(a) It is the duty of the Master to ensure that the inflatable hopper gate seals installed on vessels required to meet the damage stability requirements of subpart H of part 172 of this chapter are tested after each carriage of cargo.

(b) Where inflatable hopper gate seals are installed, the test must consist of inflating the seals and assuring they hold the design pressure for at least 15 minutes without a drop in pressure.

(c) The date of the test and the condition of the equipment must be noted in the vessel's official logbook.

[CGD 80-159, 51 FR 33059, Sept. 18, 1986]