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 gases or vapors to be trapped.
  
• 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—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.