Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Us Coast Guard Boat Requirements

Acceptable Flotation Devices Must Meet The Following Conditions:

USCG Inspection
  • They must bear the Coast Guard approved label
  • They must be in good and serviceable condition
  • They must be an appropriate size for the person who intends to wear it
  • Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible
  • Throwable devices must be immediately available for use.

If someone falls overboard, follow these procedures:

  • Toss a life-saving device even if the person can swim. A life ring is the preferred device. It can be thrown farther and is easier to hang on to. However, use whatever device is nearest. Time is essential.
  • Slow the boat, keeping the person in view. Other persons onboard should act as look outs. At night, direct the best possible lights on the victim.
  • Try to approach the person from downwind or into the waves. Always use common sense and good judgment. Consider existing condition and ability of the victim and what other help is available. If someone aboard is capable, have the person put on a life-saving device with a line attached to the boat and enter the water to assist the person.
  • Always stop the motor when someone is going over the side, or coming aboard.
  • Assist the person in boarding the boat. It is difficult to climb into a boat from the water. The person may be hurt or cold and may require help.

Vessels 26′ To Less Than 40′

  • Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person plus one Type IV throwable. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the intended user and readily accessible.
  • Fire Extinguishers: One B-II or two B-I
  • Visual Distress Signals: Minimum of three-day use and three-night use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: one orange distress flag and one electric SOS signal light . Pyrotechnic signals must be have a manufacture date within 42 months of the current date.
  • Sound Producing Devices: Horn or whistle required to signal intentions or signal position.
  • Vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable, Coast Guard-certified Type I, II or III Marine Sanitation Device . Subject to local laws.
  • Pollution Regulation Placards: 5″ x 8″ Oil Discharge placard and 4″ x 9″ Waste Discharge placard.
  • Backfire Flame Arrestor: One Coast Guard-approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline-powered engines built after August 1980, except outboard motors.
  • Ventilation: Coast Guard-standard system required on gasoline-powered vessels with enclosed engine compartments built after August 1980.

How Do I Know If My Vessel Has To Be Documented

Your vessel must be documented if it measures five net tons or more and is used for coastwise trade or fishing activities on navigable waters of the United States or the Exclusive Economic Zone. Coastwise trade is a phrase you may be unfamiliar with, but in this context, its defined as transporting merchandise or passengers between points in the United States or the Exclusive Economic Zone. Additionally, dredges that operate in America or the Exclusive Economic Zone, as well as towboats that operate between the United States and the Exclusive Economic Zone, must be documented.

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Note: The Us Coast Guard’s Free Pamphlet Federal Requirements For Recreational Boats Gives More Complete Details On How Many And What Types Of Equipment You Must Have Aboard Your Boat Call The Coast Guard 800

Boats Less Than 16ft

Personal Floatation Devices

Recreational boats must carry Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Devices, in good and serviceable condition, and of appropriate size for the intended user. Wearable PFDs must be readily accessible, not stowed in bags, locked or closed compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them. Throwable devices must be immediately available for use. There must be one Type I, II, III, or V PFD for each person on board or being towed on water skis, etc., PLUS one Type IV throwable device. Throwable, Type IV PFDs may no longer be substituted for wearable types on boats less than 16 feet. State laws on mandatory PFD wear may vary.

Fire Extinguishers

At least one B-1 type Coast Guard-approved hand portable fire extinguisher. Not required on outboard motorboats less than 26 feet long and not carrying passengers for hire if the construction of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors, and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.

Visual Distress Signals

Must carry approved visual distress signals for nighttime use.

Sound Producing Device

Every vessel less than 39.4 feet long must carry an efficient sound-producing device such as a whistle or horn.

Ventilation

Ventilation

Backfire Flame Arrestor

Boats 16ft to Less Than 26ft

Personal Floatation Devices

Fire Extinguishers

Visual Distress Signals

Sound Producing Device

Ventilation

Ventilation

Backfire Flame Arrestor

Fire Extinguishers

The Rest Of The Gear We Recommend

Meets All U.S. Coast Guard Regulations  Bluewater Sportfishing Boats, Inc.

The lists above will satisfy minimum requirements for operating your boat, but there are other saftey products that have proven their worth when the worst happens on the water. While these products will require a little more investment on your part, they are an investment in the safety of yourself and others on your boat. At West Marine, we are commited to making life on the water as enjoyable as possible and having the right safety gear is part of that.

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Fire Extinguishers Must Be Carried On All Motorboats Which Have Any Of The Following Conditions:

Boats are 26 feet or longer, transport passengers for hire, have one or more of the following:

  • Inboard engines
  • Closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
  • Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material
  • Closed living spaces

Powerboats 40′ To Less Than 65′

Life Jackets One wearable device for each person on board PLUS one Type IV throwable device.

Fire Extinguisher Three Type B-1 OR one Type B-2 plus one Type B-1

Visual Distress Signal On Lake Erie a USCG-approved signal for both day and night use. On waters other than Lake Erie, a distress flag or USCG-approved signal for day use.

