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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS -- REGULATORY

Why don't we just follow Coast Guard Regulations?

This question requires a two-part answer. First, when most people think of USCG regulations for small boats they are referring to minimum safety gear required to be carried aboard RECREATIONAL vessels. This list of safety gear has been developed from the USCG assessement of data collected from the reporting of recreational boating accidents. As such, some requirements may or may not be applicable to NOAA small research motorboats because; 1, NOAA boat operators tend to be more experienced and possess a basic sense of seamanship which is usually greater than the typical recreational boater, and 2, The employment of small research motorboats is not typical of the use of a recreational boat (recreational boaters typically do not deploy heavy gear over the side and usually do not extensively modify their vessels in order to accomplish a specific mission or purpose). The second part of this answer pertains to the broader picture of USCG regulations for all vessels. There is no regulation which pertains solely to the specific employment of small research vessels less than 300 gross tons. Furthermore, all boats owned by NOAA are considered public vessels and are therefore exempt from USCG regulatory oversight anyway.

When does the inspection on my life raft expire, the first or last day of the month?

The expiration date of any emergency gear marked with an expiration or inspection date is considered to be the last day of the month marked. For instance, if a liferaft is due for inspection on 1/2002, it is legal to sail with this raft as part of the ship's equipment up until January 31, 2002. In practice however, most people tend to have their gear inspected/certified/overhauled during the anniversary month.

I've heard a lot about ABYC, what is it?

For a full explanation of ABYC (the American Boat and Yacht Council) go to www.abyc.com