Question: What is the requirement for a towline on an Auxiliary facility 18 ft long.

Answer: There is no "standard" length. This is something that should be taught in Coxswain training and is different for the type of waters the facilities would be patrolling. Small lakes are different from waters like the Gulf of Mexico or the Coastal waters where longer lines would be required. Most local DIRAUX's will have standard size requirements for facilities in their AOR.

What is important is that tow lines should be of the length that may be necessary to minimize the shock forces by keeping the vessels "in step" with one another. It is important to adjust the length of the tow line to minimize the shock forces caused by wind, waves, and/or current.

Of course as explained above, that varies in different waters where 100 feet may be fine in one area but 200 feet would be required in rougher waters.

Question: In my inspections I am beginning to come across new power boats and re-powered boats that have inboard multi-port or direct fuel injected gas engines. What are the rules for flame arresters for these types of engines. These engines are pretty well shrouded and if they are required to have a flame arrestor it is very difficult to locate.

Answer: All gasoline powered boats are required to have a backfire flame arrestor. VE's should try to check these boats for tight and clean arrestors but should not attempt to disassemble anything to do so.

All gasoline powered boats are required to have a backfire flame arrestor. VE's should try to check these boats for tight and clean arrestors but should not attempt to disassemble anything to do so.

The VE manual would indicate that if access to the backfire flame arrestor requires disassembly, the VE should not attempt to disassemble or require the owner/operator to disassemble, but advise the boater to clean the arrester on a regular basis with soap and water, or a commercial cleaner made for that purpose.

Question: In your Paddle Craft Workshop PowerPoint it states that canoes & kayaks are required to have VDS on board when on federally control waters which requires them. But on page 16 of the VE manual it states that a manually propelled boat is an exception to the VDS requirement. Which is correct?

Answer: The Paddle Craft Workshop PowerPoint is current, the VE manual was created back in 2000 and is outdated. When the new manual is completed and printed, the changes will be included.

Question: We are beginning to see fixed FE-241 and HFC-227 ae fire suppression systems on larger recreational vessels. I have seen two (2) in the past 14 days. Accordingly, I have inspected the vessels as I were looking at the older HALON systems, ie, all must be weighed and tagged within the past twelve months to be counted. Our manual is silent on the subject. Am I correct?

Answer: First it is 6 months and not 12 months to be current.

46 C.F.R. Subpart 25.30—Fire Extinguishing Equipment

(1) When the date on the inspection record tag on the extinguishers shows that 6 months have elapsed since last weight check ashore, then such extinguisher is no longer accepted as meeting required maintenance conditions until reweighed ashore and found to be in a serviceable condition and within required weight conditions.

The following is from a manufacturers article on these replacements for Halon systems: Cylinders should be securely mounted, protected from weather, mechanical damage and be accessible for inspection and removal. Each system should be inspected and components tested at least once a year by a professional service company. The operator should check the gauge every time they go into the engine compartment or at least once a month. A visual inspection should also be made to verify the wiring is intact at the bottle and that the nozzle is not damaged.

So in addition to checking the above, there should be a signed tag of inspection from a professional service company dated and current within 6 months.

Question: What is the requirement for parachute flares on a vessel?

Answer: On the parachute VDS, there are no special considerations. As the VSC manual states:

Devices may be either self-contained or pistol launched, and either meteor or parachute assisted type. Some signals may require use in combination with a suitable launching device.

Then further down in the manual all VDSs are checks as follows:

Verify that the boat has on board suitable devices in the number and type required for day and night use. Different combinations are acceptable. The type of device determines the number required.

When doing a VSC in a state that prohibits percussion type distress signals, advise the owner of possible restrictions and alternative devices.

Ensure that pyrotechnic devices are properly sealed with all wrappings intact to prevent moisture damage.

Manufacture and/or expiration dates must be legible to meet decal requirements.

At no time should a VDS be test fired as part of the examination.

Question: In the Federal Requirements For Recreational Boats why aren't battery terminal covers mentioned?

Answer: It is covered: FEDERAL LAW 183.420 - Batteries

(b) Each battery must be installed so that metallic objects cannot come in contact with the ungrounded battery terminals.

If an ungrounded battery terminal is left exposed, it is possible that an accidental connection to ground could occur. The use of, or dropping of, tools nearby could make such a connection during routine engine servicing. This connection could result in a spark of sufficient energy to ignite any explosive vapors that might be present or to start an electrical fire.

To prevent accidental contact with the ungrounded battery terminal, it may be covered with a boot or non-conductive shield. The battery could be installed in a covered battery box or special, fitted compartment. (See Figure 14).

FIGURE 14 - Ungrounded Battery Terminal Connection

TO COMPLY WITH THE LAW

Have precautions been taken to prevent metallic objects from coming in contact with the ungrounded battery terminal when the battery is in its installed position?

Question: Most fixed HALON FE systems on recreational vessels do not have pressure gauges which indicate that they are "full" (operational). Most are purchased with tags on them. The manual says that " if the minimum weight is stated on the label the tank should be weighed annually". Who is properly authorized to perform this function?

Answer: As our manual reads: "These units must be inspected and tagged by a recognized authority within one year of the VSC."

A recognized authority can be found by contacting a local fire department or even with an on-line search for "inspections of HALON fire extinguishers". We as Vessel Examiners can only check that the tag that is within the one year date and signed by the inspector that has been trained to check and service the HALON equipment.

Question: Does the availability of electronic documentation on board satisfy the VSC requirement. Example, a vessel over 39.4 feet required to carry navigation rules. If they can be readily accessed on a computer, smart phone etc. Does that satisfy the requirement?

Answer: No it does not as a computer, phone anything electronic can break down and become inaccessible.

Question: Apparently our District 9 Coast Guard has issued a letter stating that VSC's done in the area of Michigan's St Clair Lake( not Federal Waters) must have Dated Flares to be issued an Auxiliary Decal. This may be a good idea, but the requirement is not documented anywhere in our Auxiliary Communications. Probably, 75% of the vessels here in Lake St Clair will never motor the 40 miles to enter the Federal Waters of Lake Huron or Lake Erie. Currently this D9 letter is only hearsay, but if true and binding, I would hope that it's validity would be confirmed in our Auxiliary Publications.

Answer: There are specific items for many states as well as local areas, that is why the form has the item "State and/or Local Requirements" which must be checked off for issuance of the VSC Decal.

This is the responsibility of your DSO-VE and your SO's and FSO's when it comes to training your local VE's. Issuance of that on a national level would just cause confusion for the other 99% which is why the general training covers the Federal Regulations.

Question: Under Item 15 of the VSC it states "The use of automobile parts on boat engines is not acceptable."

Answer: Using non ignition protected devices on vessels is a sure fire way to have a fire. Fuel pumps, generators, alternators, starters and distributors are built for spark suppression. Ignoring this can be disastrous.