Fire Extinguisher Inspection

[Kameroo]

Anybody know what the inspection requirements are for fixed and/or portable fire extinguishers on our boats?

I took my Sea-Fire fixed halon system in to get it tagged today, and was wondering if it was really worth the trouble. I do get an insurance credit for having the system.

 

[sprink56]

Anybody know what the inspection requirements are for fixed and/or portable fire extinguishers on our boats?

I took my Sea-Fire fixed halon system in to get it tagged today, and was wondering if it was really worth the trouble. I do get an insurance credit for having the system.

Yes it's worth it. USCG regulations refer to NFPA standards which require an annual inspection of all on board Fire Extinguishers and Fire Suppression Systems.

Why....? Especially on a boat...there is a lot of pounding and occilation which tends to settle the chemical agents in the cylinders and cause them to become compacted. An inspector looks for proper pressure, the presence of leaks or corrosion and in the case of a dry chemical compaction.They all get compacted. The cure for that is to periodicly remove the canister from the mounting bracket, invert it and shake. That simple action re-distributes the agent and insure that it will work when you need it to.

On the downside, if you are not current and have a fire, your insurance company may elect not to pay based on "Neglect of On Board Fire Fighting Equipment". Don't create a back door for them to not pay your claim.:thumbsup:

I'm a Fire Protection Contractor and deal with this often.

John F

 

[Two Peas]

So, two dumb questions:

1. Where do you take it to get inspected?

2. Can the halon type cannister be recharged? Mine shows it is below charge now...

 

[Nacho Boat]

Anybody know what the inspection requirements are for fixed and/or portable fire extinguishers on our boats?

I took my Sea-Fire fixed halon system in to get it tagged today, and was wondering if it was really worth the trouble. I do get an insurance credit for having the system.

I am Vessel Safety Examiner for the Power Squadron.

First, congrats on getting your fixed system inspected. I have seen the the fixed systems on many boats, and have never seen one that is "current" - to be current and to count towards the Federal Requirement, the system must be weighed and inspected by a certified fire protection firm every six months. (some system are annual, but most are six months).

The Federal Requirements for vessels between 26' and 40' is two B-1 extinguishers or one B-2, OR with a "current" fixed system, one B-1 extinguisher.

I would say if you met the "minimum" Federal Standards, you would be woefully under prepared to deal with any type of fire.

On my 30' Sea Ray - I have the fixed system - plus four B-1 extinguishers (one in the transom, one by the cockpit, one by the galley and another in the cabin).

Fire Extinguishers do not cost much, and do not take up much room. When you go to fire off these B-1 extinguishers, you have about 10 seconds of spray. Not much when you need it...

Bottom line is this - when you need an extinguisher, they will be worth their weight in gold. But today, they are only $10 each at Wal-Mart. Go ahead and get a couple more!

 

[David Morgan]

Every six months is overkill. I run an oceanic research vessel for a living. A once a month visual inspection by the operator is recommended. A once per year weighing and inspection by a professional is sufficient.

 

[gerryb]

Also, keep one handy near your dockbox on the dock near your boat - if something happens on someone else's boat you may not have time to get the one on your boat.. Note where the marina keeps their exterior dockside extinguishers...All marinas must have them...And MAKE SURE everyone near your boat on the dock KNOW EXACTLY where they are.

We do the same drill at home.. In the middle of something else I'll fire off the question to my kids and ask them to quickly name the location of the nearest extinguisher at that moment!

 

[Kameroo]

Every summer the Power Squadron sets up a date at the marina where somebody pays the $40 truck fee and the local fire extinguishing service co. comes to the marina to conduct inspections.

In my case, I make the inspection part of my pre-spring prep while the boat is still under cover and take it to them for $4. I do have 3 other handheld extinguishers on board. When they start to get low on the green arc in the cold, I bring them home for the garage and kitchen. One of those saved us from burning the house down over the winter.

 

[Kameroo]

To answer the other question, not sure if they can all be recharged. Mine, for example, has a warning on the label that says it would be illegal to transport if recharged. I would check with your manufacturer.

 

[Two Peas]

Thanks Kameroo.

 

[billandamy]

We have 2 on our 21', but Ill tell you one thing...being on a smaller lake with shore within swim distance on either side, if that boat start going up in flames, it isnt going to see me risking anything to put a fire out. Everyone in the water!

Ive seen how fast these things go up. Not worth risking anything to save it in my instance.

I can see how out far from land you would try to save it, but even then, I think I would get life jackets, the dink pushed off, and paddle away.

 

[Nacho Boat]

Every six months is overkill. I run an oceanic research vessel for a living. A once a month visual inspection by the operator is recommended. A once per year weighing and inspection by a professional is sufficient.

David,

I would agree with your recommendation. However, the required frequency is printed on the tag that comes with the system (the tag that gets the inspector initials and date). Most of the systems I have inspected require a six month servicing. To comply, you must meet the requirements on the tag.

For the record - I do not perform this service on my boat. I do NOT count that system as part of the fire extinguishers required to meet the Federal requirement. I do give the system a visual inspection at least once a month.