(a) Except as allowed in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may be on an unmanned platform unless the following lifesaving equipment is readily accessible on the platform:
(1) A life preserver or a Type I--Personal flotation device, listed in Table 1, for each person.
Table 1--Life Preservers and Equivalent Performance Flotation Devices------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equivalent to performance
Devices marked type marked------------------------------------------------------------------------160.002 Life preserver.................... Type I--Personal flotation
device.160.003 Life preserver.................... Type I--Personal flotation
device.160.004 Life preserver.................... Type I--Personal flotation
device.160.005 Life preserver.................... Type I--Personal flotation
device.160.055 Life preserver.................... Type I--Personal flotation
device.------------------------------------------------------------------------
(2) An approved ring life buoy (Type IV PFD) for every two persons, but no more than four devices are required. Each ring life buoy must be of a type constructed in accordance with 46 CFR subpart 160.050; except a ring life buoy that was approved under former 46 CFR subpart 160.009 may be used as long as it is in good and serviceable condition.
(3) Each ring life buoy under paragraph (a)(2) of this section must have an approved automatic electric water light that is attached as described in Sec. 144.01-25(b).
(b) The ring life buoys required in paragraph (a)(2) of this section may be kept on a manned vessel that remains alongside the platform if there is no available space to keep them on the platform. [CGD 73-177R, 40 FR 8176, Feb. 26, 1975, as amended by CGD 80-155b, 47 FR 10533, Mar. 11, 1982]