Montana Safe Boating Course

CHAPTER 2: Boating Equipment

2.1 PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE TYPES AND CARRIAGE

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) can save lives, especially when worn. Therefore, the U.S. Coast Guard requires PFDs on board all vessels. When choosing a PFD, please ensure that it can support your size and weight and is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

PFD TYPE	BEST FOR	DISADVANTAGES	NOTES
TYPE I: OFFSHORE LIFE JACKET	All waters, especially open, rough or remote waters where rescue can be displayed	Large and awkward; difficult to swim in	Adult size: 22lb. of buoyancy Child size: 11lb. of buoyancy Will turn unconscious wearers to face-up position.
TYPE II: NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VEST	Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue	May not turn some unconscious wearers face-up	Adult size: 22lb. of buoyancy Child size: 11lb. of buoyancy Will turn unconscious wearers to face-up position.
TYPE III: FLOTATION AID	Calm, inland waters where there is a good chance of rescue	Wearers must put themselves in face-up position	Same buoyancy as Type II examples: Float coat, fishing vest, water sport vest
TYPE IV: THROWABLE DEVICE	Calm, inland waters where help is present	Not designed to be worn; intended for use in calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic	Designed to be thrown and grasped until rescued; never worn examples: Cushions, ring buoys, horseshoe buoys
TYPE V: SPECIAL USE DEVICE	Specific activities; check approval condition on label	Some Type Vs are designed for cooler climates and others are approved only when worn	Some Type V devices provide hypothermia protection examples: Deck suits, work vests, boardsailing vests

2.1.1 FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS

• The U.S. Coast Guard requires one wearable PFD for each person aboard, of appropriate size for the person intended.
• At least one Type IV PFD (throwable device) must be kept on board any vessel of 16 feet or longer.
• Flotation devices that are ripped or otherwise in poor condition are not considered approved.

2.1.2 MONTANA PFD REQUIREMENTS

PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDs)

• Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks requires one wearable Type I, II, or III PFD for each person aboard any vessel
• Ensure PFDs are readily accessible.
• A Type V PFD may be used in place of any PFD if specifically approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for the activity in which the wearer is engaged. The Type V PFD must be worn at all times to be acceptable as a life jacket.
• Vessels 16 feet and longer must have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved Type IV throwable PFD on board, which must be immediately available for use.

• Someone being towed behind the boat is considered aboard, and must be wearing a PFD.
• All PWC occupants must be wearing their PFD while underway.
• Sailboard operators under 15 years of age must wear a PFD at all times. If two or more persons are occupying a sailboard, each person must wear a PFD.

Montana law requires the owner and/or operator of a vessel is responsible to carry, store, maintain, and use the safety equipment required by the federal safety equipment requirements adopted by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Children: All children under 12 years of age must wear a PFD on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion.

2.2 PFD SIZING AND AVAILABILITY

To ensure that the PDF fits properly, have the wearer put it on and adjust straps as necessary to make it fit snugly (Step 1). A properly fitted PFD will not ride higher than the wearer's ears or mouth. You should also test PFDs in the water to ensure they can hold your weight and that you can swim comfortably (Steps 2-4).

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

PFDS SHOULD BE WORN WHENEVER THE VESSEL IS IN OPERATION. HOWEVER, IF NOT WORN THEY MUST BE READILY ACCESSIBLE. IT IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO HAVE TYPE IV, —THROWABLE DEVICES— IN IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE AREAS, FREE OF WRAPPING AND PACKAGING, FOR USE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS. READILY ACCESSIBLE MEANS EASILY LOCATED AND RETRIEVED WITHOUT SEARCHING, DELAY OR HINDRANCE.

2.3 WEARING PFDS

PFDs should be worn by ALL boaters when in and around water, not just when operating or riding in a vessel. However, a PFD should be worn especially when encountering dangerous conditions including high boat traffic, severe weather, dangerous water conditions, dangerous local hazards, considerable distance from shore, operations at night, boating alone, and traveling at high speed. Conditions on and around the water can change very quickly. And even when they are accessible, PFDs take some time to fit securely and properly. In particular, once in the water, a PFD is much more difficult to put on properly. In the event of an emergency, boaters may not have the time to put on a PFD. Therefore, it is highly recommended that boaters always wear a PFD properly when on and around the water.

