CCLME.ORG - 46 CFR PART 97

National
United States Regulations
46 CFR PART 97—OPERATIONS

Title 46: Shipping

PART 97—OPERATIONS

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 6101; 49 U.S.C. 5103, 5106; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 56 FR 54757; 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1.

Source: CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 30, 1965, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart 97.01—Application
top
§ 97.01-1 General.
top
(a) The provisions of this part shall apply to all vessels except as specifically noted in this part.

§ 97.01-2 Incorporation by reference.
top
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this part with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. To enforce any edition other than that specified in paragraph (b) of this section, the Coast Guard must publish notice of change in the Federal Register; and the material must be available to the public. All approved material is available for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G-MSE–4), 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. All material is available from the sources indicated in paragraph (b) of this section.

(b) The material approved for incorporation by reference in this part and the sections affected are as follows:

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428–2959

ASTM D 93–97, Standard Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester—97.15–55

ASTM Adjunct F 1626, Symbols for Use in Accordance with Regulation II–2/20 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention as amended PCN: 12–616260–01 (1996)—97.36–1

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Publications Section, 4 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7SR United Kingdom

Resolution A.654(16), Graphical Symbols for Fire Control Plans—97.36–1

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51207, Sept. 30, 1997, as amended by USCG 1998–4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998; USCG 1999–5151, 64 FR 67181, Dec. 1, 1999]

Subpart 97.05—Notice to Mariners and Aids to Navigation
top
§ 97.05-1 Duty of officers.
top
(a) Licensed deck officers are required to acquaint themselves with the latest information published by the Coast Guard and the National Imagery and Mapping Agency regarding aids to navigation. Neglect to do so is evidence of neglect of duty. It is desirable that vessels other than motorboats shall have available in the pilothouse for convenient reference at all times a file of the applicable Notice to Mariners.

(b) Weekly Notices to Mariners (Great Lakes Edition), published by the Commander, 9th Coast Guard District, contain announcements and information on changes in aids to navigation and other marine information affecting the safety of navigation on the Great Lakes. These notices may be obtained free of charge, by making application to Commander, 9th Coast Guard District.

(c) Weekly Notices to Mariners (world-wide coverage) are prepared jointly by the National Imagery and Mapping Agency, National Ocean Service and the U.S. Coast Guard. They include changes in aids to navigation in assembled form for the 1st, 5th, 7th, Greater Antilles Section 8th, 11th, 13th, 14th, and 17th Coast Guard Districts. Foreign marine information is also included in these notices. These notices are available without charge from the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Washington, DC 20390, Branch Oceanographic Offices, U.S. Collector of Customs of the major seaports in the United States and are also on file in the U.S. Consulates where they may be inspected.

[CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15286, Dec. 6, 1966, as amended by CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5720, Apr. 12, 1968; CGFR 69–116, 35 FR 6861, Apr. 30, 1970; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50464, Sept. 29, 1995; USCG–2001–10224, 66 FR 48620, Sept. 21, 2001]

§ 97.05-5 Charts and nautical publications.
top
As appropriate for the intended voyage, all vessels except barges, vessels operating exclusively on rivers, and motorboats other than those certificated for ocean or coastwise route, must carry adequate and up-to-date—

(a) Charts;

(b) Sailing directions;

(c) Coast pilots;

(d) Light lists;

(e) Notices to mariners;

(f) Tide tables;

(g) Current tables; and

(h) All other nautical publications necessary. 1

1 For United States vessels in or on the navigable waters of the United States, see 33 CFR 164.33.

[CGD 75–074, 42 FR 5964, Jan. 31, 1977]

Subpart 97.07—Notice and Reporting of Casualty and Voyage Records
top
§ 97.07-1 Notice and reporting of casualty and voyage records.
top
The requirements for providing notice and reporting of marine casualties and for retaining voyage records are contained in subpart 4.05 of this chapter.

[CGD 84–099, 52 FR 47536, Dec. 14, 1987, as amended by USCG 1998–4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]

Subpart 97.10—Persons Allowed in Pilothouse and on Navigation Bridge
top
§ 97.10-1 Application.
top
(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels carrying passengers.

§ 97.10-5 Persons excluded.
top
Masters and pilots shall exclude from the pilothouse and navigation bridge while underway, all persons not connected with the navigation of the vessel. However, licensed officers of vessels, persons regularly engaged in training, regulating, evaluating, or learning the profession of pilot, officials of the United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, National Imagery and Mapping Agency, National Ocean Service, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Maritime Administration, and National Transportation Safety Board may be allowed in the pilothouse or upon the navigation bridge upon the responsibility of the master or pilot.

[CGD 91–023, 59 FR 16779, Apr. 8, 1994. as amended by USCG–2001–10224, 66 FR 48620, Sept. 21, 2001]

Subpart 97.11—Stability Letter
top
§ 97.11-1 Posting.
top
If a stability letter is issued under §170.120 of this chapter, it must be posted under glass or other suitable transparent material in the pilothouse of the vessel.

