---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 133.45"
title: "46"
number: "133.45"
heading: "Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment and arrangements."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/133.45"
---

# §133.45. Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment and arrangements.

- (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 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 EPIRB 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 procedures; and
  - (8) **The ability to meet the egress and survival craft launching requirements of this part.**
- (b) **Reinspections.** Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and shall demonstrate, as applicable,—
  - (1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to full load;
  - (2) The proper condition and operation of 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) That each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;
  - (5) That each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic release unit, has been serviced as required under this chapter; and
  - (6) **That the crew has the ability to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures.**
- (c) **Other inspections.** Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in [paragraph (b)](#b) of this section during OSV boardings to ensure that the appliances and arrangements comply with applicable requirements, are in satisfactory condition, and remain fit for service.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3307; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996, as amended by USCG-1999-4976, 65 FR 6507, Feb. 9, 2000]