(a) Vessels in ocean, coastwise, or Great Lakes service shall be fitted with anchors, chains, and hawsers which shall be in general agreement with the standards established by the American Bureau of Shipping, see subpart 188.35 of part 188 of this subchapter.

(b) In addition to the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section, the following requirements and alternatives also apply:

(1) The American Bureau of Shipping rules relating to anchor equipment are mandatory, not a guide.

(2) Vessels under 200 feet (61 meters) in length and with an American Bureau of Shipping equipment number of less than 150 may be equipped with either:

(i) One anchor of the tabular weight and one-half the tabulated length of anchor chain listed in the applicable standard, or

(ii) Two anchors of one-half the tabular weight with the total length of anchor chain listed in the applicable standard provided both anchors are in a position that allows for ready use at all times and the windlass is capable of heaving in either anchor.

(c) Standards of other recognized classification societies may be used, in lieu of those established by the American Bureau of Shipping, upon approval by the Commandant.