1625-0035 Stat/Authority

Pt. 163

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

described in paragraph (f)(7) of this section is prepared by the pipetting an appropriate volume of the solvent layer
into a second volumetric flask and diluting to volume with solvent. If the
net absorbance is less than 0.1 when determined in accordance with the procedures in this paragraph, it is recalculated using a longer pathlength cell.
(h) Calculations. (1) The plot described
in paragraph (g)(6) of this section is
used to determine the milligrams of oil
in each 100 ml. of solvent layer contained in the volumetric flask after
completing the steps described in paragraph (f) or paragraph (g)(7) of this section.
(2) The oil content of the sample is
calculated using the following formula:
oil content of sample=R×D×1000/V
R = mg. of oil in 100 ml. of solvent layer determined from plot.
D = 1 or, if the step described in paragraph
(g)(7) of this section is performed, the ratio
of the volume of the second volumetric
flask described in that paragraph to the
volume of solvent layer pipetted into the
second volumetric flask.
V = The volume of water in milliliters
drained into the graduated cylinder at the
step described in paragraph (f)(8) of this
section.

(3) The results are reported to two
significant figures for oil contents
below 100 mg/l and to three significant
figures for oil contents above 100 mg/l.
The results are converted to p.p.m.

PART 163—CONSTRUCTION
Subpart 163.001

[Reserved]

Subpart 163.002—Pilot Hoist
Sec.
163.002–1
163.002–3
163.002–5
163.002–7
163.002–9
163.002–11
163.002–13
163.002–15
163.002–17
163.002–21
163.002–25
163.002–27
tion.

Scope.
Applicable technical regulations.
Definitions.
Independent laboratory.
Approval procedure.
Materials.
Construction.
Performance.
Instructions and marking.
Approval tests.
Marking.
Production tests and examina-

Subpart 163.003—Pilot Ladder
163.003–1
163.003–3

Scope.
ASTM standard.

163.003–7 Independent laboratory.
163.003–9 Approval procedure.
163.003–11 Materials.
163.003–13 Construction.
163.003–15 Performance.
163.003–17 Strength.
163.003–21 Approval tests.
163.003–25 Marking.
163.003–27 Production tests and examination.
163.003–29 Effective date and status of prior
approval.
AUTHORITY: 46 U.S.C. 3306, 3703, 5115; E.O.
12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277;
49 CFR 1.46.
SOURCE: CGFR 50–30, 16 FR 1086, Feb. 6,
1951, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart 163.001 [Reserved]
Subpart 163.002—Pilot Hoist
SOURCE: CGD 74–140, 46 FR 63287, Dec. 31,
1981, unless otherwise noted.

§ 163.002–1

Scope.

(a) This subpart contains standards
and approval and production tests for
pilot hoists used on merchant vessels.
(b) The requirements in this subpart
apply to a pilot hoist designed for use
along a vertical portion of a vessel’s
hull.
§ 163.002–3 Applicable technical regulations.
(a) This subpart makes reference to
the following Coast Guard regulations
in this chapter:
(1) Subpart 58.30 (Fluid Power and
Control Systems).
(2) Section 94.33–10 (Description of
Fleet Angle).
(3) Part 111 (Electrical System, General Requirements).
(4) Subpart 163.003 (Pilot Ladder).
(b) [Reserved]
§ 163.002–5

Definitions.

(a) Maximum persons capacity means—
(1) If the hoist has a rigid ladder, one
person; or
(2) If the hoist has a platform, one
person per square meter (10.75 sq. ft.) or
fraction thereof of platform area (including hatch area);
(b) Working load means the sum of
the weights of—

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Coast Guard, DOT

§ 163.002–13

(1) The rigid ladder or lift platform,
the suspension cables (if any) and the
pilot ladder on a pilot hoist; and
(2) 150 kilograms (330 pounds) times
the maximum persons capacity of the
hoist;
(c) Lift height means the distance
from the lowest step of the pilot ladder
on a pilot hoist to the deck of a vessel
on which the hoist is designed for installation when—
(1) The suspension cables of the hoist
are run out until only three turns of
cable remain on each drum; or
(2) If the hoist does not have suspension cables, the ladder or lift platform
is in its lowest position.
§ 163.002–7 Independent laboratory.
(a) The approval and production tests
in this subpart must be conducted by,
or under the supervision of, an independent laboratory accepted by the
Coast Guard under subpart 159.010 of
this chapter.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 163.002–9 Approval procedure.
(a) General. A pilot hoist is approved
by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval
test must be conducted in accordance
with § 163.002–21.
(c) Approval of alternative designs. A
pilot hoist that does not meet the materials, construction, or performance
requirements of this subpart may be
approved if the application and any approval tests prescribed by the Commandant in place of or in addition to
the approval tests required by this subpart, show that the alternative materials, construction, or performance is
at least as effective as that specified by
the requirements of this subpart.
§ 163.002–11 Materials.
(a) Gears. Each gear in a pilot hoist
must be made of machine cut steel or
machine cut bronze, or must be of a design of equivalent strength, durability,
reliability and accuracy.
(b) Suspension cables. Each suspension
cable on a pilot hoist must be a corrosion-resistant wire rope other than galvanized wire rope.

