It's the Law: Required Equipment

Fire Extinguishers

All recreational vessels are required to have a Type B fire extinguisher(s) on board except a vessel that is less than 26 feet in length and propelled by outboard motors, that does not have permanently installed gas tanks, and whose construction does not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors. While a vessel may be exempt from this requirement, all vessel operators are encouraged to carry a fire extinguisher on board.
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. Only USCG–approved fire extinguishers are legal for use on vessels.
Extinguishers should be placed in an accessible area away from the engine. Be sure you know how to operate them and check all extinguishers regularly.

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 ¼	4	2
B-II	2 ½	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

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Online boating safety handbook last modified: January 28, 2010
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