What: Annual Fire Extinguisher Inspection Service
Where: At the Clubhouse
When: Friday, May 19th, 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $10 for members
Tarboo Fire Protection and Extinguisher Service will be at the Clubhouse on Friday, May 19th at 10:00 a.m. to perform an annual inspection on our two Clubhouse fire-extinguishers. As a service to PTSA members, Tarboo will also inspect and tag your fire extinguisher for a flat rate of $10.00 if you bring it by at that time. Normal “service call fee” of $29.95 is waived. If your unit requires internal inspection there is flat fee of $21.00.
Come on by and have your fire extinguisher inspected. Donuts and coffee will be served!
Tarboo has also indicated that they will visit your non-portable engine room installation for boats in Boat Haven as part of this event.
Some Fire Basics
When we are out on the water on boats we can’t call the fire department to help with a fire. More crucially, we can’t run away. So being prepared to put out a fire is important. Having the Coast Guard required number of fire extinguishers, in good working order, is a prudent precautionary measure.
The Code of Federal Regulations, Chapter 46 relates to shipping. Subchapter C of those regulations (uninspected vessels) applies to recreational motor boats and sailboats manufactured subsequent to 2016. See CFR 46(A)(2.01(7) (column 5), except that for recreational vehicles we are directed to CFR 33 CFR part 175. CFR 33, 175.301 states that these regulations apply to all “recreational vessels that are propelled or controlled by propulsion machinery” including sailboats.
CFR 33, part 175 requires recreational vehicles to carry fire extinguishers. 33 CFR 175.320 states the number of extinguishers that must be carried. Generally one (1) for boats under 25 feet, and two (2) for boats over 26 feet up to 40 feet, and three (3) for boats 40-65 feet.
The Clubouse is a public gathering place, Class B facility, and is regulated by the International Fire Code and the standards set forth in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), chapter 10. See WAC 51-54A which makes the NFPA applicable in Washington. The NFPA requires that we have a portable fire extinguisher and that it must be maintained annually by a certified technician. Tarboo are certified technicians.
The Coast Guard regulations don’t require that your on board portable extinguishers be inspected by a certified technician. But with fire being a catastrophic event on a boat if you aren’t ready to fight it promptly, having a professional lay eyes on your portable extinguisher annually is a prudent thing to do. So gather your portable fire extinguishers and we’ll see you at the Clubhouse on Friday, May 19 @10:00 a.m.