46 C.F.R. Subpart B—Stability Instructions for Operating Personnel
Title 46 - Shipping
(a) Stability information (stability details indicated on the Certificate of Inspection, a stability letter, or a stability booklet) is required on certain vessels by paragraphs (b) or (c) of this section. Enough stability information, including stability calculations and assumptions made to use them, must be provided to allow the master to be able to determine operating guidelines, loading restrictions, and ensure compliance with the applicable intact and damage stability regulations of this chapter. (b) A vessel which, under §178.310, must comply with requirements in subchapter S of this chapter, must have stability details on the vessel's Certificate of Inspection, a stability letter issued by the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) or the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center, or an approved stability booklet. The form in which the stability information must be contained (i.e., stability details on the Certificate of Inspection, a stability letter, or a stability booklet) will be determined by the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center. (c) When necessary for safe operation, the cognizant OCMI may place specific stability restrictions in a stability letter or on the Certificate of Inspection of a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, which, under §178.310 of this part, must comply with the requirements of §178.320 of this part. When the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center determines, in accordance with §178.210(b), that a vessel must have a stability booklet, the owner or operator must prepare the booklet in accordance with subchapter S of this chapter, and submit it to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center. (a) When the cognizant OCMI or the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center determines, in accordance with §178.210, that a vessel must have stability details indicated on its Certificate of Inspection or a stability letter, the owner or operator must submit the information listed in paragraph (b) of this section: (1) If §178.210(c) is applicable, to the OCMI for approval; or (2) If §178.210(b) is applicable, to the Commanding Officer, Marine Safety Center for approval. (b) The following applicable information, and the necessary calculations used to determine that information, must be submitted as required by paragraph (a) of this section: (1) Allowable number of passengers and crew on each deck; (2) Deepest waterline drafts or freeboard; (3) Location of watertight bulkheads and openings in watertight bulkheads; (4) Explanation of the vessel's subdivision and specific identification of the vessel's subdivision bulkheads; (5) Location of openings through watertight bulkheads, such as watertight doors, which must be closed to limit flooding in an emergency; (6) Location, type and amount of fixed ballast; (7) Location and details of foam flotation material; and (8) Maximum weight of portable equipment permitted on the vessel including diving equipment.
Title 46: Shipping
PART 178—INTACT STABILITY AND SEAWORTHINESS
Subpart B—Stability Instructions for Operating Personnel
§ 178.210 Stability information.
§ 178.220 Stability booklet.
§ 178.230 Stability letter or Certificate of Inspection stability details.