[CGD 79–023, 48 FR 51008, Nov. 4, 1983]

Subpart 97.12—Cargo Stowage
top
§ 97.12-1 Bulk ores and similar cargoes.
top
(a) The owners or operators of general cargo vessels which carry bulk cargoes such as ore, ore concentrates, and similar cargoes shall furnish to the masters of such vessels guidance information pertaining to the safe stowage of such cargoes.

§ 97.12-5 Manual.
top
The manual on the “Stowage of Bulk Cargoes Such as Ore, Ore Concentrates, and Similar Cargoes when carried in General Cargo Vessels,” 1966, 1 printed and distributed by the National Cargo Bureau, Inc., 17 Battery Place, Suite 1232, New York, NY 10004–1207 (telephone: 212–785–8300; fax: 212–785–8333; or e-mail: helpdesk@natcargo.org), is endorsed and recognized by the Coast Guard for use in compliance with the requirements of §97.12–1(a).

1 Copies of this manual are on file at Coast Guard Headquarters and with the various Coast Guard District Commanders for reference purposes.

[CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15286, Dec. 6, 1966; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50729, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG–2004–18884, 69 FR 58347, Sept. 30, 2004]

Subpart 97.13—Station Bills
top
§ 97.13-1 Muster lists, emergency signals, and manning.
top
The requirements for muster lists, emergency signals, and manning must be in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

[CGD 84–069, 61 FR 25289, May 20, 1996]

Subpart 97.15—Tests, Drills, and Inspections
top
§ 97.15-1 Application.
top
(a) Except as specifically noted, the provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels other than motorboats, and to all motorboats on an international voyage. Motorboats not on an international voyage shall meet the general intent of this subpart insofar as is reasonable and practicable with the exception that the logging of information is not required.

§ 97.15-3 Steering gear, whistle, and means of communication.
top
(a) On all vessels making a voyage of more than 48 hours' duration, the entire steering gear, the whistle, and the means of communication between the bridge or pilothouse and the engineroom shall be examined and tested by an officer of the vessel within a period of not more than 12 hours prior to departure. On all other vessels similar examinations and tests shall be made at least once in every week.

(b) The date of the test and the condition of the equipment shall be noted in the official logbook.

§ 97.15-5 Drafts and load line markings.
top
(a) The master of every vessel on an ocean, coastwise, or Great Lakes voyage shall enter the drafts of the vessel, forward and aft, in the official logbook when leaving port.

(b) On vessels subject to the requirements of subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter at the time of departure from port on an ocean, coastwise, or Great Lakes voyage, the master shall insert in the official logbook a statement of the position of the load line mark, port and starboard, in relation to the surface of the water in which the vessel is then floating.

(1) When an allowance for draft is made for density of the water in which the vessel is floating, this density is to be noted in the official logbook.

§ 97.15-7 Verification of vessel compliance with applicable stability requirements.
top
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, after loading and prior to departure and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel, the master or person in charge shall determine that the vessel complies with all applicable stability requirements in the vessel's trim and stability book, stability letter, Certificate of Inspection, and Load Line Certificate, as the case may be. The vessel may not depart until it is in compliance with these requirements.

(b) When determining compliance with applicable stability requirements the vessel's draft, trim, and stability must be determined as necessary.

(c) If a log book is required by §97.35, then the master or person in charge must enter an attestation statement verifying that the vessel complies with the applicable stability requirements at the times specified in paragraph (a) and any stability calculations made in support of the determination must be retained on board the vessel for the duration of the voyage.

(d) Stability verification is not required for tank barges whose Certificate of Inspection carries draft restrictions for purposes other than stability.

[CGD 89–037, 57 FR 41822, Sept. 11, 1992]

§ 97.15-10 Sanitation.
top
(a) It shall be the duty of the master and chief engineer to see that the vessel, and, in particular, the quarters are in a clean and sanitary condition. The chief engineer shall be responsible only for the sanitary condition of the engineering department.

§ 97.15-15 Examination of boilers and machinery.
top
It shall be the duty of the chief engineer when assuming charge of the boilers and machinery of a vessel to examine them thoroughly. If any parts thereof are in bad condition, the fact shall immediately be reported to the master, owner or agent, and the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51207, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 97.15-17 Loading doors.
top
(a) The master of a vessel fitted with loading doors shall assure that all loading doors are closed watertight and secured during the entire voyage except that—

(1) If a door cannot be opened or closed while the vessel is at a dock, it may be open while the vessel approaches and draws away from the dock, but only as far as necessary to enable the door to be immediately operated;

(2) If needed to operate the vessel, or embark and disembark passengers when the vessel is at anchor in protected waters, loading doors may be open provided that the master determines that the safety of the vessel is not impaired.

