(a) Approved lifeboats, approved life rafts or approved inflatable life rafts may be used in lieu of approved life floats for either all or part of the capacity required. When either lifeboats or life rafts are used approved means of launching will be required. Inflatable life rafts, when used, shall be distributed and mounted as required for life floats under § 144.01-5.

(b) The equipment required for a lifeboat is a bailer, boat hook, bucket, hatchet, lantern, life line, two life preservers, matches, full complement of oars and steering oar, painter, plug, and rowlocks, of the same type, kind, and character as required for lifeboats carried on vessels engaged in navigating bays, sounds, and lakes other than the Great Lakes, and rivers.

(c) The equipment required for a life raft is a boat hook, life line (if not a Type A life raft), full complement of oars and steering oar, painter, and rowlocks of the same type, kind, and character as required for life rafts carried on cargo and miscellaneous vessels navigating on bays, sounds, and lakes other than the Great Lakes.

(d) Inflatable liferafts shall be approved by the Coast Guard under approval series 160.151. An approved “Limited Service” or “Ocean Service” liferaft installed on board a platform before May 9, 1997, may continue to be used to meet the requirements of this section provided it is maintained in good and serviceable condition.