Item 1 – Stability Booklet Information in Owner’s Manual onboard. (CVLA can provide at request). (17)
All sailing multihulls greater than 6 meters must have a stability information booklet onboard or information in the vessel operating or owner’s manual.
All vessels’ categories 0 and 1 must have a stability information booklet onboard.
Item 2 – All sailing vessels must have a Sail Plan onboard showing in what weather conditions to reef sails. (17)
Item 3 – A Stability Letter from CVLA or other approved authorities must be onboard. (CVLA will provide, but the vessel needs to carry onboard when received).
Item 4 – Captain’s Logbook, all vessels must keep a captain’s log. Electronic are OK.
Item 5 – USVI Commercial Registration (REG) must be onboard. (17)
Item 6 – The vessel must have SOLAS TABLES 1 and 2, Minimum Training Manual onboard and other access to
Current Almanac and Tide Charts. (Request CVLA Drive folder to access documents or click here for the training manual).
Item 7 – A current SCV2 filled out for the vessel and onboard. (Ask CVLA for a copy to fill out and carry onboard when filled out).
Item 8 – FWD Collision Bulkhead required. Vessels over 12m/ 39ft. (17)
Item 9 – USVI REG Displayed on port/starboard bow. (Decal only required on portside for USCG COD vessels).
Item 10 – Vessel Name required on the stern area of the vessel.
Item 11 – Paper Chart of the area of operation (USVI), including STX updated to 2019 or newer.
Item 12 – Fixed Magnetic Compass required.
Item 13 – Handheld Compass, all vessels require means to take bearings over 360 degrees.
Item 14 – Smoke Detector, required in hallways, salon, and galley.
Item 15 – 3X Thermal Protective Aids (TPAS). (Space Blankets or other approved thermal aid).
Item 16 – Emergency Lighting (flashlight(s) required onboard that are in working order).
Item 17 – A Fixed VHF radio is required. Transmits and receiving on channels 22A & 16.
Item 18 – Ship’s Station License. All vessels require a printed onboard a CURRENT ships station license, MMSI, and callsign.
Item 19 – Handheld VHF radio required by all vessels Emergency 2-way coms.
Item 20 – Emergency VHF Antenna. For sailing vessels only incase of dismasting.
Item 21 – Adult Life Jackets. 1 per adult person. (17)
Must be Type 1 USCG Approved.
Each must have the vessel’s name clearly written on it.
Each must have reflective tape affixed.
Each must have a whistle on a string attached.
Each must have a light attached, be working, and in date. (Lights required for all categories).
Item 22 – Child Life Jackets. 2 total are required . (17)
Must be Type 1 USCG Approved.
Each must have the vessel’s name written upon it.
Each must have reflective tape affixed.
Each must have a whistle on a string attached.
Each must have a light attached and be in date. (Lights required for all categories).
Item 23 – Flares Red Handheld (USCG Approved). (17)
- Category 0,1,2,3 requires a total of 6 in date/// Category 4 requires a total of 3 in date.
Item 24 – Flare’s Orange Smoke Signals (USCG Approved). All vessels require 2 in date.
Item 25 – Flare’s Parachute. (USCG Approved).
- Category 0 requires 12 in date /// Category 1 requires a total of 6 in date.
- Category 2 and 3 requires a total of 4 in date /// Category 4 do not require any.
Item 26 – Fire Pump– All vessels 15 meters or greater must have some form of sea water.
fire pump and hose to reach the entirety of the vessel. Wash down hose, Hose and
valve teed into a/c raw water pumps etc., will be accepted.
Or must carry an extra 2 X 13A/113 extinguishers to the requirements in Item 28/29
Item 27 – Fire Buckets all vessels shall have two (2) fire
buckets clearly labeled FIRE. and to each
have a lanyard attached to the handle that can reach overboard to bail water from the topside. (17)
Item 28 – Fire Extinguisher Engine Space. Must have fixed fire extinguishing system both.
Correctly sized and in date.
(Must be tagged annually and USCG approved)
OR provision through boundary layer (fire port) to allow access for portable.
