Enclosure (2) to COMDTINST 16796.7
8. SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES: To comply with Navigation
Rules and for distress signaling purposes all boats must carry a sound
Brief Explanation of VSC Required Items:
producing device (whistle, horn, siren, etc.) capable of a 4-second blast
audible for mile. Boats larger than 39.4 ft. are also required to have a
bell (see Navigation Rules.)
permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat They
must be plain, vertical, block characters, not less than three (3) inches
9. NAVIGATION LIGHTS: All boats must be able to display
high, and in a color contrasting with the background. A space or
navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of
hyphen must separate the letters from the numbers. Place State tax
reduced visibility. Boats 16 feet or more in length must have properly
sticker according to State policy. (e.g. FL 1234 AB or FL-1234-AB)
installed, working navigation lights and an all-around anchor light
capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white "running"
2. REGISTRATION / DOCUMENTATION: Registration or
lights.
Documentation papers must be on board and available. Documentation
numbers must be permanently marked on a visible part of the interior
10. POLLUTION PLACARD: Boats 26
feet and over with a
structure. The documented boat's name and hailing port must be
machinery compartment must display an oily waste "pollution" placard.
displayed on the exterior hull in letters not less than 4 inches in height.
To be documented a boat must be 5 net tons or greater.
11. MARPOL TRASH PLACARD: Boats 26 feet and over in length
must display a "MARPOL" trash placard. Boats 40 feet and over must
3. PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDs): Acceptable PFDs
also display a written trash disposal plan.
(also known as Life Jackets) must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in
12. MARINE SANITATION DEVICE: Any installed toilet must be
good serviceable condition, and of suitable size for the each person on
a Coast Guard approved device. Overboard discharge outlets must be
the boat. Children must have properly fitted PFDs designed for
capable of being sealed.
children. Wearable PFDs shall be "readily accessible." Throwable
devices shall be "immediately available." PFDs shall NOT be stored in
13. NAVIGATION RULES: Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on
unopened plastic packaging. For Personal Watercraft riders, the PFD
board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.
must be worn and indicate an impact rating. Boats 16 Feet or longer,
14. STATE AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS: These requirements
must also have one Type IV.
must be met before the "Vessel Safety Check" decal can be awarded. A
boat must meet the requirements of the state in which it is being
4. VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS: All recreational boats used on
examined.
coastal waters or the Great Lakes are required to carry a minimum of
three Coast Guard approved (current dated) day and night visual
15. OVERALL BOAT CONDITION: As it applies to this Vessel.
distress signals. Some signals (e.g. red flares) can serve for both day
Including, but not limited to:
and night.
a. Deck free of hazards and clean bilge - The boat must be free from
fire hazards, in good overall condition, with bilges reasonably clean and
Boats operating on inland waters should have some means of making a
visible hull structure generally sound. The use of automobile parts on
suitable day and night distress signal. The number and type of Visual
boat engines is not acceptable. The engine horsepower must not exceed
Distress Signals is best judged by considering conditions under which
that shown on the capacity plate.
the boat will be operating. Alternatives to pyrotechnic devices (flares)
include:
b. Safe Electrical and Fuel Systems: The electrical system must be
Night
Day
protected by fuses or manual reset circuit breakers. Switches and fuse
Strobe light
Signal mirror
panels must be protected from rain or water spray. Wiring must be in
Flashlight
Red or orange flags
good condition, properly installed and with no exposed areas or
Lantern
Hand signals
deteriorated insulation. Batteries must be secured and terminals covered
to prevent accidental arcing.. If installed, self-circling or kill switch
mechanism must be in proper working order. All PWCs require an
5. FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: Every power boat requires a minimum
operating self circling or kill switch mechanism. Fuel Systems -
of one Coast Guard approved "B-1" extinguisher. Only row boats and
Portable fuel tanks (normally 7 gallon capacity or less) must be
sailboats less than 16 feet with no mechanical propulsion are exempt.
constructed of non-breakable material and free of corrosion and leaks.
NOTE: Fire extinguishers must be readily accessible and verified as
All vents must be capable of being closed. The tank must be
serviceable.
secured and have a vapor-tight, leak-proof cap. Each permanent fuel
Minimum number of extinguishers required
tank must be properly ventilated.
Boat
No Fixed
With Fixed
Length
System
System
c. Safe Galley and Heating Systems -
System and fuel tanks must be
Less than 26'
one B-1
one B-1
properly secured with no flammable materials nearby.
26' to less than 40'
two B-1 or one B-2 one B-1
40' to 65'
three B-1 or
two B-1 or
I. - VIII. RECOMMENDED AND DISCUSSION ITEMS: (Not
one B-1 & one B-2
one B-2
required for the award of the "Vessel Safety Check" decal.) For the
very best boaters, we recommend these additional items. Meeting these
6. VENTILATION: Boats with gasoline engines in closed
requirements reflects your concern for Boating Safety.
compartments, built after 1 August 1980 must have a powered ventilation
system. Those built prior to that date must have natural or powered
Discussion Items are educational in nature and add value to the
ventilation. Boats with closed fuel tank compartments built after 1 August
Vessel Safety Check program.
1978 must meet requirements by displaying a "certificate of compliance."
Boats built before that date must have either natural or powered ventilation
in the fuel tank compartment.
** Person in the Water (PIW) kit consists of one extra wearable
7. BACKFIRE FLAME ARRESTER: All gasoline powered
PFD and a throwable type IV PFD w/line.
inboard/outboard or inboard motor boats must be equipped with an
___________________________________________________
approved backfire flame control device.
For more information: Ask your Vessel Examiner,
Visit http://SafetySeal.net
or Call the Boating Safety Hotline - 800-368-5647
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