b'S A F E T Y E Q U I P M E N Tsection to determine how many Type B-1 fire extinguishers you mustIn the State of Connecticut VDS are not required except when have on your boat. Electrical fires can be put out with a Type C extin- boating on Long Island Sound (LIS) and on Fishers Island Sound (FIS).guisher. The following vessels only need to carry VDS on LIS and FISCheck frequently to be sure that fire extinguishers are properlybetween sunset and sunrise:mounted where they can be easily reached. Check pressure gauges Recreational vessels under 16 feet;for proper pressure. Shake dry chemical units to be sure the chemical Open sailboats less than 26 feet that are not equipped with pro-has not solidified and become useless. Replace any questionablepulsion machinery; andextinguishers.Manually propelled vessels. Fire Extinguishers have an expiration date. Check to be sure yours has not expired. All other vessels need to carry three daytime and three nighttime Important Note: Late in 2017, The U.S. Consumer Product SafetyVDS (or the equivalent) at all times while on FIS and LIS.Commission published an important recall notice; Kidde Recalls Fire Visual distress signals must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge andserviceable condition and stowed to be readily accessible.Nozzle Detachment: One Death Reported (Recall number: 18-022) All U.S. Coast Guard approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals affected fire extinguishers should be replaced. For more informationand associated devices include:about this recall go to www.kidde.com and look under Support / Prod-Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial.uct Safety Notices.Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating (day use only). Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.VentilationIf VDS are required there must be a minimum of three daytime Regulations require ventilation of all enclosed engine and fuel tankand three nighttime signals, or three combination day/night signals. compartments on gasoline-powered boats. Intake ducting must extendPyrotechnic devices will have an expiration date that must not have midway to the bilge or at least below the carburetor air intake level.passed.Exhaust ducting must extend from the lower bilge to cowls in the open Non-pyrotechnic visual distress signaling devices include:air. Orange distress flags.Manufacturers install exhaust blowers in engine compartments so Electric distress signals.that gasoline fumes can be removed before the engines are started. If Other VDS, such as those listed below, are useful and easy to your boat is installed with an exhaust blower, it is recommended thatcarry and are recognized as distress signals, but do not count toward you turn it on for at least four minutes before starting the engine. the requirement to carry approved VDS on LIS and FIS. Signaling mirror.Visual Distress Signals (VDS)Water dye.Visual distress signals are used to summon assistance when in No person, operator or owner in a vessel shall display or allow distress. Be aware that the U.S. Coast Guard has recognized techno- the display of a visual distress signal except when assistance is logical advances in VDS and has approved some electronic signalingneeded because of immediate or potential danger to the vessel or to devices. These devices when used properly are acceptable substitu- persons aboard.tions for traditional pyrotechnical signaling devices (flares). As with any piece of safety equipment, there are advantages andDisposal of Expired Visual Distress Signals (VDS)disadvantages to different styles of VDS. Neither traditional nor modernBecause of their chemical make-up and flammable characteris-VDS are perfect for every situation. Boaters must decide which VDStics, the disposal of expired pyrotechnical VDS is strictly regulated by offer them the most benefits depending on the type and location ofthe US EPA and US DOT.The Boating Division is NO LONGER able to boating they do.When choosing a VDS careful consideration shouldcollect expired VDS but does arrange a limited number of disposal be given to: opportunities each year. Reliability; Ease of disposability of expired VDS;Intended waterbody;Visibility in areas of dense background lights; NOTE: Exceeding noise levels is a serious problem. Marine Dangers of burning a VDS; Police will be targeting areas, especially on the Connecticut Length of useful signaling run time; River, to check for compliance. Exceeding noise levels will Portabilitywhether the VDS can be carried safely and effectivelyresult in a fine of $220. Failing to submit to an on-site noise by a person. level test will result in a fine of $435. Subsequent failures to submit will result in a fine of $535.182022 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE'