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National
United States Regulations
46 CFR PART 160—LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT
Title 46: Shipping
PART 160—LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT
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Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703 and 4302; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; 49 CFR 1.46.
Subpart 160.001—Life Preservers, General
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§ 160.001-1 Scope.
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(a) This subpart contains the general:
(1) Characteristics of life preservers (Type I personal flotation devices (PFDs));
(2) Approval procedures for life preservers; and
(3) Production oversight requirements for life preservers.
(b) Other subparts in this part specify the detailed requirements for standard type life preservers and may supplement the requirements in this subpart.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51209, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.001-2 General characteristics of life preservers.
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(a) A life preserver must be of such construction, material and workmanship that it can perform its intended function in all weathers and at all temperatures which may be expected in the normal usage of the life preserver. All components used in the construction of a life preserver must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of the chapter.
(b) A life preserver must be capable of supporting a minimum of 22 pounds in fresh water for 48 hours.
(c) Life preservers which depend upon loose or granulated material for buoyancy are prohibited.
(d) A life preserver must be:
(1) Simple in design;
(2) Capable of being:
(i) Worn inside-out,
(ii) worn clearly in only one way, or
(iii) Donned correctly without demonstration, instructions, or assistance by at least 75 percent of persons unfamiliar with the design; and
(3) Capable of being quickly adjusted for a secure fit to the body of wearers for which it is intended.
(e) A life preserver shall support the wearer in the water in an upright or slightly backward position, and shall provide support to the head so that the face of an unconscious or exhausted person is held above the water.
(f) A life preserver shall be capable of turning the wearer, upon entering the water, to a safe flotation position as described in paragraph (e) of this section.
(g) A life preserver shall not be appreciably deteriorated or rendered unable to perform its intended function by common oils or oil products.
(h) A life preserver shall be of a highly visible color, such as Indian Orange, International Orange, or Scarlet Munsell Red.
(i) A life preserver shall be of such construction, materials, and workmanship as to be at least equivalent to a standard type life preserver described in detail by other subparts in this part.
(j) Each thread in a life preserver regulated under subparts 160.002, 160.005 and 160.055 of this part must meet the requirements of a Federal or military specification in table 164.023–5(a) of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam.
[CGFR 66–33, 31 FR 15297, Dec. 6, 1966, as amended by CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27152, June 22, 1978; CGD 78–174b, 54 FR 50320, Dec. 5, 1989; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993; CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51209, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.001-3 Procedure for approval.
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(a) General. Designs of life preservers are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. Manufacturers seeking approval of a life preserver design shall follow the procedures of this section and subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Each application for approval of a life preserver must contain the information specified in §159.005–5 of this chapter. The application and, except as provided in paragraphs (c) and (d)(2) of this section, a prototype life preserver must be submitted to the Commandant for preapproval review. If a similar design has already been approved, the Commandant may waive the preapproval review under §§159.005–5 and 159.005–7 of this chapter.
(c) If the life preserver is of a standard design, as described by subpart 160.002, 160.005, or 160.055, the application:
(1) Must include the following: A statement of any exceptions to the standard plans and specifications, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and/or bill of materials.
(2) Need not include: The information specified in §159.005–5(a)(2).
(d) If the life preserver is of a non-standard design, the application must include the following:
(1) Plans and specifications containing the information required by §159.005–12 of this chapter, including drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials.
(2) The information specified in §159.005–5(a)(2) (i) through (iii) of this chapter, except that, if preapproval review has been waived, the manufacturer is not required to send a prototype PFD sample to the Commandant.
(3) Performance testing results of the design performed by an independent laboratory, that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Coast Guard under §159.010–7 of this subchapter covering the in-water testing of personal flotation devices, showing equivalence to the standard design's performance in all material respects.
(4) The Approval Type sought (Type I or Type V).
(5) Any special purpose(s) for which the life preserver is designed and the vessel(s) or vessel type(s) on which its use is intended.
(6) Buoyancy and other relevant tolerances to be complied with during production.
(7) The text of any optional marking to be included on the life preserver in addition to the markings required by the applicable approval subpart.
(8) For any conditionally approved life preserver, the intended approval condition(s).
(e) The description of quality control procedures required by §159.005–9 of this chapter may be omitted if the manufacturer's planned quality control procedures meet the requirements of those accepted by the Commandant for the independent laboratory performing production inspections and tests.
(f) Waiver of tests. A manufacturer may request that the Commandant waive any test prescribed for approval under the applicable subpart. To request a waiver, the manufacturer must submit to the Commandant and the laboratory described in §159.010, one of the following:
(1) Satisfactory test results on a PFD of sufficiently similar design as determined by the Commandant.
