route unless the Commandant approves such a route.

(d) When designating a permitted route or imposing any operational limits on a vessel, the OCMI may consider:

(1) Requirements of this subchapter for which compliance is based on the route of the vessel;

(2) The performance capabilities of the vessel based on design, scantlings, stability, subdivision, propulsion, speed, operating modes, maneuverability, and other characteristics;

(3) The suitability of the vessel for night-time operations; and

(4) The suitability of the vessel for use in all environmental conditions.

The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) determines the total number of persons permitted to be carried on a vessel. In determining the total number of persons, the OCMI may consider the total weight of passengers, crew, and variable loads; stability restrictions and subdivision requirements of the vessel; the vessel's route, general arrangement, means of escape, and lifesaving equipment; minimum manning requirements; and the maximum number of passengers permitted in accordance with § 115.113 of this subpart.

(a) The maximum number of passengers permitted must be not more than that allowed by the requirements of this section, except as authorized by the OCMI under paragraph (d) of this section.

(b) The maximum number of passengers permitted on any vessel may be the greatest number permitted by the length of rail criterion, deck area criterion, or fixed seating criterion described in this paragraph or a combination of these criteria as allowed by paragraph (c) of this section.

(1) Length of rail criterion. One passenger may be permitted for each 760 millimeters (30 inches) of rail space available to the passengers at the periphery of each deck. The following rail space may not be used in determining the maximum number of passengers permitted:

(i) Rail space in congested areas unsafe for passengers, such as near anchor handling equipment or line handling gear, in the way of sail booms, running rigging, or paddle wheels, or along pulpits;

(ii) Rail space on stairways; and

(iii) Rail space where persons standing in the space would block the line of vision of the credentialed individual operating the vessel.

(2) Deck area criterion. One passenger may be permitted for each 0.9 square meters (10 square feet) of deck area available for the passengers' use. In computing such deck area, the areas occupied by the following must be excluded:

(i) Areas for which the number of persons permitted is determined using the fixed seating criteria;

(ii) Obstructions, including stairway and elevator enclosures, elevated stages, bars, and cashier stands, but not including slot machines, tables, or other room furnishings;

(iii) Toilets and washrooms;

(iv) Spaces occupied by and necessary for handling lifesaving equipment, anchor handling equipment or line handling gear, or in the way of sail booms or running rigging;

(v) Spaces below deck that are unsuitable for passengers or that would not normally be used by passengers;

(vi) Interior passageways less than 840 millimeters (34 inches) wide and passageways on open deck, less than 710 millimeters (28 inches) wide;

(vii) Bow pulpits, swimming platforms and areas that do not have a solid deck, such as netting on multi-hull vessels;

(viii) Deck areas in way of paddle wheels; and

(ix) Aisle area provided in accordance with § 116.820(d) of this chapter.

(3) Fixed seating criterion. One passenger may be permitted for each 455 millimeter (18 inches) of width of fixed seating provided by § 116.820 of this chapter. Each sleeping berth in overnight accommodation spaces shall be counted as only one seat.

(c) Different passenger capacity criteria may be used on each deck of a vessel and added together to determine the total passenger capacity of that vessel. Where seats are provided on part of a deck and not on another, the number of passengers permitted on a vessel may be the sum of the number permitted by the seating criterion for the space having seats and the number permitted by the deck area criterion for the space having no seats. The length of rail criterion may not be combined with either the deck area criterion or the fixed seating criterion when determining the maximum number of passengers permitted on an individual deck.

(d) For a vessel operating on short runs on protected waters such as a ferry, the cognizant OCMI may give special consideration to increases in passenger allowances.

(a) When authorized by the cognizant OCMI by an endorsement of the vessel's Certificate of Inspection, a small passenger vessel carrying six or less passengers, or operating as a commercial fishing vessel or other uninspected vessel, or carrying less than twelve passengers and operating as a recreational vessel, need not meet requirements of:

(1) Subparts C, D, and E, of part 117 of this chapter if the vessel is in satisfactory compliance with the lifesaving equipment regulations for an uninspected vessel or recreational vessel in similar service;

(2) Subpart C of part 116 of this chapter and subchapter S of this chapter if the vessel is in satisfactory compliance with applicable regulations for an uninspected vessel or recreational vessel in a similar service or if the owner of the vessel otherwise establishes to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI that the vessel is seaworthy for the intended service; and

(3) Sections 121.404, 121.408, and 121.410 of this subchapter providing the vessel is in satisfactory compliance with any navigational equipment requirements for an uninspected or recreational vessel in a similar service.

(b) A vessel operating under the alternative regulations of paragraph (a) of this section must:

(1) Not alter the arrangement of the vessel nor remove any equipment required by the certificate for the intended operation, without the consent of the congnizant OCMI;

(2) Comply with minimum manning specified on the Certificate of Inspection, which may include reduced manning depending on the number of passengers and operation of the vessel;

(3) When carrying from one to six passengers except for a vessel being operated as a recreational vessel, make the announcement required by § 122.506(a) of this subchapter before getting underway; and

(4) If a vessel of more than 15 gross tons, not carry freight for hire.

(c) The endorsement issued under paragraph (a) of this section must indicate the route, maximum number of passengers, and the manning required to operate under the provisions of this section.

(a) An amended Certificate of Inspection may be issued at any time by any OCMI. The amended Certificate of Inspection replaces the original, but the expiration date remains the same as that of the original. An amended Certificate of Inspection may be issued to authorize and record a change in the dimensions, gross tonnage, owner, managing operator, manning, persons permitted, route permitted, conditions of operations, or equipment of a vessel, from that specified in the current Certificate of Inspection.

(b) A request for an amended Certificate of Inspection must be made to the cognizant OCMI by the owner or managing operator of the vessel at any time there is a change in the character of a vessel or in its route, equipment, ownership, operation, or other similar factors specified in its current Certificate of Inspection.

(c) The OCMI may require an inspection prior to the issuance of an amended Certificate of Inspection.

(a) When a vessel is not in compliance with its Certificate of Inspection or fails to comply with a regulation of this subchapter, the cognizant OCMI may permit the vessel to proceed to another port for repair if, in the judgment of the OCMI, the trip can be completed safely, even if the Certificate of Inspection of the vessel has expired or is about to expire.

(b) Form CG-948, “Permit to Proceed to another Port for Repairs,” may be issued by the cognizant OCMI to the owner, managing operator, or the master of the vessel stating the conditions under which the vessel may proceed to another port. The permit may be issued only upon the written application of the owner, managing operator, or master, and after the vessel's Certificate of Inspection is turned over to the OCMI.

(c) A vessel may not carry passengers when operating in accordance with a permit to proceed, unless the cognizant OCMI determines that it is safe to do so.

(a) The cognizant OCMI may permit a vessel to engage in a temporary excursion operation with a greater number of persons or on a more extended route, or both, than permitted by its Certificate of Inspection when, in the opinion of the OCMI, the operation can be undertaken safely.

(b) Upon the written application of the owner or managing operator of the vessel, the cognizant OCMI may issue a Form CG-949, “Permit to Carry Excursion Party.” to indicate his or her permission to carry an excursion party. The OCMI will indicate on the permit the conditions under which it is issued, the number of persons the vessel may carry, the crew required, any additional lifesaving or safety equipment required, the route for which the permit is granted, and the dates on which the permit is valid.

(c) The number of passengers normally permitted on an excursion vessel is governed by § 115.113 of this part.

(d) The OCMI will not normally waive applicable minimum safety standards when issuing an excursion permit. In particular, a vessel that is being issued an excursion permit will normally be required to meet the minimum stability, survival craft, life jacket, fire safety, and manning standards applicable to a vessel in the service for which the excursion permit is requested

(e) The permit acts as a temporary, limited duration supplement to the vessel's Certificate of Inspection and must be carried with the Certificate of Inspection. A vessel operating under a permit to carry an excursion party must be in full compliance with the terms of its Certificate of Inspection as supplemented by the permit.

(f) The OCMI may require an inspection prior to the issuance of a permit to carry an excursion party.

The Certificate of Inspection and any SOLAS Certificates must be posted under glass or other suitable transparent material, such that all pages are visible, in a conspicuous place on the vessel where observation by passengers is likely. If posting is impracticable, such as on open boats, the certificates must be kept on board in a weathertight container readily available for use by the crew and for display to passengers and others on request.

When, in accordance with § 170.120 in subchapter S of this chapter, a vessel must be provided with a stability letter, the stability letter must be posted under glass or other suitable transparent material, such that all pages are visible, at the operating station of the vessel. If posting is impracticable, the stability letter must be kept on board in a weathertight container readily available for use by the crew and for display to passengers and others on request.

(a) A Certification Expiration Date Sticker indicates the date upon which the vessel's Certificate of Inspection expires and is provided by the cognizant OCMI in the number required, upon issuance or renewal of the Certificate of Inspection.

(b) A vessel that is issued a Certificate of Inspection under the provisions of this subchapter must not be operated without a valid Certification Expiration Date Sticker affixed to the vessel on a place that is:

(1) A glass or other smooth surface from which the sticker may be removed without damage to the vessel;

(2) Readily visible to each passenger prior to boarding the vessel and to patrolling Coast Guard law enforcement personnel; and

(3) Acceptable to the Coast Guard marine inspector.

(c) The Coast Guard marine inspector may require the placement of more than one sticker in order to insure compliance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section.

(a) An inspection is required before the issuance of a Certificate of Inspection. Such an inspection for certification is not made until after receipt of the application for inspection required by § 115.105 of this part.

(b) Upon receipt of a written application for inspection, the cognizant OCMI assigns a marine inspector to inspect the vessel for compliance with this subchapter at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the OCMI and the owner, managing operator, or representative thereof.

(c) The owner, managing operator, or a representative thereof shall be present during the inspection.

(a) An inspection for renewal of a Certificate of Inspection is conducted to determine if the vessel is in satisfactory condition, fit for the service intended, and complies with all applicable regulations. It normally includes inspection and testing of the structure, machinery, equipment, and on a sailing vessel, rigging and sails. The owner or operator must conduct all tests as required by the OCMI, and make the vessel available for all specific inspections and drills required by subpart H of this part. In addition, the OCMI may require the vessel to get underway.

(b) You must submit your written application for renewal of a Certificate of Inspection to the OCMI at least 30 days prior to the expiration date of your current COI, as required in § 115.105.

(a) Vessels carrying more than 12 passengers on international voyages must undergo an inspection for certification each year as specified in § 115.404.

(b) All other vessels must undergo an inspection for certification as specified in § 115.404 and an annual inspection as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this section.

(1) Annual inspection. Your vessel must undergo an annual inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date.

(i) 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.

(ii) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the inspection for certification, as specified in § 115.404 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.

(iii) 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.

(iv) 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.

(2) [Reserved]

To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete your annual inspections within the periods specified in § 115.500 and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.

(a) The owner or managing operator shall make a vessel available for drydock examinations, internal structural examinations, and underwater surveys required by this section.

(b) If your vessel is operated on international voyages subject to SOLAS requirements, it must undergo a drydock examination once every 12 months unless it has been approved to undergo an underwater survey (UWILD) per § 115.615 of this part. If the vessel becomes due for a drydock examination or an internal structural examination during the voyage, it may lawfully complete the voyage prior to the examination if it undergoes the required examination upon completion of the voyage to the United States but not later than 30 days after the examination is due. If the vessel is due for an examination within 15 days of sailing on an international voyage from a United States port, it must undergo the required examination before sailing.

(c) If your vessel is operated on other than international voyages and does not meet the conditions in paragraph (d) of this section, it must undergo a drydock and internal structural examination as follows unless it has been approved to undergo an underwater survey (UWILD) per § 115.615 of this part:

(1) A vessel that is exposed to salt water more than three months in any 12 month period since the last examination must undergo a drydock examination and an internal structural examination at least once every two years; and

(2) A vessel that is exposed to salt water not more than three months in any 12 month period since the last examination must undergo a drydock examination and an internal structural examination at least once every five years.

(d) Whenever damage or deterioration to hull plating or structural members that may affect the seaworthiness of a vessel is discovered or suspected, the cognizant OCMI may conduct an internal structural examination in any affected space, including fuel tanks, and may require the vessel to be drydocked or taken out of service to assess the extent of the damage, and to effect permanent repairs. The OCMI may also decrease the drydock examination intervals to monitor the vessel's structural condition.

(e) For a vessel that is eligible per § 115.625 of this part and the owner opts for an alternate hull examination with the underwater survey portion conducted exclusively by divers, the vessel must undergo two alternate hull exams and two internal structural exams within any five-year period. If a vessel completes a satisfactory alternate hull exam, with the underwater survey portion conducted predominantly by an approved underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV), the vessel must undergo one alternate hull and one internal structural exam, within any five-year period. The vessel may undergo a drydock exam to satisfy any of the required alternate hull exams.

(a) A drydock examination conducted in compliance with § 115.600 of this part must be conducted while the vessel is hauled out of the water or placed in a drydock or slipway. During the examination all accessible parts of the vessel's underwater body and all through hull fittings, including the hull plating, appendages, propellers, shafts, bearings, rudders, sea chests, sea valves, and sea strainers shall be made available for examination. Sea chests, sea valves, and sea strainers must be opened for examination. The accuracy of draft or loading marks, if required by § 122.602 of this subpart, must be verified if not already verified at construction or a previous drydock examination.

(b) An internal structural examination conducted in compliance with § 115.600 of this part may be conducted while the vessel is afloat or out of the water and consists of a complete examination of the vessel's main strength members, including the major internal framing, the hull plating, voids, and ballast, cargo, and fuel oil tanks. Where the internal framing or plating of the vessel is concealed, sections of the lining, ceiling or insulation may be removed or the parts otherwise probed or exposed so that the inspector may be satisfied as to the condition of the hull structure. 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.

(a) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), may approve an underwater survey instead of a drydock examination at alternating intervals if your vessel is—

(1) Less than 15 years of age;

(2) A steel or aluminum hulled vessel;

(3) Fitted with an effective hull protection system; and

(4) Described in § 115.600(b) or (c) of this part.

(b) For vessels less than 15 years of age, you must submit an application for an underwater survey to the OCMI at least 90 days before your vessel's next required drydock examination. The application must include—

(1) The procedure for carrying out the underwater survey;

(2) The time and place of the underwater survey;

(3) The method used to accurately determine the diver's or remotely operated vehicle's (ROV) location relative to the hull;

(4) The means for examining all through-hull fittings and appurtenances;

(5) The condition of the vessel, including the anticipated draft of the vessel at the time of survey;

(6) A description of the hull protection system; and

(7) The name and qualifications of any third party examiner.

(c) If your vessel is 15 years old or older, the cognizant District Commander, may approve an underwater survey instead of a drydock examination at alternating intervals. You must submit an application for an underwater survey to the OCMI at least 90 days before your vessel's next required drydock examination. You may be allowed this option if—

(1) The vessel is qualified under paragraphs (a)(2) through (4) of this section;

(2) Your application includes the information in paragraphs (b)(1) through (b)(7) of this section; and

(3) During the vessel's drydock examination, preceding the underwater survey, a complete set of hull gaugings was taken and they indicated that the vessel was free from appreciable hull deterioration.

(d) After this drydock examination required by paragraph (c)(3) of this section, the OCMI submits a recommendation for future underwater surveys, the results of the hull gauging, and the results of the Coast Guards' drydock examination results to the District Commander for cognizant review.

The Alternative Hull Examination (AHE) Program provides you with an alternative to a drydock examination by allowing your vessel's hull to be examined while it remains afloat. If completed using only divers, this program has four steps: the application process, the preliminary examination, the pre-survey meeting, and the hull examination. If the vessel is already participating in the program or if a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) is used during the program, the preliminary exam step may be omitted. Once you complete these steps, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI), will evaluate the results and accept the examination as a credit hull exam if the vessel is in satisfactory condition. If only divers are used for the underwater survey portion of the examination process, you may receive credit for a period of time such that subsequent AHEs would be conducted at intervals of twice in every five years, with no more than three years between any two AHEs. The OCMI may waive an underwater survey in accordance with § 115.655(d) provided that the interval does not exceed five years between any two underwater surveys. If an underwater ROV is used as the predominate method to examine the vessel's underwater hull plating, you may receive credit up to five years. At the end of this period, you may apply for further participation under the AHE Program.

(a) Your vessel may be eligible for the AHE Program if—

(1) It is constructed of steel or aluminum;

(2) It has an effective hull protection system;

(3) It has operated exclusively in fresh water since its last drydock examination;

(4) It operates in rivers or protected lakes; and

(5) It operates exclusively in shallow water or within 0.5 nautical miles from shore.

(b) In addition to the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) will evaluate the following information when determining your vessel's eligibility for the AHE Program:

(1) The overall condition of the vessel, based on its inspection history;

(2) The vessel's history of hull casualties and hull-related deficiencies; and

(3) The AHE Program application, as described in § 115.630 of this part.

(c) When reviewing a vessel's eligibility for the AHE program, the OCMI may modify the standards given by paragraph (a)(5) of this section where it is considered safe and reasonable to do so. In making this determination, the OCMI will consider the vessel's overall condition, its history of safe operation, and any other factors that serve to mitigate overall safety risks.

(a) If you exclusively use divers to examine the underwater hull plating, you must arrange to have a preliminary examination conducted by a third party examiner, with the assistance of qualified divers. The purpose of the preliminary examination is to assess the overall condition of the vessel's hull and identify any specific concerns to be addressed during the underwater hull examination.

(b) If you use an underwater ROV as the predominate means to examine your vessel's hull plating, a preliminary examination and the participation of a third party examiner will not be necessary.

(c) The preliminary examination is required only upon the vessel's entry or review into the AHE program.

(a) You must conduct a pre-survey meeting to discuss the details of the AHE procedure with the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). If you exclusively use divers to examine the underwater hull plating, the third party examiner must attend the meeting and you must present the results of the preliminary examination. If you use an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) as the predominate means to examine the vessel's hull plating, then a representative of the ROV operating company must attend the pre-survey meeting and address the underwater ROV's capabilities and limitations related to your vessel's hull design and configuration.

(b) A vessel owner, operator, or designated agent must request this meeting in writing at least 30 days in advance of the examination date.

(c) The pre-survey meeting may be conducted by teleconference, if agreed to in advance by the OCMI.

(a) To complete the underwater survey you must—

(1) Perform a general examination of the underwater hull plating and a detailed examination of all hull welds, propellers, tailshafts, rudders, and other hull appurtenances;

(2) Examine all sea chests;

(3) Remove and inspect all sea valves in the presence of a marine inspector once every five years;

(4) Remove all passengers from the vessel when the sea valves are being examined, if required by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI);

(5) Allow access to all internal areas of the hull for examination, except internal tanks that carry fuel (unless damage or deterioration is discovered or suspect), sewage, or potable water. Internal sewage and potable water tanks may be examined visually or by non-destructive testing to the satisfaction of the attending marine inspector; and

(6) Meet the requirements in § 115.650 of this part.

(b) A marine inspector may examine any other areas deemed necessary by the OCMI.

(c) If the AHE reveals significant deterioration or damage to the vessel's hull plating or structural members, the OCMI must be immediately notified. The OCMI may require the vessel be drydocked or otherwise taken out of service to further assess the extent of damage or to effect permanent repairs if the assessment or repairs cannot be completed to the satisfaction of the OCMI while the vessel is waterborne.

To complete your underwater survey, you may use divers or an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV).

(a) If you use divers to conduct the underwater survey, you must—

(1) Locate the vessel so the divers can work safely under the vessel's keel and around both sides. The water velocity must be safe for dive operations;

(2) Provide permanent hull markings, a temporary grid system of wires or cables spaced not more than 10 feet apart and tagged at one-foot intervals, or any other acoustic or electronic positioning system approved by the OCMI to identify the diver's location with respect to the hull, within one foot of accuracy;

(3) Take ultrasonic thickness gaugings at a minimum of 5 points on each plate, evenly spaced;

(4) Take hull plating thickness gaugings along transverse belts at the bow, stern, and midships, as a minimum. Plating thickness gaugings must also be taken along a longitudinal belt at the wind and water strake. Individual gaugings along the transverse and longitudinal belts must be spaced no more than 3 feet apart;

(5) Ensure the third party examiner observes the entire underwater examination process;

(6) Record the entire underwater survey with audio and video recording equipment and ensure that communications between divers and the third party examiner are recorded; and

(7) Use appropriate equipment, such as a clear box, if underwater visibility is poor, to provide the camera with a clear view of the hull.

(b) You may use an underwater ROV to conduct the underwater survey. The underwater ROV operating team, survey process and equipment, quality assurance methods, and the content and format of the survey report must be accepted by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) prior to conducting the survey. If you choose this option, you must—

(1) Locate the vessel to ensure that the underwater ROV can operate effectively under the vessel's keel and around both sides;

(2) Employ divers to examine any sections of the hull and appurtenances that the underwater ROV cannot access or is otherwise unable to evaluate; and

(3) If the OCMI determines that the data obtained by the ROV, including non-destructive testing results, readability of the results, and positioning standards, will not integrate into the data obtained by the divers, then a third party examiner must be present during the divers portion of the examination.

(a) To continue to participate in the AHE Program, vessel operators must conduct an annual hull condition assessment. At a minimum, vessel operators must conduct an internal examination and take random hull gaugings internally during the hull condition assessment, unless waived by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). If the annual hull assessment reveals significant damage or corrosion, where temporary repairs have been made, or where other critical areas of concern have been identified, the OCMI may require an expanded examination to include an underwater hull examination using divers. If an underwater examination is required, the examination must focus on areas at higher risk of damage or corrosion and must include a representative sampling of hull gaugings.

(b) If an underwater survey is required for the annual hull condition assessment, the OCMI may require the presence of a third party examiner and a written hull examination report must be submitted to the OCMI. This report must include thickness gauging results, a copy of the audio and video recordings and any other information that will help the OCMI evaluate your vessel for continued participation in the AHE program. The third party examiner must sign the report and confirm the validity of its contents.

(c) You must submit your preventive maintenance reports or checklists on an annual basis to the OCMI. These reports or checklists must conform to the plans you submitted in your application under § 115.630 of this part, which the OCMI approved.

(d) Prior to each scheduled annual hull condition assessment—

(1) The owner may submit to the OCMI a plan for conducting the assessment, or a request for a waiver of this requirement, no fewer than 30 days before the scheduled assessment; and

(2) The OCMI may reduce the scope or extend the interval of the assessment if the operational, casualty, and deficiency history of the vessel, along with a recommendation of the vessel's master, indicates that it is warranted.

