Marine Fire Extinguishers
Information About Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are designed for different purposes. Type B:C dry chemical units are commonly used on recreational vessels.
Boat Fire Safety depends on exercising safe practices, performing proper maintenance and having the right equipment at hand. Fire extinguishers are required equipment for powerboats and a routine part of any Vessel Safety Check. Boat fires are truly terrifying events and a prudent boater will be well prepared for them. The Coast Guard approves extinguishers for marine use. They will say Marine Type USCG and bear an approval number on the label. The mounting bracket is also part of this approval. Extinguishers are classified by size and type of fire needing control.
Fire Extinguisher Classes
- Class A - Fires involving ordinary combustible materials like wood, cloth or paper. Materials that leave an ash after burning
- Class B - Fires involving flammable liquids like gasoline, engine oil, solvents and diesel fuel
- Class C - Fires involving energized electrical circuits. Initial response should be to disconnect the power. The remaining problem will then be a Class A or B fire
- Class D - Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium or soium
Dry Chemical Extinguishers - There are a number of different extinguisher systems used on recreational boats. These can include fixed systems for closed spaces like engine compartments using agents like Halon. The most common extinguisher used by recreational boaters are of the Type B:C dry chemical variety. Dry chemical agents are typically some form of Sodium or Potassium Bicarbonate. The size and number of extinguishers required to be available onboard a boat is dependent on the length of the vessel. If you speak with any skipper who has experienced a boat fire, the minimum carriage requirements aren't high enough.
Fire Chemistry - Fires need to have four components present to continue burning, they are oxygen, fuel, heat, and an uncontrolled chemical reaction. Dry chemical agents suppress fires by cooling and limiting oxygen from reaching the fuel. Dry chemical extinguishers can suppress a surprising amount of open flame. Many local fire departments offer practice use classes for extinguisher use.
Helpful Extinguisher Hints -Here are some practical pointers for marine fire extinguishers:
- Don't test an extinguisher by squeezing the trigger
- Maintain your extinguishers on a regular basis. Service those showing low pressure gauge readings, replace ones that are rusted or corroded, and shake dry chemical extinguisher from time to time to prevent packing
- Have your extinguishers inspected by a professional each year
- Place extinguishers where they are easy to reach, but avoid locations near potential fire sources like stoves
- Use the mounting bracket that came with the extinguisher. An extinguisher stowed away or covered up by other gear is useless