(b) For the purposes of this section, “loading doors” include all weathertight ramps, bow visors, and openings used to load personnel, equipment, cargo, and stores, in the collision bulkhead, the side shell, and the boundaries of enclosed superstructures that are continuous with the shell of the vessel.

(c) The master shall enter into the log book the time and door location of every closing of the loading doors.

(d) The master shall enter into the log book any opening of the doors in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) of this section setting forth the time of the opening of the doors and the circumstances warranting this action.

[CGD 89–037, 57 FR 41823, Sept. 11, 1992]

§ 97.15-20 Hatches and other openings.
top
(a)(1) With the exception stated in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, it shall be the responsibility of the master to assure himself that all exposed cargo hatches and other openings in the hull of his vessel are closed, made properly watertight by the use of tarpaulins, gaskets or similar devices, and in all respects properly secured for sea before leaving protected waters.

(2) A vessel engaged in a voyage exclusively on Great Lakes waters and having 6 feet or more of freeboard, measured vertically from the water's edge at the lowest point of sheer to the top of deck at the ship's side, may, at the master's discretion, omit tarpaulins on the ship's hatches from 16 May through 15 September (both dates inclusive). This exemption does not relieve the master of any responsibility for the securing and protection of his hatches during the interval of exemption and, in case of indications of bad weather or other threatening conditions, he shall not leave protected waters until the exposed cargo hatches and other openings in the hull of his vessel are properly covered, secured and protected.

(b) The openings to which this section applies are as follows:

(1) Exposed cargo hatches.

(2) Gangway, cargo and coaling ports fitted below the freeboard deck.

(3) Port lights that are not accessible during navigation including the dead lights for such port lights.

(c) Vessels which, by their design, do not require cargo hatch closing devices and to which §45.01–20 of subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter applies need not comply with the requirements of this section as to exposed cargo hatches.

(d) The master at his discretion may permit hatches or other openings to remain uncovered or open, or to be uncovered or opened for reasonable purposes such as ship's maintenance while the vessel is being navigated: Provided, That in his opinion existing conditions warrant such action.

(e) In the event the master employs the discretionary provisions of this section after leaving port he shall cause appropriate entries to be made in the official log or equivalent thereof setting forth the time of uncovering, opening, closing or covering of the hatches or other openings to which this section applies and the circumstances warranting the action taken.

(f) The discretionary provisions of this section shall not relieve the master of his responsibility for the safety of his vessel, her crew or cargo.

§ 97.15-30 Emergency lighting and power systems.
top
(a) Where fitted, it shall be the duty of the master to see that the emergency lighting and power systems are operated and inspected at least once in each week that the vessel is navigated to be assured that the system is in proper operating condition.

(b) Internal combustion engine driven emergency generators shall be operated under load for at least 2 hours, at least once in each month that the vessel is navigated.

(c) Storage batteries for emergency lighting and power systems shall be tested at least once each 6-month period that the vessel is navigated to demonstrate the ability of the storage battery to supply the emergency loads for the period of time specified in Table 112.05–5(a) of this chapter.

(d) The date of the tests and the condition and performance of the apparatus shall be noted in the official log book.

[CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17014, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGFR 70–143, 35 FR 19906, Dec. 30, 1970; 36 FR 5606, Mar. 25, 1971]

§ 97.15-35 Emergency training, musters, and drills.
top
Onboard training, musters, and drills must be in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

[CGD 84–069, 61 FR 25289, May 20, 1996]

§ 97.15-55 Requirements for fuel oil.
top
(a) It shall be the duty of the chief engineer to cause an entry in the log to be made of each supply of fuel oil received on board, stating the quantity received, the name of the vendor, the name of the oil producer, and the flashpoint (Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Method, ASTM D 93 (incorporated by reference, see §97.01–2)) for which it is certified by the producer.

(b) It shall be the further duty of the chief engineer to cause to be drawn and sealed and suitably labeled at the time the supply is received on board, a half-pint sample of each lot of fuel oil. These samples shall be preserved until the particular supply of oil is exhausted.

[CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGFR 68–82, 33 FR 18901, Dec. 18, 1968; USCG–2000–7790, 65 FR 58461, Sept. 29, 2000]

§ 97.15-60 Firefighting equipment, general.
top
(a) It shall be the duty of the owner, master, or person in charge to see that the vessel's firefighting equipment is at all times ready for use and that all such equipment required by the regulations in this subchapter is provided, maintained, and replaced as indicated.

(b) It shall be the duty of the owner, master, or person in charge to require and have performed at least once in every twelve months the tests and inspections of all hand portable fire extinguishers, semiportable fire extinguishing systems, and fixed fire extinguishing systems on board, as described in Tables 91.25–20(a)(1) and 91.25–20(a)(2) in §91.25–20 of this subchapter. The owner, master, or person in charge shall keep records of such tests and inspections showing the dates when performed, the number and/or other identification of each unit tested and inspected, and the name(s) of the person(s) and/or company conducting the tests and inspections. Such records shall be made available to the inspector upon request and shall be kept for the period of validity of the vessel's current certificate of inspection. Where practicable these records should be kept in or with the vessel's log book. The conduct of these tests and inspections does not relieve the owner, master, or person in charge of his responsibility to maintain this firefighting equipment in proper condition at all times.

