Approval Guidance

 

The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval. Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted or Recognized Independent Laboratory.

Please send the Submittal Package and other related information to TypeApproval@uscg.mil.  Please see What to submit when corresponding with ENG-4 regarding equipment approvals/renewal.  Submission of emails with file attachments above 10MB will not be received. For files over 10 MB, please contact us at typeapproval@uscg.mil. We will send you a request to drop-off files at DoD SAFE (Secure Access File Exchange). 

Once the equipment has been approved by this office, it will receive Coast Guard Type Approval and a Certificate of Approval (COA). The COA will be issued for 5 years and will remain valid during that time period if the product meets the testing of the Quality Control Program.

For a complete listing of USCG Type Approved Equipment, please visit the Coast Guard Marine Information Exchange (CGMIX).

 
 

160.013 - Hatchet (Life boat & Liferaft)

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.013 

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.013.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. 

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • Required drawings/specification of the equipment.
 

160.014 - Life Boat Compass

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.014 

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  USCG Approval Guideline for Magnetic Compasses in Lifeboats/Rescue Boats – August 2004

The following lays out the general guidelines for USCG approval of magnetic compasses for lifeboats and rescue boats under approval series 160.014. Until now, these compasses were approved based on a USCG specification dated 14 December 1944 (item 1 below), which was a combination of Federal and Navy tests that have since been superseded. The USCG specification from 1944 is complete in its testing descriptions and as such can still be used as a means for gaining USCG approval.  But as more modern designs and materials have been developed over the last sixty years, so have newer, more widely accepted tests.  This guideline describes an alternative set of tests from two International testing bodies that can be used in the USCG approval process for these compasses.
Currently, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has Standard 613 available for testing lifeboat compasses.  After reviewing this standard, it was determined that although this standard was very thorough in the performance testing area for compasses, it did not have adequate testing for physical conditions that may be encountered on lifeboats and rescue boats.  Such physical tests are found in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard 60945 for maritime navigation equipment general requirements.  Several tests from IEC 60945 were determined to adequately meet the intent of the original USCG specification of 1944.  The alternative set of tests for USCG approval of these compasses are a combination of the tests described in ISO 613 and several from IEC 60945 as listed and described below.

APPLICABLE DOCUMENTS
  1.     “USCG Specification for Compasses: Magnetic, Liquid Filled, Mariners, Compensating, for lifeboats for Merchant Vessels.” Dated 14 December 1944.

  2.    International Standard - ISO 613:2000(E) - “Ships and marine technology – Magnetic compasses, binnacles and azimuth reading devices – Class B.” (Available from ANSI or ISO)

  3.    International Standard - IEC 60945:2002-08 - “Maritime navigation and radio communication equipment and systems – General requirements – Methods of testing and required test results.” (Available from ANSI or ISO)

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND TESTING
ISO 613:2000 - All requirements and tests from Section 4 – Magnetic compasses

Note: Vibration testing is not optional as noted in ISO 613.  Either ISO 613 - Test 4.6 or IEC 60945 - Test 8.7 may be completed to meet the vibration testing requirement.

1.  ISO 613:2000 - All requirements from Section 8.

Note:  In addition to Section 8 marking requirements; each approved compass shall be marked with the USCG approval number.

2.   IEC 60945:2002 – Physical Tests.
 

  a.  Test 8.2.1 – Dry Heat (Storage Test)

  b.  Test 8.4.1 – Low Temperature (Storage Test)

  c.  Test 8.7    – Vibration (or ISO 613 - Test 4.6 as noted above)

  d.  Test 8.10  – Solar Radiation

  e.  Test 8.12  – Corrosion


Note:  Required Results for each of these tests states “The requirements of the performance check shall be met.”  This performance check shall be satisfactory completion of all of the ISO 613 tests under Section 4.5.  Test results for a and b shall also meet the requirements of ISO 613 - Section 4.1.4.

