It's the Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

All motorized vessels are required to have a Type B, U.S. Coast Guard–approved fire extinguisher(s) on board. Vessels less than 26 feet in length that do not carry passengers for hire are exempt from this requirement if the vessel is constructed in a way that flammable or explosive gases and vapors cannot be trapped in any compartment or space in the vessel.

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.

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, and inspect extinguishers regularly to ensure they are in working condition and fully charged.

Use this chart to determine the size and quantity required for your vessel.

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.