Federal Register, Volume 60 Issue 221 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)

[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 221 (Thursday, November 16, 1995)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57630-57674]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-27870]

[[Page 57629]]

_______________________________________________________________________

Part II

Department of Transportation

_______________________________________________________________________

Coast Guard

_______________________________________________________________________

46 CFR Part 90, et al.

Offshore Supply Vessels; Interim Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 60, No. 221 / Thursday, November 16, 1995 /
Rules and Regulations

[[Page 57630]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Coast Guard

46 CFR Parts 90, 98, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133,
134, 135, 136, 170, 174, and 175

[CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074]
RIN 2115-AA77

Offshore Supply Vessels

AGENCY: Coast Guard, DOT.

ACTION: Interim rule, with request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The Coast Guard is publishing, as an Interim Rule, a complete
set of regulations (a whole new subchapter L) applicable to new
offshore supply vessels (OSVs), including liftboats, and is providing
the opportunity for additional public comment. These regulations are
needed to implement statutory changes to the certification and
inspection of conventional OSVs, and the certification and inspection
of hitherto-uninspected liftboats. They contain many changes to current
regulations and policy governing conventional OSVs, contain first-time
regulations for liftboats, and make specific revisions to accommodate
these vessels' unique characteristics, their methods of operation, and
their types of service. These regulations are intended to eliminate the
practice of circumventing inspection of certain categories of OSVs and
to improve the level of safety of all OSVs, including liftboats, which
will now be certificated and inspected.

DATES: This Interim Rule becomes effective on March 15, 1996; comments
must be received on or before February 14, 1996. OSVs certificated
before March 15, 1996, may either comply with these regulations in
their entirety or continue to comply with, and to be certificated
under, current regulations and policy. The Director of the Federal
Register approves the incorporation by reference of certain
publications listed in the regulations as of March 15, 1996.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Executive Secretary, Marine
Safety Council (G-LRA, 3406) [CGD 82-004 or CGD 86-074], U.S. Coast
Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001. The comments
and materials referred to in this notice will be available for
examination and copying between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except holidays, at the Marine Safety Council, U.S. Coast
Guard, Room 3406, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001.
Comments may also be hand-delivered.
A Regulatory Assessment has been placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking, and may be inspected and copied at the office of the
Marine Safety Council, at the address listed above.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
James M. Magill, Office of Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental
Protection (G-MOS-2), Room 1208c, U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100
Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001, (202) 267-1181.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Request for Comments

Because of the extended length of time from publication of the
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to publication of this interim
rule, the Coast Guard encourages interested persons to participate in
this rulemaking by submitting additional written data, views, or
arguments. Persons submitting comments should include their names and
addresses, identify this rulemaking (CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074) and the
specific section of the rule or related documents to which each comment
applies; and give a reason for each comment. Please submit two copies
of all comments and attachments in an unbound format, no larger than
8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing.
Persons wanting acknowledgment of receipt of comments should enclose
stamped, self-addressed postcards or envelopes.
The Coast Guard recognizes that there are some differences in
format and minor differences in terminology between this Interim Rule
and the Supplementary Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Small Passenger
Vessel Inspection and Certification (CGD 85-080). The Coast Guard will
be examining these differences with the object of attaining uniformity
in format and terminology where identical requirements are intended.
Differences in requirements may also be reconciled when the final rules
for these two projects are published. Comments are invited identifying
instances where apparently identical requirements are expressed
differently, or where different requirements are imposed that may be
candidates for uniform treatment.
The Coast Guard will consider all comments received during the
comment period. The rule may be changed in light of comments received.
The Coast Guard plans no public hearing. Persons may request a
public hearing by writing to the Marine Safety Council at the address
under ADDRESSES. The request should include the reasons why a hearing
would be beneficial. If it is determined that the opportunity for oral
presentations will aid this rulemaking, the Coast Guard will hold a
public hearing at a time and place announced by a later notice in the
Federal Register.

Drafting Information: Several offices at Coast Guard
Headquarters participated in drafting this interim rule, but the
principal persons involved in drafting this rule are James M.
Magill, Project Manager, Office of Marine Safety, Security, and
Environmental Protection, and Mr. Patrick J. Murray, Project
Counsel, Office of the Chief Counsel.

Regulatory History

ANPRMs

Two Advance Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRMs) have appeared
in this rulemaking.
On February 14, 1983, the Coast Guard published (48 FR 6636) an
ANPRM, under CGD 82-004, to provide an early opportunity for public
comment on a preliminary draft of a comprehensive set of requirements
for inspection and certification applicable to new OSVs. Twenty-four
comments were received, on various technical aspects of the proposal.
Many of the recommendations from those comments were incorporated into
the subsequent Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) discussed below.
On April 16, 1987, the Coast Guard published (52 FR 12439) a second
ANPRM, under CGD 86-074, asking for specific information to help the
Coast Guard in developing specialized regulations for self-elevating
OSVs (liftboats). Fourteen comments were received. Many of the
recommendations from those comments were incorporated into the
subsequent NPRM discussed below.

NPRM

On May 9, 1989, the Coast Guard published, under both CGD 82-004
and 86-074, an NPRM (54 FR 20006). The comment period had originally
been scheduled to end on September 6, 1989, but on August 31, 1989 (54
FR 36040), it was extended until December 6, 1989. Included with the
extension of the comment period was notice of a public hearing on the
proposed rule, which hearing took place at New Orleans, Louisiana, on
September 13, 1989. Twenty letters were received, containing one
hundred and ninety-four comments on various technical aspects of the
proposed rule. Many of the recommendations from those comments have
been incorporated in this interim rule.

[[Page 57631]]

Discussion of This Interim Rule

Conventional OSVs have traditionally provided a wide range of
supply and support to offshore industries extracting oil and minerals.
Once, these vessels operated almost exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico;
now, they operate worldwide.
Self-elevating OSVs, commonly known as liftboats, are more
specialized in their service. These have built-in jacking-systems,
which allow them to be ``jacked up'' above the ocean's surface and to
become, in effect, stationary platforms for a temporary period. Once
jacked up, these vessels render specific service, such as maintenance
and construction, to adjacent offshore structures.

Conventional OSVs

Conventional OSVs are propelled by motor, measure less than 500
gross tons, and engage in short voyages. Until October 6, 1980, these
vessels were--
(a) Inspected by the Coast Guard as cargo and miscellaneous vessels
under 46 CFR subchapter I, if of over 15 and under 500 gross tons and
carrying freight for hire;
(b) Inspected by the Coast Guard as small passenger-vessels under
46 CFR subchapter T, if of less than 100 gross tons and carrying more
than six passengers for hire; or
(c) Not inspected by the Coast Guard, because they operated under
``bareboat charters''.
The vessels under subchapter I were known as ``supply boats.''
Typically, they were of steel construction, carried large amounts of
deck cargo, and carried up to 16 persons in addition to the crew on
domestic voyages as permitted by 46 U.S.C. 3304 (formerly 46 U.S.C.
882).
The vessels under subchapter T were known as ``crew boats.''
Typically, they were of aluminum or steel construction, were relatively
swift, carried limited amounts of deck cargo, and carried a large
number of passengers.
Pub. L. 96-378, enacted on October 6, 1980, made important changes
to how conventional OSVs were to be inspected by the Coast Guard. (In
1983, the provisions of Pub. L. 96-378 were consolidated, without
substantive change, and recodified in Title 46, U.S.C. Subtitle II. Its
provisions are now contained principally in 46 U.S.C. 2101(19),
2101(21)(C), 3301(3), 3302(g), 3306, 3307, 3501, and 8301.) Among the
changes mandated by Pub. L. 96-378 were the following:
(1) A controversial feature of the off-shore-support industry for
many years had been its use of contractual arrangements, involving
bareboat charters coupled with operating agreements, to circumvent a
requirement for Certificates of Inspection from the Coast Guard. Pub.
L. 96-378 eliminated this subterfuge by requiring all OSVs to be
inspected.
(2) Pub. L. 96-378 defined an OSV as any vessel that regularly
carries goods, supplies, or equipment in support of exploration,
exploitation, or production of offshore mineral or energy resources, is
propelled by machinery other than steam (is a motor vessel), is not a
small passenger-vessel regulated under 46 CFR subchapter T, and is of
between 15 and 500 gross tons. (This definition has persisted into 46
U.S.C. 2101(19).)
(3) Pub. L. 96-378 categorized conventional OSVs as follows:
(i) Pre-1979 OSVs--those (a) that were operating in support of the
offshore industry on or before January 1, 1979, or (b) that were
contracted for on or before that date and that entered into service
before October 6, 1980.
(ii) All other OSVs. Since 1980, over 350 conventional OSVs have
been certificated under subchapter I or T.
(4) Each conventional OSV, other than a pre-1979 OSV, is currently
subject to inspection as follows:
(i) A vessel of more than 15 gross tons but less than 100 gross
tons is subject to Coast Guard inspection under subchapter I or T,
depending on the owner's preference and the vessel's principal use.
(ii) A vessel of 100 or more gross tons but less than 500 gross
tons is subject to Coast Guard inspection under subchapter I.
(5) Each pre-1979 OSV continues to be subject to inspection under
subchapter I or T as applicable. On October 20, 1980, the Coast Guard
published (45 FR 69242) a final rule requiring that pre-1979 OSVs be
registered with Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection, on or before
January 6, 1981, and that they be certificated not later than two years
from the date of registration. These vessels are not subject to
existing regulations on major changes of structure or major
replacements of equipment unless compliance is necessary to remove
especially hazardous conditions. The legislative history of Pub. L. 96-
378 states, in part, that OSVs should ``conform as closely as possible
to inspection standards applied to new vessels''. However, Congress
recognized that it would not be practicable to require major changes of
structure or equipment on OSVs previously uninspected. Therefore, pre-
1979 OSVs are not subject to standards that require those major changes
unless the Coast Guard determines that those changes are necessary to
remove unreasonable risks to the vessels or their crews. Note that 46
U.S.C. 2101 as amended now deems OSVs not to be tank vessels and,
therefore, relieves them of having to meet requirements applicable to
tank vessels for preventing oil pollution.

Liftboats

The high rate of casualties experienced by self-elevating OSVs
(liftboats) requires the development of specific regulations that
address liftboats' design, stability, construction, and operations. The
Coast Guard anticipates that promulgation and enforcement of the
regulations in this Interim Rule will render new liftboats
substantially safer than their predecessors.
Again, on April 16, 1987, the Coast Guard published (52 FR 12439)
an ANPRM, under CGD 86-074, asking for specific information to help the
Coast Guard in developing specialized regulations for liftboats. As
stated in this ANPRM, the need for regulations was based on the high
incidence of casualties involving liftboats, and upon specific safety
recommendations made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
in its review of those casualties.
The Coast Guard conducted its review of the available history of
casualties from 1980 to 1987 in advance of the 1987 ANPRM. The review
showed that over 20% of the approximately 250 liftboats in the fleet
had been involved in reported casualties, resulting in 10 deaths, 33
serious injuries, constructive total loss of 13 vessels, and overall
physical damage exceeding $20 million. Many of these casualties were
directly attributable to inadequate design or improper operating
procedures. The results of the 1987 review have been incorporated into
the Regulatory Assessment referred to above under ADDRESSES. The review
is also discussed, in more detail, in the following paragraphs.
Until 1988, the Coast Guard regulated liftboats primarily under 46
CFR subchapter C, which contains safety regulations for uninspected
vessels. Virtually all liftboats were of under 300 gross tons and were,
at that time, believed by the Coast Guard to provide mainly services
under contract to the offshore industry; that is, these vessels and
their crews were chartered by an operator to perform a particular
function or task in support of offshore drilling or production. Since
these vessels were of less than 300 gross tons and were not known or
believed to be carrying goods and supplies in support of the offshore
industry, they stood exempt from the

[[Page 57632]]
requirements for inspection and certification under the general
provisions of Title 46, U.S.C. (Chapter 33 or Subtitle II).
The high incidence of casualties involving liftboats reflected in
the 1987 review made it clear that the requirements in 46 CFR
subchapter C were ineffective for promoting liftboats' safe operation.
Further, the review showed that these vessels had been routinely
carrying goods, supplies, equipment, and offshore workers to offshore
structures, as well as performing their traditional function in support
of construction and maintenance of offshore structures. Accordingly,
the Coast Guard determined in 1988 to inspect liftboats as OSVs under
46 U.S.C. 3301(3). On March 23, 1988, the Coast Guard published
guidance for the inspection of liftboats as Change 1 (CH-1) to
Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 8-81 (NVIC 8-81), ``Initial
and Subsequent Inspection of Uncertificated Existing Offshore Supply
Vessels under Public Law 96-378.'' On May 21, 1991, the Coast Guard
published NVIC 8-91, interim guidance for applying the requirements of
Subchapters I and T to existing liftboats, as appears more fully below.
NVIC 8-91 cancelled NVIC 8-81 and its CH-1.

Specialized OSVs

The 1987 ANPRM proposed that regulations for liftboats and other
specialized OSVs be pursued in two distinct phases: Phase I to address
liftboats; phase II to address specialized OSVs engaged in support of
diving, of painting and sand-blasting, and so on. An analysis of the
histories of casualties and of the operation of these specialized OSVs,
conducted as a part of the effort to prepare the NPRM and this interim
rule, shows that no additional regulations are necessary for these
vessels as they are for liftboats. The requirements for new
conventional OSVs in this rule will also apply to these specialized
OSVs and should be sufficient to promote their safe operation.
Consequently, the Coast Guard does not intend to act further on phase
II of the 1987 ANPRM.

Existing OSVs

The Coast Guard has historically tried to let owners and operators
of existing vessels, first coming under inspection for certification,
continue operation without being unduly penalized by newly promulgated
regulations, provided their operations can be conducted safely.
Existing conventional OSVs, including pre-1979 OSVs, had been inspected
and certificated under guidance provided in NVIC 8-81, and by
additional guidance for inspecting liftboats published as CH-1 to NVIC
8-81. This additional guidance was developed to address the hazards
contributing to the high number of liftboat casualties.
CH-1 to NVIC 8-81 extended to liftboats the same consideration
permitted for conventional OSVs: relaxation of certain provisions of 46
CFR subchapter I or T. The Coast Guard is conscious of the economic
hardship potentially imposed upon owners and operators of existing
vessels first coming under inspection for certification. Therefore, in
keeping with the intent of Public Law 96-378, it treated existing
liftboats differently from new liftboats. CH-1 to NVIC 8-81 did not
address features that can be addressed only in the design stage, such
as main-hull strength and damage stability, since modification of
existing vessels to meet recognized standards in these and other
features is very costly. Instead, it limited the areas and conditions
of operation according to vessels' design, including leg strength and
stability. Over 50 liftboats applied for and received initial
inspection for certification under CH-1 to NVIC 8-81.
Recently the Coast Guard became aware of a large number of existing
liftboats designed and operated on inland waters or on State waters of
Texas and Louisiana. These vessels are typically operated closer to
harbors of safe haven than are larger, ocean-going liftboats. In
response to requests from representatives of these liftboats, the Coast
Guard revisited the issue of initial inspection for certification of
existing liftboats. The result was NVIC 8-91. NVIC 8-91 incorporates
the guidance of NVIC 8-81 and its CH-1, and provides further guidance
toward a level of safety for smaller, existing liftboats equivalent to
that for larger, existing or new, liftboats.
NVIC 8-91 is available for inspection and copying in the public
docket. Also, copies of it are available from the Commanding Officer,
Marine Safety Center; 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-
0001; Attn: NVICs. NVIC 8-91 costs $1.75, payable, in advance, by check
or money order to ``Treasury of the United States''.

Intent

This interim rule applies to new OSVs: OSVs contracted for after
these regulations take effect. It also applies to existing OSVs,
including pre-1979 OSVs, if the owners of these OSVs wish.
Many of the requirements in this interim rule are similar to
corresponding requirements in 46 CFR subchapters I and T. The Coast
Guard has made every effort to select the most appropriate of those.
The Coast Guard, when able, has modified existing regulations to
consider the unique operation of OSVs and to recognize many of the
policies developed for these vessels throughout the years where
equivalent levels of safety have been demonstrated. When existing
regulations have seemed confusing or in any way not clear enough as
they apply to OSVs, the Coast Guard has made editorial changes. To the
extent that this rule addresses the same issues as NVIC 8-91, it
addresses them in the same way. The large majority of existing vessels
have been certificated for restricted service because of their original
designs. However, new liftboats should enjoy a wider and less
restrictive scope of operation than those certificated before
establishment of these regulations because compliance with standards of
structural strength and of stability will render them able to do more.

Associated Regulatory Projects

On February 13, 1990, the Coast Guard published (55 FR 5120) an
NPRM, under CGD 89-037, entitled Stability Design and Operational
Regulations. On September 11, 1992, it published (57 FR 41812) the
final rule. This interim rule subsumes that one. Both incorporate, for
inspected vessels, recently adopted amendments to the International
Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS).
Both seek to reduce the potential for vessels' capsizing caused by
defective designs or operations. This interim rule adds Secs. 131.220
(e), (f), and (g); 131.513; and 131.620(d) to 46 CFR part 131.

Discussion of Specific Provisions, Including Comments on and Changes to
the NPRM of May 9, 1989

The Coast Guard sought comments on all aspects of these
regulations--from owners, operators, architects, and builders of
vessels; material vendors, insurers, surveyors, and other persons
involved with OSVs; and interested members of the public. It invited
and encouraged interested persons to participate in this rulemaking by
submitting written views, data, or arguments. It received 20 letters,
containing 194 comments. It evaluated all comments, and incorporated
many of their recommendations into this interim rule. Comments received
are discussed below. Where section numbers in this rule differ from
their counterparts in the NPRM, the counterparts appear in brackets.

[[Page 57633]]

One commenter suggested that 46 U.S.C. 3301(3) is flag-blind, and
questioned what standards would apply to foreign-flag OSVs. In general,
the operation of foreign-flag OSVs would not be permitted, since U.S.
Customs has determined that the carriage of goods between offshore
platforms in U.S. waters constitutes ``coastwise trade'' and would,
therefore, if accomplished by these OSVs, violate the Jones Act. No
OSVs carry goods between platforms in U.S. waters and a foreign port or
the U.S. Virgin Islands. Current industry practice and platform
locations make such trade highly unlikely.
One commenter asked for clarification of the Coast Guard's intent
regarding different rules for OSVs depending on when vessels were
built. Vessels previously inspected under 46 CFR subchapter I or T
would continue to be inspected under those rules, coming under this
interim rule only at the owners' option.
Two commenters stated that applicability provisions should require
a vessel to complete significant construction within a reasonable time,
to prevent circumvention of the new standards. The Coast Guard agrees
and has inserted new Sec. 125.100(c), to require 24 months for
construction of the vessel.
One commenter noted that the proposed rule did not adequately
address the carriage of Noxious Liquid Substances (NLSs). The Coast
Guard agrees and has added Sec. 125.120. It has also updated the
provisions of 46 CFR subpart 98.31 and moved them into this section to
clarify the carriage of NLSs on OSVs.
Several comments concerned reference in Sec. 125.150 (Sec. 125.140)
to proposed 46 CFR subchapter W (CGD 84-069), Lifesaving Equipment. The
manager of that project will consider them along with others related to
that project. Rather than refer to lifesaving requirements proposed for
subchapter W, this interim rule refers to those already in subchapter
I. When proposed subchapter W is promulgated, those of its requirements
that govern OSVs will likely go into subchapter L, where part 133 is
reserved for them. The Coast Guard has revised Sec. 125.150
(Sec. 125.140).
One commenter questioned the definition of ``cargo gear'' in
(Sec. 125.150(d)) and asked how this Interim Rule would treat cranes.
Since OSVs seldom carry cargo gear in the traditional sense, but often
carry cranes, the Coast Guard enlarged this definition to specifically
comprehend cranes. (Sec. 125.150(d)) has become Sec. 125.160 Crane,
which specifically comprehends cranes.
One commenter urged use of ``offshore'' in the definition of
``Restricted Service'' in Sec. 125.160 (Sec. 125.150(w)), parallel to
its use in the definition of ``Offshore Supply Vessel'' in Sec. 125.160
(Sec. 125.150(s)). A review of the legislative history of applicable
statutes discloses no congressional intent to create a regulation-free
zone for OSVs operating ``inshore or inland.'' ``Offshore'' as it
figures in ``offshore supply vessel'' suggests the place where OSVs are
designed and intended to operate, not where they happen to be operating
at a particular moment. Accordingly, any OSV (including any liftboat)--
operating on the navigable waters of the United States, and either
carrying goods, supplies, or equipment, or providing service to or
support of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore mineral
or energy resources--is subject to inspection. Section 125.160,
therefore, does not include the use of ``offshore'' in the definition
of ``Restricted Service''.
Two commenters indicated the practice of incorporation by reference
in Sec. 125.180 (Sec. 125.170) to be too troublesome and confusing. The
practice is a procedure used by Federal agencies to regulate by
reference to material already published and available elsewhere. This
practice reduces the redundancy and bulk of the Federal Register and of
the Code of Federal Regulations.
One commenter pointed out that the current edition, rather than an
outdated edition, of the ABS's Rules for Mobile Offshore Drilling Units
(MODUs) should be incorporated by reference in Sec. 125.170. The NPRM
of May 9, 1989, would indeed have incorporated by reference the Rules
for MODUs from 1985. But later editions appeared in 1988 and 1991, and
the parts of this final rule governing the leg strength and structural
design of liftboats incorporate these instead. There has been
considerable discussion in the Coast Guard and industry regarding the
new ``unity check'' equation in the newer editions of the ABS's Rules,
especially regarding its applicability to liftboat legs. This rule
incorporates by reference the Rules for MODUs from 1994; but, as the
preamble points out elsewhere, other forms of the ``unity check'' may
be acceptable too.
One commenter suggested incorporating by reference in Sec. 125.180
(Sec. 125.170) the standards of either the International Standards
Organization (ISO 614, 1095, 3254, 3903, and 5779) or the British
Standards Institute (BSI BS MA 24 & 25) for windows used in the side
shell and in the deckhouse, and noted that either standard would affect
proposed Sec. 127.420. The Coast Guard does not agree. It has not
evaluated either, to determine the impact of requiring their use. They
are not known to most small U.S. shipyards, and casualty information
has not demonstrated that such detailed standards are necessary. The
Coast Guard may in any case accept compliance with them as
demonstrating sufficient strength to satisfy the requirements in
Sec. 127.420. But it has not changed Sec. 125.180 (Sec. 125.170).
One commenter suggested rewording (Sec. 125.180) to clarify the
responsibility of the Marine Inspector regarding notice of deficiencies
found. The responsibilities of the Marine Inspector are a matter of
Coast Guard policy and appear in the Marine Safety Manual, NVICs, and
Commandant Instructions. Because they are a matter of policy, because
other subchapters concerning inspections leave policy to those sources,
the Coast Guard has removed this section.
One commenter thought Sec. 126.100 would give the Marine Inspector
too much power to require tests and inspections. The Coast Guard does
not agree. To ensure compliance with regulations, the Inspector needs
flexibility to increase the scope of an inspection according to the
conditions found when a vessel is boarded for whatever reason. The
Inspector has to follow guidance from the cognizant OCMI; this,
together with the appeal procedures available to the owner, keeps the
Inspector from wielding excessive power.
One commenter suggested that Sec. 126.110 require the owner or
operator of a vessel to report an accident and make the vessel
available for inspection afterward. Casualty reporting is already
required under Sec. 131.110, but the Coast Guard agrees that the burden
to make the vessel available for inspection after a casualty or when
important repairs or renewals are going on should rest with the owner
or operator. It has changed Sec. 126.110.
One commenter stated that the Permit to Proceed prescribed by
Sec. 126.120 should indicate whether the vessel may carry ``goods,
supplies, (and) equipment'' as well as cargo and offshore workers. The
Coast Guard agrees and has reworded Sec. 126.120(c).
(Sec. 126.130), ``Inspection of Cargo Gear'', and (Sec. 126.140),
``Cranes'', have been merged in current Sec. 126.130, ``Cranes'',
because few OSVs carry any cargo gear except cranes.
One commenter urged the Coast Guard to revise Sec. 126.140
(Sec. 126.150), to delegate drydockings for credit to classification
societies' surveyors.

[[Page 57634]]
Under the Maritime Regulatory Reform Plan the Coast Guard may, in the
future, further delegate responsibilities for inspections to
classification societies' surveyors or other third parties. In the
meantime in rare cases, considering them on their individual merits,
the OCMI may accept alternatives, under the authority of Sec. 125.170
(Sec. 125.160), if he or she is satisfied that they afford an
equivalent level of safety.
On its own the Coast Guard realized that Sec. 126.140
(Sec. 126.150) did not require an internal structural examination in
conjunction with a drydocking for credit. For years it was standard
practice to examine the internal structural members whenever a vessel
was hauled out or placed on drydock. In 1988 the drydocking regulations
in 46 CFR subchapter I changed; now they distinguish between
``drydock'' and ``internal structural'' examinations. To clarify the
intent of this rule, the Coast Guard has revised Sec. 126.140
(Sec. 126.150) to specifically require an internal structural
examination at the same interval as drydocking, but not necessarily at
the same time.
Several commenters asked that Sec. 126.150 (Sec. 126.160) clarify
which OCMI an owner should notify when repairs or alternations are due.
The OCMI having jurisdiction in the zone where the repairs or
alterations will occur is the one. Section 126.150(a) makes this
explicit.
One commenter found confusing the separation of requirements in
Sec. 126.150 (Sec. 126.160) from similar requirements in (Sec. 131.220)
and (Sec. 131.230), on reporting after certain accidents and reporting
before certain repairs. The Coast Guard agrees and has combined all
such requirements in Sec. 126.150(a), eliminating (Sec. 131.220) and
(Sec. 131.230).
One commenter stated that Sec. 126.160(c)(1) (Sec. 126.170(c)(1)),
should apply to a vessel under way and one in port but not to one in a
shipyard or in a ship-repair facility, because these last two are
subject to requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) in 29 CFR part 1915. The Memorandum of
Understanding between OSHA and the Coast Guard indicates, however, that
the Coast Guard is the lead agency on inspected vessels. This section
persists as proposed.
One commenter urged that the rule treat carriage of 36 or fewer
offshore workers not as matter of applicability, as in
(Sec. 125.100(a)(2)), but as an absolute limit, as in (Sec. 125.180).
The Coast Guard agrees; it has shifted the burden of (Sec. 125.180)
into current Sec. 126.170 and eliminated (Sec. 125.100(a)(2)).
One commenter observed that Sec. 126.170 (Sec. 126.180) does not
address how offshore workers get on and off the vessel. The Coast Guard
does not perceive this as a problem and knows of no statistical
evidence to suggest that it is. This section persists as proposed.
Two commenters challenged (Sec. 126.180) over the number of
offshore workers on OSV may carry. One commenter held a limit of 36
workers, at least when the vessel was operating overseas, too
restrictive while the other held an allowance of more than 12, whatever
the circumstances, too permissive. The Coast Guard does not agree with
either commenter. The carriage of offshore worker is still limited to
16 on domestic voyages and 12 on international voyages, except aboard
vessels designed and constructed to the stringent damage-stability
requirements in current Sec. 174.205. The actual number a vessel may
carry will depend on the OCMI at the initial Inspection for
Certification. The OCMI will consider space on the deck, sizes of the
staterooms, availability of seating, number of bunks, number of toilets
and washbasins, size of the vessel, and whether the offshore workers
will be aboard for more than 24 hours. This section persists as
proposed.
One commenter stated that Form CG-3752, ``Application for
Inspection'', called out by (Sec. 126.230), needs revision. The
commenter is right, and the Coast Guard will accomplish this in its
next review of its information-collection budget for the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB).
One commenter suggested revising Sec. 126.240 to require all pages
of the Certificate of Inspection to be visible when posted. The Coast
Guard agrees and has reworded Sec. 126.240 accordingly.
Form CG-858, ``Certificate of Inspection Amendment'', called out by
Sec. 126.270, has been discontinued. The Coast Guard has revised
Sec. 126.270 accordingly, and updated the Marine Safety Manual, volume
II (change 3).
The Coast Guard wishes to emphasize that the inspections called for
by Sec. 126.340 and several other sections are the responsibility of
the owner or operator in the first instance. Persons authorized by the
Coast Guard carry out the inspections, but the owner or operator makes
the vessel available without prompting.
One commenter stated that the inspections required by Secs. 126.340
and 126.430 should specifically include liftboat legs. The Coast Guard
agrees that some inspections should, and has added part 134 (reserved
in the NPRM), which comprises added provisions for liftboats. The
inspections required by current Secs. 134.110, ``Initial Inspection'',
and 134.120, ``Inspection for Certification'', specifically include
liftboat legs.
Eight commenters stated that (Sec. 126.350) and (Sec. 126.440) were
confusing, difficult to decipher, too detailed, and verbose. The Coast
Guard agrees and has eliminated much of the original text. Section
126.350(b)(3) refers the reader to subpart 94.35 for guidance on the
inspection of the installation of lifeboats, rescue boats, davits, and
winches. Section 126.440 likewise refers the reader to Sec. 91.25-15.
One commenter stated that the scope of reinspection in Sec. 126.520
should be better defined. The Coast Guard does not agree. Once a vessel
has passed inspection and received a Certificate of Inspection (COI),
that vessel should be in compliance with the terms of its COI at all
future times. To ensure this compliance, the Marine Inspector needs the
flexibility to increase the scope of inspections according to
conditions found. See the discussion of Sec. 126.100, above.
On January 25, 1990, the Coast Guard published (55 FR 2525)
alternative provisions for reinspection of OSVs in foreign ports under
CGD 82-004a. These provisions now appear here, incorporated in
Sec. 126.530.
Two commenters stated that Sec. 127.110(e), ``Electrical
engineering'', should incorporate Sec. 110.25 of this chapter both for
vessels of under 100 gross tons and for vessels of 100 or more gross
tons. The Coast Guard does not agree. The electrical requirements for
vessels of under 100 gross tons are similar to the requirements in
proposed subchapter T, which, in their current form, do not seem to
have degraded the safety and reliability of electrical systems. This
section persists as proposed.
Section 127.120(b) has changed to reflect the Marine Safety
Center's new address.
Three commenters stated that Sec. 127.240, ``Means of escape'',
should require more. The first commenter urged adding that ``at least
two means of escape from the same deck lead directly to the outside of
the deckhouse'' and cited an accident where protective metal plates on
windows were secured from the outside of the deckhouse. The second
urged adding that ``all exposed peripheries within five feet of the
scuttle be provided with permanent rails or bulwarks''. The third urged
adding that vertical ladders be strong enough to support 1000 pounds.
The Coast Guard disagrees with these additions, but has added
Sec. 127.440 to

