It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Ventilation Systems

The importance of ventilation is crucial. 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 after fueling, and/or prior to starting your engine.
• If your vessel is not equipped with a power ventilation system (such as PWCs), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.

Backfire Flame Arrestors

• All motorboats built after April 1940, with inboard-mounted gasoline engines (this includes inboards, inboard-outboards, and airboats), must have a backfire flame control device mounted securely to each carburetor.
• Backfire flame arrestors or equivalent backfire flame protection systems must be:
  • In good and serviceable condition and ...
  • U.S. Coast Guard–approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards)
• Backfire flame control devices ensure that any engine backfire is dispersed into the atmosphere, and substantially reduce the chance of explosion or fire.

Mufflers

• All vessels equipped with an engine must be effectively muffled by equipment constructed and used to muffle the noise of the exhaust in a reasonable manner. Excessive noise could prevent a vessel operator from hearing signals or voices and is irritating to other people. Muffling an airboat’s exhaust with automotive-style mufflers is required in Florida.
• The use of any type of exhaust cutout that allows exhaust to bypass the engine muffling system is prohibited.