1. 2012 DIVISION 43 VESSEL EXAMINER SEMINAR Prepared byPrepared by JAMES F. LUBNER, FSO-MTJAMES F. LUBNER, FSO-MTAND GEORGE R. BORES, FSO-OPSGEORGE R. BORES, FSO-OPS Flotilla 43-06Flotilla 43-06

2.  One-on-one boater safety education  Promotion of Boating Safety and Boating Safely  Voluntary Compliance The VSC Program

3.  Trained  Qualified  Knowledgeable  Professional  Competent  Consistent The Vessel Examiner

4.  Any recreational boat upon request – owner/operator  Boats 65 feet and over are special circumstance  Sailboats with mechanical power = powerboats  Special emphasis on Sport/Utility Boats (SUBS)  Note the following in the manual  Government-owned boats  Boats owned by Scout Groups etc  Inflatables  Exceptions Eligible Vessels

5.  Experimental or unproven design  Work boats – tugs, dredges, barges etc  Submersibles  Amphibious vehicles  Inflatable Life Rafts  Surface-effect Craft  Unmanned water-ski towing craft  Motorized Surfboards  Vessels of Foreign Registry Vessels NOT Eligible

6.  Only current year VSC decal should be displayed.  Old decals should be removed before affixing a new one, but a VE / owner may place the new decal directly over any old VSC decal.  VSC Decal must be affixed immediately after inspection by the VE, or by the operator in the presence of the VE. Awarding the VSC decal

7.  The decal shall be affixed in a location not to interfere with or obscure the operator’s view and be readily visible to authorities while underway.  This is normally on the lower forward corner of a portside window or a lower corner on the portside of the windshield.  If no window is available it may be affixed to the dashboard or the back of a seat. It should only be affixed to permanently installed equipment. VSC Decal Placement

8.  USCG Approved Equipment  Personal Flotation Devices – Life Jackets  Fire Extinguishers  Visual Distress Signals  Backfire Flame Arrestors  Marine Sanitation Devices (MSDs)  Navigation Lights (Manufacturer’s Requirement ONLY) Decal Requirements

9.  Federal Requirements  Laws and regulations enforced by only USCG and other federal agencies  Only on waters of the United States  State Regulations/Local Ordinances  State and local enforcement only  Sole State Waters Enforcement and Applicability of Requirements

10.  Display on Forward Half of Vessel  Painted On or Permanently Attached  Read Left to Right on Both Sides of Vessel  Plain Vertical Block Style  Color Contrasts with Background ITEM #1 – DISPLAY OF NUMBERS

11.  Minimum 3 Inches in Height  Full Space Between Letter and Number Groups (Or Hyphen)  Only Number Displayed on Forward Half of Vessel  State Validation Sticker Within 6 Inches ITEM #1 – DISPLAY OF NUMBERS

12. WS 1234 AB WS - 1234 - AB Wisconsin Validation Sticker Must be Displayed 3 Inches Astern of the Registration Numbers ITEM #1 – DISPLAY OF NUMBERS

13.  VSC Techniques:  Ask Owner/Operator for Registration Card/Papers  Must be Onboard Vessel Whenever Underway  Registration Number Must Match Number Displayed on Hull  Ensure HIN On Card/Papers Matches HIN Displayed on Hull ITEM #1 – DISPLAY OF NUMBERS

14.  Wisconsin Requirements: All Boats, Except:  Sailboats 12 Feet Long and Under  Sailboards  Manually Propelled Boats Without Motors or Sails  Boats Registered in Another State Using Wisconsin Waters for Less Than 60 Consecutive Days ITEM #2 REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION

15.  Documented Vessels:  U.S. Coast Guard Documents Vessels  5 Net Tons or More (About 25 ft Boat)  100 cu. ft. = 1 Net Ton  Admeasurement  Pleasure Vessels May be Documented or Registered  States May Require Documented Vessels be Registered and Display Validation Stickers (Wis. Does) ITEM #2 REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION

16.  Documented Vessels:  Original Certificate of Documentation Must be Kept on the Vessel At All Times  Document Identifies Vessel, Nationality, Authorized Use  Must Have Official Number Permanently Marked on a Clearly Visible, Interior, Structural Part of the Hull ITEM #2 REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION

17.  Documented Vessels:  Numbers: Block Type Arabic Numerals  Not Less Than 3 Inches in Height  Preceded by Letters “No.” No. 1234567 ITEM #2 REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION

18.  Documented Vessels:  Pleasure Vessels Must Have Name and Hailing Port (City and State) Marked Together on a Clearly Visible Part of the Hull in Letters At Least 4 Inches Tall  Hailing Port Marked on Vessel Must Match City and State Listed on Certificate of Documentation Miss Behaving Too Milwaukee, WI ITEM #2 REGISTRATION/DOCUMENTATION

19.  Requirements – ALL Vessels  USCG Approved – Read the Label!!  One wearable for each person on board  Proper size and type for person – Check the Label!!  Readily Accessible  Serviceable Condition Item #3 -- PFDs