3. The minimum compass card size shall be an apparent 70mm (2 ¾”) diameter. 

ACCEPTED INDEPENDENT LABORATORIES
Tests and inspections in this guideline are required to be conducted by an Accepted Independent Laboratory that is accepted by the Commandant (CG-521) under 46 CFR 159.010 to perform such tests and inspections.  At the conclusion of the testing, the manufacturer must submit the test report, plans, and quality control procedures required under 159.005-9(a)(5).  In order to be considered complete, the final plans under 159.005-12 must include:
 

a.  the general arrangement or top assembly drawing;

b.  drawings of each component and subassembly made specifically for the compass;

c.  bills of material or parts lists identifying hardware, materials, and other purchased parts and components;
 
d.  sufficient additional detail necessary to determine that each requirement of these guidelines is met; and

e.  any maintenance or training material necessary for operation.


LINKS1944 USCG Specification for Compass

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above standard.
  • Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
  • Required drawings/plans of the equipment as noted above.
 

160.019 - Life Boat Sea Anchor

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.019 

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  The only sea anchors that the Coast Guard formally approves are those for lifeboats.  While this approval is based on a World War II era construction and standard, this office will evaluate new submissions that utilize new materials that demonstrate equivalence to the current specification in particular products complying with ISO 17339 Ships and Marine Technology-Sea Anchors.  Commercial vessel inflatable liferaft sea anchors are covered by 46 CFR 160.151-21(e). 

LINKS:  1944 USCG Specification for Sea Anchors

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please provide the information contained in this link SEA ANCHOR for approval in accordance with the World War II standard.  For new submissions that utilize modern materials, please contact this office.

 

160.020 - Emergency Signal Mirror

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.020

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: 

USCG Specification for Signaling Mirrors

Mirrors for signaling must be flat enough and have a surface of sufficient reflectivity to meet detailed tests in paragraph (D).  They must be durable enough to retain this flatness and reflective surface during use or after being subjected to salt air or salt water in combination with heat or cold and sunlight.

A.  MATERIAL.  The main base material shall be either metal, plate glass, or "A" quality window glass.  All mirrors shall present  a smooth, even, and unpitted reflecting surface, even after the salt spray test.  Metal mirrors having a base of corrodible metal shall be plated over the base with copper and upon that a plating of nickel with a final coating of chromium.  No plating shall be done until the final stamping, cutting and grinding is completed.  The reflecting area of glass mirrors shall be either aluminum or silver deposited on glass.  The rear of the reflecting area and edges shall be adequately protected from corrosion by a durable protective coating.  If non-tempered glass is used, the glass shall be securely protected from breakage by means of a cushioning frame.  A woven twine lanyard shall be securely attached to each mirror by means of a hole provided for it.  It shall be approximately 36" long and in the form of an 18" loop.  The lanyard material must be able to withstand a pull of 50 pounds when dry.  A wiping cloth, that will remove finger and hand stains, of twice the area of one mirror shall be included with the mirrors.

B.  DIMENSIONS AND SLOPE.  The mirror shall have a reflecting area of at least 17 square inches and shall be rectangular in shape with rounded corners.  The mirror shall be flat except as noted below, and shall be of such thickness that it cannot be easily deformed in use.  At the center of the face of the mirror, there shall be a sighting means of one of the following four types:
 

1.  Metal Mirror Type.  This type mirror should be made of metal as specified in paragraph A.  There shall be a round sighting hole in the center of each metal mirror 3/16" in diameter.  A concentric depression about the hole of about 1/2" diameter and approximately 1/32" deep may be formed, if desired.  If depressed, the side of the mirror in which the depression is made shall be identified by some permanent marking on the mirror, such as "Toward Face".  This mirror shall have a central mirror area on the back at least 1-1/2" in diameter concentric with the sighting hole.  This back mirror shall be parallel to the front mirror within 15 minutes of angle.   It shall be of sufficient  quality to enable a person of normal vision to read newsprint-size lettering with the mirror 4 inches from his eye and the lettering 8 inches from the mirror.

