15A NCAC 10F .0201. SAFETY EQUIPMENT

(a)  Federal Regulations Adopted.  As its regulations governing required equipment of vessels as defined in G.S. 75A-2(5), pursuant to G.S. 75A-6, the Wildlife Resources Commission incorporates by reference, including subsequent amendments and editions, the following federal regulations, to be applicable to vessels operated on all waters of this state as defined by G.S. 75A-2(6):  Code of Federal Regulations, Title 46, Part 25, and Title 33, Part 175, as supplemented by the Federal Register.  To the extent that the vessel equipment requirements of G.S. 75A-6 conflict with these federal regulations, they are hereby modified to conform to the federal regulations as authorized by G.S. 75A-6(m) and 113-307.

Without limitation to the adoption of the Federal regulations named herein, Paragraphs (b) through (g) apply to vessels operating in State waters.

(b)  Personal flotation devices (hereinafter referred to as PFDs) are required as follows except as provided in Subparagraph (6) of this Paragraph:

(1)           No person may operate a vessel unless at least one Type I, II or III PFD is on board and readily accessible for each person.

(2)           No person shall operate a vessel 16 feet or more in length unless one type IV PFD is on board and immediately available for use, in addition to the total number of PFDs required in Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph.

(3)           No person shall operate a vessel while such vessel is underway with any child under 13 years old aboard unless each such child is:

(A)          wearing an appropriate PFD approved by the Coast Guard; or

(B)          below decks; or

(C)          in an enclosed cabin.

This Subparagraph does not apply to a vessel that is registered as a commercial vessel.

(4)           A Type V PFD may be carried in lieu of any PFD required under Subparagraph (1) of this Paragraph provided:

(A)          the approval label for the Type V PFD indicates that the device is approved for the activity for which the vessel is used; or

(B)          the Type V PFD is used in accordance with the requirements on the approval label and with the requirements in its owner’s manual.

(5)           No person shall operate a vessel unless each required PFD is:

(A)          in serviceable condition;

(B)          of appropriate size and fit for the intended wearer;

(C)          USCG approved; and

(D)          legibly marked with its approval number, as specified in CFR Title 46 Part 25 and CFR Title 33 Part 175.

(6)           Exemptions:

(A)          Canoes and kayaks 16 feet in length and over are exempted from the requirements for carriage of the additional Type IV PFD as specified in Subparagraph (b)(2) of this Rule.

(B)          Sailboards, surfboards, tubes, swimming rafts, inflatable toys and similar devices routinely used as water toys or swimming aids are exempted from the requirements for carriage of any type PFD required under this Paragraph.

(C)          Manually propelled vessels such as racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes and racing kayaks that are recognized by national and international racing associations for use in competitive racing, that are not designed to carry any equipment not solely for competitive racing, and in which all occupants with the with exception of a coxswain, if one is provided, row, scull, or paddle, are exempted from the requirements for carriage of any type PFD required under this Paragraph.

(c)  Fire Extinguishers are required as follows:

(1)           All motorboats shall carry at least the minimum number of USCG approved hand portable fire extinguishers specified in this Rule if any one of the following conditions exist:

(A)          closed compartments under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored;

(B)          double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material;

(C)          closed living spaces;

(D)          closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stowed;

(E)           permanently installed fuel tanks; or

(F)           motorboats of Class 2 or longer.

(2)           Motorboats of Class A and 1 (less than 26 feet):  One Type B-I

(3)           Motorboats of Class 2 Two Type B-I extinguishers

(4)           Motorboats of Class 3 Three Type B-I extinguishers

(5)           One Type B-II hand held fire extinguisher may be substituted for two B-I hand portable fire extinguishers.  A fixed fire extinguishing system installed in the engine compartment is equal to one Type B-I hand portable fire extinguisher.

Exemption to fire extinguisher requirements:  Open Vessels.  Vessels less than 26 feet in length, propelled by outboard motors and not carrying passengers for hire, need not carry such portable fire extinguishers if the construction of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.

(d)  Every engine, except outboard motors, using gasoline as fuel and installed in a vessel must be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control.  An acceptable means of backfire flame control must meet the requirements of CFR Title 46 Part 25 and CFR Title 33 Part 175.

(e)  Every vessel, except those open vessels defined in Paragraph (c) of this Rule, using as fuel any liquid of a volatile nature, shall be provided with such means of properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges of the engine and fuel tank compartments so as to remove any explosive or flammable gases.  Proper and efficient ventilation meets the requirements of CFR Title 46 Part 25 and CFR Title 33 Part 175.

(f)  Sound Devices

(1)           Vessels of less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length shall be equipped with some means of making an efficient sound signal; and

(2)           Vessels equal to or greater than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length shall be provided with a whistle and a bell which complies with 33 USC 2033.

(g)  Lights.  The lights prescribed by this Paragraph shall be exhibited from sunset to sunrise and in fog, mist, falling snow, heavy rainstorms, sandstorms, or any other similar circumstances of restricted visibility.  During such times no other lights shall be exhibited, except such lights as cannot be mistaken for the lights specified in these Rules or do not impair their visibility or distinctive character, or interfere with keeping a proper lookout.  They may be exhibited in all other circumstances when deemed necessary:

(1)           Vessels equal to or greater than 12 meters (39.4 feet) but less than 20 meters (65.6 feet) in length shall exhibit:

(A)          A masthead light forward visible for three miles;

(B)          Sidelights, green to starboard and red to port visible for two miles; and

(C)          A stern light visible for two miles;

(2)           Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 feet) in length shall exhibit:

(A)          An all-round white light visible for two miles; and

(B)          Sidelights, green to starboard and red to port visible for 1 mile;

(3)           Sailing vessels underway that are seven meters (23 feet) in length or greater shall exhibit:

(A)          A stern light visible for two miles; and

(B)          Sidelights, green to starboard and red to port visible for two miles;

(4)           In a sailing vessel less than 20 meters in length the lights prescribed in Subparagraph (3) of this Paragraph may be combined in one lantern carried at or near the top of the mast where it can be best seen;

(5)           A sailing vessel of less than seven meters (23 feet) in length shall, if practicable, exhibit the lights prescribed in Subparagraph (3) or (4) of this Paragraph; if not the vessel shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision;

(6)           A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this Rule for sailing vessels; but if not, it shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent a collision; and

(7)           Vessels of 10 Horsepower or Less.  On waters of this State not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, vessels propelled by machinery of 10 horsepower or less, in lieu of the foregoing requirements, may carry from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise a white light in the stern or have on board a hand flashlight in good working condition which shall be ready at hand and shall be temporarily displayed in sufficient time to prevent collision.  On waters of this State that are subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, this exception, though permissible under state law, is not sanctioned by any federal law or regulation.

 

History Note:        Authority G.S. 75A-3; 75A-6; 113-307;

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Amended Eff. November 1, 2013; April 1, 2009; March 1, 2008; April 1, 1999; August 1, 1988; May 1, 1976.