Commercial
Harbor Craft

Biennial Testing Requirements for Main Propulsion Engines

Main propulsion engines must undergo certified opacity testing every two years in accordance with CHC regulations.

Certified Testing Procedure
Testing must follow the procedure outlined in subsection (k)(1)(B) of the regulation and be performed by a certified tester.

Biennial Testing Requirement
Each main propulsion engine must pass opacity testing and submit results to CARB once every two years.

Reporting Deadline
Test results must be reported by March 31 of even-numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.).

Testing Window Example
Tests reported by March 31, 2026 must be performed between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026.

Requirements for Auxiliary Engines

Auxiliary engines must comply with CHC exhaust opacity limits but are not subject to the same biennial testing schedule as main propulsion engines.

Opacity Compliance
Auxiliary engines must meet the opacity limits established in CHC regulations.

Testing Schedule
Biennial opacity testing is not required for auxiliary engines.

CARB Oversight
CARB staff may perform confirmatory opacity testing in the field or audit opacity test records at any time.

Testing Method
Opacity measurements must be performed by certified testers using Method 9 – Visual Determination of the Opacity of Emissions from Stationary Sources.

Failed Opacity Test – Repair Requirements

If an engine exceeds the allowed opacity limits during testing, corrective action must be taken to bring the engine back into compliance.

Repair Requirement
If an opacity test fails, the engine, diesel particulate filter (DPF), or emissions control system must be repaired and retested within 30 calendar days.

Out of Service Rule
If repairs are not completed within the required timeframe, the engine must be taken out of service.

Post-Repair Testing
A follow-up opacity test must confirm emissions are within acceptable limits before the engine can return to service.

Recordkeeping
Testing and repair records must be maintained as specified in subsection (m)(18) of the regulation.

Certification Requirements for Testers

Individuals that conduct opacity testing on main engines, including third-party opacity testing vendors, vessel operators, air district staff, and CARB staff, must have successfully completed training from the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology (CCDET) and obtained certification on how to properly administer the Society of Automotive Engineers “Surface Vehicle Recommended Practice, Snap Acceleration Smoke Test Procedure for Heavy-Duty Powered Vehicles” (SAE J1667,February 1996).

Opacity testing for main propulsion engines must be performed by certified professionals trained in approved testing procedures.

CCDET Training
Testers must complete training through the California Council on Diesel Education and Technology (CCDET).

SAE J1667 Certification
Certification must include proper administration of the SAE J1667 Snap Acceleration Smoke Test Procedure.

Regulatory Compliance
These training standards ensure testing is performed accurately and in compliance with CARB regulations.

Certified Technicians
Our Clean Truck Test Check testers are CCDET-IV certified to perform CARB-compliant Commercial Harbor Craft smoke opacity testing.