1625-0056 Stat/Authority

46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR Part 25 (Dec. 10, 2025)

This content is from the eCFR and is authoritative but unofficial.

Title 46 —Shipping
Chapter I —Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
Subchapter C —Uninspected Vessels
Part 25
Requirements
Subpart 25.01 Application
§ 25.01-1 Applicable to all vessels.
§ 25.01-3 Incorporation by reference.
§ 25.01-5 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.
Subpart 25.10 Navigation Lights
§ 25.10-1 Applicability.
§ 25.10-2 Definitions.
§ 25.10-3 Navigation light certification requirements.
Subpart 25.25 Life Preservers and Other Lifesaving Equipment
§ 25.25-1 Application.
§ 25.25-3 Definitions.
§ 25.25-5 Life preservers and other lifesaving equipment required.
§ 25.25-7 Marking.
§ 25.25-9 Storage.
§ 25.25-11 Condition.
§ 25.25-13 Personal flotation device lights.
§ 25.25-15 Retroreflective material for personal flotation devices.
§ 25.25-17 Survival craft requirements for uninspected passenger vessels of at least 100 gross
tons.
§ 25.25-19 Visual distress signals.
Subpart 25.26 Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
§ 25.26-1 Definitions.
§ 25.26-5 Commercial fishing industry vessels.
§ 25.26-10 EPIRB requirements for uninspected passenger vessels.
§ 25.26-20 Other manned uninspected commercial vessels.
§ 25.26-50 Servicing of EPIRBs.
§ 25.26-60 Exemptions.
Subpart 25.30 Fire Extinguishing Equipment
§ 25.30-1 Applicability.
§ 25.30-5 General provisions.
§ 25.30-10 Portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems.
§ 25.30-15 Fixed fire extinguishing systems.
46 CFR Part 25 (Dec. 10, 2025) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR Part 25 (Dec. 10, 2025)

§ 25.30-20 Fire extinguishing equipment required.
§ 25.30-80 Location and number of fire extinguishers required for vessels constructed prior to
August 22, 2016.
§ 25.30-90 Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952.
Subpart 25.35 Backfire Flame Control
§ 25.35-1 Requirements.
Subpart 25.40 Ventilation
§ 25.40-1 Tanks and engine spaces.
Subpart 25.45 Cooking, Heating, and Lighting Systems
§ 25.45-1 Heating and lighting systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.
§ 25.45-2 Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.
Subpart 25.50 Garbage Retention
§ 25.50-1 Criteria.

PART 25—REQUIREMENTS
Authority: 33 U.S.C. 1903(b); 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306, 4102, 4302; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.
Source: CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16653, Dec. 30, 1965, unless otherwise noted.

Subpart 25.01—Application
§ 25.01-1 Applicable to all vessels.
The provisions of this part shall apply to all vessels except as specifically noted.

Note to § 25.01-1: 33 CFR parts 175, 177, 179, 181 and 183 contain additional regulations
applicable to Uninspected Passenger Vessels.
[USCG-2012-0832, 77 FR 59775, Oct. 1, 2012]

§ 25.01-3 Incorporation by reference.
(a) Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subchapter with the approval of the Director of the
Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved material is available
for inspection at the U.S. Coast Guard, Office of Design and Engineering Standards (CG-ENG-4), 2703
Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE., Stop 7509, Washington, DC 20593-7509, and is available from the
sources listed below. It is also available for inspection at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030 or
go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(b) American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), 613 Third Street, Suite 10, Annapolis, MD 21403, 410-990-4460,
http://www.abycinc.org.
46 CFR 25.01-3(b) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.01-3(b)(1)

(1) Standard A-1-78, Marine LPG-Liquefied Petroleum Gas Systems, December 15, 1978, IBR approved
for § 25.45-2(b).
(2) Standard A-22-78, Marine CNG-Compressed Natural Gas Systems, December 15, 1978, IBR approved
for § 25.45-2(b).
(3) Standard A-16-97, Electric Navigation Lights, July 1997, IBR approved for § 25.10-3(a).
(c) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169, 617-770-3000,
http://www.nfpa.org.
(1) NFPA 10, Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2010 Edition, effective December 5, 2009, IBR
approved for § 25.30-10(a) through (d).
(2) NFPA 13, Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems, 2010 Edition, effective August 26, 2009,
IBR approved for § 25.30-15(c).
(3) NFPA 302, Fire Protection Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft, 1989, IBR approved
for § 25.45-2(b).
(d) Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, PA 15096, 724-776-4841,
http://www.sae.org.
(1) SAE J-1928, Devices Providing Backfire Flame Control for Gasoline Engines in Marine Applications,
June 1, 1989, IBR approved for § 25.35-1.
(2) [Reserved]
(e) UL (formerly Underwriters Laboratories), 12 Laboratory Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709,
919-549-1400, http://www.ul.com.
(1) UL 1111, Marine Carburetor Flame Arrestors, June 1988, IBR approved for § 25.35-1.
(2) [Reserved]
[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48245, July 22, 2016]

§ 25.01-5 OMB control numbers assigned pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act.
(a) Purpose. This section collects and displays the control numbers assigned to information collection and
recordkeeping requirements in this subchapter by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) pursuant
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). The Coast Guard intends that this
section comply with the requirements of 44 U.S.C. 3507(f), which requires that agencies display a current
control number assigned by the Director of the OMB for each approved agency information collection
requirement.

