Skiffs as survival craft.

A skiff may be substituted for all or part of the approved survival craft for towing vessels that do not operate more than 3 miles from shore. A skiff used as a survival craft does not require Coast Guard approval but must: (a) Be capable of being launched within 5 minutes under all circumstances; (b) Be of suitable size for all persons on board the towing vessel; (c) Not exceed the loading specified on the capacity plate required by 33 CFR 183.23; (d) Not contain modifications affecting the buoyancy or structure of the skiff; (e) Be of suitable design for the vessel's intended service; and (f) Be marked in accordance with §§ 199.176 and 199.178 of this chapter.