It's the Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

• All vessels must have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if the vessel has any of the following:
  • Inboard engine
  • Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
  • Double-bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material
  • Closed living spaces
  • Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
  • Permanently installed fuel tanks (any tank where the removal of the tank is hampered by the installation of tie-down straps or clamps)
• Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—"Marine Type USCG Approved"—followed by the type and size symbols and the approval number.
• Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area away from the engine. Be sure you know how to operate them, and inspect all extinguishers regularly.

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.

Use this chart to determine the type and quantity required.