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(continued)
(i) Hydraulic releases which have been rejected may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale under representation as being in compliance with this specification or as being approved for use on vessels subject to inspection under this chapter.
(4) Records and test reports. The manufacturer shall maintain records and copies of test reports for each production lot of hydraulic releases manufactured for a period of five (5) years from the date notified that a production lot meets the requirements in this subpart. These records and test reports, upon request, shall be made available to the marine inspector. The manufacturer will be provided with a copy of the laboratory's test report concerning each production lot of hydraulic releases submitted for testing.
(e) Spot checks. As one of the conditions in granting an approval for a hydraulic release under this subpart, the Coast Guard reserves the right to spot check at any time and at any place the product, parts, and complete assemblies of hydraulic releases covered by the approval. The spot check shall be by a marine inspector who shall be admitted to the place or places where work may be performed before, during, or after the manufacture of hydraulic releases or at any place where hydraulic releases may be assembled, reworked, repaired, or reconditioned by the manufacturer of any repair facility accepted by the Commandant in accordance with the procedure contained in §160.062–7. A spot check includes having a marine inspector compare materials, parts, and workmanship and/or complete hydraulic releases with the manufacturer's approved plans, records and test reports to ascertain compliance with these requirements. The marine inspector may select samples of materials or parts used in the construction of hydraulic releases and complete hydraulic releases and may order or have performed any or all of the tests described in this section conducted on such devices or parts thereof. This work and any tests required shall be borne by the manufacturer without cost to the Coast Guard.
(f) Periodic Servicing and Testing. A hydraulic release is inspected as follows:
(1) Inspection for devices not installed after manufacture. A hydraulic release, that is not installed after manufacture and is stored for period of 24 months or less, is not required to be inspected or tested before installation but must be stamped by a marine inspector on the inspection tag required in §160.062–5(b)(2) with—
(i) The word “Installed”;
(ii) The installation date; and
(iii) The Marine Inspection Office identification letters.
(2) Inspection for devices that have been installed. A hydraulic release that is installed for a period of 12 months or more must pass the test contained in paragraph (f)(3) of this section and be marked as required in paragraph (f)(5) of this section. If, after passing the test, the device is stored for a period of 24 months or less, it must be stamped as required in paragraph (f)(1) of this paragraph by the marine inspector before reinstallation.
(3) Devices stored longer than 24 months. A hydraulic release that is stored for a period of more than 24 months must be inspected and tested by an employee of a repair or test facility, accepted in accordance with the requirement contained in §160.062–7 or §160.062–8, as follows:
(i) The device must be manually operated to determine if it releases.
(ii) If the device releases, it must pass the submergence test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section, at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet and be marked as required in paragraph (f)(5) of this section.
(iii) If the device fails to release or fails to pass the submergence test required in paragraph (f)(3)(ii) of this section, the device must be disassembled, repaired, and tested in accordance with the requirements contained in paragraph (f)(4) of this paragraph.
(4) Disassembly and repair tests. If a hydraulic release fails the test contained in paragraph (f)(3)(iii) of this section, it must be disassembled and repaired by the manufacturer or a repair facility accepted in accord with the requirements contained in §160.062–7 and be tested as follows:
(i) A production lot must be formed consisting of 12 or more but not exceeding 100 devices.
(ii) In the presence of a marine inspector, the device must pass the submergence test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet.
(iii) Any device that fails must be—
(A) Repaired;
(B) Placed in a subsequent lot; and
(C) Submitted to the submergence test contained in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet.
(5) Marking of devices. If a hydraulic release passes the submergence test required in paragraph (c)(2)(i) of this section at a depth between 5 feet and 15 feet the marine inspector stamps the inspection tag with—
(i) The test date;
(ii) The Marine Inspection Office identification letters; and
(iii) The letters “USCG”.
[CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as amended by CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975; CGD 75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976]
§ 160.062-5 Markings.
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(a) Hydraulic releases manufactured prior to the granting of a certificate of approval to the manufacturer may be permitted in service only to July 1, 1969. However, such hydraulic releases meeting the type and design requirements covered by a current certificate of approval may be repaired and/or reconditioned as provided in §160.062–4(f) and be accepted as approved equipment when it bears the following markings:
(1) Body marking. The name of the manufacturer and the model designation are plainly visible.
(2) Inspection tag markings. Each hydraulic release repaired or reconditioned shall be provided with a 2&inch; by 3 1/2&inch; stainless steel tag of a minimum thickness of 0.032 inches. This tag shall be permanently attached to a hydraulic release with a single stainless steel link made of wire 3/16&inch; in diameter. This link shall provide nonrigid attachment of the tag to the hydraulic release. The top of the inspection tag shall be stamped in block characters not less than 1/16&inch; in height with the manufacturer's name, Coast Guard approval number, the limits of buoyant capacity in pounds, the Marine Inspection Office identification letters, and the letters “USCG.” The remaining space on the tag will be used for the stamping of periodic servicing test dates and the marine inspector's initials as described in §160.062–4(f).