§ 97.15-75 Test of inflatable hopper gate seals on Great Lakes bulk dry cargo vessels.
top
(a) It is the duty of the Master to ensure that the inflatable hopper gate seals installed on vessels required to meet the damage stability requirements of subpart H of part 172 of this chapter are tested after each carriage of cargo.

(b) Where inflatable hopper gate seals are installed, the test must consist of inflating the seals and assuring they hold the design pressure for at least 15 minutes without a drop in pressure.

(c) The date of the test and the condition of the equipment must be noted in the vessel's official logbook.

[CGD 80–159, 51 FR 33059, Sept. 18, 1986]

Subpart 97.16—Auto Pilot
top
§ 97.16-1 Use of auto pilot.
top
Except as provided in 33 CFR 164.15, when the automatic pilot is used in—

(a) Areas of high traffic density;

(b) Conditions of restricted visibility; and

(c) All other hazardous navigational situations, the master shall ensure that—

(1) It is possible to immediately establish manual control of the ship's steering;

(2) A competent person is ready at all times to take over steering control;

(3) The changeover from automatic to manual steering and vice versa is made by, or under, the supervision of the officer of the watch.

[CGD 75–074, 42 FR 5964, Jan. 31, 1977]

Subpart 97.19—Maneuvering Characteristics
top
§ 97.19-1 Data required.
top
For each ocean and coastwise vessel of 1,600 gross tons or over, the following apply:

(a) The following maneuvering information must be prominently displayed in the pilothouse on a fact sheet:

(1) For full and half speed, a turning circle diagram to port and starboard that shows the time and the distance of advance and transfer required to alter the course 90 degrees with maximum rudder angle and constant power settings.

(2) The time and distance to stop the vessel from full and half speed while maintaining approximately the initial heading with minimum application of rudder.

(3) For each vessel with a fixed propeller, a table of shaft revolutions per minute for a representative range of speeds.

(4) For each vessel with a controllable pitch propeller a table of control settings or a representative range of speeds.

(5) For each vessel that is fitted with an auxiliary device to assist in maneuvering, such as a bow thruster, a table of vessel speeds at which the auxiliary device is effective in maneuvering the vessel.

(b) The maneuvering information must be provided in the normal load and normal light condition with normal trim for a particular condition of loading assuming the following—

(1) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea;

(2) No current;

(3) Deep water conditions—water depth twice the vessel's draft or greater; and

(4) Clean hull.

(c) At the bottom of the fact sheet, the following statement must appear:

Warning

The response of the (name of the vessel) may be different from those listed above if any of the following conditions, upon which the maneuvering information is based, are varied:

(1) Calm weather—wind 10 knots or less, calm sea;

(2) No current;

(3) Water depth twice the vessel's draft or greater;

(4) Clean hull; and

(5) Intermediate drafts or unusual trim.

(d) The information on the fact sheet must be:

(1) Verified six months after the vessel is placed in service; or

(2) Modified six months after the vessel is placed into service and verified within three months thereafter.

(e) The information that appears on the fact sheet may be obtained from:

(1) Trial trip observations;

(2) Model tests;

(3) Analytical calculations;

(4) Simulations;

(5) Information established from another vessel of similar hull form, power, rudder and propeller; or

(6) Any combination of the above.

The accuracy of the information in the fact sheet required is that attainable by ordinary shipboard navigation equipment.

(f) The requirements for information for fact sheets for specialized craft such as semi-submersibles, hydrofoils, hovercraft and other vessels of unusual design will be specified on a case by case basis.

[CGD 73–78, 40 FR 2689, Jan. 15, 1975]

Subpart 97.20—Whistling
top
§ 97.20-1 Unnecessary whistling prohibited.
top
(a) The unnecessary sounding of the vessel's whistle is prohibited within any harbor limits of the United States.

Subpart 97.25—Searchlights
top
§ 97.25-1 Improper use prohibited.
top
(a) No person shall flash or cause to be flashed the rays of a searchlight or other blinding light onto the bridge or into the pilothouse of any vessel under way.

Subpart 97.27—Lookouts
top
§ 97.27-5 Master's and officer's responsibility.
top
(a) Nothing in this part shall exonerate any master or officer in command from the consequences of any neglect to keep a proper lookout or to maintain a proper fire watch or from any neglect of any precaution which may be required by the ordinary practice of seamen or by the special circumstances of the case. When circumstances require it, additional watches shall be maintained to guard against fire or other danger and to give an alarm in case of accident or disaster.

