District 9WR Spring D-TRAIN Advanced Vessel Examiner Training

District 9WRDistrict 9WRSpring D-TRAINSpring D-TRAINAdvanced Vessel Advanced Vessel

Examiner TrainingExaminer 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

4

Download the 9WR VSC Legal Requirements Matrix

- How to become a Vessel Examiner

- How to maintain VE currency

- 9WR VE Workshop Materials

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

5

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

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

7

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

Using the 9WR VSC Legal Requirement Matrix

8

VSC Requirement

VSC Educational Item (shaded)

Federal Regulation (s) and Hyperlink

State Regulation(s) and Hyperlink

Performance Standard

Exceptions, Exemptions, & Additional Details

Exception, Exemption, & Additional Detailed Regulations and Hyperlinks

United Safe Boating Institute (USBI) Data Collection Program

• 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

UPDATED

2014

Today’s Agenda





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

A few additional items in the VE’s “kit” can help expedite and provide more thorough checks:

-Clipboard with storage-Flashlight-Inspection mirror

14

Tools of the Trade

+ =

Today’s Agenda





15

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 regulations16

The power of “Why” and “Show Me”

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

18

AUTHORIZED NOT AUTHORIZED

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.

19

Item 1 Numbering

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

20

Item 1 Numbering

Visibility of fonts from a distance:

– Can you read this lettering?

21

Item 1 Numbering



22

Item 1 Numbering



23

Item 1 Numbering



24

Item 1 Numbering



25

Item 1 Numbering

Visibility of color from a distance:


26

Item 1 Numbering



27

Item 1 Numbering



28

Item 1 Numbering



29

Item 1 Numbering



- 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

Item 2 Licensing and Documentation

32

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.

7012a Form Section I

33

IL: - Registration is no longer required for non-motorized 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 requirement

33

While not required for a Paddlecraft VSC, you can still educate boaters on proper registration and numbering for their vessel.

UPDATED

2014

7012a Form Section I

34

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

While not required for a Paddlecraft VSC, you can still educate boaters on proper registration and numbering for their vessel.

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 (Life Jackets):

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 green36

Exemption from preemption

33 CFR 175.5The 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 3 Flotation Devices (Life Jackets):

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):

39

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.)

* 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.

Calumet Harbor, Chicago

1.6 nm Harbor Mouth

40

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 function of boat size and boat usage.

41

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.)

42

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.

Item 5 - Fire Extinguishers:

43

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.


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


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


46

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.

47

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.

48

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

Operators of small craft and paddle craft are often not educated on the whistle’s purpose

- A key learning is how to signal distress● ● ● ● ●

49

Item 8 - Sound Producing Devices/Bell:

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.)

Look for stamped markings on modified lights:

≥ 12 meters (39.4 feet) to 20 meters (65 feet) in length:Masthead - 3 milesAll other lights - 2 miles

< 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length:Masthead - 2 milesSidelights - 1 mileAll other lights - 2 miles 50

Item 9 - Navigation Lights:

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 11 - MARPOL Trash Placard:

UPDATED

2014

Item 13 - Navigation Rules:

• 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

52

* Not required for IL, IN, MI, and WI sole state waters.

UPDATED

2014

Item 15 - Overall Vessel Condition:

• 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

UPDATED

2014

Item 14 - State and/or Local Requirements

54

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.

55

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.

56

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.)

• 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


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.

58


• 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

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

Additional Discussion Items

Today’s Agenda





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

District 9WR Spring D-TRAIN Advanced Vessel Examiner Training

Documents

Transcript of District 9WR Spring D-TRAIN Advanced Vessel Examiner Training