(b) Hydraulic release manufactured under a certificate of approval issued under this subpart shall be provided with 2 sets of markings as follows:
(1) Body marking. The metal body of a hydraulic release shall be stamped in block characters not less than 1/8&inch; in height on a plainly visible portion with the name of the manufacturer, the model designation, the limits of buoyant capacity in pounds, the method of manual release, the notation “DO NOT PAINT”, Coast Guard approval number, the Marine Inspection Office identification letters, and the letters “USCG”.
(2) Inspection tag markings. Each hydraulic release shall be provided at its time of manufacture with a 2&inch; by 3 1/2&inch; stainless steel tag of a minimum thickness of 0.032 inch. This tag shall be permanently attached to a hydraulic release with a single stainless steel link made of wire 3/16&inch; in diameter. This link shall provide nonrigid attachment of the tag to the hydraulic release. The top of the inspection tag shall be stamped in block characters not less than 1/8&inch; in height with the original lot number of the hydraulic release, its date of manufacture, and its release depth range in feet. The remaining space on the tag will be used for the stamping of periodic servicing test dates and the Marine Inspection Office identification letters as described in §160.062–4(f).
[CGFR 68–32, 33 FR 5721, Apr. 12, 1968, as amended by CGD75–186, 41 FR 10437, Mar. 11, 1976]
§ 160.062-6 Procedure for approval.
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General. Hydraulic releases for use on lifesaving equipment for merchant vessels are approved only by the Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard. In order to be approved, the hydraulic releases must be tested in accordance with §160.062–4(c) by an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR 159.010. The independent laboratory will forward the report to the Commandant for examination, and if satisfactory an official approval number will be assigned to the manufacturer for the model hydraulic release submitted.
[CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997]
§ 160.062-7 Procedures for acceptance of repair facility.
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(a) Before a repair facility is accepted by the Commandant to perform the services required in §160.062–4(f), it must be inspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to determine if it has—
(1) The testing apparatus to perform all the tests required in §160.062–4;
(2) A source of supply of replacement parts for a hydraulic release, evidenced by a signed agreement between the facility and his source of supply, or the parts for it; all replacement parts must be in compliance with applicable specifications and standards contained in §160.062–1; and
(3) Employees competent to perform the services required in this paragraph. Each employee who is engaged in serving a hydraulic release must demonstrate his competence to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection by—
(i) Disassembling a hydraulic release;
(ii) Making all necessary repairs to the disassembled unit;
(iii) Reassembling the unit in conformance with the specifications and standards contained in §160.062–1(a); and
(iv) Showing that the reassembled unit meets the buoyant capacity and release depth requirements contained in §160.062–3 (b) and (c) after being inspected and tested in conformance with the requirements contained in §160.062–4(f).
(b) Based on the report of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, regarding the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commandant notifies the facility that—
(1) It is an accepted repair facility for the reconditioning and testing of hydraulic releases; or
(2) It is not accepted as a repair facility, lists each discrepancy noted by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, and describes the procedure for reinspection if applicable corrections are made.
[CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975]
§ 160.062-8 Procedures for acceptance of testing facility.
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(a) The Commandant may consider the acceptance of a facility that conducts only the submergence test contained in §160.062–4(c)(2)(i). Before a facility is accepted by the Commandant to conduct this test, it must be inspected by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to determine if it has—
(1) The testing apparatus to perform the test required in §160.062–4(c)(2)(i); and
(2) Employees competent to perform the test required in §160.062–4(c)(2)(i). Each employee who is engaged in testing a device must demonstrate his competence to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection by conducting a submergence test.
(b) Based on the report of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, regarding the inspection required in paragraph (a) of this section, the Commandant notifies each applicant, in accordance with the procedures described in §160.062–7(b), whether or not it is an accepted testing facility.
[CGD 73–153R, 40 FR 4422, Jan. 30, 1975]
Subpart 160.064—Marine Buoyant Devices
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§ 160.064-1 Applicable specifications.
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(a) Specifications. There are no other Coast Guard specifications applicable to this subpart.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964]
§ 160.064-2 Types and models.
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(a) Types. Water safety buoyant devices covered by this subpart shall be of two general types, viz, those intended to be worn on the body and those intended to be thrown.
(b) Models. Water safety buoyant devices may be of different models which incorporate characteristics considered valuable for safety in various fields of water sports or boating activities.