[[Page 57635]]
require that any covering or protection placed over a window or
porthole be capable of being readily removed or opened without anyone's
having to go onto a weather deck.
Two commenters considered Sec. 127.250, ``Ventilation for enclosed
spaces'', too broad and yet too sparse in detail on remote stopping of
ventilation. The requirements for remote stopping appear at
Sec. 129.540; adding them to Sec. 127.250 would be redundant.
One commenter found Sec. 127.270(g), on separating crew members'
and offshore workers' accommodations impracticable and unnecessary. The
NPRM, however, had allowed approval of an alternative arrangement by
the OCMI; this Interim Rule allows it also.
None commenters stated that Sec. 127.280, now ``Construction and
arrangement of accommodations for crew members and offshore workers'',
needed reworking. The Coast Guard agrees and has made several changes.
From Sec. 127.280(b)(1) it has dropped the requirements that seating
must not be intended for any other use and that seating with crew
members is not acceptable. From Sec. 127.280(b)(2) if has dropped the
requirement for aircraft-style seating when offshore workers are aboard
for more than 12 hours. From Sec. 127.280(b)(4) it has dropped the
requirement of separate toilets and washbasins for offshore workers.
And from Sec. 127.280(d) it has dropped the requirement that boundary
bulkheads and decks separating crew members' and offshore workers'
accommodations from machinery spaces must be of ``A'' class
construction as defined by Sec. 92.07-5 of this chapter for vessels of
less than 100 gross tons.
One commenter wanted Sec. 127.320, ``Storm rails'', revised to read
that suitable storm rails must be installed in all passageways and at
the deckhouse sides, ``including in way of inclined ladders''--wherever
persons aboard have normal access. The Coast Guard agrees and has
corrected this section.
Two commenters stated that every covering or protection placed over
a window or porthole during heavy weather should be capable of being
readily removed or opened without anyone's having to go onto a weather
deck. The Coast Guard agrees and has added Sec. 127.440, ``Operability
of Window Coverings''.
One commenter wanted Sec. 127.420 to require windows and portlights
to meet standards of the British Standards Institute if the vessel
operated on oceans or partially protected routes. The Coast Guard
disagrees because it has not evaluated these standards to determine the
impact of their use, because they are not known to most small
shipyards, and because reports and statistics on casualties have not
demonstrated their necessity. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that there is an enormous difference between
vital systems for lifeboats and those for conventional OSVs and that
Sec. 128.130 should reflect this. The Coast Guard disagrees, respecting
most vital systems. However, to affirm the stature of liftboat-jacking
systems as vital systems it has moved its treatment of these from this
section to part 134.
One commenter stated that the constraint on design ordained by
(Sec. 128.310(b)), ``the use of a fuel with a flashpoint of lower than
110 degrees F. must be specifically approved by Commandant (G-MMS),
except in an engine for a gasoline-powered rescue boat'', would be more
appropriate in subpart I of part 131 as a constraint on operations. The
Coast Guard does not agree. This constraint should influence the
design, and the builder should seek the Commandant's approval, if
necessary, early in design so any changes may occur before actual
construction begins. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that Sec. 128.440 is too broad to establish
minimum standards for designers and builders and that liftboats would
have to meet the same requirements for bilge systems that MODUs already
have to meet. The Coast Guard agrees in part. This section now contains
paragraphs (a) and (b). Paragraph (a) reads, ``Except as provided by
this section, each bilge-system installation must comply with
Secs. 56.50-50 and 56.50-55 of this chapter''. Paragraph (b) comprises
the text proposed for Sec. 128.440 as a whole.
One commenter believed that most switchboards aboard liftboats are
too small for handrails as required by Sec. 129.330(c). The Coast Guard
does not agree. A non-conductive handrail is essential to the safety of
crew members when operating the switchboard in any kind of seaway. This
section persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that Sec. 129.440(a) should also require
emergency lighting in the engineroom. The Coast Guard agrees and has
reworded the section to include working (machinery) spaces.
One commenter stated that Sec. 129.530 should not exempt vessels of
under 100 gross tons from installing a general alarm. The Coast Guard
agrees and has reworded this section.
One commenter stated that Sec. 129.540(a) should not exempt vessels
of under 100 gross tons from installing remote stopping-systems. The
Coast Guard does not agree. Elsewhere, this interim rule requires
vessels of under 100 gross tons to have remote means of shutting down
ventilation and a means of shutting down main propulsion machinery,
both from the pilothouse. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter called redundant the requirement of Sec. 130.120(c),
that a vessel have a propulsion-control system operable from the
pilothouse that shuts down main machinery independent of the remote
stopping-system required by Sec. 129.540(b)(1). The Coast Guard agrees
and has changed Sec. 130.120(c) so that a system in compliance with
Sec. 129.540 is also, by that fact, in compliance with Sec. 130.120.
One commenter stated that Sec. 130.120(d) should require most OSVs
with controllable-pitch propellers to fail in the ahead mode since they
normally back into rigs but should require most liftboats with
controllable-pitch propellers to fail in the astern mode since they
normally head into rigs. The Coast Guard disagrees. Statistics on
accidents do not establish this as a problem. Maneuvering in a harbor
or in close quarters with other vessels could prove disastrous if
controllable-pitch propellers failed in any mode that causes the
propulsion engine to over speed or the pitch of the propellers to
increase. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that Sec. 130.130(j)(4) was unclear about the
meaning of ``materially equivalent''. When a hydraulic-helm steering-
system is installed with a duplicate power system for the main steering
gear, the duplicate power system may be used to operate winch motors on
deck or similar equipment if its hydraulic piping, for instance, is
essentially identical to that of the steering system.
One commenter asked whether an ``orbitrol-type'' system counts as a
hydraulic-helm steering-system according to Sec. 130.140(a)(2). An
orbitrol system is a type of hydraulic-helm steering-system.
One commenter stated that the reference by Sec. 130.140(b)(15) to
the ``hydraulic helm unit'' should be eliminated. The Coast Guard
agrees, and has changed the section to read ``Manual capability to
center and steady the rudder if the vessel loses normal steering
power.''
One commenter stated that liftboats approach docks and offshore
platforms head on and that, therefore, Sec. 130.140 should not require
after steering. After steering enters Sec. 130.140(a)(1) by reference
to subchapter F (Sec. 58.25-50), which does not require it if the
steering

[[Page 57636]]
system complies with standards embodied in Sec. 130.140(b) and if the
vessel has adequate visibility when going astern. This section persists
as proposed.
The requirement for gas masks in Sec. 130.230 (Sec. 130.240) has
given way to CGD 86-036, ``Updating Approval and Carriage Requirements
for Breathing Apparatus'', published (57 FR 48320) as a final rule on
October 23, 1992. Now a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) is
required for each refrigeration system exceeding 20 cubic feet of
storage capacity and using ammonia or other hazardous gas, or exceeding
1000 cubic feet of storage capacity and using a fluorocarbon as
refrigerant.
Two commenters called excessive the requirement in Sec. 130.240
(Sec. 130.250), that liftboats comply with the ABS's rules for anchors.
One commenter stated that the ABS's rules are an option for MODUs and
should be for liftboats. The other stated that liftboats do not and
would not use anchors often, and that this rule should allow smaller
anchors than those allowed by the ABS's rules. The Coast Guard does not
agree. Only MODUs that are not self-propelled and are towed from place
to place are free to ignore those rules. Liftboats do not fit in that
category; they need anchors in emergencies. They may, however, comply
with rules from other classification societies instead of the ABS's
rules, upon approval of the Commandant. This section persists as
proposed.
One commenter stated that a new section should be added to require
cargo fittings on weather decks to provide adequate lashing-points for
deck cargo. The Coast Guard considers a uniform requirement on lashing
an unnecessary economic burden and will leave the matter to the owners'
desires.
One commenter found the requirements in Secs. 130.310 for a marine
radar and 130.320 for an electronic position-fixing device inadequate
to assure navigational safety. The Coast Guard disagrees. There is a
wide variety of radar and electronic position-fixing devices available,
at many different prices. The Coast Guard does not prefer one to
another. These sections persist as proposed.
Two commenters wanted a new section requiring Navtex receivers and
fathometers. The Federal Communications Commission required on August
1, 1993 (47 CFR 80.1065(b)(1)), that OSVs of 300 or more gross tons
carry Navtex receivers. The Coast Guard will not require that OSVs of
under 300 gross tons do the same. OSVs are in constant contact with
their bases or the offshore facilities they are serving. Using the
required charts and electronic position-fixing devices, vessels will
know depths of water well enough without fathometers. The Coast Guard
considers a uniform requirement an unnecessary economic burden and will
leave the matter to the owners' desires. No section was added.
One commenter wanted a new Sec. 130.330(c) specifying that, ``when
operating in foreign waters, an OSV may carry an appropriate foreign
equivalent of any'' domestic item ``required by paragraph (a) of this
section.'' The Coast Guard agrees and has added this wording.
One commenter wanted a new subsection in Sec. 130.440 to require a
public-address system for announcing instructions, advisories, and
emergencies from the pilothouse. The Coast Guard disagrees. A general
alarm in accordance with Sec. 129.530 should serve to alert crew
members and offshore workers to emergencies. This section persists as
proposed.
Two commenters wanted all voids covered by Sec. 130.460(b)(1),
which already requires sensors for the high-bilge-level alarm in each
space below the deepest load waterline that contains pumps, motors, or
electrical equipment. The Coast Guard disagrees. This would be an
unnecessary economic burden because the flooding of voids without
apparent reason and without crew members' knowledge has not been a
cause of casualties to OSVs. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter wanted a new subsection in part 131, proposed subpart
I, ``Markings on Vessels'', to require markings on main decks over
integral fuel and buoyancy tanks, to alert personnel where not to use
tack welds when securing deck cargo. The Coast Guard disagrees. Using
tack welds to secure deck cargo is inconsistent with sound policy for
welding and burning on inspected vessels. Proposed subpart I has become
current subpart B; otherwise, the subpart persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that Sec. 131.220(c) (Sec. 131.920(b)) did not
clearly indicate the datum line for draft measurements. The Coast Guard
disagrees. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that Sec. 131.340(a)(5) (Sec. 131.340(1)(v))
was unclear where offshore workers should sit and what ``evenly
distributed'' means. The Coast Guard disagrees. The workers should be
seated and evenly distributed in the area specified by
Sec. 127.280(b)(1) (Sec. 127.280(a)(1)). Section Sec. 131.340(a)(5)
(Sec. 131.340(1)(v) persists as proposed.
One commenter urged that the instruction in Sec. 131.340(a)(6)
(Sec. 131.340(1)(vii)) to don lifejackets and immersion suits should be
reworded. The Coast Guard agrees. Only if immersion suits are required
aboard should offshore workers have to don them. The Coast Guard has
reworded this section.
One commenter recommended that the Coast Guard develop--instead of
Sec. 131.420(c)(2), under which the OCMI may permit persons practiced
in the handling of liferafts to substitute for deck officers, able
seamen, and certificate persons--an appropriate scheme of testing and
endorsement for persons in charge of survival craft. The whole point of
Sec. 131.420(c)(2) is to require either persons tested and endorsed, or
persons demonstrably competent by standards less rigid, to be in charge
of survival craft. But the Coast Guard will consider this
recommendation while developing a rule to revise 46 CFR part 12,
``Certification of Seaman''.
One commenter suggested that in Sec. 131.505(a) the word ``voyage''
should be replaced by ``away from shore''. The Coast Guard agrees and
has reworded this section.
One commenter stated that Sec. 131.560 as written was directed
mainly at liftboats and should be rewritten to be directed at OSVs in
general. The Coast Guard disagrees. Every word applies with full force
to OSVs in general. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter recommended that Sec. 131.580 cover the servicing of
inflatable buoyant apparatus. The Coast Guard agrees and has reworded
this section.
One commenter suggested that in Sec. 131.610(a) the words ``Each
OSV'' should read ``Each vessel''. The Coast Guard disagrees. This
subchapter deals only with OSVs, even though some are liftboats. This
section persists as proposed.
The Coast Guard has reworded Sec. 131.860(b) to eliminate both
paragraph (1)--and with it a reference to SOLAS--and paragraph (2), and
to clarify its intent on the length of the painter.
One commenter recommended that Sec. 131.865 cover the marking of
inflatable buoyant apparatus. The Coast Guard agrees and has reworded
this section.
One commenter suggested that the markings prescribed by
Sec. 131.893 for watertight doors and hatches read ``WATERTIGHT DOOR--
KEEP CLOSED EXCEPT FOR PASSAGE'' and ``WATERTIGHT HATCH--KEEP CLOSED
WHEN NOT IN USE''. The Coast Guard agrees and has reworded this
section.

[[Page 57637]]

One commenter recommended adding ``operating a vessel while
intoxicated'' to the grounds of criminal liability set forth by
Sec. 131.905(a)(3) (Sec. 131.1005(a)(3)). The Coast Guard disagrees
because the section already implies those grounds.
Several commenters expressed the concern that, considering the
service of OSVs, hand-operated fire pumps were inadequate on OSVs under
65 feet in length. The Coast Guard disagrees. The requirements in
Sec. 132.100 are similar to those in proposed subchapter T, which are
similar to those in current subchapter T, which have caused no
perceptible decline in safety. This section persists as proposed.
One commenter stated that Sec. 132.120(j) could be construed to
prohibit a ballast pump from use as a backup or standby fire pump. It
can indeed be so construed, where a ballast pump is ``connected to a
line for flammable or combustible liquid''; the Coast Guard wants it so
construed, there--though not elsewhere. This section persists as
proposed.
The Coast Guard has incorporated Chapter 4 of NFPA 10 into
Sec. 132.350(c)(1) as the standard to use when inspecting and testing
portable fire extinguishers. It has deleted the requirements for
portable fire extinguishers in proposed Table 132.350(a). It has
combined the requirements for semiportable and fixed fire-extinguishing
systems in proposed Tables 132.350 (a) and (b) into Table 132.350.
After reviewing spoken comments, made during the hearings in New
Orleans, and written comments, the Coast Guard has consolidated items
peculiar to liftboats spread throughout the NPRM into previously
reserved part 134, now entitled ``Added Provisions for Liftboats.''
Part 133 is reserved for ``Lifesaving Systems''.
Two commenters will applaud Sec. 134.140(a)(1), which clarifies a
matter left ambiguous by proposed Sec. 127.210(b)(1): whether the main
hull of a liftboat constitutes part of the ``supporting structure''. It
does, and must comply with section 3.11 of the ABS's Rules for Building
and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.
Five commenters found a ``K'' factor of 2 for leg strength in
Sec. 134.140(a)(3) (Sec. 127.210(b)(3)) too restrictive. A ``K'' factor
of 2 is conservative and in any case is just a starting-point. Section
134.140(a)(3) (Sec. 127.210(b)(3)) remains as before. The Coast Guard
realizes that there may be any number of ways to calculate leg
strength, so it has retained Sec. 134.140(b) (Sec. 127.210(c)), to
allow use of the standards of any classification society, or other
established standard acceptable to Commandant (G-MMS), in determining
structural strength.
Four commenters found the requirement in Sec. 134.150(a),
(Sec. 128.460), for design of rack-and-pinion jacking-systems to the
standard of American Gear Manufacturer's Association inappropriate
because the systems operate in a low-duty-cycle, slow, non-reversing,
nearly static condition. The Coast Guard agrees and has rewritten
Sec. 134.150(a) (Sec. 128.460) so that these systems must comply with
sections 4/1.13.1 through 4/1.13.3 of ABS's Rules for Building and
Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units.
Four commenters stated that the requirement in Sec. 134.150(b)
(Sec. 130.210), for a loss of power or a failure of any one component
if the liftboat-jacking system to activate an alarm, is impracticable.
The Coast Guard agrees and has revised Sec. 134.150(b) to require a
visible and audible alarm for loss of power, loss of pressure in the
hydraulic system, or low hydraulic-fluid level at the operating
station.
Three commenters suggested requiring a tilt-level alarm on
liftboats. The Coast Guard disagrees. A liftboat constructed to these
rules will enjoy an increased level of safety over existing liftboats,
and a tilt-level alarm is not essential for vessel safety. Owners may
or may not install a tilt-level alarm, according to their desires.
Section 134.170 revises the requirement in (Sec. 131.1085), that
each liftboat carry an operating manual. For the reference to
Sec. 109.212(c) it substitutes its own list.
To address the unique operating characteristics of liftboats, the
Coast Guard has added Sec. 134.180. This requires piping for fire-main
suction while a liftboat is elevated.
Ten commenters opposed, or raised questions concerning, the
requirement in (Sec. 174.180), that liftboats meet the same criteria
for stability, whether intact or damaged, as conventional OSVs. It was
never the Coast Guard's intention to impose on liftboats criteria for
stability of conventional ship-shaped hulls.
Liftboats inspected under subchapter L need not meet the criteria
in current subpart G of part 174 of subchapter S. Liftboats in
unrestricted service must now, according to Sec. 174.250, meet the same
criteria for intact, damaged, and on-bottom stability as MODUs in
subpart C of part 174 of subchapter S. Liftboats in restricted service
must now, according to Sec. 174.255, meet the criteria for intact,
damaged, and on-bottom stability in Sec. 174.255 itself. Both sets of
criteria for liftboats inspected under subchapter L--in unrestricted
service, and in restricted service--closely follow guidelines of NVIC
8-91.
Three commenters opposed liftboats' having to meet criteria for
damaged stability in Secs. 174.195-205. As outlined above, these
criteria for damaged stability in subchapter G do not now apply to
liftboats, since now all criteria for damaged stability for liftboats
is contained in subpart H.
Three commenters stated that designing vessels to the criteria for
damaged stability in Sec. 174.205 is too hard. The Coast Guard
disagrees. Vessels have already been designed, and built, to these
criteria. Anyway, more stringent criteria for survivability are
warranted for vessels that carry more than 16 offshore workers, and
Sec. 174.205 applies only to vessels that do.
Two commenters stated that all OSVs, including liftboats, should
have to meet the standards for survivability of Sec. 174.205(e),
whether they carry more than 16 offshore workers or not. The Coast
Guard disagrees. Damaged stability is not necessary on small passenger-
vessels or small miscellaneous vessels unless the number of people
aboard causes special concern; at least no statistical or anecdotal
evidence suggests that it is.
One commenter found the intent of proposed Sec. 174.205(f) unclear.
So, on a later look, did the Coast Guard. Section 174.205(f) now reads:
``For paragraph (a) of this section, the buoyancy of any superstructure
directly above the side damaged must be considered in the most
unfavorable condition.''
The dimension requirement in Sec. 174.220(a)(1) for hatches
extending above the weather deck has been changed from 12 inches to
17\1/2\ inches to conform with loadline regulations in Sec. 42.15-
25(a)(ii) of this chapter. Also the dimension requirement in
Sec. 174.220(d) for watertight coamings in conjunction with
weathertight doors has been changed from 6 inches to 15 inches to
conform with loadline regulations in Sec. 42.15-10(b) of this chapter.
One commenter recommended adding a statement to Sec. 174.255(c)
(Sec. 174.250(e)), that unless a liftboat could endure 100 knots of
wind under severe-storm conditions it would be limited to service
within 12 hours of a harbor of safe refuge. The Coast Guard disagrees.
The definition of ``restricted service'' in Sec. 125.160 already
imposes this limit. Another commenter stated that Sec. 174.255(c)
(Sec. 174.250(e)), requires the same on-bottom stability for a liftboat
in restricted service as for a MODU, or for a liftboat in unrestricted
service. A liftboat in restricted service must endure 70 knots of wind
under normal operating-conditions through its

[[Page 57638]]
area of operation and 100 knots under severe-storm conditions in a safe
location, if the safe location is other than a harbor of safe refuge. A
MODU, or a liftboat in unrestricted service, must endure 70 knots of
wind under normal operating-conditions everywhere and 100 knots under
severe-storm conditions everywhere. To better clarify this, the Coast
Guard has added to Sec. 174.255(c): ``* * * winds of 70 knots under
normal operating-conditions and of 100 knots for severe-storm
conditions when elevated in a safe location, if this location is other
than a harbor of safe refuge.''
One commenter suggested adding another section to Sec. 174.255
(Sec. 174.250), requiring that a vessel show reserve leg-height while
both jacked up and subject to 100 knots of wind if it would qualify for
unrestricted service. The Coast Guard disagrees. It considers reserve
leg-height in determining a route, given restricted service, not in
determining whether a liftboat qualifies for unrestricted rather than
restricted service.
One commenter called arbitrary a requirement in Sec. 174.260
(Sec. 174.255), of 24 inches as minimum freeboard for liftboats. The
Coast Guard disagrees. The requirement of 24 inches as minimum
freeboard first appeared in CH-1 to NVIC 8-81 on March 23, 1988, and
since then has become accepted by industry as prudent for avoiding the
adverse effects of water on deck.

Incorporation by Reference

The Director of the Federal Register has approved the material in
Sec. 125.180 for incorporation by reference under 5 U.S.C. 552 and 1
CFR part 51. The material is available as indicated in Sec. 125.180.

Units of Measure

This interim rule employs British units of measure throughout.
Federal policy now favors ``hard metric'' throughout. In the absence of
compelling reason to the contrary, the final rule will employ metric
units of measure throughout.

Regulatory Assessment

This interim rule is a significant regulatory action under section
3(f) of Executive Order 12866 and is significant under the regulatory
policies and procedures of the Department of Transportation (44 FR
11034 (February 26, 1979)). It has been reviewed by the Office of
Management and Budget under that Order. The Coast Guard has prepared a
Regulatory Assessment and placed it in the rulemaking docket. The
assessment may be inspected and copied at the address listed under
ADDRESSES, above.

a. Costs for Conventional OSVs

As of December 1987, there were 584 OSVs certificated, 407 of which
were of 100 or more gross tons. In evaluating the effect of this
interim rule, the Coast Guard considered all costs and benefits of this
rule in constant dollars.
The added cost to construct a conventional OSV under this rule,
compared to that under existing regulations, expressed as a percentage
of the initial construction cost for each OSV, comes to:
1. Around 2.3 percent for each conventional OSV of less than 100
gross tons.
2. Around 0.5 percent for each conventional OSV of 100 or more
gross tons.
If 90 large OSVs and 50 small OSVs are built in the six years after
the rule becomes effective, the cost of this rule to the industry will
come to around $0.8 million a year.
Since 1987 there have been few, if any, OSVs built, because of the
downturn in the offshore industry. For this reason the Coast Guard's
assumption on the number of OSVs to be built in the next 6 years may be
inappropriate. The Coast Guard encourages comments from industry on the
current cost to construct an OSV and on the estimated number of OSVs
that might be built in the next 6 years.
The principal benefits of this rule will be (1) a vessel better
equipped, with the authorization to carry more than twice as many
offshore workers and up to full capacity of the tanks for liquid
drilling-fluid; (2) increased safety for crew members and offshore
workers, due to the damage-stability requirements; (3) a vessel less
likely to suffer damage resulting in total loss of the vessel; and (4)
a crew better prepared to deal with emergencies. The economic value of
these benefits is difficult to quantify, as it depends on a vessel's
design, operational procedures, and contractual arrangements. However,
even if this rule saves just 30% of the expense of damages due to
casualties, the economic value--quite apart from the first, second, and
fourth of the four ``principal benefits''--of this rule will more than
offset the economic costs.

b. Costs for Liftboats

This Interim Rule will affect small business-entities in the form
of liftboats. (See Small Entities, below.) These vessels have not had
to meet standards of Coast Guard inspections. Because the Coast Guard
has seldom dealt with liftboats during design and construction, it has
no accurate mechanism for determining additional costs that may be
incurred by owners of new liftboats required to meet this rule. In the
NPRM, the Coast Guard sought information concerning such costs that
might be borne by owners and operators of liftboats resulting from
newly imposed inspection requirements. One written comment did offer a
few data associated with costs. Based upon those data, modifications to
the draft regulatory evaluation came about.
The Coast Guard reached several designers, builders, and owners of
liftboats as it prepared this final rule. These people estimated that a
large liftboat (of less than 300 gross tons with legs 200 feet long)
would cost between $2 and $4 million to design and build, while a
liftboat of less than 100 gross tons would cost about $1 million to
design and build. These people believe that, if design took account of
this rule from the start, the non-recurring cost associated with
construction of a liftboat would be minimal--not more than 5% above the
current estimated construction cost. If it were 10% above, the non-
recurring cost would come to $100,000 for a liftboat of less than 100
gross tons and between $200,000 and $400,000 for a liftboat of 100 or
more gross tons. Elements of this non-recurring cost include:
1. Submittal of plans to the Coast Guard.
2. Preparation and submittal of a comprehensive operating manual to
the Coast Guard.
3. Design and construction of a fail-safe jacking-system.
4. Piping for fire-main suction while the liftboat is elevated.
5. Compliance with stricter requirements for lifesaving equipment.
There would be no recurring cost associated with this rule. There
is recurring cost associated with salaries of crew members, with
periodic testing and drydocking, and with biennial inspections and
reinspections, but this rule does not compound it.
The economic value due to the ``principal benefits'', of casualties
and fatalities prevented, is the saving to the liftboat industry
offered by this rule; it comes from the annual averages for the
liftboat fleet, 1981 to 1986. The Coast Guard has reviewed the casualty
and fatality records from 1987 through 1994 for liftboats and has
deduced that the casualty and fatality statistics follow the same
general trend as they did in previous years. Therefore, the average
cost per casualty will not be affected by recent statistics. However,
since 1987 there have been few, if any, liftboats built, because of the
downturn in the

[[Page 57639]]
offshore industry. For this reason the Coast Guard's assumption on the
cost to build a liftboat may be inappropriate. The Coast Guard
encourages comments from industry on the current cost to build a
liftboat and on the estimated number of liftboats that might be built
in the next few years. The Coast Guard believes that this rule will
reduce the average cost of total losses in the liftboat fleet, compared
to that of total losses in the fleet of conventional OSVs, by around
75-87 percent. This reduced cost of liftboat losses will amount to
about $65,874 for a lifboat of less than 100 gross tons, which is less
than the estimated $100,000 for a new liftboat in added costs of
construction. Similarly, for liftboats of 100 or more gross tons, the
reduced cost of casualties will be about $183,100, which is near the
low end of the range estimated for a new liftboat in added costs of
construction, $200,000-$400,000.
It is difficult to gauge the impact of this rule on the liftboat
industry as a whole since those consulted know of no plans for
construction of new liftboats and since the Coast Guard holds only
informal estimates of the added costs of construction that may be
incurred. New liftboats would enjoy some unquantifiable benefits
heretofore limited to conventional OSVs (for example: carriage of
unlimited quantities of Grade-E liquid drilling-mud and up to 36
offshore workers). These unquantifiable benefits, when added to the
anticipated reductions in casualty costs discussed above, outweigh the
estimated added cost of construction.

Environment

The Coast Guard considered the environmental impact of this Interim
Rule and concluded that under paragraph 2.B.2 of Commandant Instruction
M16475.1B, the rule is categorically excluded from further
environmental documentation because of the inconsequential effects that
it expects the rule to have on the environment. A Categorical Exclusion
Determination is available in the docket for inspection or copying
where indicated under ADDRESSES.

Compatibility With International Standards

The Coast Guard has adopted a policy to evaluate current and new
rules and, as far as possible, to eliminate requirements that create an
unwarranted differential between domestic rules and responsible
international standards. The Coast Guard has therefore compared this
interim rule to international standards. The Coast Guard has determined
that this rule does not unnecessarily establish requirements in excess
of international standards.

Federalism

The Coast Guard has analyzed this rulemaking in accordance with the
principles and criteria in Executive Order 12612, and has determined
that the rulemaking does not have sufficient implications for
federalism to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. There
were no comments submitted to the public docket addressing federalism.

Small Entities

In accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601
through 612), the Coast Guard has considered whether this rulemaking is
likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. ``Small entities'' include independently owned and
operated small businesses that are not dominant in their field and that
would otherwise qualify as ``small business concerns'' under section 3
of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632).
There are about 70 natural or corporate persons that own one
conventional OSV apiece. (They account for about 12% of existing
conventional OSVs.) The Coast Guard does not anticipate that there can
be many more than 20 persons that will own one new conventional OSV
apiece. (It reaches this figure by assuming that they would likewise
account for about 12% of the anticipated 140 new conventional OSVs to
be built in the next six years, or for about 3 a year.) Marginal, one-
time, out-of-pocket expense for initial construction will not exceed
2.5%, as previously discussed, even if none of the operational
improvements in safety or flexibility (or other unquantifiable
benefits) are realized. Recurring operational expense will be nil.
There are 5 natural or corporate persons that own one liftboat
apiece. (They account for about 2% of existing liftboats.) The Coast
Guard does not anticipate that there can be many more than one person
that own one new liftboat apiece. (It reaches this figure by assuming
that they would likewise account for about 2% of the anticipated new
liftboats to be built in the next six years.) Marginal, one-time, out-
of-pocket expense for initial construction will not exceed 10% even if
none of the operational improvements in safety or flexibility (or other
unquantifiable benefits) are realized. Recurring operational expense
will be nil.
Acting upon these estimates, the Coast Guard certifies under
section 605(b) of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
that this interim rule will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.

Collection of Information

This rulemaking contains information-collection requirements in the
following sections of 46 CFR:

126.120
126.140
126.150
126.160
126.230
126.240
126.260
126.270
126.320
126.330
126.420
126.510
126.530
127.100
127.110
127.210
128.120
128.210
128.220
128.240
129.220
129.320
129.375
130.130
130.330
130.480
131.110
131.210
131.220
131.230
131.310
131.320
131.330
131.340
131.350
131.505
131.510
131.515
131.520
131.525
131.530
131.535
131.545
131.550
131.565
131.570
131.590
131.610
131.620
131.630
131.730
131.805
131.810
131.815
131.820
131.825
131.830
131.835
131.840

[[Page 57640]]

131.845
131.850
131.855
131.860
131.865
131.870
131.875
131.880
131.885
131.890
131.893
131.896
131.899
131.930
131.945
131.950
131.955
132.110
132.130
132.210
132.220
132.360
134.130
134.140
134.160
134.170
174.210
174.255

The information-collection requirements have been approved by the
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), and approved
under approval number 2115-0592.

List of Subjects

46 CFR Part 90

Administrative practice and procedures, Authority delegation, Cargo
vessels, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore
supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 98

Cargo vessels, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety,
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

46 CFR Part 125

Administrative practice and procedures, Authority delegation,
Hazardous materials transportation, Incorporation by reference, Marine
safety, Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 126

Authority delegation, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine
safety, Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 127

Authority delegation, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine
safety, Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 128

Hazardous materials transportation, Main and auxiliary machinery,
Marine safety, Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration,
Vessels.

46 CFR Part 129

Electric power, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety,
Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 130

Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels, Vessel control and
automation.

46 CFR Part 131

Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Navigation
(water), Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Operations,
Penalties, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 132

Fire prevention, Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety,
Offshore supply vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 134

Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Provisions for liftboats, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 170

Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Stability, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 174

Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Stability, Vessels.

46 CFR Part 175

Administrative practice and procedures, Authority delegation,
Hazardous materials transportation, Marine safety, Offshore supply
vessels, Oil and gas exploration, Passenger vessels, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
In consideration of the foregoing, the Coast Guard amends chapter I
of title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows:

PART 90--GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. The authority citation for part 90 continues to read as follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; 49 U.S.C. App. 1804; E.O.
12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

2. Section 90.05-20 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 90.05-20 Applicability to offshore vessels

(a) Offshore supply vessels of 100 or more but of less than 500
gross tons, contracted for before March 15, 1996, are subject to
inspection under this subchapter. Offshore supply vessels contracted
for on or after March 15, 1996, are subject to inspection under
subchapter L of this chapter.
(b) Each OSV permitted grandfathering under paragraph (a) of this
section must complete construction and have a Certificate of Inspection
by March 16, 1998.
3. Sections 90.10-40 (b) and (c) are revised to read as follows:

Sec. 90.10-40 Offshore supply vessels.

