1
Utah: The Legal Requirements Of Boating
Your Vessel’s Registration, Numbers, and Registration Decals
◆◆Just like you must have a vehicle registration for your car, you must have a Utah
vessel registration and registration decals to legally operate a vessel on Utah
waters. Exceptions to registration are:
• Vessels that are not propelled by a motor or by sail (canoes, kayaks, etc.)
• Sailboards
• Properly registered vessels owned by residents of another state and using Utah
waters for 60 or fewer days in a calendar year.
◆◆The vessel registration certificate and registration decals are obtained by
presenting to the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles the proper application form,
fee, and validated tax certificate from the county assessor.
◆◆The registration certificate (card) must be on board and available for inspection by
Registration Certificate
any law enforcement officer whenever the vessel is operated.
The registration certificate must be carried on
◆◆The bow number and registration decals must be displayed as follows:
board the vessel whenever the vessel is operated.
• The bow number must be painted or permanently attached to each side of
the forward half of the vessel.
• The bow number must read from left to right on both sides of the vessel.
• The bow number must be in at least 3"-high, bold, plain, vertical BLOCK
characters.
• The bow number must contrast with the background color of the hull and
UT 2628 BP ■ ■
be legible from a distance of 150 feet.
• The bow number’s letters must be separated from the numbers by a space or
hyphen: “UT 2628 BP” or “UT-2628-BP.”
• No other numbers may be displayed on either side of the bow.
• The Yearly Registration decals must be displayed 3 inches aft of the bow
number on each side of the vessel. Only current decals may be displayed. The
Month of Expiration decals must be displayed immediately aft of the Yearly
Registration decals.
■ ■ UT 2628 BP
◆◆If your vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate or allow others to
operate your vessel unless it is properly registered and numbered.
Other Facts About Registering and Titling Your Vessel
Spaces or
◆◆Utah registrations expire annually, at the end of the month in which the vessel
hyphens should
was originally registered. Renewal notices are usually mailed to the registered
appear here.
owner during the month of expiration.
2009
◆◆All vessels manufactured since 1985 and with a motor of 25 hp or greater will
Month of
Yearly Registration
be titled. Titles are obtained through the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles.
Expiration Decal
◆◆If the address of the owner of a registered vessel changes, the owner must notify Decal
the Utah Division of Motor Vehicles within 15 days of the change and note the
new address on the registration card.
◆◆If a registered vessel is abandoned, destroyed, or ownership is transferred, the
registration is not valid and the owner must notify the Utah Division of Motor
Vehicles within 15 days of the event.
◆◆If you lose or destroy your registration certificate or decals, you must apply for
■
8 BP ■
a duplicate and submit a processing fee.
UT 262
PWCs are
◆◆Larger recreational vessels, owned by U.S. citizens, may (at the option of
also required
the owner) be documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. Contact the USCG at
to display the bow number
1-800-799-8362 (www.uscg.mil) for more information. Documented vessels
and registration decals.
must also be registered with Utah, but are not required to display the bow
number.
00000000
EXPIRES
UTAH WATERCRAFT
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
■ State Law
2
Hull Identification Number
ABC 67689 B9 99
Manufacturer’s Hull Serial Date of Model
Identification Number Manufacture Year Code (MIC)
Utah State Parks & Recreation rangers and
other officers with law enforcement authority
may stop and board vessels in order to check
for compliance with state and federal laws.
direct supervision
Within sight at a distance in which visual
contact is maintained by the adult responsible for the young operator
◆◆The Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit number, assigned
by the manufacturer, to vessels built after November, 1, 1972.
◆◆Hull Identification Numbers:
• Distinguish one vessel from another.
• Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate attached to the transom.
• Are required when applying for Utah vessel registration.
• Should be recorded by the owner and put in a place other than the vessel in
case warranty problems arise or the vessel is lost or stolen.
Motorboat Liability Insurance Requirement
◆◆All motorboats and personal watercraft (PWC) are required to carry owner’s
or operator’s liability insurance when operated on Utah waters. Motorboats
equipped with engines less than 50 horsepower and all airboats are exempt
from this requirement.
• The minimum liability insurance required is $25,000/$50,000 bodily
injury/death, $15,000 property damage, and $65,000 of combined liability
coverage per incident.
