On offshore drilling units, each hand-held portable fire extinguisher, semi-portable fire extinguisher, and fixed fire extinguisher must be tested and inspected at least once every __________.

Correct Answer: Option A — 12 months

46 CFR 109.223 mandates that all portable, semi-portable, and fixed fire extinguishers on mobile offshore drilling units undergo testing and inspection at least once every 12 months. This annual cycle ensures that all fire suppression equipment is fully charged, functional, and ready for immediate deployment during an emergency.