(c) Corrosion-resistant materials. Materials of a pilot hoist that are not in watertight enclosures must be—
(1) Corrosion-resistant or must be
treated to be corrosion-resistant; and
(2) Galvanically compatible with
each other adjoining material.
(d) Aluminum alloys. Any aluminum
alloy which is not resistant to stress
corrosion in marine atmospheres (i.e.,
contains more than 0.6 percent copper),
must not be used in a structural component or in any other hoist component subject to stress.
§ 163.002–13 Construction.
(a) General. Each hoist must have a
rigid ladder or a lift platform on which
a person being raised or lowered may
stand.
(b) Spreader. Each hoist must have a
spreader or other device to prevent
twisting of its ladder or lift platform.
If a spreader is provided, it must be at
least 1800 millimeters (5 feet, 10 inches)
long.
(c) Rollers. The rigid ladder or lift
platform on a pilot hoist and the ends
of its spreader (if a spreader is provided) must have rollers at each point
of contact with the vessel that allow
the ladder or platform to move smoothly over the side of the vessel.
(d) Load carrying parts. Each load carrying part of a pilot hoist must be designed to have a minimum breaking
strength of at least six times the load
imposed on the part by the working
load during operation of the hoist.
(e) Exposed moving parts. Each exposed moving part of a pilot hoist that
poses a hazard to personnel must have
a screen or guard.
(f) Nonfunctional sharp edges and projections of excessive length. A pilot hoist
must not have nonfunctional sharp
edges and must not have fastening devices or other projections of excessive
length.
(g) Installation requirements. Each
pilot hoist must be designed to allow—
(1) Its installation along the edge of a
deck at a vertical portion of the hull;
(2) Its installation on the deck in a
manner that does not require use of the
vessel’s side rails for support; and
(3) Unobstructed passage between the
ladder or lift platform of the hoist and
the deck of a vessel.

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

(h) Deck interlock for portable hoist. A
pilot hoist, if portable, must have a
deck interlock that prevents movement of the ladder or lift platform
when the hoist is not installed.
(i) Power source. Each hoist must be
designed to operate on electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic power or a combination of these.
(j) Electrical equipment. Electrical
equipment of a pilot hoist must meet
the electrical engineering regulations
in part 111 of this chapter. The operating voltage of electrical equipment on
the ladder or lift platform of a pilot
hoist must not exceed 25 volts.
(k) Pneumatic and hydraulic equipment. Pneumatic and hydraulic equipment of a pilot hoist must comply with
the marine engineering regulations of
subpart 58.30 of this chapter. Each
pneumatically powered hoist must
have a water trap, air filter, air regulator, pressure gauge, and oil lubricator in the air line between the vessel’s compressed air source and the
pneumatic motor.
(l) Hoist control lever. Each pilot hoist
must have a control lever for raising
and lowering its ladder or lift platform.
Movement of the lever upward or toward the operator must result in upward movement of the ladder or lift
platform. Movement of the control in
the opposite direction must result in
downward movement of the ladder or
lift platform. The control must be designed so that when released by the operator the ladder or lift platform stops
immediately.
(m) Emergency disconnect device. Each
pilot hoist must have a switch or valve
for disconnecting the main power
source in an emergency.
(n) Power indicator. Each pilot hoist
must have an indicator to show the operator when power is being supplied to
the hoist.
(o) Arrangement of controls and power
indicator. The hoist control lever, the
emergency disconnect device, and the
power indicator on a pilot hoist must
be arranged so that the hoist operator,
when standing, can view all movement
of the ladder or lift platform while
using this equipment.
(p) Hand-operated device and interlock.
Each pilot hoist must have a hand-operated device for raising and lowering

its ladder or lift platform. The device
must be operable from a standing position. The hoist must have an interlock
that prevents simultaneous operation
of its hand-operated device and its
power source. Any removable hand
gear, crank, or wheel of the hand-operated device must be securely stowed on
the hoist.
(q) Upper position step. Unless a hoist
has a pneumatic motor that stalls at
the end of cable travel without jarring,
jerking, or damaging the hoist, it must
have one or more limit switches or
valves that stop the ladder or lift platform at its upper end of travel without
jarring, jerking, or damaging the hoist.
(r) Means of lubrication. Each hoist
must have a means to lubricate its
bearings. Sliding-contact gearing, such
as worm gears, must operate in an oil
bath, or have another means of lubricating the gear teeth on each revolution. Each lubricant enclosure must be
designed so that it can be readily filled,
drained, and checked for lubricant
level.
(s) Machinery housing. Each machinery housing on a pilot hoist except gear
boxes and other enclosures that retain
lubricants, must have means that permit examination of all internal moving
parts using common tools or without
tools. Each machinery housing, except
gear boxes and other enclosures that
retain lubricants, must be designed to
prevent moisture accumulation.
(t) Suspension cable. If a hoist has suspension cables, at least 2 cables must
be provided and they must be arranged
so that the ladder or lift platform remains level and stationary if one of the
cables breaks. Each cable must be arranged to lead fair in a 15 degree vessel
list toward the side of the vessel on
which the hoist is installed. The devices for attaching the cables to their
winch drums must be capable of supporting 2.2 times the workig load with
the cables run all the way out.
(u) Sheaves and drums. Each sheave
and each winch drum for a suspension
cable on a pilot hoist must be of a size
recommended by the cable supplier for
the diameter and construction of the
cable. Each sheave must have a device
that prevents the cable from jumping
out of the sheave groove. Each drum
must be designed to accept one level

320

Coast Guard, DOT
wind of wrap. The
grooved drum must
grees, and the fleet
grooved drum must
grees.

