It's the Law: Delaware Boating Regulations

Section 4. Fire-Extinguishing Equipment Required.

(a) Motorboats less than 26 feet in length with no fixed fire extinguishing system installed in machinery spaces shall carry at least one Type B-I approved hand portable fire extinguisher. When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces, a portable extinguisher is not required. If the construction of the motorboat does not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors, no fire extinguisher is required.

(b) Motorboats 26 feet to less than 40 feet in length shall carry at least two Type B-I approved hand portable fire extinguishers or at least one Type B-II approved portable fire extinguisher. When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, one less Type B-I extinguisher is required.

(c) Motorboats 40 feet to not more than 65 feet in length shall carry at least three Type B-I approved hand portable fire extinguishers or at least one Type B-I and one Type B-II approved portable fire extinguisher. When an approved fixed fire extinguishing system is installed, one less Type B-I extinguisher is required.

(d) Motorboats 65 feet and over used for recreational purposes shall carry fire extinguishing equipment as prescribed under Section 3(b) of Part D of this regulation.

* refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system

(e) Motorboats are required to carry fire extinguishers if any one of the following conditions exist:

1. Inboard engines;
2. Closed compartments and compartments under seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored;
3. Double bottoms not sealed to the hull or which are not completely filled with flotation material;
4. Closed living spaces;
5. Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stowed; or
6. Permanently installed fuel tanks. (Fuel tanks secured so they cannot be moved in case of fire or other emergency are considered permanently installed.)

(f) Motorboats contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, shall meet the applicable provisions of this section insofar as the number and general type of equipment is concerned. Existing items of equipment and installations previously approved but not meeting the applicable requirements for type approval may be continued in service so long as they are in good condition. All new installations and replacements shall meet the requirements of this section.