Sound Signaling Device A whistle, horn or other device. Vessel of 12 meters or more must have a power whistle.

Anchor & Line Required

Lights Running lights as prescribed by federal and state law. Anchor light displayed when at anchor.

Ventilation of Engine and Fuel Tank Compartments Required

Backfire Flame Arrestor for Inboard Engines Required

Muffling Device or Underwater Exhaust Required

Inland Navigation Rules Required

Garbage Placard Required

Oil Pollution Placard Required

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Nj Boating Carriage Requirements

Motorboats Less Than 16 Feet In Length

  • Personal Flotation Device: One Type I, II, III, or V Coast Guard approved personal flotation device must be carried for each person on board. They must be readily accessible and of an appropriate size for the intended wearer.
  • Fire Extinguisher: One Type B-I Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher must be carried when no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces. Extinguishers are not required for outboard motorboats less than 26 feet in length and of open construction. No portable extinguishers are required if an approved, fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces.
  • Backfire Flame Arrestor: A Coast Guard approved backfire flame arrestor is required for inboard gasoline motors which are not exposed to the atmosphere above the level of the gunwale. Muffling System: An effective muffling system is required for the exhaust of each internal combustion engine. Unmodified outboards usually meet legal requirements.

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Motorboats 16 Feet To Less Than 26 Feet

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Motorboats 26 Feet To Less Than 40 Feet

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Motorboats 40 Feet To 65 Feet

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Sailboats And Manually Propelled Vessels

Personal Flotation Devices

The minimum requirements are:

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Ventilation Systems

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Backfire Flame Control Device

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Oily Waste Discharge Placard

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Waste Management Plan

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Navigation Lights – Inland And International

Using Durable Metalphoto For Placards

Boating Safety – Coast Guard Requirements and More #boatingsafety

Boats are exposed to a number of harsh conditions on the water and this is especially true in marine environments. Ensuring that your labels and placards are durable is essential. Many boat owners and manufacturers today are taking advantage of Metalphoto® to add corrosion-resistant and compliant placards to their vessels. The labels can be fully customized and are an extremely durable solution that is well suited to . In fact, this material is designed to withstand a host of unwelcoming environments, including extreme heat and sun exposure, icy conditions, and even environments where chemical exposure is abundant. Take a look at our full line of marine-suitable durable nameplates and and data plates.

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Complete Guide To Uscg Documentation Standards And Requirements For Boats

Vessel documentation has a long history in the United States with some of the first requirements being outlined by the 11th Act of the First Congress in 1790. This type of regulation serves as the known standard to prove nationality for international purposes, regulate trade among coastal territories and fishing grounds, and clarify ownership of vessels in the U.S. The United States Coast Guard manages the federal documentation of vessels through the National Vessel Documentation Center .

Today there are approximately 225,000 USCG documented vessels that are current and valid. The requirements for federal documentation of vessels are outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations in section 46 CFR 67. There is also a complementary section that specifies the requirements for state registration of vessels. Vessel owners seeking documentation at the federal level must submit an application to the NVDC, and there are a number of considerations to keep in mind and ensure your boat is fully compliant at both the state and federal levels. This guide will help to clarify the specific requirements for individual vessels including differences in size, intended use, and location.

In todays guide well discuss:

The Newtons Are Coming

The United States Coast Guard has removed references to “Type” codes in regulations on the carriage and labeling of Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices. However, as of April, 2019, the majority of life jackets on the market in the United States still carry U.S. Coast Guard Type-based labels, which correspond to Type I, II, III or V life jackets and Type IV throwable devices. Going forward, these Type codes will gradually be replaced with icon-based labels that give the devices buoyancy rating in Newtonswhich is a metric measurement equivalent to pounds force. Along with the rating in Newtons, other icons will indicate the limitations of use.

Life jackets currently labeled as Type II will be eventually be replaced by life jackets with a 70 Newton rating that are capable of turning most people face-up in the water. Type III devices will gradually be replaced with 70 Newton modelswhich like current Type III models are not designed to turn the wearer face-up. Does this mean you will need to ditch your current life jackets with “Type-based” labels? No. As long as your current life jackets are serviceable and fit the intended user you will be just fine.

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What Are The Coast Guard Boat Requirements For Documentation

Simply put, if the vessel measures at least five net tons and is entirely owned by a citizen of the United States of America, then in all likelihood, the vessel can be documented. We put in all likelihood because some oil spill response vessels count as exceptions. Should your vessel meet those requirements, then you are able to get it documented if you so choose. That said, there are some vessels that must be documented. Remember that there are different types of documentation, too. You can get a Certificate of Documentation for fishery, coastwise, registry, or just recreation itself. All vessels can be used for recreation, but one with a recreational endorsement cant be used for anything else.