§ 163.002–17
fleet angle
not exceed
angle of a
not exceed

of a
8 denon4 de-

NOTE: The term fleet angle is defined in
§ 94.33–10 of this chapter.

(v) Rigid ladder. A rigid ladder on a
pilot hoist must have thermally insulated handholds and a padded backrest
so that the person being raised or lowered may firmly brace himself or herself between the ladder and the backrest. The ladder must be at least 2.5 m
(100 in.) long from the bottom rung to
the top of the handholds.
(w) Ladder rungs. Each rigid ladder
must have at least six rungs, each with
a non-skid surface that does not retain
water. Adhesive non-skid sheets may
not be used. (For example, a suitable
surface for a wooden rung is one that
has grooves at least 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) deep
cut in a diamond pattern so that water
runs off the edge of the step. Non-skid
grit is applied directly to the step surface.) The stepping surface of each rung
must be not less than 115 mm (41⁄2 in.)
wide and not less than 400 mm (16 in.)
long. The distance from the top of one
rung to the top of the next must be
uniform, between 300 mm (12 in.) and
350 mm (133⁄4 in.).
(x) Platform railing. A lift platform on
a pilot hoist must be enclosed by a
guardrail that has a diameter of between 30 millimeters (11⁄4 inches) and 75
millimeters (3 inches). The center of
the guardrail must be at least 900 millimeters (3 feet) above the platform. At
least one intermediate rail must be
provided between the guardrail and the
platform. Each rail must be set back
from the edge of the platform at least
50 millimeters (2 inches). Each gate in
the rails must have a latch that can
keep the gate securely closed.
(y) Platform floor. The platform floor
of a pilot hoist must have a non-skid
surface and must be at least 750 millimeters (30 inches) by 750 millimeters,
exclusive of the surface area of any
hatch. Each hatch in the platform floor
must be at least 750 millimeters (30
inches) by 750 millimeters. Each hatch
must have a means to keep it securely
positioned both when opened and
closed.

(z) Pilot ladder fittings. The bottom of
the rigid ladder or lift platform on a
pilot hoist must have fittings to attach
a pilot ladder of the type that meets
the requirements of subpart 163.003 of
this chapter. The fittings must be arranged so that—
(1) The distance between the top of
the highest step on the pilot ladder and
the surface of the lift platform or top
of the bottom rung on the rigid ladder
is between 300 and 350 millimeters (12
and 133⁄4 inches);
(2) The steps of the pilot ladder are
directly below and in line with the
steps of the rigid ladder or edge of the
lift platform; and
(3) The pilot ladder can bear on the
side of the vessel when in use.
(aa) Emergency stop switch. Each pilot
hoist must have an emergency stop
switch that can be operated by a person on the ladder or lift platform.
(bb) Fasteners. Each fastening device
securing a part of a pilot hoist must
have a means to prevent the device
from loosening.
(cc) Gears. Each gear must be keyed
to its shaft.
(dd) Welding. Each weld must be
made using automatic welding equipment or be made by a welder who is
qualified by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S.
Navy, American Bureau of Shipping,
American Welding Society, American
Society of Mechanical Engineers, or
other organization that has similar
procedures for welder qualifications
that are acceptable to the Commandant.
§ 163.002–15 Performance.
(a) Each pilot hoist must have sufficient performance capability to pass
the approval tests in § 163.002–21.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 163.002–17 Instructions and markings.
(a) Instruction plates or placards. Each
pilot hoist must have instructions that
show its method of operation and lubrication of its working parts. The instructions must be on one or more corrosion-resistant plates, or must be
weatherproof placards. The instructions must be attached to the hoist.
Each instruction must be in English or
must have understandable symbols or

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

pictograms. The operator of the hoist
must be able to see and read the operating instructions when operating the
hoist control lever. The lubricating instructions
must
state
the
recommended lubricants for the temperature range in which the hoist is designed to operate. The temperature
range must be stated in both degrees
Celsius and Fahrenheit.
(b) Marking of controls. Each control
on a pilot hoist and each position of
the control must be identified by a
marking on the hoist.
(c) Marking of gauges. Each gauge on
a pilot hoist must be marked with its
normal operating range.
(d) Manual. Each pilot hoist must
have a manual of installation instructions, operating instructions, maintenance and repair instructions, a lubrication chart, a parts list, a list of
sources of repair parts, and a log for
keeping maintenance records. Each
manual must be in English.
§ 163.002–21 Approval tests.
(a) General. If a pilot hoist fails one
of the tests in this section the cause of
the failure must be identified and any
needed design changes made. After a
test failure and any design change, the
failed test, and any other previously
completed tests affected by the change,
must be rerun.
(b) Visual examination. Before starting the tests described in this section
an assembled pilot hoist is examined
for evidence of noncompliance with the
requirements
in
§§ 163.002–11
and
163.002–13.
(c) The following approval tests must
be conducted:
(1) Rung strength. If the pilot hoist
has a rigid ladder a static load of 900
kilograms (2000 pounds) is applied to
the center of a ladder rung for one
minute. The load must be uniformly
distributed over a 100 millimeter (4
inch) wide contact surface. The test
must be repeated using a second ladder
rung. The rungs must not break or
crack during these tests.
(2) Platform strength. If the pilot hoist
has a lift platform, the platform is lifted to a level where it is supported only
by its suspension components. A static
load of 900 kilograms (2000 pounds) is
then applied to the center of the plat-

form for one minute. The load must be
uniformly distributed over a 100 millimeter (4 inch) square contact surface.
The test must be repeated enough additional times so that the load is placed
in the center of each hatch cover when
in its closed position, and in the center
of each area of the platform located between floor supports. The platform
must not break or crack during these
tests.
(3) Deck interlock. If the pilot hoist is
portable, it is placed in an uninstalled
position. Its hoist control lever is then
activated. The deck interlock must
prevent movement of the ladder or lift
platform when the lever is activated.
(4) Lifting and lowering speed and level
wind. The hoist is installed in a level
operating position and a weight equal
to the weight of the pilot ladder plus
150 kg (330 lb.) times the maximum persons capacity of the hoist is placed on
its ladder or lift platform. The ladder
or lift platform is repeatedly raised and
lowered under power operation until a
total distance of at least 150 meters
(500 feet) has been traversed. The ladder or lift platform is raised and lowered each time through a distance of at
least 5 meters (16 feet). The average
speed of raising the ladder or lift platform and the average lowering speed
during this test must both be between
15 and 21 meters per minute (50 and 70
feet per minute). During the test, each
suspension cable must have one level
wind of wrap each time it is rewound
onto its drum.
(5) Upper position stop. The hoist is installed in a level operating position
and a weight equal to the weight of the
pilot ladder plus 150 kg (330 lb.) times
the maximum persons capacity is attached to the hoist. The hoist must be
able to raise the weight to the upper
limit of travel of the ladder or lift platform and must be able to stop at the
upper limit without jarring, jerking, or
damage. The test is repeated with no
weight on the ladder or lift platform.
(6) Cable securing device. If the hoist
has suspension cables, it is installed in
a level operating position and the cables are run all the way out. A weight
equal to 2.2 times the working load is
then attached to the cables. The cables
must remain securely attached to the

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§ 163.002–21

drums for at least one minute after the
weight has been attached.
(7) Controls and power indicator. The
hoist is installed in a level operating
position and a weight equal to the
working load is attached to the hoist.
The hoist control lever is then operated with the power both on and off.
The lever, when operated, must meet
the requirements in § 163.002–13(l). The
power indicator must meet the requirements in § 163.002–13(n) during the test.
When the power is turned off, the ladder or lift platform must stop immediately and remain stationary until
power is turned on. The emergency
stop switch on the ladder or lift platform is activated at some point when
the ladder or lift platform is being
raised or lowered. Upon activation, the
ladder or lift platform must stop and
remain stationary.
(8) Hand operation and interlock. The
hoist is installed in a level operating
position and a weight equal to the
working load is attached to the hoist.
The hand operated device is then engaged. One person, when using the
hand operated device, must be able to
raise and lower the weight through a
distance of at least 5 meters (16 ft.) in
each direction and must be able to
raise and lower it at a speed of at least
1.5 meters per minute (5 ft. per
minute). When raising or lowering the
hoist with the hand operated device,
the power source for the hoist is turned
on, or an attempt is made to turn it on.
Then, with power source turned off, the
hand operated device is disengaged.
The power source is then turned on and
an attempt made to engage the hand
operated device. The interlock must
prevent simultaneous operation of the
power source and the hand operated device.
(9) 2.2x overload. The hoist is installed
in a level operating position. Each roller on the ladder or lift platform is
placed in contact with a vertical surface. A weight equal to the difference
between 2.2 times the working load and
the weight of the ladder or lift platform is placed on the ladder or lift
platform. The ladder or lift platform is
raised through a distance of at least 5
meters (16 feet) and the hoist control
lever is then released. The ladder or lift
platform must stop without jarring or

damage and must hold the weight for
at least one minute. The weight is then
lowered through a distance of not less
than 5 meters (16 feet) and the control
lever is then released. The ladder or lift
platform must stop within 600 millimeters (2 ft.) of where the hoist was when
the lever was released and the ladder or
lift platform must remain stationary
for at least one minute thereafter.
Each roller must move smoothly over
the vertical surface without jamming
or sliding during the test.
(10) 6x overload. The hoist is installed
in a level operating position. A load of
six times the working load is attached
to the hoist. (If the hoist has suspension cables, the cables must be run out
at least one meter (3 ft.) before adding
the load to the hoist). The weight must
remain stationary for at least one
minute without damage to any part of
the hoist. The test is repeated simulating a vessel list of 15 degrees toward
the side on which the hoist is installed.
(11) Level wind suspension cable. If the
hoist has suspension cables, it is installed in a level operating position
with the cables wound onto the drums.
A weight equal to the working load is
attached to the hoist. The cables are
run all the way out and then rewound
back onto the drums at least ten times.
Each drum and cable is observed for
level winding as the cable is wound
onto the drum. The test must be repeated with a weight equal to the
weight of the rigid ladder or lift platform. In each test, each cable must always rewind onto the drum in one level
wind of wrap.
(12) Rung friction test. One rung of
each type used on a rigid ladder must
be subjected to this test. This test
compares the dry and wet surface friction characteristics of ladder rungs
with those of a standard oak step.
(i) The standard step must have a
surface of clean oak that meets
§ 163.003–11(b) of this chapter and that is
115 mm (41⁄2 in.) wide by 400 mm (16 in.)
long. The stepping surface must have
grooves that are 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) deep and
3 mm wide. The grooves must run in
two different directions at right angles
to each other, and at 45 degree angles
with each edge of the stepping surface,
so that the grooves form a diamond
pattern covering the stepping surface.