Fire extinguisher discharge. (fire ports authorized but min agent as fire inspector).
This fire extinguisher is to have a minimum rating of
13A/113 B or similar. (Must be tagged annually and USCG approved) (17)
This fire extinguisher is included in the requirements listed in Item 29.
Item 29 – Fire Extinguisher Accommodation Spaces. Required for all exits a Minimum (MIN) 2.5lb ABC. (17)
( ALL FIRE EXTINGUISHERS MUST BE USCG APPROVED; please get in touch with CVLA for information if unsure).
Item 30 – Emergency Exits need labeling either EMERGENCY EXIT or green running men. (2 Means of Escape for each accommodation space). (17)
Item 31 – Automatic Gas Detection equipment. All vessels with propane require a gas detector.
The gas detector must be able to be tested with an alarm. (17)
Item 32 – Propane Emergency Action Card must be displayed near the propane appliance in the galley.
Item 33 – All vessels fitted with a galley require a Fire Blanket mounted near the stove. (17)
Item 34 – MARPOL. Waste Placard is required.
Item 35 – MARPOL. Pollution Placard is required.
Item 36 – First Aid Kit. A reasonable kit for vessels’ intended use is required.
Must not have expired items and stock required by the code. (17)
Item 37 – Bungs/ Plugs. Efficient means of closing above the waterline through hulls. (17)
Item 38 – Signal/Spot Lamp. All vessels require means of morse code at night
- Vessels Category 0,1,2,3 require a searchlight/spotlight. For man-overboard searches and the light must be waterproof.
Item 39 – Safety Harness – A safety harness with a lanyard shall be provided for EACH crew member.
Item 40 – Wire Cutters Only sailing vessels require a means of cutting rigging wire.
(Options Wire shears, bolt cutters, Battery angle grinder).
Item 41 – Radar Reflector – All vessels shall be fitted with an approved emergency radar reflector.
Item 42 – Sound Signal. All vessels greater than 12 meters shall have a sound signal.
Item 43 – Vessel’s category 0, 1, 2,3 will have an operating GPS.
Item 44 – Running Lights, all vessels require working approved running lights. (17)
Item 45 – Anchor Light, all vessels require working approved anchor light.
Item 46 – Barometer, all vessels’ cats 0,1,2,3, and all category four over 12 meters require a barometer.
Item 47 – Life Raft, Type 4 float, tender and or life raft must be enough for all people onboard.
Vessels more then 3 miles offshore require a in date life raft capacity for all people.
- Tender must have a capacity plate. If used as a life raft and additional Type 4’s. (17)
cover all remaining persons if the life raft and tender cannot carry remaining passengers.
Item – 48 2 x Life Buoys (USCG APPROVED for the orange ring). All vessels.
- Horseshoe, life sing and one must be (1x min 24” orange circular life buoy required).
- Each must have vessel name written upon the life buoys.
- Each must have reflective tape affixed to it.
- One must have 18 Meter 60 Feet Buoyant Line
- Other must have Automatic Float Light (NOT required category 4). (17)
Item 49 – Dan Buoy required – Only on sailing vessels.
Item 50 – All vessels require 2 Means of Starting main engines,
Battery change over switch, pull start, jumper cables. (17)
Item 51 – Electric or engine Powered Bilge Pumps.
Less than 15 m to have at least two bilge pumps 1.
of which “MAY” be power-driven one must be hand.
If under 12m hand pump can be portable.
Greater than 15 meters to have at least one fixed-hand pump and one power-driven pump.
To enable the draining of all compartments. Strum boxes are to be fitted as required. (17)
Item 52 – Manual Bilge Pump. All vessels require a manual bilge pump.
Vessels greater than 12 meters fixed pumping capability for all compartments.
- Strum boxes fitted where necessary.
Vessels less than 12 meters, category 2, 3, 4 as above but maybe the handheld pump. (17)
Item 53 – High Water Alarm. All vessels shall have a high-water alarm fitted to all enclosed machinery. (Not required for vessels with outboard engines only). (17)
spaces. The alarm must be audible and visual at the steering (helm) position.
