46 CFR § 122.700 - Operational readiness.

(a) Each launching appliance and each survival craft and rescue boat on a vessel must be in good working order and ready for immediately use before the vessel leaves port and at all times when the vessel is underway.

(b) Each deck where survival craft or rescue boats are stowed or boarded must be kept clear of obstructions that would interfere with the boarding and launching of the survival craft or rescue boat.