* * * * *
(b) An existing offshore supply vessel is one contracted for before
March 15, 1996.
(c) A new offshore supply vessel is one contracted for on or after
March 15, 1996.

Sec. 90.30-10 [Removed]

4. Section 90.30-10 is removed.

PART 98--[AMENDED]

Secs. 98.31-5, 98.31-10 and 98.31-15 (Subpart 98.31) [Removed]

5. Subpart 98.31 consisting of Secs. 98.31-5, 98.31-10, and 98.31-
15, is removed.
6. Subchapter L consisting of Parts 125 through 136, is added to
read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER L--OFFSHORE SUPPLY VESSELS

PART 125--GENERAL

Sec.
125.100 Applicability.
125.110 Carriage of flammable or combustible liquid cargoes in
bulk.
125.120 Carriage of noxious liquid substances in bulk.
125.130 Carriage of packaged hazardous materials.
125.140 Loadlines.
125.150 Lifesaving systems.
125.160 Definitions.
125.170 Equivalents.
125.180 Incorporation by reference.
125.190 Right of appeal.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3307; 49 U.S.C. App. 1804; 49
CFR 1.46.

Sec. 125.100 Applicability.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section, this
subchapter applies to each offshore supply vessel

[[Page 57641]]
(OSV) of United States flag contracted for on or after March 15, 1996.
(b) Each OSV contracted for before March 15, 1996, must be
constructed and inspected to comply with--
(1) The regulations in effect until March 15, 1996 (46 CFR
subchapter I or subchapter T), as appropriate, as they existed at the
time of construction; or
(2) The regulations in this subchapter.
(c) Each OSV permitted grandfathering under paragraph (b)(1) of
this section must complete construction and have a Certificate of
Inspection by March 16, 1998.
(d) Certain regulations in this subchapter apply only to limited
categories of OSVs. Specific statements of applicability appear at the
beginning of those regulations.

Note: Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular 8-91, ``Initial
and Subsequent Inspection of Uncertificated Existing Offshore Supply
Vessels, Including Liftboats'', contains guidance on how to apply
the regulations in 46 CFR subchapters I and T to OSVs.

Sec. 125.110 Carriage of flammable or combustible liquid cargoes in
bulk.

(a) Except as provided by this section, no OSV may carry flammable
or combustible liquid cargoes in bulk without the approval of the
Commandant (G-MMS).
(b) An OSV may carry the following in integral tanks:
(1) Grade-D combustible liquids listed by Sec. 30.25-1 of this
chapter, in quantities not to exceed 20 percent of the vessel's
deadweight; except that the vessel may carry drilling fluids and excess
fuel oil, Grade-E as well as Grade-D, without limit.
(2) Grade-E combustible liquids listed by Sec. 30.25-1 of this
chapter, in quantities not to exceed 20 percent of the vessel's
deadweight; except that the vessel may carry drilling fluids and excess
fuel oil, Grade-D as well as Grade-E, without limit.
(c) An OSV may carry the following in fixed independent tanks on
deck:
Grade-B and lower-grade fammable and combustible liquids listed by
Sec. 30.25-1 of this chapter, in quantities not to exceed 20 percent of
the vessel's deadweight.
(d) An OSV may carry hazardous materials in portable tanks, in
compliance with part 64 and subpart 98.30 of this chapter. A po5
portable tank may be filled or discharged aboard the vessel if
authorized by an endorsement on the vessel's Certificate of Inspection.

Sec. 125.120 Carriage of noxious liquid substances in bulk.

(a) Except as provided by this section, no OSV may carry a noxious
liquid substance (NLS) in bulk without the approval of the Commandant
(G-MMS).
(b) An OSV may carry in integral and fixed independent tanks NLSs
listed by Sec. 153.2 of this chapter, in quantities not to exceed 20
percent of the vessel's deadweight.
(c) An OSV carrying NLSs in bulk in integral tanks or fixed
independent tanks must--
(1) Meet the definition of oceangoing in 33 CFR 151.05(j);
(2) Have a Certificate of Inspection or NLS Certificate (issued by
the Coast Guard) endorsed with the name of the NLS cargo; and
(3) Have the Cargo Record Book prescribed in Sec. 153.490(a)(1) of
this chapter.
(d) An OSV that does not meet the equipment requirements in
Secs. 153.470 through 153.491 of this chapter may not discharge NLS
residues to the sea. The vessel's Certificate of Inspection or NLS
Certificate will contain this restriction.
(e) An OSV that discharges NLS residue to the sea must meet--
(1) The equipment requirements in Secs. 153.470 through 153.491 of
this chapter; and
(2) The operating requirements in Secs. 153.901, 153.903, 153.909,
and 153.1100 of this chapter.

Sec. 125.130 Carriage of packaged hazardous materials.

An OSV may carry packaged hazardous materials, or hazardous
materials in portable tanks, if the materials are prepared, loaded, and
stowed in compliance with 49 CFR parts 171-179.

Sec. 125.140 Loadlines.

Each OSV subject to assignment, certification, and marking of
loadlines under subchapter E of this chapter must comply with
subchapter E as well as with this subchapter.

Sec. 125.150 Lifesaving systems.

Lifesaving appliances and arrangements must comply with part 133 of
this subchapter.

Sec. 125.160 Definitions.

Each term defined elsewhere in this chapter for a particular class
of vessel applies to this part unless a different definition is given
in this section. As used by this subchapter:
Accommodation includes at least the following:
(1) A space used as a messroom.
(2) A lounge.
(3) A sitting area.
(4) A recreation room.
(5) Quarters.
(6) A toilet space.
(7) A shower room.
Approved means approved by the Commandant, unless otherwise
defined.
Bulkhead deck means the uppermost deck to which transverse
watertight bulkheads and the watertight shell extend.
Coast Guard District Commander or District Commander means an
officer of the Coast Guard designated by the Commandant to command
activities of the Coast Guard within a Coast Guard district described
by 33 CFR part 3, whose duties include the inspection, enforcement, and
administration of laws for the safety and navigation of vessels.
Coastwise refers to a route not more than 20 nautical miles
offshore on any of the following waters:
(1) Any ocean.
(2) The Gulf of Mexico.
(3) The Caribbean Sea.
(4) The Gulf of Alaska.
(5) The Bering Sea.
(6) Such other, similar waters as may be designated by the District
Commander.
Combustible liquid means the same as in Sec. 30.10 of this chapter.
Commandant means the Commandant of the Coast Guard or an authorized
staff officer at Coast Guard headquarters designated by Sec. 1.01 of
this chapter.
Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, means an officer of the
Coast Guard designated by the Commandant to command activities of the
Coast Guard within the Marine Safety Center, whose duties include
review of plans for commercial vessels to ensure compliance with
applicable laws and standards.
Crane includes at least masts, stays, booms, winches, and standing
and running gear that form a part of the fixed shipboard equipment used
in the lifting and moving of other equipment and supplies of the
vessel.
Damp or wet space includes at least:
(1) A space exposed to the weather.
(2) A machinery space.
(3) A cargo space.
(4) A space within a galley, within a laundry, or within a public
washroom or toilet room that has a bath or shower, if the space is
normally exposed to splashing, water wash down, or other moisture.
(5) A space directly inside an access door to a weather deck unless
the access door is protected against rain or spray by an overhanging
deck or by other means.
(6) Other spaces with similar moisture levels.

[[Page 57642]]

Deadweight means, when measured in water of specific gravity 1.025,
the difference in long tons between--
(1) The displacement of the vessel on even trim at ``lightweight''
as defined by subpart F of part 170 of this chapter; and
(2) The displacement of the vessel on even trim at the deepest load
waterline.
Flammable liquid means the same as in Sec. 30.10.22 of this
chapter.
Gas-free means free from dangerous concentrations of flammable or
toxic gases.
Hazardous material means the same as in Sec. 153.2 of this chapter.
International voyage means a voyage between a country to which the
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as
amended (SOLAS 74/83) applies and a port outside that country.
Jacking system means any type of mechanical (including hydraulic)
or electrical system used for elevating a liftboat.
Length, relative to a vessel, means the length listed on the
vessel's certificate of documentation or the ``registered length'' as
defined by Sec. 69.53 of this chapter.
Liftboat means an OSV with movable legs capable of raising its hull
above the surface of the sea.
Marine inspector means any person authorized by the Officer in
Charge, Marine Inspection, to perform duties concerning the inspection,
enforcement, and administration of laws for the safety and navigation
of vessels.
Noxious liquid substance or NLS means the same as in Sec. 153.2 of
this chapter.
Ocean refers to a route more than 20 nautical miles offshore on any
of the following waters:
(1) Any ocean.
(2) The Gulf of Mexico.
(3) The Caribbean Sea.
(4) The Gulf of Alaska.
(5) The Bering Sea.
(6) Such other, similar waters as may be designated by the District
Commander.
Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or OCMI, means any person of
the Coast Guard so designated by the Commandant, to be in charge of an
inspection zone for the performance of duties concerning the
inspection, enforcement, and administration of laws for the safety and
navigation of vessels.
Offshore supply vessel or OSV means a vessel that--
(1) Is propelled by machinery other than steam;
(2) Does not meet the definition of a passenger-carrying vessel in
46 U.S.C. 2101(22) or 46 U.S.C. 2101(35);
(3) Is more than 15 but less than 500 gross tons; and
(4) Regularly carries goods, supplies, individuals in addition to
the crew, or equipment in support of exploration, exploitation, or
production of offshore mineral or energy resources.
Offshore worker means a person carried aboard an OSV and employed
in a phase of exploration, exploitation, or production of offshore
mineral or energy resources served by the vessel, but does not include
the master, or a member of the crew, engaged in the business of the
vessel, who has contributed no consideration for carriage aboard and is
paid for services aboard.
Quarters means any space where sleeping accommodations are
provided.
Restricted service means service in areas within 12 hours of a
harbor of safe refuge or in areas where a liftboat may be jacked up to
meet the 100-knot-wind severe-storm criteria of Sec. 174.255(c) of this
chapter.

Sec. 125.170 Equivalents.

A substitution for fittings, materials, equipment, arrangements,
calculations, information, or tests required by this subchapter may be
accepted by the OCMI; by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center;
by the District Commander; or by the Commandant, if the substitution
provides an equivalent level of safety.

Sec. 125.180 Incorporation by reference.

(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this
subchapter with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in
compliance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a). To enforce any edition other than the
one listed in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must
publish notice of change in the Federal Register and make the material
available to the public. All approved materials are on file at the
Office of the Federal Register, Suite 700, 800 North Capitol Street
NW., Washington, DC 20408, and at the U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Vessel
Inspection and Documentation Division, 2100 Second Street SW.,
Washington, DC 20593-0001, and are available from the sources indicated
in paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this
subchapter, and the sections affected, are:

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Two World-Trade Center, 106th
Floor, New York, NY 10048
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels Under 61 Meters
(200 Ft) in Length (1983)--Sec. 127.210
Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels (1995)--
Sec. 127.210, Sec. 129.360
Rules for Building and Classing Aluminum Vessels (1975)--
Sec. 127.210
Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units
(1994)--Sec. 133.140, Sec. 133.150
American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 11 West 42nd St., New
York, NY 10036
B 31.1-1986--Code for Pressure Piping, Power Piping--
Sec. 128.240
Z 26.1-1977 (including 1980 Supplement)--Safety Code for Safety
Glazing Materials for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land
Highways--Sec. 127.430
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), 345 East 47th St.,
New York, NY 10027
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section I, Power Boilers, July
1989 with 1989 addenda--Sec. 128.240
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), 1916 Race St.,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
D93-80--Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens
Closed Tester--Sec. 128.310
American Yacht and Boat Council, Inc. (AYBC), 3069 Solomon's Island
Rd., Edgewater, MD 21037-1416
A-3-1993--Galley Stoves--Sec. 129.550
A-7-1970--Recommended Practices and Standards Covering Boat
Heating Systems--Sec. 129.550
E-1-1972--Bonding of Direct-Current Systems--Sec. 129.120
E-8-1994--Alternating-Current (AC) Electrical Systems on Boats--
Sec. 129.120
E-9-1990--Direct-Current (DC) Electrical Systems on Boats--
Sec. 129.120
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), 345 E.
47th St., New York, NY 10017
No. 45-1977--Recommended Practice for Electric Installations on
Shipboard--Sec. 129.340
International Maritime Organization (IMO), Publications Section, 4
Albert Embankment, London SE1 7SR, England
Resolution A.658(16), ``Use and Fitting of Retro-Reflective
Materials on Lifesaving Appliances'', dated November 20, 1989--
Sec. 131.855, Sec. 131.875
Resolution A.760(18), ``Symbols Related to Life-Saving
Appliances and Arrangements'', dated November 17, 1993--Sec. 131.875
International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS),
Consolidated Edition, 1992--Sec. 126.170
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park,
Quincy, MA 02269-9101
NFPA 70--National Electrical Code, 1993 Edition--Sec. 129.320,
Sec. 129.340, Sec. 129.370
NFPA 306--Control of Gas Hazards on Vessels, 1993 Edition--
Sec. 126.160
NFPA 1963--Fire Hose Connections, 1993 Edition--Sec. 132.130
NFPA 10--Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 1994
Edition--Sec. 132.350
NFPA 302--Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial
Motor Craft, 1994 Edition--Sec. 129.550
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook,
IL 60062

[[Page 57643]]

UL 19-1992--Lined Fire Hose and Hose Assemblies--Sec. 132.130
UL 486A-1992--Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs for Use with
Copper Conductors--Sec. 129.340
UL 489-1995--Molded-Case Circuit Breakers and Circuit-Breaker
Enclosures--Sec. 129.380
UL 57-1976--Electric Lighting Fixtures--Sec. 129.410
UL 595-1991--Marine-Type Electric Lighting Fixtures--
Sec. 129.410
UL 1570-1995--Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures--Sec. 129.410
UL 1571-1995--Incandescent Lighting Fixtures--Sec. 129.410
UL 1572-1995--High Intensity Discharge Lighting Fixtures--
Sec. 129.410
UL 1573-1995--Stage and Studio Lighting Units--Sec. 129.410
UL 1574-1995--Track Lighting Systems--Sec. 129.410

Sec. 125.190 Right of appeal.

Any person directly affected by a decision of action taken under
this part, by or on behalf of the Coast Guard, may appeal from the
decision or action in compliance with subpart 1.03 of this chapter.

PART 126--INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION

Subpart A--General

Sec.
126.100 Inspector not limited.
126.110 Inspection after accident.
126.120 Permit to proceed to another port for repairs.
126.130 Cranes.
126.140 Drydocking.
126.150 Repairs and alterations.
126.160 Tests and inspections during repairs or alterations, or
during riveting, (welding), burning, or other hot work.
126.170 Charriage of offshore workers.
126.180 Carriage of passengers.

Subpart B--Certificate of Inspection

126.210 When required.
126.220 Description.
126.230 How to obtain or renew.
126.240 Posting.
126.250 Period of validity.
126.260 Temporary Certificate.
126.270 Amendment.

Subpart C--Initial Inspection

126.310 Prerequisite to Certificate of Inspection.
126.320 When made.
126.330 Plans.
126.340 Scope.
126.350 Specific tests and inspections.

Subpart D--Inspection for Certification

126.410 Prerequisite to reissuance of Certificate of Inspection.
126.420 When made.
126.430 Scope.
126.440 Lifesaving equipment.
126.450 Fire-extinguishing equipment.
126.460 Tanks for dry bulk cargo.
126.470 Marine-engineering systems.

Subpart E--Reinspection

126.510 When made.
126.520 Scope.
126.530 Alternative midperiod examination.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); E.O. 11735, 38 FR
21243, 3 CFR 1971-1975 Comp., p. 793; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General

Sec. 126.100 Inspector not limited.

The marine inspector may at any time require that an OSV and its
equipment meet any test or inspection deemed necessary to determine
whether the vessel is suitable for its intended service.

Sec. 126.110 Inspection after accident.

(a) The owner or operator of an OSV shall make the vessel available
for inspection by a marine inspector--
(1) Each time an accident occurs, or a defect is discovered that
affects--
(i) The safety of the vessel; or
(ii) The effectiveness or completeness of its lifesaving, fire-
fighting, or other equipment; or
(2) Whenever any important repairs or renewals are made.
(b) The inspection is to determine--
(1) What repairs or renewals must be made;
(2) That the material and workmanship used to accomplish the
repairs or renewals are satisfactory; and
(3) That the OSV complies with this subchapter.

Sec. 126.120 Permit to proceed to another port for repairs.

(a) When an OSV fails to comply with its Certificate of Inspection
or with this subchapter, the OCMI may let the vessel proceed to another
port for repairs if in the judgment of the OCMI the vessel can complete
the trip safely even though the Certificate has expired or is about to
expire.
(b) A ``Permit to Proceed to another Port for Repairs'', Form CG-
948, will be issued by the OCMI to the owner, operator, or master of
the OSV and states the conditions under which the vessel may proceed to
another port. The Permit will be issued only upon the written
application of the owner, operator, or master, and only after the
surrender of the vessel's Certificate of Inspection to the OCMI.
(c) The Permit will state on its face the conditions under which it
is issued and whether the OSV may carry cargo, goods, supplies,
equipment, or offshore workers.
(d) The Permit must be readily available aboard the OSV.

Sec. 126.130 Cranes.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, cranes, if
installed, must comply with Secs. 107.258--107.260, 108.601, 109.437,
109.439, 109.521, 109.525, and 109.527of this chapter.
(b) The manufacturer of a crane may have tests and inspections
conducted in compliance with Sec. 107.259 of this chapter, if the
surveyor conducting them for the ABS or the International Cargo Gear
Bureau certifies their conduct as required by Sec. 107.259(c) of this
chapter.

Sec. 126.140 Drydocking.

(a) Unless on one or more extensions authorized by the Commandant
(G-MCO), each OSV must be placed in drydock or hauled out for
examination twice each five years with no interval between examinations
exceeding three years.
(b) The owner or operator shall notify the OCMI whenever the OSV is
drydocked for any reason. The OCMI, upon notification, will determine
whether to assign a marine inspector to examine the underwater hull of
the vessel.
(c) The internal structural members of an OSV must be examined at
the same intervals required for drydocking by paragraph (a) of this
section.
(d) At each drydocking required by paragraph (a) of this section,
for an OSV of 100 or more gross tons, a tailshaft survey must be
conducted as required by Sec. 61.20-15 of this chapter.
(e) At each drydocking required by paragraph (a) of this section,
for an OSV of less than 100 gross tons, the propeller or tailshaft must
be drawn for examination if the OCMI deems drawing it necessary.

Sec. 126.150 Repairs and alterations.

(a) Except in an emergency, no repairs or alterations to the hull
or machinery, or to equipment that affects the safety of the OSV, may
be made without notice to the OCMI in the inspection zone where the
repairs or alterations are to be made. When the repairs or alterations
have been made, notice must be given to that OCMI as soon as
practicable.
(b) When emergency repairs or alterations have been made as
permitted under paragraph (a) of this section, the master, owner, or
operator must notify the OCMI as soon as practicable after the
emergency.
(c) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (e) of this section,
drawings of repairs or alterations must be approved, before work
starts, by the OCMI or, when necessary, by the Commanding Officer,
Marine Safety Center.

[[Page 57644]]

(d) When the OCMI deems inspection necessary, the repairs or
alterations must be inspected by a marine inspector.
(e) Submission of drawings is not required for repairs in kind, but
the applicable drawings approved under subpart A of part 127 of this
subchapter must be made available to the marine inspector upon request.

Sec. 126.160 Tests and inspections during repairs or alterations, or
during riveting, welding, burning, or other hot work.

(a) NFPA 306 must be used as a guide in conducting the examinations
and issuances of certificates required by this section.
(b) Until an examination has determined that work can proceed
safely, no riveting, welding, burning, or other hot work can commence.
(c) Each examination must be conducted as follows:
(1) At any port or site inside of the United States or its
territories and possessions, a marine chemist certified by the NFPA
must make the examination. If the services of such a chemist are not
reasonably available, the OCMI, upon the recommendation of the
contractor and the owner or operator of the OSV, may authorize another
person to make the examination. If this indicates that a repair or
alteration, or hot work, can be undertaken safely, the person
performing the examination shall issue a certificate, setting forth the
spaces covered and any necessary conditions to be met, before the work
starts. The conditions to be met must include any requirements
necessary to maintain safe conditions in the spaces covered and must
include any necessary further examinations and certificates. In
particular the conditions to be met must include precautions necessary
to eliminate or minimize hazards caused by protective coatings or by
cargo residues.
(2) At any port or site outside of the United States or its
territories and possessions, where the services of a certified marine
chemist or other person authorized by the OCMI are not reasonably
available, the master, owner, or operator of the vessel shall make the
examination and a proper entry in the OSV's logbook.
(d) The master shall obtain a copy of each certificate issued by
the person making the examination described in paragraph (c)(1) of this
section. The master, through and for the persons under his control,
shall maintain safe conditions aboard the OSV by full observance of
each condition to be met, listed in the certificate issued under
paragraph (c)(1) of this section.

Sec. 126.170 Carriage of offshore workers.

(a) Offshore workers may be carried aboard an OSV in compliance
with this subchapter. The maximum number of offshore workers authorized
for carriage will be endorsed on the vessel's Certificate of
Inspection; but in no case will the number of offshore workers
authorized for carriage exceed 36.
(b) No more than 12 offshore workers may be carried aboard an OSV
certificated under this subchapter when on an international voyage,
unless the vessel holds a valid passenger-ship-safety certificate (Form
CG-968) issued in compliance with the International Convention for the
Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended (SOLAS 74/83).

Sec. 126.180 Carriage of passengers.

No passengers as defined by 46 U.S.C. 2101(21)(B) may be carried
aboard an OSV except in an emergency.

Subpart B--Certificate of Inspection

Sec. 126.210 When required.

Except as provided by Secs. 126.120 and 126.260, no OSV may be
operated without a valid Certificate of Inspection.

Sec. 126.220 Description.

The Certificate of Inspection issued to an OSV specifies the
vessel, the route it may travel, the minimum manning it requires, the
maximum fire-extinguishing and lifesaving equipment it must carry, the
maximum number of offshore workers and of total persons it may carry,
the name of its owner and operator, and such other conditions as the
OCMI may determine.

Sec. 126.230 How to obtain or renew.

(a) A builder, owner, master, or operator may begin to obtain or to
renew a Certificate of Inspection by submitting an ``Application for
Inspection of U.S. Vessel,'' Form CG-3752, to the OCMI of the marine
inspection zone in which the inspection is to be made. Form CG-3752 is
available from any Marine Safety or Marine Inspection Office of the
U.S. Coast Guard.
(b) The application for initial inspection of an OSV being newly
constructed or converted must be submitted before the start of
construction or conversion.
(c) The construction, arrangement, and equipment of each OSV must
be acceptable to the OCMI for the issuance of the initial Certificate
of Inspection. Acceptance depends on the information, specifications,
drawings, and calculations available to the OCMI, and on the successful
completion of the 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 OSV and its equipment must be acceptable
to the OCMI for the renewal of the Certificate of Inspection.
Acceptance depends on the condition of the vessel as found at the
periodic inspection for certification.

Sec. 126.240 Posting.

The Certificate of Inspection must be framed under glass or other
suitable transparent material and posted in a conspicuous place aboard
the OSV so that each page is visible.

Sec. 126.250 Period of validity.

(a) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for two years.
(b) 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 or other applicable laws.

Sec. 126.260 Temporary Certificate.

If necessary to prevent delay of the OSV, a ``Temporary Certificate
of Inspection,'' Form CG-854, containing information listed by
Sec. 126.220, may be issued pending the issuance and delivery of the
regular Certificate of Inspection. A temporary Certificate must be
carried in the same manner as the regular Certificate.

Sec. 126.270 Amendment.

(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,
operator, manning, offshore workers permitted, route permitted,
conditions of operations, equipment of an OSV, or the like 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 operator of the OSV at any time
there is a change in the character of an OSV or in its route,
equipment, ownership, operation, or similar factors specified in its
current Certificate of Inspection.
(c) The OCMI may require an inspection before issuing an amended
Certificate of Inspection.

[[Page 57645]]

Subpart C--Initial Inspection

Sec. 126.310 Prerequisite to Certificate of Inspection.

The initial inspection is a prerequisite to the issuance of the
original Certificate of Inspection.

Sec. 126.320 When made.

(a) No initial inspection occurs until after receipt of the written
application of the owner or builder of the OSV to the OCMI in whose
zone the vessel is located. The application must be on Form CG-3752,
``Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel.''
(b) The initial inspection occurs at a time and place agreed to by
the party requesting the inspection and by the OCMI. The owner or the
builder, or a representative of either, must be present during the
inspection.

Sec. 126.330 Plans.

Before construction starts, the owner, operator, or builder shall
develop plans indicating the proposed arrangement and construction of
the OSV. (The list of plans to be developed and the required
disposition of these plans appears in part 127 of this subchapter.)

Sec. 126.340 Scope.

The initial inspection normally consists of a series of inspections
conducted during the construction of the OSV. This inspection
determines whether the vessel was built to comply with developed plans
and in compliance with applicable law. Items normally included in this
inspection are all the items listed in Sec. 126.430 of subpart D of
this part, and in addition the marine inspector verifies that the
arrangement of the vessel conforms to the approved plans, that
acceptable material is used in the construction of the vessel, and that
the workmanship meets required standards for marine construction. The
owner or builder shall make the vessel available for inspection at each
stage of construction specified by the OCMI.

Sec. 126.350 Specific tests and inspections.

(a) The applicable tests and inspections set forth in subpart D of
this part must be made during the initial inspection.
(b) The following specific tests and inspections must also be
conducted in the presence of the marine inspector:
(1) Installation of piping for gaseous fixed fire-extinguishing
(see Sec. 95.15-15 of this chapter).
(2) Hydraulic-helm steering-systems. These systems must be tested
in the manual mode, with the hydraulic pumps secured, for smooth,
efficient operation by one person.
(3) Installation tests and inspections of lifeboats, rescue boats,
davits, and winches under subpart 94.35 of this chapter.

Subpart D--Inspection for Certification

Sec. 126.410 Prerequisite to reissuance of Certificate of Inspection.

An inspection for certification is a prerequisite to the reissuance
of a Certificate of Inspection.

Sec. 126.420 When made.

No inspection for certification occurs until after receipt of the
written application of the owner, builder, master, or operator of the
OSV by the OCMI in whose zone the vessel is located. The application
must be on the ``Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel'', Form CG-
3752.

Sec. 126.430 Scope.

The inspection for certification is made by a marine inspector to
determine whether the OSV is in satisfactory condition and fit for its
intended service. The owner or builder shall make the vessel and its
equipment available for inspection, including the following items:
(a) Structure.
(b) Watertight integrity.
(c) Pressure vessels and their appurtenances.
(d) Piping.
(e) Main and auxiliary machinery.
(f) Steering apparatus.
(g) Electrical installations.
(h) Lifesaving equipment.
(i) Work vests.
(j) Fire-detecting and fire-extinguishing equipment.
(k) Pollution-prevention equipment.
(l) Sanitary condition.
(m) Fire hazards.
(n) Verification of validity of certificates required and issued by
the Federal Communications Commission.
(o) Lights and signals as required by the applicable navigational
rules.
(p) Tests and inspections of cranes in compliance with
Sec. 126.130.

Sec. 126.440 Lifesaving equipment.

At each inspection for certification, the tests and inspections
specified by Sec. 91.25-15 of this chapter must occur in the presence
of a marine inspector, or as otherwise directed by the OCMI.

Sec. 126.450 Fire-extinguishing equipment.

At each inspection for certification the marine inspector
determines whether the tests and inspections required by Sec. 132.350
of this subchapter have been performed.

Sec. 126.460 Tanks for dry bulk cargo.

The owner shall ensure that tanks for dry bulk cargo that are
pressure vessels are inspected for compliance with Sec. 61.10-5(b) of
this chapter.

Sec. 126.470 Marine-engineering systems.

The inspection procedures for marine-engineering systems contained
in subchapter F of this chapter apply.

Subpart E--Reinspection

Sec. 126.510 When made.

(a) Except as provided by Sec. 126.530 of this subpart, at least
one reinspection must be made of each OSV holding a Certificate of
Inspection. The owner, master, or operator shall arrange for the
reinspection between the tenth and fourteenth months of the period for
which the Certificate of Inspection is valid.
(b) The owner, master, or operator shall make the vessel available
for the reinspection at a time and place acceptable to the OCMI, but no
written application is necessary.

Sec. 126.520 Scope.

In general, the reinspection goes into less detail than that
described by Sec. 126.430 of this part for the inspection for
certification, unless the OCMI or marine inspector determines that a
major change has occurred since the last inspection.

Sec. 126.530 Alternative midperiod examination.

(a) The owner, master, or operator of an OSV of less than 400 gross
tons, except a liftboat, may ask the cognizant OCMI to arrange an
alternative midperiod examination. The request must go to the OCMI
assigned responsibility for inspections in the country in which the
vessel is operating and will be examined. To qualify for the
alternative midperiod examination, the vessel must meet the following
requirements:
(1) The request must be in writing and be received by the OCMI
before the end of the twelfth month of the period for which the
Certificate of Inspection is valid.
(2) The vessel is likely to be continuously employed outside of the
United States during the tenth through the fourteenth month of validity
of its Certificate of Inspection.
(b) In determining whether to authorize the alternative midperiod
examination, the OCMI considers the following:
(1) Information contained in previous examination reports on
inspection and drydock, including the recommendation, if any, of the
OCMI for

[[Page 57646]]
participation in the alternative midperiod examination.
(2) The nature, number, and severity of marine casualties or
accidents, as defined by Sec. 4.03-1 of this chapter, involving the OSV
in the three years preceding the request.
(3) The nature, number, and gravity of any outstanding inspection
requirements for the vessel.
(4) The owner's or operator's history of compliance and cooperation
in such alternative midperiod examinations, including:
(i) The prompt correction of deficiencies.
(ii) The reliability of previously submitted reports on such
alternative midperiod examinations.
(iii) The reliability of representations that the vessel would be,
and was, employed outside of the United States for the tenth through
the fourteenth month of validity of its Certificate of Inspection.
(c) The OCMI provides the applicant with written authorization, if
any, to proceed with the alternative midperiod examination, including,
when appropriate, special instructions.
(d) The following conditions must be met for the alternative
midperiod examination to be accepted instead of the reinspection
required by Sec. 126.510 of this subpart:
(1) The alternative midperiod examination must occur between the
tenth and fourteenth months of validity of the Certificate of
Inspection.
(2) The reinspection must be of the scope detailed by Sec. 126.520
of this subpart and must be made by the master, owner, or operator of
the OSV, or by a designated representative of the owner or operator.
(3) Upon completion of the alternative midperiod examination, the
person or persons making the examination shall prepare a comprehensive
report describing the conditions found. This report must contain
sufficient detail to let the OCMI determine whether the vessel is fit
for the service and route specified on the Certificate of Inspection.
This report must include subsidiary reports and receipts documenting
the servicing of lifesaving and fire-protection equipment, and any
photographs or sketches necessary to clarify unusual circumstances.
Each person preparing this report shall sign it and certify that the
information in it is complete and accurate.
(4) Unless the master of the vessel participated in the alternative
midperiod examination and the preparation of the comprehensive report,
the master shall review the report for completeness and accuracy. The
master shall sign the report to indicate review and shall forward it to
the owner or operator of the vessel, who asked for the examination.
(5) The owner or operator of a vessel examined under this section
shall review and submit the comprehensive report, required by paragraph
(d)(3) of this section, to the OCMI. The report must reach the OCMI
before the first day of the sixteenth month of validity of the
Certificate of Inspection. The forwarding letter or endorsement must be
certified and must contain the following information:
(i) That the person or persons who made the alternative midperiod
examination acted on behalf of the vessel's owner or operator.
(ii) That the report was reviewed by the owner or operator.
(iii) That the discrepancies noted during the reinspection have
been corrected, or will be within a stated time.
(iv) That the owner or operator has sufficient personal knowledge
of conditions aboard the vessel at the time of the reinspection, or has
conducted inquiries necessary, to justify forming a belief that the
report is complete and accurate.
(e) The form of certification required under this section, for the
alternative midperiod examination, is as follows:

I certify that to the best of my knowledge and belief the above
is complete and accurate.

