---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 160.045-13"
title: "46"
number: "160.045-13"
heading: "Approval inspections and tests."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/160.045-13"
---

# §160.045-13. Approval inspections and tests.

- (a) Each throwable PFD must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of this subpart. Approval tests must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval.
- (b) Each throwable PFD design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart.
- (c) Standard PFDs must be submerged in fresh water for 24 or more continuous hours. The measured buoyancy after the 24 hours of submersion must be the buoyancy specified in [§ 160.045-7(f)](/cfr/46/160.045-7.md?p=f).
- (d) Non-standard throwable PFDs must be subjected to approval tests specified in ANSI/UL 1123 or ANSI/UL 1175 (both incorporated by reference, see [§ 160.045-5](/cfr/46/160.045-5.md)) or another test program accepted by the Commandant. Approval tests must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using throwable PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval.
- (e) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs.

## Notes

### Source

Source: USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97388, Dec. 6, 2024, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234; 45 FR 58801; 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; and DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.