2023-06504: Lifejacket Approval Harmonization

Summary

The Coast Guard proposes to amend the approval requirements and follow-up program requirements for lifejackets by incorporating new standards to replace existing legacy standards. The Coast Guard further proposes to amend lifejacket and personal flotation device (PFD) carriage requirements to allow for the use of equipment approved to the new standards and remove obsolete equipment approval requirements. The proposed amendments would streamline the process for the approval of PFDs and allow manufacturers the opportunity to produce more innovative equipment that would meet approval requirements in both Canada and the United States while also reducing the burden of the approval process and the production inspections on manufacturing firms.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 11 parts of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 33 CFR 181 Manufacturer Requirements
• 46 CFR 25 Requirements
• 46 CFR 28 Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels
• 46 CFR 108 Design and Equipment
• 46 CFR 117 Lifesaving Equipment and Arrangements
• 46 CFR 133 Lifesaving Systems
• 46 CFR 141 Lifesaving
• 46 CFR 160 Lifesaving Equipment
• 46 CFR 169 Sailing School Vessels
• 46 CFR 180 Lifesaving Equipment and Arrangements
• 46 CFR 199 Lifesaving Systems for Certain Inspected Vessels