§ 133.45 - Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment and arrangements.

§ 133.45 Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment and arrangements.

(a) Initial inspection. The initial inspection of lifesaving appliances and arrangements for certification includes a demonstration of -

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to 10 percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and operation of rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress signaling equipment, including EPIRB and pyrotechnic signaling devices;

(5) The proper condition of line-throwing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and operation of embarkation appliances, including embarkation ladders and marine evacuation systems;

(7) The ability of the crew to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and survival craft launching requirements of this part.

(b) Reinspections. Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and shall demonstrate, as applicable, -

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to full load;

(2) The proper condition and operation of rescue boats including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment;

(4) That each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;

(5) That each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic release unit, has been serviced as required under this chapter; and

(6) That the crew has the ability to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures.

(c) Other inspections. Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) of this section during OSV boardings to ensure that the appliances and arrangements comply with applicable requirements, are in satisfactory condition, and remain fit for service.

[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]