Vessels 16′ To Less Than 26′

Response Boat  Medium
  • Personal Flotation Devices: One Type I, II, III or V per person plus one Type IV throwable. PFDs must be Coast Guard approved, wearable by the intended user and readily accessible.
  • Fire Extinguishers: One B-I, any type. Fire extinguishers required on boats with enclosed engine compartments , enclosed living spaces or permanent fuel tanks.
  • Visual Distress Signals: Minimum of three-day use and three-night use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: one orange distress flag and one electric SOS signal light . Pyrotechnic signals must be have a manufacture date within 42 months of the current date.
  • Sound Producing Devices: Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or signal position.
  • Vessels with installed toilet facilities must have an operable, Coast Guard-certified Type I, II or III Marine Sanitation Device . Subject to local laws.
  • Pollution Regulation Placards: No placards required.
  • Backfire Flame Arrestor: One Coast Guard-approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline-powered engines built after August 1980, except outboard motors.
  • Ventilation: Coast Guard-standard system required on gasoline-powered vessels with enclosed engine compartments built after August 1980.

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Registration And Placard Requirements From The Uscg

There are unique requirements for placard placement for state registration and federal documentation that must be kept in mind. Boats that are registered in their state must have the state-issued Certificate of Number painted or permanently attached, in plain vertical block letters, to each side of the forward half of the vessel. The numbers must be at least 3 inches in height, readable from left to right, and in a color that contrasts with the underlying background. Spaces or hyphens in between letters must be of equal width to a letter except for the letter I or the number 1.

Documented recreational vessels must have a clearly readable display with the vessel name and hailing port in one location on the hull . Letters must not be less than four inches in height. An additional requirement for commercial vessels is to also include the vessel name on both sides of the bow. Recreational vessels may also do this, but it is not required. One final requirement for documented vessels is to affix the official vessel number in block-type Arabic numerals of at least 3 inches in height to some interior integral structure. The number must have the designation NO. before the number and be permanently affixed, meaning that removal would be obvious.

Still Not Sure If You Have Enough Boat Safety Knowledge

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons® offer a Vessel Safety Check as a free public service. These volunteer organizations assist the US Coast Guard by promoting boating safety. Check with them if you are unsure about whether you are in compliance with the safety requirements for your vessel. Having the proper education also ensures safer boating.

PartsVu offers more than 200,000 parts and products, including boating essentials, to help you to safety enjoy your time on the water.

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At Least Two Vents For Every Fuel Compartment Or Closed Engine

Gasoline vapor can ignite if your boat engine backfires. This is the reason the USCG requires proper ventilation for your boats fuel compartments or closed engine. A backfire flame arrestor is required onboard for any gasoline engine.

Straightening and smoothing incoming air is the K& N 59-3364 Flame Arrestor. Marine approved, the device is both reusable and washable. Compatibility with your boat engine can be checked further by visiting the official website of the manufacturer.

How Do I Weigh My Vessel For Five Net Tons

Boating Safety with the U.S. Coast Guard

We often receive some variation of this question. Five net tons, in this context, isnt a measurement of weight so much as it is volume. We often tell folks just to eyeball it. For example, if your vessel is longer than 25 feet, its basically guaranteed to measure five net tons or more. Simply doing that quick eyeball test can save you plenty of time and money.

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Is Your Boat Eligible For Coast Guard Documentation Coast Guard Requirements For A Vessel

Are you concerned if your boat is eligible for US Coast Guard documentation? As stated above, for a boat to be eligible for USCG vessel documentation, it must be owned by a US citizen and must be at least five net tons. If your vessel is greater than 27 feet you may be lucky to meet the minimum requirement.

Ensure Your Portable Onboard Fire Extinguishers Meet New Regulations Set By The Us Coast Guard That Go Into Effect On April 20 2022

Many disposable fire extinguishers have the date of manufacture stamped into the bottom of the bottle. Youll often find fire-extinguisher classification and size listed on the side of the canister.

In a nutshell, if any disposable fire extinguisher has a date of manufacture stamped on the bottle and it is older than 12 years, the extinguisher is now considered “expired,” must be removed from service, and replaced. Additionally, while the new regulation doesnt change the type , quantity, or requirement for fire extinguishers aboard, it does specify the minimum Underwriters Laboratories classification of extinguishers to be carried aboard certain vessels, depending on the boats model year. This is the result of phasing out older B-I and B-II labels for newer 5-B, 10-B and 20-B classifications.

Vessels less than 26 feet and model year 2017 or older may continue to carry dated or undated B-I or B-II disposable extinguishers. When no longer serviceable, or its been 12 years since manufacture, they must be replaced with newer class 5-B or greater extinguishers. Boats less than 26 feet and 2018 model year or later must carry unexpired 5-B, 10-B, or 20-B fire extinguishers. Older B-I and B-II types do not meet the new carriage requirements. Expired extinguishers may be carried aboard for backup but do not count toward the requirement.

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