Marine spark-ignition engine regulations technical guidance: chapter 6

6 Emission Standards

The Regulations prescribe that engines, vessels and vehicles that are manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada conform to applicable standards and provisions for:

  • emission control systems and defeat devices (section 9 of the Regulations);
  • adjustable parameters (section 10 of the Regulations);
  • exhaust, crankcase and evaporative emissions (sections 11-15 and 18-22 of the Regulations); and
  • engine diagnostics and torque broadcasting systems (sections 16 and 17 of the Regulations).

These standards are aligned with those established by the corresponding EPA rules for marine spark-ignition engines, vessels and off-road recreational vehiclesas published in the CFR.3

6.1 What are the options for conformity with the emission standards?

As specified in subsection 11(1) of the Regulations, engines, vessels and vehicles are required to conform to the standards, through one of the following options:

  • paragraph 11(1)(a) - conforming directly to the applicable standard;
  • paragraph 11(1)(b) - for engines and vehicles that are sold concurrently in Canada and the United States and that are covered by an EPA certificate of conformity, conforming to the standards or family emission limits (FELs) of that certificate;
  • paragraph 11(1)(c) - for vessels and outboards that are sold concurrently in Canada and the United States and that contain fuel lines or fuel tanks that are covered by one or more EPA certificates, conforming, in respect of those fuel lines and fuel tanks, to the standards or FELs referred to in those EPA certificates; or
  • paragraph 11(1)(d) - for engines and vehicles, conforming to a FEL in lieu of the standard and conforming on the basis of fleet averaging. The optional fleet averaging regime is only available for certain types of emissions and classes of engines and vehicles (see section 7.2 of this document for emission types and classes for which fleet averaging is available).

All three options for conformity with the standards (i.e., paragraphs 11(1)(a), (b) and (d) of the Regulations) are available for outboards and personal watercraft engines and conventional inboard engines, as well as all off-road recreational vehicles. Only the options under paragraphs 11(1)(a) and (b) are available for high-performance inboard engines. Only the options under paragraphs 11(1)(a) and (c) are available for evaporative emissions from vessels and outboards with installed fuel lines or fuel tanks (see section 7.2 of this document).

The following diagrams present the options for conformity with emission standards for the various classes of engines, vessels and vehicles.

Figure 3: Overview of compliance options for outboard engines and personal watercraft engines

Figure 3: Overview of compliance options for outboard engines and personal watercraft engines (See long description below)
Description of Figure 3

Figure 3 is box diagram summarizing, for outboard engines and personal watercraft, information given in section 6 relating to options for conformity, the types of emission standards that are applicable and when they start to apply, and the useful life.

Figure 4: Overview of compliance options for inboard engines

Figure 4: Overview of compliance options for inboard engines (See long description below)
Description of Figure 4

Figure 4 is box diagram summarizing, for inboard engines, information given in section 6 relating to options for conformity, the types of emission standards that are applicable and when they start to apply, and the useful life.

 

Figure 5: Overview of compliance options for vessels and outboards (evaporative emissions only)

Figure 5: Overview of compliance options for vessels and outboards (evaporative emissions only) (See long description below)
Description of Figure 5

Figure 5 is box diagram summarizing, for vessels and outboards (evaporative emissions only), information given in section 6 relating to options for conformity, the types of emission standards that are applicable and when they start to apply.

 

Figure 6: Overview of compliance options for snowmobiles

Figure 6: Overview of compliance options for snowmobiles (See long description below)
Description of Figure 6

Figure 6 is box diagram summarizing, for snowmobiles, information given in section 6 relating to options for conformity, the types of emission standards that are applicable and when they start to apply, and the useful life.

 

Figure 7: Overview of compliance options for off-road motorcycles

Figure 7: Overview of compliance options for off-road motorcycles (See long description below)
Description of Figure 7

Figure 7 is box diagram summarizing, for off-road motorcycles, information given in section 6 relating to options for conformity, the types of emission standards that are applicable and when they start to apply, and the useful life.

 

Figure 8: Overview of compliance options for all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles

Figure 8: Overview of compliance options for all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles (See long description below)
Description of Figure 8

Figure 8 is box diagram summarizing, for all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles, information given in section 6 relating to options for conformity, the types of emission standards that are applicable and when they start to apply, and the useful life.

 

6.2 What is an emission control system?

Subsection 1(1) of the Regulations defines an emission control system as any device, system or element of design that controls or reduces the emissions from an engine, vessel or vehicle.

6.3 Are there restrictions on an emission control system installed on a prescribed engine, vessel or vehicle?

Yes. Subsection 9(1) of the Regulations prescribes that an emission control system cannot release a substance that causes air pollution that would not have been released if the system were not installed. In addition, the emission control system cannot make the engine, vessel or vehicle unsafe, or endanger persons or property near it.