20.  Throwable Requirement  Vessels 16 feet long and longer  Canoes and Kayaks exempt  USCG Approved as Type IV– Read the Label!!  Immediately Available  Serviceable Condition  No attached line required Item #3 -- PFDs

21.  Inflatables  Persons 16 yrs or older and at least 80 #  Hybrid Inflatables for children  USCG Approved  Type ???– Read the Label!!  Not all are Type V  Not all need be worn for VSC  Require Extra Care and Maintenance Item #3 -- PFDs

22.  Requirement to be worn  Federally controlled waters ONLY  Boaters younger than 13 years  Underway  Not below deck or in enclosed cabin  Consistency with any State Requirement Item #3 -- PFDs

23.  US Coast Guard Approved  Day Only Signals  Orange Smoke  CG approved Distress Flag  Night Only Signals  Electric Distress Lantern  Day/Night Signals  Red Flares  Red Rockets Item # 4 -- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

24.  Serviceable Condition  Check Expiration Date  Moisture or Other Damage  Readily Accessible Item # 4 -- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

25.  Carriage Requirement  Coastal Waters ONLY  Five Great Lakes – not including Lake St. Clair  Territorial Seas of the US  Internal US Waters directly connected to Great Lakes and territorial seas up to the first point where the distance between shorelines narrows to less than 2 NM.  US vessels operating on the high seas Item # 4 -- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

26.  Carriage Requirement  Daytime and Nighttime Signals  All vessels 16 feet long and longer  Except those listed as nighttime only below  Nighttime Signals Only  Vessels less than 16 feet long  Open sailboats <26 feet long w/no motor  Manually propelled boats  Boats in organized events Item # 4 -- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

27.  Carriage Requirement  Pyrotechnic Devices  Three Daytime signals – serviceable condition AND  Three Nighttime signals – serviceable condition OR  Three Day/Night signals– serviceable condition  Non-pyrotechnic Devices  Flag must be USCG Approved  Electric Lantern must be USCG approved and must light when activated  Remind boater of battery maintenance Item # 4 -- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)

28.  Vessels Required to Carry Fire Extinguishers:  Motorboats with Inboard Engines  Motorboats 26 feet in Length and Over with Outboard Engines  Closed Compartments Where Portable Fuel Tanks May be Stored  Closed Living Spaces ITEM #5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

29.  Vessels Required to Carry Fire Extinguishers:  Closed Compartments in which Flammable or Combustible Materials are Stowed  Double Bottoms/Decks Not Sealed to Hull or Completely Filled with Flotation Foam  Permanently Installed Fuel Tanks  Portable Tank that Can’t be Moved is Considered to be Permanently Installed ITEM #5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

30. Minimum Number of Extinguishers Required Boat Length No Fixed System With Fixed System < 26’ 1 B-1 None 26’ to < 40’ 2 B-1 or 1 B-2 1 B-1 40’ to 65’ 3 B-1 or 2 B-1 or 1 B1 & 1 B-2 1 B-2 ITEM #5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

31.  VSC Techniques:  All Fire Extinguishers Must be Marked: Marine Type U S Coast Guard Approved  Label Lists Size and Type Example: TYPE – B SIZE – I  Fire Extinguisher Must be Serviceable  Pressure Indicator/Gauge Must Show Proper Indication ITEM #5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

32.  VSC Techniques:  Tamper Seals Must Be Intact  No Damage or Excessive Corrosion  Check Nozzle for Obstruction or Chemical Powder  Pressurized Gas Types Must be Inspected/Weighed and Tagged Within One Year by Authorized Agency  Fixed Systems Maintained per Manufacturer’s Requirements and Inspected/Weighed and Tagged Within One Year ITEM #5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

33.  Vessels That Require Ventilation:  Vessels that Use a Gasoline Engine for Electrical Generation, Mechanical Power, or Propulsion ITEM #6 VENTILATION

34.  Compartments That Require Natural Ventilation:  Permanently Installed Gasoline Engine  Fuel Tank that Vents Into Compartment Including Portable Tank  Non-metallic Fuel Tank  Permanently Installed Fuel Tank AND an Electrical Component Not Ignition Protected ITEM #6 VENTILATION

35.  Each Compartment with Gasoline Engine with Cranking Motor Must be:  Open to the Atmosphere;  15 sq. in. per cu. ft. of Volume  Or, Be Ventilated by an Exhaust Blower System ITEM #6 VENTILATION

36.  Vessels That Require Power Ventilation:  Vessels Built After 31 JUL 80  Compartments With Gasoline Engines  Except: Vessels of Totally Open Construction  Warning Label Must be Mounted Near Each Ignition Switch ITEM #6 VENTILATION

37.  VSC Techniques:  Open Engine/Fuel Tank Compartments  Check for Fuel Leaks/Vapors  Check Ducts for Proper Installation, Kinks, Tears, Obstructions, Location  Turn On Blower – Feel Proper Exhaust Flow  Look for “Certificate of Compliance”  Meets Requirements If No Obvious Modifications ITEM #6 VENTILATION

38.  Vessels that Require Backfire Flame Arrestors:  Inboard Gasoline Engines  Carburetors and Fuel Injection  Approved by USCG, SAE, UL ITEM #7 BACKFIRE FLAME CONTROL

