Which organization approves inflatable life rafts for maritime use?

Which organization approves inflatable life rafts for maritime use?

• A. Coast Guard
• B. OSHA
• C. EPA
• D. FAA

Answer: (A)

Regulatory authority for life-saving equipment on vessels rests with the Coast Guard. Inflatable life rafts used at sea must be approved by the Coast Guard, which tests and certifies that they meet applicable safety standards (such as SOLAS and U.S. requirements) and will function when needed. The approval is shown on the raft with Coast Guard markings and an approval number, and ongoing maintenance and inspections are required to keep the certification valid. Other agencies do not regulate maritime life-saving equipment: OSHA deals with workplace safety on land, EPA handles environmental protection, and the FAA governs aviation safety. Therefore, the Coast Guard is the organization that approves inflatable life rafts for maritime use.

Regulatory authority for life-saving equipment on vessels rests with the Coast Guard. Inflatable life rafts used at sea must be approved by the Coast Guard, which tests and certifies that they meet applicable safety standards (such as SOLAS and U.S. requirements) and will function when needed. The approval is shown on the raft with Coast Guard markings and an approval number, and ongoing maintenance and inspections are required to keep the certification valid. Other agencies do not regulate maritime life-saving equipment: OSHA deals with workplace safety on land, EPA handles environmental protection, and the FAA governs aviation safety. Therefore, the Coast Guard is the organization that approves inflatable life rafts for maritime use.