6.4 What is a defeat device?

A defeat device is an auxiliary emission control device that reduces the effectiveness of the emission control system under conditions that may reasonably be expected to be encountered under normal operation of the engine, vessel or vehicle. An auxiliary emission control device may not be considered a defeat device if the conditions under which it reduces the effectiveness of the emission control system are included in the emission test procedures required by these Regulations, if it is needed to protect the engine, vessel or vehicle against damage or accident, or if its use does not go beyond the requirements of engine starting.

Under subsection 9(2) of the Regulations, no engine, vessel or vehicle can be equipped with a defeat device.

6.5 What is an adjustable parameter?

Subsection 10(1) of the Regulations defines an adjustable parameter as a device, system or element of design that is capable of being physically adjusted such that emissions during emission testing or normal in-use operation are affected. It does not include a device, system, or element of design that is permanently sealed by the manufacturer or that is inaccessible with the use of ordinary tools.

Engines, vessels or vehicles with adjustable parameters must comply with the applicable standards, regardless of the adjustment of these parameters. For example, if there is an adjustment screw on an engine carburetor, this engine must meet the exhaust emission standards regardless of the setting of the screw (i.e., whether it is fully, partially, or not tightened).

In the case of a vehicle with an adjustable air-fuel ratio parameter, compliance with the applicable emission standards is required if the range of air-fuel ratios is between the lean and rich air-fuel ratio limits, excluding any air-fuel ratios that do not occur during normal in-use operation of the vehicle, or if the range is established by the manufacturer based on particular engine parts. Subsections 10(4) and 10(5) of the Regulations define the lean and rich air-fuel ratio limits. Subsection 10(6) of the Regulations specifies that if carburetor jets and needles are used to define the range of adjustable air-fuel ratios, and if certain criteria are met, the manufacturer's jetting chart establishes the adjustable range for which compliance is required.

6.6 What are the exhaust emission standards?

Different exhaust emission standards exist for the different classes of engines and vehicles. The Regulations establish a maximum level of combined hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen (HC+NOx), hydrocarbons (HC) and/or carbon monoxide (CO) emissions for each class of engine or vehicle. The Regulations also establish not-to-exceed exhaust emission standards, which are described in section 6.9 of this document.

The HC+NOx, HC and CO exhaust emission standards for engines and vehicles are aligned with those of the EPA and are set out in paragraphs 13(1)(a), 14(1)(a), 15(1)(a), 20(1)(a), 21(1)(a) and 22(1)(a), and subsections 21(2), 22(2) and 22(3), of the Regulations. The sections of the CFR that are incorporated by reference are indicated in those paragraphs of the Regulations. The standards are defined as mass of pollutant per unit of engine work, expressed in grams per kilowatt-hours (g/kW-hr) or in mass of pollutant per distance traveled (g/km). Table 2 and Table 3 provide a summary of the exhaust emission standards for marine engines and off-road recreational vehicles, respectively.

Table 2: Exhaust emission standards for marine engines
Maximum Engine Power (kW) Emission Standards (g/kW-hr) Maximum Allowable Family Emission Limits (g/kW-hr)
HC+NOx CO HC+NOx CO
Outboards and Personal Watercraft Engines (2012 and later model years)
P ≤ 4.3 30.0   81.0  
P > 4.3 2.1 + 0.09 × (151 + 557/P0.9)   6.0 + 0.25 × (151 + 557/P0.9)  
P ≤ 40   500 - (5.0 × P)   650 - (5.0 × P)
P > 40   300   450
Conventional Inboard Engines (2012 and later model years)
P ≤ 373 5.0 75.0 16.0 150
High-Performance Inboard Engines (2013 and later model years)
373 < P ≤ 485 16.0 350 n/a n/a
P > 485 22.0 350 n/a n/a

P: the maximum engine power rating for the emission family in kW as determined in accordance with CFR 1045.140.

n/a: fleet averaging not applicable for high-performance inboard engines.

