It's the Law: Required Equipment

• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits

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.
• 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.
• If your vessel is not equipped with a power ventilation system (for example, a personal watercraft), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.

Backfire Flame Arrestors

• Because vessel engines may backfire, all power-driven vessels (except outboards) that are fueled with gasoline must have a U.S. Coast Guard–approved (comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards) backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor.
• Periodically clean the flame arrestor(s) and check for any damage.

Mufflers and Noise Level Limits

Vessel operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled.

• A vessel’s engine must have a muffler or exhaust water manifold for noise reduction or another effective muffling system.
• The use of cut-outs or exhaust stacks is prohibited.
• It is illegal to operate a powerboat or PWC, or allow others to operate it, in such a manner that the noise level exceeds 86 decibels measured at 50 feet from the vessel. You must submit to a noise level test if requested by a law enforcement officer.
• It is illegal for recreational boaters to use or have on board a siren of any type while operating on the waters of Alabama.