Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher and the letter indicates the type of fire it will extinguish:

• Type A fires are of combustible solids like wood.
• Type B fires are of flammable liquids like gasoline or oil.
• Type C fires are electrical fires. Never use a foam extinguisher on electrical fires, because these extinguishers contain water and you might be electrocuted.

All vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard or stern-drive engine
• Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
• Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
• Enclosed living spaces
• Double-walled hulls not sealed or not completely filled with flotation material
• Permanently installed fuel tanks

Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number.

Use this chart to determine the type and quantity of fire extinguishers required for your vessel.

Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area—not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them.

Fire extinguishers must be maintained in usable condition. Inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure the following.

• Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing.
• Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range.
• There is no physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzles.

Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators

Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.

To check this style of extinguisher, depress the green button. If it is fully charged, the green button should pop back out immediately.
On this style of fire extinguisher, the needle indicator should be in the "full" range.

Remember—Keep bilges clean and free of trash in order to reduce the risk of fire.

Backfire Flame Control Devices

Because vessel engines may backfire, all powerboats (except outboards) fueled with gasoline must have an approved backfire flame control device installed on each carburetor.

Backfire flame arrestors are designed to prevent the ignition of gasoline vapors in case the engine backfires. To be acceptable, backfire flame arrestors must be:

• In good and serviceable condition (periodically clean the flame arrestor screen and check for any damage)
• U.S. Coast Guard-approved (must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL 1111 standards)

Proper Ventilation

The importance of ventilation is crucial. The purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions by removing flammable gases. Properly installed ventilation systems greatly reduce the chance of a life-threatening explosion.

• All gasoline-powered vessels, constructed in a way that would entrap fumes, must have at least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls to remove the fumes. At least one exhaust duct must extend from the open atmosphere to the lower bilge. At least one intake duct must extend from a point at least midway to the bilge or below the level of the carburetor air intake.
• If your vessel is equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it on for at least four minutes after fueling, before starting your engine.
• If a vessel, such as a personal watercraft, is not equipped with a power ventilation system, open the engine compartment and sniff for gasoline fumes before starting the engine.

Vessels built after July 31, 1980, which contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline engine compartments, must have the above warning sticker placed near the instrument panel.

Mufflers and Noise Limits (effective 1/1/05)

Any motorized vessel operated on the inland waters of California or on ocean waters within one mile of the coastline must be muffled or otherwise prevented from exceeding the following noise levels:

• As measured using a stationary sound level test as defined by SAE J-2005:
  • 90 decibels if the engine was manufactured before January 1, 1993
  • 88 decibels if the engine was manufactured on or after January 1, 1993, or
• 75 decibels measured as defined by SAE J-1970 for all engines. However, such measurement shall not preclude a stationary sound level test as prescribed by SAE J-2005.

Exceptions to the above restrictions are made for vessels participating in permitted regattas, boat races or speed trials.

Authorities generally agree that unbaffled exhaust pipes (stacks) and most water-injected pipes do not meet the above noise level requirements. Unmodified outboards usually meet legal requirements.

Vessel Safety Checks

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and U.S. Power Squadrons will perform a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) of your vessel and equipment free of charge. This inspection covers federal and state requirements. If your vessel meets all VSC requirements, you will receive a VSC decal. If your vessel fails to meet all requirements, no report is made to any law enforcement agency.