Table 3: Exhaust emission standards for off-road recreational vehicles
Emission Standards Maximum Allowable Family Emission Limits
HC HC+NOx CO HC HC+NOx CO
Snowmobiles (g/kW-hr) (2012 and later model years)a
[1-(HCstd/150)] x 100
+
[1-(COstd/400)] x 100
≥100
  [1-(HCstd/150)] x 100
+
[1-(COstd/400)] x 100
≥100
150   400
Off-Road Motorcycles (g/km) (2012 and later model years)b
  2.0 25   20.0 50
All-Terrain Vehicles and Utility Vehicles (g/km) (2012 and later model years)b
  1.5 35   20.0 n/a

a The HC and CO standards are based on the formula shown. The company selects the HC standard and CO standard so that the combined percent reduction from baseline emission levels is greater than or equal to 100 percent. The selected standard for HC may not exceed 75 g/kW-hr, and the selected standard for CO may not exceed 275 g/kW-hr. For further information, please consult CFR 1051.103(a)(2).

b Optional standards exist for off-road motorcycles, ATVs and UVs that have small displacement engines. See CFR 1051.615(b) and 1051.615(a). Temporary engine-based standards exist for each of the 2012 to 2014 model years for ATVs and UVs. See CFR 1051.145(b).

n/a: fleet averaging not applicable for CO emissions from ATVs and UVs

6.7 What are the evaporative emission standards?

Evaporative emission standards apply to snowmobiles, off-road motorcycles, ATVs and UVs, as stated in paragraphs 20(1)(b), 21(1)(b), and 22(1)(b) of the Regulations; and to outboards and vessels designed to be propelled by a marine engine in which fuel lines or fuel tanks are installed, as stated in section 19 of the Regulations. These standards are aligned with those of the EPA.

For off-road recreational vehicles, beginning in the 2012 model year the permeation emissions from non-metal fuel tanks must not exceed 1.5 grams per square metre per day (g/m²/day) and the permeation emissions from non-metal fuel lines must not exceed 15 g/m²/day.

For outboards and vessels designed to be propelled by a marine engine, in which fuel lines or fuel tanks are installed, the evaporative emission standards are summarized in Table 4.

Table 4: Evaporative emission standards a for 2015 and later model year outboards and vessels designed to be propelled by marine engines, in which fuel lines or fuel tanks are installed
  Emission Standards
Non-metal fuel line permeation 15 g/m²/day
Non-metal fuel tank permeation 1.5 g/m²/day when tested at 28°C
2.5 g/m²/day when tested at 40°C
Non-metal fuel
tank diurnal
0.40 g/gallon(gal)/day
0.16 g/gal/day when installed in non-trailerable boats

a Other standards exist for fuel caps, vents, carbon canisters, and refuelling. See CFR 1060.101(f)(1) and (3).

6.8 What are the crankcase emission standards?

The crankcase is the housing for the crankshaft and other related internal parts. For marine engines, the requirements outlined in paragraphs 13(1)(c), 14(1)(c) and 15(1)(b) of the Regulations incorporate by reference CFR 1045.115(a). For off-road recreational vehicles, the requirement outlined in paragraphs 20(1)(c), 21(1)(c) and 22(1)(c) of the Regulations incorporates by reference CFR 1051.115(a). The requirement states that crankcase emissions are not to be discharged directly into the atmosphere throughout the useful life of the engine or vehicle. The standard starts in the 2012 model year for outboards, personal watercraft engines and conventional inboard engines, and in the 2013 model year for high-performance inboard engines. The standard starts in the 2012 model year for all off-road recreational vehicles.

6.9 What are the not-to-exceed emission standards?

Not-to-exceed emission standards apply to outboards, personal watercraft engines and conventional inboard engines starting in the 2012 model year, as stated in paragraphs 13(1)(b) and 14(1)(b) of the Regulations. These standards are aligned with those of the EPA, and incorporate by reference CFR 1045.107. The not-to-exceed standard is determined by multiplying a factor set out in the CFR by the applicable exhaust emission standard or the applicable FEL if fleet averaging is used to comply with the exhaust emission standards. Companies must ensure that exhaust emissions remain below the not-to-exceed standard across a range of expected operating conditions. See CFR 1045.107 for further details.

6.10 What are the engine diagnostic system requirements?

Section 16 of the Regulations specifies that a marine engine equipped with a three-way catalyst and closed-loop control of the air-fuel ratio must be equipped with a diagnostic system to detect malfunctions in the emission control system. This requirement is aligned with that of the EPA, and the Regulations incorporate by reference the applicable standards in CFR 1045.110.

6.11 What are the torque broadcasting system requirements?

Section 17 of the Regulations specifies that, starting with the 2013 model year, an electronically controlled marine engine must be equipped with a torque broadcasting system to broadcast speed and output shaft torque. This requirement is aligned with that of the EPA, and the Regulations incorporate by reference the applicable requirements in CFR 1045.115(b) and (c).

6.12 When do the emission standards begin to apply?

As summarized in Table 5, emission standards begin to apply in different years for the various classes of engines, vessels and vehicles, and emission types. Emission standards that start to apply to engines and vehicles in the 2012 model years apply only to those engines that are manufactured, and vehicles that have their main assembly completed, on or after April 5, 2011.

