§ 160.050-7 Procedure for approval.

(a) General. Designs of ring life buoys are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. Manufacturers seeking approval of a ring life buoy design shall follow the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.

(b) Each application for approval of a ring life buoy must contain the information specified in §159.005-5 of this chapter. The application and, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of this section, a prototype ring life buoy must be submitted to the Commandant for preapproval review. If a similar design has already been approved, the Commandant may waive the preapproval review under §§ 159.005-5 and 159.005-7 of this chapter.

(c) If the ring life buoy is of a standard design, the application:

(1) Must include the following: A statement of any exceptions to the standard plans and specifications, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and/or bill of materials.

(2) Need not include: The information specified in § 159.005-5(a)(2).

(d) If the ring life buoy is of a nonstandard design, the application must include the following:

con

(1) Plans and specifications taining the information required by $159.005-12 of this chapter, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.

(2) The information specified in § 159.005-5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype ring life buoy sample to the Commandant.

(3) Performance testing results of the design performed by an independent laboratory that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coast Guard under §159.010-7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal flotation devices showing equivalence to the standard design's performance in all material respects.

(4) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.

(5) The text of any optional marking to be included on the ring life buoy in

addition to the markings required by the applicable approval subpart.

(6) For any conditionally approved ring life buoy, the intended approval condition(s).

(e) The description of quality control procedures required by $159.005-9 of this chapter may be omitted if the manufacturer's planned quality control procedures meet the requirements of those accepted by the Commandant for the independent laboratory performing production inspections and tests.

(f) Waiver of tests. A manufacturer may request that the Commandant waive any test prescribed for approval under the applicable subpart. To request a waiver, the manufacturer must submit to the Commandant and the laboratory described in §159.010, one of the following:

(1) Satisfactory test results on a ring life buoy of sufficiently similar design as determined by the Commandant.

(2) Engineering analysis demonstrating that the test for which a waiver is requested is not appropriate for the particular design submitted for approval or that, because of its design or construction, it is not possible for the ring life buoy to fail that test. [CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51214, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 160.051-Inflatable Liferafts for Domestic Service

SOURCE: CGD 85-205, 62 FR 25546, May 9, 1997, unless otherwise noted.

§ 160.051-1 Scope.

This subpart prescribes requirements for approval by the Coast Guard of A, B, and Coastal Service inflatable liferafts for use only in domestic service. These liferafts must comply with all of the requirements for SOLAS A and SOLAS B liferafts in subpart 160.151 except as specified in this subpart.

§ 160.051-3 Definitions.

In this subpart, the term:

A or B liferaft means an inflatable liferaft that meets the requirements prescribed in subpart 160.151 for a SOLAS A or SOLAS B liferaft, respectively, except that the capacity is less than 6 persons and the liferaft cannot contain SOLAS markings.

Coastal Service liferaft means a liferaft that does not meet the all of the requirements prescribed in subpart 160.151 for a SOLAS A or SOLAS B liferaft, but that instead meets the requirements of this subpart and is approved for use on certain uninspected vessels under subchapter C of this chapter.

§ 160.051-5 Design and performance of Coastal Service inflatable liferafts.

To obtain Coast Guard approval, each Coastal Service inflatable liferaft must comply with subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions:

(a) Canopy requirements (Regulation III/38.1.5). The canopy may—

(1) Be of a type that is furled when the liferaft inflates and that can be set in place by the occupants. A furled canopy must be secured to the buoyancy tubes over 50 percent or more of the liferaft's circumference;

(2) Be of an uninsulated, single-ply design; and

(3) Have an interior of any color.

(b) Viewing port (Regulation III/ 38.1.5.5). The liferaft need not have the viewing port described in Regulation III/38.1.5.5.

(c) Rainwater collection (Regulation III/ 38.1.5.6). The liferaft need not have the means of rainwater collection described in Regulation III/38.1.5.6.

(d) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The carrying capacity must be not less than four persons.

(e) Floor insulation (Regulation III/ 39.2.2). The floor may be uninsulated.

(f) Boarding ramps (Regulation III/ 39.4.1). The liferaft need be provided with boarding ramps only if the combined cross-section diameter of the buoyancy chambers is greater than 500 mm (19.5 in).

the periphery of the exterior bottom of the liferaft. They may be omitted at the locations of inflation cylinders.

(3) The pockets must be designed to deploy underwater when the liferaft inflates. If weights are used for this purpose, they must be of corrosion-resistant material.

(h) Lamp (Regulation III/39.6.3). The liferaft need not have the manually controlled interior lamp described in Regulation III/39.6.3.

(i) Markings (Regulations III/39.7.3.4 and III/39.7.3.5). The words "COASTAL SERVICE" must appear on the container, and the type of equipment pack must be identified as "Coastal Service". No "SOLAS" markings may appear on the container.

(j) Drop test. The drop test required under paragraph 1/5.1 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and 160.151-27(a) may be from a lesser height, if that height is the maximum height of stowage marked on the container.