• It is illegal for the owner of a motorboat to operate or allow others to operate
it unless the motorboat has the required insurance.
• The insurance requirement does not apply to nonresident owners of motorboats on Utah waters for less than 90 days, unless liability insurance is also
required in the owner’s home state.
◆◆Proof of insurance must be carried on board the motorboat or PWC and
available for inspection if requested by an enforcement officer.
Who May Operate a Vessel
◆◆Motorized boats (other than personal watercraft):
• May be operated by a person 16 years old or older without age restrictions.
• May be operated by a person under 16 years old only if the operator is under
the onboard and direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least
18 years old.
◆◆Sailboats:
• May be operated by a person 16 years old or older without age restrictions.
• May be operated by a person under 16 years old only if the person is under
the direct supervision of a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
◆◆Personal watercraft: (PWCs):
• May be operated by a person 18 years old or older without age or supervision
restrictions.
• May be operated by a person 16 through 17 years of age provided the
operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State
Parks and Recreation and has in his or her possession the certificate issued by
the course provider.
• May be operated by a person 12 through 15 years of age provided the
operator has completed a boating education course accepted by Utah State
Parks and Recreation, has in his or her possession the certificate issued by the
course provider, and is under the direct supervision of a responsible person
who is at least 18 years old.
• A person less than 18 years of age who does not meet the above requirements
may not operate a PWC unless accompanied on board and directly supervised by a responsible person who is at least 18 years old.
◆◆It is illegal for the owner or person in control of a vessel to allow someone who
does not meet the age, supervision and/or education requirements to operate
the vessel.
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
■ State Law
Enforcement of Utah’s Boating Laws and Rules
Utah State Parks & Recreation rangers and other officers with law enforcement
authority may enforce the boating laws of Utah. The U.S. Coast Guard and other
federal agencies also have enforcement authority on interstate waters.
◆◆Officers have the authority to stop and board your vessel, on land or on water,
in order to check for compliance with state and federal laws.
◆◆It is illegal to refuse to follow the directive of a law enforcement officer. An
operator who has received a visual or audible signal from a law enforcement
officer must bring his or her vessel to a stop.
3
Remember …
You may not knowingly permit a vessel
that you own or control to be operated by
another person in a manner that violates
Utah law. As the owner of a vessel, you are
responsible for any injury or damage caused
by the negligent operation of your vessel, by
a person under the age of 18 years operating
with your express or implied consent.
Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
Utah law states that these dangerous operating practices are illegal:
◆◆Negligent Operation is willfully or negligently operating a vessel or manipulating water-skis or other devices in a manner that causes danger to the life,
limb, or property of any person. This includes:
• Not paying attention to the operation of the vessel.
• Failing to keep a proper lookout.
• Failing to observe the navigation rules.
• Failing to display the proper navigation lights when boating at night.
• Operating in a manner or at a speed that exceeds safe and reasonable limits
under the existing circumstances.
• Operating at a rate of speed that creates a wake that causes damage or injury.
• Operating such that your vessel collides with another vessel or object.
• Attempting to spray others with the wake of your vessel.
◆◆Improperly Riding on the Bow, Gunwales or Transom is allowing passengers
to ride on the bow decking, gunwales, transom, seatbacks, or motor cover of a
motorized vessel while underway at greater than a slow - wakeless (idle) speed,
unless the vessel is at least 16 feet in length and equipped with adequate rails
or other safeguards to prevent a person from falling overboard. Passengers may
ride on the bow of a vessel, except on Lake Powell, if they straddle an upright
support on the rail and do not block the operator’s view.
◆◆Overloading or Overpowering is loading or powering the vessel beyond the
recommended load and power limits shown on the capacity plate installed by
the vessel manufacturer.
◆◆Unsafe Condition is operating a vessel in a condition that causes danger to the
occupants or others on the waterways. Law enforcement officers may prohibit
the launching of the vessel or stop the vessel from operating if:
• The vessel is overloaded.
• There are insufficient personal flotation devices, fire extinguishers, backfire
flame arrestors, ventilation or navigation lights.
• The vessel is unseaworthy.
