A skiff may be substituted for all or part of the approved survival craft for towing vessels that do not operate more than 3 miles from shore. A skiff used as a survival craft does not require Coast Guard approval but must:

(a) Be capable of being launched within 5 minutes under all circumstances;

(b) Be of suitable size for all persons on board the towing vessel;

(c) Not exceed the loading specified on the capacity plate required by 33 CFR 183.23;

(d) Not contain modifications affecting the buoyancy or structure of the skiff;

(e) Be of suitable design for the vessel's intended service; and

(f) Be marked in accordance with §§ 199.176 and 199.178 of this chapter.