(a) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification of a vessel, the owner or managing operator shall be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspections of the hull structure and its appurtenances, including the following:
- (1) Inspection of all accessible parts of the exterior and interior of the hull, the watertight bulkheads, and weather decks;
- (2) Inspection and operation of all watertight closures in the hull, decks, and bulkheads including through hull fittings and sea valves;
- (3) Inspection of the condition of the superstructure, masts, and similar arrangements constructed on the hull, and on a sailing vessel all spars, standing rigging, running rigging, blocks, fittings, and sails;
- (4) Inspection of all railings and bulwarks and their attachment to the hull structure;
- (5) Inspection to ensure that guards or rails are provided in dangerous places;
- (6) Inspection and operation of all weathertight closures above the weather deck and the provisions for drainage of sea water from the exposed decks; and
- (7) Inspection of all interior spaces to ensure that they are adequately ventilated and drained, and that means of escape are adequate and properly maintained.
- (b) The vessel must be afloat for at least a portion of the inspection as required by the marine inspector.
- (c) When required by the marine inspector, a portion of the inspection must be conducted while the vessel is underway so that the hull and internal structure can be observed.
[CGD 85-080, 61 FR 953, Jan. 10, 1996; 61 FR 20557, May 7, 1996, as amended at 62 FR 51356, Sept. 30, 1997]