The Coast Guard requires boats to have at least one
B-1 marine fire extinguisher
on board. Depending on the size of your boat you may need more than one. Boats less than 26′ have to have at least one B-1 fire extinguisher on board. Boats 26′-40′ need to have at least two B-1 fire extinguishers on board.
What type of fire extinguisher do you need on a boat?
The best all-purpose fire extinguisher for recreational boats is the
hand-held Dry Chemical Powder (DCP) unit
, which is red with a white band. For more information on fire extinguisher requirements go to the Marine safety equipment page.
What is a Marine fire extinguisher?
The best extinguishing agents for an A fire are
water or chemical foam
. … Class B fires involve flammable or combustible liquids. The best extinguishing agents for a B fire are carbon dioxide, dry chemical or aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Class C fires involve electrical equipment.
How do you use a fire extinguisher on a boat?
- Pull the pin at the top of the cylinder.
- Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire.
- Squeeze or press the handle.
- Sweep the contents from side to side at the base of the fire until it goes out.
Where do you put a fire extinguisher on a boat?
Experts recommend storing your fire extinguishers in
an upright position
and mounted in an easily accessible place. You should keep them in rooms where fires are more likely to break out such as the hull, cabin, kitchen and bilge.
Do all boats need a fire extinguisher?
All vessels, including PWC, are required to have a
Type B USCG–approved fire extinguisher
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.
Are flares required on a boat?
All vessels operating outside protected waters must carry flares
. … If you operate both inshore and offshore you only need to carry an offshore set of flares. Required flares. All boats operating outside protected waters must carry flares.
Do marine fire extinguishers expire?
2.9. 2 Extinguishers shall be mounted with the marine bracket specified on the extinguisher label. … These extinguishers have an expiration date stamped on the bottom. They are
typically good for 12 years from date of manufacturer
and then are no longer recognized as suitable fire extinguishing equipment.
What is the difference between 5BC and 10BC fire extinguisher?
In our tests, the 10BC units discharged only a fraction of a second longer than the 5BC, hardly “twice” anything. The 10BC, on average, discharged only
25% more fire suppressant than
the 5BC.
What is a Type B-1 fire extinguisher?
B-1 Extinguishers are
USCG approved
and meet the need for a Type B, Size 1 USCG approved Fire Extinguisher. Amerex B-I Fire Extinguishers must be: Dry Chemical, ABC, or Purple K: 2 lbs or larger. Carbon Dioxide (Co2): 5 lbs or larger.
What is the difference between a B1 and B2 fire extinguisher?
CLASS C: Electrical fires
You can use water, or a Class A fire extinguisher, to put out this type of fire. Class B fires, on the other hand, have a flammable liquid fuel source, like gasoline. … The number after the B, for example a B1 or B2 extinguisher,
indicates the capacity of the extinguisher
.
How often should you inspect your fire extinguisher on a boat?
All extinguishers should be professionally inspected and tagged at
least once a year
and a quick visual inspection done monthly. However, for pleasure boats this is a recommendation and not a requirement.
Where should you aim a fire extinguishers stream?
Aim at the base of the fire
. If you aim at the flames (which is frequently the temptation), the extinguishing agent will fly right through and do no good. You want to hit the fuel. Squeeze the top handle or lever.
What is the first thing you must do if you are involved in a boating accident?
If you are involved in a boating accident and the boat is still afloat and you are aboard, then the first thing to do is
to determine whether you or anyone else needs medical attention
. If anyone has fallen overboard, then you should assist the victim back onto the boat when possible.
What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches fire?
- Stop the boat if you are underway. …
- Position the boat so that the fire is downwind. …
- If the fire is in an engine space, shut off the fuel supply.
- Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames, and sweep back and forth.
- Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical fire.
What type of fire extinguisher is required for a motorized pleasure craft?
Pleasure craft may be required by the Small Vessel Regulations to carry a
5B:C or a 10B:C fire extinguisher
, depending upon the type and length of the boat, and the equipment on board. PWCs must have one 5B:C fire extinguisher on board unless everyone on board is wearing a lifejacket or PFD.
