scope:

(a) This part contains the minimum requirements for vessel automated vital systems. Specifically, this part contains-

(1) In subpart 62.25, the general requirements for all vital system automation;

(2) In subpart 62.30, the criteria used to evaluate the designed reliability and safety of all automated vital systems;

(3) In subpart 62.35, the minimum additional equipment, configuration, and functional requirements necessary when certain vital systems are automated; and

(4) In subpart 62.50, the minimum additional requirements when automated systems are provided to replace specific personnel or to reduce overall crew requirements.

Purpose, preemptive effect.

The purpose of this part is to make sure that the safety of a vessel with automated vital systems, in maneuvering and all other sailing conditions, is equal to that of the vessel with the vital systems under direct manual operator supervision. The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.

Applicability.

(a) Vessels. This part applies to selfpropelled vessels of 500 gross tons and over that are certificated under subchapters D, I, or U, to self-propelled vessels of 100 gross tons and over that are certificated under subchapter H, and to OSVs of at least 6,000 GT ITC (500 GRT if GT ITC is not assigned) as defined in § 125.160 of this chapter.

(b) Systems and equipment. Except as noted in § 62.01-5(c), this part applies to automation of vital systems or equipment that-

(1) Is automatically controlled or monitored;

(2) Is remotely controlled or monitored; or

(3) Utilizes automation for the purpose of replacing specific personnel or to reduce overall crew requirements.

(c) Exceptions. This part does not apply to the following systems and equipment unless they are specifically addressed or unless their failure would degrade the safety and reliability of the systems required by this part:

(1) Automatic auxiliary heating equipment (see part 63 of this subchapter).

(2) Steering systems (see subparts 58.25 and 111.93 of this chapter).

(3) Non-vital and industrial systems.

(4) The communication and alarm systems in part 113 of this chapter.

(d) Central control rooms. The requirements of subpart 62.50 only apply to vessels automated to replace specific personnel or to reduce overall crew requirements, except where the main propulsion or ship service electrical generating plants are automatically or remotely controlled from a control room. In this case, § 62.50-20(a)(3) (except the provision in paragraph 62.50- 20(a)(3)(ii) relating to electrical power distribution), (b)(3), (c), (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(4), and (f)(2) apply, regardless of manning.