StacksVerified U.S. regulatory reference

46 CFR §176.804

Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
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 machinery, fuel, and piping systems, including the following:
  1. (a)Operation of the main propulsion machinery both ahead and astern;
  2. (b)Operational test and inspection of engine control mechanisms including primary and alternate means of starting machinery;
  3. (c)Inspection of all machinery essential to the routine operation of the vessel including generators and cooling systems;
  4. (d)External inspection of fuel tanks and inspection of tank vents, piping, and pipe fittings;
  5. (e)Inspection of all fuel system;
  6. (f)Operational test of all valves in fuel lines by operating locally and at remote operating positions;
  7. (g)Operational test of all overboard discharge and intake valves and watertight bulkhead pipe penetration valves;
  8. (h)Operational test of the means provided for pumping bilges; and
  9. (i)Test of machinery alarms including bilge high level alarms.