Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating

Federally Controlled Waters in Arkansas

Some of the boating regulations and requirements discussed in the following sections apply only when boaters are on federally controlled waters.

Federally controlled lakes and reservoirs in Arkansas include:

Federally controlled navigable streams in Arkansas include:

• Arkansas River from the mouth to the Oklahoma state line
• Black River from the mouth to the Missouri state line
• Mississippi River from the Louisiana state line to the Missouri state line
• Ouachita River from the mouth to Blakely Dam
• Red River from the Louisiana state line to the Oklahoma state line
• White River from the mouth to Dam No. 1 at Batesville

Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher, and the letter indicates the type of fire it will extinguish.

• Type A fires are of combustible solids like wood.
• Type B fires are of flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.
• Type C fires are electrical fires.

All vessels on federally controlled waters are required to have a Type B, U.S. Coast Guard–approved fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard engine
• Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored or in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
• Permanently installed fuel tanks

Although not required, it is strongly recommended that vessels boating on state waters have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board.

Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the type and size symbols and the approval number.

Use this chart to determine the type and quantity of fire extinguishers required for your vessel.

Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area—not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them.

Fire extinguishers must be maintained in usable condition. Inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure the following.

• Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing.
• Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range.
• There is no physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzles.

Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators

Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.

To check this style of extinguisher, depress the green button. If it is fully charged, the green button should pop back out immediately.
On this style of fire extinguisher, the needle indicator should be in the "full" range.

Remember—Keep bilges clean and free of trash in order to reduce the risk of fire.

Backfire Flame Arrestors

Because boat engines may backfire, all powerboats (except outboards) that are fueled with gasoline must have an approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor. Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires.

• Backfire flame arrestors are required on federally controlled waters. Flame arrestors are strongly recommended on state waters.
• Backfire flame arrestors must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition
  • U.S. Coast Guard–approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards)
• Periodically clean the flame arrestor(s) and check for any damage.

Ventilation Systems

Ventilation systems are crucial. Their purpose 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. On state waters, any efficient natural or mechanical ventilation system capable of removing entrapped fumes will meet the legal requirement.
• If your vessel 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 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.

Vessels built after July 31, 1980, which contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline engine compartments, must have the above warning sticker placed near the instrument panel.

Mufflers

It is strongly recommended that all vessel engines have an effective muffling system. Excessive noise can prevent a vessel operator from hearing sound signals and voices.

The use of dry stack headers or pipes extending directly from the engine of a motorboat that does not have any type of muffler is prohibited except for motorboats competing in an authorized marine event.

Vessel Safety Checks

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your vessel and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your vessel meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal. If your vessel fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency.