Flares, fire extingushers,etc......

[Dink]

Last year in V-bay, I got pulled over and checked by LDWF. I passed across the board with the exception of I didn't have 2011 flares.......


So, I went through my safety checklist the other day to get ready for an upcoming trip. My extinguisher has lost its "juice". never seen that happen before?? but besides that, all my other stuff was in order.

I had flares from every year except last year, and didnt think they expired. I had a total of 18 on the boat, so i decided to try them out.

starting with the oldest first, I got it ready, closed my eyes, and pulled the chain.........Nothin

Out of the 18 flares I had on board, NOT A SINGLE ONE WORKED!!!!!

All of htem were the hand held Orion flares. So, just a heads up. Buy some good flares Folks, it may save you one day.....

I went to west marine to have a look at what they had....They range from 60 to 200 bucks!! All different name brands and models....I think im going to try the 12ga pistol style this time around, and you can bet I'm going to try them out before I hit the water!!!!

[cmcnabb]

I have to buy a new fire extinguisher every year or so. I get the ones from academy and they leak out over time

[Ray]

I got checked by the USCG couple weeks ago. Passed everything, but they said I didn't need flares unless going offshore.
I had them, but they said I didn't need them.
They pulled out a lil book and went down a list, according to boat length.

[1fastmerc]

Don't forget throws that they require you to have now.


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[Dink]

Ray, my guy said i had to have flares with this years date on them??? I was in the bay not offshore

[Ray]

Correct. Out of date flares usually don't work. Unless you have the pistol type.

[swamp snorkler]

the pistol type work well against pirates, poets and potclickers

[Marshrat]

Originally Posted by Ray

I got checked by the USCG couple weeks ago. Passed everything, but they said I didn't need flares unless going offshore.
I had them, but they said I didn't need them.
They pulled out a lil book and went down a list, according to boat length.

Same thing I have always been told. I have never been asked for flares by LDWF when being checked, mainly asked for PFD's, throw cushion, fire ext. and licenses.


Warren

[eman]

Down in GI you are just as likely to be checked by the coasties as ldwf and the coasties want to see it all. including flares

[TheLongRun]

Not safety related, but if you are rig fishing don't forget the de-venting tool.

I have to replace extinguisher every year too. I just have the lil cheap ones

[Ray]

The fire ext. I use is dated. And has a gauge on it.
If both are good, no use in changing it out yearly.

[TheLongRun]

Mine has a gauge as well. I keep it mounted on the side of console. After about a year the condensation build up can get pretty significant. It's cheap. I'd rather spend the 30 bucks, or what ever they cost, at the start of the season and know without a doubt that it's "good" than be on the water and ever have to find out it's not. I'm a bit neurotic though.

[Dink]

I had gotten a gun and flare kit at West Marine the other day. Just returned it. Wal mart had the same kit for half the price.........IDK why i keep shopping there!! Youd think id learn......

[Ray]

There are different types and sizes of extinguishers, depending on the size of the boat.
There is a letter designation on the side of the extinguisher that tells you what size boat it goes on.

• Up to 26': One B-I size extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are not required on outboard-powered pleasure boats less than 26' in length, not carrying passengers for hire, without permanently-installed fuel tanks, that do not have spaces where explosive or flammable gasses or vapors can collect.
• From 26' to 40': Two B-I extinguishers (or one B-II extinguisher)
• From 40' to 65': three B-I extinguishers (or one B-I and one B-II)

These are the minimums to pass the Coast Guard inspection if you get boarded.

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by Ray

There are different types and sizes of extinguishers, depending on the size of the boat.
There is a letter designation on the side of the extinguisher that tells you what size boat it goes on.

• Up to 26': One B-I size extinguisher. Fire extinguishers are not required on outboard-powered pleasure boats less than 26' in length, not carrying passengers for hire, without permanently-installed fuel tanks, that do not have spaces where explosive or flammable gasses or vapors can collect.
• From 26' to 40': Two B-I extinguishers (or one B-II extinguisher)
• From 40' to 65': three B-I extinguishers (or one B-I and one B-II)

These are the minimums to pass the Coast Guard inspection if you get boarded.

Ray..... I don't think this correct. I will have to do some checking. I think a fire extinguisher is required on any size boat if there is a space where fumes could be contained. The type of gas tank does not matter. I know that I have been ask to see my fire extinguisher by Game Wardens and Coast Guard in my 15' boat.

[jchief]

Gearld, I beleive Ray is correct.

[Gerald]

Originally Posted by jchief

Gearld, I beleive Ray is correct.

Hummmmmm. I will have to do some checking.....but not now.

[Gerald]

OK..... I just re-read Ray's post. I think we are saying the same thing, it just says it a little different.

This is from the LDWF web site:

http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating...nt-regulations

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS


All mechanically propelled vessels less than 26 feet must carry one B-1 U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguisher if any one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard engines.
• Closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.
• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation materials.
• Closed living spaces.
• Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.
• Permanently installed fuel tanks. Fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of fire or other emergency are considered permanently installed. There are no gallon capacity limits to determine if the tank is portable. If the weight of a fuel tank is such that persons on board cannot move it, the Coast Guard considers it permanently installed.

Mechanically propelled vessels 26 feet to less than 40 feet must carry two B-1 U.S. Coast Guard approved fire extinguishers. Vessels over 65 feet must comply with Federal Standards.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS (VDS):

[weedeater]

I know on small Jon boats if you have a floor installed, even plywood, you have to have fire extinguish

[TheLongRun]

If you are running with more gas onboard than you would put in a weed eater... You need a fire extinguisher. LDWF or USCG regs notwithstanding, common sense should prevail. Fire on a boat, any boat, is pretty much worse case scenario.