2.  Cross-in-Glass Type.  This type mirror should be made of glass as specified in paragraph A.  At the center of the face of the mirror there shall be a sighting area in the form of a cross.  This area, on which no metal shall be deposited, shall consist of two lines 3/64" x 1/2" to 1", mutually bisecting at right angles.  The optical quality of the sighting area shall be such that a person of normal vision can see a distant small target through it when using the mirror in heliography. This mirror shall have a central mirror area on the back at least 1-1/2" in diameter concentric with the sighting area.  This back mirror shall bo parallel to the front mirror within 15 minutes of angle.   It shall be of sufficient quality to enable a person of normal vision to read newsprint-size lettering with the mirror 4 inches from his eye and lettering 8 inches from the mirror.

3.  Reflex Type. This type mirror should be made of glass as specified in paragraph A.  The sighting hole shall be a clear window at least 3/4" square of such optical quality that a person of normal vision can see a distant small target through it when using the mirror in heliography.   Behind the sighting hole a retro-directive reflector button roughly 5/8" x 1" in size shall be mounted to make contact with the clear window along one edge.  This button shall be tilted at about 30° from the plane of the mirror so that there shall be a crack between the button and the window 3/4" long and roughly 5/8" wide through which one can observe the signaling target.  The red image of the sun formed by the button shall not be more than 2* in diameter from any part of the effective area of the button for any direction of incidence loss than 25º from the normal to the face of the button.  The seal protecting the rear reflecting surface of the button shall remain watertight when immersed in six inches of salt water after the button has been warmed to 140ºF. and chilled to -40ºF. for four successive cycles.

4.  Blister Type. This type of mirror shall be made of glass as specified in paragraph A.  In the reflecting area, there shall be a window of approximately 1" diameter.  The window shall be covered with a blister securely attached to the back of the mirror.  The inside wall of the blister shall be covered, except at the center where a clear space of approximately 1/4" diameter is to be left for use as a viewing hole, with a retrodirective material.  This material shall be of such quality that when sunlight strikes the front of the mirror, at any angle less than 65 degrees from the perpendicular, a red or orange colored image of the sun can be seen by a person looking through the viewing hole in the direction that the mirror is aimed.  The red or orange colored image shall not appear to be more than 2 degrees in diameter.  This red or orange image shall be readily visible against the sky as a background, even after the mirror has been subjected to the salt spray test of paragraph


C.  PACKAGING. A pair of the mirrors together with their lanyards and instructions for use shall be inclosed in a single durable watertight container inclosed in an outer durable container.  The outside of the outer container shall be plainly marked SIGNALING MIRRORS and also bear the name of the manufacturer.

D.  TESTS. Any of the mirrors submitted as samples or any furnished to ships may be subjected to tests to determine their suitability for the purpose intended.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.  Among these tests are the following: 
 

1.  Salt spray. The mirror shall be thoroughly cleaned, suspended  about 15º from the perpendicular and subjected to a spray of 20% by weight of reagent grade sodium chloride at about 95°F. for 48 hours; then wipe the mirror using only the wiping cloth furnished.

2.  Drop test. The mirror shall be dropped three times from a height of 4 feet onto a hardwood base securely bolted to a concrete floor.  The glass mirror shall not chip, crack or break, and the metal mirror shall not permanently deform, nor shall any plating chip or peel from the metal base.

3.  Reflectivity. The reflecting surfaces of the mirror shall have a 45° luminous specular reflectance of at least 0.60 for light of about 2850°K color temperature, even after the salt spray test.

4.  Flatness. The average deviation of the light beams reflected from all the mirror shall not be greater than 0.8 degrees from the direction of reflection by a perfectly flat mirror.

5.  Watertightness. The watertight container shall show no leakage after being immersed under a one foot head of water for two hours.


E.  INSTRUCTIONS. Two copies of instructions and diagrams illustrating the use of the mirrors shall be enclosed inside the waterproof mirror container. The instructions and diagrams may be on the back of each mirror if permanently affixed.  Otherwise they shall be printed with letters at least 1/8" high on water repellent paper. 

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • Two mirror samples each in a watertight container.
  • Required information and test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory.
  • Two copies of the instructions and diagrams illustrating the use of the mirrors.
 

160.026 - Emergency Drinking Water

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.026

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  This specification describes emergency drinking water approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for lifeboats and liferafts.

Incorporations by reference.

