[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: 46CFR184.610]

[Page 300]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 184--VESSEL CONTROL AND MISCELLANEOUS SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT--Table of Contents
 
         Subpart F--Control and Internal Communications Systems
 
Sec. 184.610  Public address systems.

    (a) Except as noted in paragraphs (d) and (e) below, each vessel 
must be equipped with a public address system.
    (b) On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, the 
public address system must be a fixed installation and be audible during 
normal operating conditions throughout the accommodation spaces and all 
other spaces normally manned by crew members.
    (c) A vessel with more than one passenger deck and a vessel with 
overnight accommodations must have the public address system operable 
from the operating station.
    (d) On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a 
battery powered bullhorn may serve as the public address system if 
audible throughout the accommodation spaces of the vessel during normal 
operating conditions. The bullhorn's batteries are to be continually 
maintained at a fully charged level by use of a battery charger or other 
means acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.
    (e) On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length 
carrying not more than 49 passengers, a public address system is not 
required if a public announcement made from operating station without 
amplification can be heard throughout the accommodation spaces of the 
vessel during normal operating conditions, to the satisfaction of the 
cognizant OCMI.