🔍 Key Concepts

• 46 CFR Subchapter T small passenger vessel lifesaving appliance marking requirements • Specific markings required on life floats and buoyant apparatus (what text and where) • Differences between vessel identification markings and capacity markings

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: Are these devices required to show WHO they belong to, HOW MANY people they can carry, or BOTH? • Consider whether the regulations require markings only on the float/apparatus itself, or also on accessories such as paddles or oars. • Think about why the Coast Guard cares about markings during an emergency and inspections—what information must be visible at a glance?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify in 46 CFR Part 180 (Lifesaving) what must be marked on each life float and each buoyant apparatus. • Check if the regulation mentions paddles at all in connection with marking requirements. • Confirm whether both vessel name and person capacity must appear, or only one of these.