[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 7]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR169.245]

[Page 45-46]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 169_SAILING SCHOOL VESSELS--Table of Contents
 
              Subpart 169.200_Inspection and Certification
 
Sec. 169.245  Lifesaving equipment.

    At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the 
following tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment will be 
conducted:
    (a) All air tank buoyant units of all lifesaving appliances are 
tested for airtightness.
    (b) Each lifeboat is lowered to near the water and loaded with its 
allowed capacity, evenly distributed throughout the length. The total 
weight used is at least equal to the allowed capacity of the lifeboat 
considering persons to weigh 75 kg (165 pounds) each. The lifeboat is 
then lowered into the water until it is afloat and released from the 
falls.
    (c) Each personal flotation device is examined to determine its 
serviceability. If found to be satisfactory, it is stamped ``Passed,'' 
together with the date and the port. If found to be unsatisfactory, the 
personal flotation device must be removed from the vessel's equipment 
and repaired. If it is beyond repair it must be destroyed in the 
presence of the Coast Guard inspector.
    (d) Each lifeboat winch electrical control apparatus is opened and 
inspected.
    (e) Where gravity davits are installed, it must be demonstrated that 
the lifeboat can be swung out and lowered from any stopped position by 
merely releasing the brake on the lifeboat winch. The use of force to 
start the davits or the lifeboat winch is not permitted.
    (f) Inflatable liferaft containers are examined for defects and the 
inspector verifies that the inflatable liferafts and

[[Page 46]]

hydraulic releases, if installed, have been serviced at an approved 
facility in accordance with the provisions of subparts 160.051 and 
160.062, respectively, of this chapter.
    (g) All other items of lifesaving equipment are examined to 
determine that they are in suitable condition.

[CGD 83-005, 51 FR 896, Jan. 9, 1986, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 
FR 6508, Feb. 9, 2000]