Fire Extinguishers

Most recreational boats under 65 feet must have fire extinguishers that are marine grade and U.S. Coast Guard-approved. Check the labels to ensure they meet the requirements.

You need to have hand-portable fire extinguishers on your boat if it meets any of these conditions:

• Permanently Installed Fuel Tanks: If your boat has fuel tanks that are fixed in place and cannot be easily removed.

• Areas Prone to Fume Accumulation Including:
  • Spaces under seats or thwarts (crossbeams) that can store portable fuel tanks and trap fumes.
  • Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or filled with flotation material, potentially allowing fumes to collect.
  • Any enclosed living areas.
  • Storage compartments that are closed off and where you keep flammable or combustible materials.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements

To ensure safety on board, all fire extinguishers must be:

• Readily accessible on board: Keep fire extinguishers where you can get to them fast and easily in an emergency. Don’t put them near possible fire sources, like a fuel tank. If there’s a fire there, you might not be able to reach the extinguisher.
• Type B fire extinguisher: Boat fires often involve fuels like gasoline, so state and federal regulations require them to be carried on board.
• Proper size based on the boat size: The number in 5-B or 20-B refers to the number of square footage that the fire extinguisher will cover.
• Labeled as a  marine grade fire extinguisher: Fire extinguishers for marine use differ from those used at home. Check the label to confirm it’s for marine use. The color, red or white, doesn’t tell you the type or marine grade; always read the label.
• U.S. Coast Guard approved: Look for the approval number on the label.
• Properly inspected and maintained: Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Not expired or used: They must be in good and serviceable condition, which includes:
  • Pressure Gauge: The gauge or indicator must show it’s ready for operation.
  • Lock Pin: The pin should be firmly in place.
  • Discharge Nozzle: The nozzle must be clean and unobstructed.
  • Integrity: The extinguisher should be free from significant corrosion or damage.

Read the label and locate the marine grade, size, U.S. Coast Guard approval number, and date of service.

Avoid testing a fire extinguisher, as it can break the seal and cause leaks. To learn how to use it, look for training opportunities. Regular fire drills are a good way to ensure everyone knows what to do in a fire.

Handling Disposable Dry Chemical Extinguishers

These extinguishers should be replaced 12 years after they’re made. Usually, the manufacturing date is stamped on the bottom or near the UL label.