(c) Sizes. Water safety buoyant devices designed to be worn shall be of sizes suitable for adults or children, as intended and marked on the device. Water safety buoyant devices intended to be thrown in water shall be of a minimum size intended for adults.
(d) Dimensions. A foam cushion designed to be thrown must be 2 inches or more in thickness and must have 225 or more square inches of top surface area.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as amended by CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct. 16, 1974]
§ 160.064-3 Requirements. 1
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1 The manufacturer of a personal flotation device must meet 33 CFR 181.701 through 33 CFR 181.705 which require an instruction pamphlet for each device that is sold or offered for sale for use on recreational boats.
(a) General. Every water safety buoyant device shall conform to the requirements as accepted by the Commandant for listing and labeling by a recognized laboratory, and shall be of such design, materials, and construction as to meet the requirements specified in this section.
(b) Designs and constructions. Water safety buoyant devices shall be of designs suitable for the purposes intended. A design intended to be worn on the body shall be capable of being adjusted and secured to fit the range of wearers for which designed with as few fastenings or adjustments as are consistent with the purpose of the device. Designs may be varied, but shall not provide means intended for fastening or securing the device to a boat. The arrangement of the buoyancy of devices intended to be worn on the body shall provide for flotation of the wearer in an upright, slightly backward position in the water to as great a degree as is consistent with the special purpose intended, and in no case shall the device have a tendency to turn the wearer face downward in the water. Devices intended to be thrown shall not provide means for adjustment or close fitting to the body. Methods of construction shall provide strengths, with reinforcements where necessary, to be adequate for the intended use and purpose of the device.
(c) Materials. All materials used in any device covered by this subpart must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter and shall be all new materials and shall be suitable for the purpose intended and shall be at least equivalent to corresponding materials specified for standard buoyant vests or buoyant cushions. Hardware or fastenings shall be of sufficient strength for the purpose of the device and shall be of inherently corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel, brass, bronze, certain plastics, etc. Decorative platings of any thickness are permissible. Fabrics, coated fabrics, tapes, and webbing shall be selected with a view to the purposes of the device and shall be either mildew resistant or treated for mildew resistance. Buoyancy shall be provided by inherently buoyant material and shall not be dependent upon loose, granulated material, gas compartments or inflation. So long as the minimum required buoyancy is provided by inherently buoyant material, the use of supplementary gas compartments, or inflation, will be permitted to supply additional buoyancy.
(d) Buoyancy. (1) Buoyancy for devices to be worn is as follows:
(i) Devices for persons weighing more than 90 pounds must have 15 1/2 pounds or more of buoyancy.
(ii) Devices for persons weighing 50 to 90 pounds must have 11 pounds or more of buoyancy.
(iii) Devices for persons weighing less than 50 pounds must have 7 pounds or more of buoyancy.
(2) Buoyancy for devices to be thrown is as follows:
(i) Ring life buoys must have 16 1/2 pounds or more of buoyancy.
(ii) Foam cushions must have 18 pounds or more of buoyancy.
(iii) A device other than those specified in paragraph (d)(2) (i) or (ii) of this section must have 20 pounds or more of buoyancy.
(3) The buoyancy values required in paragraphs (d) (1) and (2) of this section must be as follows:
(i) For each device containing foam buoyant materials, the required buoyancy value must remain after the device has been submerged in fresh water for 24 or more continuous hours.
(ii) For each device containing kapok, the required buoyancy value must remain after the device has been submerged in fresh water for 48 or more continuous hours.
(e) Workmanship. Water safety buoyant devices covered by this subpart shall be of first class workmanship and shall be free from any defects materially affecting their appearance or serviceability.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as amended by CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct. 16, 1974; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978; CGD 84–068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993]
§ 160.064-4 Marking.
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(a) Each water safety buoyant device must have the following information clearly marked in waterproof lettering:
(1) For devices to be worn:
(Type II or Type III) Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (15 1/2 lb., 11 lb., or 7 lb.).
(Special purpose intended.).
Approved for use on recreational boats and on uninspected commercial vessels less than 40 feet in length not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing (more than 90 lb., 50 to 90 lb., 30 to 50 lb., or less than 30 lb.).
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.064/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.).
(2) For devices to be thrown:
Type IV Personal Flotation Device.
Inspected and tested in accordance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations.
(Name of buoyant material) buoyant material provides a minimum buoyant force of (16 1/2 lb., 18 lb., or 20 lb.).
(Special purpose intended).
Approved for use on recreational boats only as a throwable device.
U.S. Coast Guard Approval No. 160.064/(assigned manufacturer's No.)/(Revision No.); (Model No.).
(Name and address of manufacturer or distributor).
