Transcript Vessel Examination Program 2008 Annual Workshop

District 9WR
Spring D-TRAIN
Advanced Vessel Examiner Training
Spring 2014
Workshop Objectives
The purpose of this workshop is to assist currently
qualified Vessel Examiners in:
– Developing proficiency to educate owners of non-standard
recreational craft, which fall in to a small group of 1-5% of the
vessels not covered by the Vessel Safety Check Manual
– Deepening their understanding of the Federal Regulations
pertaining to Vessel Safety Checks
– Building their skills as a mentor to other Vessel Examiners
– Developing skills needed educate owners of special craft
(Motor Vessels > 65’, Government-owned Vessels, etc.)
– Finding useful resources not available in the Vessel Safety
Check Manual.
2
Today’s Agenda
1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner
Resources
1515 – Sticky Situations and
Navigating Grey Areas…
1545 – The How and Why of VSC
Decal Requirements
1630 – Special Craft
3
9WR VE Resources
The 9WR web site has a number of great
resources for Vessel Examiners in the District:
http://www.cgaux9wr.com/programs/ve/index.php
Download the 9WR VSC
Legal Requirements Matrix
- 9WR VE Workshop Materials
- How to become a Vessel
Examiner
- How to maintain VE
currency
4
9WR VE Resources
Use the “Contact Us” link on the 9WR Vessel
Examination page to get direct assistance:
http://www.cgaux9wr.com/programs/ve/index.php
Use “Contact Us” to:
- Answer process and technical
questions regarding performing
Vessel Safety Checks
- Ask questions or report
discrepancies regarding VE
materials published on the web site
- Report local VE issues
5
Who sets the
requirements?
VSC Requirements come from:
- The Code of Federal Regulations (CFR’s)
- United States Code http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/browse/collectionUScode.action?collectionCode=USCODE
- eCFR http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?c=ecfr&tpl=%2Findex.tpl
- The USCG International/Inland Navigation Rules
- http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRuleChanges
- State Statutes and Regulations
-
Illinois Compiled Statutes
Indiana Code – Water Recreation and Indiana Code Watercraft Registration
Michigan Compiled Laws and Michigan DNR Admin Rules
Wisconsin Legislative Documents
- The 9WR VE team has put together a comprehensive
cross-reference to navigate the above resources…
6
Using the 9WR VSC Legal
Requirement Matrix
The first tab of the
matrix contains version
information, the intent
of the document, and
an interactive key to
the spreadsheet cells.
Updates and errors
should be sent to Gary
Markle, DSO-VE for
9WR
7
Using the 9WR VSC Legal
Requirement Matrix
Exception, Exemption, &
Additional Detailed
Regulations and Hyperlinks
Exceptions,
Exemptions, &
Additional Details
VSC Requirement
VSC Educational
Item (shaded)
Performance
Standard
Federal Regulation
(s) and Hyperlink
State Regulation(s)
and Hyperlink
8
United Safe Boating Institute
(USBI) Data Collection Program
UPDATED
2014
• All Vessel Examiners are now encouraged to enter data
on their failed Vessel Safety Checks on the USBI Data
Collection Site: http://www.usbi.org/vsc.php
• This program was piloted in several states last year and
continues to gather data on failed VSCs across all states,
the Auxiliary, USPS, and several State organizations
• The information gathered will be used to determine future
focus areas for the VE, PV, PA, PE, and grant programs
• The United Safe Boating Institute greatly appreciates the
additional data points
9
Today’s Agenda
1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner
Resources
1515 – Sticky Situations and
Navigating Grey Areas…
1545 – The How and Why of VSC
Decal Requirements
1630 – Special Craft
10
Sticky Situations - 1
What would you do when a boater says…
– “But the last Examiner that checked my boat said it
was OK, and I got a Decal.”
– “The last Examiner that checked my boat told me
to put my navigation light on the boat that way.”
– “Here’s the Golden Ticket from my US Coast Guard
Boarding. They said everything was OK.”
– “I just paid my dealer a ton of money for this boat.
They must have taken care of all the registration
and documentation.”
