[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: 46CFR176.710]

[Page 219]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 176_INSPECTION AND CERTIFICATION--Table of Contents
 
                    Subpart G_Repairs and Alterations
 
Sec. 176.710  Inspection and testing prior to hot work.

    (a) An inspection for flammable or combustible gases must be 
conducted by a certified marine chemist or other person authorized by 
the cognizant OCMI in accordance with the provisions of National Fire 
Protection Association (NFPA) 306, ``Control of Gas Hazards on 
Vessels,'' before alterations, repairs, or other operations involving 
riveting, welding, burning, or other fire producing actions may be made 
aboard a vessel:
    (1) Within or on the boundaries of fuel tanks; or
    (2) To pipelines, heating coils, pumps, fittings, or other 
appurtenances connected to fuel tanks.
    (b) An inspection required by paragraph (a) of this section must be 
conducted as required by this paragraph.
    (1) In ports or places in the United States or its territories and 
possessions, the inspection must be conducted by a marine chemist 
certificated by the NFPA. However, if the services of a certified marine 
chemist are not reasonably available, the cognizant OCMI, upon the 
recommendation of the vessel owner or managing operator, may authorize 
another person to inspect the vessel. If the inspection indicates that 
the operations can be undertaken safely, a certificate setting forth 
this fact in writing must be issued by the certified marine chemist or 
the authorized person before the work is started. The certificate must 
include any requirements necessary to reasonably maintain safe 
conditions in the spaces certified throughout the operation, including 
any precautions necessary to eliminate or minimize hazards that may be 
present from protective coatings or residues from cargoes.
    (2) When not in a port or place in the United States or its 
territories and possessions, and when a marine chemist or a person 
authorized by the cognizant OCMI is not reasonably available, the master 
shall conduct the inspection and enter the results in the inspection in 
the vessel's logbook.
    (c) The owner, managing operator, or master shall obtain a copy of 
certificates issued by the certified marine chemist or the other person 
authorized by the cognizant OCMI, and shall ensure that all conditions 
on the certificates are observed and that the vessel is maintained in a 
safe condition. The owner, managing operator, or master shall maintain a 
safe condition on the vessel by requiring full observance, by persons 
under his or her control, of all requirements listed in the certificate.