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
A serviceable fire extinguisher must meet the following:
- 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, it must not be more than 12 years old.