46 C.F.R. § 160.255-13 – Approval inspections and tests.

(a) Each lifejacket must be certified by a recognized laboratory as meeting the requirements of ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5). Approval tests specified in ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 must be conducted or supervised by a recognized laboratory using prototype lifejackets constructed in accordance with the plans and specifications submitted with the application for approval.
(b) Each lifejacket design must be visually examined for compliance with the construction and performance requirements of this subpart and ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 (incorporated by reference, see § 160.255-5).
(c) The Commandant may prescribe additional tests for approval of novel or unique designs.