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Information from the DMYV
Gas Systems on Board – Inspection and Replacement Intervals
Liquefied gas systems provide comfort on board boats. What skippers should keep in mind to ensure safe operation is explained by the German Liquefied Gas Association (DVFG). Boat owners should always observe the following rules:
Liquefied gas systems on boats must be inspected every two years.
- After a successful inspection carried out by a certified expert (G 608), your boat will receive an inspection sticker and an entry in the inspection certificate for recurring inspections (the blue inspection booklet) for documentation. A valid inspection sticker and the inspection certificate are mandatory requirements for operating a liquefied gas system on board. Qualified experts in your area can quickly be found at:
www.gaspruefung-boote-yachten.de - The DVFG also points out to new owners: Before the system is put into operation for the first time, an inspection by a certified expert (G 608) is required – unless the boat was sold with a certificate confirming that the system complies with the requirements of DIN EN ISO 10239.
- If any modifications or alterations have been made to the liquefied gas system, its safety must again be confirmed by a certified expert (G 608) before it can be used. Replacing the gas cylinder itself does not count as a modification.
Replacement intervals for components must also be observed:
- Gas hoses and pressure regulators must be replaced after six years at the latest due to wear and tear.
- Boat owners or operators are also obliged to regularly check the system themselves. If individual parts show damage – for example cracks in a hose – they must be replaced immediately.
- Tip: Threads and hoses can easily be checked for leaks using special leak detection sprays.
No Radio License Can Be Expensive
- ((21 January 2010) On December 31, 2009, the suspension of fines that had been in place since 2005 expired for skippers who operate a marine radio station on board without holding the required operator’s certificate.
- From that date onward, such violations are prosecuted as administrative offenses subject to fines.According to the Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Affairs, the fine amounts to €150. In case of repeated violations, the fine will be higher.
Feuer im Sportboot:
Fire on Board a Recreational Boat
Guide “Fire on Board!” from SVB-Spezialversand für Yacht- und Bootszubehör GmbH, Bremen.
Further information can be found at:
Installation Regulations for Holding Tanks (Effective from 2008 – Slightly Relaxed)
According to a notice from the German Sailing Association (DSV) dated December 3, 2007, the following regulations apply:
- All recreational boats built after 2003 that have a toilet on board must be equipped with a properly installed sewage holding tank.
- Boats built before 1980 are exempt from this requirement.
- Boats built between 1980 and 2003 are exempt from retrofitting if they are less than 11.50 m in length or less than 3.80 m in width (previously: length < 10.50 m or width < 2.80 m).
- In addition, exemptions from the retrofitting requirement may be requested on a case-by-case basis from the Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH) if installation is technically difficult or if the cost of retrofitting is high compared to the value of the vessel. An exemption will be granted if an officially appointed and sworn marine surveyor, or a boat and yacht expert certified by a body accredited according to EN 45013, confirms that the retrofit is technically impossible or that the cost exceeds 10% of the vessel’s value or €4,000.
- Further information: http://www.dsv.org
Increasing Risk of Explosions on Board
- From time to time we hear reports about explosions on board recreational vessels. In most cases they are caused by improper gas installations or outdated gas pressure hoses.
- The number of explosions involving sewage holding tanks has also increased significantly. One reason is poor maintenance. The risk of gas ignition is also considerable. This summer another serious accident occurred. On a motor yacht, a severe ignition took place when the skipper lit a cigar. The man and his wife had to be taken to hospital with serious injuries, and the yacht was heavily damaged. Several nearby boats and houses were also affected. The fire department assumes a gas leak as the cause. One of the most common causes of such leaks is old gas pressure hoses. Many yacht owners are still unaware that gas pressure hoses must be replaced every three years.
- It is also very important to have the gas system inspected regularly by a qualified company. In addition, the gas pressure regulator should be replaced every ten years. Repairs should not be carried out by unqualified persons.
- Holding tanks can also be a source of explosions. An investigation found that poorly maintained sewage tanks on board may lead to the formation of gases. Wastewater from the galley and toilet can produce gases that may cause ignition. This was highlighted in a report commissioned by the senate following a gas explosion on board a two-masted clipper in 2006, in which eight students were injured.
(Source: ANWB Boot)
Aktuelles: Niederlande: Einleitungsverbot von Toilettenabwässern (vuilwater)
- The Hague (SP) – From January 1, 2009, the following regulation applies to sewage disposal: The discharge of toilet wastewater (vuilwater) overboard is generally prohibited in the Netherlands on both inland and coastal waters. The only exception is the so-called Brown Fleet – which then truly lives up to its name.
- It is important to note that the current ban does not yet require vessels to be equipped with a sewage collection system. However, there are several types of onboard collection systems available, such as a holding tank, a portable (chemical) toilet, or an eco-toilet. For newer boats sold from 2006 onwards, such a collection system must already be installed. Older vessels had until 2009 to retrofit their boats with appropriate disposal systems.
- In the future, regulations will also be introduced prohibiting the unrestricted discharge of wastewater from commercial vessels, such as charter ships, vessels of the Brown Fleet, sightseeing boats, and party boats.
- Toilet wastewater must be disposed of at the existing disposal facilities in marinas and boating clubs. In the Netherlands there are approximately 500 such facilities. From 2009 onwards, all marinas with more than 50 berths for boats with cabins must provide a sewage disposal station. In the future, the Dutch Water Police will carry out targeted inspections of watercraft to ensure compliance.