Chapter 430. Watercraft: Safety Equipment Requirements
4VAC15-430-10. Application.
This chapter applies to all recreational vessels that are propelled or controlled by machinery, sails, oars, paddles, poles, or another vessel on waters within the territorial limits of the Commonwealth (both public and private waters).
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-20. Definitions.
As used in this chapter the following words and terms shall have the following meanings:
"Coastal waters" means the territorial seas of the United States, and those waters directly connected to the territorial seas (i.e., bays, sounds, harbors, rivers, inlets, etc.) where any entrance exceeds two nautical miles between opposite shorelines to the first point where the largest distance between shorelines narrows to two miles, as shown on the current edition of the appropriate National Ocean Service chart used for navigation. Shorelines of islands or points of land present within a waterway are considered when determining the distance between opposite shorelines.
"Passenger" means every person carried on board a vessel other than:
1. The owner or his representative;
2. The operator;
3. Bona fide members of the crew engaged in the business of the vessel who have contributed no consideration for their carriage and who are paid for their services; or
4. Any guest on board a vessel that is being used exclusively for pleasure purposes who has not contributed any consideration, directly or indirectly, for his carriage.
"Personal flotation device" or "PFD" means a device that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.
"Racing shell, rowing scull, racing canoe, and racing kayak" means a manually propelled vessel that is recognized by national or international racing associations for use in competitive racing and one in which all occupants row, scull, or paddle, with the exception of a coxswain, if one is provided, and is not designed to carry and does not carry any equipment not solely for competitive racing.
"Recreational vessel" means any vessel being manufactured or operated primarily for pleasure, or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure. It does not include any vessel engaged in the carrying of any passengers for consideration.
"Sailboard" means a sail-propelled vessel with no freeboard and equipped with a swivel-mounted mast not secured to a hull by guys or stays.
"Throwable PFD" means a PFD that is intended to be thrown to a person in the water. A wearable PFD is not a throwable PFD.
"Use" means operate, navigate, or employ.
"Vessel" means every description of watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, but does not include surfboards, tubes, swimming rafts, inflatable toys, and similar devices routinely used as water toys or swimming aids.
"Visual distress signal" means a device that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard or certified by the manufacturer.
"Wearable PFD" means a PFD that is intended to be worn or otherwise attached to the body.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-701 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 2, eff. October 1, 2019; Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.
4VAC15-430-30. Personal flotation devices required.
A. Except as provided in 4VAC15-430-40, it shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel unless:
1. At least one wearable PFD is on board for each person;
2. Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements on the approval label; and
3. Each PFD is used in accordance with any requirements in its owner's manual if the approval label makes reference to such a manual.
B. Except as provided in 4VAC15-430-40, it shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel of 16 feet or greater unless one throwable PFD is on board in addition to the total number of PFDs required in subsection A of this section.
C. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 29.1-742 of the Code of Virginia, it shall be unlawful to operate a personal watercraft unless each person riding on the personal watercraft or being towed by it is wearing a wearable PFD that is approved for such activity.
Statutory Authority
§ 29.1-701 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2013; Volume 36, Issue 2, eff. October 1, 2019.
4VAC15-430-40. Personal flotation device exemptions.
A. The following vessels are not required to carry an additional throwable PFD.
1. Personal watercraft.
2. Nonmotorized canoes and kayaks 16 feet in length and over.
B. The following vessels are not required to carry any PFD:
1. Racing shells, rowing sculls, racing canoes, and racing kayaks while participating in or preparing and practicing for a race.
2. Sailboards.
C. Vessels of the United States used by foreign competitors while practicing for or racing in competition are not required to carry any PFD, provided the vessel carries one of the sponsoring foreign country's acceptable flotation devices for each foreign competitor onboard.
Statutory Authority
§ 29.1-701 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; Errata, 19:14 VA.R. 2176 March 24, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2013; Volume 36, Issue 2, eff. October 1, 2019.
4VAC15-430-50. Personal flotation device stowage.
