With this rulemaking (Docket No. USCG-2022-0120) we are incorporating the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-5 for Level 50 and Level 70 personal flotation devices (PFDs), ANSI/CAN/UL 12402-4 for Level 100 PFDs, and ANSI/CAN/UL 9595 for quality assurance. In addition, we are incorporating the ANSI/UL 1123 and ANSI/UL 1175 standards for marine buoyant devices and inherently buoyant and inflatable throwable PFDs, respectively. The rule is effective on January 6, 2025.
When this rule becomes effective, manufacturers of Coast Guard approved lifejackets and PFDs will be able to seek Coast Guard approval of Level 50 and Level 70 buoyancy aids (approval series 160.264 and 160.276) and Level 100 lifejackets (approval series 160.255). Because the incorporated standards are adopted in the US and Canada, these devices meet carriage requirements in both the US and Canada.
The rule does not affect currently approved equipment. Manufacturers may continue to manufacture all approved PFDs in accordance with their follow-up program. PFDs under approval series 160.055, 160.064, 160.076, and 160.077 may continue to be manufactured, sold, and used to meet carriage requirements. However, no new approvals will be issued under these approval series.
A Small Entity Compliance Guide about these new approval requirements is at— Small Entity Compliance Guide.
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