The auditing of fire extinguishers is a simple matter but oft misunderstood particularly around servicing requirements.

Australian Sailing’s position on fire extinguisher requirements can be read here . There, depending on the category of race, either 1 or 2 extinguishers are required of a certain rating.

Note that from 1 July 2021 all fire extinguishers shall be a minimum rating of 1A:10B(E).

The age of the extinguisher and its servicing requirements have been removed from the Special Regulations and only guidance is given in the form of recommendations. These recommendations include advice on the number of extinguishers, basic servicing and maintenance, and when to have a competent person check the extinguisher.

Equipment Auditors should note that these recommendations cannot be audited in a binary yes or no manner. The boat owner or person in charge is the party responsible for judging the extinguisher’s fitness for purpose and whether it has been serviced and cared for adequately. Information about reliance on the boat owner’s judgement can be read in a policy position previously stated at https://www.sailing.org.au/news/responsibility-of-the-person-in-charge-policy/.