(2) Engineering analysis demonstrating that the test for which a waiver is requested is not appropriate for the particular design submitted for approval or that, because of its design or construction, it is not possible for the PFD to fail that test.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51209, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.001-5 Production oversight.
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(a) General. Production tests and inspections must be conducted in accordance with this section, subpart 159.007 of this chapter, and if conducted by an independent laboratory, the independent laboratory's procedures for production inspections and tests as accepted by the Commandant. The Commandant may prescribe additional production tests and inspections necessary to maintain quality control and to monitor compliance with the requirements of this subchapter.
(b) Oversight. In addition to responsibilities set out in part 159 of this chapter and the accepted laboratory procedures for production inspections and tests, each manufacturer of a life preserver and each laboratory inspector shall comply with the following, as applicable:
(1) Manufacturer. Each manufacturer must—
(i) Perform all tests and examinations necessary to show compliance with this subpart and subpart under which the life preserver is approved on each lot before any inspector's tests and inspection of the lot;
(ii) Follow established procedures for maintaining quality control of the materials used, manufacturing operations, and the finished product; and
(iii) Allow an inspector to take samples of completed units or of component materials for tests required by this subpart and for tests relating to the safety of the design.
(2) Laboratory. An inspector from the accepted laboratory shall oversee production in accordance with the laboratory's procedures for production inspections and tests accepted by the Commandant. During production oversight, the inspector shall not perform or supervise any production test or inspection unless—
(i) The manufacturer has a valid approval certificate; and
(ii) The inspector has first observed the manufacturer's production methods and any revisions to those methods.
(3) At least quarterly, the inspector shall check the manufacturer's compliance with the company's quality control procedures, examine the manufacturer's required records, and observe the manufacturer perform each of the required production tests.
(c) Test facilities. The manufacturer shall provide a suitable place and apparatus for conducting the tests and inspections necessary to determine compliance of life preservers with this subpart. The manufacturer shall provide means to secure any test that is not continuously observed, such as the 48 hour buoyancy test. The manufacturer must have the calibration of all test equipment checked in accordance with the test equipment manufacturer's recommendation and interval but not less than at least once every year.
(d) Lots. A lot may not consist of more than 1000 life preservers. A lot number must be assigned to each group of life preservers produced. Lots must be numbered serially. A new lot must be started whenever any change in materials or a revision to a production method is made, and whenever any substantial discontinuity in the production process occurs. The lot number assigned, along with the approval number, must enable the PFD manufacturer to determine the supplier's identifying information for the component lot.
(e) Samples. (1) From each lot of life preservers, manufacturers shall randomly select a number of samples from completed units at least equal to the applicable number required by table 160.001–5(e) for buoyancy testing. Additional samples must be selected for any tests, examinations, and inspections required by the laboratory's production inspections and tests procedures.
Table 160.001-5(e)_Sampling for Buoyancy Tests
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Number of
life
Lot size preservers
in sample
------------------------------------------------------------------------
100 and under.............................................. 1
101 to 200................................................. 2
201 to 300................................................. 3
301 to 500................................................. 4
501 to 750................................................. 6
751 to 1000................................................ 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) For a lot next succeeding one from which any sample life preserver failed the buoyancy test, the sample shall consist of not less than ten specimen life preservers to be tested for buoyancy in accordance with paragraph (f) of this section.
(f) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of the life preservers must be determined by measuring the upward force exerted by the individual submerged unit. The buoyancy measurement must be made at the end of the 24 or 48 hours of submersion, as specified in the applicable approval subpart, during which period the pad inserts must not be disturbed.
(g) Buoyancy required. The buoyancy must meet the requirements of the applicable approval subpart.
(h) Lot inspection. On each lot, the laboratory inspector shall perform a final lot inspection to be satisfied that the life preservers meet this subpart. Each lot must demonstrate—
(1) First quality workmanship;
(2) That the general arrangement and attachment of all components, such as body straps, closures, tie tapes, and drawstrings, are as specified in the approved plans and specifications;
(3) Compliance with the marking requirements in the applicable approval subpart; and
(4) The information pamphlet specified in 33 CFR part 181 subpart G, if required, is securely attached to the device, with the PFD selection information visible and accessible prior to purchase.
(i) Lot acceptance. When the independent laboratory has determined that the life preservers in the lot are of a type officially approved in the name of the company, and that such life preservers meet the requirements of this subpart, they shall be plainly marked in waterproof ink with the independent laboratory's name or identifying mark.
