Powerboat racing is a serious sport, and without proper safety requirements and procedures in place, drivers and spectators can be in serious danger. As the largest sanctioning body for powerboat racing in the United States, the APBA has established and maintains in-depth safety & equipment rules to ensure the safety of its drivers.
The 2012 APBA General Safety Rules contains the overarching racer safety guidelines for a majority of the categories that race within the APBA. These rules take precedence over those rules written by any category. Categories, however, are able to build upon the existing General Safety Rules & add more restrictive safety guidelines in order to fully ensure racer safety across the various types of racing. In addition to racer safety, each category maintains boat safety and inspection.
Note: Due to the many different characteristics of APBA events, the APBA General Safety Rules do not apply to the Unlimited Category, Offshore Category and Special Events. To locate these category specific safety rules, please read the summaries found below or, to download the entire official document, refer to the Resources Page.
APBA Approved Capsule Training:
Many categories and classes of racing allow drivers to race in a closed or reinforced cockpit configuration. Drivers of those boats with closed cockpits are required to maintain APBA Capsule Training certification, which is training in underwater cockpit escape. The guidelines for Capsule Training below are detailed in the APBA General Safety Rules document.
Upon request from referees, all closed cockpit drivers are required to show written documentation of having completed the supervised underwater cockpit escape training. This documentation is to be signed and dated by an APBA referee or other APBA official upon review.
Certification Timeframes:
When escape training is completed prior to October 1, training documentation is considered valid for the racing season in which the training was taken and also for the following racing season ending October 31. When training is completed during October, training documentation shall be valid for the racing season in which the training was taken and also the following two (2) racing seasons ending October 31. To avoid expiration, it is recommended that training be done annually.
Training Criteria:
All procedures are to be discussed in detail with the driver before they are carried out. Drivers must indicate that they understand the procedure to be carried out and are comfortable with it prior to each exercise. All procedures are done with at least two safety divers ready at all times.
- Orient driver with procedures and drill.
- Familiarization with driver’s air system.
- Driver demonstrates knowledge of operation and proficiency with his equipment.
- Driver demonstrates ability to utilize and clear his system in the pool with divers standing by.
- Familiarization with diver’s SCUBA regulator.
- Function and use of regulator explained.
- Demonstration of methods to clear regulator
- Explanation of breathing techniques, i.e. DO NOT HOLD YOUR BREATH!
- Driver demonstrates use of regulator underwater.
- Driver demonstrates how to clear regulator.
- Familiarization with capsule safety equipment and function, i.e. steering wheel release, harness release and canopy release.
- Driver demonstrates ability to release steering wheel, harness, and canopy.
- Orient driver on procedures to extricate himself from the capsule.
- Review extrication procedures. (1) canopy (2) wheel (3) safety harness (4) roll forward and out
- Explain proper method for exiting capsule (driver rolls forward into a “C”, coming up in front of boat)
- Explain signals to be used
- Go over procedure to be followed; when signals are to be given, safety procedures, how drill will be conducted.
- Driver is strapped into capsule with a SCUBA regulator.
- Driver is asked if he is ready and signals he is ready.
- Driver is flipped and allowed to extricate himself using SCUBA air.
- Driver is strapped into capsule using his own air system.
- Diver is asked if he is ready and signals he is ready.
- Driver is flipped and allowed to extricate himself using his own air system.
- Optional: Driver is strapped into capsule using either his own air system or a SCUBA regulator with mask/visor blacked out.
- Driver is asked if he is ready and signals he is ready.
- Driver is flipped and allowed to extricate himself using his own air system or SCUBA.
- Driver should be wearing his flotation device and helmet he wears while racing. It is recommended that the driver also be wearing his driving suit and shoes
Category Safety Rules
The safety rules outlined below for each category include overviews and examples of the racer safety guidelines, which includes information pertaining to safety equipment and category specific rules. The rules on this page are NOT the complete set of rules for each category, and are only meant to provide a general overview. The in depth, official safety rules for each category can be found on the Resources Page
Stock / Mod / PRO
The PRO Category has several safety requirements in addition to those specified by the general APBA Safety Rules. Some of these safety requirements include:
- Flak jackets (or impact material within the life jacket) must be worn.
- An automatic shut-off throttle and an ignition kill switch tethered to the driver are required.
- A positive method of stopping the motor must be accessible from the normal driving position.
- A paddle must be carried in the boat.
- Drivers must wear long pants while testing or racing.
