It's the Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels are required to have a Type B, USCG–approved fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard/outboard or inboard engine
• Closed compartments
• Closed living spaces
• Closed storage compartments in which flammable or explosive gases or vapors may become entrapped
• 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.

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.