(Lot No.).
(b) Durability of marking. Marking shall be of a type which will be durable and legible for the expected life of the device.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as amended by CGD 72–163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct. 16, 1974; CGD 75–008, 43 FR 9772, Mar. 9, 1978; CGD 92–045, 58 FR 41609, Aug. 4, 1993; CGD 95–028, 62 FR 51215, Sept. 30, 1997; USCG–1998–4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]
§ 160.064-6 Examinations, tests and inspections.
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(a) Manufacturer's inspection and tests. Manufacturers of listed and labeled water safety buoyant devices shall maintain quality control of the materials used, manufacturing methods and the finished product so as to meet the applicable requirements, and shall make sufficient inspections and tests of representative samples and components produced to maintain the quality of the finished product. Records of tests conducted by the manufacturer and records of materials, including affidavits by suppliers that applicable requirements are met, entering into construction shall be made available to the recognized laboratory inspector or to the Coast Guard marine inspector, or both, for review upon request.
(b) Laboratory inspections and tests. Such examinations, inspections and tests as are required by the recognized laboratory for listed and labeled devices produced will be conducted by the laboratory inspector at the place of manufacture or other location at the option of the laboratory.
(c) Test facilities. The laboratory inspector, or the Coast Guard marine inspector assigned by the Commander of the District in which the factory is located, or both, shall be admitted to any place in the factory where work is being done on listed and labeled products, and either or both inspectors may take samples of parts or materials entering into construction or final assemblies, for further examinations, inspections, or tests. The manufacturer shall provide a suitable place and the apparatus necessary for the performance of the tests which are done at the place of manufacture.
(d) Additional tests, etc. Unannounced examinations, tests, and inspections of samples obtained either directly from the manufacturer or through commercial channels may be made to determine the suitability of a product for listing and labeling, or to determine conformance of a labeled product to the applicable requirements. These may be conducted by the recognized laboratory or the United States Coast Guard.
[CGFR 64–30, 29 FR 7388, June 6, 1964, as amended by CGD 73–246R, 39 FR 36967, Oct. 16, 1974]
§ 160.064-7 Recognized laboratory.
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(a) A manufacturer seeking Coast Guard approval of a product under this subpart shall follow the approval procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter, and shall apply for approval directly to a recognized independent laboratory. The following laboratories are recognized under §159.010–7 of this part, to perform testing and approval functions under this subpart:
Underwriters Laboratories, 12 Laboratory Drive, P.O. Box 13995, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709–3995, (919) 549–1400.
(b) Production oversight must be performed by the same laboratory that performs the approval tests unless, as determined by the Commandant, the employees of the laboratory performing production oversight receive training and support equal to that of the laboratory that performed the approval testing.
[CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13931, Mar. 28, 1996]
Subpart 160.066—Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare
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Source: CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.066-1 Type.
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(a) Red aerial pyrotechnic distress signals specified by this subpart must be either self-contained or pistol launched, and either meteor or parachute assisted type.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.066-5 Design, construction, and manufacturing requirements.
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(a) Each signal must be either:
(1) A self-contained unit with all necessary components for firing the signal, or
(2) A cartridge intended for firing from a signal pistol that is approved under Subpart 160.028 of this chapter.
(b) Each signal unit must have an interior chamber which contains the main propulsion charge and which is constructed so that it is capable of withstanding the forces generated by ignition without rupture, crack, or deformation of any kind.
(c) Signals must be constructed in lots numbered serially by the manufacturer. A new lot must be started when:
(1) Any change in construction details occurs;
(2) Any change in sources of raw materials occurs;
(3) Production is started on a new production line or on a previously discontinued production line; or
(4) A lot exceeds 30,000 units.
§ 160.066-7 Performance requirements.
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(a) Each signal must:
(1) Burn “vivid red” when tested as specified in §160.021–4(d)(7) for at least 5.5 seconds.
(2) Have a peak luminous intensity of at least 10,000 candela.
(3) Burn a total of not less than 1,000 candleminutes (Cm) using the formula
I × T = Cm
Where:
I=the luminous intensity measured as in subsection (c);
T=the total burn time of the device in minutes; and
Cm=the candle-minute rating of the device.
(4) Burn out completely before falling back to the level of launch.
(5) Function in a manner that would not cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(6) Not malfunction in a manner that would cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
(b) Each signal must meet the requirements of paragraph (a) after:
(1) Submersion in water for 24 hours, or
(2) If protected by a sealed container, submersion in water for 24 hours inside the sealed container immediately followed by submersion for 10 minutes without the container, and
(3) Being exposed to the Elevated Temperature, Humidity, and Storage Test in §160.066–13(b).
(c) Testing for burn time and luminous intensity pursuant to paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2), respectively, shall be conducted in conformity with the following requirements and procedures:
(1) The chart speed of the light measuring equipment shall not be slower than 5 seconds per inch;
(2) The chart sweep of the light measuring equipment shall not be slower than .5 seconds for full scale;
(3) The first and last seconds of the burn shall be eliminated in measuring luminous intensity;
(4) The time during which the candle burns (excluding first and last seconds of burn) is to be used to determine the luminous intensity by averaging the readings taken during the burning; and
(5) Burn time is to be measured from first light of the signal to dark.
§ 160.066-9 Labeling.
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(a) Each signal must be legibly and indelibly marked with the following information:
(1) The manufacturer's name,
(2) The designed burning time of the pyrotechnic candle(s),
(3) The specific signal pistol for which the signal is designed, if any,
(4) The lot number,
(5) The Coast Guard approval number,
(6) Operation and storage instructions,
(7) The month and year of expiration determined by §160.066–10, and
(8) The words:
“Aerial Flare. Acceptable as a Day and Night Visual Distress Signal for boats as required by 33 CFR 175.110. For Emergency Use Only”.
(b) If the signal is too small to contain all of the information required by paragraph (a) and any labeling which may be required by paragraph (d), the information required by paragraphs (a) (2), (6), and (8) may be printed on a separate piece of paper packed with each signal or with the smallest container in which several signals are packed.
(c) The largest carton or box in which the manufacturer ships signals must be marked with the following or equivalent words: “Keep under cover in a dry place.”
(d) Compliance with the labeling requirements of this section does not relieve the manufacturer of the responsibility of complying with the label requirements of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act, 15 U.S.C. 1263.
§ 160.066-10 Expiration date.
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Each approved signal must have an expiration date marked on it. That date must not be more than forty-two months from date of manufacture.
§ 160.066-11 Approval procedures.
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(a) Red aerial pyrotechnic flare distress signals are approved under the procedures of subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) The manufacturer must produce a lot of at least 100 signals from which samples for approval testing must be drawn. Approval testing must be conducted in accordance with the operational tests in §160.066–12 and the technical tests in §160.066–13. In order for the signal to be approved, the samples must pass both the operational and the technical tests.
(c) The approval tests must be performed by an independent laboratory accepted by the Commandant under Subpart 159.010 of this chapter.
[CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73050, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 93–055, 61 FR 13931, Mar. 28, 1996]
§ 160.066-12 Operational tests.
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(a) The procedure for conducting operational tests is described in figure (1).
(1) An “accept lot” decision must be reached in order to pass the operational tests.
(2) If a “reject lot” decision is reached, the entire lot is rejected.
(3) Signals from “reject lots” may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the deficiency for which they were rejected and be resubmitted for inspection. Records shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the “reject lot”, and the result of the second test. Signals from “reject lots” may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale as being in compliance with this specification.
(b) Each signal selected for the operational tests must be conditioned by:
(1) Being submerged under at least 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 24 hours without any protection other than its waterproofing; or
(2) If waterproofing is provided by a sealed plastic bag or other waterproof packaging, submersion under 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 24 hours in the packaging, followed immediately by submersion under 25 mm (1 in.) of water for 10 minutes with the signal removed from the packaging.
(c) After each signal selected has undergone the conditioning required by paragraph (b) of this section it must be fired as described by the manufacturer's operating instructions. The following data as observed must be recorded for each signal:
(1) Burning time of the pyrotechnic candle;
(2) Color;
(3) Whether the pyrotechnic candle burns out above, at, or below the level of launch.
(d) A signal fails the operational tests if:
(1) It fails to fire,
(2) The pyrotechnic candle fails to ignite,
(3) The pyrotechnic candle continues to burn after it falls back to the level of launch,
(4) The observed color is other than vivid red, or
(5) The burning time is less than 5.5 seconds.
(e) A lot is rejected if a “reject lot” decision is reached using Figure (1) and Table 1 after completion of the operational tests.
