I was at the Sail boat show today at Miami, and noticed the harbor patrol was all over the place. That got me thinking, exactly what is the list of stuff required on board a sail boat of 27' with a motor? Anyone have a list? Photo attached of one of the cops doing their duty while I was riding around the harbor...
Required Equipment
- Thread starter Donald6441
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Equipment
Required: PFD for each person. Fire Extinguishers, if you have an inboard engine...two if one is fixed. Sound producing device. Lights if using the boat at night. Lots of bodies of water have different rules and required equipment, such as the ICW and the Great Lakes. Also, lots of different publications have different rules listed...it can get confusing.
Required: PFD for each person. Fire Extinguishers, if you have an inboard engine...two if one is fixed. Sound producing device. Lights if using the boat at night. Lots of bodies of water have different rules and required equipment, such as the ICW and the Great Lakes. Also, lots of different publications have different rules listed...it can get confusing.
USCG Auxiliary
The auxiliary is always willing to give a courtesy inspection. They will not fine anybody but are glad to recommend what's necessary or deficient and offer help. They will have a full "laundry list" of required items. It's worth the peace of mind.
The auxiliary is always willing to give a courtesy inspection. They will not fine anybody but are glad to recommend what's necessary or deficient and offer help. They will have a full "laundry list" of required items. It's worth the peace of mind.
I Am Looking at the Vessel Safety Check Sheet
1. Display of Numbers- make sure they are block style in a contrasting color to the hull and at least 3" high, also be sure there is a space or a hyphen between the FL the nummbers and the two letters ie FL-1234-AB or FL 1234 AB 2. Registration/Documentation - That little card you have from the County Tax Office that says you own the boat 3. PFDs must be readily available (not in wrapper) Coast Guard approved and in servicable condition and must be the right size for those on the boat. Boats over 16' must also have a Type IV (throwable) 4. Visual Distress Signals (flares)- 3 day and 3 night or three of the combination ones 5. Fire Extinguisher - One B-2 or two B-1 6. Ventilation - If you have a gas engine in an enclosed space you need a blower 7. Backfire Flame Control - If you have an inboard gas engine 8. Sound Producing Device - Air Horn and when you buy a 40' boat you'll need a bell as well 9. Navigation Lights - boats over 16' need them even if they never go out at night they must work as well 10. Pollution Placard - If you do not have one the guy who does your VSC should have one to give you for free 11. MARPOL Trash Placard - He will give you one of these too or email me and I can mail them to you 12. Marine Sanitation Device - You probably have a Porti-Pottie and it is not an issue if you have an MSD make sure it is not set up to disharge overboard and that it has a seal to prevent that from happening 13. Navigation Rules - when you get that 40' boat you'll need to have a copy on board 14. State or Local Requirements - I am unaware of any additional ones for Florida 15. Overall Vessel Condition - You won't have any problem with this one I am sure. I'll post the Recommended and Discussion Items Tomorrow, Stay Tuned Here is a link to find someone to do your courtesy exam.
1. Display of Numbers- make sure they are block style in a contrasting color to the hull and at least 3" high, also be sure there is a space or a hyphen between the FL the nummbers and the two letters ie FL-1234-AB or FL 1234 AB 2. Registration/Documentation - That little card you have from the County Tax Office that says you own the boat 3. PFDs must be readily available (not in wrapper) Coast Guard approved and in servicable condition and must be the right size for those on the boat. Boats over 16' must also have a Type IV (throwable) 4. Visual Distress Signals (flares)- 3 day and 3 night or three of the combination ones 5. Fire Extinguisher - One B-2 or two B-1 6. Ventilation - If you have a gas engine in an enclosed space you need a blower 7. Backfire Flame Control - If you have an inboard gas engine 8. Sound Producing Device - Air Horn and when you buy a 40' boat you'll need a bell as well 9. Navigation Lights - boats over 16' need them even if they never go out at night they must work as well 10. Pollution Placard - If you do not have one the guy who does your VSC should have one to give you for free 11. MARPOL Trash Placard - He will give you one of these too or email me and I can mail them to you 12. Marine Sanitation Device - You probably have a Porti-Pottie and it is not an issue if you have an MSD make sure it is not set up to disharge overboard and that it has a seal to prevent that from happening 13. Navigation Rules - when you get that 40' boat you'll need to have a copy on board 14. State or Local Requirements - I am unaware of any additional ones for Florida 15. Overall Vessel Condition - You won't have any problem with this one I am sure. I'll post the Recommended and Discussion Items Tomorrow, Stay Tuned Here is a link to find someone to do your courtesy exam.
