It's the Law: Required Equipment

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 in either of these situations:
  • After fueling
  • Before starting the engine

Backfire Flame Arrestors

• Because vessel engines may backfire, all powerboats (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

• A vessel's engine must have a factory-installed muffler or exhaust system for noise reduction, or another effective muffling system. Vessel operators may not hear sound signals or voices if the engine is not adequately muffled.
• Michigan law states that a vessel's muffler or exhaust system must prevent noise in excess of:
  • 90 decibels at idle from three feet away and ...
  • 75 decibels when measured from the shore.