- Unless the driver is restrained, the driver must be able to exit the cockpit without moving or removing any windshields, canopies, or cockpit cowlings.
- The use of cut-resistant ankle length pants and full length cut-resistant sleeves while racing or testing is required. Drivers of reinforced cockpit boats are exempt.
- Helmet restraints are recommended in PRO racing
Vintage & Historic
The Vintage & Historic division has set the following Guidelines for new drivers to ensure the safety of all participants in APBA sanctioned Vintage Race Boat Exhibition Events.
Drivers will be considered “in training” until they have participated in at least two APBA sanctioned events.
- Drivers in training will be instructed to run in the outside lane, and to start last and run last. They are to avoid passing and stay away from other boats. Observers are required on all boats with sufficient cockpit space.
- Instruction will be offered in what to do in the event of an accident/incident on the course; what hand signals to use to indicate whether or not the driver and observer are OK.
- In the event of a red flag situation, all boats are required to stop on the race course at once and await further instructions.
- A black flag is the signal that the course is closed and that you may safely return to the pit area.
- All the material that is covered at the drivers’ meeting will be covered in advance for new participants where there is plenty of time for questions and discussion.
All participants will be advised that Safety Committee and Race Judges’ rulings are final, and that failure to follow their rulings will result in that participant being asked to withdraw from that event immediately
Inboard
Safety Inspection
All boats competing in any National, Divisional or National Series must be inspected and certified once a year by a safety inspector using the official Inboard Safety Inspection Checklist. If an owner enters a new boat or restraint capsule in a race, a certification inspection is required as well. Boats that pass inspections are issued an Inboard Safety Sticker, which is placed on the transom of the hull in plain view. To see a complete view of the Inboard safety inspection requirements, download the Inboard rule book
Safety Equipment
Safety is paramount in powerboat racing, and with speeds upwards of 150MPH in the inboard category, there’s no room for error when it comes to keeping drivers and spectators safe. The APBA has instituted the following safety equipment requirements for Inboard racing so that, in the unfortunate event of a high speed crash, drivers are more likely to walk away with only a few bruises.
- Drivers and riding mechanics are required to wear uniforms with tight-fitting cuffs at the ankles and wrists. These uniforms must be made of Nomex or a comparable fire-retardant material. Closed footwear is required.
- When driving or riding in any racing craft, eye protection in the form of a helmet face shield, goggles or ANSI/OSHA approved safety glasses with restraint straps is mandatory. Eye protection is not required for boats that utilize a full canopy, defined as “a cover for the top of the reinforced cockpit which completely encloses the driving compartment and is securely fastened.”
- All participants must wear footwear in the pits. Drivers, riders, crew members and pit personnel are required to wear closed footwear in the pits.
Helmets
- Drivers and riding crew are required to wear helmets at all times while on the water for the purpose of racing or testing.
- Helmets must meet the specifications set forth by any of the following: Department of Transportation, American National Standards Institute, Inc., Snell, or military specification helmet designed for military aircraft — Mil-Spec helmets (CGF LA100, LH050, LH150, LH250; Gentex HGU84P) and Peltor helmets (Rally Pro Helmet EN ECU 04 or 05) are acceptable.
- For participants in restraint cockpits, it is recommended that a majority of the helmet be painted with a fluorescent yellow, red or orange; or International Orange, color.
- For a participant who races unrestrained in an open cockpit, the upper fifty percent (50%) of the helmet must be a single color of the following: yellow or orange or international orange or fluorescent red.
- Drivers/Riders not in restraint capsules shall wear helmet support straps (lanyards) secured to the driver’s/rider’s body as required.
Life Jackets
All racing life jackets must be constructed in compliance with the “APBA Life Jacket Basic Manufacturing Specifications” dated April 8, 1991. Copies are available from APBA National Headquarters. Racing approved lifejackets are provided by both Security Race Products & Lifeline Jackets. New members should check with their local club or category commissioner before purchasing a Life Jacket to ensure the jacket meets all safety requirements & specifications.
- All racing life jackets must have a permanently affixed (sewn in) manufacturer’s label that indicates: The date of manufacture or the date of recertification, and the manufacturer’s or recertifier’s company name.
- All lifejackets are required to have 70% of the upper surface, orange or yellow in color, both on the front & back of the jacket; skid collars must be orange.
- Lifejackets must be securely fastened at all times while on the race course, for racing or
- All drivers in the Inboard category must certify his or her lifejacket before each racing season and after any equipment change. The referee may require proof of the equipment’s ability to function properly.
