Ventilation |
All boats that use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power, or propulsion are required to
be equipped with a ventilation system.
A natural ventilation system consists of a supply duct from a ventilated compartment, or from a compartment that is open to the
atmosphere and has an exhaust duct to the atmosphere. Each exhaust and supply opening or duct must originate in the lower one-third
of the compartment and must be above the normal accumulation of bilge water. A natural ventilation system is required for each
closed compartment in a boat that:
- Contains a permanently installed gasoline engine.
- Has openings between it and a compartment that requires ventilation.
- Contains a permanently installed tank and an electrical component that is not ignition protected.
- Contains a fuel tank that vents into that compartment; or
- Contains a non-metallic fuel tank.
|
 |
A powered ventilation system is required for each compartment in a boat that has a permanently installed gasoline
engine with a cranking motor for remote starting. A powered ventilation system consists of one or more exhaust blowers. |
|
In open boats, gasoline vapors may be dissipated through exposure to the open atmosphere. Therefore, open boats are exempted
from ventilation requirements. |
|