All vessels, including PWCs, are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:
- Closed compartments under seats where portable fuel tanks may be stored
- Closed storage compartments in which flammable or combustible materials may be stored
- Double-bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material
- Closed living spaces
- Permanently installed fuel tanks
Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—”Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number.
Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area—not near the engine or in a compartment, but where they can be reached immediately. Be sure you know how to operate them, and inspect all extinguishers regularly to make sure they are in working condition fully charged.
Specific types of Fire Extinguishers by length of boat:
|
Classification |
Foam |
Carbon Dioxide |
Dry Chemical |
| type & size | minimum gallons | minimum pounds | minimum pounds |
| B-I | 1¼ | 4 | 2 |
| B-II | 2½ | 15 | 10 |
|
Length of Vessel |
Without Fixed System |
With Fixed System* |
| Less than 26′ | one B-I | None |
| 26′ to less than 40′ | two B-I or one B-II | one B-I |
| 40′ to less than 65′ | three B-I or one B-II and one B-I | two B-I or one B-II |
* refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system