(a) The owner or managing operator shall notify the cognizant OCMI as far in advance as possible whenever a vessel is to be hauled out or placed in a drydock or slipway in compliance with § 115.605 of this part or to undergo repairs or alterations affecting the safety of the vessel, together with the nature of any repairs or alterations contemplated. Hull repairs or alterations that affect the safety of the vessel include but are not limited to the replacement, repair, or refastening of planking, plating, or structural members, including the repair of cracks in the hull.

(b) Whenever a vessel is hauled out or placed in a drydock or slipway in excess of the requirements of this subpart for the purpose of maintenance, including, but not limited to, changing a propeller, painting, or cleaning the hull, no report need be made to the cognizant OCMI.

(c) The owner or managing operator of each vessel that holds a Load Line Certificate shall make plans showing the vessel's scantlings available to the Coast Guard marine inspector whenever the vessel undergoes a drydock examination, internal structural examination, an underwater survey, or whenever repairs or alterations affecting the safety or seaworthiness of the vessel are made to the vessel's hull.

(a) The marine inspector may require any part or all of the propeller shafting to be drawn for examination of the shafting and stern bearing of a vessel whenever the condition of the shafting and bearings are in question.

(b) The marine inspector may conduct a visual examination and may require nondestructive testing of the propeller shafting whenever the condition of shafting is in question.

The intervals between drydock examinations and internal structural examinations specified in § 115.605 of this part may be extended by the cognizant OCMI or Commandant.

(a) Repairs or alterations to the hull, machinery, or equipment that affect the safety of the vessel must not be made without the approval of the cognizant OCMI, except during an emergency. When repairs are made during an emergency, the owner, managing operator, or master shall notify the OCMI as soon as practicable after such repairs or alterations are made. Repairs or alterations that affect the safety of the vessel include, but are not limited to, the: replacement, repair, or refastening of deck or hull planking, plating, and structural members; repair of plate or frame cracks; damage repair or replacement, other than replacement in kind, of electrical wiring, fuel lines, tanks, boilers and other pressure vessels, and steering, propulsion and power supply systems; alterations affecting stability; and repair or alteration of livesaving, fire detecting, or fire extinguishing equipment.

(b) The owner or managing operator shall submit drawings, sketches, or written specifications describing the details of any proposed alterations to the cognizant OCMI. Proposed alterations must be approved by the OCMI before work is started.

(c) Drawings are not required to be submitted for repairs or replacements in kind.

(d) The OCMI may require an inspection and testing whenever a repair or alteration is undertaken.

Whenever a launching appliance, survival craft, rescue boat, fixed gas fire extinguishing system, machinery, fuel tank, or pressure vessel is installed aboard a vessel after completion of the initial inspection for certification of the vessel, as replacement equipment or as a new installation, the owner or managing operator shall conduct the tests and make the vessel ready for the inspections required by § 115.402(d) of this part to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI.

The owner, managing operator, or master shall notify the cognizant OCMI as soon as practicable after the seal on a boiler safety valve on a vessel is broken.

(a) An inspection for flammable or combustible gases must be conducted by a certified marine chemist or other person authorized by the cognizant OCMI in accordance with the provisions of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 306, “Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels,” before alterations, repairs, or other operations involving riveting, welding, burning, or other fire producing actions may be made aboard a vessel:

(1) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks; or

(2) To pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other appurtenances connected to fuel tanks.

(b) An inspection required by paragraph (a) of this section must be conducted as required by this paragraph.

(1) In ports or places in the United States or its territories and possessions, the inspection must be conducted by a marine chemist certificated by the NFPA. However, if the services of a certified marine chemist are not reasonably available, the cognizant OCMI, upon the recommendation of the vessel owner or managing operator, may authorize another person to inspect the vessel. If the inspection indicates that the operations can be undertaken safely, a certificate setting forth this fact in writing must be issued by the certified marine chemist or the authorized person before the work is started. The certificate must include any requirements necessary to reasonably maintain safe conditions in the spaces certified throughout the operation, including any precautions necessary to eliminate or minimize hazards that may be present from protective coatings or residues from cargoes.

(2) When not in a port or place in the United States or its territories and possessions, and when a marine chemist or person authorized by the cognizant OCMI is not reasonably available, the master shall conduct the inspection and enter the results of the inspection in the vessel's logbook.

(c) The owner, managing operator, or master shall obtain a copy of certificates issued by the certified marine chemist or the other person authorized by the cognizant OCMI, and shall ensure that all conditions on the certificates are observed and that the vessel is maintained in a safe condition. The owner, managing operator, or master shall maintain a safe condition on the vessel by requiring full observance, by persons under his or her control, of all requirements listed in the certificate.

(a) A vessel is inspected for compliance with the standards required by this subchapter. Machinery, equipment, materials, and arrangements not covered by standards in this subchapter may be inspected in accordance with standards acceptable to the cognizant OCMI as good marine practice.

(b) In the application of inspection standards due consideration must be given to the hazards involved in the operation permitted by a vessel's Certificate of Inspection. Thus, the standards may vary in accordance with the vessel's area of operation or any other operational restrictions or limitations.

(c) The published standards of classification societies and other recognized safety associations may be used as guides in the inspection of vessels when such standards do not conflict with the requirements of this subchapter.

(a) If during the inspection of a vessel, the vessel or its equipment is found not to conform to the requirements of law or the regulations in this subchapter, the marine inspector will point out deficiencies observed and discuss all requirements with the owner, managing operator, or a representative thereof. Normally, the marine inspector will list all such requirements that have not been completed and present the list to the owner, managing operator, or a representative thereof. However, when a deficiency presents a serious safety hazard to the vessel or it's passengers or crew, and exists through negligence or willful noncompliance, the marine inspector may issue a Report of Violation (ROV) to the owner, managing operator, or a representative thereof.

(b) In any case where further clarification of or reconsideration of any requirement placed against the vessel is desired, the owner, managing operator, or a representative thereof, may discuss the matter with the cognizant OCMI.

(a) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspections of the hull structure and its appurtenances, including the following:

(1) Inspection of all accessible parts of the exterior and interior of the hull, the watertight bulkheads, and weather decks;

(2) Inspection and operation of all watertight closures in the hull, decks, and bulkheads including through hull fittings and sea valves;

(3) Inspection of the condition of the superstructure, masts, and similar arrangements constructed on the hull, and on a sailing vessel all spars, standing rigging, running rigging, blocks, fittings, and sails;

(4) Inspection of all railings and bulwarks and their attachment to the hull structure;

(5) Inspection to ensure that guards or rails are provided in dangerous places;

(6) Inspection and operation of all weathertight closures above the weather deck and the provisions for drainage of sea water from the exposed decks; and

(7) Inspection of all interior spaces to ensure that they are adequately ventilated and drained, and that means of escape are adequate and properly maintained.

(b) The vessel must be afloat for at least a portion of the inspection as required by the marine inspector.

(c) When required by the marine inspector, a portion of the inspection must be conducted while the vessel is underway so that the hull and internal structure can be observed.

At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspections of machinery, fuel, and piping systems, including the following:

(a) Operation of the main propulsion machinery both ahead and astern;

(b) Operational test and inspection of engine control mechanisms including primary and alternate means of starting machinery;

(c) Inspection of all machinery essential to the routine operation of the vessel including generators and cooling systems;

(d) External inspection of fuel tanks and inspection of tank vents, piping, and pipe fittings;

(e) Inspection of all fuel systems;

(f) Operational test of all valves in fuel lines by operating locally and at remote operating positions;

(g) Operational test of all overboard discharge and intake valves and watertight bulkhead pipe penetration valves;

(h) Operational test of the means provided for pumping bilges; and

(i) Test of machinery alarms including bilge high level alarms.

At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspection of electrical equipment and systems, including the following:

(a) Inspection of all cable as far as practicable without undue disturbance of the cable or electrical apparatus;

(b) Test of circuit breakers by manual operation;

(c) Inspection of fuses including ensuring the ratings of fuses are suitable for the service intended;

(d) Inspection of rotating electrical machinery essential to the routine operation of the vessel;

(e) Inspection of all generators, motors, lighting fixtures and circuit interrupting devices located in spaces or areas that may contain flammable vapors;

(f) Inspection of batteries for condition and security of stowage;

(g) Operational test of electrical apparatus, which operates as part of or in conjunction with a fire detection or alarm system installed on board the vessel, by simulating, as closely as practicable, the actual operation in case of fire; and

(h) Operational test of all emergency electrical systems.

(a) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspection of lifesaving equipment and systems, including the following:

(1) Tests of each rescue boat and each rescue boat launching appliance and survival craft launching appliance in accordance with § 122.520 of this chapter;

(2) Inspection of each life jacket, work vest, and marine buoyant device;

(3) If used, inspection of the passenger safety orientation cards or pamphlets allowed by § 122.506(b) of this subchapter;

(4) Inspection of each inflatable liferaft, inflatable buoyant apparatus, and inflatable life jacket to determine that it has been serviced as required by § 122.730 of this subchapter; and

(5) Inspection of each hydrostatic release unit to determine that it is in compliance with the servicing and usage requirements of § 122.740 of this subchapter.

(b) Each item of lifesaving equipment determined by the marine inspector to not be in serviceable condition must be repaired or replaced.

(c) Each item of lifesaving equipment with an expiration date on it must be replaced if the expiration date has passed.

(d) The owner or managing operator shall destroy, in the presence of the marine inspector, each life jacket, other personal flotation device, and other lifesaving device found to be defective and incapable of repair.

(e) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the vessel must be equipped with an adult size life jacket for each person authorized. The vessel must also be equipped with child size life jackets equal to at least:

(1) 10 percent of the maximum number of passengers permitted to be carried unless children are prohibited from being carried aboard the vessel; or

(2) 5 percent of the maximum number of passengers permitted to be carried if all extended size life jackets are provided.

(f) Life jackets, work vests, and marine buoyant devices may be marked with the date and marine inspection zone to indicate that they have been inspected and found to be in serviceable condition by a marine inspector.

(g) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the marine inspector may require that an abandon ship or man overboard drill be held under simulated emergency conditions specified by the inspector.

(a) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspection of its fire protection equipment, including the following:

(1) Inspection of each hand portable fire extinguisher, semiportable fire extinguisher, and fixed gas fire extinguishing system to check for excessive corrosion and general condition;

(2) Inspection of piping, controls, and valves, and the inspection and testing of alarms and ventilation shutdowns, for each fixed gas fire extinguishing system and detecting system to determine that the system is in operating condition;

(3) Operation of the fire main system and checking of the pressure at the most remote and highest outlets;

(4) Testing of each firehose to a test pressure equivalent to its maximum service pressure;

(5) Checking of each cylinder containing compressed gas to ensure it has been tested and marked in accordance with § 147.60 in subchapter N of this chapter;

(6) Testing or renewal of flexible connections and discharge hoses on semiportable extinguishers and fixed gas extinguishing systems in accordance with § 147.65 in subchapter N of this chapter; and

(7) Inspection and testing of smoke and fire detecting systems (including sensors and alarms) and fire confining appliances (such as fire screen doors and fire dampers).

(b) The owner, managing operator, or a qualified servicing facility as applicable shall conduct the following inspections and tests:

(1) For portable fire extinguishers, the inspections, maintenance procedures and hydrostatic pressure tests required by Chapter 4 of NFPA 10, “Portable Fire Extinguishers,” with the frequency specified by NFPA 10. In addition, carbon dioxide and halon portable fire extinguishers must be refilled when the net content weight loss exceeds that specified for fixed systems by Table 115.810(b). The owner or managing operator shall provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.

(2) For semiportable and fixed gas fire extinguishing systems, the inspections and tests required by Table 115.810(b), in addition to the tests required by §§ 147.60 and 147.65 in subchapter N of this chapter. The owner or managing operator shall provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests.

(c) The owner, managing operator, or master shall destroy, in the presence of the marine inspector, each fire hose found to be defective and incapable of repair.

(d) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the marine inspector may require that a fire drill be held under simulated emergency conditions to be specified by the inspector.

(a) Pressure vessels must be tested and inspected in accordance with part 61, subpart 61.10, of this chapter.

(b) Periodic inspection and testing requirements for boilers are contained in § 61.05 in subchapter F of this chapter.

At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to test the steering systems of the vessel and make them available for inspection to the extent necessary to determine that they are in suitable condition and fit for the service intended. Servo-type power systems, such as orbitrol systems, must be tested and capable of smooth operation by a single person in the manual mode, with hydraulic pumps secured.

At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to test and make available for inspection all items in the ship's outfit, such as ground tackle, navigation lights and equipment, markings, and placards, which are required to be carried by the regulations in this subchapter, as necessary to determine that they are fit for the service intended.

At each inspection for certification and at every other vessel inspection, quarters, toilet and washing spaces, galleys, serving pantries, lockers, and similar spaces may be examined to determine that they are serviceable and in a sanitary condition.

(a) At each inspection for certification and at every other vessel inspection all observed unsafe practices, fire hazards, and other hazardous situations must be corrected and all required guards and protective devices must be in satisfactory condition.

(b) At each inspection for certification and at every other vessel inspection the bilges and other spaces may be examined to see that there is no excessive accumulation of oil, trash, debris, or other matter that might create a fire hazard, clog bilge pumping systems, or block emergency escapes.

The cognizant OCMI may require that a vessel and its equipment undergo any additional test or inspection deemed reasonable and necessary to determine that the vessel and its equipment are suitable for the service in which they are to be employed.

(a) The construction and arrangement of a vessel must allow the safe operation of the vessel in accordance with the terms of its Certificate of Inspection giving consideration to provisions for a seaworthy hull, protection against fire, means of escape in case of a sudden unexpected casualty, guards and rails in hazardous places, ventilation of enclosed spaces, and necessary facilities for passengers and crew.

(b) Vessels to which this subchapter applies must meet the applicable provisions in subchapter S (Subdivision and Stability) of this chapter, except that the requirements in subpart K of this part may be met in lieu of the requirements of §§ 171.124 through 171.155 in subchapter S of this chapter.

(a) Except as otherwise required by paragraph (b) of this section, an existing vessel must comply with the construction and arrangement regulations that were applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996, or, as an alternative, the vessel may comply with the regulations in this part.

(b) Alterations or modifications made to the structure or arrangements of an existing vessel regulated by this part, that are a major conversion, on or after March 11, 1996, must comply with the regulations of this part. Repairs or maintenance conducted on an existing vessel, resulting in no significant changes to the original structure or arrangement of the vessel, must comply with the regulations applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996, or, as an alternative, with the regulations in this part. However, when outfit items such as furnishings and mattresses are renewed, they must comply with the regulations in this part.

(a) Except as provided in § 116.210 of this part, the owner of a vessel requesting initial inspection for certification must, prior to the start of construction, submit for approval three copies of the following plans. The plans may be delivered by visitors to 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, 2100 2nd St. SW., Stop 7102, Washington, DC 20593-7102, in a written or electronic format. Information for submitting the VSP electronically can be found at http://www.uscg.mil/HQ/MSC.

(1) Outboard profile;

(2) Inboard profile; and

(3) Arrangement of decks.

(b) In addition, the owner shall, prior to receiving a Certificate of Inspection, submit for approval to the Marine Safety Center, three copies of the following plans, manuals, analyses, and calculations that are applicable to the vessel as determined by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center:

(1) Midship section;

(2) Structural fire protection details;

(3) Fire load calculations of accommodations and service spaces, if required in § 116.427 of this part;

(4) Emergency evacuation plan required in § 116.520, of this part with drawings showing embarkation stations, areas of refuge, and escape routes;

(5) Machinery installation, including but not limited to:

(i) Propulsion and propulsion control, including shaft details;

(ii) Steering and steering control, including rudder details;

(iii) Ventilation diagrams; and

(iv) Engine exhaust diagram;

(6) Electrical installation including, but not limited to:

(i) Elementary one-line diagram of the power system;

(ii) Cable lists;

(iii) Bills of materials;

(iv) Type and size of generators and prime movers;

(v) Type and size of generator cables, bus-tie cables, feeders, and branch circuit cables;

(vi) Power, lighting, and interior communication panelboards with number of circuits and rating of energy consuming devices;

(vii) Type and capacity of storage batteries;

(viii) Rating of circuit breakers and switches, interrupting capacity of circuit breakers, and rating and setting of overcurrent devices;

(ix) Electrical plant load analysis; and

(x) For a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers, an overcurrent protective device coordination analysis if the information required by paragraph (a)(8)(i) through (a)(8)(ix) of this section is not considered adequate by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center to review the electrical system of the vessel;

(7) Lifesaving equipment locations and installation;

(8) Fire protection equipment installation including, but not limited to:

(i) Fire main system plans and calculations;

(ii) Fixed gas fire extinguishing system plans and calculations;

(iii) Fire detecting system and smoke detecting system plans;

(iv) Sprinkler system diagram and calculations; and

(v) Portable fire extinguisher types, sizes and locations;

(9) Fuel tanks;

(10) Piping systems including: bilge, ballast, hydraulic, sanitary, compressed air, combustible and flammable liquids, vents, soundings, and overflows;

(11) Hull penetrations and shell connections;

(12) Marine sanitation device model number, approval number, connecting wiring and piping:

(13) Lines and offsets, curves of form, cross curves of stability, and tank capacities including size and location on vessel; and

(14) On sailing vessels;

(i) Masts, including integration into the ship's structure; and

(ii) Rigging plan showing sail areas and centers of effort as well as the arrangement, dimensions, and connections of the standing rigging.

(c) For a vessel, the construction of which was begun prior to approval of the plans and information required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, the cognizant OCMI may require any additional plans and information, manufacturers' certifications of construction, testing including reasonable destructive testing, and inspections, which the OCMI determines are necessary to verify that the vessel complies with the requirements of this subchapter.

(a) Plans are not required for a vessel that is a sister vessel, provided:

(1) Approved plans for the original vessel are on file at the Marine Safety Center or in the files of the cognizant OCMI;

(2) The owner of the plans authorizes their use for the new construction of the sister vessel;

(3) The regulations used for the original plan approval have not changed since the original approval; and

(4) There are no major modifications to any of the systems to be used.

(b) If approved plans for original vessel are not on file at the Marine Safety Center (MSC) or with the cognizant OCMI, the vessel owner shall submit plans as described in § 116.202 of this part.

Except as otherwise allowed by this subpart, a vessel must comply with the structural design requirements of one of the standards listed below for the hull material of the vessel.

(a) Steel hull vessels:

(1) Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Yachts and Small Craft, Lloyd's Register of Shipping (Lloyd's); or

(2) Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 61 Meters (200 Feet) in Length, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS);

(b) Aluminum hull vessels:

(1) Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Yachts and Small Craft, Lloyd's; or

(i) For a vessel of more than 30.5 meters (100 feet) in length—Rules for Building and Classing Aluminum Vessels, ABS; or

(ii) For a vessel of not more than 30.5 meters (100 feet) in length—Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 61 Meters (200 Feet) in Length, ABS, with the appropriate conversions from the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Aluminum Vessels; or

(2) ABS Guide for High Speed Craft.

(c) Steel hull vessels operating in protected waters—Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels for Service on Rivers and Intracoastal Waterways, ABS.

The design, materials, and construction of masts, posts, yards, booms, bowsprits, and standing rigging on a sailing vessel must be suitable for the intended service. The hull structure must be adequately reinforced to ensure sufficient strength and resistance to plate buckling. The cognizant OCMI may require the owner to submit detailed calculations on the strength of the mast, post, yards, booms, bowsprits, and standing rigging.

The Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, may approve the structure of a vessel of novel design, unusual form, or special materials, which does not meet the requirements of § 116.300, if it is shown by systematic analysis based on engineering principles that the vessel structure provides adequate safety and strength. An owner seeking approval of an alternate design shall submit detailed plans, material component specifications, and design criteria, including the expected operating environment, resulting loads on the vessel, and design limitations for such a vessel, to the Marine Safety Center.

(a) This subpart applies to:

(1) Vessels carrying more than 150 passengers; or

(2) Vessels with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers but not more than 150 passengers.

(b) A vessel with overnight accommodations for more than 150 passengers must comply with § 72.05 in subchapter H of this chapter.

(a) Fire hazards to be minimized. The general construction of the vessel must be such as to minimize fire hazards insofar as it is reasonable and practicable.

(b) Combustible materials to be limited. Limited amounts of combustible materials such as wiring insulation, pipe hanger linings, nonmetallic (plastic) pipe, and cable ties are permitted in concealed spaces except as otherwise prohibited by this subpart.

(c) Combustibles insulated from heated surfaces. Internal combustion engine exhausts, boiler and galley uptakes, and similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and suitably insulated from combustible material.

(d) Separation of machinery and fuel tank spaces from accommodation spaces. Machinery and fuel tank spaces must be separated from accommodation spaces by boundaries that prevent the passage of vapors.

(e) Paint and flammable liquid lockers. Paint and flammable liquid lockers must be constructed of steel or equivalent material, or wholly lined with steel or equivalent material.

(f) Nonmetallic piping in concealed spaces. The use of nonmetallic (plastic) pipe within a concealed space in a control space, accommodation space, or service space is permitted in nonvital service only if the piping material has a flame spread rating of not more than 20 and a smoke developed rating of not more than 10 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 (incorporated by reference, see § 114.600) or UL 723 by an independent laboratory.

(g) Vapor barriers. Vapor barriers must be provided where insulation of any type is used in spaces where flammable and combustible liquids or vapors are present, such as machinery spaces and paint lockers.

(h) Interior finishes. Combustible interior finishes allowed by § 116.422(d) of this part must not extend into hidden spaces, such as behind linings, above ceilings, or between bulkheads.

(i) Waste Receptacles. Unless other means are provided to ensure that a potential waste receptacle fire would be limited to the receptacle, waste receptacles must be constructed of noncombustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom.

(j) Mattresses. All mattresses must comply with either:

(1) The U.S. Department of Commerce Standard for Mattress Flammability (FF 4-72.16), 16 CFR Part 1632, Subpart A and not contain polyurethane foam; or,

(2) International Maritime Organization Resolution A.688(17) “Fire Test Procedures For Ignitability of Bedding Components.” Mattresses that are tested to this standard may contain polyurethane foam.

(a) Type and construction of fire control bulkheads and decks—(1) Major hull structure. The hull, structural bulkheads, columns and stanchions, superstructures, and deckhouses must be composed of steel or equivalent material.

(2) Bulkheads and decks—Bulkheads and decks must be classed as A-60, A-30, A-15, A-0, B-15, B-0, C, or C' based on the following:

(i) A-Class bulkheads or decks must be composed of steel or equivalent material, suitably stiffened and made intact with the main structure of the vessel, such as the shell, structural bulkheads, and decks. They must be so constructed that, if subjected to the standard fire test, they are capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame for 1 hour. In addition, they must be so insulated with approved structural insulation, bulkhead panels, or deck covering so that, if subjected to the standard fire test for the applicable time period listed below, the average temperature on the unexposed side does not rise more than 139 °C (250 °F) above the original temperature, nor does the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 181 °C (325 °F) above the original temperature:

(ii) Penetrations in A-Class fire control boundaries for electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc. must be constructed to prevent the passage of flame and smoke for one hour. In addition, the penetration must be designed or insulated so that it will withstand the same temperature rise limits as the boundary penetrated.

