(a) General. All components used in the construction of buoyant vests must meet the applicable requirements of subpart 164.019 of this chapter. The requirements for materials specified in this section are minimum requirements, and consideration will be given to the use of alternate materials in lieu of those specified. Detailed technical data and samples of all proposed alternate materials must be submitted for approval before those materials are incorporated in the finished product.
(b) Unicellular polyethylene foam. The unicellular polyethylene foam shall be all new material complying with specification subpart 164.013 of this subchapter.
(c) Envelope. The buoyant vest envelope, or cover, shall be made from 39, 2.85 cotton jeans cloth, with a thread count of approximately 96 x 64. The finished goods shall weigh not less than 4.2 ounces per square yard, shall have thread count of not less than 94 x 60, and shall have a breaking strength of not less than 85 pounds in the warp and 50 pounds in the filling. Other cotton fabrics having a weight and breaking strength not less than the above will be acceptable. There are no restrictions as to color, but the fastness of the color to laundering, water, crocking, and light shall be rated ``good'' when tested in accordance with Federal Test Method Standard No. 191, Methods 5610, 5630, 5650, and 5660.
(d) Tie tapes and body strap loops. The tie tapes and body strap loops for both adult and child sizes must be \3/4\-inch cotton webbing meeting the requirements of military specification MIL-T-43566 (Class I) for Type I webbing.
(d-1) Body straps. The complete body strap assembly including hardware, must have a minimum breaking strength of 150 pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds for a child size. The specifications for the webbing are as follows:
(1) For an adult size vest, the webbing must be 1 inch.
(2) For a child size vest, the webbing must be three-quarter inch and meet military specification MIL-W-530 for Type IIa webbing.
(e) [Reserved]
(f) Thread. Each thread must meet the requirements of subpart 164.023 of this chapter. Only one kind of thread may be used in each seam. [CGFR 65-37, 30 FR 11590, Sept. 10, 1965, as amended by CGD 72-90R, 37 FR 10839, May 31, 1972; CGD 72-163R, 38 FR 8122, Mar. 28, 1973; CGD 73-130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974; CGD 78-012, 43 FR 27154, June 22, 1978; CGD 82-063b, 48 FR 4782, Feb. 3, 1983; CGD 88-070, 53 FR 34536, Sept. 7, 1988; CGD 84-068, 58 FR 29494, May 20, 1993] Sec. 160.060-3a Materials--Dee ring and snap hook assemblies andother instruments of closure for buoyant vests.
(a) Specifications. Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests may have decorative platings in any thickness and must meet the following specifications:
(1) The device must be constructed of inherently corrosion resistant materials. As used in this section the term inherently corrosion resistant materials includes, but is not limited to, brass, bronze, and stainless steel.
(2) The size of the opening of the device must be consistent with the webbing which will pass through the opening.
(b) Testing requirements. Dee ring and snap hook assemblies and other instruments of closure for buoyant vests must--
(1) Be tested for weathering. The Coast Guard will determine which one or more of the following tests will be used:
(i) Application of a 20 percent sodium-chloride solution spray at a temperature of 95 [deg]F (35 [deg]C) for a period of 240 hours in accordance with the procedures contained in method 811 of the Federal Test Method Standard No. 151.
(ii) Exposure to a carbon-arc weatherometer for a period of 100 hours.
(iii) Submergence for a period of 100 hours in each of the following:
(a) Leaded gasoline.
(b) Gum turpentine.
(iv) Exposure to a temperature of 0[deg] 5 [deg]F (17.6 2.775 [deg]C) for 24 hours; and
(2) Within 5 minutes of completion of the weathering test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the assembly must be attached to a support and bear 150 pounds for an adult size and 115 pounds for a child size for 10 minutes at ambient temperatures without breaking or distorting. [CGD 73-130R, 39 FR 20684, June 13, 1974]