This subpart prescribes rules for the—

(a) Original inspection and issuance of an original Certificate of Inspection required by 46 U.S.C. 3301, 3307 and 3309;

(b) Inspection for certification and renewal of a Certificate of Inspection required by 46 U.S.C. 3301, 3307, 3309;

(c) Annual and periodic inspections required by 46 U.S.C. 3308;

(d) Inspection after an accident required by 46 U.S.C. 3308; and

(e) Inspection of repairs or alterations, or both, required by 46 U.S.C. 3308 and 3313;

(f) Amendments to Certificates of Inspection;

(g) Issuance of Temporary Certificate of Inspection; and

(h) Issuance of Permit to Proceed to Another Port for Repairs.

(a) In place of compliance with other applicable provisions of this subchapter, the owner or operator of a vessel subject to plan review and inspection under this subchapter for initial issuance or renewal of a Certificate of Inspection may comply with the Alternate Compliance Program provisions of part 8 of this chapter.

(b) For the purposes of this section, a list of authorized classification societies, including information for ordering copies of approved classification society rules and supplements, is available at Coast Guard Headquarters. Contact Commandant (CG-ENG), Attn: Office of Design and Engineering Systems, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509; telephone 202-372-1372 or fax 202-372-1925. Approved classification society rules and supplements are incorporated by reference into 46 CFR 8.110(b).

(a) The owner or builder of a unit applies for an inspection for an original Certificate of Inspection by submitting before construction is started:

(1) A completed Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, Form CG-3752, to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, of the marine inspection zone in which the unit is to be constructed; and

(2) Plans and information indicating the proposed arrangement and construction of the unit to the Coast Guard in accordance with Subpart C of this part.

(b) An original Certificate of Inspection is issued if the Coast Guard finds, during the inspections conducted while the unit is being constructed, that a unit contracted for on or after January 3, 1979 meets § 107.231.

(c) An original Certificate of Inspection is issued if the Coast Guard finds that an uncertificated unit contracted for before January 3, 1979 meets the applicable requirements of this Subchapter as specified in the Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, “Inspection and Certification of Existing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units” (Appendix A). Existing structure, arrangements, materials, equipment, and facilities will be considered satisfactory so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Repairs and minor alterations may be made to the same standards as originally used. Major alterations and conversions shall be in compliance with the provisions of each subpart of this part to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(d) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.

(a) The master, owner, or agent of a certificated unit may apply for an inspection for the renewal of a Certificate of Inspection by submitting a completed Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, Form CG-3752, to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, in or nearest to the port where the inspection will be made.

(b) The master, owner, or agent of a certificated unit operating in international service may apply for renewal of a Certificate of Inspection by submitting a completed Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel Form CG-3752, to the appropriate Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, at least 30 days before the expiration date that appears on the unit's unexpired Certificate of Inspection.

(c) A Certificate of Inspection is renewed if the Coast Guard finds, during the inspection for certification, that—

(1) A unit contracted for on or after January 3, 1979 meets the requirements of this Subchapter; or

(2) A unit contracted for before January 3 1979, and issued a Certificate of Inspection under Subchapter I of this chapter, continues to meet the requirements of that subchapter and meets the applicable requirements of this subchapter as specified in Navigation and Vessel Inspection Circular, “Inspection and Certification of Existing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units” (Appendix A).

(d) A Certificate of Inspection is valid for 5 years.

(a) If a unit fails to meet the requirements in § 107.231, and the Coast Guard withholds reissuance of a Certificate of Inspection, or suspends an unexpired Certificate of Inspection, as described in § 107.279, a Permit to Proceed to Another Port for Repairs (Form CG-948) is issued by the Coast Guard if—

(1) The owner, master, person in charge, or agent makes a written request for a permit to the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, that includes—

(i) The reason the permit is requested;

(ii) The port in which the repairs are to be made; and

(iii) The period of time for the voyage;

(2) The Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection finds that the unit is seaworthy for the voyage.

(b) A Permit to Proceed to Another Port for Repairs states the conditions under which it was issued and is in force for the period of the voyage to the port in which the repairs are to be made.

A Temporary Certificate of Inspection, issued under 46 U.S.C. 3309 is effective until a Certificate of Inspection is issued to the unit.

The Coast Guard issues a Certificate of Inspection Amendment, Form CG-858, to a certificated unit if a requirement for equipment and data listed on the unexpired Certificate of Inspection is changed.