Subpart 97.30—Reports of Accidents, Repairs, and Unsafe Equipment
top
§ 97.30-1 Repairs to boilers and pressure vessels.
top
(a) Before making any repairs to boilers or unfired pressure vessels, the chief engineer shall submit a report covering the nature of the repairs to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, at or nearest to the port where the repairs are to be made.

§ 97.30-5 Accidents to machinery.
top
(a) In the event of an accident to a boiler, unfired pressure vessel, or machinery tending to render the further use of the item unsafe until repairs are made, or if by ordinary wear such items become unsafe, a report shall be made, by the chief engineer immediately to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, or if at sea immediately upon arrival at port.

§ 97.30-10 Notice required before repair.
top
(a) No repairs or alterations, except in an emergency, shall be made to any lifesaving or fire detecting or extinguishing equipment without advance notice to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. When emergency repairs or alterations have been made, notice shall be given to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, as soon as practicable.

Subpart 97.33—Communication Between Deckhouses
top
§ 97.33-1 When required.
top
On all vessels navigating in other than protected waters, where the distance between deckhouses is more than 46 meters (150 feet) a fixed means facilitating communication between both ends of the vessel, such as a raised fore and aft bridge or side tunnels, must be provided. Previously approved arrangements may be retained so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

[CGD 95–027, 61 FR 26007, May 23, 1996]

Subpart 97.34—Work Vests
top
§ 97.34-1 Application.
top
(a) Provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels inspected and certificated in accordance with this subchapter.

§ 97.34-5 Approved types of work vests.
top
(a) Each buoyant work vest carried under the permissive authority of this section must be approved under—

(1) Subpart 160.053 of this chapter; or

(2) Subpart 160.077 of this chapter as a commercial hybrid PFD.

[CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4350, Feb. 4, 1986]

§ 97.34-10 Use.
top
(a) Approved buoyant work vests are considered to be items of safety apparel and may be carried aboard vessels to be worn by crew members when working near or over the water under favorable working conditions. They shall be used under the supervision and control of designated ship's officers. When carried, such vests shall not be accepted in lieu of any portion of the required number of approved life preservers and shall not be substituted for the approved life preservers required to be worn during drills and emergencies.

§ 97.34-15 Shipboard stowage.
top
(a) The approved buoyant work vests shall be stowed separately from the regular stowage of approved life preservers.

(b) The locations for the stowage of work vests shall be such as not to be easily confused with that for approved life preservers.

§ 97.34-20 Shipboard inspections.
top
(a) Each work vest shall be subject to examination by a marine inspector to determine its serviceability. If found to be satisfactory, it may be continued in service, but shall not be stamped by a marine inspector with a Coast Guard stamp. If a work vest is found not to be in a serviceable condition, then such work vest shall be removed from the vessel. If a work vest is beyond repair, it shall be destroyed or mutilated in the presence of a marine inspector so as to prevent its continued use as a work vest.

§ 97.34-25 Additional requirements for hybrid work vests.
top
(a) In addition to the other requirements in this subpart, commercial hybrid PFD's must be—

(1) Used, stowed, and maintained in accordance with the procedures set out in the manual required for these devices by §160.077–29 of this chapter and any limitation(s) marked on them; and

(2) Of the same or similar design and have the same method of operation as each other hybrid PFD carried on board.

[CGD 78–174A, 51 FR 4350, Feb. 4, 1986]

Subpart 97.35—Logbook Entries
top
§ 97.35-1 Application.
top
(a) Except as specifically noted, the provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels other than motorboats and barges. Motorboats on an international or intercoastal voyage may be required to carry a logbook in accordance with §97.35–10.

§ 97.35-3 Logbooks and records.
top
(a) The master or person in charge of a vessel that is required by 46 U.S.C. 11301 to have an official logbook shall maintain the logbook on form CG–706. When the voyage is completed, the master or person in charge shall file the logbook with the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) The master or person in charge of a vessel that is not required by 46 U.S.C. 11301 to have an official logbook, shall maintain, on board, an unofficial logbook or record in any form desired for the purposes of making entries therein as required by law or regulations in this subchapter. Such logs or records are not filed with the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, but must be kept available for review by a marine inspector for a period of 1 year after the date to which the records refer. Separate records of tests and inspections of fire fighting equipment must be maintained with the vessel's logs for the period of validity of the vessel's certificate of inspection.

[CGD 95–027, 61 FR 26007, May 23, 1996]

§ 97.35-5 Actions required to be logged.
top
The actions and observations noted in this section shall be entered in the official log book. This section contains no requirements which are not made in other portions of this subchapter, the items being merely grouped together for convenience.

(a) Onboard training, musters, and drills: held in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(b) Steering Gear, Whistle, and Means of Communication. Prior to departure. See §97.15–3.

(c) Drafts and Load Line Markings. Prior to leaving port, ocean, coastwise, and Great Lakes services only. See §97.15–5.

(d) Verification of vessel compliance with applicable stability requirements. After loading and prior to departure and at all other times necessary to assure the safety of the vessel. See §97.15–7.

