Boating Safety Circulars

The Coast Guard periodically publishes important notices for the boating public in publications called "Boating Safety Circulars." Content includes advisories about newly identified boating hazards, information on boat defects and recalls, rules and regulations for recreational boats, and other news and information of interest to the boating community. The publications are a valuable source of information on established or proposed regulations and standards as well as other safety topics.

Safety Circulars are grouped together and identified by issue number. If you have any questions about a Circular, please refer to the issue number assigned to it.

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Circular #	Released	Contents
99	Fall 2022	USCG Booth at IBEX Electric Propulsion New Point of Contact for Manufacturer’s Identification Codes What is a Substantial Risk Safety Defect? Calendar of Events Boating Safety Circular Index 2000-2020 Recalls
98	Spring 2022	New Email Address for the Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch Mudboat and Airboat Flotation Exemptions Coming to End Best Manufacturing Practices in Quality Controls for Flotation Foam in Recreational Vessels Calendar of Events BSC Index – 2001 – 2021 Recalls
97	Fall 2021	USCG Booth at IBEX New Engineer Staff Updated Boat Builder’s Handbook Coast Guard/ABYC Announcement on USCG Risk Mitigation Series FAQs on Engine Cut Off Switches, Manufacturers Identification Codes and Navigation Lights Calendar of Events Boating Safety Circular Index 2000-2020 Calendar of Events Recalls
96	Spring 2021	Now Hiring – Application Deadline 31 March 2021 Personnel Changes New Engine Cut-Off Switch Law Goes Into Effect on April 1, 2021 Fuel Tank Pressure Test ≠ Fuel System Pressure Test Manufacturer’s Responsibilities for Obstructed Navigation Lights When the USCG Buys Your Boat for Testing Calendar of Events Boating Safety Circular Index 2000-2020 Calendar of Events Recalls
95	Fall 2020	Sidelight Sector Illumination Remote Fuel Delivery Grant Study to Improve the Nation’s Shallow Draft Waterways ATON System Calendar of Events Boating Safety Circular Index 2000-2019 Calendar of Events Recalls
94	Spring 2020	COVID-19 Sources of Information and Ways That Boat Builders Can Help National Boating Safety Advisory Committee Vacancy Announcement Proper Capacity Label Placement Certification Label Requirements From the Archives: Don’t Build a Boat Without Them (Standards) Calendar of Events Notice of Defects or Non-Compliances
93	Fall 2019	Gear Weight – The Forgotten Number Composite Boat with PWC Powering From the Archives: Bare Hulls; What are They? Manufacturer Identification Codes U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boat Compliance Testing Policy Guidelines Reminder to Update Your MIC Registration Boating Safety Circular Index 2000-2019 Calendar of Events Notice of Defects or Non-Compliances
92	Spring 2019	HINs for Racing Vessels Recreational Boat Safe Loading and Flotation Regulations Summary of MIBS 2019 Inspection Citations by Type Capacity Label 101 – Back to the Basics Calendar of Events Notice of Defects or Non-Compliances
91	Fall 2018	Updated Outboard Engine Weights National Boating Safety Advisory Council New Point of Contact for Manufacturer’s Identification Model Year Lifejacket Approval Harmonization Alternatives to Pyrotechnic Distress Signals Calendar of Events Notices of Defects or NonCompliances
90	Spring 2017	My Boat is Defective or is it? Grant of Exemption: An Overview Conducting Drills for Your Kids Is a gasoline outboard kicker too much horsepower? Notices of Defects or Non-Compliances
89	Spring 2016	Shallow Water Boats Including Texas Flats Boats Stability Study Update Responsibility of a Recreational Boat Importer Navigation Lights, The rules are for your safety Weâ€™ve Got an App for That Does the Coast Guard Certify Boats Backyard Built Boats; Things You May Not Know Notices of Defects or Non-Compliances
88	Fall 2014	Texas Flats Boat Stability Study Notice of Violation Recreational Boat Testing and Compliance Program Verification of Hull Identification Numbers Hull Reflective Stripe Can Save Lives Carbon Monoxide Hazard Mitigation Revisited Websites of Note Recalls
87	December 2013	Release of Propeller Guard Test Procedure Report Bare Hulls; What Are They Kit Boat Manufacturers and Coast Guard Safety Standards and Regulations Sale of Foreign-Built Boats by Importers Recreational Boat Factory Visit Program Coast Guard Manufacturer Identification Code Database Websites of Note Recalls
86	August 2008	Boating and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning a Dangerous Combination Decals ABYC and NMMA Carbon Monoxide Warning Decals News from CPSC Manufacturer Identification Code (MIC) Data Coast Guard Infoline Termination Recall Campaigns Switlik Liferaft Inflation System Defect
