We can only answer questions relating to federal requirements for recreational boats.
Requirements that are state or local are best answered by the state or local agency, since we have no comprehensive,
up-to-date database on those requirements and regulations. We cannot answer questions about requirements for commercial
vessels and Uninspected Passenger Vesselss as they are not under our program for recreational boats.
Do not ask a question if it is already in our database. First search our database to see if we have already received and
responded to a similar question from another member. To search the
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Click Here and search with the key words that may be found in your question.
To ask a question not found in our database, Click
Here and if it is germane to the subject as listed above, and we can come up with an answer,
it will be posted.
Dinghies and Tender Vessels,
posted: 2/18/2010
Question: If a dinghy (tender) is attached to the parent vessel and does not meet VSC safety requirements or state registration requirements, can the parent vessel recieve a VSC sticker if it meets all VSC requirements? Or is the dinghy (tender) treated as a separate vessel?
Answer: Dinghys and tenders are not required equipment under federal rules and regulations, so you can treat them in the same way you would any other piece of additional equipment. In other words, a decal attached to the parent vessel indicates that the parent vessel met the VSC (legal) requirements when it was given the VSC. The tender vessel would need to have it's own VSC conducted and a decal issued if it met the requirements. Consider it a separate vessel from the parent, no matter the policy of the state on registration. Some discussion/education with the operator should take place if the dinghy/tender needed additional equipment or presented an obviously unsafe circumstance. For example, a boat owner might have an equipment box readily available with the required equipment so that it could easily be put onto the tender when it was to be used. If the tender needed to be properly numbered, but was not, that should also be pointed out to the operator of the parent vessel. Don't withhold a decal from the parent because of deficiencies in the tender, however.
Jim Lubner, Chief, Technical Support Division
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Size of Boats,
posted: 1/12/2010
Question: What is the 'normal size' of boat for a VSC exam?
The book says 'any size' recreational vessel.
Answer: Vessel Examiners may perform VSC's on recreational type vessels less than 65 feet in length.
George R Bores, BC-VTR
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MSD State Requirements,
posted: 2/22/2009
Question: If a state requires a MSD inspection and awards a decal if passing, does the vessel have to have a current state MSD decal to pass a VSC?
Answer: Yes. In the VSC Manual,under Item #14 "State Requiements" it states that additional state requirements for items directly related to vessel safety or items on the VSC checklist are required for the award of a VSC decal. Since a proper MSD is a required item (#12) for a VSC decal, the state inspection and decal would be required in that state.
George R Bores, BC-VTR
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Overpowering,
posted: 1/30/2009
Question: I understand that it is unsafe to put an oversize motor on a boat. I would like to know what sort of repercussions may occur, such as damage to boat transom, and how it would effect the floatation. My boat is 18 feet and I have a 85 hp max but I bought the boat with a 115 hp motor.
Answer: There are several reasons not to install an outboard engine on a boat that has more horsepower than the boat manufacturer recommends or certifies the boat for. Safety concerns are the most important. A heavier engine can affect the boats balance and trim, making it more prone to swamping or capsizing. It can also lead to structural failure of the transom or hull. The higher thrust of a larger engine could affect the stability and handling of the boat. This could make the boat more prone to flipping or capsizing and harder to steer, possibly causing an accident. There are legal ramifications to consider. Many states and other jurisdictions make it illegal to overpower a boat and many others can charge you with negligent operation for operating an overpowered boat. There are also liability issues. Your insurance company may refuse to pay a claim if it finds the boat is overpowered. If an accident should occur, the other person's lawyer may use the overpowering as evidence against you in a civil lawsuit. A larger engine costs more and is more expensive to operate. It will use more gas and cause more pollution than a smaller engine. As you can see, there are many reasons not to overpower a vessel.
George R Bores, BC-VTR
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Written Waste Disposal Plan & Navigation Rules,
posted: 1/6/2009
Question: Let me clarify the last Q/A item I just submitted. The Ocean Going Boats question; was applicable to the written instructions for waste disposal. Does written instructions also apply to vessels over 40 feet that are on the Great lakes?
The second item had to do with the carriage requirements of the NAV Rules on the Great lakes. One item in the 2009 workshop indicated that the nav rules may only be required on the Great lakes.
Obviously the slide verbage can not include all options and the instructor can elaborate on the circumstances.
Paul Hill
1409-09c
Answer: First Item: No, only "Ocean Going" vessels of 40 feet or more in length must have a written Waste Disposal Plan on board. This does not include the Great Lakes.
Second Item: All vessels at least 12 Meters (39.4 feet) long operating on "Inland" waters must have a copy of the "Inland Navigation Rules" on board for ready reference. "Inland" waters are those navigable waters of the United States inside of the Navigation Demarcation Line that separates Inland from International waters. These lines are shown on charts and a comprehensive list can be found in the Coast Guard publication "Navigation Rules International - Inland". Waters of the Great Lakes and the Western Rivers are "Inland" waters and vessels must carry a copy of the rules when operating on them. Carrying a copy of the Coast Guard publication is the easiest way to comply with the carriage requirement.
George R Bores, BC-VTR
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