(iii) B-Class bulkheads and decks must be constructed of noncombustible materials and made intact with the main structure of the vessel, such as shell, structural bulkheads, and decks, except that a B-Class bulkhead need not extend above an approved continuous B-Class ceiling. They must be so constructed that, if subjected to the standard fire test, they are capable of preventing the passage of flame for 30 minutes. In addition, their insulation value must be such that, if subjected to the standard fire test for the applicable time period listed below, the average temperature of the unexposed side does not rise more than 139 °C (250 °F) above the original temperature, nor does the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225 °C (405 °F) above the original temperature:

(iv) Penetrations in B-Class fire control boundaries for electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc. must be constructed to prevent the passage of flame for 30 minutes. In addition, the penetration must be designed or insulated so that it will withstand the same temperature rise limits as the boundary penetrated.

(v) C-Class bulkheads and decks must be composed of noncombustible materials.

(vi) C′-Class bulkheads and decks must be constructed of noncombustible materials and made intact with the main structure of the vessel, such as shell, structural bulkheads, and decks, except that a C′-Class bulkhead need not extend above a continuous B-Class or C′-Class ceiling. C′-Class bulkheads must be constructed to prevent the passage of smoke between adjacent areas. Penetrations in C′-Class boundaries for electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc. must be constructed so as to preserve the smoke-tight integrity of the boundary.

(vii) Any sheathing, furring, or holding pieces incidental to the securing of structural insulation must be approved noncombustible material.

(b) Bulkhead requirements. Bulkheads between various spaces must meet the requirements of Table 116.415(b).

(c) Deck requirements. Decks between various spaces must meet the requirements of Table 116.415(c), except that where linings or bulkhead panels are framed away from the shell or structural bulkheads, the deck within the void space so formed need only meet A-0 Class requirements.

(d) Main vertical zones. (1) The hull, superstructure, and deck houses of a vessel, except for a vehicle space on a vehicle ferry, must be subdivided by bulkheads into main vertical zones which:

(i) Are generally not more than 40 meters (131 feet) in mean length on any one deck;

(ii) Must be constructed to:

(A) The greater of A-30 Class or the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, or;

(B) Minimum A-0 Class where there is a Type 8, 12 or 13 space on either side of the division; and

(iii) May have small horizontal steps, if the steps:

(A) Do not exceed 20% of the mean length of the main vertical zone or 8 meters (26 feet), whichever is smaller; and

(B) Must be constructed to A-60 Class, or minimum A-0 Class where there is a Type 8, 12 or 13 space on either side of the division.

(iv) May be extended to a maximum mean length of 44 meters (144 feet) on each deck by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center provided the maximum distance between the furthermost points of the bulkheads bounding the main vertical zone also does not exceed 44 meters (144 feet).

(2) Vehicle decks on a vehicle ferry must be subdivided. Where main vertical zones are impractical due to the vehicle carrying configuration, main horizontal zones may be provided. The decks bounding such a zone must be of at least A-30 construction or meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, whichever is greater.

(e) Draft stops. In concealed spaces above ceilings and between linings and the shell of a vessel, draft stops must be fitted not more than 13.7 meters (45 feet) apart in the horizontal direction and at each deck level in the vertical direction unless otherwise permitted in paragraph (f). Draft stops must be of at least B-Class construction and be fitted in a vertical position.

(f) On vessels with no overnight passenger accommodations, draft stops are not required above/around large public spaces provided all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The space in question is surrounded by A-Class divisions or extends to the outer shell of the vessel.

(2) The space in question is open and unobstructed such that a fire in any part of the space will quickly be discovered.

(3) The area above the ceiling is easily accessible from below for fire fighting purposes.

(a) Ceilings, linings, and any furring incidental to their installation in control spaces, passageways, stairways, accommodation spaces and service spaces must be of noncombustible material in accordance with § 164.009 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(b) Bulkheads, linings and ceilings may be covered by a combustible interior finish provided that such a finish is:

(1) Approved under § 164.012 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant; or

(2) Listed by Underwriters Laboratories, does not exceed 2 millimeters (.075 inches) in thickness, and has a flame spread rating of not more than 20 and a smoke developed rating of not more than 10 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 (incorporated by reference, see § 114.600) or UL 723 by an independent laboratory.

(c) Bulkheads, linings, and ceilings in high risk accommodation spaces may have a combustible veneer trim and decorations that do not meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, provided:

(1) The overall thickness of the combustible veneer does not exceed 2 millimeters (.075 inches); and

(2) The total volume of the combustible face trim, moldings, and decorations, including veneers, in any space does not exceed a volume equivalent to a 2.5 millimeter (0.1 inch) veneer on the combined area of the bulkheads and ceiling of the space.

(d) Combustible veneers may not be used in passageways, stairway enclosures or in low risk accommodation spaces. Combustible veneers, trim and decorations may not be used in or extend into hidden spaces such as behind linings or ceilings.

(e) Partial bulkheads or decks used to subdivide a space for artistic treatment and privacy must meet the requirements of Class C bulkheads.

(f) Nothing in this subpart may be construed as prohibiting the covering of any surface, including the surfaces of corridors, stairway enclosures, and hidden spaces, with a reasonable number of coats of paint or with a marine finish meeting the requirements of § 164.012 in subchapter Q of this chapter or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(a) For the purpose of this subpart, rooms containing “fire resistant furnishings” are considered to be those in which:

(1) Furniture such as chairs, sofas, and similar items are tested and meet the requirements in UL 1056 “Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture,” or meet the requirements in § 72.05-55 in subchapter H of this chapter.

(2) Case furniture such as bookshelves, desks, cabinets, counters, beds, or other freestanding furniture are constructed in accordance with the requirements in § 72.05-55 (a)(1) in subchapter H of this chapter.

(3) Draperies, curtains and other similar furnishings and decorations are flame resistant. These materials must be tested in accordance with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 701 “Fire Tests for Flame Resistant Textiles and Films,” and must comply with either the small or large scale tests.

(4) Rugs and carpet may be used in addition to deck coverings. Rugs and carpets must be constructed of 100 percent wool or equivalent as determined by a flame spread rating not exceeding 75 and a smoke developed rating not exceeding 100 when tested according to ASTM E 84 (incorporated by reference, see § 114.600) or have a critical radiant flux not less than 0.8 watts per square centimeter (18 BTU's per hour per square inch) when tested according to ASTM E 648 (incorporated by reference, see § 114.600) “Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source,” and with a specific optical density not to exceed 450 in both flaming and nonflaming modes when tested according to ASTM E 662 (incorporated by reference, see § 114.600) “Specific Optical Density of Smoke generated by Solid Materials.” Also:

(i) Rugs and carpets shall not extend up bulkheads or vertical surfaces more than 10 centimeters (4 inches) above the deck.

(ii) Rugs and carpets are not permitted in machinery spaces, high risk service spaces, or areas where the spillage or leakage of flammable or combustible liquids is possible including areas immediately adjacent to bar service areas.

(b) Passageways and stairway enclosures shall contain only fire resistant furnishings. In addition, all upholstered chairs, sofas, etc., in these areas, shall be tested and meet the requirements in UL 1056 or have padding and upholstery of approved fire resistant materials.

(a) Except as provided in this section, deck coverings used for leveling or finishing purposes in control spaces, stairway enclosures, passageways, accommodation spaces and service spaces must be noncombustible.

(1) Materials approved under § 164.006 in subchapter Q of this chapter may be used in thicknesses not to exceed the approved thickness.

(2) Combustible deck leveling and finishing materials which are not approved under § 164.006 in subchapter Q of this chapter may be used in a thickness not to exceed 9.5 millimeters (.375 inches).

(b) [Reserved]

(a) Fire load calculations must be submitted by the owner for review to the Marine Safety Center when:

(1) A space is designated as a low risk accommodation space by the owner; or

(2) The cognizant OCMI determines, based on the quantity of combustibles, that the fire load present in a high risk accommodations space may exceed 37.5 kg (7.5 pounds) of combustibles per square meter (square foot) of deck area.

(b) When required under paragraph (a) of this section, fire load calculations must include all combustible construction and outfitting materials in addition to all loose or freestanding combustibles intended for use or stowage in the space. This includes but is not limited to: furniture, furnishings, carpets, rugs, combustible deck coverings, draperies, combustible interior finish, veneers, trim, and decorations, electrical cable insulation, plastic piping, light diffusers, mattresses, bedding, lifesaving equipment, and similar materials. The maximum fire load of a low risk accommodation or low risk service space as determined by fire load calculations must not exceed 15.0 kg (3 pounds) of combustibles per square meter (square foot) of deck area. The maximum fire load of a high risk accommodation space as determined by fire load calculations must not exceed 37.5 kg (7.5 pounds) of combustibles per square meter (square foot) of deck area.

(a) Combustible insulation may be used for pipe and machinery covering or lagging within a machinery space, or used in an individual refrigerator box if the refrigerator box was purchased with the insulation already installed.

(b) Except as allowed by paragraph (a) of this section, any insulation installed for purposes other than structural fire protection and all material incidental to its installation must be noncombustible or approved under § 164.009 in subchapter Q of this chapter. Surfacing material applied to such insulation must be noncombustible or may meet the requirements of § 116.422(c) of this part.

(a) A door, other than a watertight door, must meet the requirements of this section.

(b) A door in a fire control boundary must meet the following requirements:

(1) A door in an accommodation space, stairway, stairtower, or corridor must be oriented vertically;

(2) A door must be capable of operation from either side by one person;

(3) With the exception of staterooms, a door in an accommodation space, stairway, stairtower, passageway, or control space must open in the direction of escape, where practicable;

(4) Combustible veneers may be used on doors subject to the same restrictions as the fire control boundary in which the doors are fitted;

(5) Door frames must be of rigid construction and provide at least a 12.7 millimeter (0.5 inch) overlap at the sides and top, except:

(i) Double doors capable of independent operation and latching may have a clearance between the doors of not more than 3.2 millimeters (0.125 inches). However, if one door must always be closed first, means shall be provided to ensure that the doors close in the proper order; and

(ii) A double swing door, may have a clearance of not more than 3.2 millimeters (0.125 inches) at the top and sides;

(6) The maximum width of an individual door must not exceed 1200 millimeters (48 inches); and

(7) Hose ports, if fitted, must be in the lower corner of the door opposite the hinge so a hose may pass through the doorway when the door is open and still allow the door to close over the hose. The hose port should be approximately 152 millimeters (6 inches) square. A self-closing hinged or pivoted steel or equivalent material cover must be fitted in the opening.

(c) Doors in A-Class fire control boundaries must meet the following additional requirements:

(1) A door in a bulkhead required to be A-60, A-30, or A-15 Class must be of hollow steel or equivalent material construction, solidly filled with approved structural insulation, and capable of meeting the requirements of an A-15 Class bulkhead;

(2) A door in a bulkhead required to be A-0 Class must be of solid or hollow steel or equivalent material construction, and capable of meeting the requirements of an A-0 Class bulkhead;

(3) A door must have a latch with a minimum throw of 20 millimeters (0.75 inches);

(4) A door must not have vent grilles or louvers;

(5) A door must not be undercut more than 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) above the door sill or deck covering. Rugs and carpets must not pass through doorways, but linoleum and similar deck coverings may;

(6) A door in a stairtower, stairway, and main vertical zone bulkhead must meet the following additional requirements:

(i) A door must be of the self-closing type capable of closing against a 3.5 list of the vessel; and

(ii) Holdback hooks are not allowed. If installed, a hold back mechanism for a door must allow the door to be released:

(A) Locally:

(B) Upon a signal from a control space; and

(C) Upon disruption of the power system.

(7) Horizontal doors (doors installed in decks) are allowed only for access to spaces that are accessible only to crew members and are used only by crew members, subject to the following requirements:

(i) The door must be self-closing with a closure time of not less than 5 seconds and not more than 10 seconds, and be capable of closing against a 3.5 list of the vessel;

(ii) Holdback hooks are not allowed. If installed, a holdback mechanism for a door must allow the door to be released:

(A) Locally;

(B) Upon a signal from a control space; and

(C) Upon disruption of the power system.

(iii) The forces required to fully open the door must not exceed 17.8 Newtons (5 pounds) to release the latch, 44.5 Newtons (10 pounds) to set the door in motion, and 17.8 Newtons (5 pounds) to open the door to the width of the stairway; and

(iv) The door latch must be capable of keeping the door closed when a pressure of 0.07 kPa (0.01 psi) is applied to the underside of the door.

(8) Double swing doors must not be used in any bulkhead except between a food preparation space, such as a galley or pantry, and a messroom or dining room; and

(9) A door opening onto weather decks must meet the requirements of paragraphs (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this section or may be composed of hardwood of not less than 45 millimeters (1.75 inches) in thickness. In any case, no restriction as to the area of glass will be made for the doors insofar as this subpart is concerned. Only glass of the wire-inserted type may be fitted in the doors.

(10) Except as noted in paragraph (c)(9) of this section, doors may be fitted with not more than 0.065 square meters (100 square inches) of glass, which must be of the wire-inserted type.

(d) Doors in B-Class fire control boundaries must meet the following requirements in addition to those in paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) A door must be of solid or hollow steel or equivalent material construction, or must be of noncombustible material and be specifically approved by the Commandant;

(2) A door must have a latch with a minimum throw of 9.5 millimeters (0.375 inches); and

(3) A door must not be undercut more than 25 millimeters (1 inch) above the door sill or deck covering. Rugs and carpets must not pass through doorways but linoleum and similar coverings may.

(e) A door in a C-Class bulkhead must be of noncombustible material.

(f) A door used for decorative purposes, and that is not required to comply with paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section, must be constructed of noncombustible material or hardwood, must not interfere with the normal operation of the required doors, and must open in the same direction as the required doors. Decorative doors must not be used in stairways or stairtowers.

(a) A vessel carrying more than 600 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must meet the requirements for stairways, ladders, and elevators in § 72.05-20 of this chapter.

(b) Materials. (1) Stairways, stairtowers, ladders, elevators, and landings must be designed with sufficient strength to sustain a load of 4.8 kPa (100 pounds per square foot) with a safety factor of 4, based on ultimate strength of the material;

(2) All stairways, ladders, elevators, and landings within machinery spaces and cargo holds must be composed of steel; and

(3) All stringers, treads, and all platforms and landings of all stairways shall be composed of steel, and risers must be of approved incombustible material, except that:

(i) Stairways, ladders, elevators, stringers, treads, platforms, and landings protected from potential fire exposure by being in either exterior locations or within protective enclosure bulkheads, decks and doors as described in the requirements of paragraph (j), may be constructed of approved incombustible material; and

(ii) All stairways, ladders, elevators, stringers, treads, platforms, and landings subject to potential fire exposure and not within a protective enclosure must be composed of steel unless their failure will not hinder fire fighter access or debarkation.

(c) A stairway or stairtower must be fitted with handrails on both sides at a vertical height above the tread at its nosing of between 840 and 910 millimeters (33 and 36 inches). A stairway or stairtower of more than 1,680 millimeters (66 inches) in width must also be fitted with a center handrail.

(d) A handrail fitted in a stairtower, stairway, landing, ladder, or elevator must be constructed of noncombustible material.

(e) A stairway or stairtower must be clear of all obstructions other than handrails.

(f) Curved, spiral, or winding stairways are permitted only with the specific approval of the Commandant.

(g) Differences in the depth of tread or height of riser of stairs in different flights of stairs in a stairway or stairtower must be minimized. In an individual flight of stairs in a stairway or stairtower, the depth of the tread and the height of riser shall not have a variance exceeding 5 millimeters (0.19685 inches).

(h) In a stairway or stairtower, the sum of the riser height and tread depth must be at least 432 millimeters (17 inches) and not more than 455 millimeters (18 inches). A stairway or stairtower having treads less than 254 millimeters (10 inches) in depth must have a nosing of 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) in width.

(i) Landings for stairways and stairtowers must meet the following requirements:

(1) A clear landing having an area at least equal to the square of the tread width must be provided at the top and bottom of each stairway; and

(2) Any interruption or change of direction in a stairway must be accomplished by means of an intermediate landing of a width and length at least equal to the tread width of the stairway.

(j) A stairway or stairtower must not have an angle of inclination from the horizontal of more than 40 degrees. However, stairways accessing spaces visited solely by crew members must not have an angle of inclination from the horizontal of more than 50 degrees. The Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center may approve higher angles of inclination for spaces with severe space constraints.

(k) Where a continuous vertical deck penetration for a stairway or elevator exceeds one deck, the integrity of all decks must be assured by enclosure bulkheads and decks meeting the requirements of §§ 116.415(b) and 116.415(c) of this part. Doors meeting the requirements of §§ 116.435(b) and 116.435(c) of this part must be fitted in the enclosure at each deck serviced.

(l) Where a vertical deck penetration for a stairway or elevator involves only one deck, the integrity of the deck must be assured as required by paragraph (k) of this section. Alternatively the integrity of the deck may be maintained at one level only by means of bulkheads of the same fire control boundary rating as the deck penetrated. A door meeting the requirements of §§ 116.435(b) and 116.435(c) of this part must be fitted in the enclosure. In spaces containing a balcony, the integrity of the balcony deck in the way of stairways or elevators need not be assured. However, such stairways must not be considered to be a means of escape.

(m) Arrangements. (1) Each main vertical zone with more than two deck levels, each having enclosed or partially enclosed accommodation spaces, other than washroom or toilet spaces and open decks, must be served by at least one stairtower, so that a person may escape from any accommodation space or any other space where persons may be normally quartered or employed, to all other decks having any such spaces within the same main vertical zone, without coming out of the stairtower enclosure. Where a stairtower is accessible from two main vertical zones, it may be considered as the required stairtower for both main vertical zones provided all boundaries of the stairtower meet main vertical zone boundary requirements contained in § 116.415 of this part.

(2) Each stairtower must give access to an embarkation station or an area of refuge identified in the emergency escape plan required by § 116.520.

(3) Stairtowers must not give direct access to overnight accommodations or spaces of type 9, 10, 11, or 12.

(4) A stairtower is not required to extend below deck to serve spaces in which a fire is likely to originate if one of the means of escape is:

(i) A stairway that leads directly to a weather deck; or

(ii) A stairway leading to a stairtower enclosure that includes self closing fire doors at both the top and bottom; or

(iii) An alternative stairtower arrangement providing an equivalent level of safety is acceptable to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

(5) The Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center may accept other means of escape in combination with a stairtower provided the exits open directly to weather or through a main vertical zone bulkhead.

(6) For vessels in which a stairtower is not required, a stairway must provide a means of escape for each deck of the main vertical zone.

(n) The minimum tread width of a stairway or stairtower must be 8.4 millimeters (0.333 inches) for each person served, but must not be less than 910 millimeters (36 inches). However, in stairways accessing spaces utilized solely by crew members, the minimum tread width must be 8.4 millimeters (0.333 inches) for each person served, but not less than 710 millimeters (28 inches).

(1) The minimum tread width of a stairway or stairtower must be determined for each deck considering only those persons on that deck, except as provided in paragraph (n)(3) of this section. Once a minimum tread width has been established at any deck, it must not be decreased in the direction of escape.

(2) In determining the number of persons served, a space must be considered to contain at least the number of persons as follows:

(i) Passenger overnight accommodation spaces: Designed capacity;

(ii) Accommodation spaces having fixed seating for passengers: Maximum seating capacity;

(iii) Public spaces, including spaces such as casinos, restaurants, club rooms, and cinemas, and public accommodation spaces as defined in § 114.400 of this subchapter, except overnight accommodation spaces: One person for each 0.9 square meters (10 square feet) of deck area. In computing such deck area, the following areas must be excluded:

(A) Areas for which the number of persons permitted is determined using the fixed seating criterion;

(B) Obstructions, including stairway and elevator enclosures, elevated stages, bars, and cashier stands, but not including slot machines, tables, or other room furnishings;

(C) Toilets and washrooms;

(D) Interior passageways less than 850 millimeters (34 inches) wide and passageways on open deck less than 710 millimeters (28 inches) wide;

(E) Spaces necessary for handling lifesaving equipment, anchor handling equipment, or line handling gear, or in way of sail booms or running rigging; and

(F) Bow pulpits, swimming platforms, and areas that do not have a solid deck, such as netting on multi hull vessels;

(iv) Crew overnight accommodation spaces: Two-thirds designed capacity; and

(v) Work spaces: Occupancy under normal operating conditions.

(3) If a stairway forms part of a normal embarkation or debarkation route, or egress route to an area of refuge, the number of persons using the stairway for that purpose must be used in determining the minimum tread width. The Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, may approve a narrower stairway width if a narrower stairway will not unreasonably impede the flow of persons out of the space requiring egress or from an area of refuge to an embarkation station. Specific consideration can be given by the Marine Safety Center to the arrangement of landing area in excess of that required by paragraph (i) of this section when considering the approval of a narrower stairway width. However, the stairway width must be at least 910 millimeters (36 inches) unless the stairway is utilized solely by crew members, in which case the minimum tread width must be at least 710 millimeters (28 inches).

(4) If more than one stairtower serves a main vertical zone, the number of persons in that main vertical zone may be distributed among the stairtowers.

(a) An accommodation space containing a balcony must meet the requirements of this section.

(b) Each level of a space containing a balcony must have two independent means of escape that meet the requirements of § 116.500 of this part.

(c) For the purpose of main vertical zone bulkhead spacing requirements, the length of the space to which the balcony opens is considered to be increased by an amount equal to the gross area of the balcony divided by the average width of the space. If this equivalent main vertical zone length exceeds 40 meters (131 feet), the space must meet the requirements of paragraph (d) of this section. The actual length of the space may not exceed 40 meters (131 feet).

(d) If the equivalent main vertical zone length under paragraph (c) of this section exceeds 40 meters (131 feet), both decks connected by the balcony must be protected with an automatic sprinkler system meeting NFPA 13.

(e) If the unobstructed balcony opening area is less than 93 square meters (1,000 square feet), the opening must be protected in accordance with NFPA 13 or other standard specified by the Commandant. The horizontal projection area of stairs, escalators, statues, or other obstructions must be subtracted from the total balcony opening area for purposes of computation of unobstructed balcony opening area.

(a) The atrium opening area must be a minimum of 93 square meters (1000 square feet) or 20% of the gross deck area of the largest deck within the accommodation space containing the atrium, whichever is smaller.

(1) Each side of an atrium opening must be a minimum of 6.1 meters (20 feet) in length. If the opening is circular or ellipsoid, it must measure at least 6.1 meters (20 feet) across in any direction.