(e) Loading doors. Where applicable, every closing and any opening when not docked. See §97.15–17.

(f) Hatches and other openings. All openings and closings, or leaving port without closing. Except vessels on protected waters. See §97.15–20.

(g) Emergency Lighting and Power Systems. Weekly and semi-annually. See §97.15–30.

(h) Fuel oil data: Upon receipt of fuel oil on board. See §97.15–55.

(i) Cargo gear inspections: At least once a month. See §91.37–70 of this subchapter.

(j) Inflatable hopper gate seals. Where installed to comply with subpart G of part 172 of this chapter after each carriage of cargo. See §97.15–75.

[CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 80–159, 51 FR 33059, Sept. 18, 1986; CGD 89–037, 57 FR 41823, Sept. 11, 1992; CGD 84–069, 61 FR 25289, May 20, 1996]

Subpart 97.36—Display of Plans
top
§ 97.36-1 When required.
top
Barges with sleeping accommodations for more than six persons and all self-propelled vessels shall have permanently exhibited for the guidance of the officer in charge of the vessel the following plans:

(a) General arrangement plans showing for each deck the fire control stations, the various sections enclosed by fire-resisting bulkheads, together with particulars of the fire alarms, detecting systems, the sprinkler installation (if any), the fire extinguishing appliances, means of access to different compartments, decks, etc., and the ventilating systems including particulars of the master fan controls, the positions of dampers, the location of the remote means of stopping fans, and identification numbers of the ventilating fans serving each section. If cargo compartments are “specially suitable for vehicles,” they shall be so indicated on the plan. Alternatively, at the discretion of the Commandant, the aforementioned details may be set out in any other medium, such as a booklet or on computer software, provided that the aforementioned details are available to each officer and a copy is retained on board at all times and is accessible during emergencies. For vessels constructed on or after September 30, 1997 or for existing vessels which have their plans redrawn, the symbols used to identify the aforementioned details shall be in accordance with IMO Assembly resolution A.654(16). These identical symbols can also be found in ASTM Adjunct F 1626 (incorporated by reference, see §97.01–2).

(b) Plans showing clearly for each deck and hold the boundaries of the watertight compartments, the openings therein with the means of closure and position of any controls thereof, and the arrangements for the correction of any list due to flooding.

(c) The aforementioned information shall be kept up-to-date, any alteration being recorded in the applicable medium as soon as practicable.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51207, Sept. 30, 1997, as amended by USCG–2000–7790, 65 FR 58461, Sept. 29, 2000]

Subpart 97.37—Markings for Fire and Emergency Equipment, Etc.
top
§ 97.37-1 Application.
top
(a) The provisions of this subpart, with the exception of §97.37–90, shall apply to all vessels contracted for on or after November 19, 1952. Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, shall meet the requirements of §97.37–90.

§ 97.37-3 General.
top
(a) It is the intent of this subpart to provide such markings as are necessary for the guidance of the person on board in case of an emergency. In any specific case, and particularly on small vessels, where it can be shown to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, that the prescribed markings are unnecessary for the guidance of the persons on board in case of emergency, such markings may be modified or omitted.

(b) In addition to English, all stateroom notices, directional signs, etc., shall be printed in languages appropriate to the service of the vessel or other action be taken to achieve the same purpose.

(c) Where in this subpart red letters are specified, letters of a contrasting color on a red background will be accepted.

§ 97.37-5 General alarm bell contact maker.
top
Each general alarm contact maker must be marked in accordance with requirements in subchapter J (Electrical Engineering Regulations) of this chapter.

[CGD 74–125A, 47 FR 15232, Apr. 8, 1982]

§ 97.37-7 General alarm bells.
top
(a) All general alarm bells shall be identified by red lettering at least 1/2 inch high:

“GENERAL ALARM—WHEN BELL RINGS GO TO YOUR STATION.”

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-9 Carbon dioxide alarm.
top
(a) All carbon dioxide alarms shall be conspicuously identified:

“WHEN ALARM SOUNDS—VACATE AT ONCE. CARBON DIOXIDE BEING RELEASED.”

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-10 Fire extinguishing system branch lines.
top
(a) The branch line valves of all fire extinguishing systems shall be plainly and permanently marked indicating the spaces served.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-13 Fire extinguishing system controls.
top
(a) The control cabinets or spaces containing valves or manifolds for the various fire extinguishing systems shall be distinctly marked in conspicuous red letters at least 2 inches high:

“STEAM FIRE APPARATUS,” “CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE APPARATUS,” “FOAM FIRE APPARATUS,” or “WATER SPRAY FIRE APPARATUS” as the case may be.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-15 Fire hose stations.
top
(a) Each fire hydrant shall be identified in red letters and figures at least two inches high “FIRE STATION NO. 1,” “2,” “3,” etc. Where the hose is not stowed in the open or behind glass so as to be readily seen, this identification shall be so placed as to be readily seen from a distance.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-20 Self-contained breathing apparatus.
top
(a) Lockers or spaces containing self-contained breathing apparatus shall be marked “SELF-CONTAINED BREATHING APPARATUS.”