2.4 PROPER CARE OF YOUR PFD

• Never use your PDF as a cushion for kneeling or sitting on, or acting as a fender.
• Regularly check PFDs for buoyancy: with your PFD on, wade into the water to waist height, bend your knees, roll onto your back, and see how well you float.
• Air-dry PFDs in a well ventilated space out of sunlight.
• Clean with a mild soap and running water.
• Never dry your PFD close to a direct heat source, clean it with strong detergents, or dry clean it.

Bad
not approved

Good
serviceable

Make sure your PFDs are in good shape before you go boating. Regularly check for rips and tears. In particular, check straps and hardware before you leave the dock. PFDs with rips, tears, or other damage will NOT get Coast Guard approval, and you may be fined.

2.4.1 INFLATABLE PFDS

Inflatable PFDs are available in Types I, II, III and V. Only Type IV PFDs — throwable devices—do not come in inflatable form. It is important to note that inflatable PFDs are not inherently buoyant and will not float without inflation. This means that inflatable PFDs must be worn in order to meet legal requirements. Though inflatable PFDs are comfortable, they are not authorized for children under the age of 16 or advised for individuals who cannot swim. Regularly check and replace spent cartridges. Inflatable PFDs are not meant for waterskiing, riding personal watercraft or white water paddling. An inflatable PFD requires regular maintenance.

Inflatable Belt Pack

Adjust to fit.

The vest will inflate.

Pull on the cord

Inflatable Vest

The vest will inflate

Pull on the inflation cord

Make sure the vest is properly fastened

SERVICING YOUR INFLATABLES

Replace CO2 cartridges with new ones immediately after cartridge is spent. An inflatable PFD loses buoyancy with even a small tear or leak. Therefore, boaters must check inflatables frequently for leaks. Simply blow the inflatable up manually and leave it overnight before a boating trip to check for small leaks and tears.

INFLATABLES ARE NOT DESIGNED FOR HIGH-SPEED IMPACT AND MUST BE INSPECTED REGULARLY FOR SPENT CARTRIDGES AND EXCESSIVE WEAR.

2.5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS ARE REQUIRED ABOARD A VESSEL WITH AN ENGINE IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS ARE PRESENT:

• Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull that are not completely filled with flotation materials
• Closed living spaces
• Permanently installed fuel tanks

Marine Extinguisher requirements

Though not all motorboats are required to carry a fire extinguisher, it is highly recommended that all motorboats have some form of fire extinguisher aboard. Numerous types and sizes of fire extinguishers meet Coast Guard requirements. With any type of marine fire extinguisher, accessibility is of the utmost importance; ensure the fire extinguisher is mounted where it can be easily and quickly retrieved within arms reach of the operator or passengers in the event of a fire emergency

BOAT LENGTH	EXTINGUISHER REQUIREMENT
Less than 26 ft.
26 ft. to less than 40 ft.
40 ft. to less than 65 ft.
Greater than 65 ft.	Must meet federal requirements

2.5.1 CLASSIFICATIONS TIP

The letter "B" in a B I extinguisher indicates the type of fire the extinguisher is designed to handle. Fire extinguishers are classified according to the type and size of fire they can handle.

FIRE TYPES ARE:

CLASS A: Combustible solids such as wood

CLASS B: Flammable liquids such as gasoline

CLASS C: Electrical fires

Wood or paper fires (Class A) can be handled with water. However, water should never be applied to electrical (Class C) or flammable liquid (Class B) fires, as the water will only spread flammable liquid fires and will conduct electricity. Most fire extinguishers can put out Class B and C fires. For marine use, it is recommended that you find an extinguisher that can put out Class A, B and C fires.

2.5.2 MAINTENANCE

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS REQUIRE REGULAR INSPECTIONS TO ENSURE THEY ARE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. A PROPER INSPECTION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING:

• Check the gauge to make sure the extinguisher is fully charged.
• Inspect seals to ensure they have not been broken.
• Look at hoses; replace any cracked or broken hoses or simply replace the extinguisher.
• Weigh extinguishers to make sure they meet the minimum weight levels stated on the label.

2.6 BACK-FIRE FLAME CONTROL DEVICE

Each carburetor on an inboard mounted gasoline engine must be equipped with a back-fire flame arrestor approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, Society of American Engineers or United Laboratories. Arrestors are designed to prevent a back-fire, which can result when fuel spills or leaks in the engine area and is ignited. Make a point to include arrestors in your monthly fire extinguisher inspection. Arrestors need to be cleaned periodically. During cleaning, ensure arrestors are securely fastened, and check for damage.

