Difference between revisions of "Safety Requirements"

Revision as of 10:08, 29 August 2007

Required Safety Equipment

This information was taken from Federal and Massachusetts State boating safety regulations. Only the information specifically relevant to MIT's bluewater vessel is included. This assumes that MIT's vessel meeting the following criteria:

• Sailboat with overall length between 7m and 20m (23 ft. and 39.4 ft.)
• Diesel inboard engine

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs):

• 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.

• Children under 12 years old must wear a USCG–approved Type I, II, III, or V PFD whenever above deck on any vessel underway.

• All life jackets (PFDs) must be:
  • U.S. Coast Guard–approved, which means clearly marked with the USCG approval number
  • In good and serviceable condition
  • Readily accessible, which means you are able to put the life jacket on quickly in an emergency
  • Of the proper size for the intended wearer; sizing for life jackets is based on body weight and chest size.

Navigation Lights

The required navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise and in periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain.

Underway Under Sail Power:

• Red (port) and green (starboard) sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile.
• White stern light visible from a distance of at least two miles.

Underway Under Motor Power:

• Red (port) and green (starboard) sidelights visible from a distance of at least one mile.
• White stern light visible from a distance of at least two miles.
• White forward light in the middle of the mast ("masthead light") visible from a distance of at least two miles.

to be continued!!!!

-Ted