STYC Safety Resources
Howdy Sloopers!
As part of our ongoing efforts to make sailing more safe for our club members and the sailing community as a whole. We are working on a variety of resources to offer to sailors at large.
New(ish) Fire Extinguisher Regulations:
Beginning April 20, 2022, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) will require vessels over 26 feet to have updated fire extinguishers, mandating that all extinguishers have a 12-year (or less) expiration date from the date of manufacture.
The new extinguisher requirements depend on the model year of the boat:
- Model year 2018 or newer: Extinguishers must be labeled as 5-B, 10-B or 20-B. Extinguishers labeled with B-I or B-II only are no longer acceptable. The manufacturing date must not be more than 12 years old.
- Model year 2017 or older: Extinguishers labeled B-I or B-II are valid, but the manufacturing date must not be more than 12 years old.
The guidelines also change according to the length of boat. Motorized boats under 26 feet are exempt as long as they have outboard engines and fuel is in a portable tank. In addition, the guidelines address the functionality of the extinguisher itself. Extinguishers must be “serviceable.” This means the pressure gauge must be in the operable range, the lock pin has to be in place, the discharge nozzle has to be clean and clear, and the extinguisher, itself, must not show signs of corrosion or damage.
How many extinguishers are required?
- If vessel is less than 26 ft., one 5-B extinguisher
- If vessel is between 26-40ft., two 5-B, or a single 20-B ext.
- If vessel is between 40-65 ft., three 5-B, or one 20-B and one 5-B extinguishers
- If vessel is greater than 65 ft., refer to federal regulations
Is any fire extinguisher automatically approved?
No. The label on the bottle should state “Marine Type – USCG Approved.”
Check Those Batteries!
With the Winter season upon us, it's a good time to check the those batteries. If you have traditional Lead Acid Batteries, be sure to check fluid levels and top them up as necessary. If you have a decent battery monitor (or a multi-meter), you can verify your battery state of health with and without loads, by comparing your voltage measurements against the chart below to make sure that they are holding up as they should. Don't let an old starting battery ruin your day!
Resources:
https://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?/topic/225812-quick-stop-mob-maneuver-under-spinnaker/
https://www.uksailmakers.com/quick-stop-with-spinnaker
https://www.practical-sailor.com/safety-seamanship/slings-scoops-ladders