It's the Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels that allow explosive or flammable gases or vapors to be trapped must carry on board a U.S. Coast Guard–approved fire extinguisher.
A fire extinguisher is classified by its size and the type of fire it can extinguish. Extinguishers approved for vessels are hand-portable and classified as a B-I or B-II.
Approved types of fire extinguishers are labeled—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the size and type symbols and the approval number.
Although it is a good idea to carry a fire extinguisher, an exception is made for vessels less than 26 feet long, propelled by an outboard motor, and that have completely open construction and no closed spaces where gasoline fumes may be trapped.
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 check all extinguishers regularly to make sure they are fully charged.

Fire extinguisher charge indicators

Use this chart to determine the type and quantity required:

Fire Extinguisher Requirements
Classification type & size	Foam minimum gallons	Carbon Dioxide minimum pounds	Dry Chemical minimum pounds
B-I	1 1/4	4	2
B-II	2 1/2	15	10
Length Class		Without Fixed System	With Fixed System*
Less than 26 ft.		one B-I	None
26 ft. to less than 40 ft.		two B-I or one B-II	one B-I
40 ft. to less than 65 ft.		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

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: April 22, 2008
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