Title 46ShippingRelease 119-73

§2118 Establishment of equipment standards

Title 46 › Subtitle Subtitle II— - Vessels and Seamen › Part Part A— - General Provisions › Chapter CHAPTER 21— - GENERAL › § 2118

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary must set standards for equipment on vessels under part B that are based on how the equipment performs, use the best technology that is still affordable, and are practical. The Secretary can approve lifesaving gear not required on those vessels and must review the standards at least every 10 years.

Full Legal Text

Title 46, §2118

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(a)In establishing standards for approved equipment required on vessels subject to part B of this subtitle, the Secretary shall establish standards that are—
(1)based on performance using the best available technology that is economically achievable; and
(2)operationally practical.
(b)Using the standards established under subsection (a), the Secretary may also certify lifesaving equipment that is not required to be carried on vessels subject to part B of this subtitle to ensure that such equipment is suitable for its intended purpose.
(c)At least once every 10 years the Secretary shall review and revise the standards established under subsection (a) to ensure that the standards meet the requirements of this section.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2016—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 114–120, § 306(a)(2)(A), substituted “subtitle,” for “title,”. Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 114–120, § 306(a)(2)(B), substituted “subtitle” for “title”.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

46 U.S.C. § 2118

Title 46Shipping

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73