2.7 VENTILATION SYSTEMS

In motorized vessels, flammable gases can gather. These have the potential to create a powerful and extremely dangerous explosion. As such, a proper ventilation system is required for all vessels built after 1940 and powered by gasoline. Ventilation systems can be natural or powered:

NATURAL VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Minimum of 2 ventilator ducts (1 intake duct, 1 exhaust duct) fitted with cowls (hooded opening) to remove stagnant fumes.

POWERED VENTILATION SYSTEMS

Required on vessels built after July 31, 1982 with installed fuel tanks or an enclosed engine. Consists of 1 or more exhaust blowers. NOTE: ensure intake ducts are located above the normal accumulation of bilge water. Turn on the powered ventilation system for FOUR minutes before you start the engine, to ensure all gasoline vapors have been removed before ignition.

LET THE POWERED VENTILATION SYSTEM RUN FOR FOUR (4) MINUTES BEFORE START YOUR BOAT'S ENGINE.

2.8 NAVIGATION LIGHT EQUIPMENT

Boat operators are required to ensure their vessel is equipped with the proper navigation lights when away from the dock between sunset and sunrise, and during periods of reduced visibility due to fog or rain. Navigation light requirements differ according to the type and size of boat. These are navigation light configurations and requirements for recreational boats.

2.8.1 POWER-DRIVEN VESSELS

Power-driven vessels must exhibit the following navigation light configurations:

BOATS LESS THAN 39 FEET, 4 INCHES

Motorboats or sailboats using power: The lights shown in figure 1, 2 or 3 may be used.

BOATS BETWEEN 39 FEET, 4 INCHES TO 65 FEET, 7 INCHES

Motorboats or sailboats using power: The lights shown in figure 1, 2 or 3 may be used.

NAVIGATION LIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR POWER-DRIVEN VESSELS

FIG. 1 Masthead Light (forward) - 225 degrees visible from 2 miles. Sternlight (aft) - 135 degrees visible from 2 miles. Sidelights - 112.5 degrees visible from 1 mile.

FIG. 2 All-round light - 360 degrees visible from 2 miles. Sidelights - 112.5 degrees visible from 1 mile.

FIG. 3 All-around light (may be off center) - 360 degrees visible from 2 miles. Sidelights - 112.5 degrees visible from 1 mile.

LOCATION OF LIGHTS

Lights should be located as shown in illustrations. The masthead light (forward white light in FIG.1) must be at least 39 inches higher than the colored lights on a boat less than 40 feet long, and at least 8 feet above the gunwale on a boat between 40 and 65 feet long.

2.8.2 SAILING VESSELS 23 FEET OR MORE IN LENGTH

Vessels under sail must exhibit the following navigation light configurations:

BOATS LESS THAN 39 FEET, 4 INCHES

Sailboats using sails alone: The lights shown in figure 4, 5 or 6 may be used.

BOATS BETWEEN 39 FEET, 4 INCHES TO 65 FEET, 7 INCHES

Sailboats using sails alone: The lights shown in figure 4, 5 or 6 may be used.

NAVIGATION LIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR SAILING VESSELS

FIG. 4 Sternlight (aft) - 135 degrees visible from 2 miles. Sidelights - 112.5 degrees visible from 1 mile.

FIG. 5 Masthead Light visible from 2 miles: - white 135 degrees (stern) - red 112.5 degrees (port) - green 112.5 degrees (starboard)

FIG. 6 Tri-color light visible from 2 miles: - White 135 degrees (stern) - Red 112.5 degrees (port) - Green 112.5 degrees (starboard)

2.8.3 VESSELS UNDER OARS OR PADDLES

Vessels under oars or paddles should exhibit the same navigation lights as sailing vessels if practical. However, un-powered vessels less than 23 feet are only required to have on-hand, one lantern or flashlight shining a white light.

ROW BOAT

SAIL BOAT

CANOE

2.8.3.1 FLASHLIGHTS

2.8.4 VESSELS AT ANCHOR

Vessels anchored must exhibit the following navigation light configurations.

NAVIGATION LIGHT REQUIREMENTS FOR ANCHORED VESSELS

CHAPTER 2 SUMMARY

AFTER READING CHAPTER 2, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• The various types of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) and their characteristics, as well as the state regulations regarding PFDs on a boat
• Proper sizing of a PFD for a passenger
• When a PFD should be worn
• How to care for PFDs
• The various types of fire extinguishers for boats, and how to maintain them
• What a back-fire flame control device is, and what it is for
• Natural and powered ventilation systems
• Navigation light requirements for different types and sizes of boats

Montana Safe Boating Course