§ 160.044-6 - Procedure for approval.

(a) General. Bilge pumps for lifeboats on board merchant vessels are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. Correspondence relating to the subject matter of this specification shall be addressed to the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the pumps are manufactured.

(b) Manufacturer's plans. In order to obtain approval, submit detailed plans and specifications, including a complete bill of material, assembly drawing, and parts drawings descriptive of the arrangement and construction of the pump and fittings, to the Commander of the Coast Guard District in which the factory is located. Each drawing shall have an identifying number, date, and an identification of the item; and the general arrangement or assembly drawing shall include a list of all drawings applicable, together with drawing numbers and alteration numbers. At the time of selection of the pre-approval sample, the manufacturer shall furnish the inspector four copies of all plans and specifications, corrected as may have been required, for forwarding to the Commandant. A copy of the approved plans and the certificate of approval shall be kept on file by the manufacturer.

(c) Pre-approval sample. After the first drawings and specifications have been examined and found to appear satisfactory, a marine inspector will be detailed to the factory to observe the production facilities and manufacturing methods and to obtain a pre-approval sample, which will be forwarded, prepaid by the manufacturer, to the Commandant for the necessary inspections and tests to determine compliance with this subpart for qualification for type or brand approval for use in life boats on board merchant vessels.