– “The USCG boarding officer told me that your
Vessel Safety Check doesn’t mean anything.”
– “You’re not leaving…”
11
Sticky Situations - 2
What would you do when observe or hear:
– Boaters drinking heavily at the marina.
– Obstructed equipment in an engine compartment.
– Auxiliarists requesting that you stay away from
their local marina.
12
Navigating Grey Areas
Examples:
The Vessel Numbers just barely contrast with the hull?
The Vessel Numbers are starting to fade.
This registration/documentation expires this month.
These flares expire in October.
This backfire flame arrestor is oily after 1 month of use.
The boater had to “tap” their nav lights for them to illuminate.
This child can just barely get in to their PFD.
What to do?
- Don’t be afraid to fail the VSC (if appropriate)
and re-check the boat.
- Make notations and document advisements on
the 7012 form!
13
Tools of the Trade
A few additional items in the VE’s “kit” can help
expedite and provide more thorough checks:
- Clipboard with storage
- Flashlight
- Inspection mirror
+
=
14
Today’s Agenda
1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner
Resources
1515 – Sticky Situations and
Navigating Grey Areas…
1545 – The How and Why of VSC
Decal Requirements
1630 – Special Craft
15
The power of “Why”
and “Show Me”
Boaters reluctant to accept messages being
delivered during safety education and VSC’s
will often respond to:
– Explanations of why regulations are related to safety
– Explanations of how safety equipment can save their
life
– Written information
– Follow-up information and citations of the actual
regulations
16
The VSC Decal
The VSC decal changes color
every year. These colors are
very specific and are chosen to
match the color of state
registration decals expiring the
same year as the VSC Decal.
* Not all states and territories
adhere to this standard
17
Recognition
VE’s and PV’s who complete 60
exams or visits are awarded the
VE/MDV Service Ribbon
– Note: “V” Device is no longer
authorized for wear on this award
AUTHORIZED
NOT AUTHORIZED
18
Item 1 Numbering
Boats without HINs:
– HIN numbers are issued by the State and will be on
the registration. The owner is responsible for making
the marking
– New Federal Regulations are coming to give better
direction to the states on this.
Letters are incorrect:
– The Federal Regulations will allow a
boat’s lettering to be easily read from
170 feet (1/4 mile with binoculars)
– Lettering allows a boat to be
identified in a group of other boats on
the water
19
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of fonts
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
20
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of fonts
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
21
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of fonts
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
22
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of fonts
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
23
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of fonts
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
24
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of color
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
25
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of color
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
26
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of color
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
27
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of color
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
28
Item 1 Numbering
Visibility of color
from a distance:
– Can you read this
lettering?
29
Item 2 Licensing and
Documentation
- 33 CFR 173.21 requires that the
Registration/Documentation be on board.
- Copies can be kept at home
- 46 CFR 67 requires that the Documented
name is placed on the Port/Starboard Bow
and Stern. (Recreational boats have a
Stern-only exemption.)
- For boaters wishing to avoid displaying
state numbers; DO NOT give boaters
explicit instructions on how to properly
mark their documented boat.
http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc/nvdcfaq.asp
30
Item 2 Licensing and
Documentation
Between 08 JUL 2013 and 22 JAN 2014, the
USCG Documentation Center issued “Temporary
Certificate of Documentation” letters to some
boaters in leiu of official blue Certificate. These
letters may be accepted in place of an actual
Certificate and are valid one year from issue
- The Temporary Certificate of Documentation
must still be kept on board the vessel, just as an
actual blue Certificate
31
Beware of Documented
Vessel Mythology
Myth: Documented Vessels do not require registration or
validation/tax decals.
Fact: Some states do not have these requirements for
Documented Vessels; however IL, IN, MI, and WI do. All
vessels in these states, including documented vessels,
are required to be registered and display decals.
IL: Documented vessel decals are placed on either side of the
documented name on the transom.
IN: Documented vessel decals are placed on the forward half of the
boat, above the water line.
MI: Documented vessel decals are placed on the forward half of the
boat, as high above the water line as possible.
