[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 33, Volume 2]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 33CFR164.80]

[Page 617]
 
                TITLE 33--NAVIGATION AND NAVIGABLE WATERS
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 164--NAVIGATION SAFETY REGULATIONS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 164.80  Tests and inspections.

    (a) The owner, master, or operator of each towing vessel of less 
than 1,600 GT shall ensure that the following tests and inspections of 
gear occur before the vessel embarks on a voyage of more than 24 hours 
or when each new master or operator assumes command:
    (1) Steering-systems. A test of the steering-gear-control system; a 
test of the main steering gear from the alternative power supply, if 
installed; a verification of the rudder-angle indicator relative to the 
actual position of the rudder; and a visual inspection of the steering 
gear and its linkage.
    (2) Navigational equipment. A test of all installed navigational 
equipment.
    (3) Communications. Operation of all internal vessel control 
communications and vessel-control alarms, if installed.
    (4) Lights. Operation of all navigational lights and all 
searchlights.
    (5) Terminal gear. Visual inspection of tackle; of connections of 
bridle and towing pendant, if applicable; of chafing gear; and of the 
winch brake, if installed.
    (6) Propulsion systems. Visual inspection of the spaces for main 
propulsion machinery, of machinery, and of devices for monitoring 
machinery.
    (b) The owner, master, or operator of each towing vessel of 1,600 GT 
or more shall ensure that the following tests of equipment occur at the 
frequency required by Sec. 164.25 and that the following inspections of 
gear occur before the vessel embarks on a voyage of more than 24 hours 
or when each new master or operator assumes command:
    (1) Navigational equipment. Tests of onboard equipment as required 
by Sec. 164.25.
    (2) Terminal gear. Visual inspection of tackle; of connections of 
bridle and towing pendant, if applicable; of chafing gear; and of the 
winch brake, if installed.

[CGD 94-020, 61 FR 35075, July 3, 1996]

    Effective Date Note: By USCG-2000-6931, 68 FR 22610, Apr. 29, 2003, 
Sec. 164.80 was amended by revising the section heading and by adding 
paragraph (c), effective Aug. 27, 2003. For the convenience of the user, 
the revised and added text is set forth as follows: