BOATsmart! USA Knowledge Base

Module 02 - Boating Equipment

Back-Fire Flame Control Device Requirements

If your boat is gasoline-powered and has an inboard engine that was installed after April, 1940, it must have a Back-Fire Flame Arrestor (BFA) mounted to each carburetor. This device will help to muffle a spark in an enclosed engine space and prevent any sparks from causing a fire. The BFA must be in good working order and be firmly attached to the air intake with a flame-tight connection. This Coast Guard requirement does not apply to boats with outboard engines.

Your Back-Fire Flame Arrestor is only valid if:

It’s Coast Guard-approved or,
It’s approved by SAE J-1928 (Society of Automotive Engineers Standard) or,
It’s approved by UL 1111 (Underwriters Laboratories).

Note: Although outboard engines are not required to have a BFA, most do have a built-in form of back-fire flame control protection. For example, outboard engines often have a ‘reed-type’ carburetor attachment and PWCs use an air induction system to prevent fires.

Maintaining Your Boat’s Back-fire Flame Control Device

Your BFA should be cleaned and checked regularly to keep it in good working order. To clean it, remove it from the boat and wash off any gas residue with mild soap and water. Once clean, check for any visible damage. Remember to reattach the BFA correctly after you’ve cleaned it.