It's the Law

Fire Extinguishers

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All vessels on federally controlled waters (see Federally Controlled Waters) are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if one or more of the following conditions exist:

• Inboard engine
• Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or not filled completely with flotation materials
• Closed living spaces
• Closed compartments where flammable or combustible materials may be stored
• Permanently installed fuel tanks

Vessels on Iowa state waters are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher on board if the vessel is propelled by an outboard motor of greater than 10 horsepower.

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 must be placed in an accessible area—not near the engine or in a compartment. Check all extinguishers regularly to make sure they are charged.

Fire Extinguisher Requirements

Classification	Foam	Carbon Dioxide	Dry Chemical
type & size	minimum gallons	minimum pounds	minimum pounds
B-I	1¼	4	2
B-II	2½	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

Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators

Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.