(f) Deficiencies and hazards discovered during the alternative
midperiod examination made pursuant to this section must be corrected
if practicable, before the submittal of the report to the OCMI in
compliance with paragraph (d)(5) of this section. Deficiencies and
hazards not corrected by the time the report is submitted must be noted
in the report as ``outstanding.'' Upon receipt of a report indicating
any outstanding deficiency or hazard, the OCMI will inform the owner or
operator of the OSV in writing of the time allowed to correct each
deficiency and hazard and of the method for establishing that each has
been corrected. When any deficiency or hazard remains uncorrected or
uneliminated after this time allowed, the OCMI will initiate
appropriate enforcement.
(g) Upon receipt of the report, the OCMI will evaluate it and
determine:
(1) Whether the OCMI accepts the alternative midperiod examination
instead of the reinspection required by Sec. 126.510 of this subpart.
(2) Whether the OSV is in satisfactory condition.
(3) Whether the vessel continues to be reasonably fit for its
intended service and route.
(h) The OCMI may require further information necessary for the
determinations required by this section. The OCMI will inform the owner
or operator of the OSV in writing of these determinations.
(i) If the OCMI, in compliance with paragraph (g) of this section,
does not accept the alternative midperiod examination instead of the
reinspection required by Sec. 126.510 of this subpart, the OCMI will
require reinspection of the OSV as soon as practicable. The OCMI will
inform the owner or operator of the OSV in writing that the examination
is not acceptable and that a reinspection is necessary. The owner,
master, or operator shall make the vessel available for the
reinspection at a time and place agreeable to the OCMI.

PART 127--CONSTRUCTION AND ARRANGEMENTS

Subpart A--Plan Approval

Sec.
127.100 General.
127.110 Plans and specifications required for new construction.
127.120 Procedure for submittal of plans.

Subpart B--Particular Construction and Arrangements

127.210 Structural standards.
127.220 General fire protection.
127.230 Subdivision and stability.
127.240 Means of escape.
127.250 Ventilation for enclosed spaces.
127.260 Ventilation for accommodations.
127.270 Location of accommodations and pilothouse.
127.280 Construction and arrangement of quarters for crew members
and accommodations for offshore workers.

Subpart C--Rails and Guards

127.310 Where rails required.
127.320 Storm rails.
127.330 Guards in dangerous places.

Subpart D--Construction of Windows, Visibility, and Operability of
Coverings

127.410 Safety-glazing materials.
127.420 Strength.
127.430 Visibility from pilothouse.
127.440 Operability of window coverings.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--Plan Approval

Sec. 127.100 General.

Plans listed by Sec. 127.110 of this subpart must be submitted for
approval after the owner or builder applies for inspection in
compliance with Sec. 126.320 of this subchapter.

[[Page 57647]]

Sec. 127.110 Plans and specifications required for new construction.

Each applicant for approval of plans and for an original
Certificate of Inspection must submit three copies of the following:
(a) General.
(1) Specifications.
(2) General Arrangement Plans.
(3) Safety Plan (Fire-Control Plan).
(4) Lifesaving-Equipment Plan.
(b) Hull structure.
(1) Midship Section.
(2) Booklet of Scantling Plans.
(3) Arrangement of Ports, Doors, and Air ports.
(4) Hatch Coamings and Covers in Weather Decks and Watertight
Decks.
(5) Scuppers and Drains Penetrating Shell-Plating.
(6) Booklet of Standard Details.
(c) Subdivision and stability. (For plans required for subdivision
and stability, see subchapter S of this chapter.)
(d) Marine engineering.
(1) Piping diagrams of each Class I systems.
(2) Piping diagrams of the following Class II systems (the
builder's certification of Class II non-vital piping systems must
accompany the piping diagrams in compliance with Sec. 128.220(c) of
this subchapter):
(i) Systems for fill, transfer, and service of fuel oil.
(ii) Fire-main and fixed gaseous fire-extinguishing systems.
(iii) Bilge systems.
(iv) Ballast systems.
(v) Fluid-driven power and control systems.
(vi) Through-hull penetrations and shell connections.
(vii) Sanitary systems.
(viii) Vents, sounding tubes, and overflows.
(ix) Compressed-air systems.
(3) Steering and steering-control systems.
(4) Propulsion and propulsion-control systems.
(5) Piping diagrams of each system containing any flammable,
combustible, or hazardous liquid including--
(i) Cargo-oil systems;
(ii) Systems for combustible drilling-fluid (such as oil-based
liquid mud); and
(iii) Cargo-transfer systems for fixed independent or portable
tanks.
(e) Electrical engineering.
(1) For each OSV of less than 100 gross tons, the following plans
must be submitted:
(i) Arrangement of electrical equipment (plan and profile) with
equipment identified as necessary to show compliance with this
subchapter.
(ii) Electrical one-line diagram that includes wire types and
sizes, overcurrent-device rating and setting, and type of electrical-
equipment enclosure (drip-proof, watertight, or the like).
(iii) Switchboard plans required by paragraphs (e) and (f) of
Sec. 110.25-1 of this chapter.
(2) For each vessel of 100 or more gross tons, the plans required
by Sec. 110.25 of this chapter must be submitted.
(f) Automation. For each OSV of 100 or more gross tons, where
automated systems are provided to replace specific personnel in the
control and observation of the propulsion systems and machinery spaces,
or to reduce the level of crew associated with the engine department,
the following plans must be submitted:
(1) Plans necessary to demonstrate compliance with subpart D of
part 130 of this subchapter.
(2) Automation-test procedure.
(3) Operations manual.

Sec. 127.120 Procedure for submittal of plans.

If an OSV is to be constructed, altered, or repaired in the United
States, the plans, information, and calculations required by this part
must be submitted to--
(a) The OCMI in the zone where the vessel is to be constructed,
altered, or repaired; or
(b) The Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, 400 Seventh
Street SW., Washington, DC 20590-0001.

Subpart B--Particular Construction and Arrangements

Sec. 127.210 Structural standards.

(a) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section,
compliance with the construction and structural rules established by
the ABS and incorporated by reference in Sec. 125.180 is acceptable for
the design and construction of an OSV.
(b) The standard of any classification society, or any other
established standard, acceptable to the Commandant (G-MMS) may be used.
(c) If no established standard for design is used, detailed design
calculations must be submitted with the plans required by Sec. 127.110
of this part.
(d) The plans required by Sec. 127.110 of this part should specify
their standard for design.

Sec. 127.220 General fire protection.

(a) Each OSV must be designed and constructed to minimize fire
hazards, as far as reasonable and practicable.
(b) Exhausts of internal-combustion engines, galley uptakes, and
similar sources of ignition must be kept clear of and insulated from
woodwork and other combustible matter.
(c) Paint lockers and similar compartments must be constructed of
steel or be wholly lined with steel.
(d) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, when a
compartment containing the emergency source of electric power, or vital
components of that source, adjoins a space containing either the ship's
service generators or machinery necessary for the operation of the
ship's service generators, each common bulkhead and deck must be ``A-
60'' Class construction as defined by Sec. 72.05-10 of this chapter.
(e) The ``A-60'' Class construction required by paragraph (d) of
this section is unnecessary if the emergency source of electric power
is in a small, ventilated battery locker that--
(1) Is located above the main deck;
(2) Is located in the open; and
(3) Has no boundaries contiguous with other decks or bulkheads.

Sec. 127.230 Subdivision and stability.

Each OSV must meet the applicable requirements in subchapter S of
this chapter.

Sec. 127.240 Means of escape.

(a) There must be at least two means of escape, exclusive of
windows and portholes, from each of the following spaces:
(1) Each space accessible to offshore workers.
(2) Crew accommodations and each space where the crew may normally
be employed.
(b) At least one of the two means of escape must--
(1) Be independent of watertight doors in bulkheads required by
part 174 of this chapter to be watertight; and
(2) Lead as directly to the open deck as practicable.
(c) The two means of escape required by paragraph (a) of this
section must be widely separated and, if possible, at opposite ends or
sides of the space, to minimize the possibility that one incident will
block both escapes.
(d) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, a vertical
ladder ending at a deck scuttle may not be either of the means of
escape required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(e) A vertical ladder ending at a deck scuttle may be the second
means of escape if the--
(1) Primary means of escape is a stairway or passageway;
(2) Installation of another stairway or passageway is
impracticable;
(3) Scuttle is located where stowed deck cargo could not interfere;

[[Page 57648]]

(4) Scuttle is fitted with a quick-acting release, and with a hold-
back to hold the scuttle open; and
(5) Scuttle meets the requirements for location, strength, and
height of coaming in subchapter E of this chapter.
(f) Each vertical ladder must--
(1) Have rungs that are--
(i) At least 16 inches (410 millimeters) long;
(ii) At most 12 inches (300 millimeters) apart, uniform for the
length of the ladder; and
(iii) At least 7 inches (180 millimeters) from the nearest
permanent object in back of the ladder;
(2) Have at least 4\1/2\ inches (115 millimeters) of clearance
above each rung;
(3) Be made of incombustible materials; and
(4) Have an angle of inclination with the horizontal, greater than
70 degrees but not more than 90 degrees.
(g) No means may be provided for locking any interior door giving
access to either of the two required means of escape; except that a
crash door or locking-device, capable of being easily forced in an
emergency, may be employed if a permanent and conspicuous notice to
this effect is attached to both sides of the door. A means may be
provided for locking an exterior door to a deckhouse if the door is--
(1) Locked only by a key under the control of one of the OSV's
officers; and
(2) Always operable from the inside.
(h) Each passageway or stairway must be wide enough to provide an
effective means of escape for the number of persons having access to it
even if each person is wearing a lifejacket. There must be no
protrusions in the means of escape that could cause injury, ensnare
clothing, or damage lifejackets.
(i) No interior stairway, other than within the machinery spaces or
cargo holds, may be less than 28 inches wide. The angle of inclination
of each stairway with the horizontal must not exceed 50 degrees.
(j) No dead-end passageway, or equivalent, may be more than 40 feet
(13.1 meters) in length.
(k) Vertical access must be provided between the various weather
decks by means of permanently inclined ladders. The angle of
inclination of these ladders with the horizontal must not exceed 70
degrees.

Sec. 127.250 Ventilation for enclosed spaces.

(a) Each enclosed space within the OSV must be properly vented or
ventilated. Means must be provided for closing each vent and
ventilator.
(b) Means must be provided for stopping each fan in a ventilation
system serving machinery and cargo spaces and for closing, in case of
fire, each doorway, ventilator, and annular space around funnels and
other openings into such spaces.

Sec. 127.260 Ventilation for accommodations.

(a) Each accommodation space must be adequately ventilated in a
manner suitable for the purpose of the space.
(b) Each OSV of 100 or more gross tons must be provided with a
mechanical ventilation system unless the OCMI is satisfied that a
natural system, such as opening windows, portholes, or doors, will
accomplish adequate ventilation in ordinary weather.

Sec. 127.270 Location of accommodations and pilothouse.

(a) Neither quarters for crew members or offshore workers nor the
pilothouse may be located forward of the collision bulkhead required by
Sec. 174.190 of this chapter.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this section, no part of
any deck with accommodations for crew members or offshore workers may
be below the deepest load waterline.
(c) Any deck with accommodations for crew members or offshore
workers may be below the deepest load waterline if--
(1) The OSV complies with the damage-stability requirements in
Sec. 174.205 of this chapter;
(2) Each vertical ladder permitted by Sec. 127.240 of this subpart
is above the final-equilibrium waterline when the vessel is subject to
the damage prescribed by Sec. 174.205 of this chapter; and
(3) The overhead of at least one vertical ladder is at least 12
inches above the final-equilibrium waterline when the vessel is subject
to the damage prescribed by Sec. 174.205 of this chapter.
(d) No hawse pipe or chain pipe may pass through accommodations for
crew members or offshore workers.
(e) There must be no direct access, except through solid, close-
fitted doors or hatches, between accommodations for crew members or
offshore workers and chain lockers, cargo spaces, or machinery spaces.
(f) No access openings, sounding tubes, or vents from fuel-oil or
cargo-oil tanks may open into accommodations for crew members or
offshore workers, except that access openings and sounding tubes may
open into passageways.
(g) Accommodations for crew members must be separate from and
independent of those for offshore workers unless the OCMI approves an
alternative arrangement.

Sec. 127.280 Construction and arrangement of quarters for crew members
and accommodations for offshore workers.

(a) The following requirements apply to quarters for crew members
on each OSV of 100 or more gross tons:
(1) Quarters for crew members must be divided into staterooms none
of which berths more than four members.
(2) Each stateroom for use by crew members must--
(i) Have clear headroom of at least 6 feet 3 inches; and
(ii) Contain at least 30 square feet of deck and at least 210 cubic
feet of space for each member accommodated. The presence in a stateroom
of equipment for use by the occupants does not diminish the area or
volume of the room.
(3) There must be at least one toilet, one washbasin, and one
shower or bathtub for every eight or fewer members who do not occupy a
stateroom to which a private or a semiprivate facility is attached.
(b) The following requirements apply to accommodations for offshore
workers on each OSV of 100 or more gross tons:
(1) Each offshore worker aboard must be provided with adequate
fixed seating. The spacing of fixed seating must be sufficient to allow
ready escape in case of fire or other emergency. The following are
minimal requirements:
(i) Aisles 15 feet in length or less must not be less than 24
inches wide.
(ii) Aisles more than 15 feet in length must not be less than 30
inches wide.
(iii) Where the seating is in rows, the distance from seat front to
seat front must not be less than 30 inches.
(2) If the intended operation of a vessel is to carry offshore
workers aboard for more than 24 hours, quarters for them must be
provided. Each stateroom for use by them must--
(i) Berth no more than six workers;
(ii) Have clear headroom of at least 6 feet 3 inches; and
(iii) Contain at least 20 square feet of deck and at least 140
cubic feet of space for each worker accommodated. The presence in a
stateroom of equipment for use by the occupants does not diminish the
area or volume of the room.
(3) Toilets and washbasins for use by offshore workers must meet
the requirements of paragraph (a)(3) of this section.
(c) Each crew member and offshore worker aboard an OSV of less than
100 gross tons must be provided with accommodations of adequate size
and construction, and with equipment for his or her protection and
convenience suitable to the size, facilities, and service of the
vessel.

[[Page 57649]]

(d) For each OSV of 100 or more gross tons, the bulkheads and decks
separating accommodations for crew members and offshore workers from
machinery spaces must be of ``A'' Class construction as defined by
Sec. 92.07-5 of this chapter.
(e) After reviewing the arrangement drawings required by
Sec. 127.110 of this part, the OCMI will determine and record on the
OSV's Certificate of Inspection the number of offshore workers that the
vessel may carry.

Subpart C--Rails and Guards

Sec. 127.310 Where rails required.

(a) Each OSV must have permanently installed efficient guard rails
or bulwarks on decks and bridges. Each rail or bulwark must stand at
least 39-\1/2\ inches from the deck except that, where this height
would interfere with the normal operation of the vessel, the OCMI may
approve a lesser height.
(b) At exposed peripheries of the freeboard and superstructure
decks, each rail must consist of at least three courses, including the
top. The opening below the lowest course must be no more than 9 inches
with courses no more than 15 inches apart. On other decks and bridges
each rail must consist of at least two courses, including the top,
approximately evenly spaced.
(c) If satisfied that the installation of any rail of the required
height is impracticable, the OCMI may accept a grab rail or a rail of a
lesser height in its place.

Sec. 127.320 Storm rails.

Suitable storm rails must be installed in each passageway and at
the deckhouse sides, including in way of inclined ladders, where
persons aboard have normal access. They must be installed on both sides
of passageways more than 6 feet wide.

Sec. 127.330 Guards in dangerous places.

Suitable hand covers, guards, or rails must be installed on each
exposed and dangerous place, such as gears and machinery.

Subpart D--Construction of Windows, Visibility, and Operability of
Coverings

Sec. 127.410 Safety-glazing materials.

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

Sec. 127.420 Strength.

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

Sec. 127.430 Visibility from pilothouse.

(a) Windows and other openings at the pilothouse must be of
sufficient size and properly located to provide adequate view for safe
operation in any condition.
(b) Glass or other glazing material used in windows at the
pilothouse must have a light transmission of at least 70 percent
according to Test 2 of ANSI Z26.1, ``Code for Safety Glazing Materials
for Glazing Motor Vehicles Operating on Land Highways,'' and must
comply with Test 15 of ANSI Z26.1 for Class I Optical Deviation.

Sec. 127.440 Operability of window coverings.

Any covering or protection placed over a window or porthole must be
able to be readily removed or opened. It must be possible to open or
remove the covering or protection without anyone's having to go onto a
weather deck.

PART 128--MARINE ENGINEERING: EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS

Subpart A--General

Sec.
128.110 Equipment and systems.
128.120 Plan approval.
128.130 Vital systems.

Subpart B--Materials and Pressure Design

128.210 Class II vital systems--materials.
128.220 Class II non-vital systems--materials and pressure design.
128.230 Penetrations of hulls and watertight bulkheads--materials
and pressure design.
128.240 Hydraulic and pneumatic power and control--materials and
pressure design.

Subpart C--Main and Auxiliary Machinery

128.310 Fuel.
128.320 Exhaust systems.

Subpart D--Design Requirements for Specific Systems

128.410 Ship's service refrigeration systems.
128.420 Keel-cooler installations.
128.430 Grid-cooler installations.
128.440 Bilge systems.
128.450 Liquid-mud systems.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General

Sec. 128.110 Equipment and systems.

(a) Except as provided by this part, the design, installation,
testing, and inspection of materials, machinery, pressure vessels, and
piping must comply with subchapter F of this chapter.
(b) This part contains requirements for equipment and systems
commonly found on an OSV. If additional or unique systems, such as for
low-temperature cargoes, are to be installed, they too must comply with
subchapter F of this chapter.

Sec. 128.120 Plan approval.

The plans required by subchapter F of this chapter need not be
submitted if the plans listed by Sec. 127.110(d) of this subchapter
have been submitted.

Sec. 128.130 Vital systems.

(a) Vital systems are those systems that are vital to a vessel's
survivability and safety. For the purpose of this subchapter, the
following are vital systems:
(1) Systems for fill, transfer, and service of fuel oil.
(2) Fire-main systems.
(3) Fixed gaseous fire-extinguishing systems.
(4) Bilge systems.
(5) Ballast systems.
(6) Steering systems and steering-control systems.
(7) Propulsion systems and their necessary auxiliaries and control
systems.
(8) Systems for transfer and control of cargo, for integral tanks
or fixed independent tanks, in compliance with Sec. 125.110 of this
subchapter.
(9) Ship's service and emergency electrical-generation systems and
their auxiliaries.
(10) Any other marine-engineering system identified by the OCMI as
crucial to the survival of the OSV or to the protection of the
personnel aboard.
(b) For the purpose of this subchapter, a system not identified by
paragraph (a) of this section is a non-vital system.

Subpart B--Materials and Pressure Design

Sec. 128.210 Class II vital systems--materials.

Except as provided by Secs. 128.230 and 128.240 of this subpart,
instead of complying with part 56 of this chapter, materials used in
Class II vital piping-systems may be accepted by the OCMI or the
Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, if shown to provide a level
of safety equivalent to materials in Sec. 56.60 of this chapter.

Sec. 128.220 Class II non-vital systems--materials and pressure
design.

(a) Except as provided by Secs. 128.230, 128.240, and 128.320 of
this part, a Class II non-vital piping-system need not meet the
requirements for materials and pressure design of subchapter F of this
chapter.
(b) Piping for salt-water service must be of a corrosion-resistant
material, be

[[Page 57650]]
hot-dip galvanized, or be at least of extra-heavy schedule in wall
thickness.
(c) Each Class II non-vital piping-system must be certified by the
builder as suitable for its intended service. A written certificate to
this effect must be submitted with the plans required by
Sec. 127.110(d) of this subchapter.
(d) The OCMI will review the particular installation of each system
for the safety hazards identified in paragraphs (a), (b)(1), and (c)
through (k) of Sec. 56.50-1 of this chapter, and will add requirements
as appropriate.

Sec. 128.230 Penetrations of hulls and watertight bulkheads--materials
and pressure design.

(a) Each piping penetration, in each bulkhead required by this
subchapter to be watertight, must meet the requirements for materials
and pressure design of subchapter F of this chapter.
(b) Each overboard discharge and shell connection, up to and
including required shut-off valves, must meet the requirements for
materials and pressure design of subchapter F of this chapter.

Sec. 128.240 Hydraulic or pneumatic power and control--materials and
pressure design.

(a) Each standard piping component (such as pipe runs, fittings,
flanges, and standard valves) for hydraulic or pneumatic power and
control systems must meet the requirements for materials and pressure
design of Sec. 128.110, 128.210, or 128.220 of this part, as
appropriate.
(b) Any non-standard hydraulic or pneumatic component (such as
control valves, check valves, relief valves, and regulators) may be
accepted by the OCMI or the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center,
if the component is certified by the manufacturer as suitable for
marine service and if--
(1) The component meets each of the requirements for materials and
pressure design of subparts 56.60 and 58.30 of this chapter and if its
service is limited to the manufacturer's rated pressure; or
(2) The service of the component is limited to \1/2\ the
manufacturer's recommended maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) or
\1/10\ the component's burst pressure. Burst-pressure testing is
described in ANSI B 31.1, Paragraph 104.7.A, and must be conducted to
comply with Paragraph A-22, Section, I, ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel
Code. Written certification of results of burst-pressure testing must
be submitted with the plans required by Sec. 127.110(d) of this
subchapter.

Subpart C--Main and Auxiliary Machinery

Sec. 128.310 Fuel.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each
internal-combustion engine installed on an OSV, whether for main
propulsion or for auxiliaries, must be driven by a fuel having a
flashpoint of not lower than 110 degrees F. as determined by ASTM D93.
(b) The use of a fuel with a flashpoint of lower than 110 degrees
F. must be specifically approved by the Commandant (G-MTH), except in
an engine for a gasoline-powered rescue boat.

Sec. 128.320 Exhaust systems.

No diesel-engine exhaust system need meet the material requirements
in Sec. 58.10-5(d)(1)(i) of this chapter if the installation is
certified as required by Sec. 128.220(c) of this part.

Subpart D--Design Requirements for Specific Systems

Sec. 128.310 Ship's service refrigeration systems.

No self-contained unit either for air-conditioning or for
refrigerated spaces for ship's stores need comply with Sec. 58.20-5,
58.20-10, 58.20-15, 58.20-20(a), or 58.20-20(b) of this chapter if--
(a) The unit uses a fluorocarbon refrigerant allowed by part 147 of
this chapter;
(b) The manufacturer certifies that the unit is suitable for its
intended purpose; and
(c) Electrical wiring meets the applicable requirements in
subchapter J of this chapter.

Sec. 128.420 Keel-cooler installations.

(a) Except as provided by this section, each keel-cooler
installation must comply with Sec. 56.50-96 of this chapter.
(b) Approved metallic flexible connections may be located below the
deepest-load waterline if the system is a closed loop below the
waterline and if its vent is located above the waterline.
(c) Fillet welds may be used in the attachment of channels and
half-round pipe sections to the bottom of the OSV.
(d) Short lengths of approved non-metallic flexible hose fixed by
metallic hose-clamps may be used at machinery connections if--
(1) The clamps are of a corrosion-resistant material;
(2) The clamps do not depend on spring tension for their holding
power; and
(3) Two of the clamps are used on each end of the hose, except that
one clamp may be used on an end expanded or beaded to provide a
positive stop against hose slippage.

Sec. 128.430 Grid-cooler installations.

(a) Each hull penetration for a grid-cooler installation must be
made through a cofferdam or at a seachest and must be provided with
isolation valves fitted as close to the sea inlet as possible.
(b) Each grid cooler must be protected against damage from debris
and grounding by protective guards or by recessing the cooler into the
hull.

Sec. 128.440 Bilge systems.

(a) Except as provided by this section, each bilge system must
comply with Secs. 56.50-50 and 56.50-55 of this chapter.
(b) If the steering room, engine room, centerline passageway,
forward machinery space, and compartment containing the dry-mud tanks
are the only below-deck spaces that must be fitted with bilge suctions,
the OSV may be equipped to the standards of Secs. 56.50-50 and 56.50-55
of this chapter applicable to a dry-cargo vessel of less than 180 feet
in length.

Sec. 128.450 Liquid-mud systems.

(a) Liquid-mud systems of piping may use resiliently seated valves
of category A to comply with Secs. 56.20-15 and 56.50-60 of this
chapter.
(b) Tanks for oil-based liquid mud must be fitted with tank vents
equipped with flame screens. Vents must not discharge to the interior
of the OSV.

PART 129--ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS

Subpart A--General Provisions

Sec.
129.100 General.
129.110 Applicability.
129.120 Alternative standards.

Subpart B--General Requirements

129.200 Design, installation, and maintenance.
129.210 Protection from wet and corrosive environments.
129.220 Basic safety.

Subpart C--Power Sources and Distribution Systems

129.310 Power sources.
129.315 Power sources for OSVs of 100 or more gross tons.
129.320 Generators and motors.
129.323 Multiple generators.
129.326 Dual-voltage generators.
129.330 Distribution panels and switchboards.
129.340 Cable and wiring.
129.350 Batteries--general.
129.353 Battery categories.
129.356 Battery installations.
129.360 Semiconductor-rectifier systems.

[[Page 57651]]

129.370 Equipment grounding.
129.375 System grounding.
129.380 Overcurrent protection.
129.390 Shore power.
129.395 Radio installations.

Subpart D--Lighting Systems

129.410 Lighting fixtures.
129.420 Branch circuits for lighting on OSVs of 100 or more gross
tons.
129.430 Navigational lighting.
129.440 Emergency lighting.
129.450 Portable lighting.

Subpart E--Miscellaneous Electrical Systems

129.510 Lifeboat winches.
129.520 Hazardous areas.
129.530 General alarm.
129.540 Remote stopping-systems on OSVs of 100 or more gross tons.
129.550 Power for cooking and heating.
129.560 Engine-order telegraphs on OSVs of 100 or more gross tons.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--General Provisions

Sec. 129.100 General.

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

Sec. 129.110 Applicability.

(a) Except as specifically provided in this part, electrical
installations on OSVs of 100 or more gross tons must comply with
subchapter J of this chapter.
(b) Electrical installations on OSVs of less than 100 gross tons
must meet the--
(1) Requirements of paragraph (a) of this section for vessels of
100 or more gross tons; or
(2) Applicable requirements of this part.

Sec. 129.120 Alternative standards.

(a) An OSV of 65 feet in length or less may meet the following
requirements of the American Yacht and Boat Council Projects, where
applicable, instead of Sec. 129.340 of this part:
(i) E-1, Bonding of Direct Current Systems.
(ii) E-8, AC Electrical System on Boats.
(iii) E-9, DC Electrical Systems on Boats.
(b) An OSV with an electrical installation operating at a potential
of less than 50 volts may comply with Sec. 183.430 of this chapter
instead of Sec. 129.340 of this part.

Subpart B--General Requirements

Sec. 129.200 Design, installation, and maintenance.

Electrical equipment on an OSV must be designed, installed, and
maintained to--
(a) Provide services necessary for safety under normal and
emergency conditions;
(b) Protect crew members, offshore workers, and the OSV from
electrical hazards, including fire, caused by or originating in
electrical equipment and electrical shock;
(c) Minimize accidental personal contact with energized parts; and
(d) Prevent electrical ignition of flammable vapors.

Sec. 129.210 Protection from wet and corrosive environments.

(a) Electrical equipment used in the following spaces must be drip-
proof:
(1) A machinery space.
(2) A space normally exposed to splashing, water wash down, or
other wet conditions within a galley, a laundry, or a public washroom
or toilet room that has a bath or shower.
(3) Every other space with similar wet conditions.
(b) Electrical equipment exposed to the weather must be watertight.
(c) Electrical equipment exposed to corrosive environments must be
of suitable construction and must be resistant to corrosion.

Sec. 129.220 Basic safety.

(a) Electrical equipment and installations must be suitable for the
roll, pitch, and vibration of the OSV under way.
(b) All equipment, including switches, fuses, and lampholders, must
be suitable for the voltage and current used.
(c) Receptacle outlets of the type providing a grounded pole or a
specific direct-current polarity must be of a configuration that does
not permit improper connection.
(d) 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.

Subpart C--Power Sources and Distribution Systems

Sec. 129.310 Power sources.

(a) (1) Each OSV that relies on electricity to power the following
loads must be arranged so that the loads can be energized from at least
two sources of electricity:
(i) Any system identified as a vital system in Sec. 128.130(a) of
this subchapter.
(ii) Interior lights.
(iii) Communication systems.
(iv) Navigational equipment and lights.
(v) Fire-protection equipment.
(2) An OSV with batteries of enough capacity for 3 hours of
continuous operation to supply the loads specified in paragraph (a)(1)
of this section, and with a generator or alternator driven by a
propulsion engine, complies with paragraph (a)(1) of this section.
(b) Where a generator driven by a propulsion engine is used as a
source of electrical power, no speed change, throttle movement, or
change in direction of the propeller shaft of the OSV may interrupt
power to any of the loads specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this
section.

Sec. 129.315 Power sources for OSVs of 100 or more gross tons.

(a) The requirements of this section apply instead of those in
subpart 111.10 of this chapter.
(b) If a generator provides electrical power for any system
identified as a vital system by Sec. 128.130(a) of this subchapter, at
least two power-generating sets must be provided. At least one set must
be independent of the main propulsion plant. A generator not
independent of the main propulsion plant must comply with Sec. 111.10-
4(c) of this chapter. With any one generating set stopped, the
remaining set or sets must provide the power necessary for the loads
required by this section.

Sec. 129.320 Generators and motors.