(2) Any deck opening within an atrium must fit wholly within the horizontal projection of any deck opening of an upper deck.

(3) The horizontal projection area of stairs, escalators, statues, etc. within the atrium shall not be included for purposes of computation of atrium opening area.

(b) The entire main vertical zone containing an atrium must be protected throughout with a smoke detection system of an approved type which is installed in accordance with § 76.33 in subchapter H of this chapter. However, on vessels with no overnight passenger accommodations, smoke detectors may be omitted from the accommodation space containing the atrium.

(c) The entire main vertical zone containing an atrium must be protected with an automatic sprinkler system meeting NFPA 13.

(d) The atrium must be provided with a smoke extraction system that complies with either:

(1) The smoke extraction system must be capable of exhausting the entire volume of the space within 10 minutes. The smoke extraction system must be capable of being activated by both the smoke detection system and by manual control, and designed with sufficient plenum air openings to prevent excessive negative air pressure in the atrium; or,

(2) The smoke extraction system may be designed in accordance with the principles of NFPA 92B “Smoke Management Systems in Malls, Atria, and Large Areas.”

(e) Each level within the atrium must have two independent means of escape that comply with § 116.500 of this part. At least one of the means of escape must be a stairtower.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, each space accessible to passengers or used by the crew on a regular basis, must have at least two means of escape, one of which must not be a watertight door.

(b) The two required means of escape must be widely separated and, if possible, at opposite ends or sides of the space to minimize the possibility of one incident blocking both escapes.

(c) Subject to the restrictions of this section, means of escape may include normal exits and emergency exits, passageways, stairways, ladders, deck scuttles, and windows.

(d) The number and dimensions of the means of escape from each space must be sufficient for rapid evacuation in an emergency for the number of persons served as determined using § 116.438(n)(2) of this part.

(e) The dimensions of a means of escape must be such as to allow easy movement of persons when wearing life jackets. There must be no protrusions in means of escape that could cause injury, ensnare clothing, or damage life jackets.

(f) The minimum clear opening of a door or passageway used as a means of escape must not be less than 810 millimeters (32 inches) in width, however, doors or passageways used solely by crew members must have a clear opening not less than 710 millimeters (28 inches). The sum of the width of all doors and passageways used as means of escape from a space must not be less than 8.4 millimeters (0.333 inches) multiplied by the number of passengers for which the space is designed.

(g) A dead end passageway, or the equivalent, of more than 6.1 meters (20 feet) in length is prohibited.

(h) The maximum allowable travel distance, measured as actual walking distance from the most remote point in a space to the nearest exit, must not be more than 46 meters (150 feet).

(i) Each door, hatch, or scuttle, used as a means of escape, must be capable of being opened by one person, from either side, in both light and dark conditions. The method of opening a means of escape must be obvious, rapid, and of adequate strength. Handles and securing devices must be permanently installed and not capable of being easily removed. With the exception of individual staterooms, a door, hatch or scuttle must open towards the expected direction of escape from the space served.

(j) A means of escape that is not readily apparent to a person from both inside and outside the space must be adequately marked in accordance with § 122.606 of this subchapter.

(k) A ladder leading to a deck scuttle may not be used as a means of escape except:

(1) On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a vertical ladder and a deck scuttle may be used as not more than one of the means of escape from a passenger accommodation space; or

(2) As not more than one of the means of escape from any crew accommodation space or work space.

(l) Each ladder used as a means of escape must be mounted at least 180 millimeters (7 inches) from the nearest permanent object in back of the ladder. Rungs must be:

(1) At least 405 millimeters (16 inches) in width; and

(2) Not more than 305 millimeters (12 inches) apart, and uniformly spaced for the length of the ladder with at least 113 millimeters (4.5 inches) clearance above each rung.

(m) When a deck scuttle serves as a means of escape, it must not be less than 455 millimeters (18 inches) in diameter and must be fitted with a quick acting release and a holdback device to hold the scuttle in an open position.

(n) Footholds, handholds, ladders, and similar means provided to aid escape, must be suitable for use in emergency conditions, of rigid construction, and permanently fixed in position, unless they can be folded, yet brought into immediate service in an emergency.

(o) On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a window or windshield of sufficient size and proper accessibility may be used as one of the required means of escape from an enclosed space, provided it:

(1) Does not lead directly overboard;

(2) Can be opened or is designed to be kicked or pushed out; and

(3) Is suitably marked.

(p) Only one means of escape is required from a space where:

(1) The space has a deck area less than 30 square meters (322 square feet);

(2) There is no stove, heater, or other source of fire in the space;

(3) The means of escape is located as far as possible from a machinery space or fuel tank; and

(4) If an accommodation space, the single means of escape does not include a deck scuttle or a ladder.

(q) Alternative means of escape from spaces may be provided if acceptable to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

(a) A vessel must have a least two designated embarkation stations on the embarkation deck of each main vertical zone, and at least one on each side of the vessel.

(b) Embarkation stations and approaches thereto must:

(1) Be areas that are easily traversed;

(2) Be provided with handholds; and

(3) Be well illuminated.

(c) Each embarkation station must be arranged to allow the safe boarding of survival craft. They must not be located in areas where rolling of the vessel could cause contact between the propeller(s) and survival craft. Bulwarks, handrails, and lifelines must be fitted with openings that are normally closed but that may be opened while survival craft are being boarded, allowing passengers to pass through rather than climb over.

The owner or managing operator shall prepare an evacuation plan that must:

(a) Identify possible casualties involving fires or flooding, including a fire in the largest capacity passenger space in each main vertical zone;

(b) Provide procedures for evacuating all affected spaces for each casualty identified as required by paragraph (a) of this section without abandoning the vessel, including—

(1) Identify readily accessible areas of refuge for the maximum number of persons allowed aboard the vessel. The capacity for an area of refuge may not exceed the number of persons specified in § 116.438(n)(2) of this part, except that one person may be permitted for each 0.28 square meters (3 square feet) of deck area; and

(2) Identify at least two means of escape complying with § 114.400 from the space being evacuated; and

(c) Include procedures to evacuate passengers from the vessel using an abandon ship plan, considering the number of passengers and the vessel's route. The abandon ship plan must identify at least one escape route from each area of refuge to each embarkation station required by § 116.510 of this part.

A fire control plan must be posted on the vessel in a location that is accessible and visible to all passengers. The plan must show escape routes, areas of refuge, embarkation stations, the location of fire protection/emergency equipment, compartment titles and hazard classification of accommodation and service spaces, and structural fire protection boundaries.

(a) An enclosed or partially enclosed space within a vessel must be adequately ventilated in a manner suitable for the purpose of the space.

(b) A power ventilation system must be capable of being shut down from the pilot house.

(c) An enclosed passenger or crew accommodation space and any other space occupied by a crew member on a regular basis must be ventilated by a power ventilation system unless natural ventilation in all ordinary weather conditions is satisfactory to the OCMI.

(d) An exhaust duct over a frying vat or a grill must be at least 11 U.S. Standard Gauge (USSG) steel.

(a) For the purposes of this section, a ventilation duct includes any type of piping, chamber, or conduit used for ventilation.

(b) A ventilation duct, and materials incidental to its installation, must be made of noncombustible material.

(c) Combustibles and other foreign materials are not allowed within ventilation ducts. However, metal piping and electrical wiring installed in a metal protective enclosure may be installed within ventilation ducts, provided that the piping or the wiring does not interfere with the operation of fire dampers. Electrical wiring and piping may not be installed in an exhaust duct over a frying vat or grill.

(d) Suitable means, such as a manual damper, automatic damper, or vent cover, must be provided in an accessible location outside the space served by the ventilation duct for shutting off the passage of air through the ventilation duct in the event of fire.

(e) A ventilation duct must not serve more than one main vertical zone; penetrations of main vertical zones must be minimized.

(f) A ventilation duct penetrating an A-Class or B-Class fire control boundary must meet the following requirements:

(1) A ventilation duct must meet the same requirements relative to the passage of smoke and flame as the fire control boundary penetrated;

(2) A steel duct penetrating an A-Class fire control boundary must be of at least 11 USSG, and a steel duct penetrating a B-Class bulkhead or deck must be of at least 16 USSG;

(3) A duct penetrating a main vertical zone bulkhead must be fitted with an automatic fire damper at the main vertical zone bulkhead;

(4) A duct penetrating an A-Class fire control boundary and opening into a space formed by that boundary must be equipped with a fire damper;

(5) A steel duct that penetrates an A-Class fire control boundary other than a main vertical zone bulkhead, and does not open within the space formed by the boundary need not be fitted with a fire damper provided the duct is at least 11 USSG throughout that space;

(6) A duct penetrating an insulated fire control boundary must be fitted with insulation of the same type and thickness as the boundary penetrated for a distance of at least 305 millimeters (12 inches) on the insulated side of the boundary. A fire damper blade need not be insulated; and

(7) Ducts serving cargo spaces, machinery spaces, or vehicles spaces must be fitted with automatic fire dampers.

(g) Fire dampers, where required by this section, must comply with the following requirements;

(1) A fire damper and casing must be at least 11 USSG and not more than 3.2 millimeters (0.125 inch) gap between the blade and casing;

(2) A fire damper must close against the draft in the duct and be accessible for periodic inspection by means of a hinged or bolted plate in the duct and surrounding bulkhead or deck, if fitted;

(3) Fire damper springs, blades, and hinges must be of stainless steel construction or of steel suitably coated to prevent corrosion;

(4) Fire dampers must be capable of manual operation from outside the space served, be fitted with an indicator showing whether the damper is open or closed, and be marked with red letters of at least 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) in height stating “VENTILATION FIRE DAMPER”; and

(5) An automatic fire damper must meet the above requirements and must be designed to operate at 74 °C (165 °F) for normal locations and approximately 100 °C (212 °F) for locations such as galleys.

(h) A ventilation duct serving a stairtower must not serve another space.

In addition to the requirements of this subpart, ventilation systems for spaces containing machinery or fuel tanks must comply with the requirements of Part 119 of this chapter.

(a) A crew accommodation space and a work space must be of sufficient size, adequate construction, and with suitable equipment to provide for the safe operation of the vessel and the protection and accommodation of the crew in a manner practicable for the size, facilities, service, route, speed, and modes of operation of the vessel.

(b) The deck above a crew accommodation space must be located above the deepest load waterline.

Overnight accommodations must be provided for all crew members if the vessel is operated more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period, unless the crew is put ashore and the vessel is provided with a new crew.

A crew accommodation space on a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must comply with §§ 72.20-10; 72.20-15; 72.20-20(d); 72.20-25 (a) and (d) 72.20-30; 72.20-35; 72.20-45; 72.20-50; and 72.20-55 in subchapter H of this chapter.

(a) All passenger accommodations must be arranged and equipped to provide for the safety of the passengers in consideration of the route, modes of operation, and speed of the vessel.

(b) The height of ceilings in a passenger accommodation space, including aisles and passageways, must be at least 1880 millimeters (74 inches), but may be reduced at the sides of a space to allow for camber, wiring, ventilation ducts, and piping.

(c) A passenger accommodation space must be maintained to minimize fire and safety hazards and to preserve sanitary conditions. Aisles must be kept clear of obstructions.

(d) A passenger accommodation space must not contain:

(1) Electrical generation equipment or transformers, high temperature parts, pipelines, rotating assemblies, or any other item that could injure a passenger, unless such an item is adequately shielded or isolated; or

(2) A control for operating the vessel, unless the control is so protected and located that operation of the vessel by a crew member will not be impeded by a passenger during normal or emergency operations.

(e) The deck above a passenger accommodation space must be located above the deepest load waterline.

(f) A variation from a requirement of this subpart may be authorized by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center for an unusual arrangement or design provided there is no significant reduction of space, accessibility, safety, or sanitation.

(a) A berth must be provided for each passenger authorized to be carried in overnight accommodation spaces. Each berth must measure at least 1880 millimeters (74 inches) by 610 millimeters (24 inches) and have at least 610 millimeters (24 inches) of clear space above.

(b) Berths must not be located more than three high and must be constructed of wood, fiber reinforced plastic, or metal. A berth located more than 1,525 millimeters (60 inches) above the deck must be fitted with a suitable aid for access.

(c) The construction and arrangement of berths and other furniture must allow free and unobstructed access to each berth. Each berth must be immediately adjacent to an aisle leading to a means of escape from the accommodation space. As aisle alongside a berth must be at least 610 millimeters (24 inches) wide. An aisle joining two or more aisles in an overnight accommodation space must be at least 1,065 millimeters (42 inches) wide.

(a) A seat must be provided for each passenger permitted in a space for which the fixed seating criterion in § 115.113(b)(3) of this subchapter has been used to determine the number of passengers permitted.

(b) A seat must be constructed to minimize the possibility of injury and avoid trapping occupants.

(c) Installation of seats must provide for ready escape.

(d) Seats, including fixed, temporary, or portable seats, must be arranged as follows:

(1) An aisle of not more than 3.8 meters (15 feet) in overall length must be not less than 610 millimeters (24 inches) in width.

(2) An aisle of more than 3.8 meters (15 feet) in overall length must be not less than 760 millimeters (30 inches) in width.

(3) Where seats are in rows, the distance from seat front to seat front must be not less than 760 millimeters (30 inches) and the seats must be secured to a deck or bulkhead.

(4) Seats used to determined the number of passengers permitted, in accordance with § 115.113(b)(3) of this subchapter, must be secured to the deck, bulkhead, or bulwark.

(a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, rails or equivalent protection must be installed near the periphery of all decks of a vessel accessible to passengers or crew. Equivalent protection may include lifelines, wire rope, chains, and bulwarks, that provide strength and support equivalent to fixed rails. Deck rails must include a top rail with the minimum height required by this section, and lower courses or equivalent protection as required by this section.

(b) Deck rails must be designed and constructed to withstand a point load of 91 kilograms (200 pounds) applied at any point in any direction, and a uniform load of 74 kilograms per meter (50 pounds per foot) applied to the top rail in any direction. The point and uniform loads do not need to be applied simultaneously.

(c) Where space limitations make deck rails impractical for areas designed for crew use only, such as at narrow catwalks in way of deckhouse sides, hand grabs may be substituted.

(d) The height of top rails required by paragraph (a) of this section must be as follows:

(1) Rails on passenger decks of a ferry or a vessel engaged in excursion trips, including but not limited to sightseeing trips, dinner and party cruises, and overnight cruises, must be at least 1,000 millimeters (39.5 inches) high.

(2) Rails on a vessel subject to the 1966 International Convention on Load Lines must be at least 1,000 millimeters (39.5 inches) high.

(3) All other rails must be at least 910 millimeters (36 inches) high.

(e) A sailing vessel, an open boat, or any other vessel not specifically covered elsewhere in this section, must have rails of a minimum height or equivalent protection as considered necessary by the cognizant OCMI, based on the vessel's operation, route, and seating arrangement.

(f) Rail courses or an equivalent must be installed between a top rail required by paragraph (a) of this section and the deck so that no open space exists that is more than 305 millimeters (12 inches) high, except:

(1) On passenger decks of a ferry or of a vessel on an excursion trip one of the following must be installed:

(i) Bulwarks;

(ii) Chain link fencing or wire mesh that has openings of not more than 100 millimeters (4 inches) in diameter; or

(iii) Bars, slats, rail courses, or an equivalent spaced at intervals of not more than 100 millimeters (4 inches).

(2) On a vessel subject to the 1966 International Convention on Load Lines, rail courses, or an equivalent, must be installed so that there is not an open space higher than 230 millimeters (9 inches) from the deck to the first rail course or equivalent.

(g) Rails must be permanently installed except that the following rails may be removable:

(1) Rails in way of embarkation stations and boarding locations; and

(2) Rails on a vessel when the service of the vessel is routinely changed, as determined by the cognizant OCMI, and the required top rail height varies depending on the service of the vessel at a particular time.

Suitable storm rails or hand grabs must be installed where necessary in passageways, at deckhouse sides, and at ladders and hatches.

On a vessel authorized to carry one or more vehicles, suitable chains, cables, or other barriers must be installed at the end of each vehicle runway. In addition, temporary rails or equivalent protection must be installed in way of each vehicle ramp, in compliance with § 116.900 of this part, when the vessel is underway.

An exposed hazard, such as gears or rotating machinery, must be protected by a cover, guard, or rail.

Piping, including valves, pipe fittings and flanges, conveying vapor, gas, or liquid, the temperature of which exceeds 65.5 °C (150 °F), must be insulated where necessary to prevent injuries.

Glass and other glazing material used in windows must be of material that will not break into dangerous fragments if fractured.

Each window, port hole, and its means of attachment to the hull or deck house, must be capable of withstanding the maximum load from wave and wind conditions expected due to its location on the vessel and the authorized route of the vessel.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the weather deck on a flush deck vessel must be watertight and have no obstruction to overboard drainage.

(b) Each flush deck vessel may have solid bulwarks in the forward one-third length of the vessel if:

(1) The bulwarks do not form a well enclosed on all sides; and

(2) The foredeck of the vessel has sufficient sheer to ensure drainage aft.

Drainage of cockpit vessels, well deck vessels, and open boats must meet the applicable requirements of §§ 178.420, 178.430, 178.440, 178.450 in subchapter T of this chapter.

(a) A hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight, except that the following hatches may be weathertight:

(1) A hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 305 millimeters (12 inches) above the weather deck;

(2) A hatch in a cabin top; and

(3) A hatch on a vessel that operates only on protected waters.

(b) A hatch cover must:

(1) Have securing devices; and

(2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive chains, or other devices of substantial strength to prevent its loss.

(c) A hatch cover that provides access to accommodation spaces must be operable from either side.

(d) A weathertight door must be provided for each opening located in a deck house or companionway. Permanent watertight coamings must be provided as follows:

(1) On a vessel on an exposed or partially protected route, a watertight coaming with a height of at least 150 millimeters (6 inches) must be provided under each weathertight door in a cockpit or a well, or on the main deck of a flush deck vessel.

(2) On a vessel on a protected route, a watertight coaming with a height of at least 75 millimeters (3 inches) must be provided under each weathertight door in a cockpit or a well.

(3) The height of the watertight coaming for a hinged watertight door, need only be sufficient to accommodate the door.

(a) Any solid fixed ballast used to comply with the requirements of Parts 170 and 171 in subchapter S of this chapter must be:

(1) Stowed in a manner that prevents shifting of the ballast; and

(2) Installed to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI.

(b) Solid fixed ballast may not be located forward of the collision bulkhead unless the installation and arrangement of the ballast and the collision bulkhead minimizes the risk of the ballast penetrating the bulkhead in a collision.

(c) Solid fixed ballast may not be removed from a vessel or relocated unless approved by the cognizant OCMI except that ballast may be temporarily moved for a vessel examination or repair if it is replaced to the satisfaction of the OCMI.

(d) Water ballast, either as an active system or permanent, must be approved by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center.

(a) Except as otherwise required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an existing vessel must comply with the fire protection equipment regulations applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996, or, as an alternative, the vessel may comply with the regulation in this part.

(b) An existing vessel with a hull, or a machinery space boundary bulkhead or deck, composed of wood or fiber reinforced plastic, or sheathed on the interior in fiber reinforced plastic, must comply with the requirements of § 118.400 of this part on or before March 11, 1999.

(c) New installations of fire protection equipment on an existing vessel, which are completed to the satisfaction of the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) on or after March 11, 1996, must comply with the regulations of this part. Replacement of existing equipment installed on the vessel prior to March 11, 1996, need not comply with the regulations in this part.

(d) The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.

Fire extinguishing and detecting equipment installed on a vessel in excess of the requirements of §§ 118.400 and 118.500 of this part must be designed, constructed, installed and maintained in a manner acceptable to the Commandant.

(a) A self priming, power driven fire pump must be installed on each vessel.

(b) On a vessel without overnight accommodations, or with overnight accommodations for not more than 49 passengers, the fire pump must be capable of delivering a single hose stream from the highest hydrant, through the hose and nozzle required by § 118.320 of this part, at a pitot tube pressure of 345 kPa (50 psi).

(c) On a vessel carrying more than 600 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers, the fire pump must meet § 76.10-5 of this chapter.

(d) A fire pump may be driven by a propulsion engine. A fire pump must be permanently connected to the fire main and may be connected to the bilge system to meet the requirements of § 119.520 of this subchapter.

(e) A fire pump must be capable of both remote operation from the operating station and local operation at the pump.

(a) Except as required by paragraph (d) of this section, a vessel must have a sufficient number of fire hydrants to reach any part of the vessel using a single length of fire hose.

(b) Piping, valves, and fittings in a fire main system must comply with part 119, subpart G of this subchapter.

(c) Each fire hydrant must have a valve installed to allow the fire hose to be removed while the fire main is under pressure.

(d) On a vessel carrying more than 600 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers, the fire main and hydrants must meet § 76.10-10 of this chapter.

(a) A fire hose with a nozzle must be attached to each fire hydrant at all times. For fire hydrants located on open decks or cargo decks, where no protection is provided, hoses may be temporarily removed during heavy weather or cargo handling operations, respectively. Hoses so removed must be stored in nearby accessible locations.

(b) Each hose must:

(1) Be lined commercial fire hose that conforms to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) 19 “Lined Fire Hose and Hose Assemblies,” or hose that is listed and labeled by an independent laboratory recognized by the Commandant as being equivalent in performance;

(2) Be 15.25 meters (50 feet) in length and 40 millimeters (1.5 inches) in diameter; and

(3) Have fittings of brass or other suitable corrosion-resistant material that comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1963 “Fire Hose Connections,” or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(c) Each nozzle must either:

(1) Be of a type approved in accordance with approval series 162.027; or

(2) Be of type recognized by the Commandant as being equivalent in performance.

(a) The following spaces must be equipped with a fixed gas fire extinguishing system, in compliance with § 118.410 of this part, or other fixed fire extinguishing system specifically approved by the Commandant, except as otherwise allowed by paragraph (b) of this section:

(1) A space containing propulsion machinery;

(2) A space containing an internal combustion engine of more than 50 hp;

(3) A space containing an oil fired boiler;

(4) A space containing combustible cargo or ship's stores inaccessible during the voyage (a carbon dioxide system must be installed in such a space, and Halon systems are not allowed);

(5) A paint locker; and

(6) A storeroom containing flammable liquids (including liquors of 80 proof or higher where liquor is packaged in individual containers of 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) capacity or greater).