A.  The following Federal Specification and Standard are incorporated by reference into this specification:
 

1.  TT-L-32A - Lacquer; Cellulose Nitrate, Gloss for Aircraft Use, with Amendment 1, dated 9 March 1973.

2.  Federal Test Method Standard 101C, Method 5009.1 - Leaks in Containers, dated 13 March 1980.


B.  The following Military Specification is incorporated by reference into this specification:
 

1.  MIL-B-131F - Barrier Materials, Watervaporproof, Flexible, Heat-Sealable, with Amendment 3 dated 9 June 1976.


C.  The following standard of the Amercian Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is incorporated by reference into this specification:
 

1.  STM B 117-73 - Standard Method of Salt Spray (Fog) Testing, reapproved 1979.


D.  In addition to the requirements of this specification, emergency drinking water must meet the applicable requirements of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and regulations issued under the authority of that Act.

General requirements for emergency drinking water.

A.  Each container of water must be marked as containing some unit fraction (such as 1/2, 1/3, 1/4, etc.) of either a U.S. quart or a liter of water.  The actual quantity of water in the container must not be less than the indicated quantity.

B.  Water packed in metal cans without a corrosion resisting lining, must contain a suitable corrosion inhibitor (such as sodium silicate for steel cans).

C.  The water must meet the applicable government standards for drinking water in effect at the place where it is packed.  In addition the water must not contain more than -
 

1.  500 mg/l of salt (NaCl).


D.  The water in the container must be sterile and free from organic matter, sediment and odor.

E.  The water must be suitable for storage in the container and retaining its sterility for a period of five years in temperatures ranging from -30°C to +65°C (-22°F to +149°F).

F.  The place where the water is packed must be clean and sanitary.  Standard aseptic procedures must be followed in filling the containers.

Containers for emergency drinking water.

A.  Emergency drinking water must be in hermetically sealed containers that are of corrosion resistant material or are treated to be corrosion resistant.

B.  If the container is a can, it must be double seamed and, if lined, be lined with a material that is compatible with the water.

C.  If the container is a steel can, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section, it must -
 

1.  have not less than .75 (lb./base box) electrolytic tin plating on its exterior surfaces, and

2.  after filling and sealing, be dip-coated with one coat of clear lacquer meeting TT-L-32 using a process that assures complete coating of the exterior of the can.


D.  A can which does not meet the requirements of paragraph (c) of this section can be approved if it has corrosion resistant properties equivalent to the can described in paragraph (c).

E.  If the container is a flexible package, the package material must meet MIL-B-131, or the following requirements of MIL-B-131:
 

1.  Seam strength.

2.  Resistance to aging.

3.  Water vapor transmission rate.


F.  Each water container must have a method of spill proof reclosure, or else individual portions containing not more than 125 ml (4 oz.) of water each must be provided.  If the method of closure is a removable lid, one lid must be provided for each 1.5 l (48 oz.) of water in each shipping container.

G.  Emergency drinking water and containers must be capable of passing the tests and inspections prescribed in 25(b).

Marking and instructions.

A.  The container must be clearly and permanently marked with -
 

1.  the name and address of the approval holder,

2.  the Coast Guard approval number,

3.  the quantity of water in both U.S. quarts and liters (see 5(a)),

4.  the lot number,

5.  the month and year the water was packed, and

6.  identification as emergency drinking water.



B.  The water must include waterproof instructions for use assuming consumption of approximately 250 ml (8 oz.) per day.  If the container is not a vacuum-packed can, instructions must also be provided on how to check the hermetic sealing of the container.

Accepted Independent Laboratory.

The approval and production tests in this specification must be conducted by or under the supervision of an Accepted Independent Laboratory accepted by the Coast Guard under Subpart 159.010.

Procedure for approval.

A.  Emergency drinking water is approved by the Coast Guard under the procedures in Subpart 159.005.

B.  The following tests and inspections must be performed on samples from the first lot of emergency drinking water offered for Coast Guard approval:

 

1.  Chemical and biological analysis.  Evidence must be provided that the water meets the government requirements for drinking water in effect at the place the water is packed.  Two containers of water must be analyzed for -

a.  sterility,

b.  salt content, and

c.  presence of organic matter, sediment, and odor. 
 