That Link for Florida Requirements May be Trouble
There are Coast Guard required items not listed. If stopped by the State folks you may have an argument but I doubt the Federal folks would care about a state web-site. Not that they are out to hassle folks if your not doing something stupid are not drunk or give them a hard time they will likely just let you know about where you are deficient. There are always jerks somewhere who you find on a bad day or a good guy that you come across who is having a really bad day that may see it different. Forewarned is forearmed.
There are Coast Guard required items not listed. If stopped by the State folks you may have an argument but I doubt the Federal folks would care about a state web-site. Not that they are out to hassle folks if your not doing something stupid are not drunk or give them a hard time they will likely just let you know about where you are deficient. There are always jerks somewhere who you find on a bad day or a good guy that you come across who is having a really bad day that may see it different. Forewarned is forearmed.
Rick is right - another link
Hello Don - I have been feeling guilty for not providing a complete answer. I have now provided a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Link which provides a more complete story of the requirements. I should have said in my original post and I am sure that you realize that you need more than the minimum equipment when you go out on any kind of large body of water. The thing that frightens me is that a dewatering device (bilge pump) is not mandatory. It suprises me that anchor and sufficient anchor line (rode) is not mandatory. If you go aground an anchor can be frequently used to pull you off. If you are somehow disabled then an anchor can stop you from being driven ashore on a rocky headland or from drifting out to sea. Other things needed include charts of the area, a VHF marine radio, a buoyant heaving line, compass that works, depth sounder etc. The link talks about these things. Probably the most important safety related equipment is a knowledgeable skipper - US Power Squadron (despite name is oriented to both power and Sail), Coast Guard Auxiliary etc. http://www.uscgaux.org/~0853303/vessel_safety_checks.htm
Hello Don - I have been feeling guilty for not providing a complete answer. I have now provided a US Coast Guard Auxiliary Link which provides a more complete story of the requirements. I should have said in my original post and I am sure that you realize that you need more than the minimum equipment when you go out on any kind of large body of water. The thing that frightens me is that a dewatering device (bilge pump) is not mandatory. It suprises me that anchor and sufficient anchor line (rode) is not mandatory. If you go aground an anchor can be frequently used to pull you off. If you are somehow disabled then an anchor can stop you from being driven ashore on a rocky headland or from drifting out to sea. Other things needed include charts of the area, a VHF marine radio, a buoyant heaving line, compass that works, depth sounder etc. The link talks about these things. Probably the most important safety related equipment is a knowledgeable skipper - US Power Squadron (despite name is oriented to both power and Sail), Coast Guard Auxiliary etc. http://www.uscgaux.org/~0853303/vessel_safety_checks.htm
Good Link Malcom
That would have saved me a lot of typing. I included a link wherby anyone with a zip code can find somone close by to get checked. As for the other requirements they certainly make sense but there are places or boats where anchoring is impractical so they do not require them. for example my daughters Sunfish or lakes that are 100' deep a 26' ft boat will not carry that much line. So those items are suggested. Here are Recomended Items: 1. Marine Radio - A cell phone is nice but your closest help won't here you calling 911. You may be able to assist another boater as well if you monitor the radio 2. Dewatering Device - Makes perfect sense, for a pontoon boat bring a broom 3. Mounted Fire Extinguisher - If you mount it you'll always know exactly where it is and it will be easy to get to. One put in a cabinet or locker will soon get buried and may get moved to a different location while digging for other things. 4. Anchor and Line - we covered that one 5. First Aid and Person In Water (PIW) Kits - Makes sens there it seems, a PIW kit is an extra PFD and a line on a throwable PFD 6. Inland Visual Distress Signals - Even if your not somwhere where they are required they are a very good idea 7. Capacity Plate - Thes are not required on sailboats but they state the max engine size on outboards and the max weight and number of persons for the boat.
