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Official Texas Boating Handbook Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

It's The Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

All vessels are required to have a Type B or Type B/C, U.S. Coast Guard—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
  • 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 type and size 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 extinguishers regularly to ensure they are in working condition and fully charged.

To check this style of extinguisher, depress the green button. If it is fully charged, the green button should pop back out immediately.

Fire extinguisher charge indicator: Button style

On this style of fire extinguisher, the needle indicator should be in the "full" range.

Fire extinguisher charge indicator: Needle style

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 of Vessel 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: September 2, 2011
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