46 CFR § 185.700 - Operational readiness.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s185.700"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 185.700 - Operational readiness."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "185.700"
section_name: "Operational readiness."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "T"
subchapter_name: "SMALL PASSENGER VESSELS (UNDER 100 GROSS TONS)"
part_number: "185"
part_name: "OPERATIONS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 6101; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.2, paragraph (II)(92)(a)."
regulatory_source: "CGD 85-080, 61 FR 1005, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "185"
---


# 185.700 Operational readiness.

(a) Each launching appliance and each survival craft and rescue boat on a vessel must be in good working order and ready for immediate use before the vessel leaves port and at all times when the vessel is underway.

(b) Each deck where survival craft or rescue boats are stowed or boarded must be kept clear of obstructions that would interfere with the boarding and launching of the survival craft or rescue boat.