Speed and Proximity
Violating speed and proximity is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while
operating a vessel. Specifically, it is illegal to operate a vessel:
◆◆At greater than a slow – wakeless (idle) speed in any posted no wake zone.
◆◆At greater than a slow – wakeless (idle) speed within 150 feet of:
• Another vessel.
• A person in or floating on the water.
• A water-skier being towed by another vessel.
• A person fishing from the shore.
• A launching ramp or dock.
• A designated swimming area.
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
gunwale
Upper edge of vessel’s side (generally pronounced gunnel)
overboard
Over the side or out of the vessel
slow – wakeless (idle) speed
A speed at which the vessel does not
produce a wake or trailing white water,
not to exceed 5 miles per hour
The U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary, U.S. Power
Squadrons or Utah
State Park Rangers will
perform a Vessel Safety
Check (VSC) of your
vessel and equipment
free of charge. If your
vessel meets all VSC
requirements, you will
receive a VSC decal.
■ State Law
4
Boating Stressors
•The glare and heat of the sun, and the
motion, noise and vibration of the vessel
caused by the wind and the waves, have a
large impact on your body that you may
not even be aware of. These natural stressors
make you tire more rapidly when on the
water—regardless of your age or level of
fitness. Many boaters greatly underestimate
the effect these stressors have on fatigue.
•While perhaps not fatal themselves, these
stressors may weaken your body and mind
enough to make the risk of an accident
much more likely. After nearly four hours
of being on the water, these stressors will
produce a reaction time similar to having
a blood alcohol level of .10 grams. Rest
frequently, on land, to reduce the effects of
these stressors.
•Consuming alcohol will magnify the effects
of these stressors on your body.
The best thing you
can do for your safety
and the safety of your
passengers and other
boaters is simple …
Don’t drink
and boat!
Because you can drink faster than your system can
burn the alcohol off, there is an increasing level of
alcohol in your blood. This level is referred to as
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC).
Areas of Impairment Due to
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
Alcohol and Drugs
Utah law prohibits anyone from boating under the influence (BUI). This
includes the operation of any motorized vessel while under the influence of alcohol,
controlled substance or both. Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance, blurred
vision, poor coordination, impaired judgment, and slow reaction time. Alcohol
contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents nationwide.
◆◆Utah law states that a person is boating under the influence if he or she:
• Has a blood or breath alcohol concentration of 0.08 grams or greater or …
• Is under the influence of alcohol and/or any drug to a degree that renders
him or her incapable of safely operating the vessel.
◆◆A person under 21 years of age may not operate a motorized vessel with any
measurable amount of alcohol in his or her body.
◆◆A conviction for boating under the influence (BUI) can mean:
• Jail time and …
• Large fines and …
• Cancellation or rate hikes on your vessel insurance.
◆◆A person may not drink any alcoholic beverage while operating a motorized
vessel. It is also illegal to carry any alcoholic beverage on board a motorized
vessel if the beverage container has been opened, its seal broken or partially
consumed, and it is within reach of the operator.
◆◆By operating on Utah waters, you have given “implied” consent to alcohol
testing if an officer has grounds to believe you are boating under the influence.
Refusal to be tested is admissible in court and may result in the loss of your
motor vehicle driver license.
Minimize Risk of Boating Accidents—Avoid Alcohol
◆◆The effect of alcohol is increased by the natural stressors placed on your body
while boating. Also, the dehydration of your body caused by the natural
stressors, in turn causes alcohol to be absorbed more quickly into your system.
Research has proven that one third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to
make a person legally intoxicated on the road can make a boater equally
intoxicated on the water.
◆◆Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and affects judgment and slows
reaction time. Most people become slightly intoxicated after only one drink.
Alcohol makes it difficult for you to pay attention, especially to multiple tasks.
For example, it will be more difficult for you to keep track of two or more
vessels operating in your area. This could become critical if you are placed in an
emergency situation and must make a sudden decision.
◆◆Alcohol can reduce the ability to distinguish and interpret colors, particularly
red and green.
◆◆Alcohol impairment increases the likelihood of accidents—for both passengers
and vessel operators. Always designate non-drinking boaters to operate the
vessel and to act as an observer if your group plans to consume alcohol. Do
not allow your skipper to continue operating if he or she is drinking. Alcohol
contributes to about one-third of all boating accidents nationwide.