46 CFR 25.01-5(a) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.01-5(b)

(b) Display.

46 CFR part or section where identified or described

Current OMB control No.

§ 25.45-2

1625-0099

[CGD 83-013, 54 FR 6401, Feb. 10, 1989 and CGD 83-013, 55 FR 3959, Feb. 6, 1990; USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58344, Sept. 30,
2004]

Subpart 25.10—Navigation Lights
Source: USCG-1999-6580, 66 FR 55091, Nov. 1, 2001, unless otherwise noted.

§ 25.10-1 Applicability.
This subpart applies to vessel manufacturers, distributors, and dealers installing navigation lights on all
uninspected commercial vessels, except those completed before November 7, 2002.

§ 25.10-2 Definitions.
As used in this subpart:
Dealer means any person who is engaged in the sale and distribution of vessels to purchasers who the seller in
good faith believes to be purchasing any such vessel for purposes other than resale.
Distributor means any person engaged in the sale and distribution of vessels for the purpose of resale.
Manufacturer means any person engaged in:
(1) The manufacture, construction, or assembly of vessels, or
(2) The importation of vessels into the United States for subsequent sale.
Navigation lights are those lights prescribed by the Navigation Rules (Commandant Instruction 16672.2 series)
to indicate a vessel's presence, type, operation, and relative heading.

§ 25.10-3 Navigation light certification requirements.
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, each navigation light must—
(1) Meet the technical standards of the applicable Navigation Rules;
(2) Be certified by a laboratory listed by the Coast Guard to the standards of ABYC A-16 (incorporated by
reference, see § 25.01-3), or equivalent, although portable battery-powered lights need only meet the
requirements of the standard applicable to them; and
(3) Bear a permanent and indelible label stating the following:
(i)

“USCG Approval 33 CFR 183.810”

46 CFR 25.10-3(a)(3)(i) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.10-3(a)(3)(ii)

(ii) “MEETS __.” (Insert the identification name or number of the standard under paragraph (a)(2) of
this section, to which the light was type-tested.)
(iii) “TESTED BY __.” (Insert the name or registered certification-mark of the laboratory listed by the
Coast Guard that tested the fixture to the standard under paragraph (a)(2) of this section.)
(iv) Name of Manufacturer.
(v) Number of Model.
(vi) Visibility of the light in nautical miles (nm).
(vii) Date on which the light was type-tested.
(viii) Identification of bulb used in the compliance test.
(b) If a light is too small to attach the required label—
(1) Place the information from the label in or on the package that contains the light; and
(2) Mark each light “USCG” followed by the certified range of visibility in nautical miles, for example,
“USCG 2nm.” Once installed, this mark must be visible without removing the light.

Subpart 25.25—Life Preservers and Other Lifesaving Equipment
Source: CGD 72-172R, 38 FR 8117, Mar. 28, 1973, unless otherwise noted.

§ 25.25-1 Application.
This subpart applies to each vessel to which this part applies, except:
(a) Vessels used for noncommercial use; and
(b) Vessels leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use.
[CGD 72-172R, 38 FR 8117, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by USCG-2012-0919, 79 FR 53630, Sept. 10, 2014]

§ 25.25-3 Definitions.
As used in this subpart:
(a) Approval series means the first six digits of a number assigned by the Coast Guard to approved
equipment. Where approval is based on a subpart of subchapter Q of this chapter, the approval series
corresponds to the number of the subpart. A listing of current and formerly approved equipment and
materials may be found on the Internet at: http://cgmix.uscg.mil/equipment. Each OCMI may be contacted
for information concerning approved equipment.
(b) Approved means approved under subchapter Q of this chapter.
(c) Use means operate, navigate, or employ.
[USCG-2012-0919, 79 FR 53630, Sept. 10, 2014]

46 CFR 25.25-3(c) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.25-5

§ 25.25-5 Life preservers and other lifesaving equipment required.
(a) No person may operate a vessel to which this subpart applies unless it meets the requirements of this
subpart.
(b)
(1) Each vessel not carrying passengers for hire and less than 40 feet in length must have on board at
least one wearable personal flotation device (PFD) approved under subchapter Q of this chapter, and
of a suitable size for each person on board.
(2) Each vessel carrying passengers for hire, and each vessel not carrying passengers for hire and 40
feet in length or longer, must have at least one PFD approved under approval series 160.055,
160.155, 160.176, or 160.255, and of a suitable size for each person on board.
(3) In addition to the equipment required by paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this section, each vessel 26
feet in length or longer, except for a barge to which this subpart applies, must have at least one
approved lifebuoy, and each uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 gross tons must have at
least three approved lifebuoys. Lifebuoys must be approved under approval series 160.050 or
160.150, except that a lifebuoy approved under former 46 CFR 160.009 prior to May 9, 1979 (see 46
CFR chapter I, revised as of October 1, 1979), may be used as long as it is in good and serviceable
condition.
(c)
(1) Each vessel not carrying passengers for hire may substitute an immersion suit approved under 46
CFR 160.171 for a wearable PFD required under paragraphs (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section.
(2) On each vessel, regardless of length and regardless of whether carrying passengers for hire, a
commercial hybrid PFD approved under former approval series 160.077 prior to January 6, 2025,
may be substituted for a PFD approved under approval series 160.055, 160.155, 160.176, or 160.255
if it is in good and serviceable condition and—
(i)

Used in accordance with the conditions marked on the PFD and in the owner's manual; and

(ii) Labeled for use on commercial vessels.
[USCG-2012-0919, 79 FR 53630, Sept. 10, 2014, as amended by USCG-2022-0120, 89 FR 97387, Dec. 6, 2024]

§ 25.25-7 Marking.
The lifesaving equipment required by this subpart must be legibly marked as specified in subchapter Q of this
chapter.

§ 25.25-9 Storage.
(a) The lifesaving equipment designed to be worn required in § 25.25-5(b) and (c) must be readily accessible.
(b) Lifesaving equipment designed to be thrown required in § 25.25-5(b) must be immediately available.
(c) For a barge to which this subpart applies, the wearable lifesaving equipment specified in § 25.25-5 need
not be stored on board the barge if the barge's operator stores it elsewhere, and ensures that each
individual dons the equipment or a work vest approved under 46 CFR 160.053 before boarding the barge
and keeps it on for as long as the individual remains on board and at risk of falling overboard.
46 CFR 25.25-9(c) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.25-11

[CGD 72-172R, 38 FR 8117, Mar. 28, 1973, as amended by CGD 82-075a, 49 FR 4483, Feb. 7, 1984; USCG-2012-0919, 79 FR 53631,
Sept. 10, 2014]

§ 25.25-11 Condition.
The lifesaving equipment required by this subpart must be in serviceable condition.

§ 25.25-13 Personal flotation device lights.
(a) This section applies to vessels described in § 25.25-1 that engage in ocean, coastwise, or Great Lakes
voyages.
(b) Each immersion suit carried in accordance with § 25.25-5(e), each life preserver, each marine buoyant
device intended to be worn, and each buoyant vest must have a personal flotation device light that is
approved under subpart 161.012 of this chapter.
(c) Each personal flotation device light required by this section must be securely attached to the front
shoulder area of the immersion suit, life preserver, or other personal flotation device.
(d) If a personal flotation device light has a non-replaceable power source, the light must be replaced on or
before the expiration date of the power source. If the light has a replaceable power source, the power
source must be replaced on or before its expiration date and the light must be replaced when it is no
longer serviceable.
[44 FR 38783, July 2, 1979, as amended by CGD 82-075a, 49 FR 4483, Feb. 7, 1984; CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51042, Sept. 30, 1997]

§ 25.25-15 Retroreflective material for personal flotation devices.
(a) Each life preserver, each marine buoyant device intended to be worn, and each buoyant vest carried on a
vessel must have Type I retroreflective material that is approved under subpart 164.018 of this chapter.
(b) Each item required to have retroreflective material must have at least 200 sq. cm (31 sq. in.) of material
attached to its front side, at least 200 sq. cm of material on its back side, and, if the item is reversible, at
least 200 sq. cm of material on each of its reversible sides. The material attached on each side of the
item must be divided equally between the upper quadrants of the side, and the material in each quadrant
must be attached as closely as possible to the shoulder area of the item.
[CGD 76-028, 44 FR 38783, July 2, 1979, as amended by CGD 82-075a, 49 FR 4483, Feb. 7, 1984]

§ 25.25-17 Survival craft requirements for uninspected passenger vessels of at least 100 gross
tons.
(a) Each uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 gross tons must have adequate survival craft with
enough capacity for all persons aboard and must meet one of the following requirements:
(1) An inflatable liferaft must be approved under 46 CFR part 160, subparts 160.051 or 160.151, and be
equipped with an applicable equipment pack or be approved by another standard specified by the
Commandant. Inflatable liferafts must be serviced at a servicing facility approved under 46 CFR part
160, subpart 160.151.

