Fire extinguishers — types, ratings, requirements

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 6 §6.1

USCG Boatswain Manual Ch. 6 §6.1 — Firefighting Shipboard fire is classified by fuel: A (combustibles), B (flammable liquids/gas), C (energised electrical), D (combustible metals — rare on small vessels), K (cooking oils — galley fires). Use the correct extinguisher class for the fuel.

33 CFR §175.305

§ 175.305 § 175.305 General provisions. Where fire extinguishing equipment in this subpart is required to be of an approved type, such equipment must be approved as provided in 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter Q. A listing of current and formerly approved equipment and materials may be found on the internet at:Each OCMI may be contacted for information concerning approved equipment.

33 CFR §175.310

§ 175.310 § 175.310 Portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems. (a) All portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers must— (1) Be on board and readily accessible; (2) Be of an approved type; (3) Not be expired or appear to have been previously used; and (4) Be maintained in good and serviceable working condition, meaning: (i) If the extinguisher has a pressure gauge reading or indicator it must be in the operable range or position; (ii) The lock pin is firmly in place; (iii) The discharge nozzle is clean and free of obstruction; and (iv) The extinguisher does not show visible signs of significant corrosion or damage. (b) Vaporizing-liquid type fire extinguishers containing carbon tetrachloride, chlorobromomethane, or other toxic vaporizing liquids, …

33 CFR §175.315

§ 175.315 § 175.315 Fixed fire extinguishing systems. (a) A fixed fire extinguishing system must be of a type approved by the Coast Guard under 46 CFR part 162. (b) A carbon dioxide system must be designed and installed in accordance with 46 CFR part 76, subpart 76.15. (c) An automatic sprinkler system must be designed and installed in accordance with 46 CFR 25.30-15(c).

33 CFR §175.320

§ 175.320 § 175.320 Fire extinguishing equipment required. (a)(1) A recreational vessel 65 feet or less in length must carry at least the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers set forth in table 1 to § 175.320(a)(1). A vessel less than 26 feet in length, propelled by an outboard motor, is not required to carry portable fire extinguishers if the construction of the vessel will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors. (2) Figure 1 to § 175.320(a)(2) illustrates the conditions, identified by table 2 to § 175.320(a)(2), under which fire extinguishers are required to be carried on board. Figure 2 to § 175.320(a)(2) illustrates conditions, identified by table 3 to § 175.320(a)(2), that do not, in themselves, require that fire extinguishers be carried. (b)(1…

33 CFR §175.390

§ 175.390 § 175.390 Condition and number of fire extinguishers required for recreational vessels built before model year 1953. A recreational vessel built before model year 1953 must meet the applicable number and general type of equipment provisions of §§ 175.305 through 175.320. Existing items of equipment and installations previously approved but not meeting the applicable requirements for type approval may be continued in service provided they are in good condition. All new installations and replacements must meet the requirements of §§ 175.305 through 175.320.