◆◆Drinking while boating is a choice. The best way to minimize the risk of an
accident is to make the wise choice—Don’t drink and boat!
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
■ State Law
Personal Flotation Devices (Life Jackets)
All vessels must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) approved life
jackets called personal flotation devices or PFDs. The quantity and type depends on
the length of your vessel and the number of people on board and/or being towed.
Each PFD must be in good condition, the proper size for the intended wearer, and
very importantly, must be readily accessible! Readily accessible means you must be
able to put the PFD on in a reasonable amount of time in an emergency (vessel
sinking, on fire, etc.). PFDs should not be stowed in plastic bags, in locked or closed
compartments or have other gear stowed on top of them.
Vessel operators should have everyone on their vessel to wear a PFD (life jacket)
whenever on the water. PFDs can save lives, but only if they are worn!
PFD Requirements
•All vessels must have at least one
USCG–approved Type I, II, III or V
PFD (life jacket) for each person on
board.
•One Type IV (throwable)
USCG–approved PFD must be on
board vessels 16 feet or longer, in
addition to the above requirement.
Type IV must be immediately
available. Immediately available
means the PFD must be quickly
reachable in an emergency situation
•All PFDs must be clearly marked
with the USCG approval number, in
good and serviceable condition, and
readily accessible. The PFDs must be
of the proper size for the intended
wearer. Sizing for PFDs is based on
body weight and chest size.
•Children 12 years old and younger
must wear a USCG–approved PFD
while on board any vessel. The only
exception is if the child is within the
enclosed cabin area of a vessel at least
19 feet in length.
•Each person on board a PWC and
each person being towed behind a
vessel on water-skis or other devices
must wear a USCG–approved PFD.
•Each person on board a vessel
operating on Utah’s rivers must wear
a USCG–approved PFD. Persons
older than 12 years of age may
loosen or remove their PFDs while
on designated flat water areas.
•Inflatable PFDs are not approved for
use by persons on PWCs, persons
being towed behind vessels, children,
or persons boating on rivers.
PFD Descriptions
TYPE I: Offshore Life Jackets
These vests are geared for rough or
remote waters where rescue may take
awhile. They are excellent for flotation
and will turn most unconscious persons
face up in the water.
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USCG–approved inflatable
PFDs are rated as Types I, II, III,
or V, and are more comfortable
and less bulky to wear than
traditional PFDs. Some models
automatically inflate when
submersed in water, while all models can be
manually or orally inflated. Read the approval
label for age and use restrictions, and learn how
to check, inflate, and care for an inflatable PFD.
Inflatable PFDs may not be used by children or
by persons riding on or operating a PWC, towed
behind a vessel, or boating on rivers.
Types of Personal Flotation Devices
Read and follow the label restrictions on all PFDs.
TYPE I
TYPE II
TYPE II: Near-Shore Vests
These vests are good for calm waters and
fast rescues. Type II vests may lack the
capacity to turn unconscious wearers
face up.
TYPE III
TYPE III: Flotation Aids
These vests or full-sleeved jackets are
good for calm waters and fast rescues.
They are not for rough waters since they
will not turn a person face up. This type
of PFD is generally used for water sports.
Some Type III PFDs are designed to
inflate when you enter the water.
TYPE IV: Throwable Devices
These cushions or ring buoys are designed
to be thrown to someone in trouble. They
are not for long hours in rough waters,
non-swimmers or the unconscious.
TYPE V: Special-Use Devices
These white water vests, deck suits,
hybrid PFDs and others are designed
for specific activities, such as kayaking
or water-skiing. Some Type V PFDs are
designed to inflate when you enter the
water. To be acceptable, Type V PFDs must
be used in accordance with their label.
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
TYPE III
Inflatable
TYPE IV
TYPE V
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■ State Law
PWC operators need to take
special steps in case of fire.
Because their fire extinguisher may not be easily
accessible, they should simply
swim away fast and use another operator’s
extinguisher.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators
Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if
they are not fully charged.
green button
To check this style of extinguisher,
depress the green button. If it is
fully charged, the green button
should pop back out immediately.
On this style of fire extinguisher,
the needle indicator should be
in the “full” range.
P.A.S.S.
