New law for boat fire extinguishers

[chuter]

Heads up:

Fire Extinguishers

We know we need them on board, but how many do we need and how do they work?

www.boatus.org

NEW REGULATION/S - Fire extinguishers must be replaced 12 years after manufacture.​

The new fire extinguisher regulations going into effect on April 20, 2022 may seem a little confusing, but if you know the model year of your boat, they boil down to two simple points.

If you own a boat that is model year 2018 or newer, you may need to replace your fire extinguishers.

• In addition to meeting the carriage requirements for the correct number of extinguishers for the size of your boat, they must be labeled as 5-B, 10-B or 20-B, extinguishers labeled with B-I or B-II only are no longer acceptable.
• Extinguishers must not be more than 12 years old according to the date of manufacture stamped on the bottle
• You only have to get new ones if they are no longer serviceable. Good serviceable conditions are as follows:
  - If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position
  - The lock pin is firmly in place
  - The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction
  - The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.

If you own a boat that is 2017 model year or older (between 1953-2017):

• You may keep your extinguishers labeled B-I and B-II as long as they are still serviceable, but
• If there is a date stamped on the bottle, extinguishers must not be more than 12 years old according to that date.

NEW: Vessel Length and Fire Extinguisher Type Table​

Goes into effect April 20, 2022

Vessel Length	No Fixed System	With approved Fixed Systems
Less than 26'	1 B-1/5-B/10-B	0
26' to less than 40'	2 B-1/5-B/10-B or 1 B-II/20-B	1 B-1/5-B/10-B
40' to 65'	3 B-1/5-B/10-B or 1 B-II/20-B and 1 B-1/5-B/10-B	2 B-1/5-B/10-B or 1 B-II/20-B

 

[Rustytigwire]

Thanks!

 

[Glocktogo]

Good info, thanks! I think I’m good till 2032!

 

[Dorkus]

I may be wrong but I don't think you need a fire extinguisher if the fuel tank is able to be thrown out of the boat. Is that correct?

 

[OkieJoe72]

I may be wrong but I don't think you need a fire extinguisher if the fuel tank is able to be thrown out of the boat. Is that correct?

I’m pretty sure a fire extinguisher is required for all boats with a fuel tank no matter the type or size.

 

[dancer4life]

Thanks for the info. Mine is good through 2033 but it’s good to know to let some of my boat friends know.

 

[dennishoddy]

I'll probably replace mine even though it shows it's still serviceable.
I've been checked by too many OHP ramp inspectors that don't know the laws they are supposed to enforce.
Having a new one in there is good for peace of mind as well.

 

[Chief Sapulpa]

I'll probably replace mine even though it shows it's still serviceable.

Move that one to the garage, shed, barn. You cannot have enough fire suppression devices if a fire breaks out.

 

[sh00ter]

New law, you are required to eat vegan...the gov't thinks it is healthier. New law, possessing ammo older than 12yrs is unsafe and you are required to turn it in.

Why do we let these people run our lives? NOW, if you were using your boat for commercial purposes, then consumer protection is probably a good idea so maybe this new law is acceptable for guides, tours, commercial fishing operations, etc. But some redneck with a 1000 dollar boat setting jug lines should not be subjected to the same regulations as a corporate fishing operation.

 

[swampratt]

No date stamp on bottle and good gauge reading and boat older than 2017 you can keep the extinguisher you have.
If date stamped on bottle then no older than 12 years old.

My boats are older. 1975 and a 1998 and both way under 26 foot.