This subpart and subpart B of this part are based on Chapter III, SOLAS. Section numbers in this subpart and subpart B of this part are generally related to the regulation numbers in Chapter III, SOLAS, but paragraph designations are not related to the numbering in Chapter III, SOLAS. To find the corresponding Chapter III, SOLAS regulation for this subpart and subpart B of this part, beginning with § 133.10, divide the section number following the decimal point by 10.

The OCMI may require an OSV to carry specialized or additional lifesaving equipment other than as required in this part if the OCMI determines that the conditions of a voyage present uniquely hazardous circumstances which are not adequately addressed by existing requirements.

When this part requires a particular fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance or arrangement, the Commandant (CG-ENG) may accept any other fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance or arrangement that is at least as effective as that required by this part. The Commandant may require engineering evaluations and tests to determine the equivalent effectiveness of the substitute fitting, material, or lifesaving appliance or arrangement.

(a) Unless expressly provided otherwise in this part, this part applies to all inspected OSVs of the United States flag, including liftboats.

(b) Offshore supply vessels which were constructed prior to October 1, 1996, must—

(1) By October 1, 1997, meet the requirements of §§ 133.60(a), 133.80, and 133.90;

(2) By October 1, 1997, fit retro-reflective material on all floating appliances, lifejackets, and immersion suits; and

(3) Offshore supply vessels may retain the arrangement of lifeboats, lifeboat davits, winches, inflatable liferafts, liferaft launching equipment, rescue boats, lifefloats, and buoyant apparatus previously required and approved for the OSV, as long as the arrangement or appliance is maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the OCMI.

(c) When any lifesaving appliance or arrangement on an OSV subject to this part is replaced, or when the OSV undergoes repairs, alterations, or modifications of a major character involving replacement of, or any addition to, the existing lifesaving appliances or arrangements, each new lifesaving appliance and arrangement must meet the requirements of this part, unless the OCMI determines that the OSV cannot accommodate the new appliance or arrangement.

(a) If a District Commander determines that the overall safety of the persons on board an OSV will not be significantly reduced, the District Commander may grant an exemption from compliance with a provision of this part to a specific OSV for a specified geographic area within the boundaries of the Coast Guard District. This exemption may be limited to certain periods of the year.

(b) Requests for exemption under this section must be in writing to the OCMI for transmission to the District Commander in the area in which the OSV is in service or will be in service.

(c) If the exemption is granted by the District Commander, the OCMI will endorse the OSV's Certificate of Inspection with a statement describing the exemption.

(a) Each item of lifesaving equipment required by this part to be carried on board the OSV must be approved.

(b) Each item of lifesaving equipment carried on board the OSV in addition to those required by this part must—

(1) Be approved; or

(2) Be accepted by the cognizant OCMI for use on the OSV.

(c) The Commandant (CG-ENG) may accept a novel lifesaving appliance or arrangement if it provides a level of safety equivalent the requirements of this part and if the appliance or arrangement—

(1) Is evaluated and tested in accordance with IMO Resolution A.520(13), Code of Practice for the Evaluation, Testing and Acceptance of Prototype Novel Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements; or

(2) Has successfully undergone evaluation and tests that are substantially equivalent to those recommendations.

(d) During an OSV's construction, and when any modification to the lifesaving arrangement is done after construction, a OSV owner must obtain acceptance of lifesaving arrangements from the Commandant (Marine Safety Center).

(e) The OCMI may accept substitute lifesaving appliances other than those required by this part, except for—

(1) Survival craft and rescue boats; and

(2) Survival craft and rescue boat launching and embarkation appliances.

(f) Acceptance of lifesaving appliances and arrangements will remain in effect unless—

(1) The OCMI deems their condition to be unsatisfactory or unfit for the service intended; or

(2) The OCMI deems the crew's ability to use and assist others in the use of the lifesaving appliances or arrangements to be inadequate.

(a) Initial inspection. The initial inspection of lifesaving appliances and arrangements for certification includes a demonstration of—

(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 rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms;

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

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

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

(6) The proper condition and operation of embarkation appliances, including embarkation ladders and marine evacuation systems;

(7) The ability of the crew to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures; and

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

(b) Reinspections. Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and shall 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 full load;

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

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

(4) That each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;

(5) That each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic release unit, has been serviced as required under this chapter; and

(6) That the crew has the ability to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures.

(c) Other inspections. Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) of this section during OSV boardings to ensure that the appliances and arrangements comply with applicable requirements, are in satisfactory condition, and remain fit for service.