MVSS

The ABYC is a not for profit organization that has been involved in developing and updating safety standards for the boating industry for over fifty years. Often you have seen their yellow capacity placard in your boat, which provides for the number of persons the boat can carry, as well as the maximum weight and if appropriate, the maximum horsepower for the vessel. These are developed through the US Coast Guard and the ABYC, and in recent years augmented through NMMA, the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The ABYC does not mandate compliance as does the US Coast Guard with their “Rules and Regulations for Recreational Boats” as found in Excerpts from the United States Code (USC) and the Federal Regulations (CFR’s). The ABYC provides the “Standards and Recommended Practices for Small Craft” which covers Boats, Engines, Marine Products, and Marine Accessories.

The first “Standard” written was appropriately, for life saving equipment, and has grown over the years to include about 65 Standards, as well as some Technical Information Reports. What is the difference between a Standard and a Technical Information Report? Standards are proven methods based in indisputable science. A Technical Information Report may have some science attributed to it, but can be disputed, or may be used to provide for standardized reporting, or to provide information not precisely held to the scrutiny of a Standard. Case in point, Lightning Protection, Lightning protection was at one time a Standard, but recently upon review there was no indisputable proof that by using the Standard you would create a indisputable “zone of protection” around your boat. But, the practices of providing a grounding conductor and the methods of leading the power of a lightning strike on the conductor to, and through the vessels hull were sound, it was therefore decided to leave the information intact and change it from a Standard to a Technical Information Report.

One might ask, if there is no requirement that I follow the ABYC Standards, why should I? Liability is one of the primary factors in the case of a manufacturer, and I will get into that later. But for now, looking at the issue from the boat owners point of view, lets talk about ordering a new inboard engine’s propeller shaft, simple you might think. It is now, using buy using the ABYC standards, derived from the SAE, Society of Automobile Engineers, propeller shaft threads, tapers, and keyways are made to the ABYC P6 Standard. No need to specify the taper, thread, or keyway, just the diameter, material and length.

Perhaps the most used Standard that the ABYC produces is E-11, which deals with AC and DC wiring. E-11 will define the wire material, insulation, and strand content, how it must be marked on its insulation, what size wire it must be for a specific load, run length, application, and environment. It will also define how to support the wire and how to make terminations. It further defines how the wire must be protected by a current limiting device, and where that device must be placed in the circuit, and how that device must be mounted and protected from contact with environmental issues. A bit of explanation here is in order, boat wiring is to be done taking into account all of these variables. There is quite a lot to know and understand as to how, and why there are all of these “rules” to follow. Safety, reliability, and standardization are key components in being able to repeat ably make a safe reliably product. Standard wire types, standard approved connections, certified fire and flammability rating, are just some of the areas the ABYC is involved in. And the Standard’s review never ends, Standards typically have a review cycle which is determined by how quickly that portion of the industry is changing. Upon review, the standard can be modified as new or improved materials, tests, or safety issues dictate.

Where can I find a list of the ABYC Standards; http://www.abycinc.org/standards/toc.cfm

In reviewing a standard, in this case E11, AC and DC wiring, it has taken over two years of meeting and consensus balloting to achieve this latest version of this single ABYC Standard. Items as seemingly simple as a battery hold down, or battery disconnect must be looked at for placement in a 18’ open skiff, to a large inboard. The wording of the Standard MUST be clear, and practical for both installations. The wording must also be precise enough as not to allow field interpretation, and be such that it does not place an undo burden of cost and complexity on the builder and then the owner. All the while holding safety up as the primary concern of the ABYC.

The ABYC is a not for profit membership corporation. Typical members include boat builders, surveyors, boat yards insurance companies, marinas, dealerships, government agencies, equipment and accessory manufacturers. The ABYC relies heavily on over 400 volunteers who routinely donate time and their expertise. For over fifty years they have been able to provide the American boater with equipment, materials and methods to design and build operate safety and reliability in American boating. The ABYC is now looking forward to the challenge of providing a new Standard on high voltage AC and DC systems on boats, similar to that of locomotives and hybrid automobiles. As the technology around us changes so must the ABYC and in doing so allow proved established methods to exist in harmony with new methods and technologies.

Excited to learn more! Membership to the ABYC is open to anyone interested, and the ABYC hold basic marine seminars as well as certification courses around the country. These courses provide both entry level and advance instruction for marine technicians. Those boat owners that simply want to improve their awareness of their own boats electrical systems might be well served by the books Nigel Calder or Ed Sherman, both of whom are on the ABYC Electrical PTC.

Updated:6/26/10 Printer Version

Updated:6/26/10
Printer Version