b'S A F E T Y E Q U I P M E N TU.S. Coast Guard Fire Extinguisher RequirementsMufflers No one shall operate a motorboat on Connecticut waters unless the boat is equipped with a muffler or muffler system allowing it to be operated in compliance with state law. Noise levels range from 90dB(A) for older engines to 88dB(A) for engines made after Jan-uary 1, 1993. Any marine police officer who believes a motorboat is being operated in excess of the established noise levels may request the operator to submit the motorboat to an on-site noise level test.No person shall sell a motorboat which does not operate in compliance with the established noise levels. Boaters should con-tact the Boating Division if they are selling a vessel used only in marine races. No one shall operate a motorboat on the waters of this state that is equipped with a muffler or muffler system cutout, bypass, or similar device that prevents the motorboat from operat-ing in compliance with state noise levels and without authorization from the Commissioner.Backfire Flame ArrestorsInternal combustion engines may backfire. To safeguard against fires, all inboard motorboats with carburetion must have a backfire flame arrestor system on each carburetor. It is good for boaters to know where they are and keep them clean.Trailering Your Boat PHOTO: MATTHEW G VANACORO JR The DMV has laws relative to boat trailers. Each trailer having a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or more shall, when operated on anyCourtesypublic highway, be equipped with a braking system operating onBoating at high speeds is dangerous in restricted or congested all wheels. For trailers having a gross weight of greater than 8,000areas. Each skipper is responsible for spotting and avoiding swimmers pounds, the brakes shall be capable of being controlled or operatedand slow-moving vessels. This is also important when picking up or from the drivers seat of the towing vehicle. dropping off wateskiers.2023 Connecticut BOATERS GUIDE21'