ABYC Requests Public Review of New Standards

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), the nonprofit organization that develops the global safety standards for the design, construction, maintenance and repair of recreational boats, publicized the current ABYC Standards under review and encourages interested parties of the public to participate in the review process.

ABYC Standards are continuously researched, developed and revised by more than 400 volunteer marine professionals on Project Technical Committees (PTCs). As an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited standards developer, the ABYC standards development process utilizes a consensus-based approach.

“Updating ABYC Standards is a critical step in addressing new trends and technology in the marine industry, while maintaining boating safety,” said ABYC Technical Director Brian Goodwin. “Tackling complex issues like improving propulsion controls, developing guidance on lithium batteries, and tow point loads are all being looked at by the PTCs.”

More than 25 standards and technical information reports are under review:

• A-3, Galley Stove
• A-7, Liquid and Solid Fueled Boat Heating Systems
• A-14, Gasoline and Propane Gas Detection Systems
• A-16, Electric Navigation Lights
• A-23, Sound Signal Appliances
• A-24, Carbon Monoxide Detection Systems
• A-31, Battery Chargers and Inverters
• A-33, Emergency Engine/Propulsion Cutoff Devices
• C-5, Construction and Testing of Electric Navigation Lights
• EDU-1, On-Water Recreational Boating Skills — Power
• EDU-2, Skill-Based Human-Propelled Standard
• H-02, Ventilation of Boats Using Gasoline
• H-04, Cockpit Drainage Systems
• H-22, Electric Bilge Pump Systems
• H-23, Water Systems for Use on Boats
• H-25, Portable Marine Gasoline Fuel Systems
• H-27, Seacocks, Thru-hull Fittings and Drain Plugs
• H-31, Seat Structures
• H-33, Diesel Fuel Systems
• H-41, Reboarding Means, Ladders, Handholds, Rails and Lifelines
• P-14, Mechanical Propulsion Control Systems
• P-28, Electric/Electronic Control Systems for Propulsion and Steering
• S-07, Boat Capacity Labels
• S-32, Warnings and Safety Signs for Boats
• S-33, On-Water Engine Emissions Testing
• TE-13, Lithium Ion Batteries
• TH-29, Sewage Systems
• TY-28, Boat Lifting and Storage

Contact ABYC at comments@abycinc.org or visit the website at www.abycinc.org/GetInvolved for more information on how to review these standards and submit comments.