Title 46

SECTION 133.60

133.60 Communications.

§ 133.60 Communications.

(a) Emergency position indicating radiobeacons (EPIRB). (1) Each OSV must carry a category 1 406 MHz satellite EPIRB meeting the requirements of 47 CFR part 80.

(2) When the OSV is underway, the EPIRB must be stowed in its float-free bracket with the controls set for automatic activation and mounted in a manner so that it will float free if the OSV sinks.

(3) Each EPIRB should have the name of the OSV plainly marked or painted on its label, except for EPIRBs in an inflatable liferaft or permanently installed in a survival craft.

(b) Distress flares. Each OSV must -

(1) Carry not less than 12 rocket parachute flares approved under approval series 160.136; and

(2) Stow the flares on or near the OSV's navigating bridge.

(c) Onboard communications and alarm systems. Each OSV must meet the requirements for onboard communications between emergency control stations, muster and embarkation stations, and strategic positions on board, and the emergency alarm system requirements in part J of this chapter, and be supplemented by either a public address system or other suitable means of communication.

(d) Emergency position indicating radiobeacon alternative. OSVs, as an alternative to the requirements in paragraph (a) of this section, may until February 1, 1999, have a Coast Guard-approved class A EPIRB, if the EPIRB was -

(1) Manufactured after October 1, 1988; and

(2) Installed on the OSV on or before July 5, 1996.

[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25304, May 20, 1996, as amended by USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52191, Sept. 30, 1998]

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