---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 180.210"
title: "46"
number: "180.210"
heading: "Rescue boats."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/180.210"
---

# §180.210. Rescue boats.

- (a) A vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length must carry at least one rescue boat unless the cognizant OCMI determines that:
  - (1) The vessel is sufficiently maneuverable, arranged, and equipped to allow the crew to recover a helpless person from the water;
  - (2) Recovery of a helpless person can be observed from the operating station; and
  - (3) **The vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.**
- (b) A vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length is not required to carry a rescue boat unless:
  - (1) The vessel carries passengers on an open or partially enclosed deck; and
  - (2) The cognizant OCMI determines that the vessel is designed, arranged, or involved in operations so that the vessel itself cannot serve as an adequate rescue craft.
- (c) In general, a rescue boat must be a small, lightweight boat with built-in buoyancy and capable of being readily launched and easily maneuvered. In addition, it must be of adequate proportion to permit taking an unconscious person on board without capsizing.
- (d) On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length operating on protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.056 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of more than 19.8 meters operating on exposed or partially protected waters, a rescue boat approved under approval series 160.156 is acceptable in meeting the intent of this section. On a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, a required rescue boat must be acceptable to the cognizant OCMI.

## 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]