Getting legal

[mcbidding]

Just bought a new 19' Thunder Jet and would like any information about making sure I have all of the necessary safety gear on board -- just in case the State Police or Coast Guard should check me. Aside from the obvious life vests, fire exting. , paddle, what is required? Would appreciate any information. Thanks!

[avid]

I think this is what you are looking for:

http://www.marinebd.osmb.state.or.us/Laws/Requirements.html#2

HTH

avid

[brshooter]

Oregon Boating Laws (http://www.boatoregon.com/Laws/index.html)

Enjoy your new boat. Pretty exciting, isn't it?

Your question should have been covered when you took your boater education class. If you haven't taken one, please do so asap. Then enjoy your new boat.

[Hogmaster]

Thanks avid and brs -
But I am confused.

There is a post this morning saying that 3 flares are required below the Astoria bridge -

From Ed C's report on his trip yesterday -

"I put in at Ilwaco and the Coast guard Auxillary was there. They initially flunked me because my flares were outdated. They inisted I needed a minimum of 3 flares to fish below Astoria Bridge. I had time so I walked over to Englands and bought the flares ($l9.95) and passed and got one of those stickers."

Never heard of that requirement before and see nothing in either link you sent that refers to it.

What is the requirement and is it size or otherwise related? Is it a requirement on other bar areas as well?

Not suggesting it is a bad idea, just had never heard of this before, even when I took my class...

[ 08-02-2002, 09:06 AM: Message edited by: Hogmaster ]

[avid]

Okay,

That is covered by this Federal regulation:

http://www.uscgboating.org/reg/reg_fr_equipReq_VDS.asp

I would expect that this has always been true but is just now being enforced.

Here are the Federal Boating Regs:

http://www.uscgboating.org/reg/reg_fr_contents.asp

avid, already carrying his Oregon safe boating card. <g>

[Hogmaster]

Thanks, avid

But even in your link it is confusing. I am probably thick but I didn't see where "pyrotechnic devises" MUST be there. It addresses what they and "non-pyrotechnic" devices are, but I am missing where it says you need pyros. Certainly you need visual distress signals, understood. I guess it is saying by implication both are required...

Anyway, I am still going to go get some flares, just surprised. I have been checked and passed many times but I guess never down there...

[ 08-02-2002, 09:18 AM: Message edited by: Hogmaster ]

[avid]

Hogmaster,

You must have VDS either Pyrotechnic or non-Pyrotechnic.

All vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those waters connected directly to them, up to a point where a body of water is less than two miles wide, must be equipped with U.S.C.G. Approved visual distress signals. Vessels owned in the United States operating on the high seas must be equipped with U.S.C.G. Approved visual distress signals

Pyrotechnic Devices
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals must be Coast Guard Approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.

They are marked with an expiration date. Expired signals may be carried as extra equipment, but can not be counted toward meeting the visual distress signal requirement, since they may be unreliable.
Launchers manufactured before January 1, 1981, intended for use with approved signals, are not required to be Coast Guard Approved.
If pyrotechnic devices are selected a minimum of three are required. That is, three signals for day use and three signals for night. Some pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night use requirements.
Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location, if possible.
A watertight container painted red or orange and prominently marked "DISTRESS SIGNALS" or "FLARES" is recommended.
U.S.C.G. Approved Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals and associated devices include:

Pyrotechnic red flares, hand-held or aerial.

Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or floating.

Launchers for aerial red meteors or parachute flares.

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[Hogmaster]

Oh,
and I was just about to say my orange flag would suffice the when I read how the non-pyro approved Visual Signal Device is defined:

"Orange distress flag

Day signal only.
Must be at least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and ball on an orange background.
Must be marked with an indication that it meets Coast Guard requirements in 46 CFR 160.072.
Most distinctive when attached and waved on a paddle, boathook, or flown from a mast.
May also be incorporated as part of devices designed to attract attention in an emergency, such as balloons, kites, or floating streamers. "

Guess my 12" ski flag isn't quite there. Off to FM or Joes!

Thanks again!

[Bounty Hunter]

Oh, good point HM.

I thought my ski flag was good for the day (I carry flares too). What's a black square and ball? (I'll have to look that one up...)