A. It shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel unless each wearable PFD required by 4VAC15-430-30, or equivalent type allowed by 4VAC15-430-40, is readily accessible. "Readily accessible" means that PFDs are stowed where they can be easily reached, or are out in the open ready for wear. A readily accessible PFD cannot be in a protective covering or under lock and key.
B. It shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel unless each throwable PFD required by 4VAC15-430-30 of this chapter is immediately available. "Immediately available" means the PFD shall be quickly reachable in an emergency situation. An immediately available PFD cannot be in a protective covering, in a closed compartment or under other equipment.
Statutory Authority
§ 29.1-701 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 36, Issue 2, eff. October 1, 2019.
4VAC15-430-60. Personal flotation device condition; size and fit; approval marking.
It shall be unlawful to use a recreational vessel unless each PFD required by 4VAC15-430-30 or allowed by 4VAC15-430-40 is:
1. In serviceable condition as provided in 4VAC15-430-70;
2. Of an appropriate size and fit for the intended wearer, as marked on the approval label;
3. Legibly marked with its U.S. Coast Guard approval number; and
4. Used in accordance with any requirements or restrictions on the approval label.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, 29.1-701.1 and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 6, eff. March 1, 2006.
4VAC15-430-70. Personal flotation device serviceable condition.
A PFD is considered to be in serviceable condition only if the following conditions are met:
1. No PFD may exhibit deterioration that could diminish the performance of the PFD, including:
a. Metal or plastic hardware used to secure the PFD on the wearer that is broken, deformed, or weakened by corrosion:
b. Webbings or straps used to secure the PFD on the wearer that are ripped, torn, or which have become separated from an attachment point on the PFD; or
c. Any other rotted or deteriorated structural component that fails when tugged.
2. In addition to meeting the requirements of subdivision 1 of this section, no inherently buoyant PFD, including the inherently buoyant components of a hybrid inflatable PFD, may exhibit:
a. Rips, tears, or open seams in fabric or coatings that are large enough to allow the loss of buoyant material;
b. Buoyant material that has become hardened, nonresilient, permanently compressed, waterlogged, oil-soaked, or which shows evidence of fungus or mildew; or
c. Loss of buoyant material or buoyant material that is not securely held in position.
3. In addition to meeting the requirements of subdivision 1 of this section, an inflatable PFD, including the inflatable components of a hybrid inflatable PFD, must be equipped with:
a. Except as provided in subdivision 4 of this section, a properly armed inflation mechanism, complete with a full inflation medium cartridge and all status indicators showing that the inflation mechanism is properly armed:
b. Inflatable chambers that are all capable of holding air;
c. Oral inflation tubes that are not blocked, detached, or broken;
d. A manual inflation lanyard or lever that is not inaccessible, broken, or missing; and
e. Inflator status indicators that are not broken or otherwise nonfunctional.
4. The inflation system of an inflatable PFD need not be armed when the PFD is worn inflated and otherwise meets the requirements of subdivisions 1 and 3 of this section.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-80. Visual distress signals required.
A. It shall be unlawful to use a vessel 16 feet or more in length or any boat carrying six or less passengers for consideration on the coastal waters as defined in 4VAC15-430-20 unless visual distress signals selected from the list in 4VAC15-430-120 or the alternatives in 4VAC15-430-130, in the number required, are on board. Devices suitable for day use and devices suitable for night use, or devices suitable for both day and night use, must be carried.
B. Between sunset and sunrise, it shall be unlawful to use a vessel less than 16 feet in length on the coastal waters unless visual distress signals suitable for night use, selected from the list in 4VAC15-430-120 or 4VAC15-430-130, in the number required, are on board.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-90. Visual distress signal launcher.
When a visual distress signal carried to meet the requirements of 4VAC15-430-80 requires a launcher to activate, then an approved launcher must also be carried.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-100. Visual distress signal exceptions.
The following persons need not comply with 4VAC15-430-80; however, each must carry on board visual distress signals suitable for night use, selected from the list in 4VAC15-430-120 or 4VAC15-430-130, in the number required, between sunset and sunrise:
1. A person competing in any organized marine parade, regatta, race, or similar event;
2. A person using a manually propelled boat; or
3. A person using a sailboat of completely open construction, not equipped with propulsion machinery, under 26 feet in length.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-110. Visual distress signal stowage, serviceability, marking.
A. It shall be unlawful to use a vessel unless the visual distress signals required by 4VAC15-430-80 are readily accessible.
B. It shall be unlawful to use a vessel unless each signal required by 4VAC15-430-80 is in serviceable condition and the service life of the signal, if indicated by a date marked on the signal, has not expired. Signals in addition to the minimum required are not considered to be in violation of this subsection if the minimum requirement has been met.
C. It shall be unlawful to use a vessel unless each signal required by 4VAC15-430-80 is legibly marked with a U.S. Coast Guard approval number or certification statement.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-103, 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 29, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2013.
4VAC15-430-120. Visual distress signals accepted.
A. Any of the following signals, when carried in the number required, can be used to meet the requirements of 4VAC15-430-80:
1. An electric distress light. One is required to meet the night only requirement.
2. An orange flag. One is required to meet the day only requirement.
3. Pyrotechnics meeting the standards noted in the table below.
B. Any combination of signal devices selected from the types noted in subsection A of this section, when carried in the number required, may be used to meet both day and night requirements. Example -- the combination of two hand held red flares (reference number 1 in table below), and one parachute red flare (reference numbers 3 and 4) meets both day and night requirements.
| Pyrotechnic Signal Devices | |||
| Reference number | Device Description | Meets Requirement for | Number Required |
| 1 | Hand-Held Red Flare Distress Signals3 | Day and Night | 3 |
| 2 | Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals. | Day Only | 3 |
| 3 | Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals. | Day and Night1 | 3 |
| 4 | Hand-Held Rocket-Propelled Parachute Red Flare Distress Signals. | Day and Night | 3 |
| 5 | Hand-Held Orange Smoke Distress Signals. | Day Only | 3 |
| 6 | Floating Orange Smoke Distress Signals. | Day Only | 3 |
| 7 | Distress Signal for Boats, Red Aerial Pyrotechnic Flare. | Day and Night2 | 3 |
1These signals require use in combination with a suitable launching device.
2These devices may be either meteor or parachute-assisted type. Some of these signals may require use in combination with a suitable launching device.
3Must have manufacture date of Oct. 1, 1980, or later.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-130. Visual distress signals; existing equipment.
Launchers manufactured before January 1, 1981, that do not have approval numbers are acceptable for use with meteor or parachute signals listed in the table in 4VAC15-430-120 as long as they remain in serviceable condition.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-140. Visual distress signals; prohibited use.
It shall be unlawful for any person in a vessel to display a visual distress signal on waters to which this chapter applies under any circumstance except a situation where assistance is needed because of immediate or potential danger to the persons on board.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-150. Ventilation.
A. All motorboats or motor vessels, except open boats and as provided in subsections D and E of this section, the construction or decking over of which is commenced after April 25, 1940, and which use fuel having a flashpoint of 110°F, or less, shall have at least two ventilator ducts, fitted with cowls or their equivalent, for the efficient removal of explosive or flammable gases from the bilges of every engine and fuel tank compartment. There shall be at least one exhaust duct installed so as to extend from the open atmosphere to the lower portion of the bilge and at least one intake duct installed so as to extend to a point at least midway to the bilge or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake. The cowls shall be located and trimmed for maximum effectiveness and in such a manner so as to prevent displaced fumes from being recirculated.
B. As used in this section, the term open boats means those motorboats or motor vessels with all engine and fuel tank compartments, and other spaces to which explosive or flammable gases and vapors from these compartments may flow, open to the atmosphere and so arranged as to prevent the entrapment of such gases and vapors within the vessel.
C. Vessels built after July 31, 1980, which are manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; which are leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; which are engaged in the carriage of six or fewer passengers for consideration; or which are in compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Coast Guard are exempted from these requirements.
