Essential Rules for Life Jackets on Boats

To guarantee a safe and enjoyable boating experience, adhering to fundamental life jacket regulations is paramount.

Wearable Life Jackets

• One per Person: Every individual aboard must have a wearable U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket, including those on paddlecraft like canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards.
• Condition: Ensure each life jacket is in good and serviceable condition.
• Proper Fit: Each life jacket should fit properly for every passenger on the vessel, adhering to guidelines outlined in "Fitting Your Life Jacket".
• Wearing Instructions: Follow manufacturer's instructions for wearing the life jackets to meet safety standards.
• Accessibility: Required life jackets must be readily accessible even if not worn, meaning they should be easily reachable and not concealed.
• Throwable Device: Boats 16 feet or longer must also have a throwable device, except for specific exemptions.

Inflatable Life Jackets

• Age Restriction: Inflatable life jackets are only approved for individuals aged 16 and above.
• Additional Requirements: In addition to meeting standard wearable life jacket requirements, inflatable jackets must fulfill specific criteria outlined in this section.

Federal Rule for Children Under 13

• Enforcement: The U.S. Coast Guard enforces the federal law concerning children under 13, mandating appropriate life jacket use.

Fitting Your Life Jacket

• Size and Approval: Check the label for size, approval information, and any usage limitations.
• Fitting Instructions: Before each outing, ensure the life jacket fits correctly by performing the fitting tests described in this section, including snugness, mobility, and buoyancy checks.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements for Boats

Ensuring proper fire safety measures aboard boats is crucial for preventing accidents. Here are the essential regulations concerning fire extinguishers:

Mandatory Requirements

• Boat Size: All boats exceeding 26 feet in length must have USCG approved fire extinguishers on board, meeting specific safety standards outlined in the accompanying chart.
• Additional Requirements: Motorboats under 26 feet must also carry fire extinguishers if they have any of the following conditions:
  • Permanently installed fuel tanks.
  • Closed compartments under thwarts and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.
  • Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or not completely filled with flotation material.
  • Closed living spaces.
  • Closed stowage compartments containing combustible or flammable materials.

Compliance Standards

• Approval: Fire extinguishers must be U.S. Coast Guard approved.
• Charge: They should be adequately charged to ensure efficiency.
• Condition: All extinguishers must be in good and serviceable condition.
• Expiry: It's crucial to note the expiry date; fire extinguishers expire 12 years after the date of manufacture.

Backfire Flame Arrestor

All powerboats, except outboards, that are fueled with gasoline must have a USCG approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor.

Ventilation Requirements for Boats

Proper ventilation systems are essential for boats utilizing fuel with a flashpoint of 110° or less, such as gasoline. Here are the key regulations regarding ventilation:

Mandatory Ventilation

• Fuel Type: Boats using gasoline (excluding diesel) with a flashpoint of 110° or less and having enclosed engine or fuel tank spaces must have an efficient ventilation system to disperse explosive gases.
• Natural Ventilation: This includes at least two ventilation ducts equipped with cowls or their equivalent, with:
  • One exhaust duct extending to the lower portion of the bilge.
  • At least one intake (supply) duct extending to a point midway to the bilge or below the level of the carburetor air intake.
• Powered Ventilation: Boats constructed after July 31, 1980, are mandated to have powered ventilation (exhaust blower) for engine compartments not open to the atmosphere.

Safety Warning

• Explosion Risk: Gasoline vapors can lead to explosions. Before starting the engine, it's crucial to operate the blower for at least four minutes and check the engine compartment bilge for gasoline vapors.

Owner Responsibilities

• Maintenance: Boat owners bear the responsibility of maintaining their vessel's ventilation systems. This entails ensuring openings are unobstructed, ducts remain unblocked or torn, blowers function correctly, and worn-out components are replaced with marine-grade equivalents.