(b) Alternative system types and exceptions to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section are:

(1) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system, which is capable of automatic discharge upon heat detection, may only be installed in a normally unoccupied space with a gross volume of not more than 170 cubic meters (6,000 cubic feet);

(2) A pre-engineered fixed gas extinguishing system must be in compliance with § 118.420 of this part and may only be installed in a normally unoccupied machinery space, a paint locker, or a storeroom containing flammable liquids (including liquors of 80 proof or higher where liquor is packaged in individual containers of 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) capacity or greater), with a gross volume of not more than 57 cubic meters (2,000 cubic feet);

(3) A B-II portable fire extinguisher installed outside the space may be substituted for a fixed gas fire extinguishing system in a storeroom containing flammable liquids (including liquors of 80 proof or higher where liquor is packaged in individual containers of 9.5 liters (2.5 gallons) capacity or greater) or a paint locker, with a volume of not more that 5.7 cubic meters (200 cubic feet);

(4) A space that is so open to the atmosphere that a fixed gas fire extinguishing system would be ineffective, as determined by the cognizant OCMI, is not required to have a fixed gas fire extinguishing system; and

(5) Where the amount of carbon dioxide gas required in a fixed fire extinguishing system can be supplied by one portable extinguisher or a semi-portable extinguisher, such an extinguisher may be used subject to the following:

(i) Cylinders shall be installed in a fixed position outside the space protected;

(ii) The applicator shall be installed in a fixed position so as to discharge into the space protected; and

(iii) Controls shall be installed in an accessible location outside the space protected.

(c) The following spaces must be equipped with a fire detecting system of an approved type that is installed in accordance with § 76.27 in subchapter H of this chapter, except when a fixed gas fire extinguishing system that is capable of automatic discharge upon heat detection is installed or when the space is manned:

(1) A space containing propulsion machinery;

(2) A space containing an internal combustion engine of more than 37.3 kW (50 hp); and

(3) A space containing an oil fired boiler.

(d) All griddles, broilers, and deep fat fryers must be fitted with a grease extraction hood that complies with § 118.425 of this part.

(e) Except for continuously manned operating stations as allowed by paragraph (f), each accommodation space, control space, and service space must be fitted with the following systems:

(1) A smoke actuated fire detecting system of a type approved by the Commandant that is installed in accordance with § 76.27 in subchapter H of this chapter; and

(2) A manual alarm system that meets the requirements in § 76.35 in subchapter H of this chapter.

(f) On vessels with no overnight accommodation; public spaces that may be assumed to be occupied by a large number of persons when passengers are on board need only be served by a manual alarm system that meets the requirements in § 76.35 in subchapter H of this chapter. The alarm boxes must be located in the vicinity of each required exit, and easily seen in case of need.

(g) An enclosed vehicle space must be fitted with an automatic sprinkler system that meets the requirements of § 76.25 in subchapter H of this chapter; and

(1) A fire detecting system of a type approved by the Commandant that is installed in accordance with § 76.27 in subchapter H of this chapter; or

(2) A smoke detecting system of a type approved by the Commandant that is installed in accordance with § 76.33 in subchapter H of this chapter.

(h) A partially enclosed vehicle space must be fitted with a manual sprinkler system that meets the requirements of § 76.23 in subchapter H of this chapter.

(a) General. (1) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system aboard a vessel must be approved by the Commandant, and be custom engineered to meet the requirements of this section unless the system meets the requirements of § 118.420 of this part.

(2) System components must be listed and labeled by an independent laboratory. A component from a different system, even if from the same manufacturer, must not be used unless included in the approval of the installed system.

(3) System design and installation must be in accordance with the Marine Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual approved for the system by the Commandant.

(4) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system may protect more than one space. The quantity of extinguishing agent must be at least sufficient for the space requiring the greatest quantity as determined by the requirements of paragraphs (f)(4) or (g)(2) of this section.

(b) Controls. (1) Controls and valves for operation of a fixed gas fire extinguishing system must be:

(i) Located outside the space protected by the system; and

(ii) Not located in a space that might be inaccessible in the event of fire in the space protected by the system.

(2) Except for a normally unoccupied space of less than 170 cubic meters (6000 cubic feet), release of an extinguishing agent into a space must require two distinct operations.

(3) A system must have local manual controls at the storage cylinders capable of releasing the extinguishing agent. In addition, a normally manned space must have remote controls for releasing the extinguishing agent immediately outside the primary exit from the space.

(4) Remote controls must be located in a breakglass enclosure to preclude accidental discharge.

(5) Valves and controls must be of a type approved by the Commandant and protected from damage or accidental activation. A pull cable used to activate the system controls must be enclosed in conduit.

(6) A system protecting more than one space must have a manifold with a normally closed stop valve for each space protected.

(7) A gas actuated valve or device must be capable of manual override at the valve or device.

(8) A system, which has more than one storage cylinder for the extinguishing agent and that relies on pilot cylinders to activate the primary storage cylinders, must have at least two pilot cylinders. Local manual controls in compliance with paragraph (b)(3) of this section must be provided to operate the pilot cylinders but are not required for the primary storage cylinders.

(9) A system protecting a manned space must be fitted with a time delay and alarm of a type approved by the Commandant, arranged to require the alarm to sound for at least 20 seconds or the time necessary to escape from the space, whichever is greater, before the agent is released into the space. Alarms must be conspicuously and centrally located. The alarm must be powered by the extinguishing agent.

(10) A device must be provided to automatically shut down power ventilation serving the protected space and engines that draw intake air from the protected space prior to release of the extinguishing agent into the space.

(11) Controls and storage cylinders must not be in a locked space unless the key is in a breakglass type box conspicuously located adjacent to the space.

(c) Storage space. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (c)(2) of this section, a storage cylinder for a fixed gas extinguishing system must be:

(i) Located outside the space protected by the system; and

(ii) Not located in a space that might be inaccessible in the event of a fire in the space protected by the system.

(2) A normally unoccupied space of less than 170 cubic meters (6,000 cubic feet) may have the storage cylinders located within the space protected. When the storage cylinders are located in the space:

(i) The system must be capable of automatic operation by a heat actuator within the space; and

(ii) Have manual controls in compliance with paragraph (b) of this section except for paragraph (b)(3) of this section.

(3) A space containing a storage cylinder must be maintained at a temperature within the range from −30 °C (−20 °F) to 55 °C (130 °F) or at another temperature as listed by the independent laboratory and stated in the manufacturer's approval manual.

(4) A storage cylinder must be securely fastened, supported, and protected against damage.

(5) A storage cylinder must be accessible and capable of easy removal for recharging and inspection. Provisions must be available for weighing each storage cylinder in place.

(6) Where subject to moisture, a storage cylinder must be installed to provide a space of at least 51 millimeters (2 inches) between the deck and the bottom of the storage cylinder.

(7) A Halon 1301 storage cylinder must be stowed in an upright position unless otherwise listed by the independent laboratory. A carbon dioxide cylinder may be inclined not more than 30° from the vertical, unless fitted with flexible or bent siphon tubes, in which case they may be inclined not more than 80° from the vertical.

(8) Where a check valve is not fitted on an independent storage cylinder discharge outlet, a plug or cap must be provided for closing the outlet resulting from storage cylinder removal.

(9) Each storage cylinder must meet the requirements of § 147.60 in subchapter N of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(10) A storage cylinder space must have doors that open outwards or be fitted with kickout panels installed in each door.

(d) Piping. (1) A pipe, valve, or fitting of ferrous material must be protected inside and outside against corrosion unless otherwise approved by the Commandant. Aluminum or other low melting material must not be used for a component of a fixed gas fire extinguishing system except as specifically approved by the Commandant.

(2) A distribution line must extend at least 51 millimeters (2 inches) beyond the last orifice and be closed with a cap or plug.

(3) Piping, valves, and fittings must be securely supported, and where necessary, protected against damage.

(4) Drains and dirt traps must be fitted where necessary to prevent the accumulation of dirt or moisture and located in accessible locations.

(5) Piping must be used for no other purpose except that it may be incorporated with the fire detecting system.

(6) Piping passing through accommodation spaces must not be fitted with drains or other openings within such spaces.

(7) The distribution piping of a carbon dioxide fixed gas extinguishing system must be tested as required by this paragraph, upon completion of the piping installation, using only carbon dioxide, compressed air, or nitrogen gas.

(i) Piping between a storage cylinder and a stop valve in the manifold must be subjected to a pressure of 6,894 kPa (1,000 psi), except as permitted in paragraph (d)(7)(iii) of this section. Without additional gas being introduced to the system, the pressure drop must not exceed 2,068 kPa (300 psi) after two minutes.

(ii) A distribution line to a space protected by the system must be subjected to a test similar to that described in paragraph (d)(7)(i) of this section, except that the pressure used must be 4,136 kPa (600 psi). For the purpose of this test, the distribution piping must be capped within the space protected at the first joint between the nozzles and the storage cylinders.

(iii) A small independent system protecting a space such as a paint locker may be tested by blowing out the piping with air at a pressure of not less than 689 kPa (100 psi).

(8) The distribution piping of a Halon 1301 fixed gas extinguishing system must be tested, as required by this paragraph, upon completion of the piping installation, using only carbon dioxide, compressed air, or nitrogen.

(i) When pressurizing the piping, pressure must be increased in small increments. Each joint must be subjected to a soap bubble leak test, and all joints must be leak free.

(ii) Piping between the storage cylinders and the manifold stop valve must be subjected to a leak test conducted as a pressure of 4,136 kPa (600 psi). Without additional gas being added to the system, there must be no loss of pressure over a two minute period after thermal equilibrium is reached.

(iii) Distribution piping between the manifold stop valve and the first nozzle in the system must be capped and pneumatically tested for a period of 10 minutes at 1,034 kPa (150 psi). At the end of 10 minutes, the pressure drop must not exceed 10% of the test pressure.

(e) Pressure relief. When required by the cognizant OCMI, spaces that are protected by a fixed gas fire extinguishing system and that are relatively airtight, such as refrigeration spaces, paint lockers, etc., must be provided with suitable means for relieving excessive pressure within the space when the agent is released.

(f) Specific requirements for carbon dioxide systems. A custom engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system, which uses carbon dioxide as the extinguishing agent, must meet the requirements of this paragraph.

(1) Piping, valves, and fittings must have a bursting pressure of not less than 41,360 kPa (6,000 psi). Piping, in nominal sizes of not more than 19 millimeters (0.75 inches), must be at least Schedule 40 (standard weight), and in nominal sizes of over 19 millimeter (0.75 inches), must be at least Schedule 80 (extra heavy).

(2) A pressure relief valve or equivalent set to relieve at between 16,550 and 19,300 kPa (2,400 and 2,800 psi) must be installed in the distribution manifold to protect the piping from overpressurization.

(3) Nozzles must be approved by the Commandant.

(4) When installed in a machinery space, paint locker, a space containing flammable liquid stores, or a space with a fuel tank, a fixed carbon dioxide system must meet the following requirements.

(i) The quantity of carbon dioxide in kilograms (pounds) that the system must be capable of providing to a space must not be less than the gross volume of the space divided by the appropriate factor given in Table 118.410(f)(4)(i). If fuel can drain from a space being protected to an adjacent space or if the spaces are not entirely separate, the volume of both spaces must be used to determine the quantity of carbon dioxide required. The carbon dioxide must be arranged to discharge into both such spaces simultaneously.

(ii) The minimum size of a branch line to a space must be as noted in Table 118.410(f)(4)(ii).

(iii) Distribution piping within a space must be proportioned from the distribution line to give proper supply to the outlets without throttling.

(iv) The number, type, and location of discharge outlets must provide uniform distribution of carbon dioxide throughout a space.

(v) The total area of all discharge outlets must not exceed 85 percent nor be less than 35 percent of the nominal cylinder outlet area or the area of the supply pipe, whichever is smaller. The nominal cylinder outlet area in square millimeters (inches) is determined by multiplying the factor 0.015 (0.0022 if using square inches) by the total capacity in kilograms (pounds) of all carbon dioxide cylinders in the system, except in no case must the outlet area be of less than 71 square millimeters (0.110 square inches).

(vi) The discharge of at least 85 percent of the required amount of carbon dioxide must be completed within two minutes.

(5) When installed in an enclosed ventilation system for rotating electrical propulsion equipment a fixed carbon dioxide system must meet the following requirements.

(i) The quantity of carbon dioxide in kilograms (pounds) must be sufficient for initial and delayed discharges as required by this paragraph. The initial discharge must be equal to the gross volume of the system divided by 160 (10 if using pounds) for ventilation systems having a volume of less than 57 cubic meters (2,000 cubic feet), or divided by 192 (12 if using pounds) for ventilation systems having a volume of at least 57 cubic meters (2,000 cubic feet). In addition, there must be sufficient carbon dioxide available to permit delayed discharges to maintain at least a 25 percent concentration until the equipment can be stopped. If the initial discharge achieves this concentration, a delayed discharge is not required.

(ii) The piping sizes for the initial discharge must be in accordance with Table 118.410(f)(4)(ii) and the discharge of the required amount must be completed within two minutes.

(iii) Piping for the delayed discharge must not be less than 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) nominal pipe size, and need not meet specific requirement for discharge rate.

(iv) Piping for the delayed discharge may be incorporated with the initial discharge piping.

(6) When installed in a cargo space a fixed carbon dioxide system must meet the following requirements.

(i) The number of kilograms (pounds) of carbon dioxide required for each space in cubic meters (feet) must be equal to the gross volume of the space in cubic meters (feet) divided by 480 (30 if using pounds).

(ii) System piping must be of at least 19 millimeters (0.75 inches).

(iii) No specific discharge rate is required.

(7) A lockout valve must be provided on any carbon dioxide extinguishing system protecting a space over 6,000 cubic feet in volume and installed or altered after [July 9, 2013. “Altered” means modified or refurbished beyond the maintenance required by the manufacturer's design, installation, operation and maintenance manual.

(8) The lockout valve must be a manually operated valve located in the discharge manifold prior to the stop valve or selector valves. When in the closed position, the lockout valve must provide complete isolation of the system from the protected space or spaces, making it impossible for carbon dioxide to discharge in the event of equipment failure during maintenance.

(9) The lockout valve design or locking mechanism must make it obvious whether the valve is open or closed.

(10) A valve is considered a lockout valve if it has a hasp or other means of attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or it has a locking mechanism built into it.

(11) The master or person-in-charge must ensure that the valve is locked open at all times, except while maintenance is being performed on the extinguishing system, when the valve must be locked in the closed position.

(12) Lockout valves added to existing systems must be approved by the Commandant as part of the installed system.

(g) Specific requirements for Halon 1301 systems. (1) A custom engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system that uses Halon 1301, must comply with the applicable sections of UL 1058 “Halogenated Agent Extinguishing System Units,” and the requirements of this paragraph.

(2) The Halon 1301 quantity and discharge requirements of UL 1058 apply, with the exception that the Halon 1301 design concentration must be 6 percent at the lowest ambient temperature expected in the space. If the lowest temperature is not known, a temperature of −18 °C (0 °F) must be assumed.

(3) Each storage cylinder in a system must have the same pressure and volume.

(4) Computer programs used in designing systems must be approved by an independent laboratory recognized by the Commandant.

(h) Each carbon dioxide extinguishing system installed or altered after July 9, 2013, must have an approved odorizing unit to produce the scent of wintergreen, the detection of which will serve as an indication that carbon dioxide gas is present in a protected area and any other area into which the carbon dioxide may migrate. “Altered” means modified or refurbished beyond the maintenance required by the manufacturer's design, installation, operation and maintenance manual.

(a) A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system must:

(1) Be approved by the Commandant;

(2) Be capable of manual actuation from outside the space in addition to automatic actuation by a heat detector;

(3) Automatically shut down all power ventilation systems and all engines that draw intake air from within the protection space; and

(4) Be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions.

(b) A vessel on which a pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system is installed must have the following equipment at the operating station:

(1) A light to indicate discharge;

(2) An audible alarm that sounds upon discharge; and

(3) A means to reset devices used to automatically shut down ventilation systems and engines as required by paragraph (a)(3) of this section.

(c) Only one pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system is allowed to be installed in each space protected by such a system.

(a) A grease extraction hood required by § 118.400 of this part must meet UL 710 “Exhaust Hoods for Commercial Cooking Equipment,” or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(b) A grease extraction hood must be equipped with a dry or wet chemical fire extinguishing system meeting the applicable sections of NFPA 17 “Dry Chemical Extinguishing Systems,” 17A “Wet Chemical Extinguishing Systems,” or other standard specified by the Commandant, and must be listed by an independent laboratory recognized by the Commandant.

(a) Each portable fire extinguisher on a vessel must be of a type approved by the Commandant. The minimum number of portable fire extinguishers required on a vessel must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI, but must be not less than the minimum number required by Table 118.500(a) and other provisions of this section.

(b) A vehicle deck without a fixed sprinkler system and exposed to weather must have one B-II portable fire extinguisher for every five vehicles, located near an entrance to the space.

(c) The cognizant OCMI may permit the use of a larger portable fire extinguisher, or a semiportable fire extinguisher, in lieu of those required by this section.

(d) The frame or support of each B-V fire extinguisher permitted by paragraph (c) of this section must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.

Portable fire extinguishers must be located so that they are clearly visible and readily accessible from the space being protected. The installation and location must be to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI.

A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must have at least one fire axe located in or adjacent to the primary operating station.

This part contains requirements for the design, construction, installation, and operation of propulsion and auxiliary machinery, piping and pressure systems steering apparatus, and associated safety systems. Machinery and equipment installed on each vessel must be suitable for the vessel and its operation and for the purpose intended. The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.

(a) Except as otherwise required by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, an existing vessel must comply with the regulations on machinery, bilge and ballast system equipment, steering apparatus, and piping systems or components that were applicable to the vessel on March 10, 1996, or, as an alternative, the vessel may comply with the regulations in this part.

(b) New installations of machinery, bilge and ballast system equipment, steering equipment, and piping systems or components on an existing vessel, which are completed to the satisfaction of the cognizant Office in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) on or after March 11, 1996, must comply with the regulations of this part. Replacement of existing equipment installed on the vessel prior to March 11, 1996, need not comply with the regulations in this part.

(c) On or before March 11, 1999, an existing vessel must comply with the bilge high level alarm requirements in § 119.530 of this section.

(a) Propulsion machinery must be suitable in type and design for propulsion requirements of the hull in which it is installed and capable of operating at constant marine load under such requirements without exceeding its designed limitations.

(b) All engines must have at least two means for stopping the engine(s) under any operating conditions. The fuel oil shutoff required at the engine by § 119.455(b)(3) of this part will satisfy one means of stopping the engine.

(a) The installation requirements for machinery and boilers for steam and electrically propelled vessels are contained in applicable regulations in subchapter F (Marine Engineering) and subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(b) Installation of propulsion machinery of an unusual type for small passenger vessels must be given separate consideration and must be subject to such requirements as determined necessary by the cognizant OCMI. Unusual types of propulsion machinery include:

(1) Gas turbine machinery installations;

(2) Air screws;

(3) Hydraulic jets; and

(4) Machinery installations using lift devices.

(a) Auxiliary machinery of the internal combustion piston type must comply with the provisions of this part.

(b) Auxiliary machinery of the steam or gas turbine type will be given separate consideration and must meet the applicable requirements of subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter as determined necessary by the cognizant OCMI.

(c) Auxiliary boilers and heating boilers and their associated piping and fittings will be given separate consideration and must meet the applicable requirements of subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter as determined necessary by the cognizant OCMI, except that heating boilers must be tested or examined every three years.

(a) A water heater must meet the requirements of Parts 53 and 63 in subchapter F of this chapter if rated at not more than 689 kPa (100 psig) and 121 °C (250 °F), except that an electric water heater is also acceptable if it:

(1) Has a capacity of not more than 454 liters (120 gallons):

(2) Has a heat input of not more than 58.6 kilowatts (200,000 Btu per hour);

(3) Is listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) under UL 174, “Household Electric Storage Tank Water Heaters,” UL 1453, “Electric Booster and Commercial Storage Tank Water Heaters,” or other standard specified by the Commandant; and

(4) Is protected by a pressure-temperature relief device.

(b) A water heater must meet the requirements of Parts 52 and 63 in subchapter F of this chapter if rated at more than 689 kPa (100 psig) or 121 °C (250 °F).

(c) A water heater must be installed and secured from rolling by straps or other devices to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI.

All unfired pressure vessels must be installed to the satisfaction of the cognizant OCMI. The design, construction, and original testing of such unfired pressure vessels must meet the applicable requirements of subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

(a) A vessel must be provided with a satisfactory arrangement for draining any watertight compartment, other than small buoyancy compartments, under all practicable conditions. Sluice valves are not permitted in watertight bulkheads.

(b) Special consideration may be given to vessels, such as high speed craft, which have a high degree of subdivision and utilize numerous small buoyancy compartments. Where the probability of flooding of the space is limited to external hull damage, compartment drainage may be omitted provided it can be shown by stability calculations, submitted to the cognizant OCMI, that the safety of the vessel will not be impaired.

A vessel must be provided with a piping system that meets § 56.50-50 in subchapter F of this chapter, with the following exceptions:

(a) The space forward of the collision bulkhead need not be fitted with a bilge suction line when the arrangement of the vessel is such that ordinary leakage may be removed from this compartment by the use of a hand portable bilge pump or other equipment, and such equipment is provided; and

(b) The vessel need not comply with § 56.50-50(f) in subchapter F of this chapter.

(a) Each vessel must be provided with bilge pumps in accordance with § 56.50-55 in subchapter F of this chapter, with the following exceptions:

(1) Note 1 in Table 56.50-55(a) is not applicable and should be disregarded; and

(2) A non-self-propelled vessel must comply with § 56.50-55(a) in subchapter F of this chapter instead of § 56.50-55(b).

(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must have a portable hand bilge pump that must be:

(1) Capable of pumping water, but not necessarily simultaneously, from all watertight compartments; and

(2) Provided with suitable suction and discharge hoses capable of reaching the bilges of each watertight compartment, and discharging overboard.

(c) A second power pump is an acceptable alternative to a hand pump if it is supplied by a source independent of the first power bilge pump.

(a) Each vessel must be provided with a visual and audible alarm at the operating station to indicate a high water level in each of the following normally unmanned spaces:

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

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

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

(b) A visual indicator must be provided at the operating station to indicate when any automatic bilge pump is operating.

Solid and water ballast must comply with the requirements of subpart L of part 116 of this subchapter.

A self-propelled vessel must meet the applicable requirements for main and auxiliary steering apparatus in subchapters F (Marine Engineering) and J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

Materials used in piping systems must meet the requirements of this subpart and be otherwise acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.

(a) Vital systems are those systems that are vital to a vessel's survivability and safety. For the purpose of this part the following are vital systems:

(1) Fuel systems;

(2) Fire main;

(3) Carbon dioxide, Halon 1301, and clean agent systems;

(4) Bilge system;

(5) Steering system;

(6) Propulsion system and its necessary auxiliaries and controls;

(7) Ship's service and emergency electrical generation system and its necessary auxiliaries; and

(8) A marine engineering system identified by the cognizant OCMI as being crucial to the survival of the vessel or to the protection of the personnel on board.

