46 CFR § 160.264-9 - Approval procedures for PFDs.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s160.264-9"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 160.264-9 - Approval procedures for PFDs."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "160.264-9"
section_name: "Approval procedures for PFDs."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "Q"
subchapter_name: "EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL"
part_number: "160"
part_name: "LIFESAVING EQUIPMENT"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-03-24"
last_updated: "2026-03-24"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234; 45 FR 58801; 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; and DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
cfr_part: "160"
---


# 160.264-9 Approval procedures for PFDs.

(a) Each application for approval of a Level 50 or Level 70 PFD must be submitted directly to a Coast Guard recognized laboratory.

(b) The recognized laboratory must determine if a PFD with novel design features requires a preliminary review by the Coast Guard prior to testing. Submissions requiring preliminary review must be sent to *[email protected]*, and must include a full description and drawings. Pictures, samples, and preliminary test results may also be submitted.