PFD question

[Tim R.]

If you boat is at a slip, do you need to provide a PFD for all persons aboard?

I live at a marina with a floating resturant(formerly a ferry) and they have 2 small lifeboats(not sure if for looks or are required). When inside the resturant I have never seen any designation for where the PFDs are located. Maybe they consider this the same as a floating dock as it cannot move from it's present location because of captive piles driven around it.

 

[Ross]

I am sure that they are required to have throwable rings or some such. Except that they be rammed I can't think of a way for them to sink quickly.

 

[Joe]

Wondering why you didn't ask the manager when you were in the restaurant... or give them a call for clarification.

 

[tommays]

I would say it depends on how you got your CO

BUT i have been to Manhattan Sailing School in NYC there classroom is a floating unit as is the clubhouse out on a mooring and there is a LOT more safety gear than any of the other waterfront barge type restaurant i have been to

I am still amazed how they pull off getting permission to moor the clubhouse in NY harbor in view of the statue of liberty

 

[MrUnix]

There is a restaurant down in the Keys that is similar.. it's an old houseboat (or 2?) floating in a canal. I don't remember seeing any special safety equipment there either, in fact, from the inside you could not tell that you were even on the water except for some of the views out the windows. I suppose that being captive and unable to move on it's own, it could be considered a dwelling instead of a vessel. And even if it does sink, it sure seems easier to just jump over to the dock than throw on a PFD and jump in the drink

As for regular vessels at dock.. Reading the regs seems to indicate that PFDs are required for each person on board, even if not underway. I can see how that might be easily overlooked by the authorities given the proximity to the dock/land. Maybe a USCG or Marine Patrol officer lurking in this forum can chime in and clarify.

Cheers,
Brad

 

[Tim R.]

Well I can tell you that if the resturant were to sink, all you need to do is simply goto the upper deck which will remain above water when the vessel hits the bottom.

I just realised I have a friend who used to be a coastie. I will ask him.

 

[kpgraci]

I'm sure there is some exception for businesses like that, assuming they can't actually sail. All businesses need fire extinguishers and fire exits for example, floating barges probably have a few additional requirements, but there not really boats.

For boats, in Louisiana we need one PFD per person plus one additional for a child (even if no child is aboard) , plus a throwable.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

It's not a vessel... (edited to add info)

A vessel is defined in the CFR as, "every description of watercraft or other artificial contrivance used, or capable of being used, as a means of transportation on waters of the United States"

Your restaurant isn't being used as transportation and as long as it's permanently tied to the shore ("tied" not limited to lines, but sewer line, permanent electrical etc), it's no longer capable of being used as transportation either, even if it still has engines.

That makes it a permanently moored floating structure, which are not subject to the same regulations as vessels. In fact, it's most likely under the jurisdiction of the state health department, and subject to the same rules, codes, etc that apply to any structure on land.

That's how it works in most states, anyway.

 

[wonkodsane]

It's a permanently moored floating structure, which are not subject to the same regulations as vessels. In fact, it's most likely under the jurisdiction of the state health department, and subject to the same rules, codes, etc that apply to any structure on land.

That's how it works in most states, anyway.

Peggie,

What do they do about head and holding tank odor? (-:

Seriously, though, how do they arrange for plumbing on something like that?

I'm even thinking about the barge/boat houses in Seattle.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

Peggie,What do they do about head and holding tank odor? (-: Seriously, though, how do they arrange for plumbing on something like that? I'm even thinking about the barge/boat houses in Seattle.

Most have sewer connections or are plumbed to big tanks on shore that are serviced by pumper trucks. They're also connected to city water and electric too.

They're pretty much like any other house on land, except they have VERY wet basements!

 

[higgs]

Smugglers Cove is a neat little club on the Lower Niagara River not far from Niagara on the Lake. The club house, showers, everything float a short ways off shore. They pump all wastewater into a boat that has been converted to a holding tank. When it is full, they tow it the mile or so to the marina and pump it out.

 

[Winkfish]

plus one additional for a child (even if no child is aboard) ,

Ken, is this new? I couldn't find it on the LDWF site.

 

[ifmdalvey]

Tim R
i assume you are talking of De Milos and my guess that it probably settle about a foot deeper than what it presently is, not been dredged in many years.
Good but expensive for eats.
Ian

 

[Tim R.]

Just received an answer from my CG friends. No PFDs needed if you are not underway. Tied to a dock is not "underway". Anchored is.