Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017 • FOGHORN 39 SAFETYMATTERS replacements in kind. The information submitted needs to be clear enough to the Coast Guard so they can review a proposal to the regulations. More complex projects may require the as- sistance of a professional engineer or naval architect. Most submissions will be forwarded to the Coast Guard Marine Safety Center (MSC). The regulations also say that, “proposed alterations must be approved by the OCMI before work is started.” We all understand that is not as practical as stated, but the more time you can give the Coast Guard, the better for all concerned. The MSC ad- vertises a 30-day turn around on sub- missions, so that needs to be factored in to any work plan. New or replacement equipment that requires a certain Coast Guard approval, such as fire suppression systems or lifesaving equipment can only be replaced by approved equipment. In some cases, Coast Guard approvals are limited to un- inspected vessels, so vessel owners/ operators need to make sure what they are purchasing is approved for inspected vessel. Existing Vessels As I have mentioned in previous FOGHORN articles, existing vessels (built before March 1996) have a number of grandfathering provisions that extend to repairs and alterations. If you are replacing a pump or other system component on an existing vessel chances are the replacement will be inspected to the standards of the old regulations. Inspections and Test The Coast Guard may require in- spections and/or testing whenever a repair or alteration is undertaken. If hull plate is replaced the local inspec- tors may need to see the new plate fit up prior to welding to make sure the root gap is satisfactory. That same plate repair may require a hose test (air or water) prior to painting the hull. Repairs to steering gear will likely require an underway test. Depending on your local Coast Guard unit, pictures, video and/or at- testation from a credentialed Master or licensed servicing representative may satisfy some inspection requirements. Do it Right or Do it Twice When considering a repair or al- teration, vessel owners and operators need to know what the local Coast Guard expects before beginning work. A repair or alteration done without required Coast Guard oversight only leads to needless drama, and at worst, a vessel restricted from operating. n