Fire Extinguishers
Coast Guard Approved fire extinguishers are required on certain
boats. Extinguishers are classified by a letter and number symbol. The letter
indicates the type fire the unit is designed to extinguish (Type B for example are
designed to extinguish flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil and grease fires). The
number indicates the relative size of the extinguisher (minimum extinguishing agent
weight).
Coast Guard approved extinguishers are handportable, either B-I or B-II classification and
have a specific marine type mounting bracket. It is recommended the extinguishers be
mounted in a readily accessible position.
| |
|
Dry |
|
|
| |
Foam |
CO2 |
Chemical |
Halon |
|
| Classes |
(Gals) |
(LBS) |
(LBS) |
(LBS) |
| B-I |
1.25 |
4 |
2 |
2.5 |
| B-II |
2.5 |
15 |
10 |
10 |
|
Motorboats are required to carry Fire Extinguishers if any one or
more of the following conditions exist:
- Inboard engines.
- Closed compartments and compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be
stored.
- Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation
materials.
- Closed living spaces.
- Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stored.
- Permanently installed fuel tanks. Fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of
fire or other emergency are considered permanently installed. There are no gallon capacity
limits to determine if a fuel tank is portable. If the weight of a fuel tank is such that
persons on board cannot move it, the Coast Guard considers it permanently installed.
Inspect extinguishers monthly to make sure that:
- Seals & tamper indicators are not broken or missing.
- Pressure gauges or indicators read in the operable range.
(Note: CO2 extinguishers do not have gauges.)
- There is no obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage or clogged nozzles.
Minimum number of hand portable fire extinguishers required:
|
| Vessel |
No Fixed |
With approved |
| Length |
System |
Fixed Systems |
|
| Less than 26' |
1 B-1 |
0 |
| 26' to less than 40' |
2 B-1 or 1 B-II |
1 B-I |
| 40' to 65' |
3 B-I or 1 B-II and 1 B-I |
2 B-1 or 1 B-II |
|
Coast Guard approved extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label:
"Marine Type USCG Approved,
Size.... Type:::::, 162.028/.../", etc.
Fire Extinguishers
|
|
Weigh extinguishers annually to assure that the minimum weight is as stated on the
extinguisher label.
For the CME, Halon units to be counted toward the minimum requirements
must be inspected and tagged by a recognized authority within 6 months of the examination.
The pressure gauge is not an accurate indicator that Halon extinguishers are full. The
units should be checked regularly.
All portable extinguishers must be mounted in a readily accessible position. The Auxiliary
requires at least 1 B-1 handheld fire extinguisher on all motorboats and sailboats
(without motors) 16 feet or
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