Regulation 46 CFR 176.630

§ 176.630

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–13 Edition)

so. In making this determination, the
OCMI will consider the vessel’s overall
condition, its history of safe operation,
and any other factors that serve to
mitigate overall safety risks.
[USCG–2000–6858, 67 FR 21085, Apr. 29, 2002]

wreier-aviles on DSK5TPTVN1PROD with CFR

§ 176.630 The Alternative Hull Examination (AHE) Program application.
If your vessel meets the eligibility
criteria in § 176.625 of this part, you
may apply to the AHE Program. You
must submit an application at least 90
days before the requested hull examination date to the Officer in Charge,
Marine Inspection (OCMI) who will
oversee the survey. The application
must include—
(a) The proposed time and place for
conducting the hull examination;
(b) The name of the participating
diving contractor and underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) company accepted by the OCMI under
§ 176.650 of this part;
(c) The name and qualifications of
the third party examiner. This person
must be familiar with the inspection
procedures and his or her responsibilities under this program. The OCMI has
the discretionary authority to accept
or deny use of a particular third party
examiner;
(d) A signed statement from your
vessel’s master, chief engineer, or the
person in charge stating the vessel
meets the eligibility criteria of § 176.625
of this part and a description of the
vessel’s overall condition, level of
maintenance, known or suspected damage, underwater body cleanliness (if
known), and the anticipated draft of
the vessel at the time of the examination;
(e) Plans or drawings that illustrate
the external details of the hull below
the sheer strake;
(f) A detailed plan for conducting the
hull examination in accordance with
§§ 176.645 and 176.650 of this part, which
must address all safety concerns related to the removal of sea valves during the inspection; and
(g) A preventative maintenance plan
for your vessel’s hull, its related systems and equipment.
[USCG–2000–6858, 67 FR 21085, Apr. 29, 2002, as
amended at 69 FR 47384, Aug. 5, 2004]

§ 176.635 Preliminary examination requirements.
(a) If you exclusively use divers to
examine the underwater hull plating,
you must arrange to have a preliminary examination conducted by a third
party examiner, with the assistance of
qualified divers. The purpose of the
preliminary examination is to assess
the overall condition of the vessel’s
hull and identify any specific concerns
to be addressed during the underwater
hull examination.
(b) The preliminary examination is
required only upon the vessel’s entry
or reentry into the AHE program.
(c) If you use an underwater remotely
operated vehicle (ROV) as the predominate means to examine your vessel’s
hull plating, a preliminary examination and the participation of a third
party examiner will not be necessary.
[USCG–2000–6858, 67 FR 21085, Apr. 29, 2002]

§ 176.640

Pre-survey meeting.

(a) In advance of each AHE, you must
conduct a pre-survey meeting to discuss the details of the AHE procedure
with the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). If you exclusively use
divers to examine the underwater hull
plating, the third party examiner must
attend the meeting and you must
present the results of the preliminary
examination. If you use an underwater
remotely operated vehicle (ROV) as the
predominate means to examine the
vessel’s hull plating, then the pre-survey meeting must be attended by a representative of the ROV operating company who is qualified to discuss the
ROV’s capabilities and limitations related to your vessel’s hull design and
configuration.
(b) A vessel owner, operator, or designated agent must request this meeting in writing at least 30 days in advance of the examination date.
(c) The pre-survey meeting may be
conducted by teleconference, if agreed
to in advance by the OCMI.
[USCG–2000–6858, 67 FR 21086, Apr. 29, 2002, as
amended at 69 FR 47384, Aug. 5, 2004]

§ 176.645

AHE Procedure.

(a) To complete the underwater survey you must—

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