That would have saved me a lot of typing. I included a link wherby anyone with a zip code can find somone close by to get checked. As for the other requirements they certainly make sense but there are places or boats where anchoring is impractical so they do not require them. for example my daughters Sunfish or lakes that are 100' deep a 26' ft boat will not carry that much line. So those items are suggested. Here are Recomended Items: 1. Marine Radio - A cell phone is nice but your closest help won't here you calling 911. You may be able to assist another boater as well if you monitor the radio 2. Dewatering Device - Makes perfect sense, for a pontoon boat bring a broom 3. Mounted Fire Extinguisher - If you mount it you'll always know exactly where it is and it will be easy to get to. One put in a cabinet or locker will soon get buried and may get moved to a different location while digging for other things. 4. Anchor and Line - we covered that one 5. First Aid and Person In Water (PIW) Kits - Makes sens there it seems, a PIW kit is an extra PFD and a line on a throwable PFD 6. Inland Visual Distress Signals - Even if your not somwhere where they are required they are a very good idea 7. Capacity Plate - Thes are not required on sailboats but they state the max engine size on outboards and the max weight and number of persons for the boat.
Almost Afraid to Mention
The color of the fire extinguisher makes no difference and you do not need to buy it at a marine store. Just go to Lowes or Walmart pick one up and look for the Coast Guard Certification. Patrick you stay out of this.
The color of the fire extinguisher makes no difference and you do not need to buy it at a marine store. Just go to Lowes or Walmart pick one up and look for the Coast Guard Certification. Patrick you stay out of this.
Coast Guard Site
See what the USCG actually says at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equipment.htm
See what the USCG actually says at http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/fedreqs/equipment.htm
Marine Fire Extinguishers
Rick mentions that the color of the fire extinguisher doesn't matter for marine use - but if I recall correctly, to be USCG legal, the mounting does matter - it must be metal rather than than the free plastic one that is usually packed with most units you buy at Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. Another tip about fire extinguishers used on boats (or motorhomes, cars, etc) - all of the vibration that vehicles are subjected to can cause the powder in a fire extinguisher to become packed - thereby lessening its effectiveness. Periodically take your extinguishers out of the bracket and turn it upside down a few times, shaking it - causing the powder to move around. That is something that the USCG Aux. will do as part of the courtesy Saftey Survey - it's not enough to just have the extinguisher, it needs to be properly mounted, in an accessable place, and functional. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Rick mentions that the color of the fire extinguisher doesn't matter for marine use - but if I recall correctly, to be USCG legal, the mounting does matter - it must be metal rather than than the free plastic one that is usually packed with most units you buy at Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. Another tip about fire extinguishers used on boats (or motorhomes, cars, etc) - all of the vibration that vehicles are subjected to can cause the powder in a fire extinguisher to become packed - thereby lessening its effectiveness. Periodically take your extinguishers out of the bracket and turn it upside down a few times, shaking it - causing the powder to move around. That is something that the USCG Aux. will do as part of the courtesy Saftey Survey - it's not enough to just have the extinguisher, it needs to be properly mounted, in an accessable place, and functional. Good Luck! Tim Brogan April IV C350 #68 Seattle
Extinguisher
It's been my experience that the extinguisher and the bracket are supposed to stay together. In fact, in my OSHA training it was taught that the bracket must be the one provided for that particular extinguisher. What you say, Tim, really makes sense. But it's interesting that some of the red extinguishers have CG approval on them even though they have plastic straps. Go figure.
It's been my experience that the extinguisher and the bracket are supposed to stay together. In fact, in my OSHA training it was taught that the bracket must be the one provided for that particular extinguisher. What you say, Tim, really makes sense. But it's interesting that some of the red extinguishers have CG approval on them even though they have plastic straps. Go figure.
More Info on Fire Extinguishers
The bracket provided with the bottle is fine it does not matter if it is metal or plastic. While it is a very good idea to mount the bottle it is not a requirement. As for stirring up the contents that is an old wives tale. All the maintenance required of your extinguisher is to keep it clean and dry, and to check the pressure gauge regularly.
The bracket provided with the bottle is fine it does not matter if it is metal or plastic. While it is a very good idea to mount the bottle it is not a requirement. As for stirring up the contents that is an old wives tale. All the maintenance required of your extinguisher is to keep it clean and dry, and to check the pressure gauge regularly.
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