b'S A F E T Y E Q U I P M E N Toil or gasoline (Type B). Check the table at the beginning of this sec-Open sailboats less than 26 feet that are not equipped with pro-tion to determine how many Type B-1 fire extinguishers you must havepulsion machinery; andon your boat. Electrical fires can be put out with a Type C extinguisher.Manually propelled vessels. Check frequently to be sure that fire extinguishers are properly mounted where they can be easily reached. Check pressure gaugesAll other vessels need to carry three daytime and three nighttime for proper pressure. Shake dry chemical units to be sure the chemicalVDS (or the equivalent) at all times while on FIS and LIS.has not solidified and become useless. Replace any questionable Visual distress signals must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in extinguishers. serviceable condition and stowed to be readily accessible.Important Note: Late in 2017, The U.S. Consumer Product Safety U.S. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals Commission published an important recall notice; Kidde Recalls Fireand associated devices include:Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial.Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported (Recall number: 18-022) All Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating (day use only).affected fire extinguishers should be replaced. For more information Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.about this recall go to www.kidde.com and look under Support / Prod-If VDS are required there must be a minimum of three daytime uct Safety Notices. and three nighttime signals, or three combination day/night signals. Pyrotechnic devices will have an expiration date that must not have Ventilation passed.Regulations require ventilation of all enclosed engine and fuel tank Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices include:compartments on gasoline-powered boats. Intake ducting must extend Orange distress flags.midway to the bilge or at least below the carburetor air intake level. Electric distress signals.Exhaust ducting must extend from the lower bilge to cowls in the open Other VDS, such as those listed below, are useful and easy to air.carry and are recognized as distress signals, but do not count toward Manufacturers install exhaust blowers in engine compartments sothe requirement to carry approved VDS on LIS and FIS.that gasoline fumes can be removed before the engines are started. If Signaling mirror.your boat is installed with an exhaust blower, it is recommended that Water dye.you turn it on for at least four minutes before starting the engine.No person, operator or owner in a vessel shall display or allow the display of a visual distress signal except when assistance is Visual Distress Signals (VDS) needed because of immediate or potential danger to the vessel or to Visual distress signals are used to summon assistance when inpersons aboard.distress. Beware that the U.S. Coast Guard has recognized techno-logical advances in VDS and has approved some electronic signalingDisposal of Expired Pyrotechnicaldevices. These devices when used properly are acceptable substitu- Visual Distress Signals (VDS)(Marine Flares)tions for traditional pyrotechnical signaling devices (flares).Because of their chemical make-up and flammable characteristics, As with any piece of safety equipment, there are advantages andthe disposal of expired pyrotechnical VDS is strictly regulated by the US disadvantages to different styles of VDS. Neither traditional nor modernEPA and US DOT.The Boating Division is NO LONGER able to collect VDS are perfect for every situation. Boaters must decide which VDSexpired VDS but does arrange a limited number of disposal opportunities offer them the most benefits depending on the type and location ofeach year. boating they do.When choosing a VDS careful consideration shouldWe encourage you to take advantage of our Flare Day Events, which be given to: allow you the opportunity to dispose of expired VDS and to learn the Reliability;proper way to use VDS before you need them in an emergency situation. Ease of disposability of expired VDS; For information about the disposal of VDS or Flare Day Events, see Intended waterbody; our website https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Boating-and-Pad-Visibility in areas of dense background lights; dling, Facebook pagewww.facebook.com/boatinginconnecticut, Dangers of burning a VDS;Length of useful signaling run time;Portabilitywhether the VDS can be carried safely and effectivelyNOTE: Exceeding noise levels is a serious problem. Marine by a person. Police will be targeting areas, especially on the Connecticut River, to check for compliance. Exceeding noise levels will In the State of Connecticut VDS are not required except whenresult in a fine of $220. Failing to submit to an on-site noise boating on Long Island Sound (LIS) and on Fishers Island Sound (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: Recreational vessels under 16 feet;2021 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE29'