Table 5: Model year during which prescribed emission standards begin to apply
Class Model Year Emission Standard
Outboards and personal watercraft engines 2012 HC+NOx, CO, crankcase, not-to-exceed
Outboards with installed fuel lines or fuel tanks 2015 Fuel line permeation, fuel tank permeation, diurnal
Conventional inboard engines 2012 HC+NOx, CO, crankcase, not-to-exceed
High-performance inboard engines 2013 HC+NOx, CO, crankcase
Snowmobiles 2012 HC, CO, fuel line permeation, fuel tank permeation, crankcase
Off-road motorcycles 2012 HC+NOx, CO, fuel line permeation, fuel tank permeation, crankcase
ATVs and UVs 2012 HC+NOx, CO, fuel line permeation, fuel tank permeation, crankcase
Vessels designed to be propelled by marine engines, with installed fuel lines and fuel tanks 2015 Fuel line permeation, fuel tank permeation, diurnal

6.13 For how long must an engine, vessel or vehicle conform to emission standards?

An engine, vessel or vehicle must conform to emission standards throughout its "useful life," which is specified in years, hours of operation, or accumulated mileage, whichever comes first. The useful life periods are incorporated by reference from the CFR and are found in CFR1045.103(e) and 105(e), and CFR 1051.103(c), 105(c) and 107(c).

Table 6 summarizes the useful life for the different engine and vehicle classes in relation to exhaust emissions.

Table 6: Useful life a for marine engines and off-road recreational vehicles
Class Engine Displacement (cm³) or Engine Power (kW) Years Hours of Operation Accumulated Mileage (km)
Outboard All 10 350 n/a
Personal watercraft engine All 5 350 n/a
Conventional inboard engine ≤ 373 kW 10 480 n/a
High-performance inboard engine 373 < kW ≤ 485 3 150 n/a
> 485 kW 1 50 n/a
Snowmobile All 5 400 8000
Off-road motorcycle ≤ 70 cm³ 5 n/a 5000
> 70 cm³ 5 n/a 10 000
ATV and UV < 100 cm³ 5 500 5000
≥ 100 cm³ 5 1000 10 000

a Please consult CFR 1045.103(e) or 105(e), or CFR 1051.103(c), 105(c) or 107(c) for conditions under which a different useful life must be specified.

n/a: not applicable.

6.14 Are portable marine fuel tanks required to meet the regulations?

No. Portable marine fuel tanks manufactured in Canada or imported into Canada are not subject to the Regulations.

6.15 What standards are applicable to jet boat engines?

Jet boat engines are inboard engines, and, in general, the standards, maximum allowable FELs and useful life that apply to all other inboard engines also apply to jet boat engines.

Special provisions are applicable for jet boat engines that are also used in outboards or personal watercraft if they meet the criteria of CFR 1045.660(a) and (c), namely:

  • the jet boat engines must be identical in all physical respects to the corresponding outboards or personal watercraft engines, but may differ slightly with respect to engine calibrations; and
  • the jet boat engines must be in an engine family separate from the corresponding outboards or personal watercraft engines.

These special provisions are included to facilitate fleet averaging for these engines (see the information about the exception for jet boats in section 7.14.6 of this document). In this case, the applicable standards are still those for inboard engines, but the maximum allowable FELs are the values of the HC+NOX and CO standards for the corresponding outboards or personal watercraft engines, and the useful life is that of the corresponding outboards or personal watercraft engines. These special provisions are described in clause 11(1)(d)(i)(C) and subsection 14(3) of the Regulations, respectively.

6.16 What are the procedures to measure the exhaust and evaporative emissions?

Subsection 23(1) of the Regulations specifies that the standards in the Regulations that refer to the CFR include the associated test procedures, fuels and calculation methods of the CFR. The test procedures to measure exhaust and evaporative emissions from marine engines, vessels and off-road recreational vehicles are mainly referred to in Subpart F of CFR 1045, 1060 and 1051, respectively, with some test procedures located in other subparts and parts of the CFR.

6.17 What is an emission family, and is there a procedure that a company follows to group its engines into emission families?

An emission family is a group of engines, vessels or vehicles that are expected to have similar emission characteristics for the duration of their useful lives. The use of emission families allows companies to reduce the number of tests required to demonstrate conformity with emission standards.

In general, for exhaust emissions, engines or vehicles are grouped into families by taking into consideration aspects such as their combustion cycle, fuel, method of aspiration, presence and characteristics of catalytic converters, etc. For evaporative emissions, vehicles and vessels are grouped into families taking into consideration the characteristics of the fuel system components such as material, material additives, production methods, etc.

There are set procedures on how a company can group its products into emission families, as described in section 230 of CFRs 1045, 1051 and 1060.

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