46 C.F.R. § 160.010-2
Buoyant apparatus. Buoyant apparatus is flotation equipment (other than lifeboats, liferafts, and personal flotation devices) designed to support a specified number of persons in the water, and of such construction that it retains its shape and properties and requires no adjustment or preparation for use. The types of buoyant apparatus generally in use are the box-float type and the peripheral-body type defined in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section.
Box-float. Box-float is buoyant apparatus of a box-like shape.
Commandant means the Commandant (CG-ENG-4), Attn: Lifesaving and Fire Safety Division, U.S. Coast Guard Stop 7509, 2703 Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20593-7509.
Peripheral-body. Peripheral body is buoyant apparatus with a continuous body in the shape of either an ellipse or rectangle with a circular, elliptical, or rectangular body cross-section.
Inflatable buoyant apparatus. An inflatable buoyant apparatus is flotation equipment that depends on inflated compartments for buoyancy and is designed to support a specified number of persons completely out of the water.
46 C.F.R. §160.010-2