WI: Documented vessel decals are placed on either side of the
documented name on the transom.
32
7012a Form
Section I
UPDATED
2014
While not required for a Paddlecraft VSC, you can still educate
boaters on proper registration and numbering for their vessel.
IL: - Registration is no longer required for nonmotorized paddle boats, paddle boards, canoes, and
kayaks. Instead, a new Water Usage Stamp (WUS)
is required to be purchased for each vessel in use
on IL waters (including out of state vessels) and
displayed on the hull.
- The WUS is procured through retailers, similar to fishing
licenses
- Last year’s grace period for purchasing a WUS is past
and IL authorities may ticket boaters in 2014
- The IL DNR has issued an administrative rule
exempting innertubes from the WUS requirement33
7012a Form
Section I
While not required for a Paddlecraft VSC, you can still
educate boaters on proper registration and numbering
for their vessel.
IN: No requirements.
MI: Registration required for all vessels 16 or more feet in
length and for all rental vessels 12 or more feet in length.
(*Canoes, kayaks, rafts, and sailboards are exempt.)
Numbers and tax stickers must be displayed on all
registered vessels.
WI: No requirements.
34
Item 3 Flotation
Devices (Life Jackets):
Look out for Kapok and take a close look at PFD
fitness where its involved.
Watch our for belt-style Type V’s.
- Should be worn on the front.
- Require the wearer to actively don.
- No passive protection.
35
Item 3 Flotation
Devices (Inflatables):
• Inflatable Type V life jackets only count toward the total
number on board when being worn continuously. (Some
inflatables are NOT Type V!)
• USCG approved inflatable devices:
- Have specific details on their usage and restrictions
detailed on the label.
- Authorized for use by persons 16 years of age or
older meeting the chest size and weight restrictions
on the label
- Require regular maintenance (including manual
inflation tests, as per manufacturer instructions)
- Must have a full cylinder and all status indicators
36
green
Item 3 Flotation
Devices (Life Jackets):
Exemption from preemption
33 CFR 175.5
The States are exempted from preemption by Federal regulations when
establishing, continuing in effect, or enforcing State laws and regulations on
the wearing or the carriage of personal flotation devices directly related to
the following subject areas within the jurisdictional boundaries of the State:
(a) Children on board any vessel;
(b) Operating a canoe or kayak;
(c) Operating a sailboard; and
(d) Operating a personal watercraft.
37
Item 4 - Visual Distress
Signals (VDS):
The USCG Approved SOS light is now extremely
hard to find! (No models are currently certified.)
3 flares is not enough!
- Shells should be shot 2 at a time
- Boaters will need more than 3 in an emergency
Recreational boats less than 16 feet on coastal
waters or the Great Lakes, paddle craft, and totally
open sailboats under 26 feet need only carry night
visual distress signals when operating from sunset
to sunrise.
38
Item 4 - Visual Distress
Signals (VDS):
Some areas of the 9WR AOR include waters
on the Great Lakes surrounded by break walls
or other man-made structures. If the
openings of these areas are less than 2
nautical miles, than VDS are not required
inside them.*
- If a boater plans to operate outside these
boundaries in coastal waters, VDS are
required for a VSC decal.
- If a boater NEVER plans to operate
outside these boundaries, then VDS are
not required for a VSC decal. (They
should still be educated that carrying VDS
is a good/safe choice.)
Calumet Harbor, Chicago
1.6 nm Harbor Mouth
* Vessel Examiners should confirm VDS
determinations made by their local USCG Station,
and seek to mirror those requirements for the
awarding of VSC decals in the same area.
39
Beware of Flare
Mythology and History
History: It’s illegal to own a flare gun in some states.
Fact: Some states used to consider flare guns the same
as any handgun, but no longer. IL, IN, MI, and WI allow
for ownership of flare guns as long as they are USCG
approved devices and only used for signaling distress.
Myth: You should never carry extra flares because they are a
fire hazard.
Fact: A military-sized cache of flares can be a fire hazard,
but in an emergency, most boaters will need many more
than 3. The number of flares carried should be a
40
function of boat size and boat usage.
