Section 149.70  Inspections and Examinations

The following inspections and examinations shall be performed in accordance with the applicable code or standard by a third-party examiner who meets the requirements of Section 149.80:

a)         An annual inspection shall be conducted of PMCs to determine if structural changes exist that may affect the stability of the PMC.  The inspection shall consist of the following:

1)         General inspection of the superstructure and layout of outfitting to ensure there are no changes to the approved arrangement that may affect the stability of the PMC;

2)         Inspection of the underdock spaces to ensure watertight integrity of the PMC is maintained;

3)         Inspection of the condition of the hull and watertight bulkheads;

4)         Inspection of the condition of watertight doors and watertight bulkhead penetration; and

5)         Inspection of the condition of ventilator, hatch covers and manhole covers.

b)         PMCs shall undergo dry dock and internal structural examinations at intervals in accordance with 46 CFR 71 or present evidence of compliance with alternative methods of hull examination as prescribed in that regulation.

c)         All repair work shall comply with Illinois law effective on the completion date of the work.

d)         Written documentation of compliance with the requirements of this Section and Section 149.80 shall be maintained until the next inspection.  A copy shall be furnished to OSFM by the owner of the PMC.  The documentation shall be certified by a third-party examiner meeting the qualifications set forth in Section 149.80.

e)         Hull inspection results, including comparison of results from the subject PMC's previous inspections, must be maintained in a format that will allow for examination by OSFM representatives.

f)         Repairs using underwater welding shall be subject to periodic reevaluation at subsequent inspections. Repairs shall be completed in accordance with the American Welding Society's Underwater Welding Code, incorporated by reference in Section 149.40.