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§ 163.002–25

46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

The centers of all parallel grooves
must be 13 mm (1⁄2 in.) apart.
(ii) The standard step must be set in
a level position. A metal block must be
placed on one end of the step so that
the block is in contact with the stepping surface. The metal block must
weigh between 1.5 kg (3.3 lb.) and 3.0 kg
(6.6 lb.) and must not be more than 100
mm (4 in.) wide by 135 mm (53⁄8 in.)
long. The surface of the block in contact with the step must have leather or
composition shoe sole material attached to it.
(iii) The end of the step that has the
metal block on it must be slowly raised
until the block starts to slide. The
angle of the step in this position must
be measured and recorded. The step
and block must then be placed under
water and the procedure repeated.
(iv) The procedure in paragraph
(c)(12)(iii) of this section must be repeated using a rigid ladder rung in
place of the standard step.
(v) The ladder rung must then be secured in a horizontal position with a
block resting on its stepping surface.
The block must be of a size similar to
the one used in the previous tests and
have the same shoe sole surface used in
the previous tests. The block must be
arranged to apply a vertical load of 40
kg (88 lb.) to the rung. The block must
be then moved back and forth in the
same line from one end of the stepping
surface to the other. This must be done
for a total of 1,500 cycles.
(vi) The rung must again be tested as
described in paragraph (c)(12)(iii) of
this section, except that the initial position of the block must be on a part of
the stepping surface that was subjected
to the 1,500 cycles of rubbing.
(vii) The angles at which the block
starts to slide on a wet and dry ladder
rung when tested under paragraphs
(c)(12)(iv) and (c)(12)(vi) of this section
must be equal to or greater than the
corresponding angles measured for the
standard step when tested under paragraph (c)(12)(iii) of this section.
§ 163.002–25 Marking.
(a) Each pilot hoist manufactured
under Coast Guard approval must have
a corrosion-resistant nameplate. The
nameplate must contain the—
(1) Name of the manufacturer;

(2) Manufacturer’s brand or model
designation;
(3) Working load;
(4) Lift height;
(5) Maximum persons capacity;
(6) Hoist serial number;
(7) Date of manufacture; and
(8) Coast Guard approval number.
(b) The hoist must be permanently
and legibly marked with the name of
the laboratory that conducted the production tests.
§ 163.002–27 Production tests and examination.
Each pilot hoist manufactured under
Coast Guard approval must be tested as
prescribed in § 163.002–21(c)(9) and subpart 159.007 of this chapter. The tests
must be conducted by an independent
laboratory. If the hoist fails the tests
its defects must be corrected and retested until it passes. The laboratory
must also conduct the visual examination described in § 163.002–21(b). The
hoist may not be sold as Coast Guard
approved unless it passes testing and
unless each defect discovered in the
visual examination is corrected

Subpart 163.003—Pilot Ladder
SOURCE: CGD 74–140, 46 FR 63291, Dec. 31,
1981, unless otherwise noted.

§ 163.003–1

Scope.

(a) This subpart contains standards
and approval and production tests for a
pilot ladder used on a merchant vessel
to embark and disembark pilots and
other persons when away from the
dock.
(b) The requirements in this subpart
apply to a pilot ladder designed for use
along a vertical portion of a vessel’s
hull.
§ 163.003–3

ASTM standard.

The following standard of the American Society of Testing and Materials
is incorporated by reference into this
subpart: ASTM D 1435 entitled ‘‘Standard Recommended Practice for Outdoor
Weathering of Plastics.’’
§ 163.003–7

Independent laboratory.

The approval and production tests in
this subpart must be conducted by or

324

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§ 163.003–13

under the supervision of an independent laboratory accepted by the Coast
Guard under subpart 159.010 of this
chapter.
§ 163.003–9 Approval procedure.
(a) General. A pilot ladder is approved
by the Coast Guard under the procedures in subpart 159.005 of this chapter.
(b) Approval testing. Each approval
test must be conducted in accordance
with § 163.003–21.
(c) Approval of alternatives. A pilot
ladder that does not meet the materials, construction, or performance requirements of this subpart may be approved if the application and any approval tests prescribed by the Commandant in place of or in addition to
the approval tests required by this subpart, show that the alternative materials, construction, or performance is
at least as effective as that specified by
the requirements of this subpart. The
Commandant may also prescribe different production tests if the tests required by this subpart are not appropriate for the alternative ladder configuration.
§ 163.003–11 Materials.
(a) Suspension members. Each suspension member must be mildew-resistant
manila rope or a dacron polyester rope
with a polypropylene core of a color
that contrasts with the dacron. Each
suspension member must have a breaking strength of not less than 24 kN
(5,400 lb.) and a nominal circumference
of not less than 60 mm (21⁄4 in.).
(b) Wooden parts. Each wooden part of
a pilot ladder must be hardwood that is
free from knots and any other defects
affecting its strength or durability.
(c) Wood preservative. After each
wooden part is formed and finished, it
must be treated with water-repellant
wood preservative that is properly applied.
(d) Molded steps. Each step made of
molded construction must be rubber or
resilient plastic.
(e) Metal parts. Each metal fastener
must be made of a corrosion resistant
metal. Each other metal part must be
made of corrosion-resistant metal or of
steel galvanized by the hot dip process
after the part is formed.