Requirements for Sound-Producing Devices on Vessels

Equipping vessels with sound-producing devices is crucial for ensuring safety and compliance with navigation rules. Here's what you need to know:

Mandatory Equipment

• Universal Requirement: All vessels, including paddlecraft, must carry a sound-producing device onboard.
• Navigation Rules Compliance: Sound signals are required in specific situations outlined in navigation rules, such as meeting, crossing, and overtaking scenarios.
• Fog Signals: Recreational vessels must also be capable of emitting fog signals during periods of reduced visibility.
• Audibility Standards: The sound signal must be capable of emitting a 4-second blast audible for at least 1/2 nautical mile.

Acceptable Devices

• Whistle or Air Horn: A whistle or air horn is acceptable for vessels not equipped with a horn, provided they can efficiently produce the required sound signal.

Muffling Device

The exhaust of an internal combustion engine on any motorboat shall be effectively muffled. The muffling device shall exhaust at or below the water line or it shall be equipped with mechanical baffles. The use of cutouts is prohibited.

Engine Cutoff Switch (ECOS) Requirement

The use of an engine cutoff switch is vital for preventing boating accidents and saving lives. Here are the key regulations regarding engine cutoff switches:

Federal Law Requirement

• Applicability: Operators of boats less than 26 feet must use the engine cutoff switch when traveling on plane or above displacement speed.
• Device Functionality: This requirement applies to boats equipped with a functioning engine cutoff device or those manufactured after January 2020.

State Law Requirement

• Personal Watercraft Operators: State law mandates that all operators of personal watercraft must attach the engine cutoff switch to their person.

For further details and frequently asked questions about engine cutoff switches, refer to USCG's Engine Cut Off Switch FAQ.

Compliance with Marine Sanitation Devices (MSD)

Adhering to federal regulations regarding marine sanitation devices (MSD) is essential for vessels equipped with toilets. Here's what you need to know:

Federal Regulations

• Standards for Discharges: Federal regulations establish standards for sewage discharges from marine sanitation devices. Vessels with installed toilets and MSDs must comply with these regulations.
• Prohibition on Discharges: Vessels without installed toilets or MSDs are prohibited from directly or indirectly discharging sewage into state waters.

Waste Disposal Requirements

• Self-Contained Toilets: Sewage and other wastes from self-contained, portable toilets or containment devices must be pumped out at designated pump-out facilities or carried ashore for treatment in approved facilities by the Virginia Department of Health.
• Smith Mountain Lake: It's important to note that Smith Mountain Lake is designated as a "No Discharge Zone," further emphasizing the need for proper waste disposal procedures.

Pump-Out Stations

• Availability: Pump-out stations are available for waste disposal. Contact the Virginia Department of Health at 804-864-7473 or visit their website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/marina-program/maps-marina for a complete list of pump-out stations.

Visual Distress Signals Requirements

Ensuring proper visual distress signaling devices are on board is crucial for boating safety, particularly on coastal waters. Here are the essential regulations regarding visual distress signals:

Power Boats 16 Feet or Greater

• Equipment Requirement: Power boats measuring 16 feet or longer must have visual distress signaling devices on board when operating on coastal waters.
• Scope: This regulation applies to all coastal waters and rivers 2 miles or more wide at the mouth, up to the first narrowing point to less than 2 miles.

Boats Less Than 16 Feet, Manually Propelled Boats, and Open Sailboats Under 26 Feet

• Night Operation: These vessels are required to carry only night visual distress signals when operated on coastal waters at night.

Additional Signals

• Recreational Boaters: They have the option to carry additional visual distress signals beyond the minimum required.

Pyrotechnic and Non-Pyrotechnic Signals

• Pyrotechnic Signals: Must be USCG approved, in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and not expired. Examples include pyrotechnic red flares, orange smoke, and launchers for aerial signals.
• Non-Pyrotechnic Signals: Must meet USCG requirements, be in serviceable condition, and readily accessible. Examples include an orange distress flag for daytime use and an electric distress light for nighttime use.

Enforcement Cutoff Points

• Designated Points: Enforcement of visual distress signal regulations is determined by designated cutoff points on coastal waters, as specified on nautical charts.