A unit is issued a Certificate of Inspection under § 107.211 or § 107.215(c) if the inspector finds the following:

(a) The unit and its equipment comply with—

(1) Part 108 of this subchapter;

(2) Subchapter J of this chapter, Electrical Engineering; 1

(3) Subchapter F of this chapter, Marine Engineering; 2

(4) Subchapter E of this chapter, Load Lines; 3

(5) Part 64 or Part 98 of this chapter, or both, if the unit carries marine portable tanks or portable tanks;

(6) The vessel design and equipment requirements of the oil pollution regulations (33 CFR Part 155, Subpart B);

(7) The Rules of the Road requirements for the waters in which the unit navigates, contained in—

(i) 33 U.S.C. Chapters 3, 4, 5, or 21; and

(ii) 33 CFR Parts 80, 85, or 86.

(8) Subchapter S of this chapter.

(b) The survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances are in proper condition and operating properly at loads ranging from light load to full load.

(c) The lifeboats and rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms are in proper condition and operating properly.

(d) The flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment are in proper condition.

(e) Each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;

(f) Each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic release unit, has been serviced as required under this chapter.

(g) The crew has the ability to effectively carry out abandonment and fire fighting procedures.

(h) Each hand portable fire extinguisher and each semiportable fire extinguisher is inspected, and serviced if required, in accordance with § 107.235(a).

(i) Each fixed fire-extinguishing system is inspected, and serviced if required, in accordance with § 107.235(b).

(j) Each fire main system meets the testing requirements in § 107.251.

(k) Each fire hose meets the testing requirements in § 107.257.

(l) The rated load test for cranes in § 107.260 is met.

(m) Each crane is inspected and tested in accordance with § 107.258.

(n) Each watertight door is operative.

(o) Each valve with a remote control is operative.

(p) Each means of escape on the unit is safe for the intended service.

(q) There is not an accumulation of oil which might create a fire hazard on tank tops, decks, in drip pans, machinery spaces, and pumproom bilges.

(r) Each accommodation space is sanitary.

(s) The unit meet the drydocking requirement in § 107.261 or the special examination in § 107.265.

(t) The unit meets the equipment and data information requirements on its certificate of inspection.

(u) Each record in Subpart D of Part 109 is maintained as prescribed.

(v) Tests and inspections of the lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during the initial inspection for certification, and whenever any new item of lifesaving equipment is installed on the unit. The tests and inspections shall determine that the installation of each item of lifesaving equipment is consistent with each condition of its approval, as listed on its Coast Guard Certificate of Approval. The tests and inspections shall also demonstrate, as applicable,—

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to 10 percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and operation of lifeboats and rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, and associated equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress signaling equipment, including EPIRB's, SART's, and pyrotechnic signaling devices;

(5) The proper condition of line-throwing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and operation of embarkation and debarkation appliances, including embarkation-debarkation ladders, and alternate means of escape;

(7) The ability of the crew to effectively carry out abandonment and firefighting procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and survival craft launching requirements of this part.

(w) Piping for each halocarbon and inert gas extinguishing system must be tested in accordance with 46 CFR 95.16-60.

(x) Piping for each carbon dioxide extinguishing system meets the installation test in § 108.449 of this chapter.

(y) Each sliding watertight door meets the installation tests in § 163.001-6(b) of this chapter.

(z) The unit and its equipment meet any other test or inspection deemed necessary by the inspector to determine if they are suitable for the service in which they are to be employed.

(a) Except as provided in the following paragraphs, portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 Edition, effective December 5, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may obtain a copy from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, 617-770-3000, http://www.nfpa.org. You may inspect a copy at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG), 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

(1) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.

(2) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(3) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(4) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records has not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures were conducted.

(b) Each fixed fire extinguishing system must be examined for excessive corrosion and general condition and checked and serviced as indicated, depending on the extinguishing agent used by the system.

(1) Carbon dioxide: Weigh cylinders. Recharge cylinder if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of the weight of the charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections on fixed carbon dioxide systems must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65.

(2) Halon 1301 or Halocarbon: Recharge or replace if weight loss exceeds 5 percent of the weight of the charge or, if cylinder has a pressure gauge, recharge cylinder if pressure loss exceeds 10 percent, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible Halon 1301 and halocarbon connections must be tested or renewed as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65 or 147.67. Note that Halon 1301 system approvals have expired, but that existing systems may be retained if they are in good and serviceable condition to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard inspector.