(k) Loading and seating test. For the loading and seating test required under paragraph 1/5.7 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and § 160.151-27(a), the loaded freeboard of the liferaft must be not less than 200 mm (8 in.).

(1) Cold-inflation test. The cold-inflation test required under paragraph 1/ 5.17.3.3.2 of IMO Resolution A.689(17) and $160.151-27(a) must be conducted at a test temperature of 18 °C (0 °F).

§ 160.051-7 Design and performance of A and B inflatable liferafts.

To obtain Coast Guard approval, each A and B inflatable liferaft must comply with the requirements in subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions:

(a) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The carrying capacity must be not less than four persons.

(b) Markings (Regulations III/39.7.3.4 and III/39.7.3.5). The type of equipment pack must be identified as "A" or "B", respectively, instead of "SOLAS A" or "SOLAS B". No "SOLAS" markings may appear on the container.

$160.051-9 Equipment required for

Coastal Service inflatable liferafts. In lieu of the equipment specified in §160.151-21, the following equipment must be provided with a Coastal Service inflatable liferaft:

(a) Rescue quoit and heaving line. One rescue quoit and a heaving line as described in § 160.151-21(a).

(b) Knife. One knife, of a type designed to minimize the chance of damage to the inflatable liferaft and secured with a lanyard.

(c) Bailer. One bailer as described in

§ 160.151-21(c).

(d) Sponge. One sponge as described in § 160.151-21(d).

(e) Sea anchor. One sea anchor as described in § 160.151-21(e).

(f) Paddles. Two paddles of the same size and type as used to pass the maneuverability test in paragraph 1/5.10 of IMO Resolution A.689(17).

(g) Whistle. One whistle as described in § 160.151-21(i) of this part.

(h) Flashlight. One flashlight with spare batteries as described in §160.15121(m).

(i) Signalling mirror. One signalling mirror as described in § 160.151-21(o).

(j) Survival instructions. Instructions on how to survive as described in § 160.151-21(v).

(k) Instructions for immediate action. Instructions for immediate action as described in § 160.151-21(w).

(1) Repair outfit. One set of sealing clamps or plugs as described in § 160.151-21(y)(1).

(m) Pump or bellows. One pump or bellows as described in § 160.151-21(z).

(n) Plugs for pressure-relief valves. Plugs for pressure-relief valves as described in § 160.151-21(aa).

Subpart 160.052-Specification for

a Buoyant Vest, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child

§ 160.052-1 Incorporation by reference. (a) Specifications and Standards. This subpart makes reference to the following documents.

(1) [Reserved]

(2) Military specification:

MIL-W-530F-Webbing, Textile, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural and in Colors.

(3) Federal Standards:

No. 191-Textile Test Methods.

No. 751A-Stitches, Seams, and Stitching. (4) Coast Guard specifications: 160.055-Life Preservers, Unicellular Plastic Foam, Adult and Child.

164.015-Plastic Foam, Unicellular, Buoyant Sheet and Molded Shapes.

(b) Plans. The following plans, of the issue in effect on the date buoyant vests are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:

Dwg. No. 160.052-1:

Sheet 1-Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model AP.

Sheet 2-Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CPM.

Sheet 3 Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement, Model CPS. Sheet 4-Insert Patterns.

(c) Copies on file. The manufacturer shall keep a copy of each specification and plan required by this section on file together with the certificate of approval. Plans and specifications may be obtained as follows:

(1) The Coast Guard plans and specifications may be obtained upon request from the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 205930001, or a recognized laboratory listed in § 160.052-8b.

(2) The Federal Specifications and Standards may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20407.

(3) The military specification may be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19120.

[CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72-90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82-063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 160.052-2 Size and model.

(a) A standard buoyant vest is manufactured in accordance with a plan specified in § 160.052-1(b) and is a:

(1) Model AP, adult (for persons over 90 pounds);

(2) Model CPM, child, medium (for persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds);

or

(3) Model CPS, child, small (for persons weighing less than 50 pounds).

(b) A nonstandard buoyant vest is: (1) Manufactured in accordance with the manufacturer's approved plan;

(2) Equivalent in performance to the standard buoyant vest; and

(3) Assigned a model designation by the manufacturer for the following sizes:

(i) Adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds);

(ii) Child, medium (for persons weighing from 50 to 90 pounds);

(iii) Child, small (for persons weighing less than 50 pounds).

[CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]

$160.052-3 Materials standard vests.

(a) General. All components used in the construction of buoyant vests must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given to the use of alternate materials in lieu of those specified. Detailed technical data and samples of all proposed alternate materials shall be submitted for approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.

(b) Unicellular plastic foam. The unicellular plastic foam shall be all new material complying with the requirements of specification Subpart 164.015 of this subchapter for Type A or B foam.