Item 54 – Propane storage and drainage. (17)
Propane tanks shall be secured in an area with sufficient drainage to remove
gas vapors, not be stored with electrical systems, and cannot drain into the interior hall.
Item 55 – Fire Dampers, an efficient fireproof means of closing engine space vents
to contain fire extinguishing medium. (17)
Item 56 – Fuel Shut Off clearly Labeled and visible. (17)
or labeled to be visible without moving or opening anything.
Item 57 – Emergency Fuel Shut Off. All vessels will have a means of shutting of fuel supply to machinery in case of fire. (17)
- The valve shall be operated from outside of the engine space.
- The valve shall be mounted as close to the fuel tank as practical.
- An outboard fuel tank disconnect will not pass as a valve.
Item 58 – Emergency Steering. All vessels must have an effective means of steering in case of
remote.
mechanism failure. Emergency tiller, Twin screw, Outboard motor,
Auto pilot direct to the rudder quadrant etc. (17)
Item 59 – All vessel’s Anchor Day Shapes are required. Sailing vessels also require Motor Sailing Cone.
Item 60 – Main Anchor/chain /line size not adequate. (Windlass required <12m vessels). (17) (Ask CVLA for the anchor equipment guide if needed).
Item 61 – Kedge Anchor /chain/line does not meet requirements. (17) (Ask CVLA for the anchor equipment guide if needed).
Item 62 – Vessel does not have Current CVLA SCVC Decal. (Only for certified SCVC vessels).
Item 63 – Marking of (do not open at sea) required on required FWD facing skylights and hatches.
Item 64- Propane Burner(s) for cooking appliances with propane require a Flame Supervision device.
Item 65 – Sailing vessels are only required to carry a Storm Sail. (Reefing system is acceptable cat 3-6).
Item 66 – The Tender is required to be Registered with the USVI DPNR.
Item 67 – Tender Registration number to be Displayed on the forward of the hull or tubes.
(Both sides). If the vessel is USCG documented, only the DPNR decal is required on the portside.
Item 68- The tender must have a Light for operating at night. (17)
Item 69- Tenders must have Life Jackets while carrying passengers and crew. (17)
Item 70- The tender must have an in-date Fire Extinguisher when the fuel tank is not portable.
Item 71- The tender must carry a Flare while operating at night. (17)
Item 72 – The Tender needs Alternative Propulsion, such as oars or extra engine.
Item 73 – The Tender requires an Anchor and tackle. (17)
Item 74 – The Tender must have the means to Bail water via manual operation. (17)
Item 75 – The Tender must display carrying Capacity.
Item 76 – The vessel is required to have a Ships Bell. Vessels over 20m/ 65’.
Item 77 – The vessel Insurance Certificate required for commercial use and printed onboard. (17)
Item 78 – Vessels require a Ditch Bag. (17)
Item 79 – Min 2 liters of Drinking Water per person. (17)
Item 80 – Boarding Ladder on vessel and tender. (17)
Item 81 – The vessel requires a Man Overboard Drill.
Item 82 – USVI Vessel Business License. (For discussion purposes only with CVLA as of now).
Item 83: Callsign needs to be Posted by fixed VHF.
Item 84-Waste Disposal Plan for Vessels over 40 feet.
Item 85- (Recommendation Only) EPIRB should be onboard when operating over 3 miles from shore.
Item 86- Certificate of Documentation (COD) must maintain in date original onboard.
Item 87- Out of Water inspections are due at a minimum every three years and with in 6 months of the original in water inspection.
Item 88- The current Small Commercial Vessel Certificate (SCVC) must remain onboard when vessels are certified.
Item 89- The vessels must be a part of a Drug Consortium.
Item 90- The vessel crew is required to have current STCW training.
Item 91- One crew onboard is required to have a Radio Operator’s License.
Items: 89, 90, 91
(Bareboat Not required but Management required to show operators how to use items).
Item 92- The vessel is required to have adequate Lifelines.
Item 93- The vessel must have flame supervision devices for all gas-burning devices inside.
Additional UPV Items for Uninspected Passenger Vessel Inspections under 100GT.
