Fire Extinguishers
Fire Extinguishers are required on all vessels where a fuel source is present pre 46 CFR 25
Basic Laws on Fire Extinguishers
U.S. Coast Guard-approved marine-type fire extinguishers are required on boats where a fire hazard could be expected from the engines or fuel system. Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The letter indicates the type of fire the unit is designed to extinguish. Type B, for example is designed to extinguish flaming liquids, such as gasoline, oil, grease. The number indicates the amount of the extinguishers agent contained in the fire extinguisher; the higher the number the greater the amount of agent in the extinguisher.
U.S. Coast Guard-approved extinguishers required for boats are hand-portable, have either B-I or B-II classification, and must be provided with a mounting bracket. While not required, it is recommended that the extinguisher be mounted in a readily accessible location. Again, mounting brackets are provided in all U.S. Coast Guard-approved extinguishers, as such no extra cost is incurred to mount them, there for, why not? Consider locations where the extinguisher can be reached easily; for example, at or near the steering station or in the galley or engine room, but away from locations where a fire may likely start.
Knowing your Extinguisher
Extinguisher markings can be confusing because one extinguisher can be approved for several different types of fires (A,B or C). For example, an extinguisher marked "Type A, Size II; Type B;C, Size I" is acceptable as a Type B-I extinguisher.
Look for the section of the label that states "Marine Type USCG, Type A, Size II; Type B;C Size I." (It will also contain a USCG approval number.) Make sure Type B is indicated. Hand-portable extinguishers will be either a Size I or II. Size III and larger are too big for use on most recreational boats, and will though off the balance of most recreational vessels. Nor can the average human lift a Size III and larger extinguishers.
Fire extinguishers are required on boats when any of the following conditions exist:
- There are closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel takes may be stored, even if non are stored there, if they maybe stored, this meets the requirement for craggier
- There are double bottoms not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation materials.
- There are closed living spaces.
- There are closed stowage compartments, in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.
- There are permanently installed fuel tanks.( Fuel takes secured so they cannot be moved in case of a fire or other emergency are considered permanently installed. Also, if the weight of a fuel tank is such that persons on board cannot move it, the U.S. Coast Guard may consider it permanently installed. While a person may "feel" they can move the tank, definition of the portability rests with the boarding officer.) If you are in doubt, carry the fire extinguisher!
Fire Extinguisher Maintenance
Inspect Extinguishers monthly to make sure that:
- Seals and tamper indicators are not broken or missing
- Pressure gauges or other indicators, if so equipped, read in the operable range (I.E. "Full") as described on the extinguisher.
- There is no obvious physical damage, rust, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzles,
- If the minimum weight is stated on the extinguisher label, weight extinguisher annually to check.
Fire extinguishers that do not satisfy the above requirements or that have been partially emptied must be replaced or taken to a qualified fire extinguisher servicing company for recharge.
Required Number of Fire Extinguishers
The following information lists the number of fire extinguisher that are required on recreational vessels. If a U.S. Coast Guard-approved fixed fire extinguishersystem is installed for the protection of the engine compartment, the required number of extinguisher may be reduced in accordance with 46 CFR 25.
Vessel Length |
No Fixed System |
W/ USCG Approved Fixed System |
Less than 26' |
1 B-I |
0 |
26' to less than 40' |
2 B-I or 1 B-II |
1 B-I |
40' to 60' |
3 B-1 or 1B-II and 1 B-I |
2 B-I or 1 B-II |