FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

The most common type of fire on a boat is the result of flammable liquids, such as gasoline, igniting. For this reason, U.S. Coast Guard-approved fire extinguishers, or approved fixed (permanently installed) fire extinguishing systems are required on boats where a fire hazard may be expected from the motors or fuel system.

Approved fire extinguishers are required when there are:

• Installed inboard engines.
• Permanently installed fuel tanks.
• Closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored.
• Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.
• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation materials.
• Closed living spaces.

USCG-approved fire extinguishers required for boats are hand-held and portable, either Type B-I or Type B-II and have a specific marine type mounting bracket.  Look for the part of the label that reads “Marine Type USCG” and that Type B is indicated. A Roman numeral (I, II, or III) following the “Type” indicates the size of the extinguisher. The higher the Roman number, the larger the extinguisher. Size I and II are the most common for recreational boats. Size III is a very large extinguisher and is usually too big for recreational boats.

“B” rated fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires and “C” rated fire extinguishers are designed to extinguish electrical fires. Most USCG-approved fire extinguishers are capable of extinguishing both flammable liquid and electrical fires.

Required Number of Fire Extinguishers

The number of fire extinguishers required on a recreational boat is based on the overall length of the boat. If your boat has an approved USCG fixed fire extinguishing system installed, the required number of hand-held extinguishers may be reduced by one.

Carriage Requirements

Extinguishers must be carried in a readily accessible position and away from any fire source.

Fire Extinguisher Maintenance

Inspect extinguishers often. Make sure they are in good and serviceable condition by checking the following:

• Signs of obvious physical damage, rust, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.
• Broken or missing seals and tamper indicators.
• The pressure gauge or indicator reads in the operable range. Since CO2 extinguishers do not have gauges they must be weighed and tagged annually and checked regularly. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent. Inspect hose and nozzle to be sure they are clear.

Fire extinguishers that are not good and serviceable will not meet inspection standards.