A – The master must carry a valid operating license for the vessel and are operating.
B- The master/ all required operators must have correct ratings for the area of operations & tonnage
C- Sufficient operators for two watches (Voyages > 12 hrs.). Must have qualified legal crew for the vessel’s operations.
D- Vessel USCG Certificate of Documentation (COD): Vessels > 5 Net Tons and coastwise endorsement or for foreign-built vessels, a Marad Waiver Excludes (USVI)!
E- Official number correct size, permanently affixed and visible on the interior structural part of the hull. (COD vessels only).
F- Display of Name/ Hailing Port correct size and location (No Hailing port for vessels only locally registered operating in the USVI only).
G- DOCUMENTATION: Vessels < 5 Net Tons or valid USVI Commercial Registration Certificate on board.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL, IN EFFECT
H- Aware of the required action for the failed chemical test? If not, see the shared folder of UPV files and discuss with a UPV inspector if needed.
UPV Files: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1gVIQzFH4O5-LPGOWHYiSaRn53Y7edNSq&usp=drive_fs
I- Have Alcohol testing equipment on board for all crewmembers to be tested within two hours of a marine casualty.
J- The vessel’s operators must be aware of the prohibition of vessel operations while intoxicated .04 level max.
K & L- Documented and SCVC Vessels: Aware of reporting requirements. Use proper forms and contact the local USCG.
FIRE PREVENTION AND SUPPRESSION
M- Inboard gas engines must have ventilation ducts, blower (s), and backfire flame control.
N- The vessel must have Safety Orientation with passengers and new crew: These announcements are made prior to the journey.
O- Passenger List or Count: Conducted for each day of operation and stored accessible to someone onshore.
P- Emergency Instructions: Posted in a prominent & accessible location.
Q- The certified marine sanitation device is correct for length: Type 1 (only under 65ft.), Type II or Type III.
R- Provide an acceptable method(s) of securing the overboard discharge device.
S- An identification sanitation placard must be attached on Type I or II devices.
T- Bilge Slops Retention: Ability to contain oily water on board. (Have a means to collect and separate oily water).
CODE 17 Requires immediate rectification before operating with paid passengers.
Additional information…
USCG Documented vessels required to have USCG approved fire extinguishers with no plastic handles and need to be inspected annually by an approved fire safety inspector and tagged. (New fire extinguishers stamped with the current year on the bottom of the cylinder do not need to be inspected until the following year).
– Vessels require in the USVI to be apart of a drug consortium.
– The master must carry a valid operating license for the vessel and area operating.
– Qualified Crew for the vessel’s operations.
Once deficiencies are complete, the vessel representative or owner will sign off on our form, which we provide stating the items are complete to receive your CVLA Small Commercial Vessel Certificate (SCVC).
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL OUT OF US WATERS.
- Load LINE CERTIFICATE/MEASUREMENTS AS PER (46 CFR parts 42–47) (46 USC chapter 51).
- Not Under Command Lights Required.
- Flashlights in ever accommodation space or emergency lighting system. &
Additional Information
KNOW WHAT CATEGORY YOU ARE APPLYING FOR!
Minimum First Aid Kit Guidance – Vessels, Life Rafts, and Type IV Floats.
Purpose
This guidance is provided to help vessel owners and operators understand minimum first aid kit expectations associated with vessels, life rafts, and Type IV flotation devices. Requirements may vary based on vessel type, flag state, operational area, and applicable code.
U.S. Guidance – Lifeboat / Survival Craft First Aid Kits
The U.S. Coast Guard has historically published detailed construction and contents guidance for lifeboat first aid kits, intended for use on merchant vessels and survival craft, including life rafts.
Reference Document (Guideline)
“First Aid Kit for Lifeboats” – Subpart 160.041 (Updated 2005)
This document outlines:
Watertight case construction standards
Environmental and durability testing
Labeling and approval requirements
A defined list of 24 required medical units
Official reference:
https://www.dco.uscg.mil/Portals/9/DCO%20Documents/5p/5ps/Design%20and%20Engineering%20Standards/Life%20Saving
Important Notes
This document is not a regulation by itself; it is a design and content standard referenced by approval and inspection frameworks.
