46 CFR §160.176-1

1. (a)This subpart contains structural and performance standards and procedures for approval of inflatable lifejackets, as well as requirements for associated manuals, servicing programs, and shore-side service facilities.
2. (b)Other regulations in this chapter provide that inflatable lifejackets must be:
   1. (1)Serviced annually at designated servicing facilities; and
   2. (2)Maintained in accordance with their user manuals.
3. (c)Inflatable lifejackets approved under this subpart—
   1. (1)Rely entirely upon inflation for buoyancy;
   2. (2)Meet the requirements for lifejackets in the 1983 Amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (SOLAS 74/83);
   3. (3)Have performance equivalent to Type I Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's) with any one chamber deflated; and
   4. (4)Are designed to be worn by adults.