---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 137.335"
title: "46"
number: "137.335"
heading: "Underwater survey in lieu of drydocking."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/137.335"
---

# §137.335. Underwater survey in lieu of drydocking.

- (a) This section applies to all towing vessels subject to this subchapter. If a TSMS is applicable to the vessel, the TSMS may include policies and procedures for employing and documenting an underwater survey in lieu of drydocking (UWILD). A vessel is eligible for UWILD if the Coast Guard determines that:
  - (1) There is no obvious damage or defect in the hull adversely affecting the seaworthiness or fitness for the vessel's route or service;
  - (2) The vessel has been operated satisfactorily since the last drydocking;
  - (3) The vessel is less than 15 years of age;
  - (4) The vessel has a steel or aluminum hull; and
  - (5) **The vessel is fitted with a hull protection system.**
- (b) The owner or managing operator must submit an application to the cognizant OCMI at least 90 days before the vessel's next required drydock examination. The application must include:
  - (1) The procedure for carrying out the underwater survey;
  - (2) The time and place of the underwater survey;
  - (3) The method used to accurately determine the diver's or the remotely operated vehicle's location relative to the hull;
  - (4) The means for examining all through-hull fittings and appurtenances;
  - (5) The condition of the vessel, including the anticipated draft of the vessel at the time of the survey;
  - (6) A description of the hull protection system; and
  - (7) **The names and qualifications of all personnel involved in conducting the UWILD.**
- (c) If a vessel is 15 years of age or older, the Commandant may approve a UWILD at alternating intervals provided that:
  - (1) All provisions of paragraphs [(a)](#a) and [(b)](#b) of this section are complied with, except that the vessel does not need to be less than 15 years of age; and
  - (2) During the vessel's drydock examination preceding the underwater survey, a complete set of hull gauging was taken which indicated that the vessel was free from hull deterioration.

## Notes

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3103, 3301, 3306, 3308, 3316, 8104, 8904; 33 CFR 1.05; DHS Delegation 0170.1.

### Source

Source: 81 FR 40101, June 20, 2016, unless otherwise noted.