P ull pin.
A im at base of fire.
S queeze handle.
S weep side to side.
◆◆Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The number
indicates the relative size of the extinguisher and the letter indicates the type of
fire it will extinguish:
• Type A fires are of combustible solids like wood.
• Type B fires are of flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.
• Type C fires are electrical fires.
◆◆All vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or
more of the following conditions exist:
• Inboard engine
• Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
• Double-bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled
with flotation material
• Closed living spaces
• Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials
may be stored
• Permanently installed fuel tanks
◆◆Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on
the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the size and type
symbols and the approval number.
Use this chart to determine the type and quantity required for your vessel:
Length of Vessel
Without Fixed System
With Fixed System*
Less than 26 feet
one B-I
None
26 feet to less than 40 feet
two B-I or one B-II
one B-I
40 feet to less than 65 feet
three B-I or one B-II and one B-I two B-I or one B-II
* refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system
◆◆Extinguishers must be readily accessible—easily located and retrieved without
searching, delay, or hindrance. Be sure you know how to operate them.
◆◆Inspect extinguishers annually to ensure they are fully charged. Each fire extinguisher must show evidence of being certified or serviced once every five years,
unless the fire extinguisher is a disposable. (A disposable fire extinguisher is one
that cannot be certified, recharged, or serviced.) A disposable fire extinguisher
expires 12 years from the date of manufacture indicated on the label or on the
bottom of the fire extinguisher.
Fire Emergencies
Many vessels have burned to the water line needlessly.
◆◆To help prevent a fire:
• Don’t mix the three ingredients required for a fire to erupt—fuel, oxygen,
and fire or heat.
• Make sure ventilation systems have been installed and are properly used.
• Maintain the fuel system to avoid leaks.
• Follow safe fueling procedures.
◆◆If fire erupts while your vessel is underway, follow these steps:
• Stop the vessel, and have everyone who is not wearing a PFD put one on.
• Keep the fire downwind.
-If the fire is at the back of the vessel, head the vessel into the wind. If the
engine must be shut off, use a paddle to keep the bow into the wind.
-If the fire is forward, put the stern into the wind.
• If a motor catches fire, immediately shut off the fuel supply.
• Aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames, and sweep back and forth
(remember P.A.S.S.).
• Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease or electrical fire. Water will spread a
gas fire, and will act as a conductor for electricity.
• Summon help with your VHF radio.
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
■ State Law
7
Fuel Your Vessel … Safely
Serious accidents can occur when fueling. Follow these safety procedures:
◆◆Never smoke or strike a match while fueling or when near a fueling dock.
◆◆Try to fuel in daylight. If light is needed, use a flashlight or spark proof light.
◆◆Check fuel lines for leaks and replace any cracking hoses.
◆◆Tighten fuel line connections frequently. Engine vibration can loosen them.
◆◆Before fueling turn off all engines and electrical equipment; shut off all fuel
valves; extinguish all fires; close all windows, doors and openings to prevent
fumes from entering the vessel.
◆◆Before filling a tank or gas can, follow these guidelines:
• Always remove portable tanks from the vessel. Use caution to prevent spills.
• Touch the fuel pipe or tank with the spout. This prevents build up of static
electricity, which could produce a spark.
• Never fill a tank to the brim. Leave room for gas to expand so it will not
overflow into the water.
◆◆After fueling, follow these guidelines:
• Open all windows and hatches.
• If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system (blower), turn it on
for at least four minutes after fueling, prior to starting your engine. This will
help eliminate gas vapors in the bilge.
• Put the fill cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping.
• Immediately wipe up any spilled gas. Let the rag air out after using it. Never
throw the rag into the vessel or the water.
• Store gas on board in a safety-approved storage tank, away from the engine in
an area of good ventilation.
• Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fumes.
Consider installing a gas vapor detection and alarm device.
HEAT
To prevent a fire emergency, don’t mix the
three ingredients required for a fire to erupt.
Make sure you
have enough fuel before
casting off. Operating at
two-thirds throttle instead of full throttle
will conserve fuel. The following rule will
help prevent running out of fuel:
• one-third to get out
• one-third to get back
• one-third reserve for emergencies.