(j) Lot rejection. Each nonconforming unit must be rejected. If three or more nonconforming units are rejected for the same kind of defect, lot inspection must be discontinued and the lot rejected. The inspector must discontinue lot inspection and reject the lot if examination of individual units or the records for the lot shows noncompliance with either this subchapter or the laboratory's or the manufacturer's quality control procedures. A rejected unit or lot may be resubmitted for testing and inspection if the manufacturer first removes and destroys each defective unit or, if authorized by the laboratory, reworks the unit or lot to correct the defect. A rejected lot or rejected unit may not be sold or offered for sale under the representation that it meets this subpart or that it is Coast Guard-approved.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51210, Sept. 30, 1997]
Subpart 160.002—Life Preservers, Kapok, Adult and Child (Jacket Type), Models 3 and 5
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§ 160.002-1 Incorporation by reference.
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(a) Specifications and standards. This subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Military Specifications:
MIL-W-530—Webbing, Textile, Cotton. General Purpose, Natural or in Colors.
(2) Federal Specification:
L-P-375—Plastic Film, Flexible, Vinyl Chloride.
(3) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.
(4) Coast Guard specifications:
164.003—Kapok, Processed.
(b) Plans. The following plans, of the issue in effect on the date life preservers are manufactured, form a part of this specification:
Dwg. No. F-49–6–1:
(Sheet 1) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (adult).
(Sheet 1A) Alternate stitching of tapes and webbing (adult and child).
(Sheet 2) Pad Detail (adult).
Dwg. No. F-49–6–5:
(Sheet 1) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (child).
(Sheet 2) Pad Detail (child).
(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and plans referred to in this section shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period consisting of the duration of approval and 6 months after termination of approval. The Coast Guard specifications and plans may be obtained upon request from the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC, 20593–0001. The Federal specifications and standards may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC, 20407. The Military specifications may be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., 19120.
(d) [Reserved]
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7855, Dec. 5, 1953, as amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
§ 160.002-2 Size and models.
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Each life preserver specified in this subpart is to be a:
(a) Model 3, adult, 24 ounces kapok; or
(b) Model 5, child, 16 ounces kapok.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973]
§ 160.002-3 Materials.
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All components used in the construction of the life preserver must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter and the following requirements apply to individual components;
(a) Kapok. The kapok shall be all new material complying with subpart 164.003 of this subchapter and shall be properly processed.
(b) Envelope. The life preserver envelope, or cover, shall be made of cotton drill. The color shall be Indian Orange, Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of America, issued by the Textile Color Association of the United States, Inc., 200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y., or Scarlet Munsell 7.5 Red 6/10. The drill shall be evenly dyed, and the fastness of the color to laundering, water, crocking, and light shall be rated “good” when tested in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660. After dyeing, the drill shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section. The finished goods shall contain not more than 2 percent residual sizing or other non-fibrous material, shall weigh not less than 6.5 ounces per square yard, shall have a thread count of not less than 72 in the warp and 54 in the filling, and shall have a breaking strength (grab method) of not less than 105 pounds in the warp and 70 pounds in the filling. If it is proposed to treat the fabric with a fire-retardant substance, full details shall be submitted to the Commandant for determination as to what samples will be needed for testing.
(c) Tunnel strip. The tunnel strip shall be made of cotton drill conforming to the requirements for the envelope cover.
(d) Pad covering. The covering for the kapok pad inserts shall be flexible vinyl film not less than 0.006 inch in thickness meeting the requirements of specification L-P-375 for Type I film Type II, Class 1 film not less than 0.008 inch in thickness will also be acceptable.
(e) Tie tapes and drawstrings. The tie tapes at the neck and the lower drawstrings shall be made of 1 1/4-inch cotton tape weighing not less than 0.3 ounce per linear yard, and having a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds. The tie tapes and drawstrings shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be made of one-inch cotton webbing having a minimum breaking strength of 400 pounds. One-inch cotton webbing meeting the requirements of specification MIL-W-530 for Type IIb webbing is acceptable. The complete body strap assembly shall have a minimum breaking strength of 360 pounds. The body strap shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(g) Dee rings and snap hook. The dee rings and snap hook shall be of brass, bronze, or stainless steel, and of the approximate size indicated by Dwg. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1. The snap hook spring shall be phosphor bronze or other suitable corrosion-resistant material. Dee ring ends shall be welded to form a continuous ring. The webbing opening of the snap hook shall be a continuous ring.
(h) Reinforcing tape. The reinforcing tape shall be made of 3/4-inch cotton tape weighing not less than 0.18 ounce per linear yard and having a minimum breaking strength of 120 pounds, and shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(i) Thread. Each thread must meet the requirements of subpart 164.023 of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam.
(j) Mildew-inhibitor. The mildew-inhibitor shall be dihydroxydichloro- diphenylmethane, known commercially as Compound G–4, applied by the aqueous method. The amount of inhibitor deposited shall be not more than 1.50 percent and not less than 1.00 percent of the dry weight of the finished goods.
[CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4627, June 25, 1958, as amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154; June 22, 1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]
§ 160.002-4 Construction.
