StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §131.560

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
The following tests and inspections must be carried out weekly:
  1. (a)Each lifesaving appliance and launching appliance must be visually inspected to ensure that it is ready for use.
  2. (b)Each engine of a lifeboat or a rescue boat must be run ahead and astern for not less than 3 minutes, unless the ambient temperature is below the minimal temperature required for starting the engine.
  3. (c)The general alarm system must be activated.
  4. (d)Each battery for starting the engine of a lifeboat or a rescue boat, or for energizing a searchlight, a fixed installation of a radio in a lifeboat, or a portable radio, must be brought up to full charge at least once a week if the battery is—
    1. (1)Of a type that requires recharging; and
    2. (2)Not connected to a device that keeps it continuously charged.
  5. (e)The transmitter of each fixed installation of a radio in a lifeboat and that of each portable radio must be tried out at least once a week with a dummy antenna load.