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SECURITY LEVELS

Alerts

Local Notice to Mariners

  • Chart updates, current hazards to navigation

Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon (EPIRB)

  • Phase out of 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs
  • Radio beacon frequencies, equipment maintenance, testing, registration

Recalls

  • List of boat manufacturer recalls.  Report a defect with your boat.

Safety Defects

  • Life saving equipment safety alerts

Discontinuation of the USCG Boating Safety Hotline

  • Note that any/all publications referencing the USCG Boating Safety Hotline are being phased out.  Pamphlets still exist but the Hotline number is no longer active

Fire Extinguisher Requirements Have Changed

  • Affects all vessels constructed AFTER August 22, 2016. 
  • The U.S. Coast Guard now uses the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) performance based classification for portable fire extinguishers. 
  • Most extinguishers already have Coast Guard approval and the UL rating classification. 
  • All approved extinguishers installed prior to August 22, 2016 are allowed to remain on recreational vessels as long as they are still serviceable. 
  • Follow the link to the CG-BSX Policy Statement for details of the new classification system. 
  • Affects certain vessels constructed after January 1, 2019.
  • Operators of recreational vessels less than 26 feet in length will be required to use an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) and associated ECOS link (ECOSL) as of April 1, 2021, as the U.S. Coast Guard implements a law passed by Congress.
  • The ECOS and ECOSL prevent runaway vessels and the threats they pose. The ECOSL attaches the vessel operator to a switch that shuts off the engine if the operator is displaced from the helm.
  •  Watch a video illustrating an ECOS system
  • USCG begins enforcement on Federal waters April 1, 2021.
  • Effective April 20, 2022
  • Boats 2018 and newer must carry extinguishers labeled type 5-B, 10-B or 20-B only.
  • Boats 2017 and older may carry type B-I and B-II until no longer serviceable
  • Any extinguisher with a manufacture date stamp must be replaced after 12 years of service.
  • Follow the topic link for more detailed information about this new rule.