2.  Low and high temperature storage.  Two empty sample containers must be prepared and sealed in the same manner as is used for regular water containers.  If the containers are flexible packages, they must be sealed in such a way as to contain as much air as possible.  The two empty samples, and two filled samples must be placed in a chamber at the low temperature specified in 5(e) for 24 hours, followed by 24 hours at the high temperature.  At the end of this period each container must be examined.  There must be no evident deterioration of the container, any protective coating on the container, the sealing of the container, or the required markings on the container.
 
3.  Leakage.  The two empty samples from the low and high temperature storage test must be subjected to the leakage test as described in Federal Test Method Standard 101, Method 5009, using the hot water technique for cans and the squeeze technique for flexible packages.  There must be no leakage evident as a result of this test.
 
4.  Water immersion.  The two filled samples from the high and low temperature test must be immersed in salt water having the approximate salinity of sea water for 24 hours.  At the end of this period the container must be examined.  There must be no evident deterioration of the container, the required markings on the container, or the sealing of the container.

5.  Durability.  When completely dry, the two samples from the water immersion test must be placed in a tumble tester which must be rotated at approximately 10 rpm for a total of 100 revolutions.  At the end of this period, each container must be examined.  If the container is not a can as described in 10(d), then each container must be opened and the contents examined.  There must be no evident deterioration of the sealing of the container, or the water inside.

6.  External corrosion.  If the container is a can as described in 10(d), the two samples from the durability test, must be subjected to a salt spray test for 120 hours as described in ASTM B 117.  At the same  time, two reference cans meeting 10(c) which have also been subjected to the low and high temperature storage, immersion and durability tests, must also be subjected to the salt spray test procedure.  The seams of the cans must face the salt spray mist during the test.  At the end of the test period, each sample container must be examined, then the container must be opened and the contents examined.  There must be no evident deterioration of the sealing of the sample container, or the water inside.  The sample containers must not have more corrosion than the reference containers.

7.  Drop.  Two full containers must be dropped onto a concrete surface from a height of 3m (10 ft.).  One of the containers must strike the surface on its end, and the other must strike the surface on its side.  There must be no evident deterioration of the sealing of the containers as a result of this test.

 NOTE:  Emergency water is carried in lifeboats and liferafts which may be dropped into the water from great heights.  This test is intended to make sure that the container will survive such a drop.  If actual experience with lifeboats and liferafts is unsatisfactory, modifications and additional tests may be required.
 
8.  Flexible package material.  Flexible package material which does not meet MIL-B-131 must be tested for conformance with 10(e).

9.  Internal corrosion.  If the container is a metal can, two filled and sealed cans of water must be immersed in boiling water for 6 to 8 hours.  At the end of the boiling period they must be cooled to room temperature.  The cans must then be placed upright in a freezing compartment at approximately -20 C (-4 F) for 16 hours.  The cycle of alternating boiling and freezing must be continued until six cycles have been completed.  After the freezing portion of the cycle, the frozen cans may be immersed directly in the boiling water for the next cycle, or held at room temperature until it is convenient to start the next cycle.  At the completion of the six cycles, the water in the cans, and the water in two cans not subjected to the temperature cycling must be chemically analyzed.  The water in the cycled cans must not show an increase in products of corrosion as compared to the uncycled cans.


Methods of sampling, inspections and tests.

A.  Production tests must be conducted under the procedures in Subpart 159.007.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.  For each lot of water produced, an inspector from the independent laboratory must inspect the place of manufacture, observe the sanitary conditions and the various operations involved in the preparation of the water, and determine that they are in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant.  Results of a government health inspection may be accepted for the sanitation portion of this inspection.

B.  A production lot consists of the water offered for inspection at one time.  A new lot must be started with any change in materials or production methods, or when discontinued production is resumed.  (Stopping of production over nights or weekends is not considered discontinued production.)  Samples for production tests must be selected at random from each lot.  The required sample size for various lot sizes is given in following Table:

Table Sample size for various lot sizes

Lot Size                    Sample Size  Acceptance Number

35-800                             35                        0

801-1,300                         50                       1

1,301-3,200                      75                       2

3,201-8,000                      110                     3

8,001 and over                  150                     4

C.  The Acceptable Independent Laboratory inspector must select the required number of samples at random.  The inspector must verify that the packages and the markings on the packages of the samples selected are in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted by the manufacturer and approved by the Commandant.  The number of samples found not to comply must not exceed the acceptance number in Table 30(b).

