Code of Federal Regulations Title 46. Shipping § 46.199.610 Exemptions for vessels in specified services

(a) All vessels. Vessels operating in coastwise, Great Lakes, lakes, bays and sounds, and rivers services are exempt from requirements in subparts A through E of this part as specified in table 199.610(a) of this section.

Notes:

¹ Exempt if the vessel operates on a route with a duration of 30 minutes or less.

² Exempt if the vessel does not carry persons smaller than the lower size limit of the lifejackets carried.

³ Exempt if the vessel is a ferry or has no overnight accommodations.

⁴ Exempt if the lifeboat has a carrying capacity of less than 40 persons.

⁵ Exempt if the distance is less than 3 meters (10 feet) from the embarkation deck to the water with the vessel in its lightest seagoing operating condition.

⁶ Exempt if the vessel operates on a route on which the water depth is never more than the length of the painter.

⁷ Exempt if the vessel operates on a fresh water route and inspection shows that the falls are not damaged by corrosion.

⁸ Exempt if the vessel is non-self propelled and in tow, moored to or alongside a MODU or a self-propelled vessel, or moored to shore.

⁹ Exempt if the vessel is a cargo vessel under 300 tons gross tonnage and operates on a route no more than 3 nautical miles from shore.

¹⁰ Exempt if the vessel operates on a route no more than 3 nautical miles from shore.

(b) Passenger vessels. In addition to the exemptions in paragraph (a) of this section, passenger vessels operating in coastwise;  Great Lakes;  lakes, bays, and sounds;  and rivers service are exempt from requirements in subparts A through E of this part as specified in table 199.610(b) of this section.

Note:

¹ Exempt if the length of vessel is under 60 meters (197 feet) and there are self-igniting lights attached to at least one-half the required lifebuoys.

(c) Cargo vessels. In addition to the exemptions in paragraph (a) of this section, cargo vessels are exempt from requirements in subparts A through E of this part as specified in table 199.610(c) of this section.

Notes:

¹ Exempt if the length of vessel is under 30 meters (99 feet).

² Exempt if the vessel is under 500 tons gross tonnage.

³ Exempt if—(i) the OCMI determines the vessel is arranged to allow a helpless person to be recovered from the water.

(ii) recovery of the helpless person can be observed from the navigating bridge;  and

(iii) the vessel does not regularly engage in operations that restrict its maneuverability.