68 LAWS GOVERNING MARINE INSPECTION 



Exemption of racing outboard motorboats 



46 U.S.C. 526h 



The provisions of sections 4, 5, and 8 of this Act shall not apply 

 to motorboats propelled by outboard motors while competing in any 

 race previously arranged and announced or, if such boats be de- 

 signed and intended solely for racing while engaged in such naviga- 

 tion as is incidental to the tuning up of the boats and engines for 

 the race. 



Carburetor flame arresters and backfire traps 



46 U.S.C. 526i 



Every motorboat and also every vessel propelled by machinery 

 other than by steam more than sixty-five feet in length shall have 

 the carburetor or carburetors of every engine therein (except out- 

 board motors) using gasoline as fuel, equipped with such efficient 

 flame arrest or, backfire trap, or other similar device as may be pre- 

 scribed by the regulations of the Commandant of the Coast Guard: 

 Provided^ That this section shall apply only to such motorboats or 

 vessels, the construction of which or the replacement of the engine 

 or engines of which is commenced subsequent to April 25, 1940. 



Ventilation of engine and fuel compartment bilges on open ves- 

 sels using volatile liquids as fuel 



46 U.S.C. 526j 



Every such motorboat and every such vessel, except open boats, 

 using as fuel any liquid of a volatile nature, shall be provided with 

 such means as may be prescribed by regulations of the Commandant 

 of the Coast Guard for properly and efficiently ventilating the bilges 

 of the engine and fuel tank compartments so as to remove any ex- 

 plosive or inflammable gases : Provided^ That this section shall apply 

 only to such motorboats or vessels, the construction or decking over 

 of which is commenced subsequent to April 25, 1940. 



Carrying copies of pilot rules 



46 U.S.C. 526k 



Motorboats shall not be required to carry on board copies of the 

 pilot rules. 



Reckless or negligent operation of vessels; prohibition; accident 

 assistance, information and report 



46 U.S.C. 5261 



(a) No person shall operate any motorboat or any vessel in a reck- 

 less or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property 

 of any person. To "operate" means to navigate or otherwise use a 

 motorboat or a vessel. 



(b) In the case of collision, accident, or other casualty involving 

 a motorboat or other vessel subject to this subchapter, it shall be the 

 duty of the operator, if and so far as he can do so without serious 

 danger to his own vessel, or pereons aboard, to render such assistance 