46 CFR 25.25-17(a)(1) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.25-17(a)(2)

(2) An inflatable buoyant apparatus must be approved under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.010 or under
another standard specified by the Commandant. An inflatable buoyant apparatus must be serviced
at a servicing facility approved under 46 CFR part 160, subpart 160.151.
(b) If the vessel carries a small boat or boats, the capacity of the small boat or boat(s) may be counted
toward the survival craft capacity required by this part. Such small boat or boat(s) must meet the
requirements for safe loading and floatation in 33 CFR part 183.
[USCG-1999-5040, 67 FR 34776, May 15, 2002]

§ 25.25-19 Visual distress signals.
Each uninspected passenger vessel must meet the visual distress signal requirements of 33 CFR part 175
applicable to the vessel.
[USCG-1999-5040, 67 FR 34776, May 15, 2002]

Subpart 25.26—Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB)
Source: CGD 87-016a, 58 FR 13367, Mar. 10, 1993, unless otherwise noted.

§ 25.26-1 Definitions.
As used in this subpart:
Berthing space means a space that is intended to be used for sleeping and is provided with installed bunks and
mattresses.
EPIRB means an Emergency Position Indicating Radiobeacon which is Type Accepted by the Federal
Communications Commission under requirements in 47 CFR parts 2 and 80.
Galley means a space that provides for the preparation and extended storage of food. This does not include
small alcohol or propane stoves with limited cooking capability, or ice chests or similar devices that are
intended for keeping small quantities of food for short durations.
High seas means the waters beyond a line three nautical miles seaward of the Territorial Sea Baseline as
defined in 33 CFR 2.20.
Length means the length listed on a vessel's Certificate of Documentation or Certificate of Number.
Uninspected passenger vessel means a vessel which, when used for commercial service, is used solely to carry
passengers for hire or to provide non-emergency assistance to boaters (assistance towing), and which is
not inspected by the Coast Guard under any other 46 CFR subchapter.

Note: As an example, a vessel on a voyage involving catching fish which are to be sold, is a
commercial fishing industry vessel for the purposes of the EPIRB regulations in this section, even
if there are passengers on board during the voyage.
[CGD 87-016a, 58 FR 13367, Mar. 10, 1993, as amended by USCG-2007-29018, 72 FR 53964, Sept. 21, 2007]
46 CFR 25.26-1 “Uninspected passenger vessel” (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.26-5

§ 25.26-5 Commercial fishing industry vessels.
(a) The owner of a fishing vessel, a fish processing vessel, or a fish tender vessel, 11 meters (36 feet) or more
in length, except for vessels described in paragraph (b) or (c) of this section, shall ensure that the vessel
does not operate on the high seas or beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes unless it
has on board a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed in a manner so that
it will float-free if the vessel sinks.
(b) The owner of a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel, or a fish tender vessel less than 11 meters (36 feet)
in length, or 11 meters or more in length which has a builder's certification that the vessel is constructed
with sufficient inherently buoyant material to keep the flooded vessel afloat, shall ensure that the vessel
does not operate on the high seas or beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, unless it
has installed in a readily accessible location at or near the principal steering station—
(1) A manually activated Category 2 406 MHz EPIRB; or
(2) A float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB.
(3) Until February 1, 1998, a 121.5/243.0 MHz EPIRB meeting § 25.26-30.
(c) The owner of a fishing vessel, fish processing vessel or a fish tender vessel 11 meters (36 feet) or more in
length that does not have installed galley or berthing facilities, shall ensure that the vessel does not
operate on the high seas or beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes unless it has on
board a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed in a manner so that it will
float free if the vessel sinks.
[CGD 87-016a, 58 FR 13367, Mar. 10, 1993; 58 FR 27658, May 11, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51196, Sept. 30, 1997;
USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52189, Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 25.26-10 EPIRB requirements for uninspected passenger vessels.
(a) Uninspected passenger vessels less than 100 gross tons are not required to carry an EPIRB.
(b) The owner, operator, or master of an uninspected passenger vessel of at least 100 gross tons must
ensure that the vessel does not operate beyond three miles from shore as measured from the territorial
sea baseline seaward or more than three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, unless it has
onboard a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed in a manner so that it will
float free if the vessel sinks.
[USCG-1999-5040, 67 FR 34776, May 15, 2002]

§ 25.26-20 Other manned uninspected commercial vessels.
(a) The owner of a manned uninspected commercial vessel 11 meters (36 feet) or more in length, other than
a vessel under § 25.26-5 or § 25.26-10 or under paragraph (b) of this section, shall ensure that the vessel
does not operate on the high seas or beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, unless it
has on board a float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB stowed in a manner so that
it will float free if the vessel sinks.

