[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 7]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR180.210]

[Page 258]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 180--LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS--Table of Contents
 
              Subpart E--Number and Type of Survival Craft
 
Sec. 180.210  Rescue boats.

    (a) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry 
at least one rescue boat unless the cognizant OCMI determines that:
    (1) The vessel is sufficiently maneuverable, arranged, and equipped 
to allow the crew to recover a helpless person from the water;
    (2) Recovery of a helpless person can be observed from the operating 
station; and
    (3) The vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict 
its maneuverability.
    (b) A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not 
required to carry a rescue boat unless:
    (1) The vessel carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed 
deck; and
    (2) The cognizant OCMI determines that the vessel is designed, 
arranged, or involved in operations so that the vessel itself cannot 
serve as an adequate rescue craft.
    (c) In general, a rescue boat must be a small, lightweight boat with 
built-in buoyancy and capable of being readily launched and easily 
maneuvered. In addition, it must be of adequate proportion to permit 
taking an unconscious person on board without capsizing.
    (d) On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length 
operating on protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval 
series 160.056 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a 
vessel of more than 19.8 meters operating on exposed or partially 
protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.156 
is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of not 
more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a required rescue boat must 
be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 
30, 1997; 62 FR 64306, Dec. 5, 1997]