Life Jacket Categories
- “A” For use in an open and unrestrained cockpit. Maximum boat speed is less than 100mph.
- “A-100” For use in an open and unrestrained cockpit. Maximum boat speed is 100mph or greater. A-100 may also be used where A is required.
- “B” For use in a driver restrained cockpit not necessarily employing supplemental life support equipment needing life jacket accommodations.
- “C” For use in a driver restraint cockpit that does employ supplemental life support equipment.
Super Light Tunnel Boats
The SLT category has specified the following safety rules, in addition to the rules outlined in the APBA General Racing Rules:
- On race morning, physical examinations of drivers and co-drivers for current physical and cognitive function may be conducted according to guidelines established by the race committee.
- Drivers and co-drivers shall wear cut-resistant ankle length pants and full length cut-resistant sleeves while racing or testing at an APBA sanctioned event.
- Propellers shall be off or Covered on trailered boats to minimize injury to crew or viewing public.
- When starting motors On Land (not in the water): Propellers, nuts, washers, and locking devices must be removed.
- One Fire Extinguisher shall be readily available on or near each trailer
SLT Safety Inspection
Annual technical boat safety inspection is required prior to competition.
- Motors must be mounted and boats must be rigged for competition before this inspection can take place.
- Each entry will receive a technical boat safety inspection review prior to competing in an event. If a boat does not pass, the driver must be warned and told to fix the problem before competing in the next heat/race. If he/she fails to do so, a disqualification will result
Inboard Endurance
The Inboard Endurance category has specified the following driver, personal equipment and medical data rules in addition to the APBA General Safety Rules:
- Drivers must have an APBA or DOT physical or a current FAA Class 3 or better medical certificate. No other statement of physical condition will be accepted
- All racing contestants must be at least 18 years old to participate
- New or inexperienced drivers shall be fully examined by the Referee prior to the first competition for driving ability to ensure the safety of all participants
- Drivers not in Restraint Capsules shall wear a neck collar device (i.e. helmet support collar). The device shall be secured to the driver’s body as required. The use of helmet support straps (lanyards) is mandatory.
- Drivers wearing corrective lenses or glasses, sunglasses, goggles, or shields must use lenses made of plastic or heat-treated glass lenses. No metal frame goggles or untreated glass lenses will be allowed.
- An approval slip must be presented by the driver when registering and/or showing credentials for the event.
- In the event of a long endurance race, the Race Committee may allow co-drivers. All qualified drivers who sign official entry forms and attend the drivers’ meeting will be qualified to drive any boat in the regatta, after endorsing that boat’s official entry form and notifying the chief scorer of their intentions. If co-drivers are not to be allowed, it should be stated on the race details page and in the race circular.
Prior to the race, all drivers’ and co-drivers’ equipment shall be inspected by the Safety Official assigned. This equipment includes:
- Helmet
- Goggles, shields, and protective lenses
- Life jackets
- Racing uniform and footgear (appropriate and proper attire)
Outboard Drag
The following overview of outboard drag rules are documented in full on the official 2012 Outboard Drag Rules Document
Helmets:
- During any race, every participant must wear a full shell competition helmet that fully meets the Snell 1985 Standards or equivalent.
- Face shields and guards are permitted only if they allow ready access to the mouth for rescue purposes.
- Helmet restraints are recommended for all Drag classes
Life Jackets:
- APBA General Safety Rules for life jackets apply to the Outboard Drag category, with the exception that the Drag Category is exempt from any life jacket color requirements
Additional Outboard Drag Safety Rules:
- No driver shall assume a driving position that requires that he or she remove both hands from the steering wheel.
- All safety capsules shall conform to OPC capsule rules
Pre-race safety inspection:
- An inspection of each entry must be made by the Race Committee, prior to the boat entering the water at every race.
- The inspector has the right to disqualify a driver if minimum requirements are not apparent.
Clothing requirements are as follows:
- Long pants and closed toe shoes are required; and long sleeved shirts are recommended.
Outboard Performance Craft
The Following safety rules have been established for the OPC Category of racing in the APBA, in addition to the general racing rules. View the complete 2012 Outboard Performance Craft Rules,
Novice Drivers:
- Novice drivers must, for a one-year period of “probation”, tape or paint a 2” wide orange stripe on the rear of the motor cowling on the boat in which they are competing. The stripe must extend from the top of the cowling to the bottom and must be visible to other drivers while the boat is on the race course.
