Section 1 • Safety
2.Legally Mandated Minimum
Required Equipment
The following equipment is the minimum required by the U.S. Coast Guard for a boat less than 26' [7.9 meters] in length.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): One Coast Guard approved Type I, II or III device is mandatory for each person aboard. One throwable Type IV device is also required to be on board. A Type V device is acceptable if worn for approved use. See Page 1.4 for a description of these PFD classifications. Always wear a PFD when
boating.
notice
PFD Requirements Differ
Depending on the state or country of operation the operator of a vessel may be fined for failure to comply with local or national rules regarding PFD usage.
Fire Extinguisher - Portable: If no fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in the engine and generator spaces, the U.S. Coast Guard requires one (1) Type B1 fire extinguisher be on board. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) recommends that you have two (2) Type ABC fire extinguishers on board. One is to be located at the helm station and the other in the cabin, near the cockpit door.
Whistle, Horn: You must have on board some means of making a loud sound signal, for example, whistle or horn.
Visual Distress Signals: If you operate your boat in coastal waters or on the Great Lakes, you must have visual distress signals for day and night use on board. At least three (3) U.S. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic devices, marked with date showing service life, must be carried, be readily accessible, in serviceable condition, and not expired. Store pyrotechnic signals in a well- marked waterproof container in a dry location.
Other: Your Baja boat is equipped with the required navigation lights, engine exhaust and ventilation systems.
Additional equipment may be required by your state. Consult your state boating law enforcement agency for information.
3.Carbon Monoxide
!DANGER
Fumes from engines, generators, and other equipment and appliances using burning fuel contain odorless, colorless carbon monoxide gas.
Carbon monoxide can cause brain damage or death.
Open all doors, curtains, windows, and hatches to let fresh air circulate, when running engine, generator or burning any fuel when boat is anchored, moored or docked.
!DANGER
In rainy and/or cold weather, fresh air must circulate through boat to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
!DANGER
Sleeping on boat requires an operating Carbon Monoxide detection system in each sleeping location.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are dizziness, ears ringing, headaches, nausea, and unconsciousness. Get fresh air if anyone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.
A poisoning victim's skin often turns cherry red. Because carbon monoxide gas (CO) is odorless, colorless and tasteless, it is unlikely to be noticed until a person is overcome.
Dangerous concentrations of carbon monoxide will be present if:
•there is an exhaust leak
•a nearby vessel's engine is running
•insufficient fresh air is circulating where people are present
•fumes move from the rear of the boat into the cockpit and cabin area
Figure 1.3.1 gives examples of boat operating conditions that can lead to high concentrations of carbon monoxide gas.
1.2 | 250 Sportfish® |