It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

Part D - Life-Saving Equipment for Commercial Vessels Not Documented

Section 1. Applicability.

This part applies to each vessel to which this regulation applies except:

1. Vessels used for non-commercial use;
2. Vessels leased, rented, or charted to another for the latter’s non-commercial use;
3. Commercial vessels propelled by sail not carrying passengers for hire; or
4. Commercial barges not carrying passengers for hire.

Section 2. Life Preservers and Other Life-Saving Equipment Required.

(a) No person may operate a vessel to which Section 1 of this part applies unless it meets the requirements of this section.

(b) Each vessel not carrying passengers for hire, less than 40 feet in length, shall have at least one life preserver (Type I PFD), buoyant vest (Type II PFD), or marine buoyant device intended to be worn (Type III PFD), of a suitable size for each person on board. Kapok and fibrous glass life preservers which do not have plastic-covered pad inserts as required by 46 CFR §§ 160.062 and 160.005 are not acceptable as equipment required by this subsection.

(c) Each vessel carrying passengers for hire and each vessel 40 feet in length or longer not carrying passengers for hire shall have at least one life preserver (Type I PFD) of a suitable size for each person on board. Kapok and fibrous glass life preservers which do not have plastic-covered pad inserts as required by 46 CFR §§ 160.062 and 160.005 are not acceptable as equipment required by this subsection.

(d) In addition to the equipment required by subsection (b) or (c) of this section, each vessel 26 feet in length or longer shall have at least one Coast Guard–approved ring life buoy.

(e) Each vessel not carrying passengers for hire may substitute an exposure suit (or immersion suit) for a life preserver, buoyant vest, or marine buoyant device required under subsection (b) or (c) of this section. Each exposure suit carried in accordance with this paragraph shall be Coast Guard–approved.

(f) On each vessel, regardless of length and regardless of whether carrying passengers for hire, a commercial hybrid PFD may be substituted for a life preserver, buoyant vest, or marine buoyant device required under subsection (b) or (c) of this section if it is:

1. In the case of a Type V commercial hybrid PFD, worn when the vessel is underway and the intended wearer is not within an enclosed space;
2. Used in accordance with the conditions marked on the PFD and in the owner’s manual; and
3. Labeled for use on uninspected commercial vessels.

(g) The life-saving equipment required by this section shall be legibly marked.

(h) The life-saving equipment designed to be worn required in subsections (b), (c), and (e) of this section shall be readily accessible.

(i) The life-saving equipment designed to be thrown required by subsection (d) of this section shall be immediately available.

(j) The life-saving equipment required by this section shall be in serviceable condition.

Section 3. Fire-Extinguishing Equipment Required.

(a) Motorboats.

1. Motorboats less than 26 feet in length shall abide by Section 4(a) of Part C of this regulation.
2. Motorboats 26 feet in length to less than 40 feet in length shall abide by Section 4(b) of Part C of this regulation.
3. Motorboats 40 feet in length to less than 65 feet in length shall abide by Section 4(c) of Part C of this regulation.

(b) Motor Vessels.

1. Motor vessels less than 50 gross tonnage shall carry one Type B-II approved hand portable fire extinguisher.
2. Motor vessels 50 and not over 100 gross tonnage shall carry two Type B-II approved hand portable fire extinguishers.
3. Motor vessels 100 and not over 500 gross tonnage shall carry three Type B-II approved hand portable fire extinguishers.
4. Motor vessels 500 but not over 1,000 gross tonnage shall carry six Type B-II approved hand portable fire extinguishers.
5. Motor vessels over 1,000 gross tonnage shall carry eight Type B-II approved hand portable fire extinguishers.

(c) In addition to the hand portable fire extinguishers required by subsection (b) of this section, the following fire-extinguishing equipment shall be fitted in the machinery space:

1. One Type B-II hand portable fire extinguisher shall be carried for each 1,000 B. H. P. of the main engines or fraction thereof. However, not more than six such extinguishers need be carried.
2. On motor vessels over 300 gross tons, either one Type B-III semiportable fire-extinguishing system shall be fitted, or alternatively, a fixed fire extinguishing system shall be fitted in the machinery space.

(d) Barges carrying passengers.

1. Every barge 65 feet in length or less while carrying passengers when towed or pushed by a motorboat, motor vessel or steam vessel shall be fitted with hand portable fire extinguishers as required by this Section 4 of Part C of this regulation, depending upon the length of the barge.
2. Every barge over 65 feet in length while carrying passengers when towed or pushed by a motorboat, motor vessel or steam vessel shall be fitted with hand portable fire extinguishers as required by this section, depending upon the gross tonnage of the barge.