- During this one-year probation period, novice OPC drivers are given an oral examination by the referee or race committee prior to every race.
The following procedure will be followed by all novice drivers for their first event in the class group in which they are competing:
- If the start is a pace boat, clock, or any other form of moving start other than LeMans, the novice driver shall drive in a position at the rear of the “pack”, while being observed by the referee and course officials.
- If the start is LeMans, the novice driver shall start at the position giving least advantage to the first turn regardless of any prior qualifying and must be delayed approximately two seconds at the start so as not to approach the first turn with the “pack.”
- During the course of the race the novice driver must always pass all boats on the outside and give adequate room to be overtaken on the inside by all faster boats.
- At the end of the race, the referee shall judge if he or she is ready for “open competition.”
- This rule is not to restrict or disqualify any UlM or CBF members or any other duly qualified and licensed driver.
During any race, every participant must wear a competition helmet and life jacket as defined in General Safety Rules 3A and 3B. Additionally:
- Face shields and face guards are allowed if they permit ready access to the mouth for rescue purposes.
- The OPC Category strongly recommends the use of a helmet restraint system.
For non-restrained drivers:
- It is required that the life jacket (P.F.D.) be designed for racing with leg straps or thigh skins.
- The jacket shall have a minimum of 1/4” thickness of impact protection material covering the back and sides.
- It is strongly recommended to use a Flak material to cover the back and sides.
- The skid collar shall contain a single piece of material equivalent to Ethofoam 1/4” thick minimum which covers continuously from the top inner edge of the life jacket to a minimum of 2” past the base of the helmet when the wearer is standing in an erect position with the head looking toward the horizon and the life jacket worn in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
- The axial coverage shall be from 110° to 250° minimum measured from the midsagittal plane (basically from the back of the ear to the back of the ear around the back side of the head).
- The outer covering shall be any synthetic material which is fungus and mildew proof (e.g., nylon, Dacron, etc.) which is of thickness equal to or greater than the material used as the jacket covering.
Every driver shall verify his flotation before each racing season and after any equipment change to be sure he will roll into a safe attitude if injured. The referee may require proof of the equipment function.
For- Restrained Drivers
When a participant is strapped in (restrained), he must wear a racing life jacket. It is recommended that this life jacket be designed with a ballistic covering and have approximately 10 pounds positive flotation. The life jacket must be equipped with epaulet type extraction loops on the shoulders. Buckle type straps across closures and skid collars are not permitted on any restrained driver’s life jacket.
Junior Class
The junior classes have been developed specifically for young racers to provide them with an opportunity to learn about safety and sportsmanship relating to the sport of Powerboat racing. It is the APBA’s goal to provide competitive equipment, including fully functioning and certified safety equipment, available to all competitors in the Junior Class on an equal basis.
New Drivers:
New drivers must, for ten (10) races, place a white cross (X) on their helmets, with the stroke of the X to be a minimum of 2 inches wide. The cross must extend from the front tip up over the top of the helmet to the back rim of the helmet, and from the left ear up over the top of helmet to the right ear.
A new driver is any APBA member in good standing who has never driven a registered outboard powered boat in closed course competition heat racing.
The new driver must be given an oral examination by the referee, assistant referee, or a person designated by the referee or assistant referee. A new Junior driver must also pass an open-book written test, available from the APBA website, before competing.
The new driver must show knowledge of course racing rules before being approved to enter a race. Any new driver’s first day of participation in competition must consist of at least one heat of racing during a sanctioned event in which the new driver will drive in a position at the rear of the pack and be observed by the Referee and course officials.
If the driver is not cleared for “open competition” at the end of that heat, he/she shall run an additional heat in the same manner until cleared by the Referee
J Class Safety Equipment:
Drivers must wear closed footwear, life jackets, helmets, eye protection and cut-resistant, wrist-length sleeves and cut-resistant, ankle-length pants at all times while on the water for the purpose of driving racing equipment.
- In closed course racing, when stopped on the course, the driver’s helmet only may be removed when no other racing craft are underway anywhere on the course or when the driver’s boat is tethered to a towboat.
All drivers in Junior Classes must wear impact/flak material incorporated into the life jacket. The impact/flak material will provide full coverage of the front and back of the torso. The intent is to provide impact/flak coverage of vital internal organs.
- The referee or inspector has the power to prohibit the use of any helmet or life jacket that he/she determines to be potentially unsafe.