(c) Materials. (1) Plating for shell, air tanks, etc., shall be as shown in Table 160.035-6.

(d) Riveting. (1) Where riveting is employed in the construction of the shell, double riveting shall be used. The centers of the rivets in the row nearest the edge of the sheet shall not be less than 3% inch nor more than 1⁄2 inch from the edge. Rivets shall be staggered with not less than 18 rivets to the foot and shall be countersunk head or button head rivets. The diameter of the rivets shall be not less than that shown in Table 160.035-6(d) (1).

(2) The rivet alloy shall be 6053-T61 for all applications.

(3) Riveting of the shell plating to the keel, stem and sternpost shall be button head rivets, staggered with not less than 12 rivets to the foot. The distance from the edge of the plate to the center of the rivets in the nearest row shall be not less than 1⁄2 inch nor more than 34 inch. Rivets connecting the shell to the gunwale shall be spaced not more than 3 inches on centers. The size of the rivets for connecting the shell plating to the keel, stem, and sternpost and gunwale shall be not less than that shown in Table 160.035-6(d) (1).

(4) The connection of the floors to the shell shall be made by a single row of rivets of a size not less than that shown in Table 160.035-6(d) (1).

(e) Welding. (1) Welding may be substituted for riveting in the following locations: Hoist plate to keel, disengaging gear grace plate to stem and sternpost, rudder attachment fitting to the sternpost, and the propeller shaft stern tube to the sternpost. When using 6061-T6 aluminum, the welded area is to be heat-treated and checked by X-ray to assure a satisfactory weld. When using 5086-H 112 aluminum, the welded area is to be checked by a nondestructive test method such as X-ray, ultrasonic waves or fluorescent materials, to assure a satisfactory weld. Other methods of checking aluminum welds will be given separate consideration. The welding shall be performed by a welder qualified by the U.S. Coast Guard, American Bureau of Shipping, or U.S. Navy Department, and only suitable electrodes shall be used. Details of the joints shall be indicated on the construction drawings submitted for approval.

(f) Keel, stem and sternpost. (1) Dimensions shall be not less than those shown in Table 160.035-6.

(g) Shell plating. (1) The thickness of the shell plating shall be not less than that shown in Table 160.035-6.

(2) Doubler plates. (1) The doubler plates shall be fitted on all lifeboats where the shell is liable to damage, wear, or corrosion from contact with chocks, gripes, etc. Doublers shall be of the same alloy and not less in thickness than the bottom plating. When the doublers are installed, they shall not be less than 6 inches in width.

(ii) The doublers shall be fastened to the shell plating with the same rivets as required for the shell plating and they shall be staggered with no less than 18 rivets per foot around all edges of the doubler plate.

(iii) Prior to riveting, the complete surface between the shell plating and the doublers shall be treated with suitable in

sulating compounds. After riveting the faying joints shall be caulked.

(iv) All riveted seams and butt laps, laps of plating on the keel, gunwale, stem and sternpost, shall be made over boundary bar tape such as: PA.W. tape, Trantex V-20 vinyl tape, EC-1202 Butyl rubber tape, Alumilastic or suitable equivalent nonabsorbing materials. In general the insulating tape should be 14 to 11⁄2 inches in width. Under no circumstances should red lead be applied nor should an absorbent felt be used as tape in the riveted joint whether or not it is saturated with red lead.

(h) Gunwales. (1) Dimensions of angular gunwales shall be not less than that shown in Table 160.035-6.

(2) Flanged plates made from flat bars, dimensions of which shall not be less than that shown in Table 160.035-6, may be substituted for angular gunwales.

(i) Dissimilar metals. (1) Where in the construction of aluminum lifeboats the use of dissimilar metals are employed such as, the installation of the mechanical disengaging gear, hand propelling gear, or engine, suitable insulation between the aluminum and these metals shall be used. Porous or absorbent materials shall not be used as insulating materials. Only non-porous materials such as plastics, rubber or neoprene base compounds, or micarta shall be used. Other suitable material will be given separate consideration. Fasteners used in joining dissimilar metals together shall be of the type that will minimize corrosion.

§ 160.035-7 Construction of wood oar-, hand-, and motor-propelled lifeboats. (a) Wooden lifeboats are prohibited on tank vessels. No specification requirements for new construction are in effect at this time.

§ 160.035-8 Construction of fibrous glass reinforced plastic (F.R.P.), oar-, hand-, and motor-propelled lifeboats.

(a) General requirements. (1) Plastic lifeboats shall comply with the general requirements for the construction and arrangement of steel lifeboats, except that unless otherwise specified, materials, scantlings, methods of construction,

fastenings, methods of attachment of component parts, and other specific construction details may be varied by the builder in order to produce a structurally sound boat meeting in every respect recognized standards of first class construction and one which will satisfactorily meet the performance requirements set forth in this subpart.

