---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 133.60"
title: "46"
number: "133.60"
heading: "Communications."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/133.60"
---

# §133.60. Communications.

- (a) **Emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB).**
  - (1) Each OSV must carry a category 1 406 MHz satellite EPIRB meeting the requirements of [47 CFR part 80](/cfr/47/part80.md).
  - (2) When the OSV is underway, the EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the OSV sinks.
  - (3) Each EPIRB should have the name of the OSV plainly marked or painted on its label, except for EPIRBs in an inflatable liferaft or permanently installed in a survival craft.
- (b) **Distress flares.** Each OSV must—
  - (1) Carry not less than 12 rocket parachute flares approved under approval series 160.136; and
  - (2) **Stow the flares on or near the OSV's navigating bridge.**
- (c) **Onboard communications and alarm systems.** Each OSV must meet the requirements for onboard communications between emergency control stations, muster and embarkation stations, and strategic positions on board, and the emergency alarm system requirements in part J of this chapter, and be supplemented by either a public address system or other suitable means of communication.
- (d) **Emergency position indicating radiobeacon alternative.** OSVs, as an alternative to the requirements in [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section, may until February 1, 1999, have a Coast Guard-approved class A EPIRB, if the EPIRB was—
  - (1) Manufactured after October 1, 1988; and
  - (2) **Installed on the OSV on or before July 5, 1996.**

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]

### 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-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]