(a) Each generator and motor must be--
(1) In an accessible space, 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 degrees C. (122 degrees F.), except that--
(1) If the ambient temperature in the space where a generator or
motor is does not exceed 40 degrees C. (104 degrees F.) under normal
operating conditions, the generator or motor may be designed for an
ambient temperature of 40 degrees C.; and
(2) A generator or motor designed for an ambient temperature of 40
degrees C. may be used in a location where the ambient temperature is
50 degrees C., if the generator or motor is derated to 80 percent of
the full-load rating and if the rating or setting of the overcurrent

[[Page 57652]]
devices of the generator or motor is reduced accordingly.
(c) For each generator rated at 50 volts or more, a voltmeter and
an ammeter used for measuring voltage and current while the generator
is in operation must be provided. For each alternating-current
generator, a means for measuring frequency must also be provided. To
ensure satisfactory operation of each generator, additional control
equipment and measuring instruments, if needed, must also be provided.
(d) Each generator must have a nameplate attached to it
indicating--
(1) Name of manufacturer, type of generator, and designation of
frame;
(2) Output in kilowatts, or horsepower rating;
(3) Kind of rating (continuous, overload, or other);
(4) Amperes at rated load, voltage, and frequency;
(5) Number of phases, if applicable;
(6) Type of windings, if DC:
(7) When intended for connection in a normally grounded
configuration, the grounding polarity; and
(8) For a generator derated to comply with paragraph (b)(2) of this
section, the derated capacity.
(e) Each motor must have attached to it a nameplate containing the
information required by Article 430 of NFPA 70.

Sec. 129.323 Multiple generators.

If an OSV uses two or more generators to supply electricity for the
ship's service loads, to comply with Sec. 129.310(a) of this subpart,
the following requirements must be met:
(a) Each generator must have an independent prime mover.
(b) The circuit breaker of a generator to be operated in parallel
with another generator must comply with Secs. 111.05-13, 111.12-11(f),
111.30-19(a), and 111.30-25(d) of this chapter.
(c) The circuit breaker of a generator not to be operated in
parallel with another generator must be interlocked to prevent that
generator from being connected to the switchboard simultaneously with
another.

Sec. 129.326 Dual-voltage generators.

If a dual-voltage generator is installed on an OSV--
(a) The neutral of the dual-voltage system must be solidly grounded
at the switchboard's neutral bus and be accessible for checking the
insulation resistance of the generator to ground before the generator
is connected to the bus; and
(b) Ground detection must be provided that--
(1) For an alternating-current system, complies with Sec. 111.05-27
of this chapter; and
(2) For a direct-current system, complies with Sec. 111.05-29 of
this chapter.

Sec. 129.330 Distribution panels and switchboards.

(a) Each distribution panel or switchboard must be in a location as
dry as practicable, accessible, 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, unless the
switchboard is of a type mounted deck to overhead and is not subject to
falling objects or liquids from above.
(e) Each distribution panel and switchboard accessible from the
rear must be constructed to prevent a person's accidental contact with
energized parts.
(f) Working space must be provided around each main distribution
panel and switchboard of at least 24 inches in front of the switchboard
and, unless it is inaccessible from the rear, of at least 18 inches
from the nearest bulkhead, stiffener, or frame behind the switchboard.
(g) Nonconductive mats or grating must be provided on the deck in
front of each switchboard and, if the switchboard is accessible from
the rear, on the deck behind the switchboard.
(h) Each uninsulated current-carrying part 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 no person will come into accidental
contact with energized parts of the door-mounted equipment when the
door is open and the circuit energized.
(j) Switchboards and distribution panels must be sized in
accordance with Sec. 111.30-19(a) of this chapter.

Sec. 129.340 Cable and wiring.

(a) If individual wires, rather than cables, are used in systems
operating at a potential of greater than 50 volts, the wire and
associated conduit must be run in a protected enclosure. The protected
enclosure must have drain holes to prevent the buildup of condensation.
(b) Each cable and wire must--
(1) Have stranded copper conductors with sufficient current-
carrying capacity for the circuit in which it is used;
(2) Be installed so as to avoid or reduce interference with radio
reception and compass indication;
(3) Be protected from the weather;
(4) Be supported so as to avoid chafing or other damage;
(5) Be installed without sharp bends;
(6) Be protected by metal coverings or other suitable means, if in
areas subject to mechanical abuse;
(7) Be suitable for low temperature and high humidity, if installed
in refrigerated compartments;
(8) Be located outside a tank, unless it supplies power to
equipment in the tank; and
(9) Have sheathing or wire insulation compatible with the fluid in
a tank, when installed to comply with paragraph (b)(8) of this section.
(c) Cable and wire in power and lighting circuits must be #14 AWG
or larger. Cable and wire in control and indicator circuits must be #22
AWG or larger, or be ribbon cable or similar, smaller, conductor-size
cable recommended by the equipment manufacturer for use in circuits for
low-power instrumentation, monitoring, or control.
(d) Cable and wire for power and lighting circuits must--
(1) Comply with Section 310-13 of the NEC (NFPA 70), except that no
asbestos-insulated cable or dry-location cable may be used;
(2) Be listed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. as UL Boat or UL
Marine Shipboard cable; or
(3) Comply with Sec. 111.60-1 of this chapter for cable, and
Sec. 111.60-11 of this chapter for wire.
(e) Cable and wire serving vital systems listed in Sec. 128.130(a)
of this subchapter or serving emergency loads must be routed as far as
practicable from areas at high risk for fire, 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 a terminal part of a
conductor must be made within an enclosure and have a--
(1) Pressure-type connector on each conductor;
(2) Solder lug on each conductor;
(3) Splice made with a pressure-type connector to a flexible lead
or conductor; or
(4) Splice 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, unless there is a
nonrotating follower that travels with the set screw and

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makes pressure contact with the conductor.
(i) Each pressure-type wire connector and lug must comply with UL
486A. No wire nuts may be used.
(j) Each terminal block must have terminal screws 6-32 or larger.
(k) Each wire connector used in conjunction with screw-type
terminal blocks must be of the captive type such as the ring or the
flanged-spade type.
(l) No cable may be spliced in--
(1) A hazardous location; or
(2) Another location, except--
(i) A cable installed in a subassembly may be spliced to a cable
installed in another subassembly;
(ii) For a vessel receiving alterations, a cable may be spliced to
extend a circuit;
(iii) A cable of large diameter or exceptional length may be
spliced to facilitate its installation.
(iv) A cable may be spliced to replace a damaged section of itself
if, before replacement of the damaged section, the insulation
resistance of the remainder of the cable is measured, and the condition
of the insulation is unimpaired.
(m) All material in a cable splice must be chemically compatible
with other material in the splice and with the materials in the cable.
(n) Ampacities for conductors must comply with Section 310-15 of
the NEC (NFPA 70), or with IEEE Standard 45, as appropriate.
(o) Each conductor must be sized so that the voltage drop at the
load terminals does not exceed 10 percent.
(p) Each metallic covering of armored cable must--
(1) Be electrically continuous; and
(2) Be grounded at each end of the run to the--
(i) Hull (on a metallic OSV); or
(ii) Common ground plate (on a nonmetallic vessel); and
(3) Have final sub-circuits grounded at the supply end only.
(q) Each portable or temporary electric cord or cable must be
constructed and used in compliance with the requirements of
Sec. 111.60-13 of this chapter for flexible electric cord or cable.

Sec. 129.350 Batteries--general.

(a) Wherever a battery is charged, there must be natural or induced
ventilation to dissipate the gases generated.
(b) Each battery must be located as high above the bilge as
practicable and be secured to protect against shifting due to roll,
pitch, and heave motions or vibration of the OSV, and free from
exposure to splash or spray of water.
(c) Each battery must be accessible for maintenance and removal.
(d) Each connection to a battery terminal must be made with a
permanent connector, rather than with spring clips or other temporary
clamps.
(e) Each battery must be mounted in a tray lined with, or
constructed of, lead or other material resistant to damage by the
electrolyte.
(f) Each battery charger must have an ammeter connected in the
charging circuit.
(g) Unless the battery is adjacent to a distribution panel or
switchboard that distributes power to the lighting, motor, and
appliance circuits, the battery leads must have fuses in series with
and as close as practicable to the battery.
(h) Each battery used for starting an engine must be located as
close as possible to the engine or engines served.

Sec. 129.353 Battery categories.

This section applies to batteries installed to meet the
requirements of Sec. 129.310(a) for secondary sources of power to vital
loads.
(a) Large. A large battery-installation is one connected to a
battery charger having an output of more than 2 kw, computed from the
highest possible charging current and rated voltage of the battery
installed.
(b) Small. A small battery-installation is one connected to a
battery charger having an output of 2 kw or less, computed from the
highest possible charging current and rated voltage of the battery
installed.

Sec. 129.356 Battery installations.

(a) Large. Each large battery-installation must be located in a
locker, room, or enclosed box dedicated solely to the storage of
batteries. Ventilation must be provided in accordance with Sec. 111.15-
10 of this chapter. Electrical equipment located within the battery
enclosure must be approved by an independent laboratory for hazardous
locations of Class I, Division 1, Group B, and must meet part 111,
subpart 111.105, of this chapter.
(b) Small. Each small battery-installation must be located in a
well-ventilated space and protected from falling objects. No small
battery-installation may be in a closet, storeroom, or similar space.

Sec. 129.360 Semiconductor-rectifier systems.

(a) Each semiconductor-rectifier system must have an adequate heat-
removal system to prevent overheating.
(b) If a semiconductor-rectifier system is used in a propulsion
system or in another vital system, it must--
(1) Have a current-limiting circuit;
(2) Have external overcurrent protection; and
(3) Comply with sections 4/5.84.2 and 4/5.84.4 of the ABS's ``Rules
for Building and Classing Steel Vessels.''

Sec. 129.370 Equipment grounding.

(a) On a metallic OSV each metallic enclosure and frame of
electrical equipment must be permanently grounded to the hull. On a
nonmetallic vessel each enclosure and frame of electrical equipment
must be bonded to each other and to a common ground by a conductor not
normally carrying current.
(b) Each metallic case of instruments must be grounded. So must
each secondary winding of instrument transformers.
(c) Each equipment grounding conductor must be sized to comply with
section 250-95 of NEC (NFPA 70).
(d) Each nonmetallic mast and topmast must have a lightning-ground
conductor.

Sec. 129.375 System grounding.

(a) If a grounded distribution system is provided, there must be
only one connection to ground, regardless of the number of power
sources. This connection must be at the main switchboard.
(b) On each metallic OSV a grounded distribution system must be
grounded to the hull. On each nonmetallic vessel the neutral of a
grounded system must be connected to a common ground plate, except that
no aluminum grounding conductors may be used.
(c) On each nonmetallic OSV with a grounded distribution system,
the common ground plate must have--
(1) Only one connection to the main switchboard; and
(2) The connection to itself readily accessible for checking.
(d) On each nonmetallic OSV with a ground plate provided for radio
equipment, the plate must be connected to the common ground plate.
(e) Each insulated grounding-conductor of a cable must be
identified by one of the following means:
(1) Wrapping of the cable with green braid or green insulation.
(2) Stripping of the insulation from the entire exposed length of
the grounding-conductor.
(3) Marking of the exposed insulation of the grounding-conductor
with green tape or green adhesive labels.
(f) No OSV's hull may carry current as a conductor except for--
(1) An impressed-current cathodic-protection system; or
(2) A battery system to start an engine.
(g) No cable armor may be used to ground electrical equipment or
systems.
(h) Each receptacle outlet and attachment plug, for a portable
lamp,

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tool, or similar apparatus operating at 100 or more volts, must have a
grounding-pole and a grounding-conductor in the portable cord.

Sec. 129.380 Overcurrent protection.

(a) Overcurrent protection must be provided for each ungrounded
conductor, to open the electric circuit if the current reaches a value
that causes an excessive or dangerous temperature in the conductor or
its insulation.
(b) Each 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.
(c) Each generator must be protected by an overcurrent device set
at a value not exceeding 115 percent of the generator's full-load
rating.
(d) Circuits of control systems for steering gear must be protected
against short circuit.
(e) Each feeder circuit for steering gear must be protected by a
circuit breaker that complies with Secs. 111.93-11 (a) and (b) of this
chapter.
(f) Each branch circuit for lighting must be protected against
overcurrent by either fuses or circuit breakers. Neither the fuses nor
the circuit breakers may be rated at more than 30 amperes.
(g) Each conductor must be protected in accordance with its
current-carrying capacity. If the allowable current-carrying capacity
does not correspond to a standard size of device, the next larger
overcurrent device may be used, unless it exceeds 150 percent of the
conductor's current-carrying capacity.
(h) An overcurrent device must be installed to protect each motor
conductor and control apparatus against overcurrent due to short
circuit or ground fault. Each overcurrent device must be capable of
carrying the starting current of the motor.
(i) An emergency switch must be provided in each normally
ungrounded main supply conductor from a battery. The switch must be
accessible from the battery and located as close as practicable to it.
(j) No grounded conductor of a circuit may be disconnected by a
switch or circuit breaker unless the ungrounded conductors are all
simultaneously disconnected.
(k) A means of disconnect must be provided on the supply side of
and adjacent to each fuse, to de-energize the fuse for inspection and
maintenance.
(l) A way for locking the means of disconnect open must be provided
unless the means of disconnect for a fused circuit is within sight of
the equipment that the circuit supplies.
(m) Each fuse must be of the cartridge type and be listed by
Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or another independent laboratory
recognized by the Commandant.
(n) Each circuit breaker must meet UL 489 and be of the manually-
reset type designed for--
(1) Inverse delay;
(2) Instantaneous short-circuit protection; and
(3) Switching duty if the breaker is used as a switch.
(o) Each circuit breaker must indicate whether it is open or
closed.

Sec. 129.390 Shore power.

Each OSV that has an electrical system operating at more than 50
volts and provides for shore power must meet the requirements of this
section:
(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.
(d) The circuit breaker, required by paragraph (c) of this section,
must be interlocked with the OSV's power sources so that shore power
and the vessel's power sources may not operate simultaneously.

Sec. 129.395 Radio installations.

A separate circuit, with overcurrent protection at the switchboard,
must be provided for each radio installation.

Subpart D--Lighting Systems

Sec. 129.410 Lighting fixtures.

(a) Each globe, lens, or diffuser of a lighting fixture must have a
high-strength guard or be made of high-strength material, except in
accommodations, the pilothouse, the galley, or similar locations where
the fixture is not subject to damage.
(b) No lighting fixture may be used as a connection box for a
circuit other than the branch circuit supplying the fixture.
(c) Each lighting fixture must be installed as follows:
(1) Each lighting fixture and lampholder must be fixed. No fixture
may be supported by the screw shell of a lampholder.
(2) Each pendant-type lighting fixture must be suspended by and
supplied through a threaded rigid-conduit stem.
(3) Each tablelamp, desklamp, floorlamp, or similar equipment must
be so secured in place that it cannot be displaced by the roll, pitch,
or vibration of the vessel.
(d) Each lighting fixture in an electrical system operating at more
than 50 volts must comply with UL 595, ``Marine Type Electric Lighting
Fixtures.'' A lighting fixture in an accommodation space, radio room,
galley, or similar interior space may comply with UL 57, ``Electric
Lighting Fixtures,'' 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.

Sec. 129.420 Branch circuits for lighting on OSVs of 100 or more gross
tons.

On each OSV of 100 or more gross tons, each branch circuit for
lighting must comply with Sec. 111.75-5 of this chapter, except that--
(a) Appliance loads, electric-heater loads, and isolated small-
motor loads may be connected to a lighting-distribution panelboard; and
(b) Branch circuits, other than for lighting, connected to the
lighting-distribution panelboard permitted by paragraph (a) of this
section may have fuses or circuit breakers rated at more than 30
amperes.

Sec. 129.430 Navigational lighting.

(a) Each OSV of less than 100 gross tons and less than 65 feet in
length must have navigational lighting in compliance with the
applicable navigation rules.
(b) Each OSV of 100 or more gross tons, or 65 feet or more in
length, must have navigational lighting in compliance with the
applicable navigation rules and with Sec. 111.75-17(d) of this chapter.

Sec. 129.440 Emergency lighting.

(a) An OSV of less than 100 gross tons must have adequate emergency
lighting fitted along the line of escape to the main deck from
accommodations and working (machinery) spaces below the main deck.
(b) The emergency lighting required by paragraph (a) of this
section must automatically actuate upon failure of the main lighting.
Unless an OSV is equipped with a single source of power for emergency
lighting, it must have individual battery-powered lighting that is--
(1) Automatically actuated upon loss of normal power;
(2) Not readily portable;

[[Page 57655]]

(3) Connected to an automatic battery-charger; and
(4) Of enough capacity for 6 hours of continuous operation.

Sec. 129.450 Portable lighting.

Each OSV must be equipped with at least two operable, portable,
battery-powered lights. One of these lights must be located in the
pilothouse, another at the access to the engine room.

Subpart E--Miscellaneous Electrical Systems

Sec. 129.510 Lifeboat winches.

Each lifeboat winch operated by electric power must comply with
subparts 111.95 and 160.015 of this chapter.

Sec. 129.520 Hazardous areas.

(a) No OSV that carries flammable or combustible liquid with a
flashpoint of below 140 degrees F. (60 degrees C.), or carries
hazardous cargoes on deck or in integral tanks, or is involved in
servicing wells, may have electrical equipment installed in pump rooms,
in hose-storage spaces, or within 10 feet of a source of vapor on a
weather deck unless the equipment is explosion-proof or intrinsically
safe under Secs. 111.105-9 or 111.105-11 of this chapter.
(b) No electrical equipment may be installed in any locker used to
store paint, oil, turpentine, or other flammable liquid unless the
equipment is explosion-proof or intrinsically safe under Secs. 111.105-
9 or 111.105-11 of this chapter.
(c) Equipment that is explosion-proof and intrinsically safe must
comply with subpart 111.105 of this chapter.

Sec. 129.530 General alarm.

Each OSV must be fitted with a general alarm that complies with
subpart 113.25 of this chapter.

Sec. 129.540 Remote stopping-systems on OSVs of 100 or more gross
tons.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each OSV
must be fitted with remote stopping-systems that comply with subpart
111.103 of this chapter.
(b) The following remote stopping-systems may substitute for remote
stopping-systems that must comply with subpart 111.103 of this chapter:
(1) For each propulsion unit, in the pilothouse.
(2) For each discharge pump for bilge slop or dirty oil, at the
deck discharge.
(3) For each powered ventilation system, outside the space
ventilated.
(4) For each fuel-oil pump, outside the space containing the pump.
(5) For each cargo-transfer pump for combustible and flammable
liquid, at each transfer-control station.
(c) Remote stopping-systems required by this section may be
combined.

Sec. 129.550 Power for cooking and heating.

(a) Equipment for cooking and heating must be suitable for marine
use. Equipment designed and installed to comply with ABYC Standards A-3
and A-7 or Chapter 6 of NFPA 302 meets this requirement.
(b) The use of gasoline for cooking, heating, or lighting is
prohibited.
(c) The use of liquefied petroleum gas for cooking, heating, or
other purposes must comply with subpart 58.16 of this chapter.
(d) Each electric space-heater must be provided with a thermal cut-
out to prevent overheating.
(e) Each element of an electric space-heater must be enclosed, and
the case or jacket of the element made of a corrosion-resistant
material.
(f) Each electrical connection for a cooking appliance must be
drip-proof.

Sec. 129.560 Engine-order telegraphs on OSVs of 100 or more gross
tons.

No OSV of 100 or more gross tons need carry an engine-order
telegraph.

PART 130--VESSEL CONTROL, AND VARIOUS EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS

Subpart A--Vessel Control

Sec.
130.110 Internal communications on OSVs of less than 100 gross
tons.
130.120 Propulsion control.
130.130 Steering on OSVs of less than 100 gross tons.
130.140 Steering on OSVs of 100 or more gross tons.
Subpart B--Miscellaneous Equipment and Systems
130.210 Radiotelegraph and radiotelephone.
130.220 Design of equipment for cooking and heating.
130.230 Protection from refrigerants.
130.240 Anchors and chains.
Subpart C--Navigational Equipment
130.310 Radar.
130.320 Electronic position-fixing device.
130.330 Charts and nautical publications.
130.340 Compass.
Subpart D--Automation of Unattended Machinery Spaces
130.400 Applicability.
130.410 General.
130.420 Controls.
130.430 Pilothouse control.
130.440 Communications system.
130.450 Machinery alarms.
130.460 Placement of machinery alarms.
130.470 Fire alarms.
130.480 Test procedure and operations manual.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 8105; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--Vessel Control

Sec. 130.110 Internal communications on OSVs of less than 100 gross
tons.

Each OSV of less than 100 gross tons equipped with an independent
auxiliary means of steering, as required by Sec. 130.130(b) of this
subpart, must have a fixed means of communication between the
pilothouse and the place where the auxiliary means of steering is
controlled.

Sec. 130.120 Propulsion control.

(a) Each OSV must have--
(1) A propulsion-control system operable from the pilothouse; and
(2) A means at each propulsion engine of readily disabling the
propulsion-control system to permit local operation.
(b) Each propulsion-control system operable from the pilothouse
must enable--
(1) Control of the speed of each propulsion engine;
(2) Control of the direction of propeller-shaft rotation;
(3) Control of propeller pitch, if a controllable-pitch propeller
is fitted; and
(4) Shutdown of each propulsion engine.
(c) The propulsion-control system operable from the pilothouse may
constitute the remote stopping-system required by Sec. 129.540 of this
subchapter.
(d) Each propulsion-control system, including one operable from the
pilothouse, must be designed so that no one failure of the system
allows the propulsion engine to over speed or the pitch of the
propeller to increase.

Sec. 130.130 Steering on OSVs of less than 100 gross tons.

(a) Each OSV of less than 100 gross tons must have a steering
system that complies with--
(1) Section 130.140 of this subpart; or
(2) This section.
(b) Except as provided by paragraph (i) of this section, each OSV
must have a main and an independent auxiliary means of steering.
(c) The main means of steering (main steering gear) must be--
(1) Of adequate strength for, and capable of, steering the OSV at
each service speed;
(2) Designed to operate at maximum astern speed without being
damaged; and
(3) Capable of moving the rudder from 35 degrees on one side to 30
degrees on the other side in no more than 28 seconds with the vessel
moving ahead at maximum service speed.

[[Page 57656]]

(d) Control of the main steering gear must be available from the
pilothouse, including control of any necessary ancillary device (motor,
pump, valve, or the like). If a power-driven main steering gear is
used, a pilot light must be installed in the pilothouse to indicate
operation of the power units.
(e) The auxiliary means of steering (auxiliary steering gear) must
be--
(1) Of adequate strength for steering the OSV at navigable speed;
(2) Capable of steering the vessel at navigable speed; and
(3) Controlled from a place that--
(i) Can communicate with the pilothouse; or
(ii) Enables the master to safely maneuver the vessel.
(f) The steering gear must be designed so that transfer from the
main steering gear or its control to the auxiliary steering gear or its
control can be achieved rapidly. Any tools or equipment necessary for
transfer must be readily available. Instructions for transfer must be
posted.
(g) Each OSV must have instantaneous protection against short
circuit for electrical-power circuits and control circuits, the
protection sized and located to comply with Secs. 111.93-11 (d) and (e)
of this chapter.
(h) A rudder-angle indicator independent of the control of the main
steering gear must be installed at the steering-control station in the
pilothouse.
(i) No auxiliary steering gear need be installed if--
(1) The main steering gear, including power systems, is installed
in duplicate; or
(2) Multiple-screw propulsion--with independent control of
propulsion from the pilothouse for each screw and with a means to
restrain and center the rudder--is installed, and if that control is
capable of steering the OSV.
(j) Each OSV with duplicate (parallel but cross-connected) power
systems for the main steering gear by way of compliance with paragraph
(i)(1) of this section, may use one of the systems for other purposes
if--
(1) Control of the subordinate parallel system is located at the
steering-control station in the pilothouse;
(2) Full power is available to the main steering gear when the
subordinate parallel system is not in operation;
(3) The subordinate parallel system can be isolated from the means
of steering, and instructions on procedures for isolating it are
posted; and
(4) The subordinate parallel system is materially equivalent to the
steering system.

Sec. 130.140 Steering on OSVs of 100 or more gross tons.

(a) Each OSV of 100 or more gross tons must have a means of
steering that meets the--
(1) Applicable requirements of subchapters F and J of this chapter;
or
(2) Requirements for a hydraulic-helm steering-system in paragraph
(b) of this section.
(b) Each hydraulic-helm steering-system must have the following:
(1) A main steering gear of adequate strength for, and capable of,
steering the OSV at every service speed without being damaged at
maximum astern speed.
(2) A hydraulic system with a MAWP of not more than 1800 psi,
dedicated to steering.
(3) Piping materials that comply with Subchapter F of this chapter,
and piping thickness of at least schedule 80.
(4) Each fore-and-aft run of piping located as far inboard as
practicable.
(5) Rudder stops.
(6) Either--
(i) Two steering pumps in accordance with Sec. 130.130(c)(3) of
this part; or
(ii) A single hydraulic sump of the ``cascading overflow'' type
with a centerline bulkhead open only at the top, if each half has
enough capacity to operate the system.
(7) Control of the main steering gear from the pilothouse,
including--
(i) Control from the helm;
(ii) Control of any necessary ancillary device (motor, pump, valve,
or the like); and
(iii) Adequate visibility when going astern.
(8) Multiple-screw propulsion with independent control of
propulsion from the pilothouse, complying with Sec. 130.120 of this
part and being capable of steering the vessel.
(9) Dual hydraulic cylinders arranged so that either cylinder can
be readily isolated, permitting the other cylinder to remain in service
and move each rudder.
(10) The steering alarms and indicators required by Sec. 111.93-13
of this chapter, located in the pilothouse.
(11) Instantaneous protection against short circuit for electrical
power, and control circuits sized and located as required by
Secs. 111.93-11 (d) and (e) of this chapter.
(12) A rudder-angle indicator, at the steering-control station in
the pilothouse, that is independent of the control of the main steering
gear.
(13) Means to locally start and stop the steering pumps.
(14) Means to isolate any auxiliary means of steering so as not to
impair the reliability and availability of the control required by
paragraph (b)(7) of this section.
(15) Manual capability to center and steady the rudder if the
vessel loses normal steering power.
(c) For compliance with paragraph (b) of this section, one set of
piping among pumps, helm, and cylinders is acceptable.

Subpart B--Miscellaneous Equipment and Systems

Sec. 130.210 Radiotelegraph and radiotelephone.

Each OSV must comply with 47 CFR part 80 as applicable.

Sec. 130.220 Design of equipment for cooking and heating.

(a) Doors on each cooking appliance must be provided with heavy-
duty hinges and locking-devices to prevent accidental opening in heavy
weather.
(b) Each cooking appliance must be installed so as to prevent its
movement in heavy weather.
(c) Each grill or similar cooking appliance must have means to
collect grease or fat and to prevent its spillage onto wiring or the
deck.
(d) On each cooking appliance, grab rails must be installed when
determined by the OCMI to be necessary for safety.
(e) On each cooking appliance, sea rails, with suitable barriers to
prevent accidental movement of cooking pots, must be installed.
(f) Each heater must be constructed and installed so as to prevent
the hanging from it of items such as towels and clothing.

Sec. 130.230 Protection from refrigerants.

(a) For each refrigeration system that exceeds 20 cubic feet of
storage capacity if using ammonia or other hazardous gas, or exceeds
1000 cubic feet of storage capacity if using a fluorocarbon, as a
refrigerant, there must be a self-contained breathing apparatus
available.
(b) Each self-contained breathing apparatus must be stowed
convenient to, but outside of, the space containing the refrigeration
equipment.
(c) A complete recharge in the form of a spare charge must be
carried for each self-contained breathing apparatus. The spare charge
must be stowed with the equipment it is to reactivate.
(d) Each self-contained breathing apparatus must be of a type
approved under subpart 160.011 of this chapter.
(e) The self-contained breathing apparatus in the fireman's outfit
complies with this section.

Sec. 130.240 Anchors and chains.

(a) Each OSV must be fitted with anchors and chains meeting the

[[Page 57657]]
applicable standards set by the ABS for Classed Vessels, including
equipment, except as permitted by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this
section.
(b) As well as the standards incorporated by paragraph (a) of this
section, the following apply:
(1) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section, standards
of the ABS relating to anchor equipment are mandatory, not precatory.
(2) Each vessel of under 200 feet (61 meters) in length and with an
equipment number from the ABS of less than 150 may be equipped with
either--
(i) One anchor of the tabular weight and one-half the tabulated
length of anchor chain listed in the applicable standard; or
(ii) Two anchors of one-half the tabular weight with the total
length of anchor chain listed in the applicable standard, if both
anchors are ready for use at any time and if the windlass is capable of
heaving in either anchor.
(c) Standards of other classification societies may be used,
instead of those established by the ABS, upon approval of the
Commandant.

Subpart C--Navigational Equipment

Sec. 130.310 Radar.

Each OSV of 100 or more gross tons must be fitted with a general
marine radar in the pilothouse.

Sec. 130.320 Electronic position-fixing device.

Each OSV must be equipped with an electronic position-fixing device
satisfactory for the area in which the vessel operates.

Sec. 130.330 Charts and nautical publications.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, as
appropriate for the intended voyage, each OSV must carry adequate and
up-to-date--
(1) Charts of large enough scale to make safe navigation possible;
(2) U.S. Coast Pilot or similar publication;
(3) Coast Guard Light List;
(4) Tide Tables published by the National Ocean Service;
(5) Local Notice or Notices to Mariners; and
(6) Current Tables published by the National Ocean Service, or a
river-current publication issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or
by a river authority, or both.
(b) Any OSV may carry, instead of the complete publications listed
in paragraph (a) of this section, extracts from them for areas it will
transmit.
(c) When operating in foreign waters, an OSV may carry an
appropriate foreign equivalent of any item required by paragraph (a) of
this section.

Sec. 130.340 Compass.

Each OSV must be fitted with a compass suitable for the intended
service of the vessel. Except aboard a vessel limited to daytime
operation, the compass must be illuminated.

Subpart D--Automation of Unattended Machinery Spaces

Sec. 130.400 Applicability.

This subpart applies to each OSV of 100 or more gross tons where
automated systems either replace specific personnel in the control and
observation of the propulsion system and machinery spaces or reduce the
level of crew associated with the vessel's engine department.

Sec. 130.410 General.

(a) Arrangements must be such that under any operating condition,
including maneuvering, the safety of the OSV is equivalent to that of
the same vessel with the machinery spaces fully tended and under direct
manual supervision.
(b) Acceptance by the Coast Guard of automated systems to replace
specific crew members or to reduce overall requirements for crew
members depends upon the--
(1) Capabilities of the automated system;
(2) Combination of crew members, equipment, and systems necessary
to ensure the safety of the OSV, personnel, and environment in each
operating condition, including maneuvering; and
(3) Ability of the crew members to perform each operational
evolution, including to cope with emergencies such as fire and failure
of control or monitoring systems.
(c) Equipment, provided to eliminate crew members in particular or
to reduce crew members in general, that in the judgment of the OCMI
proves unsafe or unreliable must be immediately replaced or repaired;
otherwise, the OCMI will require added crew members to compensate for
the equipment's inadequacy.

Sec. 130.420 Controls.

Each piece of machinery under automatic control must have an
alternative manual means of control.

Sec. 130.430 Pilothouse control.

Each OSV must have, at the pilothouse, controls to start a fire
pump, charge the fire main, and monitor the pressure in the fire main.

Sec. 130.440 Communications system.