(b) For the purpose of this part, a system not identified in paragraph (a) of this section is a non-vital system.

(c) Piping used in a vital system must meet § 56.60 in subchapter F of this chapter, except that § 119.730 of this part replaces § 56.60-20 in subchapter F of this chapter.

Piping subject to more than 1034 kPa (150 psig) in a non-vital system must be designed, fabricated, and inspected in accordance with the principles of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B 31.1 “American National Standard Code for Pressure Piping, Power Piping,” or other standard specified by the Commandant.

Nonmetallic piping materials, including nonmetallic flexible hose assemblies, must meet the requirements of § 56.60-25 in subchapter F of this chapter.

(a) Nonferrous metallic piping materials are acceptable for use in the following:

(1) Non-vital systems;

(2) Aluminum fuel piping on an aluminum hulled vessel, if at least Schedule 80;

(3) Aluminum bilge, ballast, and firemain piping on an aluminum hulled vessel;

(4) If acceptable to the cognizant OCMI, nonferrous metallic piping with a melting temperature above 927 °C (1,700 °F) may be used in vital systems that are deemed to be galvanically compatible; and

(5) Other uses specifically accepted by the cognizant OCMI.

(b) Where nonferrous metallic material is permitted for use in piping systems by this subpart, the restrictions in this paragraph apply:

(1) Provisions must be made to protect piping systems using aluminum alloys in high risk fire areas due to the low melting point of aluminum alloys;

(2) Provisions must be made to prevent or mitigate the effect of galvanic corrosion due to the relative solution potentials of copper, aluminum, and alloys of copper and aluminum, which are used in conjunction with each other, steel, or other metals and their alloys;

(3) A suitable thread compound must be used in making up threaded joints in aluminum pipe to prevent seizing. Pipe in the annealed temper must not be threaded;

(4) The use of aluminum alloys with a copper content exceeding 0.6 percent is prohibited; and

(5) The use of cast aluminum alloys in hydraulic fluid power systems must be in accordance with the requirements of § 58.30-15(f) in subchapter F of this chapter.

This part contains requirements for the design, construction, installation, and operation of electrical equipment and systems including power sources, lighting, motors, miscellaneous equipment, and safety systems.

Electrical equipment on a vessel must be installed and maintained to:

(a) Provide services necessary for safety under normal and emergency conditions;

(b) Protect passengers, crew, other persons, and the vessel from electrical hazards, including fire, caused by or originating in electrical equipment, and electrical shock;

(c) Minimize accidental personnel contact with energized parts; and

(d) Prevent electrical ignition of flammable vapors.

(a) Electrical equipment used in the following locations must be dripproof:

(1) A machinery space;

(2) A location normally exposed to splashing, water washdown, or other wet conditions within a galley, a laundry, or a public washroom or toilet room that has a bath or shower; or

(3) Another space with a similar moisture level.

(b) Electrical equipment exposed to the weather must be watertight.

(c) Electrical equipment exposed to corrosive environments must be of suitable construction and corrosion-resistant.

(a) Electrical equipment and installations must be suitable for the roll, pitch, and vibration of the vessel underway.

(b) All equipment, including switches, fuses, lampholders, etc., must be suitable for the voltage and current utilized.

(c) Receptacle outlets of the type providing a grounded pole or a specific direct current polarity must be of a configuration that will not permit improper connection.

(d) All electrical equipment and circuits must be clearly marked and identified.

(e) Any cabinet, panel, box, or other enclosure containing more than one source of power must be fitted with a sign warning persons of this condition and identifying the circuits to be disconnected.

(a)(1) Each vessel that relies on electricity to power the following loads must be arranged so that the loads can be energized from two sources of electricity:

(i) The vital systems listed in § 119.710 of this chapter;

(ii) Interior lighting except for decorative lights;

(iii) Communication systems including a public address system required under § 121.610 of this chapter; and

(iv) Navigation equipment and lights.

(2) Except as provided in § 120.312 of this part, a vessel with batteries of adequate capacity to supply the loads specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section for three hours, and a generator or alternator driven by a propulsion engine, complies with the requirement in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

(b) Where a ship service generator driven by a propulsion engine is used as a source of electrical power, a vessel speed change, throttle movement or change in direction of the propeller shaft rotation must not interrupt power to any of the loads specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this section.

A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length carrying more than 600 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must have:

(a) Two generator sets;

(b) An electrical power system that complies with the requirements of §§ 111.10-4, 111.10-5, and 111.10-9, in subchapter J of this chapter;

(c) A final emergency power source, as defined by § 112.01-20 in subchapter J of this chapter, with sufficient capacity to power the loads listed in § 112.15-5 in subchapter J of this chapter for three hours; and

(d) The final emergency power source located outside the machinery space.

(a) Each generator and motor must be:

(1) In a location that is accessible, adequately ventilated, and as dry as practicable; and

(2) Mounted above the bilges to avoid damage by splash and to avoid contact with low lying vapors.

(b) Each generator and motor must be designed for an ambient temperature of 50 °C (122 °F) except that:

(1) If the ambient temperature in the space where a generator or motor will be located will not exceed 40 °C (104 °F) under normal operating conditions, the generator or motor may be designed for an ambient temperature of 40 °C (104 °F); and

(2) A generator or motor designed for 40 °C (104 °F) may be used in 50 °C (122 °F) ambient locations provided the generator or motor is derated to 80 percent of the full load rating, and the rating or setting of the overcurrent devices is reduced accordingly.

(c) A voltmeter and an ammeter, which can be used for measuring voltage and current of a generator that is in operation, must be provided for a generator rated at 50 volts or more. For each alternating current generator, a means for measuring frequency must also be provided.

(d) Each generator must have a nameplate attached to it containing the information required by Article 445 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) (National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70), and for a generator derated in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the derated capacity.

(e) Each motor must have a nameplate attached to it containing the information required by Article 430 of the NEC (NFPA 70), and for a motor derated in accordance with paragraph (b)(2) of this section, the derated capacity.

(f) Each generator must be protected by an overcurrent device set at a value not exceeding 115 percent of the generator full load rating.

When a vessel is equipped with two or more generators to supply ship's service power, the following requirements must be met:

(a) Each generator must have an independent prime mover; and

(b) The generator circuit breakers must be interlocked to prevent the generators from being simultaneously connected to the switchboard, except for the circuit breakers of a generator operated in parallel with another generator when the installation meets §§ 111.12-11(f), and 111.30-25(d) in subchapter J of this chapter.

(a) A dual voltage generator installed on a vessel shall be of the grounded type, where:

(1) The neutral of a dual voltage system must be solidly connected at the switchboard's neutral bus; and

(2) The neutral bus shall be connected to ground.

(b) The neutral of a dual voltage system must be accessible for checking the insulation resistance of the generator to ground before the generator is connected to the bus.

(c) Ground detection must be provided that:

(1) For an alternating current system, meets § 111.05-27 in subchapter J of this chapter; and

(2) For a direct current system, meets § 111.05-29 in subchapter J of this chapter.

(a) Each distribution panel and switchboard must be in as dry a location as practicable, adequately ventilated, and protected from falling debris and dripping or splashing water.

(b) Each distribution panel or switchboard must be totally enclosed and of the dead front type.

(c) Each switchboard must have nonconductive handrails.

(d) Each switchboard must be fitted with a dripshield.

(e) Distribution panels and switchboards that are accessible from the rear must be constructed to prevent a person from accidentally contacting energized parts.

(f) Working space must be provided around all main distribution panels and switchboards of at least 610 millimeters (24 inches) in front of the switchboard, and at least 455 millimeters (18 inches) behind the switchboard. Rear access is prohibited when the working space behind the switchboard is less than 455 millimeters (18 inches).

(g) Nonconducting mats or grating must be provided on the deck in front of each switchboard and, if accessible from the rear, on the deck in the rear of the switchboard.

(h) All uninsulated current carrying parts must be mounted on noncombustible, nonabsorbent, high dielectric insulating material.

(i) Equipment mounted on a hinged door of an enclosure must be constructed or shielded so that a person will not accidentally contact energized parts of the door mounted equipment when the door is open and the circuit energized.

(j) In the design of control, interlock, or indicator circuit, the disconnect device and its connections, including each terminal block for terminating the vessel's wiring, must not have electrically unshielded or uninsulated surfaces.

(k) Switchboards and distribution panels must be sized in accordance with § 111.30-19 in subchapter J of this chapter.

(a) If individual wires, rather than cables, are used in systems greater than 50 volts, the wire must be in conduit.

(b) All cable and wire must:

(1) Have stranded copper conductors with sufficient current carrying capacity for the circuit in which they are used;

(2) Be installed in a manner to avoid or reduce interference with radio reception and compass indication;

(3) Be protected from the weather;

(4) Be installed with metal supports spaced not more than 610 millimeters (24 inches) apart, and in such a manner as to avoid chafing and other damage. The use of plastic tie wraps must be limited to bundling or retention of multiple cable installations, and not used as a means of support;

(5) Not be installed with sharp bends;

(6) Be protected by metal coverings or other suitable means if in areas subject to mechanical abuse. Horizontal pipes used for protection shall have 6 millimeter (.25 inch) holes for drainage every 1,520 millimeters (5 feet);

(7) Be suitable for low temperature and high humidity if installed in refrigerated compartments;

(8) Not be located in a tank unless the cable provides power to equipment in the tank; and

(9) Have sheathing or wire insulation compatible with the fluid in a tank when installed as allowed by paragraph (b)(8) of this section.

(c) Conductors in power and lighting circuits must be No. 14 American Wire Gauge (AWG) or larger. Conductors in control and indicator circuits must be No. 22 AWG or larger.

(d) Cable and wire for power and lighting circuits must:

(1) Meet Section 310-13 of the NEC (NFPA 70) except that asbestos insulated cable and dry location cables can not be used;

(2) Be listed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as UL Boat or UL Marine cable; or

(3) Meet § 111.60-1 in subchapter J of this chapter for cable and § 111.60-11 in subchapter J of this chapter for wire.

(e) Cable or wire serving vital systems listed in § 119.710 of this subchapter or emergency loads must be routed as far as practicable from high risk fire areas, such as galleys, laundries, and machinery spaces.

(f) Cable or wire serving duplicated equipment must be separated so that a casualty that affects one cable does not affect the other.

(g) Each connection to a conductor or terminal part of a conductor must be made within an enclosure and have either:

(1) A pressure type connector on each conductor;

(2) A solder lug on each conductor;

(3) A splice made with a pressure type connector to a flexible lead or conductor; or

(4) A splice that is soldered, brazed, or welded to a flexible lead or conductor.

(h) A connector or lug of the set screw type must not be used with a stranded conductor smaller than No. 14 AWG except if there is a nonrotating follower that travels with the set screw and makes pressure contact with the conductor.

(i) Each pressure type wire connector and lug must meet UL 486A, “Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs for Use With Copper Conductors,” or other standard specified by the Commandant. The use of twist-on type wire nuts is permitted under the following conditions:

(1) The connections must be made within an enclosure and the insulated cap of the connector must be secured to prevent loosening due to vibration.

(2) Twist-on type connectors may not be used for making joints in cables, facilitating a conductor splice, or extending the length of a circuit.

(j) Each terminal block must have 6-32 terminal screws or larger.

(k) Wire connectors utilized in conjunction with screw type terminal blocks must be of the captive type such as the ring or the flanged spade type.

(l) A cable must not be spliced in a hazardous location.

(m) A cable may be spliced in a location, other than a hazardous location, under the following conditions:

(1) A cable installed in a subassembly may be spliced to a cable installed in another subassembly;

(2) For a vessel receiving alterations, a cable may be spliced to extend a circuit;

(3) A cable having a large size or exceptional length may be spliced to facilitate its installation; and

(4) A cable may be spliced to replace a damaged section of the cable if, before replacing the damaged section, the insulation resistance of the remainder of the cable is measured, and it is determined that the condition of the insulation is unimpaired.

(n) All material in a cable splice must be chemically compatible with all other material in the splice and with the materials in the cable.

(o) Ampacities of wires must meet Section 310-15 of the NEC (NFPA 70), or other standard specified by the Commandant. Ampacities of cables must meet table A6 of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Standard 45, “Recommended Practice for Electrical Installations on Shipboard,” or other standard specified by the Commandant. Ampacities for Navy cable must meet NAVSEA Design Data Sheet (DDS) 304-2 “Electrical Cable, Ratings and Characteristics” as appropriate.

(p) Conductors must be sized so that the voltage drop at the load terminals does not exceed 10 percent. Table 120.3340(p) indicates the size of conductor required for corresponding lengths and steady state (stable) values to obtain not more than this voltage drop at the load terminals of a two conductor circuit.

Other values can be computed by means of the following formula:

(q) If used, each armored cable metallic covering must:

(1) Be electrically continuous; and

(2) Be grounded at each end of the run to:

(i) The metallic hull; or

(ii) The common ground plate on nonmetallic vessels; and

(3) Have final sub-circuits grounded at the supply end only.

(r) A portable or temporary electric cord or cable must be constructed and used in compliance with the requirements of § 111.60-13 in subchapter J of this chapter for a flexible electric cord or cable.

(a) Where provisions are made for charging batteries, there must be natural or induced ventilation sufficient to dissipate the gases generated.

(b) Each battery must be located as high above the bilge as practicable, secured to protect against shifting with the roll and pitch of the vessel, and free from exposure to water splash or spray.

(c) Batteries must be accessible for maintenance and removal.

(d) Connections must be made to battery terminals with permanent type connectors. Spring clips or other temporary type clamps are prohibited.

(e) Batteries must be mounted in trays lined with, or constructed of, a material that is resistant to damage by the electrolyte.

(f) Battery chargers must have an ammeter connected in the charging circuit.

(g) If the batteries are not adjacent to a distribution panel or switchboard that distributes power to the lighting, motor, and appliance circuits, the battery lead must have a fuse in series, located as close as practicable to the battery.

(h) Batteries used for engine starting are to be located as close as possible to the engine or engines served.

This section applies to batteries installed to meet the requirements of § 120.310 of this part for secondary sources of power to vital loads, or sources of power to final emergency loads.

(a) Large. A large battery installation is one connected to a battery charger having an output of more than 2 kilowatts (kw), computed from the highest possible charging current and the rated voltage of the battery installation.

(b) Small. A small battery installation is one connected to a battery charger having an output of 2 kw or less, computed as above.

(a) Each semiconductor rectifier system must have an adequate heat removal system that prevents overheating.

(b) Where a semiconductor rectifier system is used in a propulsion system or in other vital systems it must:

(1) Have a current limiting circuit;

(2) Have external overcurrent protection; and

(3) Meet Sections 35.84.2 and 35.84.4 of the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), “Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels,” or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(a) A vessel's hull must not carry current as a conductor except for the following systems:

(1) Impressed current cathodic protection systems; or

(2) Battery systems for engine starting.

(b) Receptacle outlets and attachment plugs for portable lamps, tools, and similar apparatus operating at 100 volts or more, must have a grounding pole and a grounding conductor in the portable cord.

(c) Each nonmetallic mast and top mast must have a lightning ground conductor.

(a) All metallic enclosures and frames of electrical equipment must be permanently grounded to the hull on a metallic vessel. On a nonmetallic vessel, the enclosures and frames of electrical equipment must be bonded together to a common ground by a normally non-current carrying conductor. Metallic cases of instruments and secondary windings of instrument transformers must be grounded.

(b) On a nonmetallic vessel, where a ground plate is provided for radio equipment, it must be connected to the common ground.

(c) Equipment grounding conductors must be sized in accordance with Section 250-95 of the NEC (NFPA 70), or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(d) Each insulated grounding conductor of a cable must be identified by one of the following means.

(1) A green braid or green insulation;

(2) Stripping the insulation from the entire exposed length of the grounding conductor; or

(3) Marking the exposed insulation of the grounding conductor with green tape or green adhesive labels.

(e) Cable armor must not be used to ground electrical equipment of systems.

(a) If a grounded distribution system is provided, there must be only one connection to ground, regardless of the number of power sources. This ground connection must be at the switchboard or at the common ground plate, which must be accessible.

(b) Each propulsion, power, lighting, or distribution system having a neutral bus or conductor must have the neutral grounded.

(c) The neutral or each grounded generation and distribution system must be grounded at the generator switchboard and have the ground connection accessible for checking insulation resistance of the generator to ground before the generator is connected to the bus, except the neutral of an emergency power generation system must be grounded with:

(1) No direct ground connection at the emergency switchboard;

(2) The neutral bus permanently connected to the neutral bus on the main switchboard; and

(3) No switch, circuit breaker, or fuse in the neutral conductor of the bus-tie feeder connecting the emergency switchboard to the main switchboard.

(d) On a metallic vessel, a grounded alternating current system must be grounded to the hull. On a nonmetallic vessel, the neutral must be connected to the common ground, except that aluminum grounding conductors must not be used.

Each ungrounded system must be provided with a suitably sensitive ground detection system, located at the respective switchboard, that provides continuous indication of circuit status to ground with a provision to momentarily remove the indicating device from the reference ground.

(a) Overcurrent protection must be provided for each ungrounded conductor for the purpose of opening the electric circuit if the current reaches a value that causes an excessive or dangerous temperature in the conductor or conductor insulation.

(b) The grounded conductor of a circuit must not be disconnected by a switch or circuit breaker, unless the ungrounded conductors are simultaneously disconnected.

(c) A conductor of a control, interlock, or indicator circuit, such as a conductor for an instrument, pilot light, ground detector light, or potential transformer, must be protected by an overcurrent device.

(d) Conductors must be protected in accordance with their current carrying capacities. If the allowable current carrying capacity does not correspond to a standard device size, the next larger overcurrent device may be used provided it does not exceed 150 per cent of the conductor current carrying capacity.

(e) Steering gear control system circuits must be protected against short circuit.

(f) Each steering gear feeder circuit must be protected by a circuit breaker that meets the requirements of § 58.25-55 in subchapter F of this chapter.

(g) Each lighting branch circuit must be protected against overcurrent either by fuses or circuit breakers rated at not more than 30 amperes.

(h) Overcurrent devices capable of carrying the starting current of the motor must be installed to protect motors, motor conductors, and control apparatus against:

(1) Overcurrent due to short circuits or ground faults; and

(2) Overload due to motor running overcurrent, in accordance with § 111.70-1 in subchapter J of this chapter. A protective device integral with the motor, which is responsive to both motor current and temperature, may be used.

(i) An emergency switch must be provided in the normally ungrounded main supply conductor from a battery. The switch must be accessible and located as close to the battery as practicable.

(j) Disconnect means must be provided on the supply side of and adjacent to all fuses for the purpose of de-energizing the fuses for inspection and maintenance purposes.

(k) If the disconnect means is not within sight of the equipment that the circuit supplies, means must be provided for locking the disconnect device in the open position.

(l) Fuses must be of the cartridge type only and be listed by Underwriters Laboratories or another independent laboratory recognized by the Commandant.

(m) Each circuit breaker must meet UL 489, “Molded-Case Circuit Breakers and Circuit Breaker Enclosures,” or other standard specified by the Commandant, and be of the manually reset type designed for:

(1) Inverse time delay;

(2) Instantaneous short circuit protection; and

(3) Switching duty if the breaker is used as a switch.

(n) Each circuit breaker must indicate whether it is in the open or closed position.

A vessel with an electrical system operating at more than 50 volts, which is provided with a means to connect to shore power, must meet the following:

(a) A shore power connection box or receptacle must be permanently installed at a convenient location:

(b) A cable connecting the shore power connection box or receptacle to the switchboard or main distribution panel must be permanently installed;

(c) A circuit breaker must be provided at the switchboard or main distribution panel for the shore power connection; and

(d) The circuit breaker, required by paragraph (c) of this section, must be interlocked with the vessel's power sources so that shore power and the vessel's power sources may not be operated simultaneously.

A separate circuit, with overcurrent protection at the main distribution panel, must be provided for each radiotelephone installation.

(a) Each lighting fixture globe, lens, or diffuser must have a guard or be made of high strength material, except in an accommodation space, radio room, galley, or similar space where it is not subject to damage.

(b) A lighting fixture may not be used as a connection box for a circuit other than the branch circuit supplying the fixture.

(c) A lighting fixture must be installed as follows:

(1) Each fixture must comply with § 120.200.

(2) Each lighting fixture and lampholder must be fixed. A fixture must not be supported by the screw shell of a lampholder.

(3) Each pendant type lighting fixture must be suspended by and supplied through a threaded, rigid conduit stem.

(4) Each table lamp, desk lamp, floor lamp, or similar equipment must be secured in place so that it cannot be displaced by the roll or pitch of the vessel.

(d) An exterior lighting fixture in an electrical system operating at more than 50 volts must comply with the requirements of UL 595, “Marine Type Electric Lighting Fixtures,” or other standard specified by the Commandant. A lighting fixture in an accommodation space, radio room, galley or similar interior space may comply with, UL 1570, “Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures,” UL 1571, “Incandescent Lighting Fixtures,” UL 1572, “High Intensity Discharge Lighting Fixtures,” UL 1573, “Stage and Studio Lighting Units,” or UL 1574, “Track Lighting Systems,” as long as the general marine requirements of UL 595 are satisfied.

All vessels must have navigation lights that are in compliance with the applicable sections of the International and Inland Navigation Rules, except that a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must also have navigation lights that meet UL 1104, “Marine Navigation Lights,” or other standard specified by the Commandant.

Each vessel must be equipped with at least two operable portable battery lights. One of these lights must be located at the operating station and the other at the access to the propulsion machinery space.

(a) Each vessel must have adequate emergency lighting fitted along the line of escape to the main deck from all passenger and crew accommodation spaces located below the main deck.

(b) The emergency lighting required by paragraph (a) of this section must automatically actuate upon failure of the main lighting system. If a vessel is not equipped with a single source of power for emergency lighting, it must have individual battery powered lights which:

(1) Are automatically actuated upon loss of normal power;

(2) Are not readily portable;

(3) Are connected to an automatic battery charger; and

(4) Have sufficient capacity for a minimum of 2 hours of continuous operation.

(c) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length carrying more than 600 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must have an emergency lighting system that complies with Part 112 in subchapter J of this chapter.

Each vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length carrying more than 600 passengers or with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must have floodlights for illuminating the stowage position and embarkation station of lifeboats, liferafts, rescue boats, and rescue platforms, where installed. These floodlights must meet the requirements of § 111.75-16 in subchapter J of this chapter.

Each electric power operated lifeboat winch must meet § 111.95 in subchapter J and § 160.015 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(a) Electrical equipment in lockers used to store paint, oil, turpentine, or other flammable liquids must be explosion-proof or be part of an intrinsically safe system.

