This spring, a new federal regulation regarding marine fire extinguishers on motorized vessels will take affect. The change, happening on April 20, considers extinguishers with a manufacture date older than 12 years no longer fit for service aboard a vessel. This includes both the disposable (non-rechargeable) kind, as well as rechargeable fire extinguishers.
The BoatUS Foundation explains in
layman's terms how this change may impact certain boaters owning a vessel that is model year 2018 or newer:
- 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 extinguishers if they are no longer serviceable. Good serviceable conditions are as follows: (1) If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position; (2) The lock pin is firmly in place; (3) The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction; (4) The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.
BoatUS also explains that 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.
For assistance with your fire extinguishers and on-board fire safety, please contact our service managers Ed, Erik or Pepper at (410) 778-6697.
Featured photo courtesy of the BoatUS Foundation.