(a) Each OSV must have a communications system to immediately
summon a crew member to the machinery space wherever an alarm is
required by Sec. 130.460 of this subpart.
(b) The communications system must be either--
(1) An alarm that--
(i) Is dedicated for this purpose;
(ii) Sounds in the crew accommodations and the normally manned
spaces; and
(iii) Is operable from the pilothouse; or
(2) A telephone operated from the pilothouse that reaches the
master's stateroom, engineer's stateroom, engine room, and crew
accommodations that either--
(i) Is a sound-powered telephone; or
(ii) Gets its power from the emergency switchboard or from an
independent battery continuously charged by its own charger.

Sec. 130.450 Machinery alarms.

(a) Each alarm required by Sec. 130.460 of this subpart must be of
the self-monitoring type that will both show visibly and sound audibly
upon an opening or break in the sensing circuit.
(b) The visible alarm must show until it is manually acknowledged
and the condition is corrected.
(c) The audible alarm must sound until it is manually silenced.
(d) No silenced alarm may prevent any other audible alarm from
sounding.
(e) Each OSV must provide for testing each visible and audible
alarm.
(f) Each OSV must provide battery power for the alarm required by
Sec. 130.460(a)(8) of this subpart.

Sec. 130.460 Placement of machinery alarms.

(a) Visible and audible alarms must be installed at the pilothouse
to indicate the following:
(1) Loss of power for propulsion control.
(2) Loss of power to the steering motor or for control of the main
steering gear.
(3) Engine-room fire.
(4) High bilge-level.
(5) Low lube-oil pressure for each main propulsion engine and each
prime mover of a generator.
(6) For each main propulsion engine and each prime mover of a
generator--
(i) High lube-oil temperature; and
(ii) High jacket-water temperature.
(7) For each reduction gear and each turbocharger with a
pressurized oil system--
(i) Low lube-oil pressure; and
(ii)High lube-oil temperature.
(8) Loss of normal power for the alarms listed in paragraphs (a)(1)
through (a)(7) of this section.

[[Page 57658]]

(b) Sensors for the high-bilge-level alarm required by paragraph
(a)(4) of this section must be installed in--
(1) Each space below the deepest load waterline that contains
pumps, motors, or electrical equipment; and
(2) The compartment that contains the rudder post.
(c) Centralized displays must be installed in the machinery spaces
to allow rapid evaluation of each problem detected by the alarms
required by paragraph (a) of this section.
Equipment-mounted gages or meters are acceptable for this purpose,
if they are grouped at a central site.

Sec. 130.470 Fire alarms.

(a) Each fire detector and control unit must be of a type
specifically approved by the Commandant (G-MMS).
(b) No fire-alarm circuit for the engine room may contain a fire
detector for any other space.
(c) The number and placement of fire detectors must be approved by
the OCMI.

Sec. 130.480 Test procedure and operations manual.

(a) A procedure for tests to be conducted on automated equipment by
the operator and the Coast Guard must be submitted to comply with
Sec. 127.110 of this subchapter.
(b) The procedure for tests must--
(1) Be in a sequential-checkoff format;
(2) Include the required alarms, controls, and communications; and
(3) Set forth details of the tests.
(c) Details of the tests must specify status of equipment,
functions necessary to complete the tests, and expected results.
(d) No tests may simulate conditions by misadjustments, artificial
signals, or improper wiring.
(e) A detailed operations manual that describes the operation and
indicates the location of each system installed to comply with this
part must be submitted to comply with Sec. 127.110 of this subchapter.

PART 131--OPERATIONS

Subpart A--Notice of Casualty and Records of Voyage
Sec.
131.110 Notice and records.

Subpart B--Markings on Vessels

131.210 Hulls.
131.220 Drafts.
131.230 Loadlines and decklines.

Subpart C--Preparation for Emergencies

131.310 List of crew members and offshore workers.
131.320 Safety orientation for offshore workers.
131.330 Emergency instructions.
131.340 Recommended placard for emergency instructions.
131.350 Station bill.
131.360 Responsibilities of licensed or certificated individuals.
Subpart D--Sufficiency and Supervision of Crew of Survival Craft
131.410 Certificate of proficiency.
131.420 Manning and supervision.

Subpart E--Tests, Drills, and Inspections

131.505 Steering gear, whistle, and means of communication.
131.510 Draft and loadline markings.
131.513 Verification of compliance with applicable stability
requirements.
131.515 Periodic sanitary inspections.
131.520 Hatches and other openings.
131.525 Emergency lighting and power.
131.530 Abandon-ship training and drills.
131.535 Firefighting training and drills.
131.540 Operational readiness.
131.545 Maintenance in general.
131.550 Maintenance of falls.
131.555 Spare parts and repair equipment.
131.560 Weekly tests and inspections.
131.565 Monthly tests and inspections.
131.570 Quarterly inspections.
131.575 Yearly inspections and repair.
131.580 Servicing of inflatable liferafts, inflatable lifejackets,
inflatable buoyant apparatus, and inflatable rescue boats.
131.585 Periodic servicing of hydrostatic-release units.
131.590 Firefighting equipment.

Subpart F--Logs

131.610 Logbooks and records.
131.620 Matters that must be logged.
131.630 Entries in official logbooks.

Subpart G--Work Vests

131.710 Approved work vests of unicellular plastic foam.
131.720 Use.
131.730 Shipboard stowage.
131.740 Shipboard inspections.
Subpart H--Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment
131.800 General.
131.805 General alarm bell, switch.
131.810 General alarm bell.
131.815 Alarm for fixed gaseous fire-extinguishing systems.
131.820 Branch lines of fire-extinguishing system.
131.825 Controls of fire-extinguishing system.
131.830 Fire-hose stations.
131.835 Portable fire extinguishers.
131.840 Emergency lighting.
131.845 Instructions for shift of steering gear.
131.850 Rudder orders.
131.855 Lifeboats and rescue boats.
131.860 Rigid liferafts.
131.865 Inflatable liferafts and inflatable buoyant apparatus.
131.870 Lifefloats and buoyant apparatus.
131.875 Lifejackets, immersion suits, and ring lifebuoys.
131.880 Fire hoses and axes.
131.885 Portable magazine chests.
131.890 EPIRBs and SARTs.
131.893 Watertight doors and watertight hatches.
131.896 Remote stopping-systems.
131.899 Fire dampers.

Subpart I--Miscellaneous

131.905 Statutory penalties.
131.910 Notices to mariners and aids to navigation.
131.915 Persons allowed in pilothouse and on navigational bridge.
131.920 Level of manning.
131.925 Compliance with provisions of Certificate of Inspection.
131.930 Display of stability letter.
131.935 Prevention of oil pollution.
131.940 Marine sanitation device.
131.945 Display of plans.
131.950 Placard on lifesaving signals and helicopter recovery.
131.955 Display of license.
131.960 Use of auto-pilot.
131.965 Sounding of whistle.
131.970 Unauthorized lighting.
131.975 Searchlights.
131.980 Lookouts and watches.

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306, 6101, 8105, 10104;
E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--Notice of Casualty and Records of Voyage

Sec. 131.110 Notice and records.

Each OSV must meet the requirements of part 4 of this chapter for
reporting marine casualties and retaining voyage records.

Subpart B--Markings on Vessels

Sec. 131.210 Hulls.

Each OSV must be marked as required by parts 67 and 69 of this
chapter.

Sec. 131.220 Drafts.

(a) Each OSV must have the drafts of the vessel plainly and legibly
marked upon the stem and upon the sternpost or rudderpost, or at any
place at the stern of the vessel that may be necessary for easy
observance. The bottom of each mark must indicate the draft.
(b) Each draft must be taken from the bottom of the keel to the
surface of the water at the location of the marks.
(c) When, because of raked stem or cutaway skeg, the keel does not
extend forward or aft to the draft markings, the datum line from which
the draft is taken must be the line of the bottom of the keel projected
forward or aft, as the case may be, to where the line meets that of the
draft markings projected downward.
(d) When a skeg or other appendage extends below the line of the
keel, the draft at the end of the OSV adjacent to that appendage must
be measured to a line tangent to the lowest part of the appendage and
parallel to the line of the bottom of the keel.

[[Page 57659]]

(e) Drafts must be separated so that the projections of the marks
onto a vertical plane are of uniform height, equal to the vertical
spacing between consecutive marks.
(f) Marks must be painted in a color contrasting with that of the
hull.
(g) Where marks are obscured because of operational constraints or
by protrusions, the OSV must be fitted with a reliable draft-indicating
system from which the drafts at bow and stern can be determined.

Sec. 131.230 Loadlines and decklines.

Each OSV assigned a loadline must have loadline markings and deck-
line markings permanently scribed or embossed as required by subchapter
E of this chapter.

Subpart C--Preparations for Emergencies

Sec. 131.310 List of crew members and offshore workers.

(a) The master of each OSV shall keep a correct list containing the
name of each person that embarks upon and disembarks from the vessel.
(b) The list required by paragraph (a) of this section must be
prepared before the OSV's departure on a voyage, and deposited ashore--
(1) At the facility from which the crew members and offshore
workers embarked;
(2) In a well-marked place at the vessel's normal berth; or
(3) With a representative of the owner or managing operator of the
vessel.

Sec. 131.320 Safety orientation for offshore workers.

(a) Before an OSV gets under way on a voyage, the master shall
ensure that suitable public announcements are made informing each
offshore worker of--
(1) In general terms, emergency and evacuation procedures;
(2) Locations of emergency exits and of embarkation areas for
survival craft;
(3) Locations of stowage of lifejackets and immersion suits;
(4) With demonstration, proper method or methods of donning and
adjusting lifejackets and immersion suits of the type or types carried
on the vessel;
(5) Locations of the instruction placards for lifejackets and other
lifesaving devices;
(6) Explanation that each offshore worker shall don an immersion
suit and a lifejacket when the master determines that hazardous
conditions do or might exist but that offshore workers may don
lifejackets whenever they feel it necessary;
(7) Which hazardous conditions might require the donning of
lifejackets and immersion suits;
(8) Types and locations of any other lifesaving device carried on
the vessel;
(9) Locations and contents of the ``Emergency Instructions''
required by Sec. 131.330;
(10) Survival craft to which assigned;
(11) Any hazardous materials on the vessel; and
(12) Any conditions or circumstances that constitute a risk to
safety.
(b) The master of each OSV shall ensure that each offshore worker
boarding the vessel on a voyage after the initial public announcement
has been made as required by paragraph (a) of this section also hears
the information in paragraph (a) of this section.

Sec. 131.330 Emergency instructions.

(a) Except as otherwise provided by this section, the master of
each OSV shall prepare and post durable emergency-instruction placards
in conspicuous locations accessible to the crew members and offshore
workers.
(b) The instruction placards must contain the recommended
``Emergency Instructions'' listed in Sec. 131.340 that, in the judgment
of the OCMI, apply. The placards must be further designed to address
the equipment, arrangement, and operation peculiar to each OSV.

Sec. 131.340 Recommended placard for emergency instructions.

The following is a recommended format and content of the placard
for emergency instructions:

Emergency Instructions

(a) Rough weather at sea, crossing of hazardous bars, or flooding.
(1) Close each watertight and weathertight door, hatch, and air-
port to prevent taking water aboard or further flooding in the OSV.
(2) Keep bilges dry to prevent loss of stability from water in
bilges. Use power-driven bilge pump, hand pump, and buckets to dewater.
(3) Align fire pumps to serve as bilge pumps if possible.
(4) Check, for leakage, each intake and discharge line that
penetrates the hull.
(5) Offshore workers remain seated and evenly distributed.
(6) Offshore workers don immersion suits (if required aboard) or
lifejackets if the going becomes very rough, if the vessel is about to
cross a hazardous bar, if flooding begins, or when ordered to by the
master.
(7) Never abandon the vessel unless actually forced to, or ordered
to by the master.
(8) Prepare survival craft--life floats, (inflatable) rafts,
(inflatable) buoyant apparatus, and boats--for launching.
(b) ``Man overboard''.
(1) Throw a ring buoy into the water as close to the person
overboard as possible.
(2) Post a lookout to keep the person overboard in sight.
(3) Launch the rescue boat and maneuver it to pick up the person
overboard, or maneuver the OSV to pick up the person.
(4) Have a crew member put on an immersion suit or lifejacket, have
a safety line made fast to the crew member, and have the crew member
stand by to jump into the water to assist the person overboard if
necessary.
(5) If the person overboard is not immediately located--
(i) Notify other vessels in the vicinity, and the Coast Guard; and
(ii) Continue searching until released by the Coast Guard.
(c) Fire.
(1) Cut off air to the fire: close hatches, ports, doors, manual
ventilators, and the like and shut off the ventilation system.
(2) Deenergize electrical systems supplying the affected
compartment.
(3) Immediately use a portable fire extinguisher aimed at the base
of the flames. Never use water on electrical fires.
(4) If the fire is in machinery spaces, shut off the fuel supply
and ventilation system and activate any fixed extinguishing-system.
(5) Maneuver the OSV to minimize the effect of wind on the fire.
(6) If unable to control the fire, notify other vessels in the
vicinity, and the Coast Guard.
(7) Move offshore workers away from fire; have them don lifejackets
and, if necessary, prepare to abandon the OSV.

Sec. 131.350 Station bill.

(a) The master of each OSV shall post a station bill if the
vessel's Certificate of Inspection requires more than four crew
members, including the master.
(b) The station bill must be posted in the pilothouse and in
conspicuous places in crew members' and offshore workers'
accommodations.
(c) The station bill must set forth the special duties and duty
stations of each crew member for various emergencies. The duties must,
as far as possible, be comparable to and compatible with the regular
work of the member. The duties must include at least the following and
should comprise any other duties necessary for the proper handling of a
particular emergency:
(1) The closing of hatches, air-ports, watertights doors, vents,
and scuppers,

[[Page 57660]]
and of intake valves and discharge lines that penetrate the hull; the
stopping of fans and ventilating systems; and the operating of safety
equipment.
(2) The preparing and launching of survival craft and rescue boats.
(3) The extinguishing of fire.
(4) The mustering of offshore workers, which includes--
(i) Assembling them and seeing that they are properly dressed and
have donned their immersion suits and lifejackets; and
(ii) Directing them to their appointed stations.

Sec. 131.360 Responsibilities of licensed or certificated individuals.

Nothing in the emergency instructions or in any station bill
required by this subpart exempts any licensed or certificated
individual from the exercise of good judgment in an emergency.

Subpart D--Sufficiency and Supervision of Crew of Survival Craft

Sec. 131.410 Certificate of proficiency.

A merchant mariner's document with an endorsement of lifeboatman or
another inclusive rating under part 12 of this title is evidence of
training in survival craft and serves as a certificate of proficiency.
For this subpart, a ``certificated'' person is a person holding a
merchant mariner's document with such an endorsement.

Sec. 131.420 Manning and supervision.

(a) There must be enough trained persons aboard each survival craft
to muster and assist untrained persons.
(b) Except as permitted by paragraph (c)(2) of this section, there
must be enough deck officers, able seamen, or other certificated
persons aboard each survival craft to manage the launching and handling
of the survival craft.
(c) One person must be placed in charge of each survival craft to
be used.
(1) Except as permitted by paragraph (c)(2) of this section, the
person in command must be a deck officer, able seaman, or other
certificated person.
(2) Considering the nature of the voyage, the number of persons
permitted aboard, and the characteristics of the OSV, including gross
tonnage, the OCMI may permit persons practiced in the handling of
liferafts to be placed in charge of liferafts instead of persons
required under paragraph (c)(1) of this section.
(3) A deck officer, able seaman, or other certificated person shall
serve as second-in-command for each lifeboat either--
(i) Carried on a vessel in ocean service; or
(ii) Permitted to carry more than 40 persons.
(d) The person in charge and the second-in-command of each survival
craft shall have a list of crew members and offshore workers assigned
to the craft and shall see that the crew members are acquainted with
their duties.
(e) Each motorized survival craft must have assigned a person
capable of operating the engine and carrying out minor adjustments.
(f) The master shall ensure that the persons required under
paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this section are equitably distributed
among the OSV's survival craft.

Subpart E--Tests, Drills, and Inspections

Sec. 131.505 Steering gear, whistle, and means of communication.

(a) On each OSV expected to be away from shore for more than 48
hours, the master shall examine and test the steering gear, the
whistle, and the means of communication between the pilothouse and the
engine room 12 or fewer hours before departure. On every other vessel,
the master shall do the same at least once a week.
(b) The date of each test and examination and the condition of the
equipment must be noted in the OSV's logbook.

Sec. 131.510 Draft and loadline markings.

(a) The master of each OSV on an ocean or coastwise voyage shall
enter in the vessel's logbook the drafts of the vessel, forward and
aft, when leaving port.
(b) The master of each OSV subject to the requirements of
subchapter E of this chapter shall, upon departure from port on an
ocean or coastwise voyage, enter in the vessel's logbook a statement of
the position of the loadline markings, port and starboard, relative to
the surface of the water in which the vessel is then floating.
(c) If the master when recording draft compensates for the density
of the water in which the OSV is floating, he or she shall note this
density in the vessel's logbook.

Sec. 131.513 Verification of compliance with applicable stability
requirements.

(a) After loading but before departure, and at other times
necessary to assure the safety of the OSV, the master shall verify that
the vessel complies with requirements in its trim-and-stability book,
stability letter, Certificate of Inspection, and Loadline Certificate,
whichever apply, and then enter a statement of the verification in the
logbook. The vessel may not leave port until it is in compliance with
these requirements.
(b) When determining compliance with applicable stability
requirements, the master shall ascertain the OSV's draft, trim, and
stability as necessary; and any stability calculations made in support
of the determination must remain aboard the vessel for the duration of
the voyage.

Sec. 131.515 Periodic sanitary inspections.

(a) The master shall make periodic inspections of the quarters,
toilet and washing spaces, serving pantries, galleys, and the like, to
ensure that those spaces are maintained in a sanitary condition.
(b) The master shall enter in the OSV's logbook the results of
these inspections.

Sec. 131.520 Hatches and other openings.

Before any OSV leaves protected waters, the master shall ensure
that exposed cargo hatches and other openings in the hull are closed;
made properly watertight by the use of tarpaulins, gaskets, or similar
devices; and properly secured for sea.

Sec. 131.525 Emergency lighting and power.

(a) The master of each OSV shall ensure that fitted systems for
lighting and power in emergencies are tested at least once each week
that the vessel is operated, to verify that they work.
(b) The master shall ensure that emergency generators driven by
internal-combustion engines run under load for at least 2 hours at
least once each month that the OSV is operated.
(c) The master shall ensure that storage batteries driving fitted
systems for emergency lighting and power are tested at least once each
6 months that the OSV is operated, to demonstrate the ability of the
batteries to supply the emergency loads for the period specified by
Table 112.05-5(a) of this chapter for cargo vessels.
(d) The date of each test and the condition and performance of the
apparatus must be noted in the OSV's logbook.

Sec. 131.530 Abandon-ship training and drills.

(a) Material for abandon-ship training must be present on each OSV.
The material must consist of a manual of one or more volumes, or
audiovisual training aids, or both.
(1) The material must contain instructions and information about
the lifesaving appliances aboard the vessel and about the best methods
of survival. Any manual must be written in easily understood terms,
illustrated wherever possible.

[[Page 57661]]

(2) If a manual is used, there must be a copy in each messroom and
recreation room for crew members or in each stateroom for them. If
audiovisual aids are used, they must be incorporated in the training
sessions aboard under paragraph (d) of this section.
(3) The material must explain the--
(i) Method of donning immersion suits and lifejackets carried
aboard;
(ii) Mustering at assigned stations;
(iii) Proper boarding, launching, and clearing of survival craft
and rescue boats;
(iv) Method of launching survival craft by people within them;
(v) Method of releasing survival craft from launching-appliances;
(vi) Use of devices for protecting survival craft in launching-
areas, where appropriate;
(vii) Illumination of launching-areas;
(viii) Use of each item of survival equipment;
(ix) Instructions for emergency repair of lifesaving appliances;
(x) Use of radio lifesaving-appliances, with illustrations;
(xi) Use of sea anchors;
(xii) Use of engine and accessories, where appropriate;
(xiii) Recovery of survival craft and rescue boats, including
stowage and securing;
(xiv) Hazards of exposure and need for warm clothing;
(xv) Best use of survival craft for survival; and
(xvi) Methods of retrieving personnel, including use of helicopter-
mounted rescue gear (slings, baskets, stretchers) and vessel's line-
throwing apparatus.
(b) An abandon-ship drill must be held on each OSV in alternate
weeks. If none can be held during the appointed week, because of bad
weather or other unavoidable constraint, one must be held at the first
opportunity afterward. If the crew changes more than once in any 2
weeks, one must be held as soon after the arrival of each crew as
practicable.
(1) Any crew member excused from an abandon-ship drill must
participate in the next one, so that each member participates in at
least one each month. Unless more than 25 percent of the members have
participated in one on that particular vessel in the previous month,
one must be held before the vessel leaves port if reasonable and
practicable; but, unless the Commandant (G-MMS) accepts arrangements as
at least equivalent, one must be held not later than 24 hours after the
vessel leaves port in any event.
(2) On a voyage likely to take more than 24 hours to complete:
(i) A muster of offshore workers must be held on departure. The
master shall ensure that each worker is assigned to a survival craft
and is told where to find it. Each person in charge of such a craft
shall maintain a list of workers assigned to the craft.
(ii) On a voyage likely to take 24 or fewer hours to complete, the
master shall call the attention of each offshore worker to the
emergency instructions required by Sec. 131.330.
(3) Each abandon-ship drill must include:
(i) Summoning of crew members and offshore workers to survival
craft with the general alarm.
(ii) Simulation of an abandon-ship emergency that varies from drill
to drill.
(iii) Reporting of crew members and offshore workers to survival
craft, and preparing for, and demonstrating the duties assigned under
the procedure described in the station bill for, the particular
abandon-ship emergency being simulated.
(iv) Checking to see that crew members and offshore workers are
suitably dressed.
(v) Checking to see that immersion suits and lifejackets are
correctly donned.
(vi) Lowering of at least one lifeboat (far enough that the davit
head has completed its travel and the fall wire of the lifeboat has
begun to pay out) or, if no lifeboats are required, lowering of one
rescue boat, after any necessary preparation for launching.
(vii) Starting and operating of the engine of the lifeboat or
rescue boat.
(viii) Operation of davits used for launching liferafts.
(4) As far as practicable, at successive drills different lifeboats
must be lowered to meet the requirements of paragraph (b)(3)(vi) of
this section.
(5) As far as practicable, each abandon-ship drill must be
conducted as if there were an actual emergency.
(6) Each lifeboat must be launched with its assigned crew aboard
during an abandon-ship drill, and be maneuvered in the water, at least
once each 3 months that the OSV is operated.
(7) Each rescue boat must be launched with its assigned crew aboard
and be maneuvered in the water--
(i) Once each month that the OSV is operated, if reasonable and
practicable; but
(ii) In any event, at least once each 3 months that the OSV is
operated.
(8) If drills for launching lifeboats and rescue boats are carried
out with the vessel making headway, the drills must, because of the
danger involved, be practiced only in waters where the drills are safe,
under the supervision of an officer experienced in such drills.
(9) At least one abandon-ship drill each 3 months must be held at
night, unless the master determines it unsafe.
(10) Emergency lighting for mustering and abandonment must be
tested at each abandon-ship drill.
(c) The master of each OSV carrying immersion suits shall ensure
that--
(1) Each crew member either--
(i) Wears an immersion suit in at least one abandon-ship drill a
month unless it is impracticable because of warm weather; or
(ii) Participates in at least one immersion-suit drill a month that
includes donning an immersion suit and being instructed in its use;
(2) In each abandon-ship drill, each offshore worker aboard is
instructed in the use of immersion suits; and
(3) Each offshore worker is told at the beginning of the voyage
where immersion suits are stowed aboard and is encouraged to read the
instructions for donning and using the suits.
(d) Each crew member aboard the OSV must be given training in the
use of lifesaving appliances and in the duties assigned by the station
bill.
(1) Except as provided by paragraph (d)(2) of this section,
training aboard in the use of the vessel's lifesaving appliances,
including equipment on survival craft, must be given to each crew
member as soon as possible but not later than 2 weeks after the member
joins the vessel.
(2) If a crew member is on a regularly scheduled rotating
assignment to a vessel, training aboard in the use of the vessel's
lifesaving appliances, including equipment on survival craft, must be
given to the member not later than 2 weeks after the member first joins
the vessel.
(3) Each crew member must be instructed in the use of the vessel's
lifesaving equipment and appliances and in survival at sea during
alternate weeks, normally in the weeks when abandon-ship drills are not
held. If individual instructional sessions cover different parts of the
vessel's lifesaving system, they must cover each part of the vessel's
lifesaving equipment and appliances each 2 months. Each member must be
instructed in at least--
(i) Operation and use of the vessel's inflatable liferafts;
(ii) Problems of hypothermia, first aid for hypothermia, and other
appropriate procedures; and
(iii) Special procedures necessary for use of the vessel's
lifesaving equipment and appliances in heavy weather.
(4) Training in the use of davit-launched inflatable liferafts must
take place at intervals of not more than 4 months on each vessel with
such

[[Page 57662]]
liferafts. Whenever practicable this must include the inflation and
lowering of a liferaft. If this liferaft is a special one intended for
training only, and is not part of the vessel's lifesaving system, it
must be conspicuously so marked.
(e) Dates when musters are held, details of abandon-ship drills,
drills on other lifesaving equipment and appliances, and training
aboard must be entered in the OSV's official logbook. Each logbook
entry must include the following, as applicable:
(1) Time and date.
(2) Length of drill or training session.
(3) Identification of survival craft used in drills.
(4) Subject of training session.
(5) Statement on the condition of the equipment used.
(6) Unless a full muster, drill, or training session is held at the
appointed time, the circumstances and the extent of the muster, drill,
or training session held.

Sec. 131.535 Firefighting training and drills.

(a) A fire drill must be held on each OSV, normally in alternate
weeks, It must not be held as part of the abandon-ship drill, nor
immediately before or after the abandon-ship drill. If none can be held
on schedule, because of bad weather or other unavoidable constraint,
one must be held at the next opportunity.
(b) Any crew member excused from a fire drill must participate in
the next one, so that each member participates in at least one each
month. Unless more than 25 percent of the members have participated in
one on that particular OSV in the previous month, one must be held
before the vessel leaves port if reasonable and practicable; but,
unless the Commandant (G-MMS) accepts arrangements as at least
equivalent, one must be held not later than 24 hours after the vessel
leaves port in any event.
(c) Each fire drill must include:
(1) Summoning of crew members and offshore workers to their
stations with the general alarm.
(2) Simulation of a fire emergency that varies from drill to drill.
(3) Reporting of crew members and offshore workers to stations, and
preparing for, and demonstrating of the duties assigned under the
procedure described in the station bill for, the particular fire
emergency being simulated.
(4) Starting of fire pumps and use of a sufficient number of
outlets to determine that the system is working right.
(5) Bringing out of each breathing apparatus and other item of
rescue and safety equipment from the emergency-equipment lockers, and
demonstrating of the use of each item by the person or persons that
will make use of it.
(6) Operation of each watertight door.
(7) Operation of each self-closing fire door.
(8) Closing of each fire door and each door within the fire
boundary.
(9) Closing of each ventilation closure of each space protected by
a fixed fire-extinguishing system.
(d) Each fire drill must, as far as practicable, be conducted as if
there were an actual emergency.
(e) The dates when fire drills are held, and details of training in
fire fighting and of fire drills, must be entered in the OSV's official
logbook. Each logbook entry must include the following, as applicable:
(1) Time and date.
(2) Length of drill or training session.
(3) Number and lengths of hose used.
(4) Subject of training session.
(5) Statement on the condition of the equipment used.
(6) Unless a full drill or training session is held at the
appointed time, the circumstances and the extent of the drill or
training session held.

Sec. 131.540 Operational readiness.

(a) Except as provided by Sec. 131.545(e) of this subpart, each
lifesaving appliance and each item of equipment for a lifeboat,
liferaft, survival craft, rescue boat, life float, or buoyant apparatus
must be in good working order and ready for immediate use before the
OSV leaves port and at any time when the vessel is away from port.
(b) Each deck where a lifeboat, liferaft, survival craft, rescue
boat, life float, or buoyant apparatus is stowed, launched, or boarded
must be kept clear of obstructions that would interfere with the
breaking out, launching, or boarding of the lifesaving appliance.

Sec. 131.545 Maintenance in general.

(a) For each lifesaving appliance, the manufacturer's instructions
for maintenance of the appliances aboard must be aboard and must
include the following:
(1) Checklists for use in the inspections required by
Sec. 131.565(a) of this subpart.
(2) Instructions for maintenance and repair.
(3) A schedule of periodic maintenances.
(4) A diagram of lubrication points with the recommended
lubricants.
(5) A list of replaceable parts.
(6) A list of sources of spare parts.
(7) A log for records of inspections, maintenance, and repair.
(b) The master shall ensure that maintenance is carried out to
comply with the instructions required by paragraph (a) of this section.
(c) For lifesaving appliances constructed on or before July 1,
1986, paragraph (a) of this section need be complied with only to the
extent that appliances' manufacturers' instructions are available.
(d) The OCMI may accept, instead of the instructions required by
paragraph (a) of this section, a program for planned shipboard
maintenance that includes the items listed in that paragraph.
(e) If lifeboats and rigid liferafts are maintained and repaired
while the OSV is under way, there must be enough lifeboats and rigid
liferafts available for use on each side of the vessel to accommodate
each person aboard the vessel.
(f) Except in an emergency, no extensive repairs or alterations may
be made to any lifesaving appliance without advance notice to the OCMI.
As far as possible, each repair or alteration must be made to comply
with the requirements for the appliance in subchapter Q of this
chapter. The OCMI may require each appliance that has been extensively
repaired or in any way altered to undergo each pertinent test in
subchapter Q.
(g) The master shall report each emergency repair or alteration to
a lifesaving appliance, as soon as practicable, either to the OCMI in
the next ports in the United States where the OSV calls or, if the OSV
does not regulatory call at ports in the United States, to the OCMI
responsible for the next foreign port where the vessel calls.
(h) No lifeboat or rigid liferaft may be repaired or reconditioned
for use on an OSV other than the one it was originally built for,
unless specifically permitted by the OCMI. The lifeboat or rigid
liferaft must be so repaired or reconditioned under the supervision of
the OCMI, unless the OCMI specifically allows otherwise.

Sec. 131.550 Maintenance of falls.

(a) Each fall used with a launching appliance must be turned end
for end oat intervals of not more than 30 months.
(b) Each fall used with a launching appliance must be renewed
either when necessary because of deterioration or after the passage of
not more than 5 years, whichever occurs earlier.
(c) Each fall used with a launching appliance must have a
corrosion-resistant tag permanently marked with--
(1) The date the new fall was installed; and
(2) The last date, if any, the fall was turned end for end.

[[Page 57663]]

Sec. 131.555 Spare parts and repair equipment.

Spare parts and repair equipment must be provided for each
lifesaving appliance and component that either is subject to excessive
wear or consumption or needs to be replaced regularly. These parts and
equipment must be kept aboard the OSV, except that, if the vessel
operates daily out of the same shore base, they may be kept at that
base.

Sec. 131.560 Weekly tests and inspections.

