It's the Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

• All vessels equipped with an engine are required to have a Type B, U.S. Coast Guard—approved fire extinguisher on board. Vessels equipped with an outboard engine and less than 26 feet in length are exempt from this requirement if they have an open construction that does not allow flammable gasses or vapors to be trapped.
• Fire extinguishers must be stowed:
• Away from potential hazards
• Where they are readily accessible
• In a horizontal position if the extinguisher is a dry chemical type
• 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.
• Check extinguishers annually to make sure they are charged and be sure you know how to operate them.

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.