46 CFR 133.45: Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This section lists what tests and inspections of lifesaving appliances and arrangements must demonstrate. Paragraph (a) lists the items for the initial inspection for certification. Paragraph (b) lists the items for renewal and periodic inspections, and paragraph (c) makes lifesaving appliances and arrangements subject to the paragraph (b) tests and inspections during OSV boardings.

Applies toLifesaving appliances and arrangements that are inspected for certification, for renewal of certification, at periodic inspection, and during OSV boardings.

What it says

  1. The initial inspection for certification includes a demonstration of the proper condition and operation of survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads from light load to 10 percent overload.

    46 CFR 133.45(a)(1)“The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to 10 percent overload;”

  2. The initial inspection includes a demonstration of the proper condition of distress signaling equipment, including EPIRB and pyrotechnic signaling devices.

    46 CFR 133.45(a)(4)“The proper condition of distress signaling equipment, including EPIRB and pyrotechnic signaling devices;”

  3. The initial inspection includes a demonstration of the crew's ability to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures.

    46 CFR 133.45(a)(7)“The ability of the crew to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures; and”

  4. Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment must be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and must demonstrate the listed items as applicable.

    46 CFR 133.45(b)“Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and shall demonstrate, as applicable,—”

  5. At renewal and periodic inspections, the tests must demonstrate, as applicable, the proper condition and operation of launching appliances at loads from light load to full load.

    46 CFR 133.45(b)(1)“The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to full load;”

  6. At renewal and periodic inspections, the tests must demonstrate, as applicable, that each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter.

    46 CFR 133.45(b)(4)“That each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;”

  7. During OSV boardings, lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to the tests and inspections described in paragraph (b), to ensure they comply with applicable requirements, are in satisfactory condition, and remain fit for service.

    46 CFR 133.45(c)“Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) of this section during OSV boardings”

Common questions

What does the initial lifesaving inspection cover?

It includes a demonstration of launching appliances, rescue boats, flotation equipment, distress signaling equipment, line-throwing appliances, embarkation appliances, crew abandon-ship ability, and the egress and survival craft launching requirements of this part.

“The initial inspection of lifesaving appliances and arrangements for certification includes a demonstration of—”

When must lifesaving equipment be tested after the initial inspection?

Tests and inspections must be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and must demonstrate the paragraph (b) items as applicable.

“Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection”

Can lifesaving equipment be checked during an OSV boarding?

Yes. Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to the tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) during OSV boardings.

“Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) of this section during OSV boardings”

The text of 46 CFR 133.45

Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of March 31, 2026 · Read it on eCFR

Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment and arrangements

(a) Initial inspection. The initial inspection of lifesaving appliances and arrangements for certification includes a demonstration of—

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to 10 percent overload;

(2) The proper condition and operation of rescue boats, including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment;

(4) The proper condition of distress signaling equipment, including EPIRB and pyrotechnic signaling devices;

(5) The proper condition of line-throwing appliances;

(6) The proper condition and operation of embarkation appliances, including embarkation ladders and marine evacuation systems;

(7) The ability of the crew to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures; and

(8) The ability to meet the egress and survival craft launching requirements of this part.

(b) Reinspections. Tests and inspections of lifesaving equipment shall be carried out during each inspection for renewal of certification and periodic inspection, and shall demonstrate, as applicable,—

(1) The proper condition and operation of the survival craft and rescue boat launching appliances at loads ranging from light load to full load;

(2) The proper condition and operation of rescue boats including engines and release mechanisms;

(3) The proper condition of flotation equipment such as lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, work vests, lifefloats, buoyant apparatus, and associated equipment;

(4) That each inflatable liferaft and inflatable lifejacket has been serviced as required under this chapter;

(5) That each hydrostatic release unit, other than a disposable hydrostatic release unit, has been serviced as required under this chapter; and

(6) That the crew has the ability to effectively carry out abandon-ship procedures.

(c) Other inspections. Lifesaving appliances and arrangements are subject to tests and inspections described in paragraph (b) of this section during OSV boardings to ensure that the appliances and arrangements comply with applicable requirements, are in satisfactory condition, and remain fit for service.

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of March 31, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.