R651-206-6. Additional Equipment Requirements for Vessels Carrying Passengers for Hire

  (1) Emergency communications equipment.

  (a) An outfitting company shall have appropriate communication equipment for contacting emergency services, or, have a policy and emergency communications protocols that describe the quickest and most efficient means of contacting emergency services, taking into consideration the remoteness of the area in which the vessel will be operated.

  (b) For vessels traveling in a group, this requirement can be met by carrying one communication device in the group.

  (2) Carbon monoxide detectors shall be provided in each enclosed passenger area.

  (3) Vessels carrying more than six passengers for hire and operating at a distance greater than one mile from shore shall provide the following:

  (a) An appropriate number of life rafts or other lifesaving apparatus(s);

  (b) A minimum of three visual distress signals that are approved for day and night use.

  (5) Navigation equipment.

  (a) Each vessel shall carry a map or chart of the water body and a compass or GPS unit that is in good and serviceable condition.

  (b) For vessels traveling in a group, this requirement can be met by carrying a map or chart and a compass or GPS unit in the group.

  (c) River trip vessels are only required to carry a map of the water body or river or river sections.

  (6) Lines, straps and anchorage.

  (a) Each vessel shall be equipped with at least one suitable anchor and an appropriate anchorage system, respective of the body of water on which the vessel will be operating. Any line, when attached to an anchor, shall be attached by an eye splice, thimble and shackle. On lakes and/or reservoirs, low capacity vessels and racing shells are exempt from this requirement.

  (b) Vessels operating on rivers are exempt from carrying an anchor, but shall have sufficient lines to secure the vessel to shore.

  (c) Lines and straps utilized for anchorage, mooring and maintaining vessel structural integrity shall be in good and serviceable condition.

  (7) At least one portable, battery-operated light per trip leader or guide shall be on board, in good and serviceable condition and readily accessible.

  (8) First Aid Kit.

  (a) Each vessel shall have on board, an adequate first aid kit, stocked with supplies respective to the number of passengers carried on board, and the nature of boating activity in which the vessel will be engaged.

  (b) For vessels traveling in a group, this requirement can be met by carrying one first aid kit in the group.

  (9) Identification of outfitting company.

  (a) An outfitting company shall prominently display its name on the hull or superstructure of the vessel.

  (b) The display of an outfitting company's name shall not interfere with any required numbering, registration or documentation display.

  (c) If another governmental agency prohibits the display of an outfitting company's name on the exterior of a vessel, the name shall be displayed in a visible manner that does not violate the agency's requirements.

  (10) Marine toilets and sanitary facilities.

  (a) Each vessel carrying more than six passengers for hire shall be equipped with a minimum of one marine toilet and washbasin sanitary facilities, except for vessels where suitable privacy enclosures are not practical.

  (b) The toilet and washbasin shall be connected to a permanently installed holding tank that allows for dockside pumpout at approved sanitary disposal facilities. Vessels that do not have access to dockside pumpout facilities may carry a portable marine toilet and washbasin to meet this requirement.

  (c) For vessels traveling in a group, this requirement can be met by carrying one marine sanitation device in the group.

  (d) Marine toilets and washbasins shall be maintained in a good and serviceable, sanitary condition.

  (e) A vessel that carries more than 49 passengers shall have at least two marine toilets and washbasins, one each for men and women.

  (f) A vessel operating on a trip or excursion with a duration of one hour or less, or operating on a river, is not required to be equipped with a marine toilet or washbasin.