Lifeboat launching and recovery arrangements, in addition to meeting the requirements in §§ 108.550 and 108.553, must meet the following requirements:
- (a) Each lifeboat must be capable of being launched with the unit making headway of 5 knots in calm water, or with the unit anchored or bearing on the bottom in a current of up to 5 knots. A painter may be used to meet this requirement.
- (b) Each lifeboat must be provided with a launching appliance. The launching appliance must be capable of launching and recovering the lifeboat with its crew.
- (c) Each launching appliance arrangement must allow the operator on the unit to observe the lifeboat at all times during recovery.
- (d) Each launching appliance arrangement must be designed to ensure persons can safely disembark from the survival craft prior its stowage.
[CGD 84-069, 61 FR 25291, May 20, 1996; 61 FR 40281, Aug. 1, 1996]