The following tests and inspections must be carried out weekly:
(a) Each lifesaving appliance and launching appliance must be
visually inspected to ensure that it is ready for use.
(b) Each engine of a lifeboat or a rescue boat must be run ahead
and astern for not less than 3 minutes, unless the ambient temperature
is below the minimal temperature required for starting the engine.
(c) The general alarm system must be activated.
(d) Each battery for starting the engine of a lifeboat or a rescue
boat, or for energizing a searchlight, a fixed installation of a radio
in a lifeboat, or a portable radio, must be brought up to full charge
at least once a week if the battery is--
(1) Of a type that requires recharging; and
(2) Not connected to a device that keeps it continuously charged.
(e) The transmitter of each fixed installation of a radio in a
lifeboat and that of each portable radio must be tried out at least
once a week with a dummy antenna load.

Sec. 131.565 Monthly tests and inspections.

(a) Each lifesaving appliance, including lifeboat equipment, must
be inspected monthly against the checklist required by
Sec. 131.545(a)(1) of this subpart to ensure that it is aboard and in
good order. A report of the inspection, including a statement on the
condition of the appliance, must be entered in the OSV's logbook.
(b) Each emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) and
each search and rescue transponder (SART), other than an EPIRB or SART
in an inflatable liferaft, must be tested monthly. The EPIRB must be
tested using the integrated test circuit and the output indicator to
determine that it works.

Sec. 131.570 Quarterly inspections.

(a) Each apparatus that controls a lifeboat winch, including motor
controllers, emergency switches, master switches, and limit switches,
must be inspected once each 3 months.
(b) The inspection must involve the removal of drain plugs and the
opening of drain valves to ensure that enclosures are free of water.
(c) The date of the inspection required by this section and the
condition of the equipment must be entered in the OSV's logbook.

Sec. 131.575 Yearly inspections and repair.

(a) Each lifeboat, rescue boat, rigid liferaft, buoyant apparatus,
and life float must be stripped, cleaned, and thoroughly inspected and
repaired as needed at east once a year. This procedure includes
emptying and cleaning each fuel tank and refilling it with fresh fuel.
(b) Each davit, winch, fall, and other launching-appliance must be
thoroughly inspected and repaired as needed once a year.
(c) Each item of survival equipment with an expiration date must be
replaced during the annual inspection and repair if this date has
passed.
(d) Each battery used in an item of survival equipment and clearly
marked with an expiration date must be replaced during the annual
inspection and repair if this date has passed.
(e) Except a storage battery used in a lifeboat or in a rescue
boat, each battery used in an item of survival equipment and not
clearly marked with an expiration date must be replaced during the
annual inspection and repair.
(f) Compliance with the requirements of this section does not
relieve the master or person in charge of the duty of compliance with
requirements in Sec. 131.540(a) of this subpart to keep the equipment
ready for immediate use when the OSV is under way.

Sec. 131.580 Servicing of inflatable liferafts, inflatable
lifejackets, inflatable buoyant apparatus, and inflated rescue boats.

(a) Each inflatable liferaft, inflatable lifejacket, inflatable
buoyant apparatus, and hybrid inflatable lifejacket or work vest must
be serviced within 12 months of--
(1) Its initial packing; and
(2) Each subsequent servicing, except when a servicing due after 12
months is delayed not more than 5 months until the next scheduled
inspection of the OSV.
(b) Each inflatable liferaft and inflatable buoyant apparatus must
be serviced--
(1) Whenever the container of the raft is damaged, or the straps or
seal broken; and
(2) In compliance with subpart 160.051 of this chapter.
(c) Each inflatable lifejacket must be serviced in compliance with
subpart 160.176 of this chapter.
(d) Each hybrid inflatable lifejacket or work vest must be serviced
in compliance with subpart 160.077 of this chapter.
(e) Repair and maintenance of inflated rescue boats must follow the
manufacturers' instructions. Each repair, except an emergency repair
made aboard the OSV, must be made at servicing facilities approved by
the Commandant (G-MMS).

Sec. 131.585 Periodic servicing of hydrostatic-release units.

(a) Except a disposable hydrostatic-release unit with an expiration
date, each hydrostatic-release unit must be serviced--
(1) Within 12 months of its manufacture and within 12 months of
each subsequent servicing, except when a servicing due after 12 months
is delayed not more than 5 months until the next scheduled inspection
of the OSV; and
(2) In compliance with subpart 160.062 of this chapter.
(b) The springs of each spring-tensioned gripe used with a
hydrostatic-release unit must be renewed when the unit is serviced and
tested.

Sec. 131.590 Firefighting equipment.

(a) The master shall ensure that the OSV's required firefighting
equipment is on board in the prescribed location and always ready for
use, other than when the equipment is being serviced.
(b) The master shall, at least once each 12 months, ensure the
performance of the tests and inspections of each portable fire
extinguisher, semiportable fire extinguisher, and fixed fire-
extinguishing system aboard described by Tables 132.350(a) and
132.350(b) of this subchapter.
(c) The master shall keep records of these tests and inspections,
showing the dates of their performance, the number or other
identification of each unit undergoing them, and the name of the person
or company conducting them. The records must be made available to the
marine inspector upon request and must be kept for the period of
validity of the OSV's current Certificate of Inspection.
(d) The conducting of tests and inspections required by this
section does not relieve the master of his responsibility to maintain
the prescribed firefighting equipment in working order for use at any
time when the OSV is under way.

[[Page 57664]]

Subpart F--Logs

Sec. 131.610 Logbooks and records.

(a) Each OSV must by statute, or by regulations in this subchapter,
have certain logbooks or records. The master shall make specific
entries required by statute, or by regulations in this subchapter.
(b) 46 U.S.C. 11301 states that a vessel of the United States,
except one on a voyage from a port in the United States to a port in
Canada, shall have an official logbook if the vessel is--
(1) On a voyage from a port in the United States to a foreign port;
or
(2) Of at least 100 gross tons and on a voyage between a port in
the United States on the Atlantic Ocean and one on the Pacific Ocean.
(c) The Coast Guard gratuitously furnishes to masters of vessels of
the United States the official logbook as Form CG-706B or CG-706C,
depending upon the number of persons employed as crew. The first
several pages of this logbook list various acts of Congress governing
logbooks and the entries required in them.
(d) When a voyage is completed, or after a specified time has
elapsed, the master shall file the official logbook containing required
entries with the OCMI at or nearest the port where the vessel may be.
(e) Unless an official logbook is required, the owner, operator, or
master shall supply an alternative log or record for making entries
required by law, including regulations in this subchapter. This log or
record need not be filed with the OCMI, but must be kept available for
review by a marine inspector for a year after the date that the latest
entry concerns.

Sec. 131.620 Matters that must be logged.

The following matters must be entered in each OSV's logbook:
(a) Safety Orientation for Offshore Workers. As held. See
Sec. 131.320.
(b) Tests and inspection of Steering Gear, Whistle, and Means of
Communication. Before departure. See Sec. 131.505.
(c) Draft and Loadline Markings. Before leaving port. Ocean and
coastwise voyages only. See Sec. 131.510.
(d) Verification of Compliance with Applicable Stability
Requirements. See Sec. 131.513.
(e) Periodic Sanitary Inspections. After periodic sanitary
inspections made by the master. See Sec. 131.515.
(f) Hatches and Other Openings. Each opening and closing, or
departure from port without closing (except by vessels on protected
waters). See Sec. 131.520.
(g) Tests of Emergency Lighting and Power. Weekly and twice-yearly.
See Sec. 131.525.
(h) Abandon-Ship Training and Drills, and Firefighting Training and
Drills. As held. See Secs. 131.530 and 131.535.
(i) Inspection of Lifeboat Winches. Once each 3 months. See
Sec. 131.570.

Sec. 131.630 Entries in official logbooks.

On each OSV required to have an Official Logbook, the items
required by 46 U.S.C. 11301 must be entered in the logbook, as well as
the items required by Sec. 131.620.

Subpart G--Work Vests

Sec. 131.710 Approved work vests of unicellular plastic foam.

Each buoyant work vest carried aboard must be approved under
subpart 160.053 of this chapter or, as a commercial hybrid personal
flotation device, under subpart 160.077 of this chapter.

Sec. 131.720 Use.

(a) An approved buoyant work vest is an item of safety apparel and
may be carried aboard for wear by a crew member when working near or
over the water.
(b) The vest may not count against an OSV's complement of
lifejackets.
(c) The vest may not be worn instead of a lifejacket during a
drill.

Sec. 131.730 Shipboard stowage.

(a) The master shall ensure that no buoyant work vest is stowed
where any lifejacket is stowed.
(b) Each space containing a vest must be marked ``WORK VEST''.

Sec. 131.740 Shipboard inspections.

Each buoyant work vest must be subject to examination by a marine
inspector, to determine its serviceability. If found serviceable, it
may continue in service; but no buoyant work vest is stamped as
inspected. If not found serviceable, and if determined irreparable by
the inspector, a buoyant work vest must be destroyed in the presence of
the inspector.

Subpart H--Markings for Fire Equipment and Emergency Equipment

Sec. 131.800 General.

(a) This section prescribes markings necessary for the guidance of
persons aboard in case of an emergency. The markings may be modified or
omitted, if they are unnecessary because the OSV is small or particular
circumstances warrant and if the OCMI approves.
(b) Each stateroom notice, directional sign, and the like must be
printed in English and in other languages appropriate to the service of
the OSV.
(c) Where this subpart specifies red letters, letters of a
contrasting color on a red background are acceptable.

Sec. 131.805 General alarm bell, switch.

The switch in the pilothouse that activates the general alarm bell
must be clearly and permanently identified either by letters on a metal
plate or with a sign in red letters on a suitable background: ``GENERAL
ALARM.''

Sec. 131.810 General alarm bell.

Each general alarm bell must be identified by red letters at least
\1/2\-inch high: ``GENERAL ALARM--WHEN BELL RINGS GO TO YOUR STATION.''

Sec. 131.815 Alarm for fixed gaseous fire extinguishing system.

Each alarm for a fixed gaseous fire extinguishing system must be
conspicuously identified: ``WHEN ALARM SOUNDS, LEAVE AT ONCE: [CARBON
DIOXIDE] [HALON] BEING RELEASED.''

Sec. 131.820 Branch lines of fire extinguishing system.

The valves of each branch line in the fire extinguishing system
must be plainly and permanently marked, indicating the spaces served.

Sec. 131.825 Controls of fire extinguishing system.

Each control cabinet or space containing a valve or manifold for a
fire extinguishing system must be distinctly marked in conspicuous red
letters at least 2 inches high: ``FIRE APPARATUS FOR [CARBON DIOXIDE]
[HALON]''.

Sec. 131.830 Fire host stations.

Each fire station must be identified in red letters and figures at
least 2 inches high: ``FIRE STATION #1,'' ``* * * 2,'' ``* * * 3,'' and
so on. Where the hose is not so stowed in the open or behind glass as
to be readily seen, this identification must be so placed as to be
readily seen from a distance.

Sec. 131.835 Portable fire extinguishers.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each
portable fire extinguisher must be marked with a number, and the site
of its stowage must be marked with a corresponding number at last \1/
2\-inch high.
(b) If only one type and size of portable fire extinguisher is
carried, the number may be omitted.

Sec. 131.840 Emergency lighting.

Emergency lighting must be marked with a letter ``E'' at least \1/
2\-inch high.

[[Page 57665]]

Sec. 131.845 Instructions for shift of steering gear.

(a) Instructions, including diagrams, for a shift of steering gear
and for a shift to the alternative steering stations must be on water-
resistant material and posted at each steering station and in the
steering-engine room, relating, in order, the different steps to take
in either shift.
(b) The instructions must indicate each clutch or pin to be ``in''
or ``out'' and each valve or switch to be ``open'' or ``closed'' in a
shift to any means of steering for which the OSV is equipped.
(c) The instructions must specify that each steering wheel or
lever, and each rudder, must be amidships before any shift of steering
gear or steering stations.
(d) Each clutch, gear, wheel, lever, valve, or switch used during
any shift of steering gear or steering stations must be numbered or
lettered on a metal plate or painted so that the numbers or letters are
recognizable at a reasonable distance.

Sec. 131.850 Rudder orders.

At each steering station there must be installed a suitable notice
on the wheel or lever, or in some other place directly in the
helmsman's line of sight, to indicate the direction in which to turn
the wheel or lever for ``right rudder'' and for ``left rudder.''

Sec. 131.855 Lifeboats and rescue boats.

(a) The following must be plainly marked or painted on each side of
the bow of each lifeboat and rescue boat in letters and numbers at
least 3 inches high and in a color contrasting to that of the boat:
(1) The name of the OSV.
(2) The number of the boat. (The boats on each side of the vessel
must be numbered from forward to aft. If there are boats on both sides
of the vessel, the odd numbers must be on the starboard side.)
(3) For each vessel in ocean service, the name of the port whose
marking on the stern is required under subpart 67.13 of this chapter.
(b) The following must be plainly marked or painted on each side of
the bow of each lifeboat and rescue boat in letters and numbers at
least 1\1/2\ inches high:
(1) The length and beam of the boat.
(2) The number of persons the boat will hold. This number must--
(i) Be the number of persons the boat is equipped for; and
(ii) Not be greater than the number of persons the boat is approved
for, as shown on its nameplate.
(c) The following must be plainly marked or painted on each
lifeboat and rescue boat, in at least two places visible from above the
boat, in letters and numbers at least 3 inches high and in a color
contrasting to that of the boat:
(1) The number of persons the boat will hold.
(2) The name of the OSV.
(d) The name of the OSV must be plainly marked or painted on each
oar and paddle.
(e) Each lifeboat and rescue boat must be marked with Type II
retro-reflective material approved under subpart 164.018 of this
chapter. The arrangement of the retro-reflective material must comply
with IMO Resolution A.658(16).

Sec. 131.860 Rigid liferafts.

(a) The following must be plainly marked or painted, near one
entrance of each rigid liferaft, in letters and numbers at least 3
inches high and in a color contrasting to that of the raft:
(1) The name of the OSV.
(2) The number of the raft. (Rafts stowed on the sides of the
vessel must be numbered as lifeboats must under Sec. 131.855(a)(2).)
(3) For each vessel in ocean service, the name of the port whose
marking on the stern of the vessel is required by subpart 67.13 of this
chapter.
(b) The length of the painter must be plainly marked or painted,
near one entrance of each rigid liferaft, in letters and numbers at
least 1\1/2\ inches high and in a color contrasting to that of the
raft.
(c) The number of persons the rigid liferaft is approved for must
be plainly marked or painted, over each entrance to each raft, in
letters and numbers at least 4 inches high and in a color contrasting
to that of the raft. This number must--
(1) Be the number of persons the raft is equipped for; and
(2) Not be greater than the number of persons the raft is approved
for, as shown on its nameplate.
(d) The name of the OSV must be plainly marked or painted on each
paddle.

Sec. 131.865 Inflatable liferafts and inflatable buoyant apparatus.

The number of the inflatable liferaft or inflatable buoyant
apparatus and the number of persons it is approved for must be marked
or painted, in a conspicuous place in the immediate vicinity of each
raft and each apparatus, in letters and numbers at least 1\1/2\ inches
high and in a color contrasting to that of the raft or apparatus. Each
raft or apparatus stowed on the side of an OSV must be numbered like a
liferaft, in compliance with Sec. 97.37-40 of this chapter. No letters
or numbers may go on the raft or on the container of the apparatus.

Sec. 131.870 Life floats and buoyant apparatus.

(a) The name of the OSV must be plainly marked or painted on each
life float or buoyant apparatus, and on each oar and paddle.
(b) The number of persons each life float or buoyant apparatus is
approved for must be plainly marked or painted on each float or
apparatus in letters and numbers at least 1\1/2\ inches high and in a
color contrasting to that of the float or apparatus. This number must--
(1) Be the number of persons the float or apparatus is equipped
for; and
(2) Not be greater than the number of persons the float or
apparatus is approved for, as shown on its nameplate.

Sec. 131.875 Lifejackets, immersion suit, and ring life buoys.

(a) Each lifejacket immersion suit, and ring life buoy must be
marked in block capital letters with the OSV's name.
(b) Each container for lifejackets and immersion suits must be
marked in letters and numbers at least 2 inches high with the number,
identity or IMO symbol specified by IMO Resolution A.760(18), and size
of the items stowed inside.
(c) Each ring life buoy on an OSV in ocean service must be marked
in block capital letters with the name of the port whose marking on the
stern of the vessel is required by subpart 67.13 of this chapter.
(d) Each stowage site for a ring life buoy must be marked ``LIFE
BUOY'' or marked with the IMO symbol.
(e) Each lifejacket must be marked with Type I retro-reflective
material approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter. The
arrangement of the retro-reflective material must comply with the IMO
Resolution A.658(16).
(f) Each ring life buoy must be marked with Type I or II retro-
reflective material approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter. The
arrangement of the retro-reflective material must comply with IMO
Resolution A.658(16).

Sec. 131.880 Fire hoses and axes.

Each fire hose and axe must be marked with the OSV's name.

Sec. 131.885 Portable magazine chests.

Each portable magazine chest must be marked in letters at least 3
inches high: ``PORTABLE MAGAZINE CHEST--FLAMMABLE: KEEP FIRE AND LIGHTS
AWAY.''

[[Page 57666]]

Sec. 131.890 EPIRBs and SARTs.

The name of the OSV must be plainly marked or painted on each
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and on each Search
and Rescue Transponder (SART), except on an EPIRB or SART--
(a) In an inflatable liferaft; or
(b) Permanently installed in a survival craft.

Sec. 131.893 Watertight doors and watertight hatches.

Each watertight door in a bulkhead that must be watertight in
compliance with the requirements in part 174 of this chapter, and each
watertight hatch, must be marked on both sides in letters at least 2
inches high: ``WATERTIGHT DOOR--KEEP CLOSED EXCEPT FOR PASSAGE'' or
``WATERTIGHT HATCH--KEEP CLOSED WHEN NOT IN USE''.

Sec. 131.896 Remote stopping systems.

The remote stopping systems required by Sec. 129.540 of this
subchapter must be clearly marked to show what system each controls.

Sec. 131.899 Fire dampers.

Each fire damper installed within the boundary of a space protected
by a fixed fire extinguishing system must be fitted with an indicator
showing whether the damper is open or closed and be marked with red
letters at least \1/2\-inch high stating ``FIRE DAMPER'' and, as
otherwise appropriate, identifying the space served by the fire damper.

Subpart I--Miscellaneous

Sec. 131.905 Statutory penalties.

(a) The marine-safety statutes and criminal statutes impose
penalties for violating the applicable provisions of this subchapter.
Penal proceedings include:
(1) Assessment and collection of civil monetary penalty.
(2) Criminal prosecution, where no loss of life results.
(3) Criminal prosecution for manslaughter, where loss of life
results from violating marine-safety statutes or regulations or from
misconduct, negligence, or inattention to duty.
(4) Libel against vessel.
(b) 46 U.S.C. Chapter 77 allows, in addition to the foregoing, the
suspension or revocation of licenses, certificates, or documents issued
by the Coast Guard, for incompetence, misconduct, or negligence or for
violating marine-safety statutes or regulations.

Sec. 131.910 Notices to mariners and aids to navigation.

Each master and mate shall acquaint himself or herself with the
latest information published by the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy
regarding aids to navigation in the area in which the OSV operates.

Sec. 131.915 Persons allowed in pilothouse and on navigational bridge.

No person may be in the pilothouse while the OSV is under way,
unless connected with the navigation of the vessel or authorized for
good cause by the master or mate on watch.

Sec. 131.920 Level of manning.

Each OSV must carry the personnel required by the Certificate of
Inspection, as determined by the OCMI, based on an evaluation under
part 15 of this chapter.

Sec. 131.925 Compliance with provisions of Certificate of Inspection.

The master of the OSV shall ensure compliance with each provision
of the Certificate of Inspection. Nothing in this subchapter prevents
the master's diverting the vessel from the route prescribed in the
Certificate or taking other steps necessary and prudent to assist
vessels in distress or to handle similar emergencies.

Sec. 131.930 Display of stability letter.

If the Coast Guard issues a stability letter under Sec. 170.120 of
this chapter, the letter must be readily available to the person on
watch in the pilothouse of the OSV.

Sec. 131.935 Prevention of oil pollution.

Each OSV must be operated in compliance with, among others, 33 CFR
parts 151, 155, and 156.

Sec. 131.940 Marine sanitation device.

Each OSV with installed toilet facilities must have a marine
sanitation device in compliance with 33 CFR part 159.

Sec. 131.945 Display of plans.

Each OSV must have permanently exhibited, for the guidance of the
master and crew members, general arrangement plans showing for each
deck the various fire-retardant bulkheads together with particulars of
the--
(a) Fire-detection systems;
(b) Manual-alarm systems;
(c) Fire-extinguishing systems;
(d) Fire doors;
(e) Means of ingress to the different compartments; and
(f) Ventilating-systems, including the--
(1) Positions of the dampers;
(2) Site of the remote means of stopping the fans; and
(3) Identification of the fans serving each section.

Sec. 131.950 Placard on lifesaving signals and helicopter recovery.

Each OSV must have readily available to the person on watch in the
pilothouse a placard (Form CG-811) containing instructions--
(a) For the use of lifesaving signals set forth in Regulation 16,
Chapter V, of SOLAS 74/83; and
(b) In helicopter recovery.

The signals must be employed by vessels or persons in distress when
communicating with lifesaving stations and maritime rescue unit.

Sec. 131.955 Display of license.

Each master and licensed officer on an OSV shall conspicuously
display his or her license in compliance with 46 U.S.C. 7110.

Sec. 131.960 Use of auto-pilot.

During the use of the automatic pilot, the master shall ensure
that--
(a) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the
OSV's steering;
(b) A competent person is ready at any time to take over that
control; and
(c) The shift from automatic control of the vessel's steering to
manual and the reverse is made by, or under the supervision of, the
master or officer of the watch.

Sec. 131.965 Sounding of whistle.

No OSV may sound its whistle within any harbor limits of the United
States unless it needs to.

Sec. 131.970 Unauthorized lighting.

No master of an OSV may authorize or permit the OSV's carrying of
any lighting not required by law that will interfere in any way with
any other vessel's distinguishing the OSV's navigation lighting.

Sec. 131.975 Searchlights.

No person may flash, or cause to be flashed, the rays of a
searchlight or other blinding light onto the bridge or into the
pilothouse of any vessel under way.

Sec. 131.980 Lookouts and watches.

Nothing in this part exonerates any master or officer of the watch
from the consequences of any neglect to keep a proper lookout or to
maintain a proper fire watch, or of any neglect of any precaution that
may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen, by general
prudence, or by the special circumstances of the case. A master shall
set added watches when necessary to guard against fire or other danger
and to give an alarm in case of accident or disaster.

[[Page 57667]]

PART 132--FIRE-PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

Subpart A--Fire Main

Sec.
132.100 General.
132.110 Piping.
132.120 Fire pumps.
132.130 Fire stations.
Subpart B--Portable and Semiportable Fire Extinguishers
132.210 Classification.
132.220 Installation.
132.230 Spare charges.
132.240 Stowage of semiportable fire extinguishers.

Subpart C--Miscellaneous

132.310 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems for paint lockers.
132.320 Helicopter-landing decks.
132.330 Fire monitors.
132.340 Equipment installed although not required.
132.350 Tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment.
132.360 Fire axes.
132.370 Added requirements for fixed independent and portable
tanks.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 49 CFR 1.46.

Subpart A--Fire Main

Sec. 132.100 General.

(a) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section,
each OSV must be equipped with a fire main that complies with this
subpart.
(b) Each OSV of less than 100 gross tons and not more than 65 feet
in length may have, instead of a fire main that complies with this
subpart, a hand-operated pump and a hose capable of providing an
effective stream of water to each part of the vessel.
(c) A garden hose of nominal inside diameter of at least \5/8\-inch
complies with paragraph (b) of this section if the hose is--
(1) Of good commercial grade and is constructed of an inner rubber
tube, plies of braided-fabric reinforcement, and an outer cover made of
rubber or equivalent fire-resistant material; and
(2) Fitted with a commercial garden-hose nozzle of high-grade
bronze or equivalent metal capable of providing a solid stream and a
spray pattern.

Sec. 132.110 Piping.

(a) Except as provided for liftboats by Sec. 134.180 of this
subchapter, each fitting, flange, valve, and run of piping must meet
the applicable requirements of part 128 of this subchapter. Piping must
be--
(1) Hot-dip galvanized;
(2) At least extra-heavy schedule; or
(3) Of a suitable corrosion-resistant material.
(b) Each distribution cut-off valve must be marked in compliance
with Sec. 131.820 of this subchapter.

Sec. 132.120 Fire pumps.

(a) Except as provided by Sec. 132.100(b) of this subpart, each OSV
must be equipped with one self-priming power-driven fire pump capable
of delivering a single stream of water from the highest hydrant,
through the hose and nozzle at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 50 psi
(pounds a square inch).
(b) Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a
pressure gauge.
(c) Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a
relief valve set to relieve at either 25 psi in excess of the pressure
necessary to maintain the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section
or 125 psi, whichever is greater. The relief valve is optional if the
pump is not capable of developing pressure exceeding the greater
amount.
(d) If two propulsion engines are installed, the pump required by
paragraph (a) of this section may be driven by one of the engines. If
only one propulsion engine is installed, the pump must be driven by a
source of power independent of the engine.
(e) If two fire pumps are installed, and if one pump remains
available for service on the fire main at any time, the other pump may
be used for other purposes.
(f) Each fire pump must be capable of providing the quantity of
water required to comply with paragraph (a) of this section while
meeting any other demands placed on it, as by a branch line connected
to the fire main for washing the anchor or the deck.
(g) No branch line may be directly connected to the fire main
except for fighting fires or for washing the anchor or the deck. Each
discharge line for any other purpose must be clearly marked and must
lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.
(h) When a fire monitor is connected to the fire main system, it
must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.
(i) The total cross-section of piping leading from a fire pump may
not be less than that of the discharge of the pump.
(j) In no case may a pump connected to a line for flammable or
combustible liquid be used as a fire pump.

Sec. 132.130 Fire stations.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, fire
stations must be so numerous and so placed that each part of the OSV
accessible to persons aboard while the vessel is being operated, and
each cargo hold, are reachable by at least two effective spray patterns
of water. At least two patterns must come from separate hydrants. At
least one pattern must come from a single length of hose.
(b) Each part of the main machinery space, including the shaft
alley if it contains space assigned for the stowage of combustibles,
must be reachable by at least two streams of water. Each stream must
come from a single length of hose, from a separate fire station.
(c) Each fire station must be numbered in compliance with
Sec. 131.830 of this subchapter.
(d) Each part of the fire main on a weather deck must be either
protected against freezing or fitted with cut-out valves and drain
valves so that exposed parts of the piping may be shut off and drained
in freezing weather. Except when closed against freezing, the cut-out
valves must be sealed open.
(e) Each outlet at a fire hydrant must be 1\1/2\ inches in diameter
and, to minimize the possibility of kinking, must be fitted so that no
hose leads upward from it.
(f) Each fire station must be equipped with a spanner suitable for
use on the hose there.
(g) Each fire station must have at least one length of fire hose.
Each hose on the station must have a fire nozzle approved under subpart
162.027 of this chapter that can discharge both solid stream and water
spray.
(h) Each pipe and fire hydrant must be placed so that the fire hose
may be easily coupled to them. Each station must be readily accessible.
No deck cargo may interfere with access to the stations; each pipe must
run as far away from this cargo as practicable, to avoid risk of damage
by the cargo.
(i) Each fire hydrant or ``Y'' branch must be equipped with a valve
such that the fire hose may be removed while there is pressure on the
fire main.
(j) Each fire hydrant connection must be of brass, bronze, or
equivalent metal. The threads of fire hose couplings must be of brass
or other suitable corrosion-resistant material and comply with NFPA
1963.
(k) Each fire hydrant must have a fire hose 1\1/2\ inches in
diameter, 50 feet in length, connected to an outlet, for use at any
time.
(l) No fire hose, when part of the fire equipment, may be used for
any purpose except fire-fighting, fire drills, and testing.
(m) A suitable hose rack or other device must be provided for each
fire hose. Each rack on a weather deck must be placed so as to protect
its hose from heavy weather.

[[Page 57668]]

(n) Each section of fire hose must be lined commercial fire hose,
or lined fire hose that meets Standard 19 of Underwriters Laboratories,
Inc. (UL). Hose that bears the UL label as lined fire hose complies
with this section.

Subpart B--Portable and Semiportable Fire Extinguishers

Sec. 132.210 Classification.

(a) Each portable fire extinguisher and semiportable fire
extinguisher is classified by a symbol combining letter and number. The
letter indicates the type of fire that the unit should extinguish; the
number indicates the relative size of the unit.
(b) The types of fire are:
(1) ``A''--fires in ordinary combustible materials, where the
quenching and cooling effect of quantities of either water or solutions
containing large percentages of water is essential.
(2) ``B''--fires in flammable liquids, greases, and the like, where
the blanketing effect of a smothering-agent is essential.
(3) ``C''--fires in electrical equipment, where the use of
nonconducting extinguishing-agent is essential.
(c) The sizes of units run from ``I'' for the smallest to ``V'' for
the largest. Sizes I and II are portable fire extinguishers; sizes III,
IV, and V, which exceed 55 pounds in gross weight, are semiportable
fire extinguishers and must be fitted with suitable hose and nozzle or
other practicable means to cover any part of the space involved.
Typical portable and semiportable fire extinguishers are set forth by
Table 132.210 of this section.

Table 132.210
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classification Halon
------------------------------------------------------------- 1211,1301,
and 1211- Foam, Carbon Dry
1301 gallons dioxide, chemical,
Type Size mixtures, pounds pounds
pounds
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A................................... II.................... ........... 2\1/2\ ........... ...........
B................................... I..................... 2\1/2\ ........... 4 2
B................................... II.................... 10 2\1/2\ 15 10
B................................... III................... ........... 12 35 20
B................................... IV.................... ........... 20 50 30
B................................... V..................... ........... 40 100 50
C................................... I..................... 2\1/2\ ........... 4 2
C................................... II.................... 10 ........... 15 10
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(d) Each portable fire extinguisher and semiportable fire
extinguisher must have permanently attached an identification plate
that gives the name of the extinguishing-agent, the capacity of the
agent in gallons or pounds, the classification of the extinguisher
expressed by letter or letters indicating the type or types of fire for
which it is intended, and the identifying mark of the manufacturer.

Sec. 132.220 Installation.

(a) Portable fire extinguishers approved under subpart 162.028 of
this chapter and semiportable fire extinguishers approved under subpart
162.039 of this chapter must be installed in compliance with Table
132.220 of this section. The placement of the extinguisher must satisfy
the OCMI. The OCMI may require such additional extinguishers as the
OCMI deems necessary for the proper protection of the OSV.

