legal req.

[loudnlow59]

Hi all, recently bought a 5m rib after a 20yr break, i was a diver and had a lot of experience with many inflatables,but i know times have changed, what i want to know is are there any legal reqiurements for boat to have a radio or flares, or third party insurance etc.

regards Jeff

[Nos4r2]

Welcome to Ribnet

No legal requirements, but you'd be bloody stupid not to on all counts-specially in the Bristol Channel.

[SW Boat Transport]

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Welcome to Ribnet

No legal requirements, but you'd be bloody stupid not to on all counts-specially in the Bristol Channel.

Agreed. Many marinas and harbours will insist on 3rd party insurance. The only legal requirement in the UK is that if you do have a VHF radio, you will need a Ships Radio Licence (or Transportable Licence if you have a handheld) and Radio Operators Licence in order to use it.

[hobbit555]

SOLAS V REGS do apply

[treerat]

Originally Posted by hobbit555

SOLAS V REGS do apply

Only in so far as if you end up in a court room you'd be hard pushed to explain why you went against the regs in so far as the kit carried, or not, complied, or not.

There is no requirement on a private vessel to legally carry said kit, and no way to enforce it.

[jyasaki]

Originally Posted by treerat

There is no requirement on a private vessel to legally carry said kit, and no way to enforce it.

I've been on RIB.net for 9 years, and I never realized this.


In the US, we are required to have:

All vessels:
Noisemaker (horn, whistle, empty pot and a spoon) audible to 1 mile (I think)

Daytime distress signal (flag, smoke, don't remember what else is acceptable; see next)

If operating at night, night distress signal (3 flares, aerial or handheld; I don't think any electronics qualify; night signals can replace the daytime signal)

PFD (lifejacket) for each person on board (under 12 has to be wearing, unless in a cabin - the last may be a California thing)

Type reqmnts:

Vessel with a built in fuel tank, or over 16': fire extinguisher

That's all I can think of off the top of my head.

State or local law can require additional stuff. USCG enforces federal mandated equipment; local law enforcement enforces federal and local requirements.

jky

[Low Flyer]

Surely it's common sense and self preservation. Although sometimes I wonder when you see a boat full of kids with no LJs etc.