D. Vessels built after July 31, 1978, which are manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; which are rented, leased, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; or which engage in conveying six or fewer passengers for consideration are exempted from the requirements of subsection A of this section for fuel tank compartments that:
1. Contain a permanently installed fuel tank if each electrical component is ignition protected; and
2. Contain fuel tanks that vent to the outside of the boat.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.
4VAC15-430-160. Fire extinguishing equipment application and general provisions.
A. The provisions of this section through 4VAC15-430-210, with the exception of 4VAC15-430-200, shall apply to all vessels contracted for on or after November 19, 1952. Vessels contracted for prior to that date shall meet the requirements of 4VAC15-430-200.
B. Where equipment in this section is required to be of an approved type, such equipment requires the specific approval of the U.S. Coast Guard. A listing of current and formerly approved equipment and materials may be found at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/%u200Bequipment.
C. All hand-portable fire extinguishers, semiportable fire extinguishing systems, and fixed fire extinguishing systems shall be of a type approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and shall have an efficient charge and be in good and serviceable condition as referenced in 4VAC15-430-170.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, 29.1-701.1, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 22, Issue 6, eff. March 1, 2006; Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.
4VAC15-430-170. Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems.
A. Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems are classified by a combination letter and number symbol, the letter indicating the type of fire that the unit could be expected to extinguish, and the number indicating the relative size of the unit.
B. For the purpose of this section, all required hand-portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems are of the "B" type; that is, suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, greases, etc.
C. All fire extinguishers must be on board and readily accessible, in good and serviceable working condition, and comply with the following:
1. If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator, it must be in the operable range or position.
2. The extinguisher may not be expired or appear to have been previously used.
3. The lock pin is firmly in place.
4. The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction.
5. The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.
D. All hand-portable fire extinguishers and semiportable fire extinguishing systems shall have permanently attached thereto a metallic name plate giving the name of the item, the rated capacity in gallons, quarts, or pounds, the name and address of the person or firm for whom approved, and the identifying mark of the actual manufacturer.
E. Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride or chlorobromomethane or other toxic vaporizing liquids are not acceptable as equipment required by this section.
F. Hand-portable or semiportable extinguishers that are required on their name plates to be protected from freezing shall not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.
G. The use of dry chemical, stored pressure, fire extinguishers not fitted with pressure gauges or indicating devices, manufactured prior to January 1, 1965, may be permitted on motorboats and other vessels so long as such extinguishers are maintained in good and serviceable condition. The following maintenance and inspections are required for such extinguishers:
1. When the date on the inspection record tag on the extinguishers shows that six months have elapsed since last weight check ashore, then such extinguisher is no longer accepted as meeting required maintenance conditions until reweighed ashore and found to be in a serviceable condition and within required weight conditions.
2. If the weight of the container is one-fourth ounce less than that stamped on container, it shall be serviced.
3. If the outer seals ( that indicate tampering or use when broken) are not intact, the boarding officer or marine inspector will inspect such extinguisher to see that the frangible disc in neck of the container is intact; and if such disc is not intact, the container shall be serviced.
4. If there is evidence of damage, use, or leakage, such as dry chemical powder observed in the nozzle or elsewhere on the extinguisher, the container shall be replaced with a new one and the extinguisher properly serviced or the extinguisher replaced with another approved extinguisher.
H. The dry chemical, stored pressure, fire extinguishers without pressure gauges or indicating devices manufactured after January 1, 1965, shall not be carried on board motorboats or other vessels as required equipment.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.
4VAC15-430-180. Fixed fire extinguishing systems.
When a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, it shall be of an approved type that is designed and installed in agreement with the applicable provisions required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.
4VAC15-430-190. Fire extinguishing equipment required.
A. Motorboats.
1. All motorboats shall carry at least the minimum number of hand-portable fire extinguishers set forth in the following table, except that motorboats 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.
Length, feet | Minimum number of 5-B hand-portable fire extinguishers required1 | |
No fixed fire extinguishing systems in machinery space | Fixed fire extinguishing system in machinery space | |
Under 16 | 1 | 0 |
16 to less than 26 | 1 | 0 |
26 to less than 40 | 2 | 1 |
40 to 65 | 3 | 2 |
1One 20-B hand-portable fire extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B hand-portable fire extinguishers.
