All motorized vessels are required to have a Type B,
U.S. Coast Guard–approved fire extinguisher(s) on
board. Vessels less than 26 feet in length that do not
carry passengers for hire are exempt from this requirement
if the vessel is constructed in a way that flammable
or explosive gases and vapors cannot be trapped in any
compartment or space in the vessel.
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
extinguishers regularly
to ensure they are in
working condition and
fully charged.
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 |
Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.
