Q1. Where can I find the recently published final rule on regulations for fire protection for recreational vessels?

A1.  The rule may be found at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/10/22/2021-22578/fire-protection-for-recreational-vessels#sectno-reference-175.320. The regulation may be found in 33 CFR Chapter 1, Subchapter S Part 175 Subpart E .

Q2. What is the effective date of the fire protection for recreational vessels regulation?

A2.  The rule takes effect on April 20, 2022.

Q3. How do I tell if my fire extinguisher is expired?

A3.  If your disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher has the Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) Trademark, a date of manufacture stamped on the bottle, and it is older than 12 years since the date, the extinguisher is considered expired and must be removed from service. Look for wording on the bottle stating, “This product must be removed from service within 12 years after date of manufacturing”.

Q4. How can I tell if a fire extinguisher is approved for use on boats?

A4.  The label on the bottle will state “Marine Type – USCG Approved”. Underwriters Labs approves fire extinguishers on behalf of the USCG

Q5. Are there any changes for when marine fire extinguishers are required or the number of extinguishers required?

A5.  No. If your boat was required to carry a fire extinguisher, it is still required to do so under this new regulation. There is also no change to the quantity required.

Q6. Which recreational boats are required to carry marine fire extinguishers?

A6.  All recreational boats with:

      1. Permanently installed fuel tank(s), or

      2. Spaces that are capable of trapping fumes, such as a

a. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored.

b. Double bottom not sealed to the hull or that is not completely filled with flotation material.

c. Closed living space.

d. Closed stowage compartment in which combustible or flammable materials is stowed.

Q7. Are there any motorized recreational boats exempt from having to carry a fire extinguisher?

A7.  Yes. If your boat is less than 26’ feet in length, uses an outboard engine, fuel is in a portable fuel tank, and there are no areas within the boat where fuel vapors can be trapped, the boat is not required to have a fire extinguisher.

Q8. How many USCG approved marine fire extinguishers do I need to have readily accessible onboard my boat?

A8.  You are required to carry a quantity of 5-B or 20-B UL-rated USCG approved extinguishers as required in the chart shown here for recreational boats 65 feet in length and less. There are also 10-B rated extinguishers available. Although the math would tell you that one 10-B rated extinguisher equals two 5-B extinguishers, it does not. The 10-B extinguishers only count as one 5-B even though they do contain more extinguishing agent than a 5-B.

All recreational vessels of model year 2018 and newer must carry 5-B or 20-B rated fire extinguishers that are date stamped. Vessels older than model year 2018 may carry either 5-B or 20-B rated fire extinguishers that, if portable, are either not date stamped or not more than 12 years old or B-I or B-II rated fire extinguishers that are in good and serviceable condition.

Q9. How must my marine fire extinguishers be maintained?

A9.  Fire extinguishers must:

       1. Be on board and readily accessible;

       2. Be of an approved type;

       3. Not be expired or appear to have been previously used; and

       4. Be maintained in good and serviceable working condition, meaning:

 (i) If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position;

 (ii) The lock pin is firmly in place;

 (iii) The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction; and

 (iv) The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.

Q10. What should I do if the gauge on my unused fire extinguisher is in the red?

A10.  If a fire extinguisher pressure gauge shows that the charge is in the red zone, a disposable fire extinguisher must be discarded and replaced. A rechargeable extinguisher must be serviced and tagged.

Q11. What is the difference between a rechargeable and non-rechargeable portable fire extinguisher?

A11.  A non-rechargeable fire extinguisher, also referred to as a disposable fire extinguisher, is intended for one-time use only. A rechargeable fire extinguisher is recharged once used. A rechargeable portable fire extinguisher requires regular maintenance and servicing; a disposable does not. A disposable must be removed from service after 12 years from date of manufacturing stamped on the bottle.

Q12. When should I replace my disposable (non-rechargeable) marine fire extinguisher?

A12.  Disposable (non-rechargeable) dry chemical fire extinguishers, must be removed 12 years after their date of manufacture. These extinguishers generally have their year of manufacturing stamped on the bottom or have its year marked next to its UL label.

Q13. Where do I find the date of manufacturing on a rechargeable fire extinguisher?

A13.  The date of manufacturing on a rechargeable fire extinguisher is printed on the label of the bottle. The first National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certified inspection is due one year from the date of manufacturing and the bottle tag must indicate this inspection. A rechargeable does not need to be removed from service after 12 years, but it instead must be maintained annually by a technician.

Q14. I bought a fire extinguisher and in the box is a plastic mounting bracket. The label on the fire extinguisher bottle says it is valid only with bracket. Do I need to mount the fire extinguisher using this bracket?

A14.  It is highly recommended to mount the fire extinguisher, but it is not a requirement to mount the fire extinguisher. All portable extinguishers must be readily accessible.

Q15. Does one 10-B rated fire extinguisher count as two 5-B extinguishers?

A15.  No, a fire extinguisher rated as 10-B counts only as one 5-B.

Q16. May I keep expired fire extinguishers onboard?

A16.  The simple answer here is, yes, you may keep an old, out of date fire extinguisher onboard your boat.  There is no prohibition to store an older extinguisher on board, but you must have a newer extinguisher that meets all the requirements to ensure your boat complies with the law.  Remember, your fire extinguisher(s) must also be "readily accessible" so they can be reached quickly in the event of a fire.

 Download the Fire Protection for Recreational Boats infographic