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(a) General. This specification covers life preservers which essentially consist of a vest-cut envelope containing pockets in which are enclosed pads of buoyant material, the life preserver being fitted with tapes and webbing to provide complete reversibility, proper adjustment for close fit to the bodies of various size wearers, and proper flotation characteristics to hold the wearer in an upright backward position with head and face out of water.
(b) Envelope. The envelope shall be of not more than two pieces, one piece for either side, cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1, for adult size, and Dwg. F–49–6–5, Sheet 1, for child size, joined by seams and stitching as shown on the drawing. A drawstring tunnel shall be formed by stitching a strip of the tunnel strip material as shown on the drawing. The ends of the tunnel strip shall be tucked under the reinforcing tape stitched around the end openings so there is no direct access to the pads from the outside. Three pockets shall be formed for insertion of the kapok pads. The two front pads shall be removable from the envelope when portions of the lower longitudinal seam are opened, and the back pad shall be removable when a portion of one armhole seam is opened.
(c) Pad inserts—(1) Forming, sealing, and distribution of kapok. The buoyant pad inserts shall be formed from two pieces of film cut to the patterns shown by Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 2, for adult size, and Dwg. No. F–49–6–5, Sheet 2, for child size, which shall be heat-sealed tight. The heat-sealed pad seams shall show an adhesion of not less than 8 pounds when one inch strips cut across and perpendicular to the seams are pulled apart at a rate of separation of the clamping jaws of the test machine of 12 inches per minute. The pad inserts shall be filled with kapok distributed as follows:
Table 160.002-4 (c)(1)_Distribution of Kapok in Pad Inserts
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Model 3 (minimum) Model 5 (minimum)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Front pad (2):
Lower section................. 5.25 oz. each..... 3.50 oz. each.
Upper section................. 3.75 oz. each..... 2.50 oz. each.
Back Pad........................ 6.00 oz........... 4.00 oz.
Total........................ 24.00 oz.......... 16.00 oz.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) Displacement of pad inserts. The volume of the finished individual heat-sealed buoyant pad inserts shall be such as to provide buoyancy as set forth in the following table when tested in accordance with the method set forth in §160.002–5(d), except that the period of submergence shall be only long enough to determine the displacement of the pads:
Table 160.002-4(c)(2)_Volume Displacement of Sealed Pads
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Model 3 Model 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Front pads...................... 12\1/2\ lbs. each 6\1/2\ lbs. each
±\3/4\ lb. ±\1/2\ lb.
Back pads....................... 8 lbs. each 4\1/2\ lbs. each
±\1/2\ lb. ±\1/2\ lb.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(d) Tie tapes. The tie tapes at the neck shall extend not less than 14 inches from the edge of the adult life preserver and not less than 12 inches from the edge of the child life preserver. They shall be stitched through both thicknesses of the envelope as shown by Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1, for adult size, and Dwg. No. F–49–6–5, Sheet 1, for child size, or by the alternate stitching shown on Sheet 1A. The free ends shall be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section G-G of Sheet 1.
(e) Drawstrings. The drawstrings at the waist shall extend not less than 8 inches from the edge of the life preserver and shall be secured in the drawstring tunnel as shown by Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1, for adult size, and Dwg. No. F–49–6–5, Sheet 1, for child size, or by the alternate stitching shown on Sheet 1A. The free ends shall be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section G-G of Sheet 1.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be fitted with a single Dee ring on one end with the arrangement of a snap hook and pre-threaded double Dee rings as shown on Dwg. No. F–49–6–1, Sheet 1, on the other. The body strap shall be stitched as shown on the drawings, and the edge of the single Dee ring shall be 20 inches from the center line for adult size and 15 inches for child size.
(g) Reinforcing tape. Binding tape shall be stitched approximately 15 inches for adult jackets and 12 inches for child jackets around the back of the neck, and also around the openings of the drawstring tunnel and around the bottom of the armholes, as indicated by the drawings.
(h) Stitching. All stitching shall be a short lock stitch conforming to Stitch Type 301 of Federal standard No. 751 and there shall be not less than 7, nor more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(i) Workmanship. Life preservers shall be of first-class workmanship and shall be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7856, Dec. 5, 1953, as amended by CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4627, June 25, 1958; CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21, 1965]
§ 160.002-5 Sampling, tests, and inspections.
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(a) Production tests and inspections must be conducted by the manufacturer of a life preserver and the accepted laboratory inspector in accordance with this section and §160.001–5.
(b) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of the pad inserts from the life preserver shall be determined according to §160.001–5(f) of this part with each compartment of the buoyant pad insert covers slit so as not to entrap air. The period of submersion must be at least 48 hours.