D.  The independent laboratory inspector must select at random a set of 11 filled sample containers, or if the lot consists of more than 3,200 containers, the inspector must select at random two sets of 11 containers.  Nine containers of each set must be subjected to the chemical and biological analysis described in 25(b)(i).  Each sample must meet the applicable requirements of this specification.  If the container is a metal can, the two remaining cans in each set must be subjected to the internal corrosion testing specified in 25(b)(ix).  The results of the chemical analysis of the uncycled cans on a previous lot test may be used as the standard for comparison unless it is evident that the character of the water has changed.  If it has, then the water from two additional cans not subjected to the temperature cycling must be analyzed to provide the basis of comparison.

E.  The packer must hold the containers for two weeks after they are filled and sealed, then must check each one for hermetic sealing by the "slap test" in the case of vacuum packed cans, or by the method described in 15(b) for other containers.  Containers which are not sealed must be removed from the lot.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the follow information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the product or equipment with the above standard.
  • Evidence that an acceptable follow-up factory inspection program with the Accepted Independent Laboratory is in place.
 

160.041 - Life Boat First Aid Kit

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.041

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See 46 Code of Federal Regulations 160.041.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  USCG Guidelines for Approval of First Aid Kit for Lifeboats

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • A list of First Aid Kit Items as per Table 160.041-4(B).
  • One sample of the First Aid Kit.
  • Test report as per 46 CFR 160.041-5.
 

160.043 - Jack Knife (with Can Opener)

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.043

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.043.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • One sample of the Jack Knife.
  • Drawing of the Jack Knife as shown above.
  • Test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory as per 46 CFR 160.043-5.
 

160.044 - Life Boat Bilge Pump

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.044

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.044.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance of the pump with 46 CFR 160.044-4.
  • A general arrangement drawing and a specification list of the Life Boat Bilge Pump.
 

160.046 - Emergency Provisions for Merchant Vessels

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.046

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See the below link:  Guidelines for Approval of Emergency Provisions for Lifeboats and Liferafts.  For additional information on the specification for Emergency Provisions see the link for MIL-PRF-131J(Barrier-Packaging).  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  Guidelines for Approval of Emergency Provisions for Life boats and Liferafts
           

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • A test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory showing compliance with the requirements of Guidelines for Approval of Emergency Provisions for Life boats and Liferafts.
 

160.054 - Liferaft First Aid Kit

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.054

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  See 46 Code of Federal Regulations 160.054.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory.

LINKS:  USCG Guidelines for Approval of First Aid Kit for Liferafts

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • A list of First Aid Kit Items as per Table 160.054-4(B).
  • One sample of the First Aid Kit.
  • Test report from the Accepted Independent Laboratory as per 46 CFR 160.054-5.
 

160.058 - Water Desalting Means & Devices

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.058

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION:  For chemical water desalting means and devices follow 46 CFR 160.058 for approval.  For approval of manual reverse osmosis desalinators the technical requirements of IMO MSC Circular 1048 apply.  See the below link for a copy of the circular.  The Coast Guard does not test materials or systems for approval but rather specifies the required test methods and minimum performance criteria for approval.  Product testing must be performed by a Coast Guard Accepted Independent Laboratory. 

LINKS:  IMO MSC Circular 1048

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • Documentation from the Accepted Independent Laboratory that the equipment complies with either 46 CFR 160.058 or IMO MSC Circular 1048.
 

160.061 - Emergency Fishing Tackle Kit

APPROVAL CATEGORY:  160.061

APPROVAL GUIDANCE & INFORMATION: See 46 CFR 160.061.

SUBMITTAL PACKAGE:  Please submit the following information in the Submittal Package:
 

  • A cover letter requesting Coast Guard Type Approval of the equipment.
  • One sample of the Emergency Fishing Tackle Kit
  • One copy of fishing instructions.