The U.S. Coast Guard announced amended rules for fire extinguishers aboard recreational boats back in October 2021. These changes may come as a surprise to many boaters when they go into effect on April 20, 2022.
The new rules will not change how many fire extinguishers are required aboard pleasure craft. Instead, the rules are more likely to require removal of certain extinguishers from service. The new rules require:
For boats manufactured in model year 2018 and after, the fire extinguisher must be replaced if it is over 12-years old from the date of manufacturing.
Boats of model year 2017 and older should replace older, undated, fire extinguishers but can continue to carry these undated extinguishers if they are maintained in good and serviceable condition.
Recreational boating fires remain a significant cause of vessel damage and personal injury across the country. The Coast Guard reported over $12 million dollars in damages resulting from fires aboard pleasure boats in 2020 alone. While the Coast Guard’s new rules are intended to reduce fire casualties, the rules will also be relevant to the next generation of fire investigations—especially if non-compliant extinguishers are associated with future fire damage.
For more information: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/10/22/2021-22578/fire-protection-for-recreational-vessels?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_source=federalregister.gov
Pleasure boating and fire-related accidents continue to destroy life, limb, and property year after year. If you or a loved one was injured or tragically killed in a recreational boating fire, contact a maritime attorney at Mariner Law, PLLC. The admiralty law firm represents boating injury victims in Washington, Oregon, New York, Connecticut, Alaska, and nationwide. Call today for a free consultation: (253) 600-2531. You may be entitled to benefits or compensation.