(a) Initial inspection. The initial inspection of lifesaving appliances and arrangements for certification includes a demonstration of—

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to 10 percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and operation of lifeboats and rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress signaling equipment, including emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB), search and rescue transponders (SART), and pyrotechnic signaling devices;

(5) The proper condition of line-throwing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and operation of embarkation appliances, including embarkation ladders and marine evacuation systems;

(7) The ability of the crew to effectively carry out abandon-ship and fire-fighting procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and survival craft launching requirements of this part.

(b) Reinspections. Tests and inspections of the lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and shall include, as applicable, a demonstration of—

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to full load, except that any portion of the load test conducted in connection with replacement or end-for-ending of a fall since the vessel's last inspection or reinspection, need not be repeated;

(2) The proper condition and operation of lifeboats and rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment;

(4) The proper servicing of each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;

(5) The proper servicing of each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic release unit, as required under this chapter; and

(6) The ability of crew to effectively carry out abandon-ship and fire-fighting procedures.

(c) Other inspections.

(1) Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (a) of this section whenever a new lifesaving appliance is installed on the vessel. The test in paragraph (a)(1) of this section must be carried out whenever a wire fall for a launching appliance is replaced or turned end-for-end.

(2) Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) of this section during vessel boardings to ensure that the appliances and arrangements comply with applicable requirements, are in satisfactory condition, and remain fit for the service.

[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25313, May 20, 1996, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6510, Feb. 9, 2000]