View or download PDF
Table 1_Accept and Reject Criteria for Operational Test Lots
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Individual Cumulative
Lot size sample Sample sample Accept Reject
size size \1\ \1\
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280 or 8 First....................... 8 (\2\) 4
less. .......... Second...................... 16 1 5
Third....................... 24 2 6
Fourth...................... 32 3 7
Fifth....................... 40 5 8
Sixth....................... 48 7 9
Seventh..................... 56 9 10
281 to 13 First....................... 13 (\2\) 4
500. .......... Second...................... 26 1 6
Third....................... 39 3 8
Fourth...................... 52 5 10
Fifth....................... 65 7 11
Sixth....................... 78 10 12
Seventh..................... 91 13 14
501 to 20 First....................... 20 (\2\) 5
1,200. .......... Second...................... 40 3 8
Third....................... 60 6 10
Fourth...................... 80 8 13
Fifth....................... 100 11 15
Sixth....................... 120 14 17
Seventh..................... 140 18 19
1,201 to 32 First....................... 32 1 7
3,200. .......... Second...................... 64 4 10
Third....................... 96 8 13
Fourth...................... 128 12 17
Fifth....................... 160 17 20
Sixth....................... 192 21 23
Seventh..................... 224 25 26
More 50 First....................... 50 2 9
than .......... Second...................... 100 7 14
3,200. .......... Third....................... 150 13 19
Fourth...................... 200 19 25
Fifth....................... 250 25 29
Sixth....................... 300 31 33
Seventh..................... 350 37 38
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\1\ Cumulative number of failures.
\2\ Lot may not be accepted. Next sample must be tested.
§ 160.066-13 Technical tests.
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(a) The following conditions apply to technical tests as described in this section:
(1) A total of nine signals must be selected at random from the lot being tested;
(2) If the signals are protected by sealed packaging, then the conditioning for the technical tests must be conducted with the signal in the sealed packaging;
(3) If signals in the test sample fail to pass one of the technical tests, the entire lot is rejected;
(4) Signals from “reject lots” may be reworked by the manufacturer to correct the deficiency for which they were rejected and be resubmitted for inspection. Records shall be kept of the reasons for rejection, the reworking performed on the “reject lot”, and the result of the second test. Signals from “reject lots” may not, unless subsequently accepted, be sold or offered for sale as being in compliance with this specification.
(b) The Elevated Temperature, Humidity, and Storage Test must be conducted in the following manner:
(1) Select three signals from the nine;
(2) Place each signal in a thermostatically controlled even-temperature oven held at 55 Degrees C (131 Degrees F), and at not less than 90% relative humidity, for at least 72 hours (If for any reason it is not possbie to operate the oven continuously for the 72 hour period, it may be operated at the required temperature and humidity for 8 hours of each 24 during the 72 hour conditioning period.);
(3) After removal from the oven immediately place each signal in a chamber:
(i) At a temperature of at least 20 degrees C (68 degrees F) but not more than 25 degrees C (77 degrees F);
(ii) At not less than 65% relative humidity;
(iii) For ten days;
(4) Then remove each signal from any sealed packaging and fire it.
(5) The test sample fails the test if:
(i) Any signal ignites or decomposes before firing;
(ii) Any signal when fired malfunctions in a manner that would cause burns or injury to an unprotected person firing the signal, or;
(iii) Two or more of the signals fail to project and ignite the pyrotechnic candle.
(c) The Spontaneous Combustion Test must be performed in the following manner:
(1) Select three signals from the remaining six signals and place them in a thermostatically controlled even temperature over for 48 hours at a temperature of 75 degrees C (167 degrees F).
(2) The test sample fails the test if any signal ignites or decomposes during the test.
(d) The Luminous Intensity and Chromaticity Test must be performed in the following manner:
(1) Remove the pyrotechnic candle from the remaining three signals.
(2) Ignite, measure, and record the intensity of the burning candle with a visual photometer or equivalent photometric device or automatic recorder:
(i) While the specimen is supported in a horizontal position and the photometer is at right angles to the axis of the specimen,
(ii) At a distance of at least 3 m (10 ft.).
(3) Calculate the intensity of the candle as in §160.066–7(c).
(4) Measure and record the chromaticity of the burning candle as specified in §160.021–4(d)(4).
(5) The test sample fails the test if more than one signal has a luminous intensity of less than 10,000 candela, or more than one signal is not “vivid red”.
§ 160.066-15 Production testing.
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(a) Production tests must be performed under the procedures in Subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
(b) The operational tests in §160.066–12 must be performed for every lot of signals produced.
(c) The technical tests in §160.066–13 must be performed at least once every twelve months,or at least once every 10 lots, whichever occurs first.
(d) If a lot is rejected on the basis of the technical tests, then each subsequent lot produced must be tested according to the technical tests until samples from a lot pass these tests.
(e) An independent laboratory acceptable to the Commandant must perform or directly supervise:
(1) Each technical test, and
(2) All operational tests for at least four lots in a 12 month period, unless fewer than four lots are produced in a 12 month period. If less than four lots are produced in a 12 month period, each operational test must be performed or directly supervised by the independent laboratory.
(f) If a lot selected by the independent laboratory for an operational test is rejected, then the operational tests for the next lot produced, and the rejected lot, if reworked, must be performed or directly supervised by the independent laboratory. The tests required by this paragraph must not be counted for the purpose of meeting the requirements of paragraph (e).
