When is power ventilation required?

• A. Every gasoline powered Public Vessel must have a power ventilation system to service each compartment that contains a permanently installed engine.
• B. Only during refueling.
• C. Only on vessels with diesel engines.
• D. Never.

Answer: (A)

Power ventilation is about keeping engine compartments free of gasoline vapors. Gasoline vapors are flammable and can accumulate in spaces that house permanently installed engines, posing a serious fire or explosion risk. A power ventilation system actively moves air through each compartment containing an engine, exhausting vapors to the outside and bringing in fresh air. Because of the danger, every gasoline-powered public vessel must have this system in every compartment that contains a permanently installed engine. It’s a safety measure that applies whenever engines are installed, not only during refueling or on diesel-powered vessels, and it is not something never required.