(b) Explosion-proof equipment and intrinsically safe systems must meet the requirements of § 111.105 in subchapter J of this chapter.

Each elevator on a vessel must meet the requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A17.1. “Safety Code for Elevators, and Escalators,” or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(a) All vessels with overnight accommodations must be equipped with a general alarm system.

(b) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must have a general alarm that meets the requirements of § 113.25 in subchapter J of this chapter.

(c) The public address system required by § 121.610 of this chapter may be used to sound the general alarm signal.

(a) Vessel control systems and other miscellaneous systems and equipment required by this part must be suitable for the purposes intended.

(b) The cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may require navigation, control, or communications equipment, in excess of the equipment specifically required by this part, on a vessel that is of a novel design, operates at high speeds in restricted or high traffic areas, operates in a dynamically supported mode, or operates on extended routes or in remote locations.

(a) An existing vessel need not comply with §§ 121.402(c), 121.404, 121.410, and 121.602 of this part unless the cognizant OCMI specifically requires compliance due to the route or service of the vessel.

(b) An existing vessel need not comply with the requirements of § 121.610 of this part until March 11, 2001, or 10 years after its keel was laid or the vessel was at a similar stage of construction, whichever is later.

(c) An existing vessel need not comply with the requirements of § 121.710 of this part until March 11, 1997.

Cooking and heating equipment must be suitable for marine use. Equipment designed and installed in accordance with American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) A-3, “Recommended Practices and Standards Covering Galley Stoves,” and A-7, “Recommended Practices and Standards Covering Boat Heating Systems,” or with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 302, “Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft,” complies with this requirement, except as restricted by § 121.202 of this part.

(a) The use of gasoline for cooking, heating, or lighting is prohibited on all vessels.

(b) Fireplaces or other space heating equipment with open flames are prohibited on all vessels.

(c) Vessels permitted to use liquefied and non-liquefied gases as cooking fuels by 46 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 147 must meet the requirements of § 121.240. The use of these fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting on ferry vessels is prohibited by part 147 in subchapter N of this chapter.

(a) Each heater must be so constructed and installed as to prevent contact with combustible materials such as towels and clothing.

(b) Each electric space heater must be provided with a thermal cutout to prevent overheating.

(c) Each heater element of an electric space heater must be of an enclosed type, and the element case or jacket must be made of a corrosion resistant material.

(a) Doors on a cooking appliance must be provided with hinges and locking devices to prevent accidental opening in heavy seas.

(b) A cooking appliance must be installed to prevent movement in heavy seas.

(c) For a grill or similar type of cooking appliance, means must be provided to collect grease or fat and to prevent its spillage on wiring or the deck.

(d) Grab rails must be installed on a cooking appliance when determined by the cognizant OCMI to be necessary for safety.

(e) Sea rails, with suitable barriers to prevent accidental movement of cooking pots, must be installed on a cooking range.

(f) Electric connections for a cooking appliance must be dripproof.

Cooking systems using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) must meet the following requirements:

(a) The design, installation and testing of each LPG system must meet ABYC A-1, “Marine Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Systems,” Chapter 6 of NFPA 302, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(b) The design, installation and testing of each CNG system must meet ABYC A-22, “Marine Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Systems,” Chapter 6 of NFPA 302, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(c) Cooking systems using Chapter 6 of NFPA 302 as the standard must meet the following additional requirements.

(1) The storage or use of CNG containers within the accommodation area, machinery spaces, bilges, or other enclosed spaces is prohibited;

(2) LPG or CNG must be odorized in accordance with ABYC A-1, appendix 4, or A-22, appendix 4, respectively;

(3) The marking and mounting of LPG cylinders must be in accordance with ABYC A-1, appendix 7; and

(4) LPG cylinders must be of the vapor withdrawal type as specified in ABYC A-1, section 1.7.

(d) Continuous pilot lights or automatic glow plugs are prohibited for an LPG or CNG installation using ABYC A-1 or A-22 as the standard.

(e) CNG installation using ABYC A-22 as the standard must meet the following additional requirements:

(1) The storage or use of CNG containers within the accomodation area, machinery spaces, bilges, or other enclosed spaces is prohibited:

(2) CNG cylinders, regulating equipment, and safety equipment must meet the installation, stowage, and testing requirements of paragraph 6-5.12 of NFPA 302; and

(3) The use or stowage of stoves with attached CNG cylinders is prohibited as specified in paragraph 6-5.1 of NFPA 302.

(f) If the fuel supply line of an LPG or CNG system enters an enclosed space on the vessel, a remote shut off valve must be installed that can be operated from a position adjacent to the appliance. The valve must be located between the fuel tank and the point where the fuel supply line enters the enclosed portion of the vessel. A power operated valve installed to meet this requirement must be of a type that will fail closed.

(g) The following variances from ABYC A-1 section 1.12 are allowed for CNG:

(1) The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top; and

(2) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline.

(h) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed.

(1) The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as required by paragraph 6-5.12.1.1(a); and

(2) Ignition protection need not be provided as required by paragraph 6-5.4.

A vessel must be fitted with ground tackle and mooring lines necessary for the vessel to be safely anchored or moored. The ground tackle and mooring lines provided must be satisfactory for the size of the vessel, the waters on which the vessel operates, subject to the approval of the cognizant OCMI.

A vessel must comply with the applicable requirements for any radio and Electronic Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB) installations, including the requirements for a station license and installation certificates to be issued by the FCC, as set forth in 47 CFR part 80.

A durable placard must be posted next to all radiotelephone installations with the emergency broadcast instructions and information, specific to the individual vessel.

The following emergency broadcast instructions, when placed on a placard, will satisfy the requirement contained in § 121.506 for an emergency broadcast placard:

(a) Emergency Broadcast Instructions.

(1) Make sure your radiotelephone is on.

(2) Select 156.8 MHz (channel 16 VHF) or 2182 kHz. (Channel 16 VHF and 2182 kHz on SSB are for emergency and calling purposes only.)

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

(i) “MAYDAY—MAYDAY—MAYDAY” for situations involving Immediate Danger to Life and Property; or

(ii) “PAN—PAN—PAN” for urgent situations where there is No Immediate Danger to Life or Property.

(4) Say: “THIS IS (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME), (INSERT VESSEL'S CALL SIGN), OVER.”

(5) Release the microphone button briefly and listen for acknowledgment. If no one answers, repeat steps 3 & 4.

(6) If there is no acknowledgment, or if the Coast Guard or another vessel responds, say: “MAYDAY” or “PAN”, (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME).”

(7) DESCRIBE YOUR POSITION using latitude and longitude coordinates, or range and bearing from a known point.

(8) STATE THE NATURE OF THE DISTRESS.

(9) GIVE NUMBER OF PERSONS ABOARD AND THE NATURE OF ANY INJURIES.

(10) ESTIMATE THE PRESENT SEAWORTHINESS OF YOUR VESSEL.

(11) BRIEFLY DESCRIBE YOUR VESSEL: (INSERT LENGTH, COLOR, HULL TYPE, TRIM, MASTS, POWER, ANY ADDITIONAL DISTINGUISHING FEATURES).

(12) Say: “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16/2182.”

(13) End message by saying: “THIS IS (INSERT VESSEL'S NAME & CALL SIGN).”

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

(b) [Reserved]

(a) A vessel equipped with pilothouse control must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the means of controlling the propulsion machinery, required by § 121.620(a), is located. Twin screw vessels with pilothouse control for both engines are not required to have a fixed communications system.

(b) A vessel equipped with auxiliary means of steering, required by § 119.600 of this chapter, must have a fixed means of two-way communications from the operating station to the location where the auxiliary means of steering is controlled.

(c) When the propulsion machinery of a vessel cannot be controlled from the operating station, an efficient communications system must be provided between the operating station and the propulsion machinery space.

(d) When the locations addressed in paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section are sufficiently close together, direct voice communications satisfactory to the cognizant OCMI is acceptable instead of the required fixed means of communications.

(e) The OCMI may accept hand held portable radios as satisfying the communications system requirement of this section.

(a) Except as noted in paragraph (d) below, each vessel must be equipped with a public address system.

(b) On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, the public address system must be a fixed installation and be audible during normal operating conditions throughout the accommodation spaces and all other spaces normally manned by crew members.

(c) A vessel with more than one passenger deck and a vessel with overnight accommodations must have the public address system operable from the operating station.

(d) On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a battery powered bullhorn may serve as the public address system if audible throughout the accommodation spaces of the vessel during normal operating conditions. The bullhorn's batteries are to be continually maintained at a fully charged level by use of a battery charger or other means acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.

(a) A vessel must have two independent means of controlling each propulsion engine. Control must be provided for the engine speed, direction of shaft rotation, and engine shutdown.

(1) One of the means may be the ability to readily disconnect the remote engine control linkage to permit local operation.

(2) A multiple engine vessel with independent remote propulsion control for each engine need not have a second means of controlling each engine.

(b) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, a vessel must have a reliable means for shutting down a propulsion engine, at the main pilot house control station, which is independent of the engine's speed control.

(c) A propulsion engine control system, including pilothouse control, must be designed so that a loss of power to the control system does not result in an increase in shaft speed or propeller pitch.

(d) All microprocessor or computer based systems must meet the requirements of part 62 in subchapter F of this chapter.

A vessel must comply with the applicable design, equipment, personnel, procedures, and record requirements of 33 CFR parts 151, 155, and 156.

A vessel with installed toilet facilities must have a marine sanitation device that complies with 33 CFR part 159.

A vessel must carry either a first-aid kit approved under approval series 160.041 or a kit with equivalent contents and instructions. For equivalent kits, the contents must be stowed in a suitable, watertight container that is marked “First-Aid Kit”. A first-aid kit must be easily visible and readily available to the crew.

A vessel must be operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and in such a manner as to afford adequate precaution against hazards that might endanger the vessel and the persons being transported.

(a) An existing vessel need not comply with the hull marking requirements in § 122.602(c) until completion of a vessel's first drydock required by § 115.600 of this chapter that occurs after March 11, 1996.

(b) An existing vessel need not comply with the marking requirements in §§ 122.604 and 122.610, where the size and contents of the markings required by §§ 122.604 and 122.610 vary from the size and contents of required markings on lifesaving equipment, watertight doors, and watertight hatches on the vessel prior to March 11, 1996, until the existing markings are no longer legible, as determined by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI).

(c) An existing vessel need not comply with the requirements of §§ 122.514, 122.515, 122.516, and 124.604(j) until completion of the first inspection for certification that occurs after March 11, 1996.

(d) The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.

(a) Immediately after addressing resultant safety concerns, the owner, agent, master, or person in charge of a vessel involved in a marine casualty shall notify the nearest Sector Office, Marine Inspection Office, or Coast Guard Group Office whenever a vessel is involved in a marine casualty consisting of:

(1) An unintended grounding, or an unintended strike of (allision with) a bridge:

(2) An intended grounding, or an intended strike of a bridge, that creates a hazard to navigation, the environment, or the safety of a vessel, or that meets any criterion of paragraphs (a)(3) through (a)(7) of this section;

(3) Loss of main propulsion or primary steering, or any associated component or control system, that reduces the maneuverability of the vessel;

(4) An occurrence materially and adversely affecting the vessel's seaworthiness or fitness for service or route, including but not limited to fire, flooding, failure of or damage to fixed fire extinguishing systems, lifesaving equipment, auxiliary power generating equipment, or bilge pumping systems;

(5) Loss of life;

(6) Injury that requires professional medical treatment (treatment beyond first aid) and, if the person is engaged or employed on board a vessel in commercial service, which renders the individual unfit to perform his or her routine duties; or

(7) An occurrence not meeting any of the above criteria but causing property damage in excess of $25,000. This damage includes the cost of labor and material to restore the property to its condition before the occurrence, but does not include the cost of salvage, cleaning, gas freeing, drydocking, or demurrage.

(b) A vessel is excluded from the requirements of paragraphs (a)(5) and (a)(6) of this section with respect to the death or injury of shipyard or harbor workers when such accidents are not the result of either a vessel casualty (e.g., collision) or a vessel equipment casualty (e.g., cargo boom failure) and are subject to the reporting requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 1904.

(c) Notice given as required by § 122.203 satisfies the requirement of this section if the marine casualty involves a hazardous condition.

Whenever there is a hazardous condition, as defined by § 114.400 of this chapter, on board the vessel, the owner, master, agent, or person in charge shall immediately notify the Captain of the Port of the port or place of destination and the Captain of the Port of the port or place in which the vessel is located of the hazardous condition.

(a) The owner, master, agent, or person in charge shall, within five days, file a written report of any marine casualty. This written report is in addition to the immediate notice required by § 122.202. This written report must be delivered to a Coast Guard Sector Office, or Marine Inspection Office. It must be provided on Form CG-2692 (Report of Marine Accident, Injury, or Death), Supplemented as necessary by appended Forms CG-2692A (Barge Addendum) and CG-2692B (Report of Required Chemical Drug and Alcohol Testing Following a Serious Marine Incident).

(b) If filed without delay after the occurrence of the marine casualty, the notice required by paragraph (a) of this section suffices as the notice required by § 122.202.

The owner, managing operator, or master shall report damage to a boiler, unfired pressure vessel, or machinery that renders further use of the item unsafe until repairs are made, to the OCMI at the port in which the casualty occurred or nearest the port of first arrival, as soon as practicable after the damage occurs.

(a) For each marine casualty required to be reported by § 122.202, the owner, agent, master, or person in charge of the vessel shall determine whether there is any evidence of alcohol or drug use by individuals directly involved in the casualty.

(b) The owner, agent, master, or person in charge of the vessel shall include in the written report (Form CG-2692), submitted for the casualty information which:

(1) Identifies those individuals for whom evidence of drug or alcohol use, or evidence of intoxication, has been obtained; and

(2) Specifies the method used to obtain such evidence, such as personal observation of the individual, or by chemical testing of the individual.

(c) An entry must be made in the Official Logbook, if carried, pertaining to those individuals for whom evidence of intoxication is obtained. The individual must be informed of this entry and the entry must be witnessed by a second person.

(d) If an individual directly involved in a casualty refuses to submit to, or cooperate in, the administration of a timely chemical test, when directed by a Coast Guard commissioned, warrant, or petty officer, or any other law enforcement officer authorized to obtain a chemical test under Federal, State, or local law, or by the owner, agent, master, or person in charge, this fact must be noted in the official Logbook, if carried, and in the written report (Form CG 2692), and will be admissible as evidence in any administrative proceeding.

A marine employer whose vessel is involved in a casualty or incident that is, or is likely to become, a serious marine incident as defined in § 4.03-2 in subchapter A of this chapter shall comply with the requirements of § 4.06 in subchapter A of this chapter.

The owner, agent, master, or person in charge of any vessel involved in a marine casualty for which a report is required under § 122.202 shall retain all voyage records maintained by the vessel, including rough and smooth deck and engine room logs, bell books, navigation charts, navigation work books, compass deviation cards, gyrocompass records, stowage plans, records of draft, aids to mariners, night order books, radiograms sent and received, radio logs, crew and passenger lists and counts, articles of shipment, official logs, and other material that might be of assistance in investigating and determining the cause of the casualty. The owner, agent, master, other officer, or person responsible for the custody thereof, shall make these records available upon request, to a duly authorized investigating officer, administrative law judge, officer or employee of the Coast Guard.

Whenever a vessel collides with a buoy, or other aid to navigation under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard, or is connected with any such collision, the person in charge of such vessel shall report the accident to the nearest OCMI. No report on Form CG 2692 is required unless otherwise required under § 122.202 of this part.

(a) An owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent of a vessel shall immediately notify either of the following Coast Guard offices if there is reason to believe the vessel is lost or imperiled:

(1) The Coast Guard district rescue coordination center (RCC) cognizant over the area in which the vessel was last operating; or

(2) The Coast Guard search and rescue authority nearest to where the vessel was last operating.

(b) Reasons for belief that a vessel is in distress include, but are not limited to, lack of communication with or nonappearance of the vessel.

(c) The owner, charterer, managing operator, or agent notifying the Coast Guard under paragraph (a) of this section, shall provide the name and identification number of the vessel, a description of the vessel, the names or number of individuals on board, and other information that may be requested by the Coast Guard.

(a) Every vessel on a voyage from a port in the United States to a foreign port except to a port in Canada, or vice versa, must have an Official Logbook.

(b) The master shall make or have made in the Official Logbook the following entries:

(1) Each legal conviction of a seaman of the vessel and the punishment inflicted;

(2) Each offense committed by a seaman of the vessel for which it is intended to prosecute or to enforce under a forfeiture, together with statements about reading the entry and the reply made to the charge as required by 46 U.S.C. 11502;

(3) A statement of the conduct, character, and qualifications of each seaman of the vessel or a statement that the master declines to give an opinion about that conduct, character, and qualifications;

(4) Each illness of or injury to a seaman of the vessel, the nature of the illness or injury, and the medical treatment;

(5) Each death on board, with the cause of death, and if a seaman, the following information required by 46 U.S.C. 10702:

(i) The wages due to a seaman who dies during the voyage and the gross amount of all deductions to be made from the wages; and

(ii) The sale of the property of a seaman who dies during the voyage, including a statement of each article sold and the amount received for the property.

(6) Each birth on board, with the sex of the infant and name of the parents;

(7) Each marriage on board, with the names and ages of the parties;

(8) The name of each seaman who ceases to be a crew member (except by death), with the place, time, manner, and the cause why the seaman ceased to be a crew member; and

(9) When a marine casualty occurs, a statement about the casualty and the circumstances under which it occurred, made immediately after the casualty when practicable to do so.

Except for a vessel required to have an Official Logbook by § 122.280, the owner, managing operator, or master of a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers shall maintain logs or records in any form, which will be considered to take the place of the Official Logbook and may be used for the purpose of making entries therein as required by law or regulations in this subchapter. Such logs or records shall be kept available for review by a marine inspector for a period of one year after the date to which the records refer.

(a) The movement of a vessel shall be under the direction and control of the master or a licensed mate at all times. The master shall operate the vessel keeping the safety of the passengers and crew foremost in mind by directing the vessel in order to prevent a casualty. Special attention should be paid to:

(1) The current(s) velocity and direction of the transmitting area;

(2) Tidal state;

(3) Prevailing and forecasted visibility and environmental conditions, including wind and waves;

(4) Density of marine traffic;

(5) Potential damage caused by own wake;

(6) The danger of each closing visual or radar contact;

(7) Vessels's handling characteristics; and

(8) Magnetic variation and deviation errors of the compass.

(b) [Reserved]

When practicable the master shall exclude passengers from the operating station of a vessel when the passengers could distract the navigating crew from their responsibilities, or when otherwise directed by the cognizant OCMI.

(a) After loading and prior to departure, and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel, the master shall determine that the vessel complies with all applicable stability requirements in the vessel's trim and stability book, stability letter, Certificate of Inspection, and Load Line Certificate, as the case may be. The vessel may not depart until it is in compliance with these requirements.

(b) In order to fulfill the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section and avoid overloading the vessel, the master must take into account the total weight of passengers, crew, and variable loads.

The master of a vessel shall have examined and tested the steering gear, signaling whistle, propulsion controls, and communication systems of the vessel prior to getting underway for a voyage, except that such examination and testing need not be conducted more than once in any 24 hour period.

(a) Except when operating on lakes, bays, and sounds, or river routes in calm weather, all hatches and openings in the hull, except loading doors, of a vessel must be kept tightly closed except when being used.

(b) All watertight doors in subdivision bulkheads must be kept tightly closed during the navigation of the vessel except when being used for transit between compartments.

(a) Except as allowed by paragraph (b) of this section, the master of a vessel fitted with loading doors shall assure that all loading doors are closed and secured during the entire voyage.

(b) Loading doors, other than bow visors, may be opened when operating in protected or partially protected waters, provided the master of the vessel determines that the safety of the vessel is not impaired.

(c) For the purpose of this section, “loading doors” include all weathertight ramps, bow visors, and openings used to load personnel, equipment, and stores, in the collision bulkhead, the side shell, and the boundaries of enclosed superstructures that are continuous with the shell of the vessel.

(a) Automobiles or other vehicles must be stowed in such a manner as to permit both passengers and crew to get out and away from the vehicles freely in the event of fire or other disaster. The decks, where necessary, must be distinctly marked with painted lines to indicate the vehicle runways and the aisle spaces.

(b) The master shall take any necessary precautions to see that automobiles or other vehicles have their motors turned off and their emergency brakes set when the vessel is underway, and that the motors are not started until the vessel is secured to the landing. In addition, a vehicle at each end of a line of vehicles or next to a loading ramp must have its wheels securely blocked, while the vessel is being navigated.

(c) The master shall have appropriate “NO SMOKING” signs posted and shall take all necessary precautions to prevent smoking or carrying of lighted or smoldering pipes, cigars, cigarettes, or similar items in the deck area assigned to automobiles or other vehicles.

(d) The master shall, prior to getting underway, ensure that vehicles are properly distributed consistent with the guidance in the vessel's stability letter and Certificate of Inspection, if applicable.

A vessel that transports a hazardous material, listed in 49 CFR 172.101, in commerce shall ensure the material is handled and transported in accordance with 49 CFR Parts 171 through 176.

Whenever an automatic pilot is used the master shall ensure that:

(a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the vessel's steering;

(b) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering control; and

(c) The changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa is made by, or under the supervision of, the master or the mate on watch.

Each officer employed upon any vessel subject to the provisions of this subchapter must have his or her license or merchant mariner credential on board and available for examination at all times when the vessel is operating.

The owner, charterer, master, or managing operator of a vessel carrying overnight passengers shall have a suitable number of watchmen patrol throughout the vessel during the nighttime, whether or not the vessel is underway, to guard against, and give alarm in case of, a fire, a man overboard, or other dangerous situation.

(a) The owner, charterer, master, or managing operator shall instruct each crew member, upon first being employed and prior to getting underway for the first time on a particular vessel and at least once every three months, as to the duties that the crew member is expected to perform in an emergency including, but not limited to, the emergency instructions listed on the emergency instruction placard required by § 122.510, when applicable, the duties listed in the station bill required by § 122.514.

(b) Training conducted on a sister vessel may be considered equivalent to the initial and quarterly training requirements contained in paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) Crew training shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request. The training entry shall include the following information:

(1) Date of the training; and

(2) General description of the training topics.

(a) The owner, charterer, managing operator, or master of the following vessels must keep a correct list of the names of all persons that embark on and disembark from the vessel:

(1) A vessel making a coastwise or oceans voyage where:

(i) Passengers embark or disembark from the vessel to another vessel or port other than at the port of origin; or

(ii) Passengers are carried overnight;

(2) A vessel making a voyage of more than 300 miles on the Great Lakes, except from a Canadian to a United States port; and

(3) A vessel arriving from a foreign port, except at a United States Great Lakes port from a Canadian Great Lakes port.

