Title 46ShippingRelease 119-73not60

§2118 Establishment of Equipment Standards

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

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Secretary must set rules for equipment required on vessels under part B. The rules must focus on how equipment performs, use the best technology that can be done at a reasonable cost, and be practical to use. The Secretary can also approve lifesaving gear that vessels are not required to carry to make sure it works for its purpose. At least once every 10 years, the Secretary must review and update those rules so they still meet these requirements.

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 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60