Fire Extinguishers & Your Boat

Fire extinguishers are an important part of ensuring your time on the water is both fun and safe. Do you know Utah’s fire extinguisher laws?

All motorboats, unless exempt, MUST carry a readily accessible and approved fire extinguisher on board. Fire extinguishers must be serviceable and  U.S. Coast Guard or Underwriters Laboratory (UL) marine approved.

There are two types of fire extinguishers:

1. Rechargeable fire extinguishers have metal tops and need to be serviced every five years according to the date on the label. If it is discharged, it needs to be recharged or replaced.
2. Disposable fire extinguishers have plastic tops and expire 12 years from the date it was made (see label or bottom). If it is discharged, it needs to be replaced.

Depending on the size of your boat, you may need to carry more than one extinguisher.

Check out the video below for more information.

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Open construction outboard motors (less than 26 feet with portable fuel tanks) are not required to carry fire extinguishers on board. However, they are strongly recommended. 

An outboard motorboat is NOT considered “of open construction” if any one of the following conditions exist:

• Closed compartment under thwarts (motor well) and seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.
• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, storage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored or permanently installed fuel tanks.

How to Put Out A Fire

Fire extinguishers should be serviceable and readily accessible! You can lessen the severity of the fire by responding quickly and effectively in cases of emergency.

To operate an extinguisher, remember the PASS-word:

P- Pull the Pin.The pin protects from accidental discharge.

A- Aim directly at the base of the fire, where the fuel source is.

S- Squeeze the lever above the handle. (Some extinguishers have a button instead)

S- Sweep from side to side until all flames are extinguished.

Watch for reigniting and repeat if necessary.

How to Maintain Your Fire Extinguisher