Fire extinguishers on boats

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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]As to fire extinguishers on boats, the boat inspectors are using Utah Code R651-271-6 & -7 to judge your compliance with the law. I’ve copied both of those rules here for your benefit.[/#800000][/font]
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[url "http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r651/r651-217.htm#E6"]R651-217-6. Certifying, Recharging, or Servicing a Fire Extinguisher.[/url][font "Times New Roman"] [/font]
Each fire extinguisher, except a disposable fire extinguisher, must show evidence of being certified, recharged, or serviced once every five years, or a current standard as described in the National Fire Protection Agency - Publication 10, by a qualified fire fighting equipment repair service.
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[url "http://www.rules.utah.gov/publicat/code/r651/r651-217.htm#E7"]R651-217-7. Disposable Fire Extinguishers.[/url]
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(1) If a fire extinguisher is unable to be certified, recharged or serviced by a qualified fire fighting equipment repair service, it is considered disposable.
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(2) The serviceability of a disposable fire extinguisher expires upon being discharged, loss of pressure or charge, or 12 years from the date of manufacture printed on the label or imprinted on the bottom of the fire extinguisher.

[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]My boat came with a disposable type that was manufactured in 2004. Thus, it will be good through the end of 2016. Because of its construction (plastic stem and spray device) it is not serviceable/rechargeable and is therefore disposable. I would guess that most boats have disposable type units. My unit only has the year it was made and not the month and day. Yours may have all three. If your disposable unit was made prior to 2004, then your unit is expired IAW Utah Code.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]The manufacturer of my unit did tell me that it never expires as long as the unit is charged. And while this is legal, Utah has decided they want a tighter restriction and set it at 12 years.[/#800000][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]So now you know what the actual requirements are for your boat fire extinguisher. Actually, this code applies to all extinguishers regardless of where they are required - boat, shop, business, etc.[/#800000][/font]
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