FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
The three classes of fi re extinguishers are
A, B, and C, to match the type of fi re they
extinguish (Figure 2-7):
• Class A fi re: wood, paper, rubber, plastic,
textiles
• Class B fi re: fl ammable liquids (gasoline,
oil, and grease)
• Class C fi re: electrical equipment
A fi re extinguisher will carry a label showing
the class of fi re for which it is best suited.
Figure 2-8 shows typical labels.
The most widely available, least
expensive, and most practical fi re extinguisher
for a recreational boat is a
dry-chemical type that is made to put out
two classes of fi res, B and C. Plain water,
which is almost always available, will extinguish
a Class A fi re. Dry-chemical extinguishers,
which are the most popular and
reasonably priced, are generally Type BC
extinguishers. They leave a messy residue
that will cause corrosion unless cleaned
up immediately. Portable Extinguishers
should never be mounted in the engine
compartment.
Fixed Extinguisher systems are available
for use in engine compartments and
enclosed spaces. These extinguishers are
designed for automatic deployment and
can be invaluable in saving a boat with
an engine fi re. Their use is strongly recommended
for any boat with an inboard,
I/O, or jet drive engine in an enclosed
space. They will discharge without opening
the engine compartment, thus avoiding
the risk of adding oxygen. Do not enter a
compartment after a fi xed system has discharged
until the compartment has cooled
so fi re will not reignite when air is introduced
into the compartment and the compartment
has been well ventilated.
Sizes of Fire Extinguishers
There are two sizes of dry chemical extinguishers.
The size describes the amount
of extinguishing chemical an extinguisher
holds. The Coast Guard requires that:
• Size I dry chemical extinguisher contains
a minimum of 2 lb of dry chemical.
• Size II requires at least 10 lb of dry chemical.
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115
Figure 2-9. Fixed engine
compartment fi re extinguisher
Table 2-3. Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Minimum number of hand portable fi re extinguishers required
Vessel Length No Fixed System With approved Fixed Systems
Less than 26’ One B-I 0
26’ to less than 40’ Two B-I or One B-II One B-I
40’ to 65’ Three B-I or One B-II Two B-I or One B-II
and One B--I
You may substitute one B-II extinguisher for two B-I extinguishers. A boat with a fi xed extinguishing
system in the engine room may carry one less B-I extinguisher.
Do not enter a compartment after a fi xed system has discharged until the compartment has
cooled so fi re will not reignite when air is introduced into the compartment and the compartment
has been well ventilated.
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Section 2: Required Safety Equipment 27
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Tip: Be careful when
putting out galley fi res. Too
much pressure from the
extinguisher can cause liquids
or grease to splatter and
spread the fire. Watch for
hot embers and repeat if a
fl ashback occurs.