(2) Fibrous glass reinforced plastic lifeboats may be of the following categories of hull construction:

A Single piece, outer hull construction. B-Two piece, outer hull construction. C-Single piece, inner hull construction. D-Two piece, inner hull construction. E-Multi-piece, inner hull construction. (1) Resin. The resin shall be qualified under the requirements of Military Specification MIL-R-21607. Class A resin shall be fire retardant without additives. Class B resin shall be fire retardant with additives. When Class B resin is used for the prototype lifeboat, additives for fire retardancy shall not be used in order to obtain a translucent laminate for inspection purposes. This prototype test lifeboat will not be stamped approved, nor will it be acceptable for merchant vessels. Whichever class of resin the manufacturer decides to use for his prototype lifeboat, shall be used in his production lifeboats. A note to this effect shall be included in his specifications and drawings for this particular size and type lifeboat.

(b) Specific requirements.

(2) Glass reinforcement. All glass, cloth, mat, or woven roving shall be of a type having good laminated wet strength retention.

(3) Laminate. All exposed surfaces of the finished laminate shall present a smooth finish, and there shall be no protruding surface fibers, open voids, pits, cracks, bubbles or blisters. The laminate shall be essentially free from resin starved or over impregnated areas, and no metal staples, paper tape or other foreign matter shall remain in the finished laminate. The entire laminate shall be fully cured and free of tackiness, and shall show no tendency to delaminate, peel, or craze in any overlay. For the prototype boat of each design made by each individual manufacturer, the lay up shall be made with unpigmented

clear resins so that all details of construction will be visible for inspection.

(1)

(4) Weights of F.R.P. lifeboats. The variations in weight between the fibrous glass reinforced plastic in the prototype F.R.P. lifeboat and the fibrous glass reinforced plastic in the production F.R.P. lifeboat shall be within 5 percent. This weight shall be for the F.R.P. sections only and shall not include the weight of any hardware or equipment.

(ii) When assembling two similar sections as indicated by categories B and D of paragraph (a) (2) of this section, the weights of the matching F.R.P. pieces shall be within 5 percent of each other.

(iii) The recorded weights of the items indicated in subdivisions (i) and (ii) of this subparagraph shall be kept by the manufacturer, with each boat listed by size, type, and serial number.

§ 160.035-9 Cubic capacity of lifeboats.

(a) Definitions. The following definitions apply to the measurement of a lifeboat to determine its cubic capacity.

(1) Length (L). The length is the distance in feet from the inside of the plating or planking at the stem to the corresponding position at the stern. In the case of a boat with a square stern, the after terminus is the inside of the transom.

(2) Breadth (B). The breadth is the distance in feet over the plating or planking at the point where the breadth of the boat is greatest.

(3) Depth (D). The depth is the distance in feet amidships inside the plating from the top of the keel to the level of the gunwale. The depth used for calculating purposes shall not exceed 45 percent of the breadth.

(4) Sheer. Lifeboats shall have a sheer at each end at least equal to 4 percent of the length, and a sheer at the quarter points of at least 1 percent of the length. If less sheer is provided, the depth used to determine the cubic capacity shall be assumed to be reduced so as to achieve this minimum sheer.

(b) Formula. The cubic capacity shall be determined by the following formula:

LXBXDX 0.64

In the case of lifeboats with unusual proportions, the Commandant may require that the cubic capacity be calculated by exact measurements from which the

exact seating capacity may be determined.

(c) Hand-propelled lifeboat. The cubic capacity of a hand-propelled lifeboat shall be determined in the same manner as an oar-propelled lifeboat and then deducting from the gross volume, a volume equal to that occupied by the hand-propelling gear.

(d) Motor-propelled lifeboat. The cubic capacity of a motor-propelled lifeboat shall be determined in the same manner as an oar-propelled lifeboat and then deducting from the gross volume, a volume equal to the engine box and accessories, and when carried, the radio cabin, searchlight, and their accessories. The volume of such equipment extending above the sheer line need not be deducted. § 160.035-10 Number of persons allowed in lifeboats.

(a) The maximum number of persons for which the lifeboat may be rated is determined as noted in subparagraphs (1), (2), and (3) of this paragraph. The smallest number obtained is the number to be used.

(1) The number of persons which a lifeboat shall be permitted to accommodate shall be equal to the greatest whole number obtained by dividing the capacity in cubic feet by the factor shown in Table 160.035-10(a). The net cubic capacity shall be determined by § 160.035-9 (b). TABLE 160.035–10(a)

8" Rad.

Edge of seat not to extend beyond this point

Dia.

25"

§ 160.035-11 Inspection and testing of lifeboats.

(a) General. Coast Guard marine inspectors shall be admitted to any place in the builder's factory where work is done on these lifeboats or component materials or parts. Lifeboats shall be inspected during the course of construction to determine that the arrangements and materials entering into the construction are in accordance with approved plans, and to insure that the workmanship is of good quality. Samples of materials entering into construction may be taken by the marine inspectors for such tests as may be deemed necessary at any time there is any question as to suitability or adequacy of any material or arrangement.

