New USCG Rule for Lifesaving Devices

The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) published a final rule aligning its regulations with the 2010 Coast Guard Authorization Act. Before 2010, certain uninspected commercial vessels including barges and sailing vessels fell outside the scope of the statute requiring the Coast Guard to regulate lifesaving devices on uninspected vessels.

The Coast Guard is now requiring all uninspected commercial vessels, within the scope of the statutory requirement , to carry lifesaving devices even if they carry no passengers for hire; this includes certain uninspected commercial vessels, including barges and sailing vessels.