(3) Inert gas: Recharge or replace cylinder if cylinder pressure loss exceeds 5 percent of specified gauge pressure, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections must be tested or renewed as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.66.

(4) Foam, except premix systems: Discharge foam for approximately 15 seconds from a nozzle designated by the marine inspector. Discharge water from all other lines and nozzles. Submit a sample of the foam concentrate to the manufacturer or its authorized representative, or an independent laboratory accepted for the purpose by the Coast Guard for determination of specific gravity, pH, percentage of water dilution, and solid content and for certification as a suitable firefighting foam.

(5) Premix aqueous film forming foam: Remove the pressure cartridge and replace the cartridge if the seal is punctured, sampling the premix solution in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and replacing any cylinders that are discharged.

Each fire main system must be opened and the pressure checked at—

(a) The most remote outlet; and

(b) The highest outlet.

Each fire hose must be subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure to which it may be subjected during operation. However, each fire hose must be subjected to a pressure of at least 100 p.s.i.

(a) The Coast Guard may accept current certificates issued by approved organizations as evidence of condition and suitability of cranes. The following organizations are approved by the Coast Guard as crane certifying authorities:

(1) American Bureau of Shipping, ABS Plaza, 16855 Northchase Drive, Houston, TX 77060.

(2) International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc., 321 West 44th Street, New York, NY 10036, on the Internet at http://www.icgb.com.

(b) Crane certification must be based upon—

(1) A review of plans submitted under § 107.309; and

(2) The continuing program of tests and inspections in § 107.259.

(c) Each load test and inspection by the certifying authority must be recorded in the unit's Crane Record Book required in § 109.437.

(a) Each crane must be inspected and tested in accordance with Section 3 of the American Petroleum Institute (A.P.I.) Recommended Practice for Operation and Maintenance of Offshore Cranes, API RP 2D, First Edition (October 1972) with supplement 1, except that the rated load test must be performed in accordance with § 107.260.

(b) The tests are witnessed and the inspections are conducted by—

(1) A Coast Guard marine inspector; or

(2) The American Bureau of Shipping (A.B.S.), or the International Cargo Gear Bureau, Inc. (I.C.G.B.) for cranes under certification by these organizations.

(c) If the tests and inspections are conducted by the A.B.S. or the I.C.G.B., the surveyor shall certify that the tests and inspections were conducted in accordance with the A.P.I. specification; or modified by § 107.260.

(a) To meet the requirements in § 107.231(l), each crane must meet the following rated load test at both the maximum and minimum boom angles usually employed in material transfers over the side of the unit:

(b) The weight of the hook, hook blocks, slings, rib, and other rigging, except the hoist rope, must be considered part of the load for the rated load test.

(c) The rated load test must be performed—

(1) When the crane is installed;

(2) Each 60 months; and

(3) After repairs or alterations to any structural component of the crane.

(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b), (c), and (d), each unit must be drydocked in the presence of a Coast Guard inspector at least once during each 24 month period after it is issued a Certificate of Inspection.

(b) If a unit is column-stabilized, it may be specially examined in lieu of drydocking in accordance with § 107.265 in the presence of a Coast Guard inspector.

(c) If a unit is self-elevating, it may be specially examined in lieu of drydocking in accordance with § 107.267 in the presence of a Coast Guard inspector.

(d) If a unit is a surface type, it may be specially examined in lieu of drydocking in accordance with § 107.265 in the presence of a Coast Guard inspector if the examination is specifically approved by the Commandant.

(e) The master, person in charge, owner, or agent of a certificated unit must notify the appropriate Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection before the unit is drydocked, or specially examined.

(f) The master, person in charge, owner, or agent of a certificated unit operating in international service must notify the appropriate Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection at least 60 days before the unit is drydocked or specially examined under § 107.265 or § 107.267.

(a) A column stabilized unit, or surface type unit when approved by the Commandant, must be specially examined in accordance with a plan—

(1) Submitted in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section; and

(2) Accepted by the Commandant (CG-CVC).

(b) To meet the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, the owner or operator of the unit must submit a plan to the Coast Guard that provides the methods used to determine the condition of the hull and that contains the following information:

(1) The planned location where the unit is to be examined.

(2) The draft at which the unit is to be examined.

(3) The names of the diver or diving company selected for the examination.

(4) The method of visual presentation for the examination.