While updated in 2005, it may not reflect newer international or flag-state specific requirements.
It remains a useful benchmark when evaluating survival-craft first aid kits carried with life rafts or emergency flotation equipment.
Minimum Contents (Summary – Lifeboat Standard)
Under Subpart 160.041, a compliant lifeboat first aid kit includes, at minimum:
Adhesive bandage compresses
Multiple sizes of sterile bandage compresses
Triangular bandages
Absorbent gauze compresses
Roller gauze bandages
Aluminum splint
Tourniquet
Eye dressing packets
Eye wash solution
Antiseptic swabs
Burn treatment compound
Ammonia inhalants
Aspirin (adult dosage)
Waterproof instructions permanently affixed inside the case
All items must be packaged to remain usable after salt spray, immersion, temperature extremes, and drop testing.
Type IV Flotation Devices – Practical Application
For Type IV throwable devices:
U.S. regulations do not explicitly mandate an attached first aid kit.
However, when a Type IV device is part of a life raft, survival platform, or emergency float system, the lifeboat standard is commonly used as the benchmark for onboard medical supplies.
Best practice:
Where space allows, carry a waterproof survival first aid kit meeting or exceeding the lifeboat standard.
MCA Sport Code (UK / International Operations)
For vessels operating under the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA):
First aid kit requirements are defined separately under the MCA Sport Codes.
These standards differ in scope, contents, and medical expectations, particularly for commercially operated recreational vessels.
WE SHOULD CALL THIS SECTION “FIRST AID SUPPLIES” Supplementary Post that goes with the first one. MCA Sport Code – First Aid Kit Requirements
(Commercial Recreational Vessels)
Purpose
This guidance summarizes first aid kit requirements under the MCA Sport Codes for commercially operated recreational vessels. These requirements differ from U.S. Coast Guard guidance and are based on operational risk, distance from shore, and voyage category.
Governing Authority
The requirements below are derived from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Sport Codes, including:
MGN 280 (Small Commercial Vessel Code)
Subsequent Sport Code updates and consolidated guidance
The MCA places emphasis on medical preparedness proportional to risk, rather than a single universal kit.
General MCA Requirements (All Sport Code Vessels)
All vessels operating under the MCA Sport Codes must carry:
A suitable first aid kit
Contents appropriate to:
Number of persons onboard
Length of voyage
Distance from immediate medical assistance
Nature of operations (charter, racing, instruction, etc.)
The kit must be:
Readily accessible
Maintained in serviceable condition
Checked regularly with expired items replaced
Typical Minimum First Aid Kit Contents (Inshore / Near Coastal)
For vessels operating close to shore or within immediate assistance range, a typical MCA-compliant kit includes:
Sterile adhesive dressings (assorted sizes)
Sterile wound dressings (small and large)
Triangular bandages
Roller bandages
Sterile eye pads
Antiseptic wipes or solution
Burn dressings or burn gel
Scissors
Tweezers
Disposable gloves
CPR face shield or mask
First aid instruction leaflet
Note: Contents may be expanded based on vessel size and passenger count.
Offshore / Extended Range Operations
For vessels operating further offshore or where medical evacuation may be delayed, the MCA requires enhanced medical capability, which may include:
Additional sterile dressings and bandages
Thermal blankets
Splints
Eye irrigation solution
Seasickness medication
Pain relief (as permitted)
Medical log and treatment guidance
In some cases, a medical grab bag or secondary kit
The MCA may also require:
A designated person trained in First Aid at Sea
Compliance with coded vessel manning and training requirements
Life Rafts and Survival Craft (MCA)
For MCA-coded vessels:
Life rafts are required to carry survival equipment appropriate to the voyage category
This may include:
A basic first aid pack
Survival instructions
Additional medical items depending on raft type and approval standard
Unlike the USCG lifeboat standard, the MCA does not publish a single fixed contents list for all life rafts. Instead, approval is tied to:
Raft certification
Voyage category
Manufacturer approval standard
NOW THIS IS FOR USVI Vessels operating cat 3-6 in the USVI to be used as a guide.