(c) Envelope. The buoyant vest envelope, or cover, shall be made from 39", 2.85 cotton jeans cloth, with a thread count of approximately 96×64. The finished goods shall weigh not less than 4.2 ounces per square yard, shall have thread count of not less than 94×60, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 85 pounds in the warp and 50 pounds in the filling. Other cotton fabrics having a weight and breaking strength not less than the above will be acceptable. There are no restrictions as to color, but the fastness of the color to laundering, water, crocking, and light shall be rated "good" when tested in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660.

(d) Tie tapes and body strap loops. The tie tapes and body strap loops for both adult and child sizes must be 3/4-inch cotton webbing meeting the requirements of military specification MIL-T43566 (Class I) for Type I webbing.

(d-1) Body straps. The complete body strap assembly, including hardware, must have a minimum breaking

strength of 150 pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds for a child size. The specifications for the webbing are as follows:

(1) For an adult size vest, the webbing must be 1 inch;

(2) For a child size vest, the webbing must be three-quarter inch and meet the requirements of military specification MIL-W-530 for Type IIa webbing. (e) [Reserved]

(f) Thread. Each thread must meet the requirements of subpart 164.023 of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam.

[CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72-90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 73-130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82-063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 84-068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]

§ 160.052-3a Materials-Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests.

(a) Specifications. Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests may have decorative platings in any thickness and must meet the following specifications:

(1) The device must be constructed of inherently corrosion resistant materials. As used in this section the term inherently corrosion resistant materials includes, but is not limited to brass, bronze, and stainless steel.

(2) The size of the opening of the device must be consistent with the webbing which will pass through the opening.

(b) Testing requirements. Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests must

(1) Be tested for weathering. The Coast Guard will determine which one or more of the following tests will be used:

(i) Application of a 20 percent sodium-chloride solution spray at a temperature of 95 °F (35 °C) for a period of 240 hours in accordance with the procedures contained in method 811 of the Federal Test Method Standard No. 151. (ii) Exposure to a carbon-arc weatherometer for a period of 100 hours.

(iii) Submergence for a period of 100 hours in each of the following:

(a) Leaded gasoline.

(b) Gum turpentine.

(iv) Exposure to a temperature of 0°+5 °F (17.6±2.775 °C) for 24 hours; and

(2) Within 5 minutes of completion of the weathering test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the assembly must be attached to a support and bear 150 pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds for a child size for 10 minutes at ambient temperatures without breaking or distorting.

[CGD 73-130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974]

$160.052-4 Materials-nonstandard vests.

(a) General. All materials used in nonstandard buoyant vests must be equivalent to those specified in $160.052-3 and be obtained from a supplier who furnishes an affidavit in accordance with the requirement in § 160.052-3(a).

(b) Cover. A vinyl-dip coating may be allowed for the covering of the vest instead of a fabric envelope if the coating meets the requirements in §160.0555(b)(2) of this chapter except there is no color restriction.

(c) Reinforcing tape. When used, the reinforcing tape around the neck shall be 3/4" cotton tape weighing not less than 0.18 ounces per linear yard having a minimum breaking strength of not less than 120 pounds.

[CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72-90R, 37 FR 10837, May 31, 1972; 37 FR 11774, June 14, 1972, CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.052-5 Construction-standard vests.

(a) General. This specification covers buoyant vests which essentially consist of a fabric envelope in which are enclosed inserts of buoyant material arranged and distributed so as to provide the flotation characteristics and buoyancy required to hold the wearer in an upright or slightly backward position with head and face out of water. The buoyant vests are also fitted with straps and hardware to provide for proper adjustment and close and comfortable fit to the bodies of various size wearers.

(b) Envelope. The envelope or cover shall be made of three pieces. Two pieces of fabric shall be cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No. 160.052-1, Sheet 1 for adult size, and Sheets 2 and 3 for child sizes, and joined together with a third piece which forms a 2′′ finished gusset strip all around. Reinforcing strips of the same material as the envelope shall be stitched to the inside of the front piece of the envelope in way of the strap attachments as shown by the drawings.

(c) Buoyant inserts. The unicellular plastic foam buoyant inserts shall be cut and formed as shown on Dwg. 160.052-1, Sheet 4.

(d) Tie tapes, body straps, and hardware. The tie tapes, body straps, and hardware shall be arranged as shown on the drawings and attached to the envelope with the seams and stitching indicated.

(e) Stitching. All stitching shall be short lock stitch conforming to Stitch Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751, and there shall be not less than 7 nor more than 9 stitches to the inch.

(f) Workmanship. Buoyant vests shall be of first-class workmanship and shall be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.

[CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11588, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD, 72-163R, 38 FR 8120, Mar. 28, 1973]

§ 160.052-6 Construction-nonstandard vests.

(a) General. The construction methods used for nonstandard buoyant vests must be equivalent to those requirements in §160.052-5 for a standard vest and also meet the requirements in this section.

(b) Size. Each nonstandard vest must contain the following volume of plastic foam buoyant material, determined by the displacement method:

(1) Five hundred cubic inches or more for an adult size;

(2) Three hundred and fifty cubic inches or more for a child, medium size;

(3) Two hundred and twenty-five cubic inches or more for a child, small size.