Table 132.220.--Carriage of Portable and Semiportable Fire Extinguishers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Classification (see Number and
Space Sec. 132.210) placement
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Safety areas:
Communicating passageways. A-II.................. 1 in each main
passageway, not
more than 150
feet apart
(permissible in
stairways).
Pilothouse................ C-I................... 2 in vicinity of
exit.
Service spaces:
Galleys................... B-III or C-II......... 1 for each 2,500
square feet or
fraction
thereof,
suitable for
hazards
involved.
Paint lockers............. B-II.................. 1 outside space,
in vicinity of
exit.
Accessible baggage and A-II.................. 1 for each 2,500
storerooms. square feet or
fraction
thereof,
located in
vicinity of
exits, either
inside or
outside spaces.
Work shops and similar A-II.................. 1 outside space
spaces. in vicinity of
exit.
Machinery spaces:
Internal-combustion B-II.................. 1 for each 1,000
propulsion-machinery. brake
horsepower, but
not fewer than
2 nor more than
6.
B-III................. 1 required. (*),
(**)
Electric propulsion motors C-II.................. 1 for each
or generators of open propulsion
type. motor or
generator unit.
Auxiliary spaces:
Internal combustion....... B-II.................. 1 outside space
in vicinity of
exit. (**)
Electric motors and C-II.................. 1 outside space
emergency generators. in vicinity of
exit. (**)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*) Not required where a fixed gaseous fire-extinguishing system is
installed.
(**) Not required on OSVs of less than 300 gross tons.

[[Page 57669]]

(b) Each semiportable fire extinguisher must be mounted or
otherwise placed in the open so as to be readily visible.
(c) Except as provided by paragraph (d) of this section, each
portable fire extinguisher must be mounted or otherwise placed in the
open or behind glass so as to be readily visible.
(d) A portable fire extinguisher may be mounted or otherwise placed
in an enclosure together with the fire hose, if the enclosure is marked
in compliance with Sec. 131.830 of this subchapter.
(e) Each portable fire extinguisher and its station must be
numbered to comply with Sec. 131.835 of this subchapter.
(f) No portable or semiportable fire extinguisher with a nameplate
indicating that it needs protection from freezing may be mounted or
otherwise placed where freezing temperatures are foreseeable.

Sec. 132.230 Spare charges.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) or (c) of this section,
each OSV must carry 50% spare charges for portable fire extinguishers
required by Sec. 132.220 of this subpart.
(b) An OSV may--rather than comply with paragraph (a) of this
section--carry one extra extinguisher of the same classification.
(c) If extinguishers of a particular classification cannot be
readily recharged by crew members, an OSV must--rather than comply with
paragraph (a) of this section--carry one more extinguisher of that
classification.
(d) Each spare charge must be packaged so as to minimize the
hazards to personnel recharging the extinguishers.

Sec. 132.240 Stowage of semiportable fire extinguishers.

The frame or support of each semiportable fire extinguisher of size
III, IV, or V must be secured to prevent the extinguisher from shifting
in heavy weather.

Subpart C--Miscellaneous

Sec. 132.310 Fixed fire extinguishing systems for paint lockers.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, a fixed
gaseous fire extinguishing system or another approved fixed fire
extinguishing system must be installed in each paint locker.
(b) No fixed fire extinguishing system need be installed in a paint
locker that is--
(1) Less than 60 cubic feet in volume;
(2) Accessible only from the weather deck; and
(3) Not adjacent to a tank for flammable or combustible liquid.
(c) Each fixed fire extinguishing system installed must comply with
part 95 of this chapter or be approved by the Commanding Officer,
Marine Safety Center.

Sec. 132.320 Helicopter-landing decks.

Each OSV with a helicopter-landing deck must meet the fire fighting
requirements of part 108 of this chapter.

Sec. 132.330 Fire monitors.

(a) Each fire monitor of the fire main system must be fitted with a
shut-off valve at the monitor and at the connection to the fire main
discharge manifold required by Sec. 132.120(h) of this part.
(b) Fire monitor piping must comply with Sec. 132.110 of this part.
(c) Each fire monitor must be protected against over-pressure.

Sec. 132.340 Equipment installed although not required.

An OSV may install equipment for detection of and protection
against fires beyond that required by this subchapter, unless the
excess equipment in any way endangers the vessel or the persons aboard.
This equipment must be listed and labeled by a nationally recognized
testing laboratory.

Sec. 132.350 Tests and inspections of fire-extinguishing equipment.

(a) Each master of an OSV shall ensure that the tests and
inspections, of fire-extinguishing equipment, described by paragraph
(b) of this section are performed--
(1) Every 12 months; or
(2) Not later than the next inspection for certification, unless
the total time from the date of the last tests and inspections exceeds
15 months.
(b) The master shall provide satisfactory evidence of the servicing
of fire-extinguishing equipment, required by paragraph (c) of this
section, 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, and
hydrostatic tests.
(c) The following tests and inspections of fire extinguishing
equipment must be performed by the owner, operator, or master, or by a
qualified servicing facility, to verify compliance with paragraph (a)
of this section:
(1) Each portable fire extinguisher must be inspected, maintained,
and hydrostatically tested as required by Chapter 4 of NFPA 10 with the
frequency specified by NFPA 10. Carbon-dioxide and halon portable fire
extinguishers must be refilled when the weight loss of net content
exceeds that specified for fixed systems by Table 132.350. Further,
each must be examined for excessive corrosion and for general
condition. A tag issued by a qualified servicing facility, and attached
to each extinguisher, will be acceptable evidence that the necessary
maintenance has been conducted.
(2) Each semiportable fire extinguisher and each fixed fire-
extinguishing system must be--
(i) Inspected and tested as required by Table 132.350 of this
subpart;
(ii) Inspected, tested, and marked as required by Secs. 147.60 and
147.65 of this chapter;
(iii) Inspected to ensure that piping, controls, and valves are in
good general condition with no excessive corrosion; and
(iv) Inspected and tested to determine that alarms and ventilation
shutdowns for each fire-extinguishing system operates properly.

Table 132.350.--Tests of Semiportable and Fixed Fire-Extinguishing
Systems
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type of system Test
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carbon dioxide............................ Weigh cylinders. Recharge if
weight loss exceeds 10% of
weight of charge. Test time
delays, alarms, and
ventilation shutdowns with
carbon dioxide, nitrogen,
or other nonflammable gas
as stated in the
manufacturer's instruction
manual. Inspect hoses and
nozzles to be sure they are
clean.
Halon..................................... Weigh cylinders. Recharge if
weight loss exceeds 5% of
weight of charge. If the
system has a pressure
gauge, also recharge if
pressure loss (adjusted for
temperature) exceeds 10%.
Test time delays, alarms,
and ventilation shutdowns
with carbon dioxide,
nitrogen, or other
nonflammable gas as stated
in the manufacturer's
instruction manual. Inspect
hoses and nozzles to be
sure they are clean.

[[Page 57670]]

Dry chemical (cartridge-operated)......... Examine pressure cartridge
and replace if end is
punctured or if cartridge
has leaked or is in
unsuitable condition.
Inspect hose and nozzle to
see that they are clear.
Insert charged cartridge.
Ensure that dry chemical is
free-flowing (not caked)
and that extinguisher
contains full charge
Dry chemical (stored pressure)............ See that pressure gauge is
in operating range. If not,
or if seal is broken, weigh
or otherwise determine that
extinguisher is fully
charged with dry chemical.
Recharge if pressure is low
or if dry chemical is
needed.
Foam (stored pressure).................... See that pressure gauge, if
there is one, is in the
operating range. If it is
not, or if seal is broken,
weigh or otherwise
determine that extinguisher
is fully charged with foam.
Recharge if pressure is low
or if foam is needed.
Replace premixed agent
every 3 years.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

(3) The fire-main system must be operated, and the pressure checked
at the remotest and highest outlets. Each fire hose must be subjected
to a test pressure, equivalent either to the maximal pressure to which
it may be subjected in service or to 100 psi, whichever is greater.
(4) All systems for detecting smoke and fire, including sensors and
alarms, must be inspected and tested.

Sec. 132.360 Fire axes.

(a) Each OSV of less than 100 gross tons must carry one fire axe.
(b) Each OSV of 100 or more gross tons must carry two fire axes.
(c) Each fire axe must be so placed as to be readily available in
an emergency.
(d) Each fire axe must be so placed in the open or behind glass
that it is readily visible; except that, if the enclosure is marked in
compliance with Sec. 131.830 of this subchapter, the axe may be placed
in an enclosure together with the fire hose.

Sec. 132.370 Added requirements for fixed independent and portable
tanks.

(a) When carrying fixed independent tanks on deck or portable tanks
in compliance with Sec. 125.110 of this subchapter, each OSV must also
comply with Secs. 98.30-37 and 98.30-39 of this chapter.
(b) When carrying portable tanks in compliance with Sec. 125.120 of
this subchapter, each OSV must also comply with 49 CFR 176.315.

PART 133--RESERVED FOR LIFESAVING SYSTEMS

PART 134--ADDED PROVISIONS FOR LIFTBOATS

Sec.
134.100 Applicability.
134.110 Initial inspection.
134.120 Inspection for certification.
134.130 New construction.
134.140 Structural standards.
134.150 Liftboat-jacking systems.
134.160 Freeboard markings.
134.170 Operating manual.
134.180 Piping for fire-main suction.

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306; 49 CFR 1.46.

Sec. 134.100 Applicability.

This part, as well as parts 125 through 133 of this subchapter,
applies to each liftboat of United States flag to which this subchapter
applies.

Sec. 134.110 Initial inspection.

Liftboat jacking systems, liftboat legs, liftboat leg pads, and
arrangements for supply of water to fire mains, as well as the items
listed by Sec. 126.340 of this subchapter, will normally be inspected
during the initial inspection to determine whether the liftboat was
built in compliance with developed plans and meets applicable
regulations.

Sec. 134.120 Inspection for certification.

Liftboat jacking systems, liftboat legs, liftboat leg pads, and
arrangements for supply of water to fire mains, as well as the items
listed by Sec. 126.430 of this subchapter, will normally be inspected
during an inspection for certification to determine whether the
liftboat is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service intended.

Sec. 134.130 New construction.

Each applicant for an original Certificate of Inspection and for
approval of plans must submit, as well as three copies of those
required by Sec. 127.110 of this subchapter, three copies of the
following plans:
(a) Operating Manual for Liftboats.
(b) Legs, details of supporting structure, and structural
calculations.

Sec. 134.140 Structural standards.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each
liftboat must comply with the ABS's ``Rules for Building and Classing
Mobile Offshore Drilling Units'', assuming a steady wind speed of 100
knots, as follows:
(1) The main hull structure, legs, and supporting structure must
comply with Section 3/4.3 of the Rules.
(2) The calculations required by Section 3/4.3 of the Rules must
assume the vessel to be in the most adverse loading conditions
described by Sections 3/2.1 and 3/4.1 of the Rules.
(3) The calculations on column-buckling required by Section 3/4.3
of the Rules, must employ an effective-length factor, ``K'', of not
less than 2.0.
(4) The calculations on single-rack jacking systems required by
Sections 3/2.1 and 3/4.1 of the Rules must include an extra bending
moment caused by the most adverse eccentric loading of the legs.
(b) The standard of any classification society, or other
established standard acceptable to the Commandant (G-MMS), may be used.
(c) Upon submittal of the plans required by Secs. 127.110 and
133.130 of this subchapter, the standard used in the design must be
specified.
(d) If no established standard is used in the design, detailed
design calculations must be submitted with the plans required by
Secs. 127.110 and 133.130 of this subchapter.

Sec. 134.150 Liftboat-jacking systems.

(a) For this subchapter, liftboat jacking systems are vital systems
and must comply with Sections 4/1.13.1 through 4/1.13.3 of the ABS's
``Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units'' as
well as meet the applicable requirements of Part 128 of this
subchapter.
(b) Each control system for a liftboat jacking system must be
designed so that loss of power, loss of pressure in the hydraulic
system, or low hydraulic-fluid level will activate a visible and
audible alarm at the operating station and will not result in the
liftboat's uncontrolled descent.

Sec. 134.160 Freeboard markings.

Freeboard markings required by Sec. 174.260 of this subchapter must
be both permanently scribed or embossed and painted white or yellow on
a dark background.

Sec. 134.170 Operating manual.

(a) Each liftboat must have aboard an operating manual approved by
the Coast Guard as complying with this section.
(b) The operating manual must be available to, and written so as to
be easily understood by, the crew members of the liftboat and must
include:

[[Page 57671]]

(1) A table of contents and general index.
(2) A general description of the vessel, including--
(i) Major dimensions;
(ii) Tonnages; and
(iii) Load capacities for--
(A) Various cargoes;
(B) Crane hook; and
(C) Helicopter landing deck.
(3) Designed limits for each mode of operation, including--
(i) Draft;
(ii) Air gap;
(iii) Wave height;
(iv) Wave period;
(v) Wind;
(vi) Current;
(vii) Temperatures; and
(viii) Other environmental factors.
(4) The heaviest loads allowable on deck.
(5) Information on the use of any special cross-flooding fittings
and on the location of valves that may require closure to prevent
progressive flooding.
(6) Guidance on preparing the unit for heavy weather and on what to
do when heavy weather is forecast, including when critical decisions or
acts--such as leaving the area and heading for a harbor of safe refuge,
or evacuating the vessel--should be accomplished.
(7) Guidance on operating the vessel while changing mode and while
preparing the vessel to make a move, and information on how to avoid
structural damage from shifting loads during heavy weather.
(8) Information on inherent operational limitations for each mode
and on changing modes, including preloading instructions.
(9) Guidance on the proper procedures for discovering the flooding
of a normally buoyant leg or leg pad, precautionary information
concerning the effects on stability of flooded legs, and what to do
upon discovering the flooding of a normally buoyant leg or leg pad.
(10) A description, a diagram, operating guidance for the bilge
system, and an alternative method of dewatering.
(11) A general arrangement diagram showing the locations of--
(i) Watertight and weathertight compartments;
(ii) Openings in the hull and structure;
(iii) Vents and closures;
(iv) Shutdowns for mechanical and electrical emergencies, and for
emergencies affecting ventilation;
(v) Alarms for flooding and for too-high and too-low levels;
(vi) Fire and gas detectors; and
(vii) Access to different compartments and decks.
(12) A list of shutdown locations for emergencies and guidance on
restarting mechanical and electrical equipment and equipment for
ventilation after shutdowns.
(13) A diagram of the hazardous locations (if applicable).
(14) A diagram of the emergency-power system.

Sec. 134.180 Piping for fire-main suction.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, suction
lines must comply with Sec. 132.110 of this subchapter.
(b) Suction lines that extend below the main deck outside of the
hull plating and that supply the fire pump with the liftboat in the
elevated mode must be metallic, unless they comply with Sec. 56.60-
25(c) of this chapter for vital fresh-water and salt-water service.

PARTS 135 AND 136--[RESERVED]

PART 170--STABILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL INSPECTED VESSELS

7. The authority citation for Part 170 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45
FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.

8. Section 170.055(g) is revised, to read as follows:

Sec. 170.055 Definitions concerning a vessel.

* * * * *
(g) ``Downflooding angle'' means, except as specified by
Secs. 171.055(f), 172.090(d), 173.095(e), 174.015(b), 174.035(b)(2),
and 174.185 of this chapter, the static angle from the intersection of
the vessel's centerline and waterline in calm water to the first
opening that cannot be closed watertight and through which downflooding
can occur.

PART 174--SPECIAL RULES PERTAINING TO VESSELS OF SPECIFIC TYPES

9. The authority citation for Part 174 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 42 U.S.C. 9118, 9119, 9153; 43 U.S.C. 1333; 46 U.S.C.
3306, 3703; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49
CFR 1.46.

10. Paragraphs (g) and (h) are added to Sec. 174.005, to read as
follows:

Sec. 174.005 Applicability.

* * * * *
(g) Offshore supply vessel inspected under Subchapter L of this
chapter.
(h) Liftboat inspected under Subchapter L of this chapter.
11. Subparts G and H are added to Part 174, to read as follows:

Subpart G--Special Rules Pertaining to Offshore Supply Vessels

Sec.
174.180 Applicability.
174.185 Intact stability.
174.190 Collision bulkheads.
174.195 Bulkheads in machinery spaces.
174.200 Damaged stability in machinery spaces.
174.205 Damaged stability in general.
174.210 Watertight doors in watertight bulkheads.
174.215 Drainage of weather deck.
174.220 Hatches and coamings.
174.225 Hull penetrations and shell connections.
Subpart H--Special Rules Pertaining to Liftboats
174.240 Applicability.
174.245 General.
174.250 Unrestricted service.
174.255 Restricted service.
174.260 Freeboard.
Subpart G--Special Rules Pertaining to Offshore Supply Vessels

Sec. 174.180 Applicability.

Each offshore supply vessel (OSV), except a liftboat inspected
under subchapter L of this chapter, must comply with this subpart.

Sec. 174.185 Intact stability.

(a) Each OSV must be shown by design calculations to meet, under
each condition of loading and operation, the minimal requirements for
metacentric height (GM) in Sec. 170.170 of this chapter, and in either
Sec. 170.173 of this chapter or paragraphs (b) through (e) of this
section.
(b) The area under each righting arm curve must be at least 15
foot-degrees up to the smallest of the following angles:
(1) The angle of maximum righting arm;
(2) The downflooding angle; or
(3) 40 degrees.
(c) The downflooding angle must not be less than 20 degrees.
(d) The righting arm curve must be positive to at least 40 degrees.
(e) The freeboard at the stern must be equal to the freeboard
calculated to comply with subchapter E of this chapter or to the value
taken from Table 174.185, whichever is less.
(f) For paragraphs (b) and (d) of this section, at each angle of
heel an OSV's righting arm is calculated after the vessel is permitted
to trim free until the trimming moment is zero.

[[Page 57672]]
Table 174.185.--Minimal Freeboard at the Stern
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freeboard
LBP (feet) at stern
(inches)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 65................................................. 12
65 but less than 100......................................... 15
100 but less than 130........................................ 18
130 but less than 155........................................ 20
155 but less than 190........................................ 22
190 but less than 230........................................ 24
230 and greater.............................................. 26
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 174.190 Collision bulkhead.

(a) Each OSV must have a collision bulkhead in compliance with
Secs. 171.085(c)(1), (d), (e)(2), and (f) of this chapter.
(b) Penetration of the collision bulkhead by piping must be
minimal, and, where fitted, piping must meet the requirements of
Secs. 56.50-1(b)(1) and (c) and 128.230 of this chapter.

Sec. 174.195 Bulkheads in machinery spaces.

(a) The bulkhead in each machinery space of each OSV must be
watertight to the bulkhead deck.
(b) Each penetration of, and each opening in, a bulkhead in a
machinery space must--
(1) Be kept as high and as far inboard as practicable; and
(2) Except as provided by Sec. 174.210 of this subpart and by
paragraph (c) of this section, have means to make it watertight.
(c) No penetration of a bulkhead in a machinery space by a
ventilation duct need have means to make the bulkhead watertight if--
(1) Every part of the duct is at least 30 inches from the side of
the OSV; and
(2) The duct is continuously watertight from the penetration to the
main deck.
(d) Each penetration of a bulkhead in a machinery space by piping
must meet the design requirements for material and pressure in
subchapter F of this chapter.

Sec. 174.200 Damaged stability in machinery spaces.

Each OSV must be shown by design calculations to comply, under each
condition of loading and operation, with Secs. 174.205 (c) through (f)
of this subpart in case of damage between any two watertight bulkheads
in each machinery space.

Sec. 174.205 Damaged stability in general.

(a) Calculations. Each OSV carrying more then 16 offshore workers
must be shown by design calculations to meet, under each afloat
condition of loading and operation, the survival conditions in
paragraph (e) of this section in case of the damage specified by
paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) Character of damage. For paragraph (a) of this section, design
calculations must show that the OSV can survive damage at any place
other than either the collision bulkhead or a transverse watertight
bulkhead unless--
(1) The transverse watertight bulkhead is closer than the
longitudinal extent of damage, specified by Table 174.205(b), to the
adjacent transverse watertight bulkhead; or
(iv) Watertight door in compliance with Sec. 174.210 of this
subpart; or
(v) Side scuttle of the non-opening type.
(2) Angle of heel. The angle of heel must not exceed 15 degrees.
(3) Range of stability. Through an angle of 20 degrees beyond its
position of equilibrium after flooding, an OSV must meet the following
conditions:
(i) The righting arm curve must be positive.
(ii) The righting arm must be at least 4 inches.
(iii) Each submerged opening must be weathertight. (A tank vent
fitted with a ball check-valve is weathertight.)
(4) Progressive flooding. Piping, ducts, or tunnels within the
assumed extent of damage must be either--
(i) Equipped with arrangements, such as stop check-valves, to
prevent progressive flooding of the spaces with which they connect; or
(ii) Assumed in the calculations required by paragraph (a) of this
section to permit progressive flooding of the spaces with which they
connect.
(f) Buoyancy of superstructure. For paragraph (a) of this section,
the buoyancy of any superstructure directly above the side damage must
be considered in the most unfavorable condition.
(2) The transverse watertight bulkhead has a step or a recess,
which must be assumed damaged, if it is both more than 10 feet in
length and located within the transverse extent of damage specified by
Table 174.205(b) of this section.
(c) Extent of damage. For paragraph (a) of this section, damage
must consist of penetrations having the dimensions specified by Table
174.205(b) of this section, except that, if the most disabling
penetrations are smaller than the penetrations specified by the Table,
damage must consist of the smaller penetrations.
(d) Permeability of spaces. For paragraph (a) of this section, the
permeability of a floodable space must be as specified by Table
174.205(d) of this section.
(e) Survival conditions. An OSV is presumed to survive assumed
damage if it meets the following conditions in the final stage of
flooding:
(1) Final waterline. The final waterline, in the final stage of
sinkage, heel, and trim, must be below the lower edge of an opening
through which progressive flooding may take place, such as an air pipe,
a tonnage opening, an opening closed by a weathertight door or hatch-
cover, or a tank vent fitted with a ball check-valve. This opening does
not include an opening closed by a--
(i) Watertight manhole-cover;
(ii) Flush scuttle;
(iii) Small hatch-cover for a watertight cargo-tank that maintains
the high integrity of the deck;
(iv) Watertight door in compliance with Sec. 174.210 of this
subpart; or
(v) Side scuttle of the non-opening type.
(2) Angle of heel. The angle of heel must not exceed 15 degrees.
(3) Range of stability. Through an angle of 20 degrees beyond its
position of equilibrium after flooding, an OSV must meet the following
conditions:
(i) The righting arm curve must be positive.
(ii) The righting arm must be at least 4 inches.
(iii) Each submerged opening must be weathertight. (A tank vent
fitted with a ball check-valve is weathertight.)
(4) Progressive flooding. Piping, ducts, or tunnels within the
assumed extent of damage must be either--
(i) Equipped with arrangements, such as stop check-valves, to
prevent progressive flooding of the spaces with which they connect; or
(ii) Assumed in the calculations required by paragraph (a) of this
section to permit progressive flooding of the spaces with which they
connect.
(f) Buoyancy of superstructure. For paragraph (a) of this section,
the buoyancy of any superstructure directly above the side damage must
be considered in the most unfavorable condition.

Table 174.205(b).--Extent of Damage
------------------------------------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Collision Penetration

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Longitudinal extent (vessels with LBP not .1L or 6 feet, whichever is
greater than 143 feet). greater in length.
Longitudinal extent (vessels with LBP 10 feet + .03L.
greater than 143 feet).
Transverse extent*........................ 30 inches.

[[Page 57673]]

Vertical extent........................... From baseline upward without
limit.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*The transverse penetration applies inboard from the side of the vessel,
at right angles to the centerline, at the level of the deepest
loadline.

Table 174.205(d).--Permeability of Spaces
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spaces and tanks Permeability
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Storerooms................................ 60 percent.
Accommodations............................ 95 percent.
Machinery................................. 85 percent.
Voids and passageways..................... 95 percent.
Dry-bulk tanks............................ 0(*) or 95 percent.
Consumable-liquid tanks................... 0(*) or 95 percent.
Other liquid tanks........................ 0(*) 0(**) or 95 percent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Whichever results in the more disabling condition.
**If tanks are partly filled, the permeability must be determined from
the actual density and amount of liquid carried.

Sec. 174.210 Watertight doors in watertight bulkheads.

(a) This section applies to each OSV with watertight doors in
bulkheads made watertight in compliance with this chapter.
(b) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this section, each
watertight door must comply with subpart H of part 170 of this chapter.
(c) A Class-1 door may be installed at any place if--
(1) The door has a quick-acting closing-device operative from both
sides of the door;
(2) The door is designed to withstand a head of water equivalent to
the depth from the sill of the door to the bulkhead deck or 10 feet,
whichever is greater; and
(3) The OSV's pilothouse contains a visual indicator showing
whether the door is open or closed.
(d) Each watertight door must be marked in compliance with
Sec. 131.893 of this chapter.
(e) If a Class-1 door is installed, the OSV's stability letter will
require the master to ensure that the door is always closed except when
being used for access.

Sec. 174.215 Drainage of weather deck.

The weather deck must have open rails to allow rapid clearing of
water, or must have freeing ports in compliance with Sec. 42.15-70 of
this chapter.

Sec. 174.220 Hatches and coamings.

(a) Each hatch exposed to the weather must be watertight, except
that the following hatches may be only weathertight:
(1) Each hatch on a watertight trunk that extends at least 17\1/2\
inches above the weather deck.
(2) Each hatch in a cabin top.
(b) Each hatch cover must--
(1) Have securing-devices; and
(2) Be attached to the hatch frame or coaming by hinges, captive
chains, or other devices to prevent its loss.
(c) Each hatch that provides access to quarters or to accommodation
spaces for crew members or offshore workers must be capable of being
opened and closed from either side.
(d) Except as provided by paragraph (e) of this section, a
weathertight door with a permanent watertight coaming at least 15
inches high must be installed for each opening in a deckhouse or
companionway that--
(1) Gives access into the hull; and
(2) Is in an exposed place.
(e) If an opening in a deckhouse or companionway has a Class 1
watertight door installed, the height of the watertight coaming need
only accommodate the door.

Sec. 174.225 Hull penetrations and shell connections.

Each overboard discharge and shell connection except an engine
exhaust must comply with Secs. 56.50-95 and 128.230 of this chapter.

Subpart H--Special Rules Pertaining to Liftboats

Sec. 174.240 Applicability.

Each liftboat inspected under Subchapter L of this chapter must
comply with this subpart.

Sec. 174.245 General.

Each liftboat must comply with Secs. 174.210 through 174.225.

Sec. 174.250 Unrestricted service.

Each liftboat not limited to restricted service must comply with
Subpart C of this part in each condition of loading and operation.

Sec. 174.255 Restricted service.

This section applies to each liftboat unable to comply with
Sec. 174.250 and limited to restricted service as defined by
Sec. 125.160 of this chapter.
(a) Intact stability. (1) Each liftboat must be shown by design
calculations to meet, under each condition of loading and operation
afloat, the following requirements:
(i) Those imposed by Sec. 174.045, given a ``K'' value of at least
1.4.
(ii) A range of positive stability of at least 10 degrees extending
from the angle of the first intercept of the curves of righting moment
and wind healing moment, either to the angle of the second intercept of
those curves or to the angle of heel at which downflooding would occur,
whichever angle is less.
(iii) A residual righting energy of at least 5 foot-degrees between
the angle of the first intercept of the curves of righting moment and
wind heeling moment, either to the angle of the second intercept of
those curves or to the angle of heel at which downflooding would occur,
whichever angle is less.
(2) For this section, each wind heeling moment must be calculated
as prescribed by Sec. 174.055 of this part using winds of 60 knots for
normal conditions of operation afloat and of 70 knots for severe-storm
conditions of operation afloat.
(3) For paragraph (a)(1) of this section, the initial metacentric
height must be at least 1 foot for each leg position encountered while
afloat including the full range of leg positions encountered while
jacking.
(b) Damaged stability. (1) Each liftboat must be designed so that,
while it is in each of its normal operating conditions, its final
equilibrium waterline will remain below the lowest edge of any opening
through which additional flooding can occur if the liftboat is
subjected simultaneously to--
(i) Damage causing flooding described by paragraph (b)(4) of this
section; and
(ii) A wind heeling moment calculated in compliance with
Sec. 174.055(b) using a wind speed of 50 knots.
(2) Each liftboat must have a means of closing off each pipe,
ventilation system, and trunk in each compartment described by
paragraph (b)(4) of this section if any part of the pipe, ventilation
system, or trunk is within 30 inches of the hull.
(3) For compliance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, no
compartment on the liftboat may be ballasted or pumped out to
compensate for the flooding described by paragraph (b)(4) of this
section.
(4) For compliance with paragraph (b)(1) of this section, each
compartment within 30 inches of the hull, excluding the bottom of the
liftboat, between two adjacent main watertight bulkheads and the
uppermost continuous deck or first superstructure deck where
superstructures are fitted must be assumed subject to simultaneous
flooding.
(5) In the calculations required by paragraph (b)(1) of this
section, the

[[Page 57674]]
permeability of a floodable space must be as listed by Table
174.205(b).
(c) On-bottom stability. Each liftboat must be shown by design
calculations to exert a continuous downward force on each footing when
the vessel is supported on the bottom with footings and is subjected to
the forces of waves, currents, and winds of 70 knots under normal
conditions of operation, and winds of 100 knots under severestorm
conditions of operation when elevated in a safe place, if this place is
other than a harbor of safe refuge. Waves and currents must be
appropriate for the winds and place.

Sec. 174.260 Freeboard.

(a) Each liftboat not required to obtain and maintain a loadline in
compliance with subchapter E of this chapter must place markings on
each side of the vessel amidships. These markings must each consist of
a horizontal line 18 inches in length and 1 inch in height. The upper
edges of the markings must be at a distance equal to the authorized
freeboard measured vertically below the intersection of the
continuation outwards of the upper surface of the weather deck and the
outer surface of the shell. This distance must be at least 24 inches.
(b) The markings required by paragraph (a) of this section may not
be submerged in any condition of loading or operation.

PART 175--GENERAL PROVISIONS

12. The authority citation for part 175 continues to read as
follows:

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703; 49 U.S.C. App. 1804; 49 CFR
1.45, 1.46; Sec. 175.01-3 also issued under the authority of 44
U.S.C. 3507.

13. Section 175.05-2 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 175.05-2 Applicability to offshore supply vessels.

(a) Offshore supply vessels of more than 15 but less than 100 gross
tons, contracted for before March 15, 1996, are subject to inspection
under this subchapter. Offshore supply vessels of more than 15 but less
than 100 gross tons, contracted for on or after March 15, 1996, are
subject to inspection under subchapter L of this chapter.
(b) Each OSV permitted grandfathering under paragraph (a) of this
section must complete construction and have a Certificate of Inspection
by March 16, 1996.
14. Section 175.10-40 is revised to read as follows:

Sec. 175.10-40 Offshore supply vessel.

(a) An offshore supply vessel is a vessel that is propelled by
machinery other than steam, that is of above 15 gross tons and of less
than 500 gross tons, and that regularly carries goods, supplies, or
equipment in support of exploration, exploitation, or production of
offshore mineral or energy resources.
(b) An existing offshore supply vessel is one that was contracted
for before March 15, 1996.
(c) A new offshore supply vessel is one contracted for on or after
March 15, 1996.

Subpart 175.35--[Removed]

15. Subpart 175.35, consisting of Sec. 175.35-1, is removed.

Dated: November 3, 1995.
Robert E. Kramek,
Admiral, U.S. Coast Guard Commandant.
[FR Doc. 95-27870 Filed 11-15-95; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-14-M