Number and Type of Required Fire Extinguishers
Use this chart to determine the type and quantity of fire extinguishers required for your vessel.
| Length of Vessel | Without Fixed System | With Fixed System* |
|---|---|---|
| Less than 16 feet | none** | none |
| 16 feet to less than 26 feet | one 5-B*** | none |
| 26 feet to less than 40 feet |
two 5-B (or one 20-B) | one 5-B |
| 40 feet to less than 65 feet |
three 5-B (or one 20-B and one 5-B) | two 5-B (or one 20-B) |
| *Refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system | ||
| **One 5-B extinguisher is required if boating on federally controlled waters. | ||
| ***Not required if a vessel is of open construction, is less than 26 feet in length, has an outboard engine, is not carrying passengers for hire, and is not on federally controlled waters. One 5-B extinguisher is required if on federally controlled waters. | ||
Note: One 20-B portable fire extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B portable fire extinguishers. For vessels with a model year between 1953 and 2017, one 20-B/B-II portable fire extinguisher may be substituted for two 5-B/B-I portable fire extinguishers.
