Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Meeting Coast Guard Requirements

Ama Mama is 18.5' on the waterline and 19.5' overall. Therefore, she is subject to the USCG Minimum Equipment Requirements for Recreational Vessels from 16' to 26'. These items are:

Vessel Documentation - Ama Mama is registered in the State of Texas, and her registration papers are kept onboard in the battery comparment (the driest place on the boat).

Display of Registration Numbers and Vessel Name - not the prettiest display of numbers, but it works. I need to add "Ama Mama" before I leave.

Capacity Plate - not the easiest to read since it is from 1982, but it meets the requirement.


Personal Flotation Devices - "One Type I, II, II, or V per person plus one Type IV throw able device. PFD's must be CG Approved, wearable by the intended user and readily accessible. The Type IV throw able device must be located such that it is immediately available." On Ama Mama, we use inflatable, off-shore life jackets with integrated harnesses so that we can easily hook in with tethers if things get rough. For a throw able device, we have one, red seat cushion.


Fire Extinguishers - "One B-I any type. Fire extinguishers required on any boat with enclosed fuel or engine spaces, enclosed living spaces, or permanent (not movable by one person) fuel tanks." Ama Mama actually exceeds this requirement with TWO type ABC extinguishers. One is stored in the battery compartment, and one is stored in the aft locker right inside the hatch cover.


Visual Distress Signals on Coastal Waters - "Minimum of three day-use and three night-use or three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices. Non-pyrotechnic substitutes: 1 orange flag (day-use) and 1 electric S-O-S signal light (night-use)." Ama Mama carries three day/night combination pyrotechnic devices that are current plus some older expired pyrotechnic devices. In addition, there is an orange day distress flag and signalling mirror.






Sound Producing Devices - "Horn or whistle recommended to signal intentions or position. Under Rule 33 of the Navigation Rules, boats under 20m MUST have aboard a means of making an efficient sound." Ama Mama carries a rechargeable air horn along with the pump for recharging.

Navigation Lights - Under Power - "Sidelights, stern light, masthead light. Boats 16' or longer must also have an 360° all-around white anchor light capable of being lit independently from the red/green/white running lights. Sailboats under power are considered powerboats and must follow "under power" rules.""  Ama Mama actually exceeds this requirement because there is a clause that says "Sailboats and powerboats under 7m and under 7 knots can substitute a white lantern in place of the required lights." Ama Mama has LED sidelights, an LED stern light, and an LED steaming light.

Navigation Lights - Under Sail - "Sidelights and stern light. Boats under sail under 20m (65.6 feet) can substitute a tri-color light for separate sidelights and stern lights." Given her length, Ama Mama meets this requirement with LED side and stern lights. Ama Mama does not use a masthead tri-color light.

Navigation Lights - At Anchor - "All around white light visible for 2nm at night unless in a chart-designated anchorage." Ama Mama uses her telescoping steaming light as the anchor light.

Pollution Regulations - ""Honor system", no plaques required." Because of her length and size, Ama Mama carries no plaque.

Marine Sanitation Devices - "Vessels with installed head facilities must have an operable CG-Certified Type I, II, or III Marine Sanitation Device (MSD). Any "Y" value for discharge overboard must be located in such a manner or affixed to prevent accidental discharge of untreated waste into water." Ama Mama only carries a self contained Port-a-Potty.

Navigation Rules - "Familiarity with the rules is recommended but not required. Boaters should be familiar with the "Rules of the Road" for crossing and overtaking situations, as well as meeting other vessels head on." Ama Mama exceeds the requirement by carrying a copy of the Navigation Rules aboard.

Marine Radio - Ama Mama has an ICOM hand-held VHF and a fixed mount Standard Horizon VHF. Radio is shown below on the right with mic hung on the left.

Anchoring Systems - Ama Mama currently has a Fortress anchor and a collapsing fluke anchor. I'd like to add one more anchor for the trip. I also have a 1/2", black bridal for the anchor line if needed.


De-watering Devices - Ama Mama has a manual bilge pump with the handle located just inside the aft compartment hatch and an automatic bilge pump located in the lowest portion of the bilge,


First Aid Kit - Ama Mama  has a standard first aid kit and well as supplemental first aid supplies that survive from Adia.

NOTE - Since Ama Mama has an outboard engine, the Backfire Flame Arrestor and Ventilation requirements for inboard mounted engines do not apply. However, since the gas tank is stored in the aft compartment, I did install a solar powered ventilation fan on the aft deck to clear the air out of that compartment at least during daylight hours. Another nice benefit of this ventilation fan is that is keeps the bilge nice and dry when the boat is on the trailer.