It's the Law: Required Equipment
Ventilation Systems
The purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions by removing flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a life-threatening explosion.
- All gasoline-powered vessels, constructed in a way that would entrap fumes, must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes.
- If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes both after fueling and before starting your engine.
Backfire Flame Arrestors
Because boat engines may backfire, all powerboats (except outboards) that are fueled with gasoline must have a U.S. Coast Guard—approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor of every engine.
Periodically clean the flame arrestor(s) and check for any damage.
Mufflers
Vessel operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled.
- The exhaust of every internal combustion engine used on any vessel must be muffled or baffled and water injected (except those engines where the exhaust goes through the lower unit or outdrive) so as to decrease noise.
- Enforcement officials are authorized to submit vessels to noise level tests and cite vessel operators whose vessels are not in compliance.
- Many Georgia lakes also have specific laws prohibiting vessels from making excessive or disturbing levels of noise.
|
