Ventilation System Requirements

All gasoline-powered boats, 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 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.

• If your boat is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes in either of these situations:
  • After fueling
  • Before starting the engine
• If your boat is not equipped with a power ventilation system (for example, a PWC), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.

Boats built after July 31, 1980, that contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline engine compartments must have a warning sticker like the one below placed near the instrument panel.