USCG Fuel Line Shut-Off Valve Requirements

[ILikeRust]

Interesting - USCG regulations at 46 CFR § 182.455(a)(4) state:

Shutoff valves, installed so as to close against the fuel flow, must be fitted in the fuel supply lines, one at the tank connection and one at the engine end of the fuel line to stop fuel flow when servicing accessories. The shutoff valve at the tank must be manually operable from outside the compartment in which the valve is located, preferably from an accessible position on the weather deck. If the handle to the shutoff valve at the tank is located inside the machinery space, it must be located so that the operator does not have to reach more than 300 millimeters (12 inches) into the machinery space and the valve handle must be shielded from flames by the same material the hull is constructed

So who has a shutoff valve at each end of their fuel line? I have just the one, immediately before the big filter unit. But I've been pondering reconfiguring it.

[Administrator]

I wish I had seen this quote before the boat show. I've never seen or owned a boat which complied with this requirement. You sure it applies to vessels of the size and type which are relevant to us?

Bill

[ILikeRust]

That is one thing I've been meaning to research and determine, actually - exactly which USCG standard do apply to small pleasure craft?

I haven't made the time to do it yet.

But Part 182 of title 46 of the CFR contains these requirements. Section 182.130 says "As an alternative to complying with the provisions of this part, a vessel of not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length, carrying not more than 12 passengers, and propelled by gasoline or diesel internal combustion engines, other than a High Speed Craft, may comply with ABYC H–2, ABYC H–22, ABYC H–24, ABYC H–25, ABYC H–32, ABYC H–33, ABYC P–1, and ABYC P–4 (all eight standards incorporated by reference, see 46 CFR 175.600) as specified in this part."

So clearly there are at least some standards in Part 182 that apply to small boats - i.e., less than 65 feet long.

But another question I want to determine is how the requirements apply to an old boat, like mine, that was built before a lot of the current requirements even existed. Typically, uniform safety requirements such as these will apply only to items (e.g., machines, cars, household appliances, etc.) manufactured after the regulations were published. I have not yet found anything indicating a requirement to retrofit or upgrade existing boats. This is another thing I've been wanting to research.

Here's another one:

All engines must have at least two means for stopping the engine(s) under any operating conditions. The fuel oil shutoff required at the engine by § 182.455(b)(4) will satisfy one means of stopping the engine.

And another:

Gauges to indicate engine revolutions per minute (RPM), jacket water discharge temperature, and lubricating oil pressure must be provided for all propulsion engines installed in the vessel. The gauges must be readily visible at the operating station.

So you've got to at least have a tach, water temp (although I note it says "jacket water DISCHARGE temperature - so does the sensor need to be located at the point the water leaves the manifold?) and oil pressure gauges.

And another:

An enclosed space containing machinery powered by gasoline or other fuels having a flash point of 43.3 °C (110 °F) or lower must be equipped with a flammable vapor detection device in compliance with § 182.480.

Again, I'm thinking these standards apply only to "new" vessels - i.e., those manufactured after the date of the rule, or to commercial vessels. But I need to do some digging to determine that.

[ndutton]

So who has a shutoff valve at each end of their fuel line?

I do. One at each of two tanks, one at the engine immediately ahead of the carburetor with the handle outside the engine space.

[Administrator]

Neil:

Built that way?

Bill

[ndutton]

Oh no. There's very little left on my boat that is factory original. It's part of my purge/polish system, another side benefit.

[ILikeRust]

I do.

Well, duh, yeah, I figured you would. I was talking to the slightly less obsessed.

[ndutton]

Well, duh, yeah, I figured you would. I was talking to the slightly less obsessed.

OCD baby! And not afraid to admit it!

[edwardc]

So who has a shutoff valve at each end of their fuel line? ...

I guess I do too. There's an electrically operated Fuel-Trol valve mounted right on the tank at the pickup (connected to the ignition), and a manual valve just before the main Sierra fuel filter. Since the ignition switch is located outside of the engine space, in the cabin, I guess that qualifies.

It's not something I added. The boat came with it, but I suspect it's not stock. The boat has had eight previous owners.

[ndutton]

Without a valve ahead of the carburetor you're counting on the float valve to hold back the tide. A float valve failure is exactly what happened to me which is when and why I installed the additional shutoff. The Coasties had nothing to do with it.

Walking down the dock and smelling gas fumes from outside your own boat will give you religion, take my word.

[ILikeRust]

I guess I do too. There's an electrically operated Fuel-Trol valve mounted right on the tank at the pickup (connected to the ignition), and a manual valve just before the main Sierra fuel filter. Since the ignition switch is located outside of the engine space, in the cabin, I guess that qualifies.

Just so's you know, the same reg goes on to say:

Electric solenoid valves must not be used, unless used in addition to the manual valve.

So because you've got a manual valve, you're ok. Can't have just an electric valve without the manual.

[ILikeRust]

Without a valve ahead of the carburetor you're counting on the float valve to hold back the tide.

I have one petcock - if I'm recalling correctly, it's just ahead of the big filter canister. I always shut it off before leaving the boat - it's on the checklist.

[ndutton]

So because you've got a manual valve, you're ok. Can't have just an electric valve without the manual.

Here's what I have regarding the subject:

§ 183.528 Fuel stop valves.

(a) Each electrically operated fuel stop valve in a fuel line between the fuel tank and the engine must:

(1) Open electrically only when the ignition switch is on; and

(2) Operate manually.

(b) If tested in accordance with the fire test under §183.590, a fuel stop valve installed in a fuel line system requiring metallic fuel lines or “USCG Type A1” hose must not leak fuel.

[CGD 74–209, 42 FR 5950, Jan. 31, 1977, as amended by CGD 85–098, 52 FR 19728, May 27, 1987]

a(1)&(2) qualify the electric valve as long as it can be operated manually. I know I'm splitting hairs but to me it reads that a separate manual valve isn't necessarily required.

edit:
Bill,
I haven't found the exact language but I think C.F.R. 46 from which you're quoting pertains to commercial vessels as referenced in the heading, Shipping and elsewhere as Vessels Carrying Passengers.

[Loki9]

I guess I do too. There's an electrically operated Fuel-Trol valve mounted right on the tank at the pickup (connected to the ignition), and a manual valve just before the main Sierra fuel filter. Since the ignition switch is located outside of the engine space, in the cabin, I guess that qualifies.

It's not something I added. The boat came with it, but I suspect it's not stock. The boat has had eight previous owners.

I think it is stock, at least I'm pretty sure it is stock on my Pearson 30. Having just pulled the tank for cleaning and inspection, I also cleaned and inspected the shutoff valve. Is this the same as you have?



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The valve sits right on top of the tank, connected to the dip tube partially seen in the photo. There is another manual petcock just before the filter and carb.

[msauntry]

This looks neat and I wouldn't mind adding one. Seems easy enough to tie it to the ignition. Or maybe the oil pressure switch which feeds the electric fuel pump would be better.

Anybody got a price on one of these? Looked up something similar on the web for $37, how much is the Fuel/Trol?