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-23 Hand portable fire extinguishers.
top
(a) Each hand portable fire extinguisher shall be marked with a number and the location where stowed shall be marked with a corresponding number at least 1/2 inch high. Where only one type and size of hand portable fire extinguisher is carried, the numbering may be omitted.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-25 Emergency lights.
top
(a) All emergency lights shall be marked with a letter “E” at least 1/2 inch high.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-33 Instructions for changing steering gear.
top
(a) Instructions in at least 1/2 inch letters and figures shall be posted in the steering engine room, relating in order, the different steps to be taken in changing to the emergency steering gear. Each clutch, gear, wheel, lever, valve, or switch which is used during the changeover shall be numbered or lettered on a metal plate or painted so that the markings can be recognized at a reasonable distance. The instructions shall indicate each clutch or pin to be “in” or “out” and each valve or switch which is to be “opened” or “closed” in shifting to any means of steering for which the vessel is equipped. Instructions shall be included to line up all steering wheels and rudder amidship before changing gears.

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-35 Rudder orders.
top
(a) At all steering stations, there shall be installed a suitable notice on the wheel or device or in such other position as to be directly in the helmsman's line of vision, to indicate the direction in which the wheel or device must be turned for “right rudder” and for “left rudder.”

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-42 Markings for lifesaving appliances, instructions to passengers, and stowage locations.
top
Lifesaving appliances, instructions to passengers, and stowage locations must be marked in accordance with subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

[CGD 84–069, 61 FR 25289, May 20, 1996]

§ 97.37-47 Portable magazine chests.
top
(a) Portable magazine chests shall be marked in letters at least 3 inches high:

“PORTABLE MAGAZINE CHEST—FLAMMABLE—KEEP LIGHTS AND FIRE AWAY.”

(b) [Reserved]

§ 97.37-50 Ventilation alarm failure.
top
(a) The alarm required by §92.15–10(d)(4) of this subchapter, which indicates the loss of required ventilation in spaces specially suitable for vehicles, shall be marked with a conspicuous sign in at least 1/4-inch letters “VENTILATION FAILURE IN VEHICULAR SPACE.”

(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15286, Dec. 6, 1966]

§ 97.37-60 Watertight doors.
top
Quick-acting Class I watertight doors fitted in accordance with the requirements in §170.255(d) of this chapter must be marked “KEEP THIS DOOR CLOSED”.

[CGD 80–129, 51 FR 33059, Sept. 18, 1986]

§ 97.37-90 Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952.
top
(a) Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, shall meet the requirements of this paragraph.

(1) The requirements of §§97.37–5 through 97.37–50 shall be met with the exception that existing signs and markings containing the same general intent, but not necessarily identical wording or exact letter type, size, or color, may be retained so long as they are in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(2) [Reserved]

(b) [Reserved]

[CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15286, Dec. 6, 1966]

Subpart 97.40—Markings on Vessels
top
§ 97.40-1 Application.
top
(a) The provisions of this subpart shall apply to all vessels except as specifically noted.

§ 97.40-5 Hull markings.
top
Vessels shall be marked as required by parts 67 and 69 of this chapter.

[CGD 72–104R, 37 FR 14233, July 18, 1972]

§ 97.40-10 Draft marks and draft indicating systems.
top
(a) All vessels must have draft marks plainly and legibly visible upon the stem and upon the sternpost or rudderpost or at any place at the stern of the vessel as may be necessary for easy observation. The bottom of each mark must indicate the draft.

(b) The draft must be taken from the bottom of the keel to the surface of the water at the location of the marks.

(c) In cases where the keel does not extend forward or aft to the location of the draft marks, due to raked stem or cut away skeg, the datum line from which the draft shall be taken shall be obtained by projecting the line of the bottom of keel forward or aft, as the case may be, to the location of the draft marks.

(d) In cases where a vessel may have a skeg or other appendage extending locally below the line of the keel, the draft at the end of the vessel adjacent to such appendage shall be measured to a line tangent to the lowest part of such appendage and parallel to the line of the bottom of the keel.

(e) Draft marks must be separated so that the projections of the marks onto a vertical plane are of uniform height equal to the vertical spacing between consecutive marks.

(f) Draft marks must be painted in contrasting color to the hull.

(g) In cases where draft marks are obscured due to operational constraints or by protrusions, the vessel must be fitted with a reliable draft indicating system from which the bow and stern drafts can be determined.

[CGFR 65–50, 30 FR 17011, Dec. 1965, as amended by CGD 89–037, 57 FR 41823, Sept. 11, 1992]

§ 97.40-15 Load line marks.
top
(a) Vessels assigned a load line shall have the deck line and the load line marks permanently scribed or embossed as required by subchapter E (Load Lines) of this chapter.

