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 me, but also anything that you feel may directly help the certification program and the boatbuilding industry.

Technical Issues

1. For information on all NMMA certification programs and services, you can visit our on-line Engineering Standards department.

2. Length Overall (LOA) is defined as the straight line horizontal measurement from the foremost part of the boat to the aftmost part of the boat, measured parallel to the centerline and to the waterline. For a complete explanation, see the ABYC Glossary.

Certification Issues/Reminders

1. In ABYC H-28.5, Inflatable Boats persons capacity determination, the cockpit area is in square feet.

2. For ventilation of boats using gasoline, air intake openings inside a compartment shall be separated from exhaust duct openings by at least 24 inches, compartment dimensions permitting.

3. The HIN must consist of 12 characters, uninterrupted by slashes, hyphens, or spaces. To add the "US" to boat being exported, the characters "must be separated from the HIN by means of boarders or must be on a separate label so that it will not be interpreted as part of the HIN." 33 CFR181.27

4. A quick way to find the size of the ventilation system openings on gasoline powered boats is to refer to the two graphs in H-2-97, Figure 2. Enter the graphs with the net compartment volume in cubic feet, and read the area of openings directly off the curve.

Other News:

1. We still get requests from boat owners for replacement capacity labels. NMMA only provides labels to new boats in the NMMA Certification Program. Please refer any inquiries for labels from boat owners to the U.S. Coast Guard, 202-267-0986.

2. The Coast Guard anticipates no problems with the Y2K HIN. It will still be a two digit year identifier. For Y2K it will be "00."

3. Bob Carlson, of Hubbell, Inc., has developed a handy work sheet of important rules for using and maintaining "Shore Power Cords." This should be required reading for all boat owners and marina operators. Call Tech Services to obtain a copy of this paper.

4. Future IMTEC dates in Orlando are:

- August 23-25, 2000
- August 29-31, 2001
- September 4-6, 2002

5. NMMA has published a colorful brochure that describes the dangers of Carbon Monoxide (CO). Single copies are available free from Member Services or for a nominal charge for bundles of 100.

6. The November meetings of the Canadian Marine Advisory Council brought to a close the work to revise the Canadian Coast Guard Small Vessel Construction Standards document (TP1332). It will be available soon from the CCG. Call 613-991-3127.

7. The fee for Canadian Capacity and Conformity plates has been increased to $5.00(CN) per plate.

From the Inspectors:

1. NMMA certification program, ABYC, and the feds allow for a 1/4" movement of the fuel tank after installation. Many of the 'plastic' fuel tank manufacturers recommend allowing room for the tank to "grow" when the boat is put into use and fuel is put into the tank.

With this in mind - many boat manufacturers are engineering this 'room for growth' into their design of the craft, but engineering cannot be on the production floor at all times. Too many times, I'm seeing screws discarded or dropped into the tank space. You can imagine the danger of this when the fuel tank is designed or allowed to move. Even if not designed in, over time, the tank can possibly work itself loose and the abrasion starts. At a minimum you have a small fuel leak to address, but disaster could be imminent.

Please instruct the manufacturing floor personnel to place tape around the perimeter of the tank to prevent items being dropped in the tank 'grow' space. This will help prevent not only warranty calls, but also the possibility of loss of life or serious injury.

Notes from Jay's Desk:

Question:
May I combine the CE capacity plate with the USCG capacity plate?

Answer:
YES. BUT, the CG plate, as described in the regs, cannot be modified, infected, or altered when the CE plate is attached. And the attached plate/label does not have to be spaced away from the CG plate/label. And, it can be any other type of label you want to put on the same metal plate or label. There is no prohibition as confirmed with the USCG Boating Safety Office. Ensure, however, that the CG portion is clear and remains distinct, especially for domestic sales. The same applies for Euro sales and the CE capacity plate.

A caution, the "ugly American" image still exists, so you may want to reconsider in putting USCG capacity plates on boats going to Europe. Do the CE capacity plate only.

Also, make sure the capacities in lbs and kgs match, i.e., 100 kg equals 220 lbs. The same applies to HP and kW. 100 hp equals 74.57 kW.

2. The International Marine Certification Institute (IMCI) has moved. Their new address is:

• IMCI
  Rond-Point Schuman 6, Box 6
  B-1040 Bruxelles
  BELGIQUE
  Tel: 32-2-2387892
  Fax: 32-2-2387700

3. Did you know that ABYC Standards are reviewed and revised every five years? These standards form the basis of NMMA's Certification Program. As the ABYC Standards change, so too the NMMA Certification Program Basis changes. Do you ever wonder how or why a standard has changed? Do you want to be on the forefront of this change, and be influencing future changes? Do you think that knowing future changes will assist your market competitiveness? If you answer yes to any of these questions, then it is time to join an ABYC Project Technical Committee, the group that reviews the ABYC Standards. Call ABYC at 410-956-1050 for more information.

4. It pays to advertise that your product is "NMMA Certified." Get your boss, marketing people, company prez, to reflect your engineering certification efforts in making a first class product. NMMA can provide you with suitable logos and literature.

5. Do you know about the Master Certification correspondence course from Westlawn Institute? This is a proactive step beyond the annual Nashville Tech Compliance Seminar. Enhance the advantage of your training, promote your dedication to your boss, open the doors to potential advancement and salary increases. Put more value into your resume/portfolio. For more information contact Westlawn direct at 203-359-0500.