Testing Services COMMERCIAL HARBOR CRAFT
CalFleet performs CARB-approved CHC Smoke Opacity Testing using CCDET-IV Certified Testers and CARB-approved technology. We primarily service the San Francisco Bay Area, with our entire service area extending from Fort Bragg to Santa Cruz.
The Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) Amendments require exhaust from main propulsion engines and auxiliary engines on all vessels to meet opacity limits, specified in the table below. Opacity testing and reporting requirements go into effect March 31, 2024.
| DPF Installed? | Percent Opacity Limit |
| YES – All Engines with DPF | 5 |
| NO – All Engines without DPF | 40 |
Biennial Testing Requirements for Main Propulsion Engines
- Testing procedure must follow subsection (k)(1)(B) of the regulation text and be performed by certified testers.
- Each main propulsion engine must pass opacity testing with results submitted to CARB once per two-year period ending on March 31 of an even-numbered calendar year (i.e., 2024, 2026, 2028, etc.).
- For example, opacity test results that must be reported by March 31, 2026, must be performed on the engines between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2026.
Requirements for Auxiliary Engines
- Auxiliary engines are required to meet the opacity limits in the table above but are not required to perform biennial opacity testing. CARB staff may perform confirmatory opacity testing on auxiliary engines in the field or audit opacity test records at any time.
- Opacity of exhaust from auxiliary engines must be performed by certified testers and is measured using the test Method 9 – Visual Determination of the Opacity of Emissions from Stationary Sources.
Failed Opacity Test – Repair Requirements
- If the results of the opacity test exceed the opacity limits, the engine, DPF, or other emissions control system must be repaired and retested within 30 calendar days from the date of the failed opacity test, or the engine must be taken out of service.
- A post-repair opacity test must be performed to ensure the measured opacity is within the applicable opacity limits before the engine is returned to service.
- The records of opacity testing and repair must be recorded as specified in subsection (m)(18) of the regulation text.
Certification Requirements for Testers
- Individuals that conduct opacity testing on main engines 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 Vehicles” (SAE J1667).
- CalFleet testers are CCDET-IV certified to conduct CARB compliant Commercial Harbor Craft (CHC) smoke opacity testing.
Pricing
Pricing requires a brief consultation. Please call (707) 665-5710 or email joe@calfleet.com for a free quote.