(b) Preapproval tests. Before approval is granted to any design of lifeboat, the following tests shall be made by a marine inspector:

(1) Strength test. The light lifeboat shall be suspended by shackles at the bow and stern, or by means of the releasing gear, and the length, beam, and depth shall be measured. Weights shall then be added to equal the weight of the equipment, food, water, etc., and persons for which the boat is to be approved, and the length, beam, and depth measured. Additional weight shall then be added so that the suspended load is 25 percent greater than the weight of the fully equipped and loaded lifeboat and the measurements repeated. All weights shall then be removed and the measure

ments rechecked. There shall be no appreciable set as a result of this test.

(2) Flooding test. Lifeboats shall be flooded while open to the sea to determine the amount of buoyancy necessary to float the complete boat including releasing gear but with no equipment, provision lockers, water tanks, or fuel tanks aboard. If provision lockers, water tanks, and fuel tanks cannot be removed, they should be flooded or filled to the final waterline. Lifeboats fitted with watertight stowage compartments to accommodate individual drinking water containers shall have these individual containers aboard and placed in the stowage compartments which shall be sealed watertight during the flooding test. Ballast of equivalent weight and density should be substituted for the motor, shaft, propeller, radio, battery, searchlight, etc., if they are to be installed.

(i) Boats with independent buoyancy tanks or buoyancy units. The estimated amount of buoyancy to just float the boat in this condition should be fitted symmetrically aboard the lifeboat, and then the boat flooded. If the tops of the gunwales at their lowest point do not clear the surface of the water, the buoyancy shall be increased as necessary. An additional volume of buoyancy, or buoyancy units, equal to at least one-tenth the cubic capacity of the lifeboat shall be provided.

(ii) Boats with built-in buoyancy compartments. When flood testing lifeboats with built-in buoyancy compartments,

Other impervious material may be used if more convenient. The weight per person required is determined from the for63d where d is the density of mula W= d-63 material in pounds per cubic foot. (Sandbags should not be used for this purpose inasmuch as their weight under water is not readily predictable.) If the lifeboat weighted as above does not float with the gunwale at the lowest point just clear of the surface of the water, unit air tanks should be slipped beneath the thwarts until the gunwales do clear the surface of the water. The additional air tankage required shall be incorporated in the design of the lifeboat.

(3) Seating capacity test. The lifeboat shall be fully loaded with equipment, and in this condition the number of persons for which the lifeboat is to be approved shall be seated, in accordance with the seating plan required in § 160.035-14 (a). All persons shall wear an approved life preserver and it shall be demonstrated by actual test that there is sufficient room to row the boat without interfer

ence.

(4) Freeboard test. Freeboards shall be measured to the low point of the sheer with the lifeboat in light condition with neither equipment nor persons aboard, and in the loaded condition with full equipment and persons aboard.

(5) Stability test. Upon the conclusion of the seating test, all persons on one side of the centerline shall disembark. The remaining people should sit upright and not move from their original positions. (Not less than one-half in total number of persons should remain in the lifeboat.) Freeboard to the low point of sheer shall then be measured. This freeboard should, in general, be not less than 10 percent of the depth of the lifeboat.

(c) Motor-propelled lifeboats shall be subjected to the same tests as required for an oar-propelled lifeboat. In addition, speed tests over a measured course

and fuel consumption tests on a time basis shall be made to determine that the fully loaded lifeboat can maintain a speed of 6 knots for all classes of motorpropelled lifeboats, and that there is sufficient fuel for at least 24 hours for each class of motor-propelled lifeboat at its respective speed. A 4-hour endurance trial shall be conducted with the fully loaded lifeboat at the RPM attained in the speed test in order to insure that there is no overheating, undue vibration, or other condition which would warrant the belief that the lifeboat could not maintain its proper speed for 24 hours. The time consumed in conducting the speed and fuel consumption tests may be counted toward the 4-hour endurance test. It shall be demonstrated that all engines installed in motor lifeboats can be started by the acceptable cranking system installed with no previous warming up period.

(d) Hand-propelled lifeboats shall be subjected to the same tests as required for an oar-propelled lifeboat. In addition, a test shall be made to assure that the lifeboat can be satisfactorily maneuvered with the hand-propelling gear. speed of at least three knots shall be achieved in both light and load condition over a measured course of not less than 1,000 feet.

A

§ 160.035-12 Additional preapproval tests required for F.R.P. lifeboats.

(a) General. These tests are required in addition to the preapproval tests required for steel lifeboats in § 160.035-11. The prototype boat of each size or design submitted will be required to perform satisfactorily in the following tests which will be made in the presence of a marine inspector.

(b) Strength test. The following tests described in this paragraph are in lieu of the strength test in § 160.035-11(b) (1):

(1) Suspension tests. The light lifeboat shall be suspended freely from the releasing gear and the length, beam, and depth measured. Weights shall then be added to equal the weight of the equipment, food, water, and persons to be carried (see § 160.035-11(b) (2) (ii)), and the length, beam, and depth measured. Additional weights shall then be added so that the suspended load is 25, 50, 75, and 100 percent greater than the weight of the fully equipped and loaded lifeboat and the measurements taken at each 25 percent increments. (Water