Navigation Lights Regulations

Ensuring proper navigation lights are displayed is crucial for safe boating, especially during low visibility periods. Here's what you need to know about navigation lights regulations:

Underway Operation

• Requirement: Recreational boats must display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility.

• Prohibition: No other lights should be exhibited that could impair the visibility of required running lights or approaching vessels.

Lights When Anchored

• Anchor Light: An anchor light, a 360-degree white light visible for 2 miles, must be displayed when anchored.

Special Lights for Enforcement Vessels

• Enforcement Vessels: Enforcement vessels may display a rotating or flashing blue light, indicating the need to stop and allow boarding.

• Blue Light Regulation: By federal law, blue lights are exclusive to enforcement vessels of government agencies and have the same effect as those on law enforcement vehicles.

Lights for Vessels of Different Lengths

• Vessels Less Than 12 Meters (39.4 ft.): Specific lighting arrangements are prescribed based on whether the vessel is powered or sailing.

• Vessels 12 to Less Than 20 Meters (65.5 ft.): Lighting arrangements vary depending on vessel construction date and whether it is powered or sailing.

• Unpowered Vessels: Such vessels may display lights for sailing vessels or carry an electric torch or lantern to prevent collisions.

International Rules

• Beyond Coastline: Power-driven vessels under 23 feet in length and with a maximum speed not exceeding 7 knots may display alternative lights beyond three nautical miles from Virginia's coastline.

Summary of Virginia Boating Equipment Requirements

Here's a concise overview of the equipment requirements for various types of vessels in Virginia:

Manually Propelled Vessels (e.g., Canoes, Kayaks, SUPs)

• Life Jackets - Wearable: Required
• Life Jackets - Throwable: Required
• Ventilation System: Required
• Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required

Personal Watercraft (PWCs)

• Life Jackets - Wearable: Required for operator, riders, and anyone towed
• Life Jackets - Throwable: Required
• Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS): Required for operator
• Ventilation System: Required
• Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required

Boats Under 16 Feet

• Life Jackets - Wearable: Required
• Life Jackets - Throwable: Required
• Ventilation System: Required
• Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required (except non-motorized vessels)

Boats 16 Feet - Less Than 26 Feet

• Life Jackets - Wearable: Required
• Life Jackets - Throwable: Required (except non-motorized vessels)
• Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS): Required
• Backfire Flame Arrestor: Required
• Ventilation System: Required
• Horn, Whistle, or Bell: Required
• Daytime and Nighttime Visual Distress Signals (VDS): Required
• Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required

Boats 26 Feet - Less Than 40 Feet

• Life Jackets - Wearable: Required
• Life Jackets - Throwable: Required
• Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS): Required
• Backfire Flame Arrestor: Required
• Ventilation System: Required
• Horn, Whistle, or Bell: Required
• Daytime and Nighttime Visual Distress Signals (VDS): Required
• Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required

Boats 40 Feet - 65 Feet

• Life Jackets - Wearable: Required
• Life Jackets - Throwable: Required
• Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS): Required
• Backfire Flame Arrestor: Required
• Ventilation System: Required
• Horn, Whistle, or Bell: Required
• Daytime and Nighttime Visual Distress Signals (VDS): Required
• Boating Safety Education Certificate: Required

Minimum Number of 5-B Hand-Portable Fire Extinguishers Required

To ensure fire safety on board, the minimum number of 5-B hand-portable fire extinguishers required varies based on the length of the vessel and the presence of fixed fire extinguishing systems in the engine space. Here's a summary:

Length of Vessel

• Under 16 Feet:

  • No fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 1
  • Fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 0

• 16 to Less Than 26 Feet:

  • No fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 1
  • Fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 0

• 26 to Less Than 40 Feet:

  • No fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 2
  • Fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 1

• 40 to 65 Feet:

  • No fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 3
  • Fixed fire extinguishing system in engine space: 2

Note:

• One 20-B fire extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B fire extinguishers.