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USCG Fire Extinguisher Update
Shared by Stewart N.
Beginning this year, new U.S. Coast Guard regulations take effect that change fire extinguisher expiration dates and the minimum classification of fire extinguishers carried aboard newer boats.
The regulations put a 12-year expiration on all disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguishers. The manufacture date may be two or four digits (e.g., 08 or 2008) stamped into the bottom of the bottle or near the UL label.
And the other big change: boats that are model-year 2018 or newer must carry newer “5-B”, “10-B”, and “20-B” classified extinguishers rather than those with the older “B-I” and “B-II” labels, which are being phased out.
The number in the new labels refers to the size (in square feet) of a potential fire the device is suitable to extinguish. For boats less than 26 feet and a 2018 model year or newer, fire extinguishers must be unexpired “5-B” “10-B,” or “20-B”. For 2018-and-newer
recreational boats 26-65 feet, requirements vary.
If your boat is a 2017 model or older, you may carry older “B-I” or “B-II” disposable extinguishers until their 12-year expiration date. Then they must be replaced with newer class extinguishers. The 12-year expiration date puts Coast Guard regulations in line
with the National Fire Protection Association’s recommendations.
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