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Yachting Safety

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)

Many - but not all - yachts are now required to meet a set of minimum manufacturing regulations written by the Coast Guard. The manufacturers of the majority of the nation's recreational yachts don't think these minimum requirements are good enough, and they don't think consumers should be satisfied with them either. That's why they participate in the Certification Program administered by NMMA.

NMMA verifies yachts annually, or whenever a new yacht model line is introduced, to determine that they satisfy not only the Coast Guard Regulations but also the more rigorous standards based on those established by the American Boat & Yacht Council. So just look for the NMMA certification verification on the capacity label. The accompanying chart compares the minimum Coast Guard Regulations to the standards used by NMMA to inspect and certify yachts.

NMMA inspection questions

Q:What are the minimum (Coast Guard) Standards NMMA Certification Requirements?

A:Who assures compliance? The manufacturer certifies his own yacht to meet Coast Guard standards. NMMA verifies that each yacht model meets both Coast Guard and NMMA standards. A manufacturer's entire line of yachts under 26' must meet these standards.

Q:Must the manufacturer know what the standards require?

A:Yes, each manufacturer has a Compliance Specialist.

Q:Is there actual inspection?

A:None required. Coast Guard spot checks randomly. There are no Coast Guard inspected, approved, verified or certified recreational yachts per se.

Independent inspectors inspect regularly, every yacht model for compliance with Coast Guard and NMMA certification requirements.

Maximum weight and persons capacities applies to monohull boats under 20' except canoes and inflatable boats. Applies to boats under 26' including pontoon boats, sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and inflatable boats. Persons capacity specified for fly bridges and upper decks.

Horsepower capacity applies to monohull boats under 20' except canoes and inflatable boats. No testing required. Applies to all outboard boats under 26' including pontoon boats, canoes, and inflatable boats. Most boats must be tested.

NMMA Requirements

Basic Flotation required in monohull inboard and I/O's, outboards 2 hp and below, and unpowered boats under 20'. Required in all inboard and I/O's, outboards 2 hp and below, and unpowered boats under 20'. Plus required in sailboats, pontoon boats, canoes, kayaks, and optionally in boats over 20'.

Amount of flotation to float the boat and 13% of persons capacity. Integral air chamber allowed for boats 2 hp and below. To float the boat and 25% of persons capacity. Integral air chambers not allowed.

Level floatation required in monohull outboard boats under 20' with some exceptions. Required in monohull outboard boats under 20' with some exceptions. Optionally for larger outboards, I/O's, and inboards.

Amount of floatation to float the boat and occupants with only one end of the boat above water. To float the boat and occupants with the entire deck above water.

Fuel and electrical systems applies to I/O's and inboards powered by gas. Applies to I/O's and inboards powered by gas. Plus outboards plus diesel powered boats.

Requirements To float the boat and occupants with only one end of the boat above water. U.S.C.G. regulations, 33 CFR, Subparts I and J plus specifications for: fuel tank material, fuel tank thickness, fill hose size, vent hose size, fuel feed strainer, fuel warning label, all fuel components able to withstand fire in the engine compartment and temperature from -20 to +176F, all fuel components corrosion and deterioration resistant, fuel level indicator, color coded wiring.

Ventilation U.S.C.G. regulations, 33 CFR, Subpart K for gasoline powered boats which includes minimum regulations to remove gasoline vapors. U.S.C.G. regulations, 33 CFR, Subpart K for gasoline powered boats plus 2 1/2" minimum duct size, exhaust duct near the engine, intake and exhaust 24" apart inside compartment, ventilation openings located: to minimize entry of water, to minimize entry of exhaust gas and fuel fumes, at least 15" from fuel fill and vent, outside weather enclosures, warning label, plus ventilation for diesel powered boats.

Bilge pump not required. No regulations. Must be installed in I/O's and inboards. Specifications for: materials, design and construction, location and installation, operation.

Steering systems no regulation. Specifications for: steering wheels, helm assemblies, push-pull steering cables, cables, pulleys, installation.