USVI COMMERCIAL VESSELS
Minimum First Aid & Medical Stores Requirements
(USCG UPV + MCA Sport Code – Area Categories 3–6)
Applicability
This guidance applies to USVI commercial passenger vessels:
Operating as UPVs under the U.S. Coast Guard, and/or
Operating under MCA Sport Code certification
Operating not more than 20 miles offshore
Maximum persons onboard: 15
Regulatory Basis (Why This Applies)
U.S. Coast Guard UPV regulations require vessels to carry adequate first aid equipment appropriate to the operation, without prescribing an itemized list.
Maritime and Coastguard Agency Sport Code requires vessels in Area Categories 3–6 to carry Category C medical stores, tied to operational risk and crew competence.
CVLA adopts a combined standard to ensure vessels meet both:
Minimum regulatory compliance, and
Modern life-threatening bleeding control expectations.
REQUIRED MEDICAL STANDARD – USVI (UP TO 20 NM)
1. Medical Stores Level
Minimum required:
Category C Medical Stores, maintained in-date and appropriate to the operation.
2. REQUIRED FIRST AID KIT
(Portable, Waterproof, Marine-Suitable)
Each vessel shall carry at least one portable waterproof first aid kit, readily accessible, containing at minimum the following:
CORE MCA CATEGORY C CONTENTS
4 × Triangular bandages
6 × Medium sterile bandages (unmedicated)
2 × Large sterile bandages (unmedicated)
2 × Extra-large sterile dressings
6 × Rustless safety pins
20 × Medicated elastic adhesive dressings
2 × Sterile eye pads with attachment
2 × Packages sterile gauze swabs
5 × Pairs disposable latex-free examination gloves
Sterile eye wash solution
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED ITEMS (USVI / UPV OPERATIONAL STANDARD)
In recognition of modern bleeding-control standards and common maritime injury risks, the following items are required for USVI commercial operations:
1 × Commercial-grade tourniquet (CAT, SOFT-T, or equivalent)
1 × Hemostatic wound-packing gauze (QuikClot, Celox, or equivalent)
Rationale:
While not itemized in the historic MCA Category C list, these items:
Are consistent with MCA’s risk-based intent
Are aligned with current first-aid training standards
Are appropriate for vessels operating with up to 15 persons onboard
Meet USCG expectations for “adequate” emergency medical equipment
3. FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS / MANUAL
Each vessel shall carry one of the following:
A recognized First Aid Manual (Red Cross, St. John, or equivalent), or
Waterproof first aid instructions suitable for marine use
Instructions must be readily accessible to crew.
4. QUANTITY & DISTRIBUTION (MAX 15 PERSONS)
Given a maximum of 15 persons onboard:
Minimum required:
1 fully equipped first aid kit as listed above
Recommended:
A second kit or trauma pouch at the helm or passenger area for rapid access
Kits should be readily accessible and not locked away
CREW RESPONSIBILITY
First aid kits and medical stores must be:
Maintained in-date
Replenished after use
Protected from moisture and contamination
Crew must be competent to provide basic first aid, including:
Bleeding control
Tourniquet use
Basic wound care
SUMMARY – CVLA ACCEPTED STANDARD
For USVI commercial vessels operating as UPVs or under MCA Sport Code certification (Area Categories 3–6, not more than 20 miles offshore, max 15 persons onboard):
Vessels shall carry:
Category C medical stores
A portable waterproof first aid kit containing the listed items
A tourniquet and hemostatic packing gauze
First aid instructions or a recognized manual
Proper onboard accessibility
This standard satisfies USCG UPV expectations, MCA Sport Code intent, and current maritime best practice.
WARNING:
CVLA insist upon the vessel being in seaworthy condition at all times during the Compliance period
while carrying passengers and failure to maintain the vessel in such condition may result in voiding the
Letter of Compliance.
CVLA or the USCG reserve the right to check the vessel at any time to verify the SCV2 and safety
equipment.