Bell Requirement for MA vessels

[Squid1962]

I just learned any MA vessel over 26’ in MA waters is required to have a bell as a signal device. I own an Express 336. Anyone have the bell and where did you mount it? Want to get the right. Thx

 

[PointedRose]

Does your horn work?

In Massachusetts, vessels of 26 feet or more in length are required to carry both a bell and a whistle or horn that are audible for at least one-half mile. This requirement applies to all motorboats of class 2 or 3, according to Mass. General Laws c.90B § 5.

 

[Squid1962]

Thank you for the reply. There remains some confusion. C90B S5(f) also says in the next paragraph that vessels of class 2 and 3 must carry a bell. MEP state the same. My belief was as yours that the bell requirement is only for class 3 (over 40’).

 

[kirk a]

Bell is not needed in MA until over 40'. My 330 has a horn, and I also have whistle on a lanyard at helm, plus a canned horn.

 

[Squid1962]

Bell is not needed in MA until over 40'. My 330 has a horn, and I also have whistle on a lanyard at helm, plus a canned horn.

Got it, thanks so much

 

[Hookup1]

Most VHF radios have a hailer feature that can do fog horn patters. You need a speaker for it to work.

 

[PointedRose]

Thank you for the reply. There remains some confusion. C90B S5(f) also says in the next paragraph that vessels of class 2 and 3 must carry a bell. MEP state the same. My belief was as yours that the bell requirement is only for class 3 (over 40’).

Interesting. Coast guard auxiliary site does say there needs to be a bell - and a whistle or horn. The language is a bit confusing in the requirement but now reading it again I see what you mean.

U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary - Flotilla 11-2, District 1NR

Public and Members Website for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Flotilla 11-2, District 1NR

wow.uscgaux.info

Requirements to Have Sound-Producing Devices

www.boat-ed.com

 

[Legend]

I failed a CG AUX courtesy boarding last year bc I did not have a bell of a 28 Sailfish. I had one stowed away but they said it has to be attached.

 

[JJF]

I failed a CG AUX courtesy boarding last year bc I did not have a bell of a 28 Sailfish. I had one stowed away but they said it has to be attached.

Hmmmmm....

I have had a VSC (Vessel Safety Check) performed by a USCG Aux at my dock. I don't have a bell on my 306 Canyon and there wasn't any issue.

 

[Legend]

Hmmmmm....

I have had a VSC (Vessel Safety Check) performed by a USCG Aux at my dock. I don't have a bell on my 306 Canyon and there wasn't any issue.

I get one most years and have never had it as an issue until the last one. I still have not attached the bell to the boat. I have it wrapped in cloth and stowed away. Maybe the auxiliary member was mistaken?

 

[PointedRose]

I’m speculating, but I think the issue is that the MA regs are poorly worded, and leave it subject to interpretation. The two sites I linked above are following the most conservative interpretation. If someone ever was cited under this rule, I think it would be pretty easy to appeal any fine because of the vague wording.

I think the intent is both a bell and a whistle - or horn. CGA isn’t taking chances so they interpret as a bell and - a whistle or horn.

MA has many laws still in place that neither make sense or are enforced.