(g) The independent laboratory selects the lots upon which technical tests are performed.
(h) If the manufacturer produces more than four lots within a 12 month period, the independent laboratory selects the lots for which it performs or directly supervises the operational tests.
(i) The operational test performed or directly supervised by the independent laboratory must occur at least once during each quarterly period, unless no lots are produced during that period.
(j) The independent laboratory, when it performs or directly supervises the technical tests required by paragraph (c) or (d) of this section, must inspect the signals selected for testing and compare them with the approved plans. Each signal inspected must conform to the plans.
Subpart 160.071 [Reserved]
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Subpart 160.072—Distress Signals for Boats, Orange Flag
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Source: CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73054, Dec. 17, 1979, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.072-1 Applicability.
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(a) This subpart establishes standards for distress flags for boats.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.072-3 General performance requirements.
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(a) Each flag must:
(1) Be a square or rectangle at least 90 cm (36 inches) wide and at least 90 cm (36 inches) long. If the flag is a rectangle, the shorter side cannot be less than 2/3 the length of the longer side;
(2) Have no less than 70% of the total area colored a bright red-orange color;
(3) Display a black disc and a black square on the red-orange background on both sides arranged as follows:
(i) The diameter of the disc and the length of one side of the square shall be equal, and shall each be 1/3 of the length of the longest side of the flag, or 30 cm (12 inches), whichever is greater.
(ii) The disc and square must be centered on one axis of the flag parallel to the longest side of the flag as shown in Figure 160.072–3. If the flag is a square, the axis may be parallel to any side.
Figure 160.072–3
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(iii) The disc and square shall be separated by a distance of 1/6 the length of the longest side of the flag or 15 cm (6 inches), whichever is greater.
(4) Be capable of passing the accelerated weathering test of §160.072–5;
(5) Have reinforced corners, each with a grommet; and,
(6) Be packaged with 4 pieces of line, with a tensile strength of at least 225 N (Newtons) (50 lbs) no less than 30 cm (12 inches) long, capable of passing through the grommets freely.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.072-5 Accelerated weathering test.
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(a) Condition the flag, folded to 1/16th its size or as packaged, whichever is smaller, by submersion in 5% by weight sodium chloride solution for 2 hours followed immediately by storage at 95% (±5) related humidity and 40 °C (±3°) (100 °F ±5°) for at least 15 days.
(b) Unfold and suspend flag by the lines provided, secured through each grommet.
(c) Subject the flag to alternate 3 minute cycles of 5% by weight sodium chloride solution at 55 degrees (±5°) C and air blasts of 40 knots at 55 degrees (±5°) C, perpendicular to and over the entire surface of one side of the flag, without interruption for a period of not less than 24 hours.
(d) The flag fails the accelerated weathering test if
(1) After conditioning, the flag cannot be unfolded without damage,
(2) There is any tearing,
(3) The flag does not retain its bright red/orange color,
(4) The disc and square images no longer meet the requirements of §160.072–3(a)(3) or,
(5) There is any visible rot over more than 3% of the flag's surface.
§ 160.072-7 Manufacturer certification and labeling.
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(a) Each distress flag intended as a Day Visual Distress Signal required by 33 CFR Part 175 must be certified by the manufacturer as complying with the requirements of this subpart.
(b) Each distress flag must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
(1) The manufacturer's name; and
(2) The following words—
“Day Visual Distress Signal for Boats. Complies with U.S. Coast Guard Requirements in 46 CFR 160.072. For Emergency Use Only”.
§ 160.072-09 Manufacturer notification.
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(a) Each manufacturer certifying flags in accordance with the specifications of this subpart must send written notice to the Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20591—
(1) Within 30 days after first certifying a flag,
(2) Every five years as long as the manufacturer continues to produce flags, and
(3) Each time the design or construction material of the flag changes.
(b) [Reserved]
[CGD 76–183a, 44 FR 73054, Dec. 17, 1979, as amended by CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
Subpart 160.073—Float-Free Link or Life Floats and Buoyant Apparatus
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Source: CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41378, Sept. 20, 1982, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.073-1 Scope.
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(a) This subpart contains requirements for a float-free link used for connecting a life float or buoyant apparatus painter to a vessel. The float-free link is designed to be broken by the buoyant force of the life float or buoyant apparatus so that the float or apparatus breaks free of a vessel that sinks in water deeper than the length of the painter.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 160.073-5 Certification.
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(a) The float-free link is not approved by the Coast Guard. The manufacturer of the link must certify that it meets all of the requirements of this subpart by application of the markings required in §160.073–20.
