b'S A F E T Y E Q U I P M E N Tguishers you must have on your boat. Electrical fires can be put Recreational vessels under 16 feet;out with a Type C extinguisher.Open sailboats less than 26 feet that are not equipped withCheck frequently to be sure that fire extinguishers are proper- propulsion machinery; andly mounted where they can be easily reached. Check pressure Manually propelled vessels.gauges for proper pressure. Shake dry chemical units to be sure the chemical has not solidified and become useless. Replace anyAll other vessels need to carry three daytime and three night-questionable extinguishers. time VDS (or the equivalent) at all times while on FIS and LIS.Important Note: Late in 2017, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Visual distress signals must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in Commission published an important recall notice; Kidde Recallsserviceable condition and stowed to be readily accessible.Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge U.S. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals and Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported (Recall number:and associated devices include:18-022) All affected fire extinguishers should be replaced. For Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial.more information about this recall go to www.kidde.com and Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating (day use look under Support / Product Safety Notices. only). Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.VentilationIf VDS are required there must be a minimum of three day-Regulations require ventilation of all enclosed engine and fueltime and three nighttime signals, or three combination day/night tank compartments on gasoline-powered boats. Intake ductingsignals. Pyrotechnic devices will have an expiration date that must must extend midway to the bilge or at least below the carburetornot have passed.air intake level. Exhaust ducting must extend from the lower bilge Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices include:to cowls in the open air. Orange distress flags.Manufacturers install exhaust blowers in engine compartments Electric distress signals.so that gasoline fumes can be removed before the engines are Other VDS, such as those listed below, are useful and easy started. If your boat is installed with an exhaust blower, it is recom- to carry and are recognized as distress signals, but do not count mended that you turn it on for at least four minutes before startingtoward the requirement to carry approved VDS on LIS and FIS.the engine.Signaling mirror.Visual Distress Signals (VDS)Water dye. No person, operator or owner in a vessel shall display or Visual distress signals are used to summon assistance whenallow the display of a visual distress signal except when assistance in distress. Beware that the U.S. Coast Guard has recognized tech- is needed because of immediate or potential danger to the vessel nological advances in VDS and has approved some electronic sig- or to persons aboard.naling devices. These devices when used properly are acceptable substitutions for traditional pyrotechnical signaling devices (flares).Disposal of Expired PyrotechnicalAs with any piece of safety equipment, there are advantagesVisual Distress Signals (VDS) (Marine Flares)and disadvantages to different styles of VDS. Neither traditional norBecause of their chemical make-up and flammable characteristics, modern VDS are perfect for every situation. Boaters must decidethe disposal of expired pyrotechnical VDS is strictly regulated by which VDS offer them the most benefits depending on the type andthe US EPA and US DOT.The Boating Division is NO LONGER able location of boating they do.When choosing a VDS careful consid- to collect expired VDS but does arrange a limited number of dis-eration should be given to: posal opportunities each year. Reliability;We encourage you to take advantage of our Flare Day Events, Ease of disposability of expired VDS; which allow you the opportunity to dispose of expired VDS and to Intended waterbody; learn the proper way to use VDS before you need them in an emer-Visibility in areas of dense background lights; gency situation. Dangers of burning a VDS;Length of useful signaling run time;Portabilitywhether the VDS can be carried safely and effectively by a person. NOTE: Exceeding noise levels is a serious problem. Marine Police will be targeting areas, especially on the Connecticut In the State of Connecticut VDS are not required except whenRiver, to check for compliance. Exceeding noise levels will boating on Long Island Sound (LIS) and on Fishers Island Soundresult in a fine of $220. Failing to submit to an on-site noise (FIS). level test will result in a fine of $435. Subsequent failures The following vessels only need to carry VDS on LIS and FISto submit will result in a fine of $535.between sunset and sunrise:2020 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE29'