[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 2]
[Revised as of October 1, 2004]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR61.20-17]

[Page 293]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
   CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 61_PERIODIC TESTS AND INSPECTIONS--Table of Contents
 
         Subpart 61.20_Periodic Tests of Machinery and Equipment
 
Sec. 61.20-17  Examination intervals.

    (a) A lubricant that demonstrates the corrosion inhibiting 
properties of oil when tested in accordance with ASTM D 665 
(incorporated by reference, see Sec. 61.03-1) is considered to be 
equivalent to oil for the purposes of the tailshaft examination 
interval.
    (b) Except as provided in paragraphs (c) through (f) of this 
section, each tailshaft on a vessel must be examined twice within any 5 
year period. No more than 3 years may elapse between any 2 tailshaft 
examinations.
    (c) Tailshafts on vessels fitted with multiple shafts must be 
examined once every 5 years.
    (d) Tailshafts with inaccessible portions fabricated of materials 
resistant to corrosion by sea water, or fitted with a continuous liner 
or a sealing gland which prevents sea water from contacting the shaft, 
must be examined once every 5 years if they are constructed or fitted 
with a taper, keyway, and propeller designed in accordance with the 
American Bureau of Shipping standards to reduce stress concentrations or 
are fitted with a flanged propeller. Accessible portions of tailshafts 
must be examined visually during each drydock examination.
    (e) Tailshafts with oil lubricated bearings, including bearings 
lubricated with a substance considered to be equivalent to oil under the 
provisions of paragraph (a) of this section need not be drawn for 
examination--
    (1) If tailshaft bearing clearance readings are taken whenever the 
vessel undergoes a drydock examination or underwater survey;
    (2) If the inboard seal assemblies are examined whenever the vessel 
undergoes a drydock examination or underwater survey;
    (3) If an analysis of the tailshaft bearing lubricant is performed 
semiannually in accordance with the lubrication system manufacturer's 
recommendations to determine bearing material content or the presence of 
other contaminants; and
    (4) If--
    (i) For tailshafts with a taper, the propeller is removed and the 
taper and the keyway (if fitted) are nondestructively tested at 
intervals not to exceed 5 years; or
    (ii) For tailshafts with a propeller fitted to the shaft by means of 
a coupling flange, the propeller coupling bolts and flange radius are 
nondestructively tested whenever they are removed or made accessible in 
connection with overhaul or repairs.
    (f) Tailshafts on mobile offshore drilling units are not subject to 
examination intervals under paragraphs (b) through (d) of this section 
if they are--
    (1) Examined during each regularly scheduled drydocking; or
    (2) Regularly examined in a manner acceptable to the Commandant (G-
MOC).

[CGD 95-027, 61 FR 26001, May 23, 1996, as amended by CGD 96-041, 61 FR 
50728, Sept. 27, 1996; 61 FR 52497, Oct. 7, 1996; USCG-1999-5151, 64 FR 
67180, Dec. 1, 1999]