(b) The master of a vessel required to prepare a crew and passenger list by paragraph (a) of this section shall see that the list is prepared prior to departing on a voyage. The list must be communicated verbally or in writing ashore at the vessel's normal berthing location or with a representative of the owner or managing operator of the vessel. The crew and passenger list shall be available to the Coast Guard upon request.

(a) The master of the following vessels shall prepare a voyage plan:

(1) A vessel making an oceans or coastwise voyage;

(2) A vessel making a voyage of more than 300 miles on the Great Lakes, except from a Canadian to a United States port;

(3) A vessel, with overnight accommodations for passengers, making an overnight voyage; and

(4) A vessel arriving from a foreign port, except at a United States Great Lakes port from a Canadian Great Lakes port.

(b) The voyage plan required by paragraph (a) of this section must be prepared prior to departing on a voyage and communicated verbally or in writing, ashore at the vessel's normal berthing location or with a representative of the owner or managing operator of the vessel. The voyage plan shall be available to the Coast Guard upon request.

The master of a vessel, except a vessel listed in § 122.502(a), shall keep a correct, written count of all passengers that embark on and disembark from the vessel. Prior to departing on a voyage, the passenger count must be communicated verbally or in writing, and available ashore at the vessel's normal berthing location or with a representative of the owner or managing operator of the vessel. The passenger count shall be available to the Coast Guard upon request.

(a) Except as allowed by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, before getting underway on a voyage or as soon as practicable thereafter, the master of a vessel shall ensure that suitable public announcements are made informing all passengers of—

(1) The location of emergency exits, survival craft embarkation areas, and ring life buoys;

(2) The stowage location(s) of life jackets;

(3) Either:

(i) The proper method of donning and adjusting life jackets of the type(s) carried on the vessel including a demonstration of the proper donning of a lifejacket, or

(ii) That passengers may contact a crew member for a demonstration, as appropriate, prior to beginning an oceans or coastwise voyage;

(4) The location of the instruction placards for life jackets and other lifesaving devices;

(5) That all passengers will be required to don life jackets when possible hazardous conditions exist, as directed by the master; and

(6) If the vessel is operating with reduced manning or equipment requirements in § 115.114 of this chapter.

(b) As an alternative to an announcement that complies with paragraph (a) of this section, the master or other designated person may—

(1) Prior to getting underway, deliver to each passenger, or on a vessel that does not carry vehicles and that has seats for each passenger, place near each seat, a card or pamphlet that has the information listed in paragraphs (a)(1) through (a)(6) of this section; and

(2) Make an abbreviated announcement consisting of:

(i) A statement that passengers should follow the instructions of the crew in an emergency;

(ii) The location of life jackets; and

(iii) That further information concerning emergency procedures including the donning of life jackets, location of other emergency equipment, and emergency evacuation procedures are located on the card or pamphlet that was given to each passenger or is located near each seat.

(c) Ferries operating on short runs of less than 15 minutes may substitute bulkhead placards or signs for the announcement required in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section if the OCMI determines that the announcements are not practical due to the vessel's unique operation.

(d) The master of a vessel shall ensure that a passenger, who boards the vessel on a voyage after the initial public announcement has been made as required by paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section, is also informed of the required safety information.

(e) On a vessel on a voyage of more than 24 hours duration, passengers shall be requested to don life jackets and go to the appropriate embarkation station during the safety orientation. If only a small number of passengers embark at a port after the original muster has been held, these passengers must be given the passenger safety orientation required by paragraphs (a) or (b) of this section if another muster is not held.

(a) The master of a vessel shall require passengers to don life jackets when possible hazardous conditions exist, including, but not limited to:

(1) When transiting hazardous bars and inlets;

(2) During severe weather;

(3) In event of flooding, fire, or other events that may possibly call for evacuation; and

(4) When the vessel is being towed, except a non-self-propelled vessel under normal operating conditions.

(b) The master or crew shall assist passengers in obtaining a life jacket and donning it, as necessary.

(a) The master and crew of a vessel will be familiar with the content of and have mounted at the operating station, emergency instructions containing the actions to be taken in the event of fire, flooding, heavy weather, or man overboard conditions.

(b) Except when in the judgment of the cognizant OCMI the operation of a vessel does not present one of the hazards listed, the emergency instruction placard should contain at least the applicable portions of the “Emergency Instructions” listed in § 122.512. The emergency instructions must be designed to address the particular equipment, arrangement, and operation of each individual vessel.

(c) If the cognizant OCMI determines that there is no suitable mounting surface aboard the vessel, the emergency instructions need not be posted but must be carried aboard the vessel and be available to the crew for familiarization.

An Emergency instruction placard containing the following information will satisfy the requirements of § 122.510 of this part.

(a) Emergency instructions—(1) Rough weather at sea, crossing hazardous bars, or flooding. (i) Close all watertight and weathertight doors, hatches, and airports to prevent taking water aboard or further flooding in the vessel.

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

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

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

(v) Passengers must remain seated and evenly distributed.

(vi) Passengers must don life jackets if the going becomes very rough, vessel is about to cross a hazardous bar, or when otherwise instructed by the master.

(vii) Never abandon the vessel unless actually forced to do so.

(viii) If assistance is needed follow the procedures on the emergency broadcast placard posted by the radiotelephone.

(ix) Prepare survival craft (life floats, (inflatable) rafts, (inflatable) buoyant apparatus, boats) for launching.

(2) Man overboard. (i) Throw a ring buoy overboard as close to the person as possible.

(ii) Post a lookout to keep the person overboard in sight.

(iii) Launch rescue boat and maneuver to pick up person in the water, or maneuver the vessel to pick up the person in the water.

(iv) Have crew member put on life jacket, attach a safety line to him or her, and have him or her stand by to jump into the water to assist the person if necessary.

(v) If person is not immediately located, notify Coast Guard and other vessels in vicinity by radiotelephone.

(vi) Continue search until released by Coast Guard.

(3) Fire. (i) Cut off air supply to fire—close openings such as hatches, ports, doors, ventilators, and louvers, and shut off ventilation system.

(ii) Cut off electrical system supplying affected compartment if possible.

(iii) If safe, immediately use portable fire extinguishers at base of flames for flammable liquid or grease fires or water for fires in ordinary combustible materials. Do not use water on electrical fires.

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

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

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

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

(b) [Reserved]

(a) A station bill must be posted by the master on a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length having:

(1) Overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers; or

(2) A Certificate of Inspection requiring more than four crew members at any one time, including the master.

(b) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers must comply with the requirements of § 78.13 in subchapter H of this chapter in regards to the content of a station bill, the duties of the crew, emergency signals, an emergency squad, and instructions.

(c) Except when paragraph (b) of this section is applicable, the station bill of a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length required to have more than four crew members, must set forth the special duties and duty station of each crew member for various emergencies. The duties must, as far as possible, be comparable with the regular work of the individual. The duties must include at least the following and any other duties necessary for the proper handling of a particular emergency.

(1) The closing of hatches, airports, watertight doors, vents, scuppers, and valves for intake and discharge lines that penetrate the hull, the stopping of fans and ventilating systems, and the operating of all safety equipment;

(2) The preparing and launching of survival craft and rescue boats;

(3) The extinguishing of fire; and

(4) The mustering of passengers including the following:

(i) Warning the passengers;

(ii) Assembling the passengers and directing them to their appointed stations; and

(iii) Keeping order in the passageways and stairways and generally controlling the movement of the passengers.

(d) The station bill must be posted at the operating station and a conspicuous location in each crew accommodation space.

(a) A passenger safety bill must be posted by the master in each passenger cabin or stateroom on a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers.

(b) Each passenger safety bill required by this section must list:

(1) The embarkation station and the number and location of the survival craft to which each occupant of the space is assigned;

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

(3) Essential action that must be taken in an emergency; and

(4) If immersion suits are provided for passengers, the location of the suits and illustrated instructions on the method of donning the suits.

(a) Placards containing instructions for the donning and use of the life jackets aboard the vessel must be posted in conspicuous places that are regularly accessible and visible to the crew and passengers.

(b) Life jacket placards must be posted in each passenger cabin or stateroom on a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length with overnight accommodations for more than 49 passengers.

(c) If the cognizant OCMI determines that there is no suitable mounting surface aboard the vessel, the life jacket placards need not be posted but must be carried aboard the vessel and be available to the crew and passengers for familiarization.

(a) Every vessel equipped with an inflatable survival craft must have approved placards or other cards containing instructions for launching and inflating inflatable survival craft for the information of persons on board posted in conspicuous places by each inflatable survival craft.

(b) Under the requirement in § 160.051-6(c)(1) in subchapter Q of this chapter, the manufacturer of approved inflatable liferafts is required to provide approved placards containing such instructions with each liferaft. Similar placards must be used for other inflatable survival craft.

(a) The master shall conduct sufficient drills and give sufficient instructions to make sure that all crew members are familiar with their duties during emergencies that necessitate abandoning ship or the recovery of persons who have fallen overboard.

(b) An abandon ship drill must be conducted as follows:

(1) Each member of the crew shall participate in at least one abandon ship drill each month; and

(2) If more than 25% of the crew have not participated in an abandon ship drill on board that particular vessel or sister vessel in the previous month, a drill must be conducted before the vessel gets underway with passengers aboard.

(c) Each abandon ship drill must include:

(1) Summoning the crew to report to assigned stations and prepare for assigned duties;

(2) Summoning passengers on a vessel on an overnight voyage to areas of refuge or embarkation stations and ensuring that they are made aware of how the order to abandon ship will be given;

(3) Checking that life jackets are correctly donned;

(4) Operation of any davits used for launching liferafts; and

(5) Instruction on the automatic and manual deployment of survival craft.

(d) Each abandon ship drill must, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency.

(e) Each rescue boat required in accordance with § 117.210 of this subchapter must be launched with its assigned crew aboard and maneuvered in the water as if during the actual man overboard situation;

(1) Once each month, if reasonable and practicable; but

(2) At least once within a 3 month period before the vessel gets underway with passengers.

(f) Onboard training in the use of davit launched liferafts must take place at intervals of not more than 3 months on a vessel with a davit launched liferaft.

(g) Abandon ship and man overboard drills and training shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request. The drill entry shall include the following information:

(1) Date of the drill and training; and

(2) General discription of the drill scenario and training topics.

(a) The master shall conduct sufficient fire drills to make sure that each crew member is familiar with his or her duties in case of a fire.

(b) A fire drill must be conducted at least once each month.

(c) Each fire drill must include:

(1) Summoning passengers on a vessel on an overnight voyage to areas of refuge or embarkation stations;

(2) Summoning the crew to report to assigned stations and to prepare for and demonstrate assigned duties; and

(3) Instructions in the use and location of fire alarms, extinguishers, and any other fire fighting equipment on board.

(d) Each fire drill must, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency.

(e) Fire fighting drills and training shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request. The drill entry shall include the following information:

(1) Date of the drill and training; and

(2) General discription of the drill scenario and training topics.

Nothing in the emergency instructions or a station bill required by this subpart exempts any licensed individual from the exercise of good judgment in an emergency situation.

(a) Each vessel must be marked as required by part 67, subpart I, of this chapter.

(b) Each vessel must—

(1) Have permanent draft marks at each end of the vessel; or

(2) Have permanent loading marks placed on each side of the vessel forward and aft to indicate the maximum allowable trim and amidships to indicate the maximum allowable draft.

(c) A loading mark required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section must be a horizontal line of at least 205 millimeters (8 inches) in length and 25 millimeters (1 inch) in height, with its upper edge passing through the point of maximum draft. The loading mark must be painted in a contrasting color to the sideshell paint.

(d) On a vessel that has a load line, the amidships marks required by paragraph (c)(2) of this section must be those required by the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966.

(e) 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.

(f) On a vessel on which the number of passengers permitted on upper decks is limited by stability criteria, as indicated by the vessel's stability letter, the maximum number of passengers allowed on an upper deck must be indicated by a durable marking of at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) numbers and letters at the entranceway to that deck.

(a) The name of a vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers:

(1) On each side of the bow of each rescue boat; and

(2) On each life float and buoyant apparatus.

(b) Each life jacket, immersion suit, and ring life buoy must be marked in clearly legible block capital letters with the vessel's name. The marking is not required on a life jacket carried to meet a temporary need for additional life jackets, if the life jacket has the name of another vessel or company marked on it. For an immersion suit, the name of the person to whom the immersion suit is assigned is an acceptable alternative to the name of the vessel.

(c) The name of the vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters on each Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB), except on an EPIRB in an inflatable liferaft.

(d) The number of persons capacity must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers on each side of the bow of each rescue boat.

(e) The number of persons capacity must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters and numbers on each life float and buoyant apparatus. This number must:

(1) Be the number of persons the device is equipped for; and

(2) Not be greater than the number of persons the device is approved for as shown on the nameplate.

(f) The number and identification of the items stowed inside, and their sizes, must be marked in clearly legible letters and numbers on each container for life jackets and immersion suits. Identification of the items may be in words, or the appropriate symbols in International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.760(18), “Symbols Related to Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangements.” Letters and numbers must be at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) high. Symbols must be at least 100 millimeters (4 inches) square.

(g) The name of the vessel must be marked or painted in clearly legible letters on each life float paddle.

(h) Each life jacket must be marked with Type I retroreflective material approved in accordance with § 164.018 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant. The arrangement of the retroreflective material applied after March 11, 1996 must be as specified by IMO Resolution A.658(16), “Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective Materials on Life-Saving Appliances.”

(i) Each rescue boat and ring life buoy must be marked with Type II retroreflective material approved in accordance with § 164.018 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant. The arrangement of the retroreflective material applied after March 11, 1996, must be as specified by IMO Resolution A.658(16).

All escape hatches and other emergency exits used as means of escape must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 50 millimeters (2 inches) high: “EMERGENCY EXIT, KEEP CLEAR”, unless such markings are deemed unnecessary by the cognizant OCMI.

Remote fuel shutoff stations must be marked in clearly legible letters at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high indicating purpose of the valve and direction of operations.

Watertight doors and watertight hatches must be marked on both sides in clearly legible letters at least 25 millimeters (1 inch) high: “WATERTIGHT DOOR—KEEP CLOSED” or “WATERTIGHT HATCH—KEEP CLOSED”, unless such markings are deemed unnecessary by the cognizant OCMI.

(a) Complete but simple instructions for the operation of a fixed gas fire extinguishing system must be located in a conspicuous place at or near each pull box and stop valve control and in the space where the extinguishing agent cylinders are stored. If the storage cylinders are separate from the protected space, the instructions must also include a schematic diagram of the system and instructions detailing alternate methods of releasing the extinguishing agent should the local manual release or stop valve controls fail to operate. Each control valve to a distribution line must be marked to indicate the space served.

(b) An alarm for a fixed gas fire extinguishing system must be clearly and conspicuously marked “WHEN ALARM SOUNDS—VACATE AT ONCE. CARBON DIOXIDE BEING RELEASED.” Where a different extinguishing agent is installed, that agent shall be marked in place of “carbon dioxide.”

(c) Each distribution line valve of a fixed gas fire extinguishing system and the fire main, must be plainly, conspicuously, and permanently marked indicating the space served.

(d) A manual fire alarm box must be conspicuously marked in clearly legible letters “IN CASE OF FIRE BREAK GLASS”.

(e) An alarm for an automatic fire detecting system or a manual alarm system must be conspicuously marked in clearly legible letters “FIRE ALARM”.

(f) An alarm for an automatic sprinkler system must be conspicously marked in clearly legible letters “SPRINKLER ALARM”.

(g) An alarm bell for a smoke detecting system must be conspicuously marked in clearly legible letters “SMOKE DETECTION ALARM”.

(h) A control cabinet or space containing valves, manifolds, or controls for any fixed gas fire extinguishing system must be conspicuously marked in clearly legible letters “CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHING APPARATUS”, or as otherwise required by the cognizant OCMI. Where a different extinguishing agent is installed, that agent shall be marked in place of “carbon dioxide.”

(i) Carbon dioxide warning signs. Each entrance to a space storing carbon dioxide cylinders, a space protected by carbon dioxide systems, or any space into which carbon dioxide might migrate must be conspicuously marked as follows:

(1) Spaces storing carbon dioxide—“CARBON DIOXIDE GAS CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. VENTILATE THE AREA BEFORE ENTERING. A HIGH CONCENTRATION CAN OCCUR IN THIS AREA AND CAN CAUSE SUFFOCATION.”.

(2) Spaces protected by carbon dioxide—“CARBON DIOXIDE GAS CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. WHEN ALARM OPERATES OR WINTERGREEN SCENT IS DETECTED, DO NOT ENTER UNTIL VENTILATED. LOCK OUT SYSTEM WHEN SERVICING.” The reference to wintergreen scent may be omitted for carbon dioxide systems not required to have odorizing units and not equipped with such units.

(3) Spaces into which carbon dioxide might migrate—“CARBON DIOXIDE GAS CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH. DISCHARGE INTO NEARBY SPACE CAN COLLECT HERE. WHEN ALARM OPERATES OR WINTERGREEN SCENT IS DETECTED VACATE IMMEDIATELY.” The reference to wintergreen scent may be omitted for carbon dioxide systems not required to have odorizing units and not equipped with such units.

Portable watertight containers for distress flares and smoke signals shall be of a bright color, and containers shall be clearly marked in legible contrasting letters at least 12.7 millimeters (0.5 inches) high: “DISTRESS SIGNALS”.

(a) Each launching appliance and each survival craft and rescue boat on a vessel must be in good working order and ready for immediately use before the vessel leaves port and at all times when the vessel is underway.

(b) Each deck where survival craft or rescue boats are stowed or boarded must be kept clear of obstructions that would interfere with the boarding and launching of the survival craft or rescue boat.

(a) The manufacturer's instructions for onboard maintenance of survival craft, rescue boats, and launching appliances, manufactured on or after March 11, 1996, must be onboard a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length and readily available for a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length. The instructions must also be readily available at each inspection for certification and reinspection.

(b) The owner or managing operator shall ensure that maintenance is carried out in accordance with the instructions required under paragraph (a) of this section.

(c) The cognizant OCMI may accept, instead of the instructions required under paragraph (a) of this section, a shipboard planned maintenance program that includes the items listed in that paragraph.

(d) The inspection and maintenance of the equipment listed in paragraph (a) of this section shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request.

(a) Each fall used in a launching appliance on a vessel must be turned end for end at intervals of not more than 30 months.

(b) Each fall must be renewed when necessary due to deterioration or at internals of not more than 5 years, whichever is earlier.

(c) Each fall must have a corrosion resistant tag with the following permanently marked on it in clearly legible letters:

(1) The date the new fall was installed; and

(2) If the fall has been turned end for end, the date it was turned.

Each survival craft, rescue boat, and launching appliance on a vessel must be inspected monthly, using the manufacturer's instructions, to make sure it is complete and in good order.

(a) Each winch control apparatus of a launching appliance on a vessel, including motor controllers, emergency switches, master switches, and limit switches, must be examined once in each 3 months.

(b) The examination required by paragraph (a) of this section must include the removal of drain plugs and the opening of drain valves to make sure that enclosures are free of water.

(a) Each rescue boat must be stripped, cleaned, thoroughly inspected, and any necessary repairs made, at least once each year, including emptying and cleaning of each fuel tank, and refilling it with fresh fuel.

(b) Each davit, winch, fall and other launching appliance must be thoroughly inspected, and any necessary repairs made, once each year.

(c) Each item of lifesaving equipment with an expiration date must be replacing during the annual inspection and repair if the expiration date has passed.

(d) Each battery used in an item of lifesaving equipment, except inflatable survival craft equipment, must be replaced during the annual inspection if the expiration date of the battery has passed. The expiration date of the battery may be marked on the battery in clearly legible letters or the owner or managing operator may have a record of the expiration date from the manufacturer of a battery marked with a serial number.

(e) Except for a storage battery used in a rescue boat, each battery without an expiration date indicated on it or for which the owner or managing operator does not have a record of the expiration date, used in an item of lifesaving equipment, must be replaced during the annual inspection.

The master of the vessel shall ensure that:

(a) Each EPIRB, other than an EPIRB in an inflable liferaft, must be tested monthly, using the integrated test circuit and output indicator, to determine that it is operative;

(b) The EPIRB's battery is replaced after it is used, or before the date required by FCC regulations in 47 CFR Part 80, whichever comes sooner; and

(c) The EPIRB test required by paragraph (a) shall be logged or otherwise documented, as applicable.

(a) An inflatable liferaft or inflatable buoyant apparatus must be serviced at a facility specifically approved by the Commandant for the particular brand, and in accordance with servicing procedures meeting the requirements of part 160, subpart 160.151, of this chapter—

(1) No later than the month and year on its servicing sticker affixed under 46 CFR 160.151-57(n), except that servicing may be delayed until the next scheduled inspection of the vessel, provided that the delay does not exceed 5 months; and

(2) Whenever the container is damaged or the container straps or seals are broken.

(b) Each inflatable lifejacket and hybrid inflatable lifejacket or work vest must be serviced:

(1) Within 12 months of its initial packing; and

(2) Within 12 months of each subsequent servicing, except that servicing may be delayed until the next scheduled inspection of the vessel, provided that the delay does not exceed 5 months.

(c) Each inflatable life jacket must be serviced in accordance with the servicing procedure under § 160.176 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(d) Each hybrid inflatable life jacket or work vest must be serviced in accordance with the servicing procedure under § 160.077 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(e) Repair and maintenance of inflated rescue boats must be in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. All repairs must be made at a servicing facility approved by the Commandant, except for emergency repairs carried out on board the vessel.

(a) Each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable unit, must be serviced:

(1) Within 12 months of its manufacture and within 12 months of each subsequent servicing, except when servicing is delayed until the next scheduled inspection of the vessel, provided that the delay does not exceed 5 months; and

(2) In accordance with the repair and testing procedure under § 160.062 in subchapter Q of this chapter, or other standard specified by the Commandant.

(b) Each disposable hydrostatic release unit must be marked in clearly legible letters with an expiration date of two years after the date on which the unit is installed.

Violation of the provisions of this subchapter will subject the violator to the applicable penalty provisions of Subtitle II of Title 46, United States Code.

An individual holding a merchant mariner credential license, certificate or registry, or merchant mariner's document who commits an act of misconduct, negligence, or incompetence, or who violates or fails to comply with this subchapter or any other law or regulation intending to promote marine safety, is subject to proceedings under the provisions of 46 U.S.C. 7703 and part 5 in subchapter A of this chapter with respect to suspension or revocation of a credential.