The Handbook of Iowa Boating Laws and Responsibilities
The Official Boating Handbook of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources - Web Version
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It's the Law
Fire Extinguishers
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 |
Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators
Check the charge level of your fire extinguishers regularly. Replace them immediately if they are not fully charged.


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