Fire extinguisher requirements for uninspected commercial vessels (46 CFR 25.30)
By Captain Karynn Marchal, Master Unlimited. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
46 CFR 25.30 is the fire-extinguisher subpart for uninspected vessels. Vessels contracted for on or after August 22, 2016, except recreational vessels, follow 46 CFR 25.30-20, which sets the minimum number of portable extinguishers by boat length or gross tonnage. Recreational vessels are covered by 33 CFR part 175, subpart E, instead. Vessels contracted for before August 22, 2016, and after November 19, 1952, follow 46 CFR 25.30-80. Vessels contracted for before November 19, 1952, follow 46 CFR 25.30-90.
Which vessels this covers
46 CFR 25.30-1 splits vessels by the date they were contracted for, and it excludes recreational vessels as defined in 33 CFR 175.3:
- Contracted for on or after August 22, 2016: this subpart, including the equipment table in 46 CFR 25.30-20.
- Contracted for before August 22, 2016, and after November 19, 1952: 46 CFR 25.30-80.
- Contracted for before November 19, 1952: 46 CFR 25.30-90.
How many extinguishers, for a vessel contracted for on or after August 22, 2016
46 CFR 25.30-20 gives the minimums. Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations may be used if they meet the requirements of the table.
Motorboats
All motorboats must carry at least the number of 5-B portable fire extinguishers in table 25.30-20(a)(1), with one exception: a motorboat less than 26 feet in length, propelled by an outboard motor and not carrying passengers for hire, need not carry portable fire extinguishers if the construction of the boat will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.
| Length, feet | No fixed fire extinguishing system in the machinery space | Fixed fire extinguishing system in the machinery space |
|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 1 | 0 |
| 16 and over, but under 26 | 1 | 0 |
| 26 and over, but under 40 | 2 | 1 |
| 40 and over, but not over 65 | 3 | 2 |
The table counts 5-B portable fire extinguishers. One 20-B portable fire extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B portable fire extinguishers.
The section's figures describe when a motorboat's construction permits gases or vapors to be entrapped (closed compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored, double bottoms not sealed to the hull or not completely filled with flotation material, closed living spaces, closed stowage of combustible or flammable materials, and permanently installed fuel tanks) and conditions that do not, by themselves, require extinguishers (bait wells, glove compartments, buoyant flotation material, open slatted flooring, and ice chests).
Motor vessels
Table 25.30-20(b)(1) sets the minimum number of 20-B portable fire extinguishers by gross tonnage:
| Gross tonnage over | Gross tonnage not over | Minimum number of 20-B portable fire extinguishers |
|---|---|---|
| — | 50 | 1 |
| 50 | 100 | 2 |
| 100 | 500 | 3 |
| 500 | 1,000 | 6 |
| 1,000 | — | 8 |
In addition, the machinery space must have one Type 20-B portable fire extinguisher for each 1,000 B.H.P. of the main engines or fraction thereof, and not more than 6 such extinguishers need be carried (46 CFR 25.30-20(c)(2)(i)). On motor vessels of over 300 gross tons, either one 160-B semi-portable fire extinguishing system must be fitted, or a fixed fire extinguishing system must be fitted in the machinery space (46 CFR 25.30-20(c)(2)(ii)).
Uninspected passenger vessels of at least 100 gross tons
46 CFR 25.30-20(b): these vessels must carry onboard portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers per table 76.50-10(a) in 46 CFR 76.50-10. This guide does not restate that table.
Barges carrying passengers
A barge of 65 feet in length or less, while carrying passengers and being towed or pushed by a motorboat, motor vessel, or steam vessel, is fitted with portable fire extinguishers as required by table 25.30-20(a)(1), depending on the barge's length. A barge over 65 feet in that service uses table 25.30-20(b)(1), depending on gross tonnage (46 CFR 25.30-20(d)).
Inspection and maintenance
46 CFR 25.30-10 requires portable and semi-portable extinguishers to be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10, which is incorporated by reference at 46 CFR 25.01-3. Points the section states directly:
- Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.
- Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency is accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting NFPA 10's personnel certification requirements for annual maintenance and recharging.
- For non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person. The owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated crew member may do it.
- The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. A tag from a qualified servicing organization, attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as that evidence.
- Vaporizing-liquid extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride, chlorobromomethane, or other toxic vaporizing liquids are not acceptable as equipment required by this subchapter.
Common questions
Are recreational boats under 46 CFR 25.30?
No. 46 CFR 25.30-1 says recreational vessels as defined in 33 CFR 175.3 are governed by the fire safety equipment requirements at 33 CFR part 175, subpart E. 33 CFR 175.320 is the recreational extinguisher requirement.
My boat was built before August 22, 2016. Which section applies?
46 CFR 25.30-1(b): a vessel contracted for before August 22, 2016, and after November 19, 1952, must meet 46 CFR 25.30-80. A vessel contracted for before November 19, 1952, must meet 46 CFR 25.30-90 (46 CFR 25.30-1(c)). The tables in this guide are the 46 CFR 25.30-20 tables, for vessels contracted for on or after August 22, 2016.
Does an outboard skiff under 26 feet always need an extinguisher?
Not always. 46 CFR 25.30-20(a)(1) says a motorboat less than 26 feet in length, propelled by an outboard motor and not carrying passengers for hire, need not carry portable fire extinguishers if the construction will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors. The section's figure lists conditions that do require them, including permanently installed fuel tanks and closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored.
Can the crew do the monthly extinguisher check?
46 CFR 25.30-10(c): monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew. Annual maintenance and recharging of rechargeable extinguishers is a separate requirement in that section, and a state or local fire-extinguisher servicing license is accepted as the personnel certification NFPA 10 calls for.
Where is the minimum count for a 40-foot motorboat?
Table 25.30-20(a)(1), row "40 and over, but not over 65": 3 of the 5-B portable extinguishers if there is no fixed system in the machinery space, and 2 if there is one. One 20-B extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B extinguishers.
Disclaimer
This guide is a navigation aid, not legal advice or a Coast Guard determination. It summarizes the sections it cites and does not replace them. NFPA 10 is incorporated by reference; this guide does not restate that standard. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard. The regulation text governs.