Difference between revisions of "Safety Requirements"
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== Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): == | == Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): == | ||
− | * All vessels must have at least one USCG–approved [[Type I PFD|Type I]], [[Type II PFD|II]], [[Type III PFD|III]], or [[Type V PFD|V]] PFD (life jacket) for | + | * All recreational vessels must have at least one USCG–approved [[Type I PFD|Type I]], [[Type II PFD|II]], [[Type III PFD|III]], or [[Type V PFD|V]] PFD (life jacket) for every person on board. |
− | * | + | * In addition to the total number of wearable PFDs, one throwable USCG-approved PDF [[Type IV PFD|Type IV]] must be on board and ''immediately'' accessible. |
− | * Children under | + | * Children under 13 years old must wear a USCG–approved [[Type I PFD|Type I]], [[Type II PFD|II]], [[Type III PFD|III]], or [[Type V PFD|V]] PFD whenever above deck on any vessel underway. |
* All life jackets (PFDs) must be: | * All life jackets (PFDs) must be: | ||
** U.S. Coast Guard–approved, which means clearly marked with the USCG approval number | ** U.S. Coast Guard–approved, which means clearly marked with the USCG approval number | ||
− | ** In good and serviceable condition | + | ** In good and serviceable condition, and used in accordance with its owner's manual |
** Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency | ** Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency | ||
− | ** Of the proper size for the intended wearer; sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size | + | ** Of the proper size for the intended wearer; sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size |
− | + | ||
== Navigation Lights == | == Navigation Lights == |
Revision as of 15:33, 11 October 2016
This information was taken from Federal and Massachusetts State boating safety regulations. This assumes that MIT's vessel meets the following criteria:
- Sailboat with overall length between 12m and 20m (39.4 ft. and 65.6 ft.)
- Diesel inboard engine
- No permanently installed fire extinguisher system.
Contents
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):
- All recreational vessels must have at least one USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD (life jacket) for every person on board.
- In addition to the total number of wearable PFDs, one throwable USCG-approved PDF Type IV must be on board and immediately accessible.
- Children under 13 years old must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD whenever above deck on any vessel underway.
- All life jackets (PFDs) must be:
- U.S. Coast Guard–approved, which means clearly marked with the USCG approval number
- In good and serviceable condition, and used in accordance with its owner's manual
- Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency
- Of the proper size for the intended wearer; sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size
The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and in periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain.
Sailing vessel underway:
- Red (port) and green (starboard) sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles.
- White sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles.
Sailing vessel underway - alternate configuration:
- A white, red, and green all-round light ("tricolor") at or near the top of the mast, visible from a distance of at least two miles.
- Tri-color light shall not be used in conjunction with sidelights and sternlight.
Auxiliary sailboat underway under power:
- Red and green sidelights visible from a distance of at least two miles.
- White sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles.
- White forward masthead light visible from a distance of at least three miles.
Note: with engine on in forward or reverse, with or without sails, follow rules for power-driven vessels.
At anchor:
- All-round white light where it can best be seen, visible from a distance of at least two miles.
REFERENCE for above lights situations:
- US Coast Guard Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (ISBN: 9780160925665)
- Light visibility - rule 22(b); Motoring - rule 23(a) without (iii); Sailing - rule 25(a) and (b); Anchored - rule 30(b).
Fire Extinguishers
The vessel must have, at a minimum, either of:
- Three B-I fire extinguishers
or
- One B-I and one B-II fire extinguishers
Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label — “Marine Type USCG Approved” — followed by the size and type symbols (B-I or B-II) and the approval number. The “II” in the symbol B-II indicates that this type of fire extinguisher has twice the extinguishing agent as those labeled B-I.
Note: A fixed B-II extinquisher is equivalent to a Type B-I extinguisher.
Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area — not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately.
All fire extinguishers must be fully charged and in good condition.
Fire extinguishers must be stored in a dedicated bracket.
Equipment for Sound Signals
A vessel of 12 meters or more in length shall be provided with a whistle.
Visual Distress Signals (VSDs)
Day-use approved visual distress signals are required in coastal waters, and night-use visual distress signals are required if the vessel is operated between sunset and sunrise.
Acceptable pyrotechnic visual distress signals include:
- Red handheld flares (day or night use)
- Red aerial flares (day or night use)
- Orange smoke (day use only)
Acceptable non-pyrotechnic visual distress signals include:
- Orange distress flag with black circle and black square (day use only)
- Electric distress light with automatic SOS signalling function (night use only)
Note: If pyrotechnic devices are selected, a minimum of three must be carried. Pyrotechnic devices come with an expiration date, which is 42 months from the date of manufacture. To meet carriage requirements, you must have at least three un-expired devices aboard. You may carry expired flares as back up, but they will not count towards the legal requirement.
Anchor and Bailer
All vessels propelled by a motor of any kind must have an anchor and sufficient line (rope) to anchor in the vessel's normal operating area, and a manual bailer.
Placards
MARPOL Trash Placard
A durable sign (at least 4 x 9 inches) must be displayed in a prominent location to notify passengers and crew about garbage dumping restrictions of the Marine Pollution Act (MARPOL):
Area | It is illegal to dump: | |
Within within 3 nautical miles of shore | Plastic, paper, rags, glass, metal, crockery, dunnage (lining and packing material, nets, lines, etc.), and food | |
Between 3 and 12 nautical miles from shore | Plastic and any other garbage that is greater than one inch in size | |
Between 12 and 25 nautical miles from shore | Plastic and dunnage | |
Beyond 25 nautical miles | Plastic |
Oil Discharge Placard
A durable sign (at least 5 x 8 inchs) must be placed in the machinery area or near the bilge pump control switch stating:
Discharge of Oil Prohibited |
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the U.S. The prohibition includes any discharge which causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment. |
External Links
- Navigation Rules (Inland and International, in online sections or full COLREGS in PDF form, rules FAQ)
- USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook (download PDF)
- US Coast Guard Navigation center additional federal regulations
- A Boater's Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats
- Virtual Vessel Safety Check (USCGAux online app)
- Boston Harbor marine traffic (AIS-equipped vessels)