Lifejacket Approval Harmonization

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Homeland Security Coast Guard 33 CFR Part 181 46 CFR Parts 25, 28, 108, 117, 133, 141, 160, 169, 180 and 199 [Docket No. USCG-2022-0120] RIN 1625-AC62 ( printed page 21016) AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard proposes to amend the approval requirements and follow-up program requirements for lifejackets by incorporating new standards to replace existing legacy standards. The Coast Guard further proposes to amend lifejacket and personal flotation device (PFD) carriage requirements to allow for the use of equipment approved to the new standards and remove obsolete equipment approval requirements. The proposed amendments would streamline the process for the approval of PFDs and allow manufacturers the opportunity to produce more innovative equipment that would meet approval requirements in both Canada and the United States while also reducing the burden of the approval process and the production inspections on manufacturing firms. DATES: Comments and related material must be received by the Coast Guard on or before June 6, 2023. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by docket number USCG-2022-0120 using the Federal Decision Making Portal at www.regulations.gov . See the “Public Participation and Request for Comments” portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for further instructions on submitting comments. Viewing material proposed for incorporation by reference. Make arrangements to vi…