Beware of Flare
Mythology and History
Myth: Flares expire and are no longer usable.
Fact: The expiration date on flares is mandated by law
(46 CFR 160.021.5.b) and not by the construction,
chemicals, manufacturer, or type of the flare. Kept neat
and dry, flares will last decades with little degradation in
performance.
Myth: You can’t “get rid” of flares.
Fact: It is illegal to use a flare except in case of distress.
Excess or damaged flares can be disposed at a boater’s
local hazardous waste disposal facility. (Varies by locality.)
41
Item 5 - Fire
Extinguishers:
Boaters in the state of Illinois
must have at least 1 fire
extinguisher on EVERY
motorboat.
* The same rule broadly
applies for sole state waters.
42
Item 5 - Fire
Extinguishers:
Indiana does not have a fire
extinguisher requirement for sole state
waters.
(Vessel Examiners should still highly recommend
them!)
Michigan and Wisconsin mirror federal
requirements for state waters.
43
Item 5 - Fire
Extinguishers:
Fixed Systems:
• Boaters should be educated
regarding the function of their fixed
system helm indicators and on the
hazards of discharging fixed systems.
• While not required, boaters should
be encouraged to have their fixed
systems (even if serviceable)
inspected at least every 12 years.
44
Item 5 - Fire
Extinguishers:
Fixed Systems - Halon:
Vessel Examiners may
recommend that systems using
Halon gas be inspected every 12
years in accordance with 46 CFR
147.65
• However testing is not
required for Recreational
Vessels because they are
Uninspected (46 CFR 147.1)
• As long as the system is
serviceable, a VSC Decal may
be awarded
45
Beware of Fire
Extinguisher Mythology
Myth: Caked or packed fire extinguishers should be
discarded.
Fact: It is highly unlikely that a properly charged fire
could ever become caked. All modern fire extinguishers
are engineered to perform, even when the agents inside
are packed due to vibration. A new directive has been
issued to Vessel Examiners that fire extinguishers should
not be tapped or inverted as the practice provides no
value. (Contrary to what is published in the current VE
Manual.) Handling fire extinguishers in this way opens
the door to dropping the device or damaging the boater’s
property.
46
Beware of Fire
Extinguisher Mythology
Myth: Fire extinguishers expire.
Fact: Fire extinguishers typically do not have an
expiration date on them. However, manufacturers will
recommend that boaters discard fire extinguishers after
they exceed their warranty period.
The gauge on the fire extinguisher is a highly accurate
indicator of the device’s status if it is in otherwise
serviceable condition.
47
Item 6 - Ventilation:
In addition to listening for ventilation motors and
feeling for ventilation flows at exhaust ports,
examiners should also look for indications of
improper system repair: (these systems are often
challenging to access)
- Loose vent hoses
- Confirm hoses terminate at vents
- Look for hoses that extend to the very
bottom of the bilge
- Ventilation fans not secured to the boat
48
Item 8 - Sound
Producing Devices/Bell:
Operators of small craft and paddle craft are often
not educated on the whistle’s purpose
- A key learning is how to signal distress
●●●●●
Even though not required for sole state
waters in Michigan and Wisconsin, sound
producing devices are still required for safe
navigation and to comply with state
navigational conventions.
(Illinois and Indiana explicitly require sound producing devices.)
49
Item 9 - Navigation
Lights:
Look for stamped markings on
modified lights:
≥ 12 meters (39.4 feet) to 20 meters
(65 feet) in length:
Masthead - 3 miles
All other lights - 2 miles
< 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length:
Masthead - 2 miles
Sidelights - 1 mile
All other lights - 2 miles
50
Item 11 - MARPOL
Trash Placard:
UPDATED
2014
A new Annex V to the international MARPOL treaty is
effective, which will requires larger MARPOL placards on US
Recreational Vessels. The domestic rulemaking and
subsequent changes to 33 CFR 151 are underway and may
dictate new procedures in the future.
