It's The Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels are required to have a Type B or Type B/C, U.S. Coast Guard—approved fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Closed compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
• Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
• Closed living spaces
• 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 type and size symbols and the approval number.

Extinguishers must be mounted in an accessible area. Check extinguishers annually to make sure they are charged, and be sure you know how to operate them.

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 for your vessel.