(b) If the manufacturer wants the link to be listed in the Coast Guard publication COMDTINST M16714.3 (Series), “Equipment Lists,” the manufacturer must send a letter requesting the listing to Commandant (G-MSE), U.S. Coast Guard, Washington, DC 20593–0001.
[CGD 79–167, 47 FR 41378, Sept. 20, 1982, as amended by CGD 88–070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 95–072, 60 FR 50467, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD 96–041, 61 FR 50733, Sept. 27, 1996]
§ 160.073-10 Construction and performance.
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(a) The link must be constructed essentially as shown in figure 160.073–10. The link must be formed from a single salt water corrosion-resistant wire. A loop at least 50 mm (2 in.) in diameter must be provided at each end of the wire. Each loop must be permanently secured.
(b) The breaking strength of each link must be between:
(1) 450 N (100 lb.) and 600 N (134 lb.) for links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 10 persons and less capacity.
(2) 900 N (200 lb.) and 1200 N (268 lb.) for links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 11 to 20 persons capacity.
(3) 1800 N (400 lb.) and 2400 N (536 lb.) for links intended for life floats and buoyant apparatus of 21 persons and more capacity.
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§ 160.073-15 Tests.
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(a) The manufacturer shall perform a tensile test on the first three links made from a particular spool of wire. The test must be done by slowly loading the link until it breaks. The link must break between the limits specified in §160.073–10(b). The break must occur in the length of wire at or between the points where the loops are secured (see Figure 160.073–10).
(b) If each of the three links passes the test, each link constructed in the same manner from the same spool of wire may be certified by the manufacturer as meeting the requirements of this subpart.
(c) If one or more of the three links fails the test, no link manufactured in the same manner and from the same spool of wire as the test links may be certified as meeting the requirements of this subpart.
§ 160.073-20 Marking.
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(a) Each link certified by the manufacturer to meet the requirements of this subpart must have a corrosion resistant, waterproof tag attached to it that has the following information on it (the manufacturer must make the appropriate entries in the indicated space):
FLOAT-FREE LINK FOR LIFE FLOATS AND BUOYANT APPARATUS
Of (10 or less) (11 to 20) (21 or more) persons capacity.
Normal breaking strength __________.
Meets U.S. coast guard
Requirements—46 CFR 160.073.
Made by: (name and address) _______________________
(Date) ______________
(b) [Reserved]
Subpart 160.076—Inflatable Recreational Personal Flotation Devices
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Source: CGD 94–110, 60 FR 32848, June 23, 1995, unless otherwise noted.
§ 160.076-1 Scope.
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(a) This subpart contains structural and performance standards for approval of inflatable recreational personal flotation devices (PFDs), as well as requirements for production follow-up inspections, associated manuals, information pamphlets, and markings.
(b) Inflatable PFDs approved under this subpart—
(1) Rely entirely upon inflation for buoyancy; and
(2) Are approved for use by adults only.
§ 160.076-3 Applicability.
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Inflatable PFDs approved under this subpart may be used to meet the carriage requirements of 33 CFR 175.15 and 175.17 on the following types of vessels only:
(a) Recreational vessels.
(b) Uninspected recreational submersible vessels.
§ 160.076-5 Definitions.
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As used in this part:
Commandant means the Chief of the Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, Marine Safety and Environmental Protection. Address: Commandant (G-MSE–4), U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters, 2100 Second St. SW., Washington, DC 20593–0001; phone: 202–267–1444; facsimile: 202–267–1069; electronic mail: mvi-3/G-M18@cgsmtp.uscg.mil.
Conditional approval means a category of PFD which has condition(s) on its approval with which the user must comply in order for the PFD to be counted toward meeting the carriage requirements of the vessel being used. All conditionally approved PFDs are designated Approval Type V.
First quality workmanship means construction which is free from any defect materially affecting appearance or serviceability.
Inflation medium means any solid, liquid, or gas that, when activated, provides inflation for buoyancy.
Inspector means a recognized laboratory representative assigned to perform, supervise or oversee the duties described in §§160.076–29 and 160.076–31 of this subpart or any Coast Guard representative performing duties related to the approval.
MOU means memorandum of understanding which describes the approval functions a recognized independent laboratory performs for the Coast Guard, and the recognized independent laboratory's working arrangements with the Coast Guard.
Performance type means the in-water performance classification of the PFD (I, II, or III).
PFD means personal flotation device as defined in 33 CFR 175.13.
PFD Approval Type means the Type designation assigned by the Commandant, as documented in the approval certificate for the PFD, based primarily on the in-water performance and serviceability of the PFD.
Plans and specifications means the drawings, product description, construction specifications, and bill of materials submitted in accordance with §160.076–13 for approval of a PFD design. (continued)