Subpart 97.45—Carrying of Excess Steam
top
§ 97.45-1 Master and chief engineer responsible.
top
It shall be the duty of the master and the chief engineer of any vessel to require that a steam pressure is not carried in excess of that allowed by the certificate of inspection, and to require that the safety valves, once set by the inspector, are in no way tampered with or made inoperable.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51207, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 97.47—Routing Instructions
top
§ 97.47-1 All persons must comply.
top
All licensed masters, officers, and certificated seamen on U.S. vessels must strictly comply with routing instructions issued by competent naval authority.

[CGD 95–027, 61 FR 26008, May 23, 1996]

Subpart 97.50—Compliance With Provisions of Certificate of Inspection
top
§ 97.50-1 Master or person in charge responsible.
top
(a) It shall be the duty of the master or other person in charge of the vessel to see that all of the provisions of the certificate of inspection are strictly adhered to. Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the master or other person in charge of the vessel, at his own responsibility, from diverting from the route prescribed in the certificate of inspection or taking such other steps as he deems necessary and prudent to assist vessels in distress or for other similar emergencies.

(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 97.53—Exhibition of License
top
§ 97.53-1 Licensed officers.
top
All licensed officers on a vessel shall have their licenses conspicuously displayed.

[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51207, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 97.55—De-Energizing of Cargo Hold Lighting Circuits When Grain or Other Combustible Bulk Cargo Is Carried
top
§ 97.55-1 Master's responsibility.
top
(a) Before loading bulk grain, or similar combustible bulk cargo, the master shall have the lighting circuits to cargo compartments in which the bulk cargo is to be loaded de-energized at the distribution panel or panel board. He shall thereafter have periodic inspections made of the panel or panel board as frequently as necessary to ascertain that the affected circuits remain de-energized while this bulk cargo remains within the vessel.

§ 97.55-5 Warning notice posted.
top
(a) As a precaution against any subsequent unintentional re-energizing of the circuits specified above, an appropriate notice shall be posted at the location where the control is effected warning against re-energizing these circuits. Such notice shall remain posted while this bulk cargo remains within the vessel.

Subpart 97.80—Operation of Vehicles in Enclosed Locations
top
§ 97.80-1 Special operating conditions.
top
(a) The operation of self-propelled vehicles in enclosed locations shall be permitted only when the other conditions in this section have been met.

(b) Spaces exposed to carbon monoxide or other hazardous vapors from exhausts of power-operated industrial trucks shall have adequate ventilation. The senior deck officer shall see that tests of the carbon monoxide content of the atmosphere are made as frequently as conditions require to insure that dangerous concentrations do not develop. Such tests shall be made in the area in which persons are working, by persons acquainted with the test equipment and procedure. The carbon monoxide concentration in the holds and intermediate decks where persons are working shall be maintained at not more than 50 parts per million (0.005%) as a time-weighted average, and persons shall be removed from the area if the concentration exceeds 75 parts per million (0.0075%). When necessary, portable blowers of adequate size and location shall be utilized.

[CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15286, Dec. 6, 1966, as amended by CGFR 69–72, 34 FR 17485, Oct. 29, 1969; CGD 95–027, 61 FR 26008, May 23, 1996]

Subpart 97.90—Pilot Boarding Operations
top
§ 97.90-1 Pilot boarding operation.
top
(a) The master shall ensure that pilot boarding equipment is maintained as follows:

(1) The equipment must be kept clean and in good working order.

(2) Each damaged step or spreader step on a pilot ladder must be replaced in kind with an approved replacement step or spreader step, prior to further use of the ladder. The replacement step or spreader step must be secured by the method used in the original construction of the ladder, and in accordance with manufacturer instructions.

(b) The master shall ensure compliance with the following during pilot boarding operations:

(1) Only approved pilot boarding equipment may be used.

(2) The pilot boarding equipment must rest firmly against the hull of the vessel and be clear of overboard discharges.

(3) Two man ropes, a safety line and an approved lifebuoy with an approved water light must be at the point of access and be immediately available for use during boarding operations.

(4) Rigging of the equipment and embarkation/debarkation of a pilot must be supervised in person by a deck officer.

(5) Both the equipment over the side and the point of access must be adequately lit during night operations.

(6) If a pilot hoist is used, a pilot ladder must be kept on deck adjacent to the hoist and available for immediate use.

[CGD 79–032, 49 FR 25455, June 21, 1984]

Subpart 97.95—Person in Charge of Transfer of Liquid Cargo in Bulk
top
Source: CGD 79–116, 60 FR 17157, Apr. 4, 1995, unless otherwise noted.

§ 97.95-1 General.
top
A qualified person in charge of a transfer of liquid cargo in bulk shall be designated in accordance with subpart C of 33 CFR part 155.

[CGD 79–116, 60 FR 17157, Apr. 4, 1995]