- (a) Each throwable PFD must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of this subpart. Approval tests must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval.
- (b) Each throwable PFD design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart.
- (c) Standard PFDs must be submerged in fresh water for 24 or more continuous hours. The measured buoyancy after the 24 hours of submersion must be the buoyancy specified in § 160.045-7(f).
- (d) Non-standard throwable PFDs must be subjected to approval tests specified in ANSI/UL 1123 or ANSI/UL 1175 (both incorporated by reference, see § 160.045-5) or another test program accepted by the Commandant. Approval tests must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using throwable PFDs constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval.
- (e) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs.