46 CFR §115.400

1. (a)An inspection is required before the issuance of a Certificate of Inspection. Such an inspection for certification is not made until after receipt of the application for inspection required by § 115.105 of this part.
2. (b)Upon receipt of a written application for inspection, the cognizant OCMI assigns a marine inspector to inspect the vessel for compliance with this subchapter at a time and place mutually agreed upon by the OCMI and the owner, managing operator, or representative thereof.
3. (c)The owner, managing operator, or a representative thereof shall be present during the inspection.