It's the Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels, including personal watercraft, of a type and construction that would allow explosive or flammable gases or vapors to be trapped are required to have at least one Type B fire extinguisher on board.

Approved types of fire extinguishers are identified by the following marking on the label—“Marine Type USCG Approved”—followed by the type and size symbols and the approval number.

Use this chart to determine the size and quantity required for your vessel.

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 a Fixed System	With a 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: July 27, 2009
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