Tom Marhevko
Director, Engineering Standards

Editor: David DeHorn
Manager, Engineering Standards

This bulletin is an unofficial newsletter of the Certification and Technical Services Staffs of NMMA. In it we will relay helpful information for and about the Certification Program. Input comes from the answers to many questions that we receive daily and from information that we want to pass on to all our members. This bulletin will not only publish information from Gwen, Jay, Ray, and I, but also anything that you feel may directly help the certification program and the boat building industry.

Technical Issues

1. Boats manufactured for model year 1999 and inspected after August 1, 1998 will be certified to the standards basis of the 1998 NMMA Certification Handbook. Those models already certified in previous model years can be carried over to model year 1999 under the 1995 standards basis.

2. In the next issuance of ABYC 11-24, Gasoline Fuel Systems, fuel primer bulbs will be allowed inside the transom. Oetiker clamps will be allowed on primer bulb.

3. Fuel fills are not allowed in cockpits that drain overboard.

Certification Issues/Reminders

1. Display of a Coast Guard capacity plate is required for monohulls under 20 feet in length. In the NMMA Certification program, a capacity plate is required for all boats under 26 feet in length.

2. When designing your CO warning label, remember that the recommended signal word is "Warning" not "Danger".

3. No fuel can enter the boat during a 5 GPM overflow from a fuel fill fitting. (ABYC H-24.17.2)

4. ABYC has been petitioned to review the requirement for LPG vents to have a seacock when it penetrates the hull below the maximum heeled water line.

5. ABYC has been petitioned to review the requirement of bonding metallic thru-hull fittings and drain plugs. (ABYC H-27)This may be a potential problem on boats built with lightening protection in high lightening strike areas of the country.

6. There shall be at least one powered blower for each gasoline engine used for propulsion
(ABYC 11-2.5.4.1)

7. Hose used in wet exhaust systems shall comply with the performance requirements of SAE J2006 or UL 1129. (ABYC P-I .7.5)

Other News

1. For all users of marine radio services, the Global Marine Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) requires major upgrade of maritime safety communications procedures and equipment. Call Capt. Jack Fuechsel, at 703-941-1935 USCG (Ret) for more information.