(c) Buoyancy required. The buoyant pad inserts from Model 3 adult life preservers shall provide not less than 25 pounds buoyancy in fresh water, and the pads from Model 5 child life preservers shall provide not less than 16.5 pounds buoyancy.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.002-6 Marking.
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Each life preserver must have the following clearly marked in waterproof ink on a front section:
(a) In letters three-quarters of an inch or more in height:
(1) Adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or
(2) Child (for persons weighing less than 90 pounds).
(b) In letters that can be read at a distance of 2 feet:
Type I Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
Kapok buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (25 lb. or 16 1/2 lb.).
Do not snag or puncture inner plastic cover.
Approved for use on all vessels by persons weighing (90 lb. or more, or less than 90 lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.002/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9770, Mar. 9, 1978]
§ 160.002-7 Procedure for approval.
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General. Manufacturers seeking approval of a life preserver design shall follow the procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, as explained in §160.001–3 of this part.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]
Subpart 160.005—Life Preservers, Fibrous Glass, Adult and Child (Jacket Type), Models 52 and 56
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§ 160.005-1 Incorporation by reference.
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(a) Specifications and Standards. This subpart makes reference to the following documents:
(1) Federal Specification:
L-P-375C—Plastic Film, Flexible, Vinyl Chloride.
(2) Federal Standards:
No. 191—Textile Test Methods.
No. 751A—Stitches, Seams, and Stitchings.
(3) Military Specification:
MIL-W-530F—Webbing, Textiles, Cotton, General Purpose, Natural and in colors.
MIL-R-2766B—Batt, Fibrous Glass, Lifesaving Equipment.
(b) Plans. The following plans, of the issue in effect on the date life preservers are manufactured, form a part of this subpart:
Dwg. No. 160.005–1:
(Sheet 1) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (Adult).
(Sheet 2) Alternate Stitching of Tapes and Webbing (Adult and Child).
(Sheet 3) Pad Detail (Adult).
(Sheet 4) Cutting Pattern and General Arrangement (Child).
(Sheet 5) Pad Detail (Child).
(c) Copies on file. Copies of the specifications and plans referred to in this section shall be kept on file by the manufacturer, together with the certificate of approval. They shall be kept for a period consisting of the duration of approval and 6 months after termination of approval. The Coast Guard plans may be obtained upon request from the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. The Federal specifications and standards may be purchased from the Business Service Center, General Services Administration, Washington, DC 20407. The Military specifications may be obtained from the Commanding Officer, Naval Supply Depot, 5801 Tabor Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa. 19120.
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7862, Dec. 5, 1953, as amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10897, Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34535, Sept. 7, 1988]
§ 160.005-2 Size and model.
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Each life preserver specified in this subpart is a:
(a) Model 52, adult, 46 ounces fibrous glass; or
(b) Model 56, child, 30 ounces fibrous glass.
[CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973]
§ 160.005-3 Materials.
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All components used in the construction of a life preserver must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter and the following requirements apply to individual components:
(a) Fibrous glass. The fibrous glass shall be all new material complying with the requirements of Specification MIL-B-2766.
(b) Envelope. The life preserver envelope, or cover, shall be made of cotton drill. The color shall be Indian Orange, Cable No. 70072, Standard Color Card of America, issued by the Textile Color Association of the United States, Inc., 200 Madison Avenue, New York, N.Y., or Scarlet Munsell 7.5 Red 6/10. The drill shall be evenly dyed, and the fastness of the color to laundering, water, crocking, and light shall be rated “good” when tested in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660. After dyeing, the drill shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section. The finished goods shall contain not more than 2 percent residual sizing or other nonfibrous material, shall weigh not less than 6.5 ounces per square yard, shall have a thread count of not less than 72 in the warp and 54 in the filling, and shall have a breaking strength (grab method) of not less than 105 pounds in the warp and 70 pounds in the filling. If it is proposed to treat the fabric with a fire-retardant substance, full details shall be submitted to the Commandant for determination as to what samples will be needed for testing.
(c) Tunnel strip. The tunnel strip shall be made of cotton drill conforming to the requirements for the envelope cover.
(d) Pad covering. The covering for the fibrous glass pad inserts shall be flexible vinyl film not less than 0.006 inch in thickness meeting the requirements of specification L-P-375 for Type I film. Type II, Class 1 film not less than 0.008 inch in thickness will also be acceptable.
(e) Tie tapes and drawstrings. The tie tapes at the neck and the lower drawstrings shall be made of 1 1/4-inch cotton tape weighing not less than 0.3 ounce per linear yard, and having a minimum breaking strength of 200 pounds. The tie tapes and drawstrings shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be made of one-inch cotton webbing having a minimum breaking strength of 400 pounds. One-inch cotton webbing meeting the requirements of specification MIL-W-530 for Type IIb webbing is acceptable. The complete body strap assembly shall have a minimum breaking strength of 360 pounds. The body strap shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(g) Dee rings and snap hook. The dee rings and snap hook shall be brass, bronze, or stainless steel, and of the approximate size indicated by Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1. The snap hook spring shall be phosphor bronze or other suitable corrosion-resistant material. Dee ring ends shall be welded to form a continuous ring. The webbing opening of the snap hook shall be a continuous ring.