46 CFR 25.26-20(a) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.26-20(b)

(b) The owner of a manned uninspected commercial vessel less than 11 meters (36 feet) in length, or 11
meters or more in length which has a builder's certification that the vessel is constructed with sufficient
inherently buoyant material to keep the flooded vessel afloat, shall ensure that the vessel does not
operate on the high seas or beyond three miles from the coastline of the Great Lakes, unless it has
installed in a readily accessible location at or near the principal steering station—
(1) A manually activated Category 2 406 MHz EPIRB; or
(2) A float-free, automatically activated Category 1 406 MHz EPIRB.
[CGD 87-016a, 58 FR 13367, Mar. 10, 1993; 58 FR 27658, May 11, 1993, as amended by CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51196, Sept. 30, 1997;
USCG-1998-4442, 63 FR 52189, Sept. 30, 1998]

§ 25.26-50 Servicing of EPIRBs.
(a) The master of each vessel required to have an EPIRB under this subpart shall ensure that each EPIRB on
board is tested and serviced as required by this section.
(b) The EPIRB must be tested immediately after installation and at least once each month thereafter, unless it
is an EPIRB installed in a Coast Guard approved inflatable liferaft that is tested annually during the
servicing of the liferaft by an approved servicing facility. The test shall be conducted in accordance with
the manufacturer's instructions, using the visual or audio indicator on the EPIRB. If the EPIRB is not
operating, it must be repaired or replaced with an operating EPIRB.
(c) The battery of the EPIRB must be replaced—
(1) Immediately after the EPIRB is used for any purpose other than being tested; and
(2) Before the expiration date that is marked on the battery.
[CGD 87-016a, 58 FR 13367, Mar. 10, 1993; 58 FR 27658, May 11, 1993]

§ 25.26-60 Exemptions.
(a) A skiff or work boat is not required to carry an EPIRB if—
(1) Its “mother ship” is required to carry an EPIRB under this subpart; and
(2) When not in use, the skiff or work boat is carried on board the mother ship.
(b) Each Coast Guard District Commander may, on a case-by-case basis, grant exemptions from the carriage
requirements of EPIRBs in this subpart for certain geographic areas within the boundaries of his or her
own district if the District Commander determines that an EPIRB will not significantly enhance the overall
safety of the vessel and crew. Exemptions may be limited to specific time periods. Exemptions granted
under this paragraph must be:
(1) Issued in writing by the cognizant Coast Guard District Commander for each individual application;
and
(2) For geographic locations and may be limited to specific time periods.

Subpart 25.30—Fire Extinguishing Equipment

46 CFR 25.26-60(b)(2) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.30-1

§ 25.30-1 Applicability.
(a) This subpart applies to all vessels contracted for on or after August 22, 2016, except for recreational
vessels as defined in 33 CFR 175.3, which are governed by fire safety equipment requirements at 33 CFR
part 175, subpart E.
(b) All vessels contracted for before August 22, 2016, and after November 19, 1952, except recreational
vessels as defined in 33 CFR 175.3, must meet the requirements of 46 CFR 25.30-80.
(c) All vessels, contracted for before November 19, 1952, except recreational vessels as defined in 33 CFR
175.3, must meet the requirements of 46 CFR 25.30-90.
[USCG-2018-0099, 86 FR 58573, Oct. 22, 2021]

§ 25.30-5 General provisions.
(a) Where equipment in this subpart is required to be of an approved type, such equipment requires the
specific approval of the Commandant. Such approvals are published in the FEDERAL REGISTER, and in
addition, are contained in Coast Guard publication COMDTINST M16714.3 (Series), Equipment Lists.
(b) All hand portable fire extinguishers, semiportable fire extinguishing systems, and fixed fire extinguishing
systems shall be of an approved type.
[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16653, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50726, Sept. 27, 1996]

§ 25.30-10 Portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems.
(a) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10
(incorporated by reference, see § 25.01-3).
(b) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be
accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual
maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.
(c) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a
designated member of the crew.
(d) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with
NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be
conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.
(e) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the
marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records has not been properly maintained, a qualified
servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic
pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may
be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.
(f) Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride, chlorobromomethane, or other
toxic vaporizing liquids are not acceptable as equipment required by this subchapter.
(g) Portable or semi-portable extinguishers, which are required on their name plates to be protected from
freezing, must not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.

46 CFR 25.30-10(g) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.30-10(h)

(h) The use of dry chemical, stored pressure, fire extinguishers not fitted with pressure gauges or indicating
devices, manufactured prior to January 1, 1965, may be permitted on motorboats and other vessels so
long as such extinguishers are maintained in good and serviceable condition. The following maintenance
and inspections are required for such extinguishers:
(1) When the date on the inspection record tag on the extinguishers shows that 6 months have elapsed
since the last weight check ashore, then such extinguishers are no longer accepted as meeting
required maintenance conditions until they are reweighed ashore, found to be in a serviceable
condition, and within required weight conditions.
(2) If the weight of the container is 1⁄4 ounce less than that stamped on the container, it must be
serviced.
(3) If the outer seal or seals (which indicate tampering or use when broken) are not intact, the boarding
officer or marine inspector will inspect such extinguishers to see that the frangible disc in the neck
of the container is intact; and if such disc is not intact, the container must be serviced.
(4) If there is evidence of damage, use, or leakage, such as dry chemical powder observed in the nozzle
or elsewhere on the extinguisher, the extinguisher must be serviced or replaced.
(i)

Dry chemical extinguishers, stored pressure extinguishers, and fire extinguishers without pressure gauges
or indicating devices manufactured after January 1, 1965, cannot be labeled with the marine type label
described in 46 CFR 162.028-4. These extinguishers manufactured after January 1, 1965, may be carried
onboard motorboats or other vessels as excess equipment.