(f) Plastics. Each plastic material
must be of a type that retains at least
30 percent of its original tensile
strength and at least 80 percent of its
original impact strength when subjected to the one year outdoor weathering test described in ASTM D 1435.
§ 163.003–13 Construction.
(a) General. Each pilot ladder must
have two suspension members on each
side. Each step in the ladder must be
supported by each suspension member.
(b) Suspension member. The suspension
members of a pilot ladder must meet
the following requirements:
(1) Each suspension member must be
continuous from the top of the ladder
to the bottom and must not be painted
or otherwise coated or covered.
(2) Except as provided in paragraph
(g) of this section—
(i) The top end of one suspension
member on each side of the ladder
must extend at least 3 m (10 ft.) beyond
the top ladder step; and
(ii) The top ends of the other suspension members must be just above the
top step and must have an eye splice or
thimble large enough to fit two passes
of a suspension member.
(3) The top end of each suspension
member that does not have an eye
splice or thimble must be served or
treated to prevent fraying.
(4) Each pair of suspension members
must be clamped together both above
and below each step. Marline seizing
may not be used.
(5) The clear space between the suspension members on one side of a ladder and those on the other side must be
at least 400 mm (16 in.), but not more
than 480 mm (19 in.).
(6) The suspension members must not
have fittings at the bottom of the ladder that can be used for attaching additional ladder sections.
(c) Steps. Pilot ladder steps must
meet the following requirements:
(1) The four lowest steps must be
molded steps and the rest of the steps
must be either wooden or molded steps.
(2) The top face of each step must
have a rectangular surface that is at
least 115 mm (41⁄2 in.) wide with a nonskid surface that does not retain water.
Adhesive non-skid sheets may not be
used. (For example, a suitable surface

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

for a step is one that has grooves at
least 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) deep cut in a diamond pattern so that water runs off
the edge of the step. Non-skid grit is
applied directly to the step surface extending to almost the full width of the
step.)
(3) Each step at its thinnest point
must be at least 25 mm (1 in.) thick and
in determining this thickness, the
depth of the grooves in the non-skid
surface and the diameter of any hole
extending from one side of the step to
the other must not be counted.
(4) Each step must be at least 480 mm
(19 in.) long.
(5) Each step must be designed so
that it can be removed and replaced
without unstringing the ladder. If special replacement steps are made to
meet this requirement, the replacement steps must meet the requirements of this section.
(6) If a step has grooves for its suspension members, the grooves must be
in the sides of the steps.
(7) The spacing from the top of one
step to the top of the next step must be
uniform and this spacing must be between 300 mm (12 in.) and 350 mm (133⁄4
in.).
(8) Each step must be a bright orange
color, except that this color is not required for the non-skid surface. If a
step is painted, it must be painted with
a two-part epoxy paint intended for
marine use, or a paint of equivalent durability.
(9) The height of each device attached to the step for securing the suspension members must not be more
than one-half the width of the step so
that the step is not prevented from
rolling if the ladder is caught between
a pilot boat and the hull of the vessel.
(10) Each replacement step must be
either white or yellow instead of the
orange color required under paragraph
(c)(8) of this section, and must have the
special marking required in § 163.003–
25(b).
(d) Spreaders. Each pilot ladder with 5
or more steps must have one or more
spreaders that meet the following requirements:
(1) Each spreader must be at least 1.8
m (70 in.) long.
(2) The spreaders must be positioned
at intervals of not more than 9 steps.

(3) The lowest spreader on a ladder
must be on the fifth step from the bottom.
(e) Fasteners. Each fastening device
securing a part of a pilot ladder must
have a means to prevent the device
from loosening.
(f) Workmanship. A pilot ladder must
not have splinters, burrs, sharp edges,
corners, projections, or other defects
that could injure a person using the
ladder.
(g) Special arrangements for pilot
hoists. Each pilot ladder produced for
use with an approved pilot hoist must
have at least 8 steps. The top ends of
its suspension members need not have
an eye splice or thimble or be arranged
as required in paragraph (b) of this section if necessary to permit attaching
the ladder to fittings of a particular
pilot hoist. The spreader required in
paragraph (d) of this section may be
omitted from an 8 step ladder for a
pilot hoist.
[CGD 74–140, 46 FR 63291, Dec. 31, 1981, as
amended by CGD 79–032, 49 FR 25456, June 21,
1984]

§ 163.003–15 Performance.
(a) Each pilot ladder must be capable
of being rolled up for storage.
(b) Each ladder when rolled up must
be able to unroll freely and hang vertically.
(c) Each suspension member must be
arranged so that, when the ladder is in
use on a vessel, the suspension member
cannot come in contact with the vessel’s side.
(d) Each step must be arranged so
that it can bear on the side of the vessel when the ladder is in use.
§ 163.003–17 Strength.
(a) Each pilot ladder must be designed to pass the approval tests in
§ 163.003–21.
(b) [Reserved]
§ 163.003–21 Approval tests.
(a) General. Each approval test must
be conducted on a ladder of the longest
length for which approval has been requested. If the ladder fails one of the
tests, the cause of the failure must be
identified and any needed design
changes made. After a test failure and
any design change, the failed test, and

