The Certificate of Inspection for your vessel was issued in January. In March of the same year you need to replace a cooling water pump for the refrigeration system. What action would be appropriate?

Correct Answer: Option B — Replace the pump, as the Coast Guard need not be informed of the pump replacement.

Routine maintenance or replacement of auxiliary machinery like refrigeration cooling pumps does not require Coast Guard notification, provided the work does not involve structural modifications, welding on pressure boundaries, or alterations to the vessel's certified safety systems. Standard equipment replacement is considered normal operational maintenance under 46 CFR.