To legally operate your vessel, both the Coast Guard and the states require you to carry certain equipment aboard your boat. 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. For example, boats 16 feet in length and over must have the at least:
Ventillation SystemsIf you have enclosed areas on your boat, a ventilation system can do many things for you. If you have any gasoline powered engines aboard a ventilation system is a legal requirement. 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. Ventilation systems must have two parts--an air inlet, and a separate air outlet. Both the inlet and the outlet must have ducts--which are tubes or hoses that extend down into the boat. Ducting for the exhaust must be located in the lower third of the hull--but above any bilge water. Ducting should be routed away from any heat sources, should not be "kinked", and should be inspected regularly for cracks or debris. (Birds like to make nests in ducts.) Intakes are usually pointed forward, exhausts usually face aft. Boats must have a ventilation system that is adequate for the size space the system is used for. Larger boats with larger compartments must have more ventilation--the figure is 15 square inches of opening for each cubic foot of compartment. 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.
A natural, or passive, ventilation system consists of vents, cowls and other permanent openings in the boat that are designed to let air enter or exit using wind power or the boats' motion to move the air. This type of system is rather ineffective at clearing fumes when the boat is not in motion, so it used primarily for living spaces and tank/bilge areas. It can be used in engine compartments, but only in conjunction with powered blowers.
A bilge blower is important not only because it's required, but because your life may depend on it. The USCG stipulates the use of a mechanical ventilation system for all non-open boats built after July 31, 1981 that run on gasoline. Even if your boat is older, it still must conform to USCG minimum ventilation levels, and may require a bilge blower to satisfy those guidelines. Bilge Blowers are specifically designed to clear gasoline fumes from closed compartments. They are ignition protected to prevent sparks, and are built to resist overheating and corrosion. The size blower you need is determined by the volume of your engine compartment. It is recommended that you use a blower at least 4 minutes before you ever start the engine, and especially after fueling. Backfire Flame ArrestorWith 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 operates by absorbing heat. Flame 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. When in use flame arrestors must be secured to the air intake of the carburetor with an airtight connection. Elements must be clean, and grids must be tight enough to prevent flames passing through. Cleaning with soap and water is the best way to maintain its effectiveness. Equipment Chart
Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements vary with the size of the boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on which it is used. For a more thorough discussion and complete details on how many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your boat, request a free copy of the pamphlet "Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats' from the Coast Guard. For more information visit www.uscgboating.org, and many local marine retailers have printed copies available in store at no charge. Many state requirements go beyond Coast Guard requirements. Contact your state boating office for details. Recommended EquipmentCoast Guard minimum requirements are just that, minimum. It is suggested you carry additional safety equipment, such as:
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