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Course Outline

Backfire flame arrestor on a boat

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 control devices must be:
    • In good and serviceable condition
    • USCG–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 also substantially reduce the chance of explosion or fire.
  • Periodically clean the backfire flame control device and check for any damage.
Backfire Flame Arrestor
  • Unit 4 of 6
  • Topic 8 of 19
  • Page 1 of 4