Regulations last checked for updates: Jun 01, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: May 28, 2024
§ 131.870 - Life floats and buoyant apparatus.

(a) The name of the vessel must be plainly marked or painted on each life float or buoyant apparatus, and on each oar and paddle.

(b) The number of persons each life float or buoyant apparatus is approved for must be plainly marked or painted on each float or apparatus in letters and numbers at least 38 millimeters (1- 1/2 inches) high and in a color contrasting to that of the float or apparatus. This number must—

(1) Be the number of persons the float or apparatus is equipped for; and

(2) Not be greater than the number of persons the float or apparatus is approved for, as shown on its nameplate.

authority: 33 U.S.C. 1321(j); 46 U.S.C. 3306,6101,10104; E.O. 12234, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; E.O. 12777, 3 CFR, 1991 Comp., p. 351; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1. Section 131.990 also issued under sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905
source: CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49340, Sept. 19, 1997, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 131.870