(a) Unless otherwise specified, all lifesaving equipment must be approved by the Commandant under the approval series specified in each section. Lifesaving equipment for personal use which is not required by this part need not be approved by the Commandant.

(b) A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) may be contacted for information concerning approved equipment and materials.

(c) Equipment requirements are based on the area in which a towing vessel is operating, not the route for which it is certificated. However, the towing vessel must be equipped per the requirements of its certificated route at the time of certification.