(j)

Semi-portable extinguishers must be fitted with a suitable hose and nozzle, or other practicable means, so
that all portions of the space concerned may be covered.

[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48245, July 22, 2016]

§ 25.30-15 Fixed fire extinguishing systems.
(a) When a fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, it must be a type approved or accepted by the
Commandant (CG-ENG-4) or the Commanding Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center.
(b) If the system is a carbon-dioxide type, then it must be designed and installed in accordance with subpart
76.15 of part 76 of subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) of this chapter.
(c) If the system is an automatic sprinkler system then it must be designed and installed in accordance with
Chapter 25 of NFPA 13 (incorporated by reference, see § 25.01-3).
[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48245, July 22, 2016]

§ 25.30-20 Fire extinguishing equipment required.
(a) Motorboats.

46 CFR 25.30-20(a) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.30-20(a)(1)

(1) All motorboats must carry at least the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers set forth in
table 25.30-20(a)(1), except that motorboats less than 26 feet in length, propelled by outboard
motors and not carrying passengers for hire, need not carry portable fire extinguishers if the
construction of the boats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors.

TABLE 25.30-20(a)(1)
Minimum number of 5-B portable fire extinguishers
required 1
Length, feet

Fixed fire
extinguishing system in
machinery space

No fixed fire extinguishing system in
machinery space

Under 16

1

0

16 and over, but
under 26

1

0

26 and over, but
under 40

2

1

40 and over, but not
over 65

3

2

1

One 20-B portable fire extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B portable fire extinguishers.

(2) The intent of this regulation is illustrated in Figure 25.30-20(a1) where fire extinguishers are required
if any one or more of the specified conditions exist, and in Figure 25.30-20(a2) where specified
conditions do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried.

FIGURE 25.30-20( a 1)
Fire extinguishers are required if any one or more of the following conditions exist (numbers identifying
conditions are the same as those placed in Figure 25.30-20 (a1)):
1. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored.
2. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material.
3. Closed living spaces.
46 CFR 25.30-20(a)(2) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.30-20(a)(3)

4. Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stowed.
5. Permanently installed fuel tanks.

FIGURE 25.30-20( a 2)
The following conditions do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried (numbers identifying
conditions are the same as those placed in Figure 25.30-20(a2)):
1. Bait wells.
2. Glove compartments.
3. Buoyant flotation material.
4. Open slatted flooring.
5. Ice chests.
(3) Table 25.30-20(a)(1) of this section indicates the minimum quantity and type of extinguisher to be
carried. Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations may be used if the
extinguishers meet the requirements of the table.
(b) Uninspected passenger vessels of at least 100 gross tons. All uninspected passenger vessels of at least
100 gross tons must carry onboard portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers per table 76.50-10(a) in
§ 76.50-10 of this chapter.
(c) Motor vessels.

46 CFR 25.30-20(c) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.30-20(c)(1)

(1) All motor vessels must carry at least the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers set forth in
table 25.30-20(b) (1).

TABLE 25.30-20(b)(1)
Gross tonnage—
Over

Not over

Minimum number of 20-B portable fire extinguishers

50

1

50

100

2

100

500

3

500

1,000

6

1,000

8

(2) In addition to the portable fire extinguishers required by paragraph (b)(1) of this section, the
following fire extinguishing equipment must be fitted in the machinery space:
(i)

One Type 20-B portable fire extinguisher must be carried for each 1,000 B. H. P. of the main
engines or fraction thereof. However, not more than 6 such extinguishers need be carried.

(ii) On motor vessels of over 300 gross tons, either one 160-B semi-portable fire extinguishing
system must be fitted, or alternatively, a fixed fire extinguishing system must be fitted in the
machinery space.
(3) The frame or support of each 160-B fire extinguisher required by paragraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section
must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.
(4) If an approved semi-portable fire extinguisher has wheels, it must be securely stowed when not in
use to prevent it from rolling out of control under heavy sea conditions.
(5) Table 25.30-20(b)(1) of this section indicates the minimum quantity and type of extinguisher to be
carried. Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations may be used if the
extinguishers meet the requirements of the table.
(d) Barges carrying passengers.
(1) Every barge of 65 feet in length or less while carrying passengers when towed or pushed by a
motorboat, motor vessel, or steam vessel must be fitted with portable fire extinguishers as required
by table 25.30-20(a)(1), depending upon the length of the barge.
(2) Every barge of over 65 feet in length while carrying passengers when towed or pushed by a
motorboat, motor vessel, or steam vessel must be fitted with portable fire extinguishers as required
by table 25.30-20(b)(1), depending upon the gross tonnage of the barge.
[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16653, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 77-039, 44 FR 34132, June 14, 1979; CGD 97-057, 62 FR 51042,
Sept. 30, 1997; USCG-1999-5040, 67 FR 34776, May 15, 2002; USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48246, July 22, 2016]

