46 CFR § 161.013-3 - General performance requirements.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s161.013-3"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 161.013-3 - General performance requirements."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "161.013-3"
section_name: "General performance requirements."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "Q"
subchapter_name: "EQUIPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND MATERIALS: SPECIFICATIONS AND APPROVAL"
part_number: "161"
part_name: "ELECTRICAL 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. 3306, 3703, 4302; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
cfr_part: "161"
---


# 161.013-3 General performance requirements.

(a) Each electric light must:

(1) Emit a white light which meets the intensity requirements of § 161.013-5;

(2) Be capable of automatic signaling in a manner which meets the requirements of § 161.013-7;

(3) Contain an independent power source which meets the requirements of § 161.013-9;

(4) Float in fresh water with the lens surface at or above the surface of the water;

(5) Be equipped with a waterproof switch; and

(6) Meet the requirement of paragraphs (a) (1) through (4) of this section after floating for at least 72 hours followed by submersion in 5% by weight sodium chloride solution for at least 2 hours.

(b) The electric light may not be equipped with a switch mechanism which permits continuous display of a beam of light except that the light may be equipped with a switch which returns to the off position when pressure is released.