Recreational boats must carry Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices, in good and serviceable condition, and of the appropriate size for the intended user. COAST GUARD MINIMUM EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS Cleaning with soap and water is the best way to maintain its effectiveness. Elements must be clean, and grids must be tight enough to prevent flames passing through. When in use flame arrestors must be secured to the air intake of the carburetor with an airtight connection. It operates by absorbing heat.įlame arrestors no longer require Coast Guard approval the USCG now accepts flame arrestors complying with Underwriters Laboratories Standard 1111 or Society of Automotive Engineers J1928. With some minor and technical exceptions, every inboard gasoline engine must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control-or "flame arrestor." This safety device prevents an exhaust backfire from causing an explosion. It is recommended that you use a blower at least 4 minutes before you ever start the engine, and especially after fueling. The size blower you need is determined by the volume of your engine compartment. They are ignition protected to prevent sparks, and are built to resist overheating and corrosion. The USCG stipulates the use of a mechanical ventilation system for all non-open boats built after Jthat run on gasoline.Įven if your boat is older, it still must conform to USCG minimum ventilation levels, and may require a bilge blower to satisfy those guidelines.īilge Blowers are specifically designed to clear gasoline fumes from closed compartments. For most boats that works out to having two inlets and exhausts, with each vent having ducting from 3 inch diameter hose for smaller boats to 5 inch hose for larger boats.Ī bilge blower is important not only because it's required, but because your life may depend on it. Larger boats with larger compartments must have more ventilation-the figure is 15 square inches of opening for each cubic foot of compartment. (Birds like to make nests in ducts.) Intakes are usually pointed forward, exhausts usually face aft.īoats must have a ventilation system that is adequate for the size space the system is used for. Ducting should be routed away from any heat sources, should not be "kinked", and should be inspected regularly for cracks or debris. Ducting for the exhaust must be located in the lower third of the hull-but above any bilge water. ![]() Both the inlet and the outlet must have ducts-which are tubes or hoses that extend down into the boat. Ventilation systems must have two parts-an air inlet, and a separate air outlet. Good ventilation can do many things for you-help prevent mildew and bad odors, to saving your life by taking carbon monoxide and gasoline fumes out of the boat. If you have any gasoline powered engines aboard a ventilation system is a legal requirement. If you have enclosed areas on your boat, a ventilation system can do many things for you. For more information on lights, click here. For more information on sounds, click here. For more information on fire extinguishers, click here. The correct number of approved fire extinguishers, readily available for use is based on the size of your vessel.For more information on Visual Distress Signals, click here. Three current-dated, hand-held, approved flares are minimum equipment to serve for day and night distress signals, both inshore and offshore.For more information on PFD's, click here. The throw-able should be close by the steering station. You must have the PFDs out of the plastic and in a READILY accessible location. One personal flotation device (in good condition) for each person on board, plus a throw-able cushion or ring is required.For example, boats 16 feet in length and over must have the at least: These requirements are generally based upon the length of your boat, but a recent trend has been to have requirements based upon the time of year that you operate your vessel, or how far from shore you might operate your vessel. To legally operate your vessel, both the Coast Guard and the states require you to carry certain equipment aboard your boat. PFDs, Flares Fire Extinguishers, Sound Devices and Lights Boat Owners Association of The United States
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