GOING FORWARD (or as otherwise directed)
- Contrary to prior guidance, which may have been given - Examiners
should require a MARPOL placard, if the vessel is of a type to require
one
- Examiners should educate boaters to the fact that they will be legally
required to “upgrade” their existing MARPOL placards at some point in
the future
-Old sizes may continue to be used until directed otherwise
51
Item 13 - Navigation
Rules:
UPDATED
2014
• An electronic copy (cell phone,
tablet, laptop, etc.) is acceptable as
long as the boater can present the
required rules when examined
• Remember, a complete copy of the
rules is not required. Only the
Inland rules are required to be
carried when shoreward of the line
of demarcation
* Not required for
IL, IN, MI, and WI
sole state waters.
52
Item 15 - Overall Vessel
Condition:
UPDATED
2014
• Vessel must be free from fire hazards, in good
condition, with bilges reasonably clean and visible
hull structure generally sound”
• Battery cables should be securely connected,
terminals covered, and battery secured to prevent
movement (FEDERAL battery requirements do
not apply to boats powered by outboard motors)
• Automotive parts NOT installed on engine
• Engine HP does not exceed capacity plate
• Kill switch operational if installed
• Decks free of hazards
53
Item 14 - State and/or
Local Requirements
Engine cut-off lanyards are required for boats equipped
with them, and all PWC’s, in Illinois.
(Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin only require them for PWC’s.)
* Stay Tuned… The Federal Government is currently
considering a new rule to required these on some boats.
54
Item 14 - State and/or
Local Requirements:
IL & WI: All battery terminals
must be covered by a boot,
box, or other shielding. Loose
batteries and boxes must be
firmly attached to the vessel.
IN: Federal electrical
requirements, for positive
terminal shielding and secure
batteries, must be met in all
state waters.
MI: No specific requirements
for sole state waters.
55
Item 14 - State and/or
Local Requirements:
IL, IN, MI, and WI all require a muffler, underwater
exhaust, or other sound suppression device.
(Boats like the one below are not eligible for a decal
in these states.)
56
Item 15 - Overall
Vessel Condition:
• Gas Tanks
– Small LPG portables should be secure, kept outside machinery
and living spaces
– Watch out for CNG (many requirements)
• Firearms
– Advise on the dangers of loaded firearms
• Modified Wiring
– All wiring should be stranded (not solid) and crimp connected
• Power Blocks and Switches
– Power distribution blocks, power switches, fuse blocks, switches,
etc. need to be covered or enclosed
57
Item 15 - Overall
Vessel Condition:
BEWARE: Propane outboard engines are now
available for sale from the Lehr company and
are being promoted to boaters. Boats
carrying these systems (in use, or not) may
NOT be awarded a VSC decal.
• Propane is heavier than air and behaves like
gasoline on a boat except it is more volatile and
vaporizes to a gas much more quickly
• Propane is not USCG approved for propulsion or
machinery (LP tanks are only allowed on board for
cooking)
• Liquid Propane tanks are pressurized and must be
more heavily shielded/protected compared to a
gasoline tank
• Liquid Propane tanks must be stored above the
waterline in areas that vent directly overboard
58
Additional
Discussion Items
Promotion of Rescue21 is crucial for this and
future boating years across 9WR:
– Make boaters aware how to get a MMSI from Boat U.S.
– Make sure boaters know how to program their MMSI
and get GPS wiring guidance
59
Today’s Agenda
1500 – 9WR Vessel Examiner
Resources
1515 – Sticky Situations and
Navigating Grey Areas…
1545 – The How and Why of VSC
Decal Requirements
1630 – Special Craft
60
Special Craft
While not specifically addressed by the VSC program
courtesy examinations of some specialized craft are
authorized:
– Motor Vessels (>65 feet)
• May have differing PFD requirements
• Specialized Fire Extinguisher requirements based on
vessel tonnage and engine horsepower
• Pollution control equipment required in the engine room
• Radios may be required on international voyages
• Owners should be encouraged to meet safety
requirements for commercial vessels of a similar size
– Government-owned Vessels
• Examiners should be careful when inspecting vessels of a
non-recreational design and become aware of any special
safety issues for the craft
61