46 CFR §115.802
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspections of the hull structure and its appurtenances, including the following:
- (1)Inspection of all accessible parts of the exterior and interior of the hull, the watertight bulkheads, and weather decks;
- (2)Inspection and operation of all watertight closures in the hull, decks, and bulkheads including through hull fittings and sea valves;
- (3)Inspection of the condition of the superstructure, masts, and similar arrangements constructed on the hull, and on a sailing vessel all spars, standing rigging, running rigging, blocks, fittings, and sails;
- (4)Inspection of all railings and bulwarks and their attachment to the hull structure;
- (5)Inspection to ensure that guards or rails are provided in dangerous places;
- (6)Inspection and operation of all weathertight closures above the weather deck and the provisions for drainage of sea water from the exposed decks; and
- (7)Inspection of all interior spaces to ensure that they are adequately ventilated and drained, and that means of escape are adequate and properly maintained.
- (b)The vessel must be afloat for at least a portion of the inspection as required by the marine inspector.
- (c)When required by the marine inspector, a portion of the inspection must be conducted while the vessel is underway so that the hull and internal structure can be observed.