[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 46, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2002]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 46CFR134.170]

[Page 487-488]
 
                           TITLE 46--SHIPPING
 
    CHAPTER I--COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CONTINUED)
 
PART 134--ADDED PROVISIONS FOR LIFTBOATS--Table of Contents
 
Sec. 134.170  Operating manual.

    (a) Each liftboat must have aboard an operating manual approved by 
the Coast Guard as complying with this section.
    (b) The operating manual must be available to, and written so as to 
be easily understood by, the crew members of the liftboat and must 
include the following:
    (1) A table of contents and general index.
    (2) A general description of the vessel, including--
    (i) Major dimensions;
    (ii) Tonnages; and
    (iii) Load capacities for--
    (A) Various cargoes;
    (B) Crane hook; and
    (C) Helicopter-landing deck.
    (3) Designed limits for each mode of operation, including--
    (i) Draft;
    (ii) Air gap;

[[Page 488]]

    (iii) Wave height;
    (iv) Wave period;
    (v) Wind;
    (vi) Current;
    (vii) Temperatures; and
    (viii) Other environmental factors.
    (4) The heaviest loads allowable on deck.
    (5) Information on the use of any special cross-flooding fittings 
and on the location of valves that may require closure to prevent 
progressive flooding.
    (6) Guidance on preparing the vessel for heavy weather and on what 
to do when heavy weather is forecast, including when critical decisions 
or acts--such as leaving the area and heading for a harbor of safe 
refuge, or evacuating the vessel--should be accomplished.
    (7) Guidance on operating the vessel while changing mode and while 
preparing the vessel to make a move, and information on how to avoid 
structural damage from shifting loads during heavy weather.
    (8) Information on inherent operational limitations for each mode 
and on changing modes, including preloading instructions.
    (9) Guidance on the proper procedures for discovering the flooding 
of a normally buoyant leg or leg pad, precautionary information 
concerning the effects on stability of flooded legs, and what to do upon 
discovering the flooding of a normally buoyant leg or leg pad.
    (10) A description, a diagram, operating guidance for the bilge 
system, and an alternative method of dewatering.
    (11) A general arrangement diagram showing the locations of--
    (i) Watertight and weathertight compartments;
    (ii) Openings in the hull and structure;
    (iii) Vents and closures;
    (iv) Shutdowns for mechanical and electrical emergencies, and for 
emergencies affecting ventilation;
    (v) Alarms for flooding and for too-high and too-low levels;
    (vi) Fire and gas detectors; and
    (vii) Access to different compartments and decks.
    (12) A list of shutdown locations for emergencies and guidance on 
restarting mechanical and electrical equipment and equipment for 
ventilation after shutdowns.
    (13) A diagram of the hazardous locations (if applicable).
    (14) A diagram of the emergency-power system.
    (15) Stability information setting forth the maximum allowable 
height of the center of gravity in relation to draft data, displacement, 
and other applicable parameters unique to the design of the unit to 
determine compliance with the intact and damage stability criteria, 
under Secs. 174.250 and 174.255 of this chapter.
    (16) Curves of form as required under Sec. 170.075(a)(3) of this 
chapter.