[Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 46, Volume 4] [Revised as of October 1, 2006] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 46CFR131.560] [Page 458-459] TITLE 46_SHIPPING (This book contains parts 90 to 139) CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (CONTINUED) PART 131_OPERATIONS--Table of Contents Subpart E_Tests, Drills, and Inspections Sec. 131.560 Weekly tests and inspections. The following tests and inspections must be carried out weekly: (a) Each lifesaving appliance and launching appliance must be visually [[Page 459]] inspected to ensure that it is ready for use. (b) Each engine of a lifeboat or a rescue boat must be run ahead and astern for not less than 3 minutes, unless the ambient temperature is below the minimal temperature required for starting the engine. (c) The general alarm system must be activated. (d) Each battery for starting the engine of a lifeboat or a rescue boat, or for energizing a searchlight, a fixed installation of a radio in a lifeboat, or a portable radio, must be brought up to full charge at least once a week if the battery is-- (1) Of a type that requires recharging; and (2) Not connected to a device that keeps it continuously charged. (e) The transmitter of each fixed installation of a radio in a lifeboat and that of each portable radio must be tried out at least once a week with a dummy antenna load.