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 97356) AGENCY: Coast Guard, DHS. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: The Coast Guard amends the approval requirements and follow-up program requirements for lifejackets by incorporating new standards to replace existing legacy standards. The Coast Guard further amends lifejacket and personal flotation device (PFD) carriage requirements to allow for the use of equipment approved to the new standards and removes obsolete equipment approval requirements. The amendments streamline the process for the approval of PFDs and allow manufacturers the opportunity to produce innovative equipment that complies with standards in both Canada and the United States. Manufacturing firms also stand to benefit through a reduced production-inspections burden. DATES: Effective dates: This final rule is effective January 6, 2025. The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of January 6, 2025. Compliance date: The Coast Guard will begin enforcing this rule on June 4, 2025. ADDRESSES: To view documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov , type USCG-2022-0120 in the search box and click “Search.” Next, in the Document Type column, select “Supporting & Related Material.”…