Coast Guard Approved fire extinguishers are required on certain boats. Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The letter indicates the type fire the unit is designed to extinguish (Type B for example are designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease fires). The number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher (minimum extinguishing agent weight).

Coast Guard approved extinguishers are handportable, either B-I or B-II classification and have a specific marine type mounting bracket. It is recommended the extinguishers be mounted in a readily accessible position.

Motorboats are required to carry Fire Extinguishers if any one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard engines.
• Closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.
• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation materials.
• Closed living spaces.
• Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.
• Permanently installed fuel tanks. Fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of fire or other emergency are considered permanently installed. There are no gallon capacity limits to determine if a fuel tank is portable. If the weight of a fuel tank is such that persons on board cannot move it, the Coast Guard considers it permanently installed.

Inspect extinguishers monthly to make sure that:

• Seals & tamper indicators are not broken or missing.
• Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range.
• 
  (Note: CO₂ extinguishers do not have gauges.)
• There is no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.

Coast Guard approved extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label:

"Marine Type USCG Approved,
Size.... Type:::::, 162.028/.../", etc.

Fire Extinguishers 

Weigh extinguishers annually to assure that the minimum weight is as stated on the extinguisher label.  

For the CME, Halon units to be counted toward the minimum requirements must be inspected and tagged by a recognized authority within 6 months of the examination. The pressure gauge is not an accurate indicator that Halon extinguishers are full. The units should be checked regularly.

All portable extinguishers must be mounted in a readily accessible position. The Auxiliary requires at least 1 B-1 handheld fire extinguisher on all motorboats and sailboats (without motors) 16 feet or