USCG Exam PracticeFire extinguishers — types, ratings, requirements
A recreational vessel exceeds 300 gross tons. In addition to the portable fire extinguishers required by Table 4 to §175.320(b)(1), what fire extinguishing equipment must be fitted in the machinery space?
- A. One 40-B:C semi-portable extinguisher per 1,000 brake horsepower, not to exceed six
- ✓ Either one 160-B semi-portable fire extinguishing system or a fixed fire extinguishing systemCorrect
- C. One 20-B portable extinguisher per 1,000 brake horsepower, not to exceed six, and no semi-portable or fixed system is required
- D. A fixed carbon dioxide system designed per 46 CFR part 76, subpart 76.15, with no portable extinguisher alternative
Why B is correct
33 CFR §175.320(b)(2)(ii) requires that on recreational vessels of more than 300 gross tons, either one 160-B semi-portable fire extinguishing system must be fitted or, alternatively, a fixed fire extinguishing system must be fitted in the machinery space. The 20-B per 1,000 BHP requirement under §175.320(b)(2)(i) applies to all recreational vessels over 65 feet but does not satisfy the additional 300 GT requirement.
Cited:33 CFR §175.320