Title 46, ShippingRelease 119-102
§2118 Establishment of Equipment Standards
Title 46 › Subtitle II — Vessels and Seamen › Part A — General Provisions › CHAPTER 21 — GENERAL › § 2118
Summary
The Secretary must set performance-based equipment standards for vessels under part B using the best available, economically feasible technology that is practical. The Secretary may approve lifesaving gear not required on vessels and must review the standards at least every 10 years.
Full Legal Text
Title 46, §2118
Shipping, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
(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 46, Shipping
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102