Regulations last checked for updates: Dec 19, 2025

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Nov 24, 2025
§ 160.073-1 - Scope.

(a) This subpart contains requirements for a float-free link used for connecting a life float or buoyant apparatus painter to a vessel. The float-free link is designed to be broken by the buoyant force of the life float or buoyant apparatus so that the float or apparatus breaks free of a vessel that sinks in water deeper than the length of the painter.

(b) [Reserved]

authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103,3306,3703,4302; E.O. 12234; 45 FR 58801; 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; and DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4
cite as: 46 CFR 160.073-1