(h) Reinforcing tape. The reinforcing tape shall be made of 3/4-inch cotton tape weighing not less than 0.18 ounce per linear yard and having a minimum breaking strength of 120 pounds, and shall be treated with a mildew-inhibitor of the type specified in paragraph (j) of this section.
(i) Thread. Each thread must meet the requirements of subpart 164.023 of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam.
(j) Mildew-inhibitor. The mildew-inhibitor shall be dihydroxydichloro- diphenylmethane, known commercially as Compound G–4, applied by the aqueous method. The amount of inhibitor deposited shall be not more than 1.50 percent and not less than 1.00 percent of the dry weight of the finished goods.
[CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4628, June 25, 1958, as amended by CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10898, Aug. 21, 1965; CGD 78–012, 43 FR 27153, 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29493, May 20, 1993]
§ 160.005-4 Construction.
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(a) General. This specification covers life preservers which essentially consist of a vest-cut envelope containing pockets in which are enclosed pads of buoyant material, the life preserver being fitted with tapes and webbing to provide complete reversibility, proper adjustment for close fit to the bodies of various size wearers, and proper flotation characteristics to hold the wearer in an upright backward position with head and face out of water.
(b) Envelope. The envelope shall be of not more than two pieces, one piece for either side, cut to the pattern shown on Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1, for adult size, and Sheet 4, for child size, joined by seams and stitching as shown on the drawing. A drawstring tunnel shall be formed by stitching a strip of the tunnel strip material as shown by the drawing. The ends of the tunnel strip shall be tucked under the reinforcing tape stitched around the end openings so there is no direct access to the pads from the outside. Three pockets shall be formed for insertion of the pads. The two front pads shall be removable from the envelope when portions of the lower longitudinal seam are opened, and the back pad shall be removable when a portion of one armhole seam is opened.
(c) Pad inserts—(1) Forming, sealing, and distribution of fibrous glass. The buoyant pad inserts shall be formed from two pieces of film cut to the patterns shown by Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 3, for adult size, and Sheet 5, for child size, which shall be heat-sealed tight. The heat-sealed pad seams shall show an adhesion of not less than 8 pounds when 1-inch strips cut across and perpendicular to the seams are pulled apart at a rate of separation of the clamping jaws of the test machine of 12 inches per minute. The pad inserts shall be filled with fibrous glass distributed as follows:
Table 160.005-4(c)(1)_Distribution of Fibrous Glass in Pad Inserts
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Model 52 (minimum) Model 56 (minimum)
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Front pad (2):
Lower section................. 10.00 oz. each.... 6.50 oz. each.
Upper section................. 7.25 oz. each..... 4.75 oz. each.
Back pad........................ 11.50 oz.......... 7.50 oz.
Total....................... 46.00 oz.......... 30.00 oz.
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(2) Displacement of pad inserts. The volume of the finished individual heat-sealed buoyant pad inserts shall be such as to provide buoyancy as set forth in the following table when tested in accordance with the method set forth in §160.005–5(d), except that the period of submergence shall be only long enough to determine the displacement of the pads:
Table 160.005-4(c)(2)_Volume Displacement of Sealed Pads
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Model 52 Model 56
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Front pads...................... 12\1/2\ lbs. each 6\1/2\ lbs. each
±\3/4\ lb.. ±\1/2\
lbs.
Back pads....................... 8 lbs. each 4\1/2\ lbs. each
±\1/2\ lb.. ±\1/2\ lb.
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(d) Tie tapes. The tie tapes at the neck shall extend not less than 14 inches from the edge of the adult life preserver and not less than 12 inches from the edge of the child life preserver. They shall be stitched through both thicknesses of the envelope as shown by Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1, for adult size, and Sheet 4, for child size, or by the alternate stitching shown on Sheet 2. The free ends shall be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section E-E of Sheet 1.
(e) Drawstrings. The drawstrings at the waist shall extend not less than 8 inches from the edge of the life preserver and shall be secured in the drawstring tunnel as shown by Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1, for adult size, and Sheet 4, for child size, or by the alternate stitching shown on Sheet 2. The free ends shall be doubled over and stitched in accordance with section E-E of Sheet 1.
(f) Body strap. The body strap shall be fitted with a single dee ring on one end and with the arrangement of a snap hook and prethreaded double dee rings as shown on Dwg. No. 160.005–1, Sheet 1, on the other. The body strap shall be stitched as shown on the drawings, and the edge of the single dee ring shall be 20 inches from the center line for adult size and 15 inches for child size.
