A new regulation governing fire extinguishers on recreational boats went into effect April 20, 2022. Every boater on Lake Sinissippi needs to be aware of the requirements.
What Changed
The new regulation (found in the Federal Register at CFR 33 Part 175 Subpart E) affects **all recreational boats under 65 feet LOA**. The key changes involve a new rating system for fire extinguishers.
The quantity requirements have not changed — but the **rating and classification system** has been updated.
The New Classification System
All portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers must now be marked with a **combined number-and-letter designation**:
- The **letter** indicates the class of fire the extinguisher handles
- The **number** indicates its extinguishing potential
All extinguishers must bear "Marine Type – USCG Approved" marking.
What You Need to Know
- ✅ Extinguishers rated **5-B:C / 10-B:C or greater** meet requirements for all vessels, regardless of vessel age.
- ⚠️ Extinguishers rated as Marine Type USCG Type B:C (size I or II) are **only acceptable on vessels built in model year 2017 or earlier.**
- 📅 Disposable extinguishers **cannot be older than 12 years** from the date stamp on the bottle. Expired units must be removed by December 31 of their 12th year.
- ♻️ Any approved extinguisher installed before **August 22, 2016** can remain as long as it is serviceable.
- 🔢 One 20-B extinguisher may replace two required 5-B extinguishers.
Inspection Required
All extinguishers onboard must be inspected **each boating season** to verify they are serviceable and within current classifications.
For full details, visit: [uscgboating.org](https://uscgboating.org)