Backfire Flame Arrestors
Because vessel engines may backfire, all powerboats (except outboards) fueled
with gasoline must have an approved backfire flame arrestor on each carburetor.
Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in
case the engine backfires.
◆◆Backfire flame arrestors must be:
• In good and serviceable condition
• U.S. Coast Guard–approved, or must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111
standards
◆◆Periodically clean the flame arrestor and check for any damage. Check the
owner’s manual for any required maintenance.
bilge
Interior of the hull below the floorboards
backfire
Explosion of prematurely ignited fuel or of
unburned exhaust gases in an internal
combustion engine
good and serviceable
All of the safety equipment required to
be on board your vessel must be in an
operable condition, which includes: any
required approval labels to be visible and
legible; fabrics and straps are not torn,
punctured, cut or altered; and, fasteners
are not broken or missing
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
■ State Law
8
Ventilation Systems
© Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources
WARNING:
Gasoline vapors can explode. Before
starting engine, operate blower for four
minutes and check (using your nose)
engine compartment for gasoline vapors.
Vessels built after July 31, 1980, which
contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline
engine compartments, must have the above
warning decal near the instrument panel.
cowl
Hooded opening used for ventilation
Powerboats are built to ventilate the engine
compartment when underway. As the
powerboat moves along, an air intake scoops
up fresh air and forces it down the air duct
into the engine compartment. The exhaust
sucks out the hazardous fumes from the lowest
part of the engine and fuel compartments.
The importance of ventilation is crucial. The purpose of ventilation systems is to
avoid explosions by removing flammable gases that can accumulate in the bottom of
the vessel. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a lifethreatening explosion.
◆◆All vessels with gas-powered engines and constructed in a way that would
entrap fumes, must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to
remove the fumes. On Utah waters, any efficient natural or mechanical
ventilation system capable of removing entrapped fumes will meet this
requirement.
◆◆If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least
four minutes after fueling, prior to starting your engine.
◆◆If your vessel is not equipped with a power ventilation system (such as personal
watercraft), open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before
starting the engine.
Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
Excessive noise can prevent a vessel operator from hearing signals and voices.
◆◆Every vessel with an engine operated on Utah waters must be equipped with
a muffler system in good working order and in constant operation to prevent
excessive noise.
◆◆No person may operate, or give permission to operate, a vessel that exceeds the
following noise levels:
• For engines manufactured before January 1, 1993, a stationary noise level of
90 dB(A), measured from a distance of 1 meter to the rear of the vessel with
the engine idling (SAE J2005)
• For engines manufactured on or after January 1, 1993, a stationary noise
level of 88 dB(A), measured from a distance of 1 meter to the rear of the
vessel with the engine idling (SAE J2005)
• For all vessels, an operational noise level of 75 dB(A), measured at the
shoreline (SAE J1970)
◆◆You may not remove or modify a muffler or muffling system if the result is
increased noise level.
◆◆The use of a muffler cut-out or a muffler bypass system is prohibited if the
engine noise levels do not meet the requirements listed above.
Remember …
Evaporating gasoline creates vapors or fumes
which are heavier than air. These fumes
settle to the bottom of the vessel where they
could explode if enclosed areas are not
properly ventilated to remove fumes.
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
■ State Law
Visual Distress Signals
9
Pyrotechnic Devices
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the
event of an emergency. VDSs are classified as day signals (visible in bright sunlight),
night signals (visible at night) or both day and night signals. VDSs are either
pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible). All VDSs
must be in serviceable condition, readily accessible, and certified as complying with
USCG requirements.
◆◆VDSs are not required on Utah waters, but are strongly recommended.
◆◆Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast
Guard–approved visual distress signals. All vessels, regardless of length or type,
are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Most vessels must also carry day signals; exceptions to the requirement for day
signals are:
• Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length
• Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length
• Manually-propelled vessels
◆◆If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be on board.
U.S. Coast Guard–Approved Visual Distress Signals
• Pyrotechnics are excellent distress signals.
However, there is potential for injury and
property damage if not properly handled.
These devices produce a very hot flame
and the residue can cause burns and ignite
flammable materials.
• Pistol launched and hand-held parachute
flares and meteors have many characteristics
of a firearm and must be handled with
caution. In some states they are considered a
firearm and are prohibited from use.
• Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool,
dry, and prominently marked location.
Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
• The distress flag is a day signal only. It must
be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square
and ball on an orange background.
• The electric distress light is accepted for
night use only and must automatically flash
the international SOS distress signal.
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Orange Smoke
Day Signal
Red Meteor
Day and Night Signal
Red Flare
Day and Night Signal
Arm Signal
Although not a U.S. Coast Guard–approved
VDS, use this arm action to summon help if
you do not have other visual distress signals
available.
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Electric Light
Night Signal
Orange Flag
Day Signal
◆◆The following combinations of signals are examples of VDSs that could be
carried on board to satisfy U.S. Coast Guard requirements:
• Three hand-held red flares (day and night)
• One hand-held red flare and two red meteors (day and night)
• One hand-held orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals
(day) and one electric light (night only)
◆◆It is prohibited to display visual distress signals on the water except when assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board
a vessel.
Copyright © 2009 by Boat Ed. All rights reserved. Boat Ed is not responsible or liable for any claims, liabilities, damages, or other adverse effects
or consequences to any person or property caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly from the application or use of the information
contained in this publication. Boat Ed, 2906 Ladybird Lane, Dallas, TX, 75220
Federally controlled waters
Waters on which vessels must observe
federal requirements, including VDS
requirements. These waters include:
• Coastal waters
• The Great Lakes
• Territorial seas
• Waters which are two miles wide or
wider and are directly connected to one
of the above.
■ State Law
10
Other Equipment Requirements
◆◆Bailing Device All vessels, not of self-bailing design, must have on board a bail
bucket or mechanical means for pumping the bilge. Sailboards and PWCs are
exempt from this requirement.
◆◆Spare Propulsion Vessels less than 21 feet long must have on board at least
one spare motor, paddle or oar. Sailboards and PWCs are exempt from this
requirement.
◆◆Airboat Requirements Airboats operated on the Great Salt Lake or its
adjacent marshes/refuges must have on board a compass and at least one of:
approved flares, a strobe light, or other visual distress signal.
Overexposure to the Sun
Many personal injuries come
from overexposure to the sun. Some
simple precautions will prevent overexposure.
• Wearing clothes is the best prevention for
sunburn. Sunscreen should be used freely and often.
• Avoid spending too much time without
effective shielding. Studies indicate that short exposures repeated over long periods can result in skin cancer.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
The sun and its glare can cause eye strain.
Identification Symbols Used on a Chart
Red
Daymark
No. 8
Lighted
Red Buoy
No. 2
Red
Nun Buoy
No. 4
Green
Daymark
No. 9
Lighted
Green Buoy
No. 1
Green
Can Buoy
No. 3
Red Nun
Buoy with
Green Stripe
White with
Orange
Boating Accessories–Making Your Vessel Safe and Comfortable
All states and the U.S. Coast Guard mandate that certain items be carried on
board while underway. However, in addition to those items, the following are things
that you may want to carry to make your time on board your vessel safer and more
comfortable:
✔An anchor with chain and line of the right size and type for the size and weight
of the vessel (an anchor may be required equipment in some states).
✔Extra fuel, oil, and lubricants normally used in your vessel’s operation.
✔Spare parts (spark plugs, spare propeller with special wrenches, etc.).
✔Spare light bulbs (navigation lights, trailer lights, etc.).
✔Flashlight (with extra batteries).
✔Tool kit (pliers, Phillips screw driver, slotted screw driver, set of wrenches).
✔A VHF radio and mobile phone (for weather reports and emergencies).
✔Throw rope coiled in a small bag, stored within easy reach (polypropylene is a
preferred material because it floats and is available in highly visible colors).
✔Fenders and tie lines for tying up to docks or other vessels.
✔Visual distress signals (flags, flares, distress lights, marker dye or smoke signals
are required equipment in some states and on federal waters).
✔First-aid kit (water-proof case to include gauze, adhesive bandages and pads,
cotton, cotton-tipped applicators, scissors, antiseptic medications and lotions,
an extra towel, and aspirin or aspirin substitute).
✔Sun block lotion.
✔Extra clothing and accessories (T-shirt, cap, sun hat, sun glasses).
✔A compass and suitable charts or maps. Below is a sample chart.