(g) Reinforcing tape. Binding tape shall be stitched approximately 15 inches for adult life preservers and 12 inches for child life preservers around the back of the neck, and also around the openings of the drawstring tunnel and around the bottom of the arm holes as indicated by the drawings.
(h) Stitching. All stitching shall be a short lock stitch conforming to Stitch Type 301 of Federal Standard No. 751, and there shall be not less than 7, nor more than 9 stitches to the inch.
(i) Workmanship. Life preservers shall be of first-class workmanship and shall be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 53–25, 18 FR 7863, Dec. 5, 1953, as amended by CGFR 58–23, 23 FR 4628, June 25, 1958; CGFR 65–16, 30 FR 10898, Aug. 21, 1965]
§ 160.005-5 Sampling, tests, and inspections.
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(a) Production tests and inspections must be conducted by the manufacturer of a life preserver and the accepted laboratory inspector in accordance with this section and §160.001–5.
(b) Buoyancy test. The buoyancy of the pad inserts from the life preserver shall be determined according to §160.001–5(f) of this part with each compartment of the buoyant pad insert covers slit so as not to entrap air. The period of submersion must be at least 48 hours.
(c) Buoyancy required. The buoyant pad inserts from Model 3 adult life preservers shall provide not less than 25 pounds buoyancy in fresh water, and the pads from Model 5 child life preservers shall provide not less than 16.5 pounds buoyancy.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.005-6 Marking.
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Each life preserver must have the following clearly marked in waterproof lettering on a front section:
(a) In letters three-fourths inch or more in height:
(1) Adult (for persons weighing over 90 pounds); or
(2) Child (for persons weighing less than 90 pounds).
(b) In letters capable of being read at a distance of 2 feet:
Type I—Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
Fibrous glass buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (25 lb. or 16 1/2 lb.).
Approved for use on all vessels by persons weighing (90 lb. or more, or less than 90 lb).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.005/ (assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.). (Model No.);
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor.).
(Lot No.).
[CGD 163R, 38 FR 8118, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9770, Mar. 9, 1978]
§ 160.005-7 Procedure for approval.
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General. Manufacturers seeking approval of a life preserver design shall follow the procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, as explained in §160.001–3 of this part.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51211, Sept. 30, 1997]
Subpart 160.006—Life Preservers: Repairing
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Source: 11 FR 187, Jan. 3, 1946; 11 FR 561, Jan. 12, 1946, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.006-2 Repairing.
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(a) General. No repairs, except in emergency, shall be made to an approved life preserver without advance notice to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, of the district in which such repairs are to be made. Emergency repairs shall be reported as soon as practicable to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
(b) Kind of repairs. Except in emergency, tapes or straps may not be repaired, but may be renewed, and small holes, tears, or rips in the envelope cover fabric may be repaired, at the discretion of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
Subpart 160.010—Buoyant Apparatus for Merchant Vessels
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Source: CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.010-1 Incorporation by reference.
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(a) Certain materials are incorporated by reference into this subpart with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register. The Office of the Federal Register publishes a table, “Material Approved for Incorporation by Reference,” which appears in the Finding Aids section of this volume. In that table is found the date of the edition approved, citations to the particular sections of this part where the material is incorporated, addresses where the material is available, and the date of the approval by the Director of the Federal Register. To enforce any edition other than the one listed in the table, notice of change must be published in the Federal Register and the material made available. All approved material is on file at the Office of the Federal Register, Washington, DC 20408, and at the U.S. Coast Guard, Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division (G-MSE–4), Washington, DC 20593.
(b) The materials approved for incorporation by reference in this subpart are:
National Bureau of Standards (NBS)
“The Universal Color Language” and “The Color Names Dictionary” in Color: Universal Language and Dictionary of Names, National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 440.
Military Specifications
MIL-P-19644 C—Plastic Molding Material (Polystyrene Foam, Expanded Bead).
MIL-R-21607 C—Resins, Polyester, Low Pressure Laminating, Fire Retardant.
MIL-P-21929 B—Plastic Material, Cellular Polyurethane, Foam-In-Place, Rigid (2 and 4 Pounds per Cubic Foot).
MIL-P-40619 A—Plastic Material, Cellular, Polystyrene (For Buoyancy Applications).
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
§ 160.010-2 Definitions.
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Buoyant apparatus. Buoyant apparatus is flotation equipment (other than lifeboats, liferafts, and personal flotation devices) designed to support a specified number of persons in the water, and of such construction that it retains its shape and properties and requires no adjustment or preparation for use. The types of buoyant apparatus generally in use are the box-float type and the peripheral-body type defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
Box-float. Box-float is buoyant apparatus of a box-like shape.
