Requirements to Carry Fire Extinguishers
Federal law requires all vessels, including PWC, to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Any inboard engine
- Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
- Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not filled completely with flotation material
- Closed living spaces
- Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
- Permanently installed fuel tanks (any tank where the removal of the tank is hampered by the installation of tie-down straps or clamps)
Check all extinguishers annually to make sure they are fully charged. Extinguishers must be maintained in usable condition and should be serviced at least every two years. Refer to the label for additional servicing information.
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. Only fire extinguishers that are USCG–approved are legal for use on vessels.