46 CFR 25.30-20(d)(2) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.30-80

§ 25.30-80 Location and number of fire extinguishers required for vessels constructed prior to
August 22, 2016.
Vessels contracted for prior to August 22, 2016 must meet the following requirements:
(a) Previously installed extinguishers with extinguishing capacities smaller than what is required in tables
25.30-20(a)(1) and 25.30-20(b)(1) of this subpart need not be replaced and may be continued in service
so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine
Inspection.
(b) All new equipment and installations must meet the applicable requirements in this subpart for new
vessels.
[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48246, July 22, 2016]

§ 25.30-90 Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952.
(a) Vessels contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, shall meet the applicable provisions of §§ 25.30-5
through 25.30-20 insofar as the number and general type of equipment is concerned. Existing items of
equipment and installations previously approved but not meeting the applicable requirements for type
approval may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition. All new installations and
replacements shall meet the requirements of §§ 25.30-5 through 25.30-20.
(b) [Reserved]

Subpart 25.35—Backfire Flame Control
§ 25.35-1 Requirements.
(a) Every gasoline engine installed in a motorboat or motor vessel after April 25, 1940, except outboard
motors, shall be equipped with an acceptable means of backfire flame control.
(b) Installations made before November 19, 1952, need not meet the detailed requirements of this subpart
and may be continued in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. Replacements shall
meet the applicable conditions in this section.
(c) Installations consisting of backfire flame arresters bearing basic Approval Nos. 162.015 or 162.041 or
engine air and fuel induction systems bearing basic Approval Nos. 162.015 or 162.042 may be continued
in use as long as they are serviceable and in good condition. New installations or replacements must
meet applicable requirements of subpart 58.10 of this chapter.
[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16653, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 88-032, 56 FR 35820, July 29, 1991]

Subpart 25.40—Ventilation
§ 25.40-1 Tanks and engine spaces.
(a) All motorboats or motor vessels, except open boats and as provided in paragraphs (d) and (e) of this
section, the construction or decking over of which is commenced after April 25, 1940, and which use fuel
having a flashpoint of 110 °F., or less, shall have at least two ventilator ducts, fitted with cowls or their
equivalent, for the efficient removal of explosive or flammable gases from the bilges of every engine and
46 CFR 25.40-1(a) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.40-1(b)

fuel tank compartment. There shall be at least one exhaust duct installed so as to extend from the open
atmosphere to the lower portion of the bilge and at least one intake duct installed so as to extend to a
point at least midway to the bilge or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake. The cowls shall
be located and trimmed for maximum effectiveness and in such a manner so as to prevent displaced
fumes from being recirculated.
(b) As used in this section, the term open boats means those motorboats or motor vessels with all engine and
fuel tank compartments, and other spaces to which explosive or flammable gases and vapors from these
compartments may flow, open to the atmosphere and so arranged as to prevent the entrapment of such
gases and vapors within the vessel.
(c) Boats built after July 31, 1980, which are manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; which
are leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; which are engaged in the
carriage of six or fewer passengers; or which are in compliance with the requirements of 33 CFR part 183
are exempted from these requirements.
(d) Boats built after July 31, 1978, which are manufactured or used primarily for noncommercial use; which
are rented, leased, or chartered to another for the latter's noncommercial use; or which engage in
conveying six or fewer passengers are exempted from the requirements of paragraph (a) for fuel tank
compartments that:
(1) Contain a permanently installed fuel tank if each electrical component is ignition protected in
accordance with 33 CFR 183.410(a); and
(2) Contain fuel tanks that vent to the outside of the boat.
[CGFR 65-50, 30 FR 16653, Dec. 30, 1965, as amended by CGD 76-082A, 44 FR 73047, Dec. 17, 1979; CGD 76-082A, 45 FR 7551,
Feb. 4, 1980; CGD 95-012, 60 FR 48048, Sept. 18, 1995; CGD 95-028, 62 FR 51196, Sept. 30, 1997]

Subpart 25.45—Cooking, Heating, and Lighting Systems
§ 25.45-1 Heating and lighting systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.
(a) No fuel may be used in any heating or lighting system on any vessel carrying passengers for hire without
the approval of Commandant (CG-ENG), except—
(1) Alcohol, solid,
(2) Alcohol, liquid, combustible,
(3) Fuel oil, No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3,
(4) Kerosene,
(5) Wood or,
(6) Coal.
(b) Heating and lighting systems using alcohol must meet the following requirements:
(1) Containers of solidified alcohol must be properly secured to a fixed base.
(2) Fluid alcohol burners, where wet priming is used, must have—
(i)

A catch pan of not less than 3⁄4” depth secured inside the frame of the stove; or