2. Fire extinguishers are required if any one or more of the following conditions exist:
a. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored.
b. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that 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.
3. The following conditions do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried:
a. Bait wells.
b. Glove compartments.
c. Buoyant flotation material.
d. Open slatted flooring.
e. Ice chests.
B. Motorboats greater than 65 feet in length.
1. All motorboats greater than 65 feet in length shall carry at least the minimum number of hand-portable fire extinguishers set forth in the following table:
Gross tonnage | Minimum number of 20-B hand-portable fire extinguishers | |
Over | Not over | |
50 | 2 | |
50 | 100 | 2 |
100 | 500 | 3 |
500 | 1000 | 6 |
1000 | 8 | |
2. In addition to the hand-portable fire extinguishers required by subdivision 1 of this subsection, the following fire-extinguishing equipment shall be fitted in the machinery space:
a. One Type 20-B hand-portable fire extinguisher shall be carried for each 1,000 B.H.P. of the main engines or fraction thereof. However, not more than six such extinguishers need be carried.
b. On motorboats of over 300 gross tons, either one 160-B semiportable fire-extinguishing system shall be fitted, or alternatively, a fixed fire extinguishing system shall be fitted in the machinery space.
3. The frame or support of each Type 160-B fire extinguisher required by subdivision 2 b of this subsection must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.
4. If an approved semiportable fire extinguisher has wheels and is not required by this section, it must be securely stowed when not in use to prevent it from rolling out of control under heavy sea conditions.
C. Barges carrying passengers.
1. Every barge of 65 feet in length or less while carrying passengers when towed or pushed by a motorboat shall be fitted with hand-portable fire extinguishers as required by the table in subsection B of this section, depending upon the length of the barge.
2. Every barge of over 65 feet in length while carrying passengers when towed or pushed by a motorboat shall be fitted with hand-portable fire extinguishers as required by the table in subsection B of this section, depending upon the gross tonnage of the barge.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.
4VAC15-430-200. Condition and number of fire extinguishers required for recreational vessels.
A. Condition and number of fire extinguishers required for recreational vessels built model year 2017 or earlier, between 1953 and 2017, and contracted prior to November 19, 1953.
1. Previously installed extinguishers with extinguishing capacities that are less than what is required in the tables contained in 4VAC15-430-190 need not be replaced but must be maintained in good condition.
2. All extinguishers installed after August 22, 2016, must meet the applicable requirements in 4VAC15-160 through 4VAC15-210.
B. Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, shall meet the applicable provisions of 4VAC15-430-160 through 4VAC15-430-190 insofar as the number and general type of equipment is concerned. Existing items of equipment and installations previously approved but not meeting the applicable requirements for type approval may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition. All new installations and replacements shall meet the requirements of 4VAC15-430-160 through 4VAC15-430-190.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; amended, Virginia Register Volume 39, Issue 9, eff. January 1, 2023.
4VAC15-430-210. Backfire flame control.
A. Every gasoline engine installed in a motorboat or motor vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors, shall be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control.
B. Installations made before November 19, 1952, may be continued in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. Replacements shall comply with any applicable standards established by the U.S. Coast Guard and be marked accordingly. The flame arrester must be suitably secured to the air intake with a flametight connection.
C. Installations consisting of backfire flame arresters bearing basic approval nos. 162.015 or 162.041 or engine air and fuel induction systems bearing basic approval nos. 162.015 or 162.042 may be continued in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. New installations or replacements must comply with any applicable standards established by the U.S. Coast Guard and be marked accordingly. The flame arrester must be suitably secured to the air intake with a flametight connection.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003; Errata 19:14 VA.R. 2176, 2177 March 24, 2003.
4VAC15-430-220. Penalties.
Except as otherwise provided by statute, any person who violates any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a Class 4 misdemeanor for each such violation as provided by § 29.1-746 of the Code of Virginia.
Statutory Authority
§§ 29.1-501, 29.1-502, 29.1-701, and 29.1-735 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 19, Issue 5, eff. January 1, 2003.