Revision of the ABYC standards for recreational vessels
The American Boat and Yacht Council is a recognized player in standardization in the U.S. recreational boating sector. According to the organization, 90% of the country's fleet complies with its requirements. The association has just updated its guide to the US Coast Guard's 2020 regulations for recreational boats. It has also made public the list of ABYC standards currently under revision. The texts cover a variety of topics, from navigation lights to seating structures, through-hull penetrations, heating systems, lithium batteries and boat lifting equipment:
- A-3, Galley Stove
- A-7, Liquid and Solid Fueled Boat Heating Systems
- A-14, Gasoline and Propane Gas Detection Systems
- A-16, Electric Navigation Lights
- A-23, Sound Signal Appliances
- A-24, Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems
- A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters
- A-33, Emergency Engine/Propulsion Cutoff Devices
- C-5, Construction and Testing of Electric Navigation Lights
- EDU-1, On-Water Recreational Boating Skills -- Power
- EDU-2, Skill-Based Human-Propelled Standard
- H-02, Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline
- H-04, Cockpit Drainage Systems
- H-22, Electric Bilge Pump Systems
- H-23, Water Systems for Use on Boats
- H-25, Portable Marine Gasoline Fuel Systems
- H-27, Seacocks, Thru-hull Fittings, and Drain Plugs
- H-31, Seat Structures
- H-33, Diesel Fuel Systems
- H-41, Reboarding Means, Ladders, Handholds, Rails, and Lifelines
- P-14, Mechanical Propulsion Control Systems
- P-28, Electric/Electronic Control Systems for Propulsion and Steering
- S-07, Boat Capacity Labels
- S-32, Warnings and Safety Signs for Boats
- S-33, On-Water Engine Emissions Testing
- TE-13, Lithium Ion Batteries
- TH-29, Sewage Systems
- TY-28, Boat Lifting and Storage
Involving boating professionals
As a member of the American National Standards Institute, the ABYC applies a consensus system for writing standards. The association is therefore calling on professionals to participate in the current review. "Updating the ABYC standards is a critical step in keeping pace with new trends and technologies in the boating industry, while maintaining boating safety," says Brian Goodwin, ABYC Technical Director. It is also an opportunity for professionals to have their innovations known and accepted by American regulations.