46 CFR 25.45-1(b)(2)(i) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.45-1(b)(2)(ii)

(ii) The metal protection under the stove flanged up at least 3⁄4” to form a pan.
(c) Heating and lighting systems using kerosene or fuel oil must meet the following requirements:
(1) Where wet priming is used, each system must have—
(i)

A catch pan of not less than 3⁄4” depth secured inside the frame of the stove; or

(ii) The metal protection under the stove flanged up at least 3⁄4” to form a pan.
(2) Fuel tanks must be—
(i)

Separated from the stove that they serve;

(ii) Mounted in a location open to the atmosphere or mounted inside a compartment that is vented
to the atmosphere; and
(iii) Fitted with an outside fill and vent.
(d) Heating systems using wood or coal installed after August 9, 1989, shall be installed in accordance with
the guidelines in chapter 6 of NFPA 302.
[CGD 83-013, 54 FR 6402, Feb. 10, 1989 and CGD 83-013, 55 FR 3959, Feb. 6, 1990; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50461, Sept. 29, 1995; CGD
96-041, 61 FR 50726, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49225, Sept. 25, 2009]

§ 25.45-2 Cooking systems on vessels carrying passengers for hire.
(a) No fuel may be used in any cooking system on any vessel carrying passengers for hire without the
approval of Commandant (CG-ENG) except those listed in § 25.45-1, subject to the requirements stated
therein, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), or compressed natural gas (CNG).
(b) Cooking systems using LPG or CNG must meet the following requirements:
(1) The design, installation, and testing of each LPG system must meet ABYC A-1-78 or chapter 6 of
NFPA 302.
(2) The design, installation, and testing of each CNG system must meet ABYC A-22-78 or chapter 6 of
NFPA 302.
(3) Cooking systems using chapter 6 of NFPA 302 as the standard must meet the following additional
requirements:
(i)

The storage or use of CNG containers within the accommodation area, machinery spaces,
bilges, or other enclosed spaces is prohibited.

(ii) LPG or CNG must be odorized in accordance with ABYC A-1.5.d or A-22.5.b, respectively.
(iii) The marking and mounting of LPG cylinders must be in accordance with ABYC A-1.6.b.
(iv) LPG cylinders must be of the vapor withdrawal type as specified in ABYC A-1.5.b.
(4) Continuous pilot lights or automatic glow plugs are prohibited for an LPG or CNG installation using
ABYC A-1 or A-22 as the standard.
(5) CNG installations using ABYC A-22 as the standard must meet the following additional requirements:
(i)

The stowage or use of CNG containers within the accommodation area, machinery spaces,
bilges, or other enclosed spaces is prohibited.

46 CFR 25.45-2(b)(5)(i) (enhanced display)

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46 CFR Part 25 (up to date as of 12/10/2025)
Requirements

46 CFR 25.45-2(b)(5)(ii)

(ii) The CNG cylinders, regulating equipment, and safety equipment must meet the installation,
stowage, and testing requirements specified in paragraph 6-5.12 of NFPA 302.
(iii) The use of stowage of stoves with attached CNG cylinders is prohibited as specified in
paragraph 6-5.1 of NFPA 302.
(6) If the fuel supply line of an LPG or CNG system enters an enclosed space on the vessel, a remote
shut-off valve must be installed that can be operated from a position adjacent to the appliance. The
valve must be located between the fuel tank and the point where the fuel supply line enters the
enclosed portion of the vessel. A power operated valve installed to meet this requirement must be of
a type that will fail closed.
(7) The following variances from ABYC A-1.11.b(1) are allowed for CNG:
(i)

The storage locker or housing access opening need not be in the top.

(ii) The locker or housing need not be above the waterline.
(8) The following variances from NFPA 302 are allowed:
(i)

The storage locker or housing for CNG tank installations need not be above the waterline as
required by paragraph 6-5.12.1.1(a).

(ii) Ignition protection need not be provided as required by paragraph 6-5.4.

Note to § 25.45-2: The ABYC and NFPA standards referenced in this section require the posting of
placards containing safety precautions for gas cooking systems.
[CGD 83-013, 54 FR 6402, Feb. 10, 1989, as amended by CGD 83-013, 55 FR 3960, Feb. 6, 1990; CGD 95-072, 60 FR 50461, Sept. 29,
1995; CGD 96-041, 61 FR 50726, Sept. 27, 1996; USCG-2000-7790, 65 FR 58458, Sept. 29, 2000; USCG-2009-0702, 74 FR 49225,
Sept. 25, 2009]

Subpart 25.50—Garbage Retention
§ 25.50-1 Criteria.
Each uninspected vessel must meet the garbage discharge, waste management plan, and placard requirements of
33 CFR part 151 applicable to the vessel.

Note: 33 CFR 151.67 prohibits the discharge of plastic or garbage mixed with plastic into the sea
or the navigable waters of the United States. “Plastic” and “garbage” are defined in 33 CFR 151.05.
[CGD 88-002A, 56 FR 8880, Mar. 1, 1991]

46 CFR 25.50-1 (enhanced display)

page 19 of 19