(5) The method used to clean the underwater portion of the hull.

(6) The method and location of gauging the underwater portion of the hull.

(7) The number of underwater hull fittings and number of compartments to be opened.

(8) The underwater high stress areas and the welds in those areas to be examined.

(a) A self-elevating unit must be specially examined in accordance with a plan—

(1) Submitted in accordance with paragraph (b) of this section; and

(2) Approved by the Commandant (CG-CVC).

(b) To meet the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, the owner or operator of the unit must submit a plan to the Commandant (CG-CVC) that provides for—

(1) Examination of the unit's hull while it is in the elevated position; and

(2) Examination of the supporting mat, spud cans, or footings while the unit is afloat.

(c) The plan required in paragraph (b) of this section must contain the following information:

(1) The planned location where the unit is to be examined.

(2) The methods to be used to conduct the hull examination.

(3) The method of visual presentation for examination of the underwater components.

(4) The methods of determining the condition of the underwater components.

(5) The underwater high stress areas and the welds in those areas that are to be examined.

(6) The names of the diver or diving company selected for the examination.

(a) Your mobile offshore drilling unit (MODU) must undergo an annual inspection within the 3 months before or after each anniversary date, except as specified in § 107.270.

(b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is required.

(c) The scope of the annual inspection is the same as the inspection for certification as specified in § 107.231, except § 107.231(x) and (y), but in less detail unless the cognizant OCMI finds deficiencies or determines that a major change has occurred since the last inspection. If deficiencies are found or a major change to the MODU has occurred, the OCMI will conduct an inspection more detailed in scope to ensure that the MODU is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If your MODU passes the annual inspection, the OCMI will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.

(d) If the annual inspection reveals deficiencies in your MODU's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the OCMI.

(e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

(a) Your vessel must undergo a periodic inspection within 3 months before or after the second or third anniversary of the date of your vessel's Certificate of Inspection. This periodic inspection will take the place of an annual inspection.

(b) You must contact the cognizant OCMI to schedule an inspection at a time and place which he or she approves. No written application is required.

(c) The scope of the periodic inspection is the same as that for the inspection for certification, as specified in § 107.231 except § 107.231(x) and (y). The OCMI will insure that the MODU is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended. If your MODU passes the periodic inspection, the marine inspector will endorse your current Certificate of Inspection.

(d) If the periodic inspection reveals deficiencies in your MODU's maintenance, you must make any or all repairs or improvements within the time period specified by the OCMI.

(e) Nothing in this subpart limits the marine inspector from conducting such tests or inspections he or she deems necessary to be assured of the vessel's seaworthiness.

After plans are approved for alterations affecting the safety of the unit the Coast Guard conducts inspections of the affected—

(a) Hull;

(b) Machinery; or

(c) Equipment.

When the Coast Guard receives the report required in § 109.411 or § 109.425, the Coast Guard conducts the following inspections of a unit to determine if the unit meets the requirements under which it was issued its original Certificate of Inspection:

(a) An inspection after an accident.

(b) An inspection after a defect is found that affects—

(1) The seaworthiness of the unit; or

(2) The safety or efficiency of a lifesaving device, or firefighting device.

(c) An inspection of repairs made because of an accident or a defect.

If a unit fails to meet the requirements in § 107.231, the Coast Guard may—

(a) Withhold issuance of an original Certificate of Inspection after an original inspection for certification, until the unit meets the requirements in § 107.231;

(b) Withhold renewal of the Certificate of Inspection until the MODU meets the requirements of § 107.231, except § 107.231(x) and (y).

(c) Suspend a valid Certificate of Inspection after an annual or periodic inspection until the MODU meets the requirements of § 107.231, except § 107.231(x) and (y).

(d) Revoke a valid Certificate of Inspection after an annual or periodic inspection if the unit operates without complying with Coast Guard orders to correct unlawful conditions.

(e) Revoke or suspend an unexpired Certificate of Inspection;

(f) Withhold issuance of a safety equipment certificate;

(g) Withhold renewal of safety equipment certificate;

(h) Suspend an unexpired safety equipment certificate;

(i) Revoke an unexpired safety equipment certificate; and

(j) Withhold, suspend, or revoke an exemption certificate.

To maintain a valid Certificate of Inspection, you must complete your annual and periodic inspections within the periods specified in §§ 107.269 and 107.270 and your Certificate of Inspection must be endorsed.