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§ 163.003–21

any other previously completed tests
affected by the change, must be rerun.
Any ladder step that has a residual deflection after testing under this section
may not be used thereafter in any ladder represented as Coast Guard approved.
(b) Visual examination. Before starting the approval tests, an assembled
pilot ladder is examined for evidence of
noncompliance with the requirements
in §§ 163.003–11, 163.003–13, and 163.003–15.
(c) The following approval tests must
be conducted:
(1) Step flexibility test. This test is performed on six different steps, one of
which must be a molded step and one of
which must be a replacement step if
special replacement steps are made by
the manufacturer. Each step is placed
on a pair of supports located at the
points where the step would ordinarily
be attached to the suspension members. A static load must be applied uniformly for a period of at least one
minute over a contact surface that is
at the center of the step and is approximately 100 mm (4 in.) wide. The load
must be 150 kg (330 lb.) for each molded
step that is used only as one of the four
bottom steps in the ladder. The load
must be 320 kg (700 lb.) for each other
step. The deflection of the step is measured while the step is under load and
after the load is removed. The step
must not deflect more than 20 mm (3⁄4
in.) under the load, and there must be
no residual deflection after the load is
removed.
(2) Strength test #1. An assembled ladder is supported so that a static load, if
placed on any of its steps, would exert
a force on both the step and each suspension member. A static load of 900 kg
(2,000 lb.) is then placed on one step for
at least one minute. The load must be
uniformly distributed over a contact
surface that is approximately 100 mm
(4 in.) wide. The center of the contact
surface must be at the center of the
step. This test is performed on six different steps, one of which must be a
molded step. None of the steps may
break or crack. No attachment between any step and a suspension member may loosen or break during this
test.
(3) Strength test #2. An assembled ladder is suspended vertically to its full

length. A static load of 900 kg (2,000 lb.)
is then applied to the bottom step of
the ladder so that it is distributed
equally between the suspension members. The suspension members, and inserts must not break, incur any elongation or deformation that remains
after the test load is removed, or be
damaged in any other way during this
test.
(4) Strength test #3. A rolled up ladder
is attached to anchoring fixtures in a
location away from any wall or structure that would prevent it from falling
freely, and where it can hang to its full
length vertically. The ladder when
dropped must unroll freely. When unrolling the ladder, its steps and attachments must not become cracked, broken, or loosened. Other similar damage
making the ladder unsafe to use must
likewise not occur.
(5) Step friction test. One step of each
type used on a pilot ladder must be
subjected to this test. This test compares the dry and wet surface friction
characteristics of ladder steps with
those of a standard oak step.
(i) The standard step must have a
surface of clean oak that meets S/
163.003–11(b) and that is 115 mm (41⁄2 in.)
wide by 400 mm (16 in.) long. The stepping surface must have grooves that
are 3 mm (1⁄8 in.) deep and 3 mm wide.
The grooves must run in two different
directions at right angles to each
other, and at 45 degree angles with
each edge of the stepping surface, so
that the grooves form a diamond pattern covering the stepping surface. The
centers of all parallel grooves must be
13 mm (1⁄2 in.) apart.
(ii) The standard step must be set in
a level position. A metal block must be
placed on one end of the step so that
the block is in contact with the stepping surface. The metal block must
weigh between 1.5 kg (3.3 lb.) and 3.0 kg
(6.6 lb.) and must not be more than 100
mm (4 in.) wide by 135 mm (53⁄8 in.)
long. The surface of the block in contact with the step must have leather or
composition shoe sole material attached to it.
(iii) The end of the step that has the
metal block on it must be slowly raised
until the block starts to slide. The
angle of the step in this position must
be measured and recorded. The step

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46 CFR Ch. I (10–1–98 Edition)

and block must then be placed under
water and the procedure repeated.
(iv) The procedure in paragraph
(c)(6)(iii) of this section must be repeated using a pilot ladder step in
place of the standard step.
(v) The ladder step must then be secured in a horizontal position with a
block resting on its stepping surface.
The block must be of a size similar to
the one used in the previous tests and
have the same shoe sole surface used in
the previous tests. The block must be
arranged to apply a vertical load of 40
kg (88 lb.) to the step. The block must
be then moved back and forth in the
same line from one end of the stepping
surface to the other. This must be done
for a total of 1,500 cycles.
(vi) The step must again be tested as
described in paragraph (c)(6)(iii) of this
section, except that the initial position
of the block must be on a part of the
stepping surface that was subjected to
the 1,500 cycles of rubbing.
(vii) The angles at which the block
starts to slide on a wet and dry ladder
step when tested under paragraphs
(c)(6)(iv) and (c)(6)(vi) of this section
must be equal to or greater than the
corresponding angles measured for the
standard step when tested under paragraph (c)(6)(iii) of this section.
§ 163.003–25 Marking.
(a) Each pilot ladder step manufactured under Coast Guard approval must
be branded or otherwise permanently
and legibly marked on the bottom
with—
(1) The name of the manufacturer;
(2) The manufacturer’s brand or
model designation;
(3) The lot number or date of manufacture; and
(4) The Coast Guard approval number.
(b) In addition to the markings required under paragraph (a) of this section each step sold as a replacement
step must be branded or otherwise permanently and legibly marked with the
words ‘‘REPLACEMENT STEP ONLY.’’
[CGD 74–140, 46 FR 63291, Dec. 31, 1981, as
amended by CGD 79–032, 49 FR 25456, June 21,
1984]

