The Maryland, US-based American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), has announced that the organisation has published a new H-24 standard system of gasoline, which introduces new requirements for in-tank fuel pumps and their associated fuel hoses.
While ABYC typically releases new and revised standards in July of each year, the H-24 standard system amendment was published ahead of schedule due to the significance of these updates, according to the group. The off-cycle release is intended to provide boatbuilders with immediate guidance to enhance safety and streamline compliance.
In alignment with the release of the new standard, the US Coast Guard (USCG) has issued a policy accepting its requirements as equivalent to federal regulations found in 33 CFR 183.566. This policy permits boatbuilders to use in-tank fuel pumps located beyond 12 inches from the engine without obtaining an exemption from the USCG or requiring any additional compliance labeling on the boat.
“This standard paves the way for manufacturers to safely solve the challenges associated with supplying gasoline in high-horsepower applications without getting exemptions from the USCG,” said ABYC standards and compliance director, Brian Goodwin. “This is a significant step forward for the industry, supporting both efficiency and the highest safety standards.”
