(a) This subpart applies to recreational vessels that are propelled or controlled by propulsion machinery.

(b) Recreational vessels constructed prior to August 22, 2016, will be deemed built before model year 2017 and must meet the requirements of 33 CFR 175.380.

(c) Recreational vessels constructed prior to November 19, 1952, will be deemed built before model year 1953 and must meet the requirements of 33 CFR 175.390.

Where fire extinguishing equipment in this subpart is required to be of an approved type, such equipment must be approved as provided in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter Q. A listing of current and formerly approved equipment and materials may be found on the internet at: https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each OCMI may be contacted for information concerning approved equipment.

(a) All portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers must—

(1) Be on board and readily accessible;

(2) Be of an approved type;

(3) Not be expired or appear to have been previously used; and

(4) Be maintained in good and serviceable working condition, meaning:

(i) If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position;

(ii) The lock pin is firmly in place;

(iii) The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction; and

(iv) The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage.

(b) Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride, chlorobromomethane, or other toxic vaporizing liquids, are not acceptable as equipment required by this subpart.

(c) Portable or semi-portable extinguishers that are required by their name plates to be protected from freezing must not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.

(d) The use of dry chemical stored pressure fire extinguishers not fitted with pressure gauges or indicating devices, manufactured prior to January 1, 1965, is permitted on board recreational vessels if such extinguishers are maintained in good and serviceable condition. The following maintenance and inspections are required for such extinguishers:

(1) When the date on the inspection record tag on the extinguishers shows that 6 months have elapsed since the last weight check ashore, then such extinguishers are no longer accepted as meeting required maintenance conditions until they are reweighed ashore, found to be in a serviceable condition, and within required weight conditions.

(2) If the weight of the container is 1/4 ounce less than that stamped on the container, it must be serviced.

(3) If the outer seal or seals (which indicate tampering or use when broken) are not intact, the boarding officer or marine inspector will inspect such extinguishers to see that the frangible disc in the neck of the container is intact; and, if such disc is not intact, the container must be serviced.

(4) If there is evidence of damage, use, or leakage, such as dry chemical powder observed in the nozzle or elsewhere on the extinguisher, the extinguisher must be serviced or replaced.

(e) Dry chemical extinguishers, stored pressure extinguishers, and fire extinguishers without pressure gauges or indicating devices, manufactured after January 1, 1965, cannot be labeled with the marine type label described in 46 CFR 162.028-4. These extinguishers may be carried onboard recreational vessels as excess equipment, subject to paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section.

(f) Semi-portable extinguishers must be fitted with a suitable hose and nozzle, or other practicable means, so that all portions of the space concerned may be covered.

(a) A fixed fire extinguishing system must be of a type approved by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 162.

(b) A carbon dioxide system must be designed and installed in accordance with 46 CFR part 76, subpart 76.15.

(c) An automatic sprinkler system must be designed and installed in accordance with 46 CFR 25.30-15(c).

(a) Recreational vessels 65 feet or less in length. (1) A recreational vessel 65 feet or less in length must carry at least the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers set forth in table 1 to § 175.320(a)(1). A vessel less than 26 feet in length, propelled by an outboard motor, is not required to carry portable fire extinguishers if the construction of the vessel will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.

(2) Figure 1 to § 175.320(a)(2) illustrates the conditions, identified by table 2 to § 175.320(a)(2), under which fire extinguishers are required to be carried on board. Figure 2 to § 175.320(a)(2) illustrates conditions, identified by table 3 to § 175.320(a)(2), that do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried.

(b) Recreational vessels more than 65 feet in length. (1) A recreational vessel more than 65 feet in length must carry at least the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers specified for its tonnage as set forth in table 4 to § 175.320(b)(1).

(2) In addition to the portable fire extinguishers required by table 4 to § 175.320(b)(1), the following fire extinguishing equipment must be fitted in the machinery space:

(i) One 20-B fire extinguisher must be carried for each 1,000 brake horsepower of the main engines or fraction. However, not more than six such extinguishers are required to be carried.

(ii) On recreational vessels of more than 300 gross tons, either one 160-B semi-portable fire extinguishing system must be fitted, or alternatively, a fixed fire extinguishing system must be fitted in the machinery space.

(3) The frame or support of each 160-B semi-portable fire extinguisher required by paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.

(4) If an approved semi-portable fire extinguisher has wheels, it must be securely stowed when not in use to prevent it from rolling out of control under heavy sea conditions.

(c) Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations. Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations may be used to meet the requirements of table 1 to § 175.320(a)(1) and table 4 to § 175.320(b)(1).

Recreational vessels with a model year between 1953 and 2017 must meet the following requirements:

(a) Previously installed extinguishers with extinguishing capacities that are less than what is required in table 1 to § 175.320(a)(1) or Table 4 to § 175.320(b)(1) need not be replaced but must be maintained in good condition.

(b) All extinguishers installed after August 22, 2016, must meet the applicable requirements in §§ 175.305 through 175.320.

A recreational vessel built before model year 1953 must meet the applicable number and general type of equipment provisions of §§ 175.305 through 175.320. Existing items of equipment and installations previously approved but not meeting the applicable requirements for type approval may be continued in service provided they are in good condition. All new installations and replacements must meet the requirements of §§ 175.305 through 175.320.