§ 163.003–27 Production tests and examination.
(a) General. Each ladder produced
under Coast Guard approval must be
tested in accordance with this section
and subpart 159.007 of this chapter.
Steps that fail testing may not be
marked with the Coast Guard approval
number and each assembled ladder that
fails testing may not be sold as Coast
Guard approved.
(b) Test No. 1: Steps. Steps must be
separated into lots of 100 steps or less.
Steps of different types must be placed
in separate lots. One step from each lot
must be selected at random and tested
as described in § 163.003–21(c)(2) except
that supports are placed under the step
at the points where it would be attached to suspension members in an assembled ladder. If the step fails the
test, ten more steps must be selected
at random from the lot and tested. If
one or more of the ten steps fails the
test, each step in the lot must be tested. No step that has any residual deflection after the test may be used in a
ladder represented by the manufacturer as Coast Guard approved.
(c) Test No. 2: Ladders. Assembled ladders must be separated into lots of 20
ladders or less. One ladder must be selected at random from the ladders in
each lot. The ladder selected must be
at least 3 m (10 ft.) long or, if each ladder in the lot is less then 3 m long, a
ladder of the longest length in the lot
must be selected. The ladder must be
tested as prescribed in § 163.003–21(c)(3)
except that only a 3 m section of the
ladder need be subjected to the static
load. If the ladder fails the test, each
other ladder in the lot must be tested.
(d) Independent laboratory. Each production test must be conducted or supervised by an independent laboratory.
However, if a test is performed more
than 4 different times per year, laboratory participation is required only 4
times per year. If the laboratory does
not participate in all tests, the times
of laboratory participation must be as
selected by the laboratory. The times
selected must provide for effective
monitoring throughout the production
schedule.
(e) Visual examination. The visual examination described in § 163.003–21(b)

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Pt. 164

must be conducted as a part of each
production test.
§ 163.003–29 Effective date and status
of prior approval.
(a) Approval certificates for pilot ladders issued under subpart 160.017 terminate on March 31, 1982.
(b) Applications for approval of pilot
ladders under this subpart will be accepted on and after December 31, 1982.
(c) In previous regulations, pilot ladders were referred to as Type I—Rope
Suspension Ladders.

PART 164—MATERIALS
Subpart 164.003—Kapok, Processed
Sec.
164.003–1
164.003–2
164.003–3
164.003–4
164.003–5

Applicable specifications.
Grades.
Material and workmanship.
Inspections and tests.
Procedure for approval.

164.009–7 Contents of application.
164.009–9 Procedure for approval.
164.009–11 Furnace apparatus.
164.009–13 Furnace calibration.
164.009–15 Test procedure.
164.009–17 Density measurement.
164.009–19 Measurement of moisture
volatile matter content.
164.009–21 Laboratory report.
164.009–23 Factory inspection.
164.009–25 Marking.

and

Subpart 164.012—Interior Finishes for
Merchant Vessels
164.012–1
164.012–5
164.012–10
164.012–11
164.012–12
164.012–13
tions.
164.012–14
164.012–15
ing.

Applicable specifications.
Scope.
Requirements.
Marking.
Recognized laboratory.
Examinations, tests, and inspecProcedure for listing and labeling.
Termination of listing and label-

Subpart 164.013—Foam, Unicellular Polyethylene (Buoyant, Slab, Slitted Trigonal Pattern)

Subpart 164.006—Deck Coverings for
Merchant Vessels
164.006–1 Applicable specifications.
164.006–2 Grades.
164.006–3 Construction, materials, and workmanship.
164.006–4 Inspection and testing.
164.006–5 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 164.007—Structural Insulations
164.007–1 Applicable specification and referenced material.
164.007–2 Purpose.
164.007–3 Conditions of approval.
164.007–4 Testing procedure.
164.007–5 Test requirements.
164.007–6 Test report.
164.007–7 Analysis of results.
164.007–8 Retests.
164.007–9 Procedure for approval.

164.013–1 Scope.
164.013–2 Incorporation by reference.
164.013–3 Material properties and workmanship
164.013–4 Samples submitted for acceptance.
164.013–5 Acceptance tests.
164.013–6 Production tests, inspections, and
marking.
164.013–7 Marking.

Subpart 164.015—Plastic Foam, Unicellular,
Buoyant, Sheet and Molded Shape
164.015–1 Applicable
specifications
standards.
164.015–2 Types.
164.015–3 Material and workmanship.
164.015–4 Inspections and tests.
164.015–5 Procedure for acceptance.

and

Subpart 164.018—Retroreflective Material
for Lifesaving Equipment

Subpart 164.008—Bulkhead Panels
164.008–1 Applicable specification and reference material.
164.008–2 Conditions of approval.
164.008–3 Testing procedure.
164.008–4 Test requirements.
164.008–5 Test report.
164.008–6 Retests.
164.008–7 Procedure for approval.

Subpart 164.009—Noncombustible
Materials for Merchant Vessels
164.009–1 General.
164.009–3 Noncombustible materials not requiring specific approval.

164.018–1 Scope.
164.018–3 Classification.
164.018–5 Specifications and standards incorporated by reference.
164.018–7 Approval procedures.
164.018–9 Design requirements.
164.018–11 Approval tests.
164.018–13 Production inspections.

Subpart 164.019—Personal Flotation Device
Components
164.019–1
164.019–3

329

Scope.
Definitions.