(a) An inspection for certification is a prerequisite of the reissuance of a certificate of inspection.

You must submit a written application for an inspection for certification to the cognizant OCMI. To renew a Certificate of Inspection, you must submit an application at least 30 days before the expiration of the tank vessel's current certificate. You must use Form CG-3752, Application for Inspection of U.S. Vessel, and submit it to the OCMI at, or nearest to, the port where the vessel is located. When renewing a Certificate of Inspection, you must schedule an inspection for certification within the 3 months before the expiration date of the current Certificate of Inspection.

(a) The inspection for certification shall include an inspection of the structure, boilers, and other pressure vessels, machinery, and equipment. The inspection shall be such as to insure that the vessel, as regards the structure, boilers, and other pressure vessels and their appurtenances, piping, main and auxiliary machinery, electrical installations, life-saving appliances, fire detecting and extinguishing equipment, pilot boarding equipment, pollution prevention equipment, and other equipment, is in satisfactory condition and fit for the service for which it is intended, and that it complies with the applicable regulations for such vessel, and determine that the vessel is in possession of a valid certificate issued by the Federal Communications Commission, if required. The lights, means of making sound signals, and distress signals carried by the vessel shall also be subject to the above-mentioned inspection for the purpose of ensuring that they comply with the requirements of the applicable statutes and regulations.

(b) When equipment other than scientific equipment is installed which is not required by the applicable regulations in this subchapter, that equipment shall be inspected and tested as may be required for such equipment by the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, to assure safety.

(1) Scientific equipment and their electrical or pressure connection to the ship's supply and laboratories may be checked to ascertain that they are maintained free of hazards.

For inspection procedures of lifesaving appliances and arrangements, see subchapter W (Lifesaving Appliances and Arrangements) of this chapter.

(a) At each inspection for certification, periodic inspection, and at such other times as considered necessary the inspector must determine that all fire-extinguishing equipment is in suitable condition and he may require such tests as are considered necessary to determine the condition of the equipment. The inspector must determine if the tests and inspections required by § 196.15-60 of this subchapter have been conducted.

(1) All portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see § 188.01-5 of this chapter) as amended here:

(i) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.

(ii) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(iii) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.

(iv) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.

(2) Fixed fire-extinguishing systems must be checked as noted in Table 189.25-20(a)(2). In addition, all parts of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems must be examined for excessive corrosion and general conditions.

(3) On all fire-extinguishing systems all piping, controls, valves, and alarms must be checked to ascertain that the system is in operating condition.

(4) The fire main system must be operated and the pressure checked at the outlets having the greatest pressure drop between the fire pumps and the nozzles which may not always be the most remote and highest outlets. All firehoses must be subjected to a test pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure to which they may be subjected in service, but not less than 100 p.s.i.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection the inspector shall conduct the following tests and inspections of hull equipment:

(1) All watertight doors shall be operated locally by manual power and also by hydraulic or electric power if so fitted. Where remote control is fitted, the doors shall also be operated by the remote control apparatus.

(2) The remote controls of all valves shall be operated.

(3) An examination of installed weight, handling gear and related shipboard records shall be made to ascertain the condition and suitability of the equipment for the service intended. In conducting this examination the marine inspector shall be guided by the provisions of subpart 189.35. Current valid certificates and registers, issued by a recognized nonprofit organization or association approved by the Commandant, may be accepted as prima facie evidence of the condition and suitability of the weight handling gear. Weight handling gear certificates and registers will not be issued by the Coast Guard.

(a) For inspection procedures of Electrical Engineering equipment and systems, see Subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(a) For inspection procedures of Marine Engineering equipment and systems, see Subchapter F (Marine Engineering) of this chapter.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector shall examine the vessel to determine that it meets the vessel design and equipment requirements for pollution prevention in 33 CFR part 155, subpart B.

(a) At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the quarters, toilets, and washing spaces, galleys, serving pantries, lockers, etc., shall be examined by the marine inspector to be assured that they are in a sanitary condition.

At each inspection for certification and periodic inspection, the inspector shall examine the tank tops and bilges in the machinery spaces to see that there is no accumulation of oil which might create a fire hazard.

(a) The marine inspector shall inspect every chemistry laboratory, scientific laboratory, and chemical storeroom during each inspection for certification and periodic inspection.

(b) Magazines, vans, and chests shall be inspected during each inspection for certification and periodic inspection.

(a) Nothing in this subpart shall be construed as limiting the inspector from making such tests or inspections as he or she deems necessary to be assured of the safety and seaworthiness of the vessel.

(b) [Reserved]