U.S. Coast Guard Publishes Propeller Guard Test Procedure Report

The U.S. Coast Guard's Office of Auxiliary and Boating Safety Wednesday announced the release of the Propeller Guard Test Procedure report, intended for use by developers of propeller guard devices and independent third party testing entities to test propeller guard products in a consistent and repeatable manner.

"The report provides the means to evaluate the boat performance characteristics and the level of protection of personnel in the water resulting from the installation of a propeller guard on a particular sterndrive or outboard-powered recreational boat," said Phil Cappel, chief, Recreational Boating Product Assurance Branch.

The test procedure was developed through comprehensive on-water testing of various available propeller guards to compile evaluative performance criteria and laboratory testing of the personnel protection capabilities of these same propeller guards.

The diagnostic test equipment required for the performance testing will be made available on a loan basis to interested parties on a first-come, first-served basis for the cost of shipping and insurance.

The test procedure will be reviewed in approximately three years or earlier, if necessary, and will consider any comments received from interested parties. The test procedure was developed for the Coast Guard by the American Boat and Yacht Council and may be viewed and downloaded at www.uscgboating.org/safety/default.aspx.

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