85	March 2007	Recreational Boat Manufactures: Subpart M-Navigation Lights Manufacturer ID Codes Boats vs. Bare Hulls Kit Boat Manufacturers and CG Standards Openings in Ventilation Systems 121.5/243 MHZ EPIRB prohibition Pain in the Gas Recall campaigns
84	January 2004	Carbon Monoxide Brochure Belt Pack Inflatable PFD Tests (1) Belt Pack Inflatable PFD Tests (2) Factory Visit Program Recall Campaigns Final Rule: Country of Origin Codes and HINs
83	September 2003	Compliance Testing Policy Guidelines Factory Visit Program Recall Campaigns Country of Origin Codes and HINs Final Rule; Certification of Navigation Lights Final Rule; Delay of Effective Date
82	March 2001	Coast Guard Advisory On Carbon Monoxide Hazard Caused By Generator Exhaust Gas Accumulations Recreational Boat Factory Visit Defect Notification and Recalls Campaigns (Part 1) (Part 2) (Part 3) (Part 4) (Part 5) Consumer Advisory Notice - CO Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Brochure
81	December 1999	The Far Side of the Law Use Caution with AC (Alternating Current) on Board Shore Power Cords - Proper Use and Maintenance Propeller Injury Protection Sale of Foreign-Built Boats by Importers Radar Reflectors - A Good Way to Prevent Collisions Navigation Lights - Buyers Beware
80	December 1998	Don't Install Generator Sets on the Cheap Inspect Flame Arresters to Save Lives Voluntary Compliance Testing Program Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) 100 MPH Lifevests do not Protect Wearers From Traumatic Injury in a High Speed Crash Compliance Guidelines Available Gel Cell Batteries Update
79	Aprill 1997	There are no "Maintenance-Free" metallic fuel tanks Personal Watercraft Conspicuity Coast Guard Issues Warning About Unapproved Life Jackets Country Codes and HINS For Boats Intended For Export
78	August 1996	Lifejackets - They Float, You Don't New Fuel Tank Fill and Vent Systems Reduce Water Pollution Consumer Advisory - Danger of Explosion if Sealed Valve Regulated (SVR) Gel Cell Batteries Are Improperly Recharged
76	June 1994	Preventing Propeller and Boat Strike Accidents Openings and Ducts in Natural Ventilation Systems Hull Identification Numbers and Sales of Replacement Hulls for Personal Watercraft
75	June 1993	Navigation Lights (part 1) (part 2) Maximum Capacity Labels Not Permanent Vessel Numbering Authorities ABYC Occupant Protection Committee On-Plane Seating Locations Changes to Recreational Vessel Fee Requirements
74	June 1992	Carbon Monoxide - The Invisible Killer Backfire Flame Arresters Dangers to Small Boaters
73	December 1991	Summary of Regulations and Amendments Issued by the Coast Guard Under Authority of U.S. Code, Title 46
72	September 1991	Avoiding Collisions Effects of Sun on PFDs Industry Standards Adopted in Safety Regulations Boarding Hotline/Boarding Policy Boating Safety Hotline Update How to Help Fight Boat Theft
71	April 1991	Coast Guard Approval Not a Product Endorsement VHF Radio Licenses Required Standardization of Holding Tank Pumpout Fittings Fuel Tank Selector Valves Comparing a CME to the Minimum Equipment Carriage Requirements
70	August 1990	Back to the Basics - HIN 101 Navigation Lights - Sidelights Overcurrent Protection Fuel Filter Support
69	October 1989	Ventilation Systems Importance of Certificate of Origin Rules of the Road Sharing Water with Commercial Boats Safety Tips for Boaters Near Commercial Vessels
68	March 1989	Definition of "Clearly Visible" Inherently Unsafe Attention to Details - Owner/Operator Compliance with Ventilation Regulations Maximum Persons Capacity Versus Pounds Portable Generators Imported Engines Right Handers Nonmetallic Hose Clamps Remote Start and No Blower Stainless Fuel System Commercial Versus Recreational Charitable Donations Coast Guard Endorsements Shutoff Valve Accessibility Privately Printed Navigation Rules Small Sounds Rendering Assistance Permanency A License to Charter Three R's of Bareboat Chartering Hull Identification Numbers Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Act of 1988
64	December 1986	History of Boating Safety Circulars Remember Sound Signals in Restricted Visibility Importance of Voluntary Safety Standards Persons Capacity, Portable Fuel Tanks and Outboard Powered Boats Label Requirements for Boat Builders and Importers Effect of Holes on Load Capacity Don't Use Automotive Parts Danger of Scrap Boats and Parts Questions Asked By Dealers Dealers, Product Liability, and Commercial Boats Characteristics of Selected Plastic Foams Sole Cost and Expense Alcohol - Bootleg Fuel? Seat Fasteners Can Let You Down Repairing Blisters in Fiberglass Hulls Rules of the Road: Navigation Lights Dangers of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Sales of Defective Products Prohibited

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