---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 180.130"
title: "46"
number: "180.130"
heading: "Stowage of survival craft."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/180.130"
---

# §180.130. Stowage of survival craft.

- (a) Each survival craft must be:
  - (1) Secured to the vessel by a painter with a float-free link permanently attached to the vessel except that a float-free link is not required if the vessel operates only on waters not as deep as the length of the painter;
  - (2) Stowed so that when the vessel sinks the survival craft floats free and, if inflatable, inflates automatically;
  - (3) Stowed in a position that is readily accessible to crew members for launching, or else provided with a remotely operated device that releases the survival craft into launching position or into the water;
  - (4) Stowed in a way that permits manual release from its securing arrangements;
  - (5) Ready for immediate use so that crew members can carry out preparations for embarkation and launching in less than 5 minutes;
  - (6) Provided with means to prevent shifting;
  - (7) Stowed in a way that neither the survival craft nor its stowage arrangements will interfere with the embarkation and operation of any other survival craft at any other launching station;
  - (8) Stowed in a way that any protective covers will not interfere with launching and embarkation;
  - (9) Fully equipped as required under this part; and
  - (10) Stowed, as far as practicable, in a position sheltered from breaking seas and protected from damage by fire.
- (b) A hydrostatic release unit when used in a float-free arrangement must be approved under approval series 160.062 or 160.162 or other standard specified by the Commandant.
- (c) A mechanical, manually operated device to assist in launching a survival craft must be provided if:
  - (1) The survival craft weights more than 90.7 kilograms (200 pounds); and
  - (2) The survival craft requires lifting more than 300 vertical millimeters (one vertical foot) to be launched.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 64306, Dec. 5, 1997]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2104, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 975, Jan. 10, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51357, Sept. 30, 1997; 62 FR 64306, Dec. 5, 1997]