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. At least one exhaust duct must extend from the open atmosphere to the lower portion of the bilge. At least one intake duct must extend from a point at least midway to the bilge or below the level of the carburetor air intake.
• Each permanently installed fuel tank must have an external screened vent that is away from all hull openings.
• 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

• All powerboats (except outboards) that are fueled with gasoline must be protected against backfire flames. The backfire flame protection system may be:
  • An approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor or ...
  • An engine and fuel intake system with backfire flame protection equivalent to a backfire flame arrestor or ...
  • An attachment to each carburetor or to the engine air intake that disperses flames caused by engine backfire to the atmosphere outside the vessel and does not endanger the vessel's occupants.
• Backfire flame arrestors or equivalent backfire flame protection systems must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition and ...
  • U.S. Coast Guard-approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards).
• Periodically clean the flame arrestor or the backfire flame protection system and check for any damage.

Mufflers

All vessels equipped with an engine must be effectively muffled by equipment that is constructed and used to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. Vessel operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled.

• The use of cutouts is prohibited.
• It is illegal to exceed a noise level of:
  • 86 dbA measured at a distance of 50 feet or more from the vessel as defined by SAE J-34 or ...
  • 90 dbA measured using a stationary sound level test as defined by SAE J-2005 if the engine was manufactured before January 1, 1993, or 88 dbA if the engine was manufactured on or after January 1, 1993, or ...
  • 75 dbA measured from the shoreline using a stationary sound level test as defined by SAE J-1970.
• Exceptions to the above restrictions are made for vessels participating in permitted regattas, boat races, or speed trials.
• A peace officer can require an operator to submit a vessel to an on-site noise level test. If the vessel's engine exceeds the noise levels stated above, the officer will instruct the operator to take immediate corrective action and may direct the operator to terminate the voyage until the engine is in compliance.