ABYC releases annually updated standards
Each year the Standards and Technical Information Reports for Small Craft is updated to reflect changes in industry best practices and advancements in technology. The American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) officially released the 2016-2017 update with Supplement 56.
Among the many important standard revisions is H-5: Boat Capacity. In response to high profile accidents where overloading of upper decks resulted in fatalities, the standard has been expanded to cover upper deck weight capacity regardless of boat length.Other revisions include new battery testing and restraint requirements in E-10: Storage Batteries and added requirements to address current generator technology in A-27: Alternating Current (AC) Generator Sets.
“This was a very active year for our committees as we published 15 standards, almost double of what we published last year,” said Brian Goodwin, ABYC technical director. “It is imperative that boat builders and repair faculties are up-to-date on these changes.”
The full list of 2016-2017 revised standards:
- A-16, Electric Navigation Lights
- A-27, Alternating Current (AC) Generator Sets
- E-10, Storage Batteries
- H-5, Boat Load Capacity
- H-25, Portable Marine Gasoline Fuel Systems
- H-26, Powering of Boats
- H-28, Inflatable Boats
- H-23, Diesel Fuel System
- P-6, Propeller Shafting Systems
- P-14, Mechanical Propulsion Control Systems
- S-8, Boat Measurement and Weight
- T-1, Aluminum Applications
- T-5, Safety Signs and Label
A webinar outlining the changes is offered for free to ABYC members and is available on demand at www.abycinc.org/supplement56. One continuing education credit (CEU) will be awarded for watching the webinar.
ABYC members can access the standards 24/7 by using the online standards library, which has been revamped with a robust search engine and improved search ability. Purchase the manual, or for access without internet connection, purchase the new desktop subscription version at www.abycinc.org/publications.
