46 CFR §180.130

1. (a)Each survival craft must be:
   1. (1)Secured to the vessel by a painter with a float-free link permanently attached to the vessel except that a float-free link is not required if the vessel operates only on waters not as deep as the length of the painter;
   2. (2)Stowed so that when the vessel sinks the survival craft floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically;
   3. (3)Stowed in a position that is readily accessible to crew members for launching, or else provided with a remotely operated device that releases the survival craft into launching position or into the water;
   4. (4)Stowed in a way that permits manual release from its securing arrangements;
   5. (5)Ready for immediate use so that crew members can carry out preparations for embarkation and launching in less than 5 minutes;
   6. (6)Provided with means to prevent shifting;
   7. (7)Stowed in a way that neither the survival craft nor its stowage arrangements will interfere with the embarkation and operation of any other survival craft at any other launching station;
   8. (8)Stowed in a way that any protective covers will not interfere with launching and embarkation;
   9. (9)Fully equipped as required under this part; and
   10. (10)Stowed, as far as practicable, in a position sheltered from breaking seas and protected from damage by fire.
2. (b)A hydrostatic release unit when used in a float-free arrangement must be approved under approval series 160.062 or 160.162 or other standard specified by the Commandant.
3. (c)A mechanical, manually operated device to assist in launching a survival craft must be provided if:
   1. (1)The survival craft weights more than 90.7 kilograms (200 pounds); and
   2. (2)The survival craft requires lifting more than 300 vertical millimeters (one vertical foot) to be launched.