46 CFR 142.215: Approved fire-fighting equipment requirements
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section requires that portable, semi-portable and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG). It also says where to find a list of approved equipment. It sets conditions for new and existing equipment that is not required or exceeds what this part requires.
Applies toFire-extinguishing and fire-detection equipment and installations covered by this part.
What it says
All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG).
46 CFR 142.215(a)“All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG).”
Where other equipment in this part is required to be approved, that equipment requires the specific approval of the Commandant.
46 CFR 142.215(a)“Where other equipment in this part is required to be approved, such equipment requires the specific approval of the Commandant.”
A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment, and each cognizant OCMI may be contacted for information about approved equipment and materials.
46 CFR 142.215(b)“Each cognizant OCMI may be contacted for information concerning approved equipment and materials.”
New installations of fire-extinguishing and fire-detection equipment of a type not required, or in excess of that required by this part, may be permitted if Coast Guard approved.
46 CFR 142.215(c)“New installations of fire-extinguishing and fire-detection equipment of a type not required, or in excess of that required by this part, may be permitted—”
Such new installations may also be permitted if the local OCMI or TPO, as applicable, accepts them.
46 CFR 142.215(c)(2)“If accepted by the local OCMI or TPO, as applicable; or”
Such new installations may also be permitted if the equipment and components are listed and labeled by an independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), as defined in 29 CFR 1910.7, and are designed, installed, tested, and maintained per an appropriate industry standard and the manufacturer's specific guidance.
46 CFR 142.215(c)(3)“If equipment and components are listed and labeled by an independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), as that term is defined in 29 CFR 1910.7”
Existing equipment and installations of a type not required, or in excess of that required, that do not meet the applicable requirements of this part may stay in service if they are in good condition and accepted by the local OCMI or TPO.
46 CFR 142.215(d)“may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition and accepted by the local OCMI or TPO.”
Common questions
Who must approve required fire extinguishers on a towing vessel?
The Commandant (CG-ENG) must approve all portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part.
“All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG).”
Where can I find a list of Coast Guard approved equipment?
A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment.
“A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment.”
Can existing fire equipment that exceeds requirements stay in service?
Yes, if it is in good condition and accepted by the local OCMI or TPO, even when it does not meet the applicable requirements of this part.
“may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition and accepted by the local OCMI or TPO.”
The text of 46 CFR 142.215
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of April 16, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Approved equipment
(a) All portable fire extinguishers, semi-portable fire-extinguishing systems, and fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by this part must be approved by the Commandant (CG-ENG). Where other equipment in this part is required to be approved, such equipment requires the specific approval of the Commandant.
(b) A listing of approved equipment and materials may be found online at https://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each cognizant OCMI may be contacted for information concerning approved equipment and materials.
(c) New installations of fire-extinguishing and fire-detection equipment of a type not required, or in excess of that required by this part, may be permitted—
(1) If Coast Guard approved;
(2) If accepted by the local OCMI or TPO, as applicable; or
(3) If equipment and components are listed and labeled by an independent Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), as that term is defined in 29 CFR 1910.7, and are designed, installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with an appropriate industry standard and the manufacturer's specific guidance.
(d) Existing equipment and installations, of a type not required, or in excess of that required by this part, not meeting the applicable requirements of this part may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition and accepted by the local OCMI or TPO.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of April 16, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.