Commandant (G-MSE–4). Commandant (G-MSE–4) is the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection.
Peripheral-body. Peripheral body is buoyant apparatus with a continuous body in the shape of either an ellipse or rectangle with a circular, elliptical, or rectangular body cross-section.
Inflatable buoyant apparatus. An inflatable buoyant apparatus is flotation equipment that depends on inflated compartments for buoyancy and is designed to support a specified number of persons completely out of the water.
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41372, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50466, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996; CGD 85–205, 62 FR 25545, May 9, 1997]
§ 160.010-3 Inflatable buoyant apparatus.
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(a) Design and performance. To obtain Coast Guard approval, an inflatable buoyant apparatus must comply with subpart 160.151, with the following exceptions:
(1) Canopy requirements (SOLAS Chapter III, regulation 38, paragraph 1.5 (III/38.1.5)). It does not need a canopy.
(2) Capacity (Regulation III/38.2.1). The carrying capacity must be not less than four persons.
(3) Floor insulation (Regulation III/39.2.2). The floor may be uninsulated.
(4) Stability (Regulation III/39.5.1). It does not need stability pockets.
(5) Righting (Regulation III/39.5.2). A reversible one does not need arrangements for righting.
(6) One with a capacity of 13 or more persons must be reversible, with the floor arranged between the buoyancy chambers so that the apparatus can, floating either side up, accommodate the number of persons for which it is approved. One with a capacity of 12 or fewer persons must either be reversible in the same manner, or be designed so that it can be readily righted by one person.
(7) One with a capacity of 25 or more persons must be provided with self-bailing floor drains. If the floor of a reversible one includes one or more drains, each drain must be arranged to completely drain the floor of water when the device is fully loaded, and must prevent water from flowing back onto the floor.
(8) If the buoyancy tubes are not vivid reddish orange, vivid yellow, or a fluorescent color of a similar hue, panels of such hue must be secured to the buoyancy chambers so that a minimum of 1 m 2 (11 ft 2 ) is visible from above the apparatus when it is floating either side up.
(9) Boarding ramp (Regulation III/39.4.1). Boarding ramps are not required if the combined cross-section diameter of the buoyancy chambers is 500 millimeters (mm) (19.5 in.) or less. An apparatus with a combined cross-section diameter greater than 500 mm (19.5 in.) requires boarding ramps as follows:
(i) For an apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons, at least one ramp must be provided;
(ii) For an apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons, at least two ramps must be provided; and
(iii) The boarding ramps required by this paragraph must allow persons to board with either side of a reversible apparatus floating up, or the full number of ramps required must be installed on each side.
(10) Boarding ladder (Regulation III/39.4.2). Boarding ladders must be provided on each inflatable buoyant apparatus as follows:
(i) One ladder must be provided on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons, except that, for an apparatus with a capacity of 13 or more persons that is not equipped with a boarding ramp, two ladders must be provided.
(ii) Two ladders must be provided on each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons.
(iii) The ladders required by this paragraph must allow persons to board with either side of a reversible apparatus floating up, or the full number of ladders required must be installed on each side.
(11) One or more exterior canopy lamps meeting the requirements of §160.151–15(n) of this subchapter must be provided such that—
(i) On a non-reversible inflatable buoyant apparatus, one lamp is mounted so that it is on the uppermost surface of the floating apparatus; and
(ii) On a reversible apparatus, two lamps are mounted so that one lamp is on the uppermost surface of the apparatus, whichever side is floating up.
(12) Equipment (Regulation III/38.5.1). All equipment required by this paragraph must be either packed in a container accessible to the occupants, or otherwise secured to the apparatus. Duplicate equipment must be provided, for each side of a reversible inflatable buoyant apparatus, if the equipment is not accessible from both sides. In lieu of the equipment specified in §160.151–7(b) and Regulation III/38.5.1, each apparatus must be provided with—
(i) Rescue quoit and heaving line. One rescue quoit and a heaving line as described in §160.151–21(a) on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons; or two on each apparatus for a capacity of 25 or more persons. The heaving line(s) must be mounted adjacent to a boarding ramp (or boarding ladder, if no ramps are installed), and ready for immediate use;
(ii) Knives. Two buoyant safety knives ready for use near the painter attachment;
(iii) Bailer. One bailer as described in §160.151–21(c) on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons; or two bailers on each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons, except that no bailers are necessary if both sides of the floor of a reversible apparatus are equipped with drains;
(iv) Sponge. One sponge as described in §160.151–21(d) on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons, or two sponges on each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons;
(v) Paddles. Two paddles as described in §160.151–21(f) on each apparatus with a capacity of less than 25 persons, or four paddles on each apparatus with a capacity of 25 or more persons; (continued)
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