The US Coast Guard Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance has shared guidance regarding carriage of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries on small passenger vessels (SPV).
The new Policy Letter 20-03: “Carriage of Lithium-Ion Batteries on Small Passenger Vessels” is for Officers in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI) and Marine Inspectors (MIs), to identify potential safety risks on SPVs relating to the hazards associated with the carriage of portable Li-ion batteries.
The USCG Office of Engineering and Design Standards (CG-ENG) examined how different modes of transportation address risks associated with the carriage of Li-ion batteries. CG-ENG benchmarked industry safety standards and other federal regulatory regimes to assess the potential hazards that Li-ion batteries may pose on an SPV.
OCMIs and MIs should determine how portable Li-ion batteries are used on board a SPV and assess if the storage, charging, or use of these batteries creates potentially hazardous conditions. This policy is limited to small battery applications including portable batteries or battery powered equipment such as rechargeable batteries for diving equipment, cameras, cell phones, video and audio recording devices, lights, computers, portable radio communications (handheld VHF radios), electric scooters, skateboards and bicycles, and portable power tools.
This policy does not cover Li-ion battery installations used for propulsion or electrical power on commercial vessels. These installations must be approved by the USCG Marine Safety Center as per CG-ENG Policy Letter 02-19: Design Guidance for Lithium-ion Battery Installations Onboard Commercial Vessels.
a. If Li-ion batteries are on board a SPV, MIs should assess the storage, charging and use, during the course of a routine inspection:
(1) Storage
- (a) Li-ion batteries and devices should be securely stored in a dry and cool location away from combustible material.
(2) Charging
- (a) Battery charging should be restricted to regularly occupied spaces or other spaces with continuous monitoring such as smoke detection.
- (b) Li-ion batteries should not be charged in paint lockers or hazardous areas.
- (c) Charging stations should be single outlet use without linking or combining together multiple power strips or extension cords (“daisy chains”).
- (d) Prior to charging, batteries should be inspected for signs of damage, such as bulging/cracking, hissing, leaking, rising temperature, or smoking. Immediately remove a device or battery from service and place it in an area away from flammable materials if any of these signs are present.
- (e) Lithium-powered devices and batteries should be removed from the charger once they are fully charged.
(3) Use and Maintenance.
- (a) Li-ion batteries, chargers, and associated equipment should be tested in accordance with an appropriate test standard (e.g., UL 2054), rated for their intended use, and, where applicable, certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).
- (b) The vessel owner or operator should follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, storage, charging, and maintenance of Li-ion batteries.
- (c) Batteries should be purchased from the device’s manufacturer or a manufacturer authorized reseller. When replacing batteries and chargers for an electronic device, ensure they are specifically designed and approved for use for that device.
- (d) Damaged Li-ion batteries and devices should be removed from service. Signs of damage include, but are not limited to: bulging, cracking, dents, punctures, heat, sound of gas venting, and/or smoking. If batteries are damaged, they should be immediately removed from service, placed in a fire resistant container (e.g. metal drum) with sand or other extinguishing agent, and disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. A local battery recycling center should be contacted for disposal instructions.
