Boat owners should take note of a new U.S. Coast Guard fire protection regulation that took effect April 20.

Recreational boats with a disposable (non-rechargeable) fire extinguisher with a manufacture stamped date on the bottle that is older than 12 years are considered expired and must be removed from service. Fire extinguishers with a label stamped “Marine Type – USCG Approved” are considered up-to-date, and extinguishers without a date or marine label are most likely older than 2007 and must be replaced.

The following recreational boats are required to carry marine fire extinguishers:

-Boats with permanently installed fuel tanks.

-Spaces that are capable of trapping fumes, such as:

-closed compartments, such as under seats,

-double bottoms not sealed to the hull or not completely filled with flotation material,

-closed living space,

-closed stowage compartment where combustible or flammable materials are stowed.