[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: 46CFR180.130]

[Page 253]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 180_LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT AND ARRANGEMENTS--Table of Contents
 
           Subpart D_Survival Craft Arrangements and Equipment
 
Sec. 180.130  Stowage of survival craft.


    (a) Each survival craft must be:
    (1) Secured to the vessel by a painter with a float-free link 
permanently attached to the vessel except that a float-free link is not 
required if the vessel operates only on waters not as deep as the length 
of the painter;
    (2) Stowed so that when the vessel sinks the survival craft floats 
free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically;
    (3) Stowed in a position that is readily accessible to crew members 
for launching, or else provided with a remotely operated device that 
releases the survival craft into launching position or into the water;
    (4) Stowed in a way that permits manual release from its securing 
arrangements;
    (5) Ready for immediate use so that crew members can carry out 
preparations for embarkation and launching in less than 5 minutes;
    (6) Provided with means to prevent shifting;
    (7) Stowed in a way that neither the survival craft nor its stowage 
arrangements will interfere with the embarkation and operation of any 
other survival craft at any other launching station;
    (8) Stowed in a way that any protective covers will not interfere 
with launching and embarkation;
    (9) Fully equipped as required under this part; and
    (10) Stowed, as far as practicable, in a position sheltered from 
breaking seas and protected from damage by fire.
    (b) A hydrostatic release unit when used in a float-free arrangement 
must be approved under approval series 160.062 or 160.162 or other 
standard specified by the Commandant.
    (c) A mechanical, manually operated device to assist in launching a 
survival craft must be provided if:
    (1) The survival craft weights more than 90.7 kilograms (200 
pounds); and
    (2) The survival craft requires lifting more than 300 vertical 
millimeters (one vertical foot) to be launched.

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