39.  VSC Techniques:  Check Each Engine for Backfire Flame Arrestor On Each Carburetor  Must be Flame-Tight and Clean  New Types are Combination Air Filters  Do Not Disassemble Anything to Check Component  Look for “Certificate of Compliance” ITEM #7 BACKFIRE FLAME CONTROL

40.  ALL Vessels Must Carry a Means of Producing an Effective Sound Signal (1/2 Mile Range)  Vessels Under 12 Meters (39.4 Feet) Only Need an Athletic Type Whistle or Portable Horn  Vessels 12 Meters (39.4 Feet) and Longer Need an Installed Power Horn (Whistle)  Bells Are No Longer Required on Vessels Under 20 Meters (65 Feet) ITEM #8 SOUND PRODUCING DEVICE

41.  Vessels Required to Display Navigation Lights:  All Vessels Operating Between Sunset and Sunrise  All Vessels Operating In or Near Areas of Reduced Visibility  Vessels Under 16 Feet in Length are Not Required to have Installed Navigation Lights (VSC Decal Requirement Only) ITEM #9 NAVIGATION LIGHTS

42.  VSC Techniques:  Installed Navigation Lights Must Operate Properly  Must Display Underway and Anchor Lights  Check for Unlit Lights, Cracked or Faded Lenses, Proper Configuration ITEM #9 NAVIGATION LIGHTS

43.  Applicability  Boats 26 feet and over  With machinery spaces  US navigable waters  Not sole state waters  Placard  5 x 8 inches  Machinery spaces or bilge pump control  All vessels – capacity to retain/manage oily mixtures Item #10 – Pollution Placard

44.  Placard  Vessels 26 feet and Longer  US Navigable Waters  4 x 9 inches  Prominent location  Written Waste Management Plan  Ocean going vessels only  40 feet long and longer  Galley and Berthing Space Item # 11 – MARPOL Trash Regulations

45.  Installed Toilets  Must be operable MSD  USCG Approved  Vessels 65 feet and less  Flow-Through Devices  Types I and II  Holding Tank – Type III  No Discharge Zones  Overboard Discharge Capacity of an MSD must be capable of being sealed or otherwise secured  Check that Y-valves are sealed in Great Lakes waters Item #12 – Marine Sanitation Devices

46. Boats 12 meters (39.4 feet) and longer, operating under Inland Navigation Rules, must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.  Complete copy  Non-electronic ??  US Navigable Waters  Inland Only Item #13 – Navigation Rules

47.  Wisconsin Requirements: (In Addition to Those Already Mentioned)  Mufflers Required, Must Not Exceed 86 db  Both Battery Terminals Must be Covered ITEM #14 STATE REQUIREMENTS

48.  Hull  Engine Compartment/Bilge  Fittings and Rigging  Deck Free of Hazards  Electrical/Batteries  Heating and Cooking Equipment  Portable Fuel Tanks  Overloading ITEM #15 OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION

49.  Not a Detailed Survey of Vessel  Do Not Disassemble Anything to do VSC  Discuss Minimum Legal Requirements vs Safety Recommendations ITEM #15 OVERALL VESSEL CONDITION

50.  Manufacturer’s Requirement  Required On Mono-Hulled Boats Less Than 20 Feet Long, Except Sailboats, Canoes, Kayaks (10 JAN 80)  Weight and Number of People  Total Weight of People and Gear  Max Horsepower for Outboard Engines ITEM #VII CAPACITY PLATE

51. Questions?

52.  Sound Signal  Life jackets (PFDs)  Vessel Condition  Navigation Lights  Visual Distress Signals  State/Local Requirements 7012a Form Section III 52

53. Life Jackets:  You must have a wearable USCG approved (TYPE I, II, or III) PFD for each person on board in all waters.  Though not required, Type I, II, and III Life Jackets should be worn when underway (a life jacket can save your life, but only if you wear it).  Type V must be worn to be counted. 53 Required Gear Federal

54. Throwable Type IV:  Kayaks and canoes are exempt from carrying the additional throwable PFD (Type IV PFD) that is required for other boats 16 feet or longer. 54 Required Gear Federal

55. Navigation lights: minimum requirement  A lantern or flashlight showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision 55 Required Gear Federal

56. Visual Distress Signals:  Paddle craft must be equipped with U.S.C.G. approved Visual Distress Signals for nightime use when on coastal waters -- the Great Lakes, territorial seas & those waters connected directly to them up to the first point where the water body narrows to less than 2 miles wide -- when operating from sunset to sunrise. 56 Required Gear Federal

57. Open Water Recommendations Manual Pump or Bailer Spray Skirt Compass Spare Oars/Paddles GPS EPIRB Charts VHF Marine Radio 57

58. Other Recommendations EXPOSURE SUIT HELMETS FLOAT PLAN FOOD & SNACKS WATER FIRST AID KIT WATERPROOF BAG FOR ID & PERSONAL ITEMS SUNSCREEN 58

59. Other Recommendations “If Found – Contact” Decal  Recommend that the paddler use this decal.  Provide the paddler with one during VSC.  Available from DIRAUX or your District RBS Specialist. 59