Fire extinguishers are defined by a number (their volume) and a letter the type of fire for which they are intended ( see here our detailed subject ). To fight fires, the regulations in place define certain rules. If you have to apply them, nothing prevents you from equipping yourself with more or better equipment.
Boat built before or after CE marking
If your boat has a CE marking, the fire fighting means (number of extinguisher, capacity, location, type of extinguisher) are defined by the boat builder. In its specifications, it assessed the risks of fire and fire spread. The location and capacity of this equipment is indicated (on the boat and in the owner's manual).
For vessels which do not have a CE marking (old vessels), fire-fighting means are defined by Division 245 (since 1 May 2015).
This division 245 defines the rules for the construction and equipment of recreational craft excluded from the CE marking with a hull length of less than 24 m.
For motorized vessels
Outboard Motorization
Any fire extinguisher required for the protection of an outboard engine shall be at a distance from the main steering station or cockpit not exceeding 1 m for ships of hull length less than 10 m and not exceeding 2,5 m for other ships.
Outboard motor with a power between 25 and 220 kW (less than 295 hp)
A fire extinguisher fleet with a total capacity of 34B
Outboard over 220 kW (over 295 hp)
A fleet of portable fire extinguishers with a combined total capacity equivalent to 0.3 x P (P being the total power of the engines in kW). For example, a boat powered by 400 hp (298 kW) will have to carry fire extinguishers with a capacity of 90B.
Motorization in board
Inboard power less than 120 kW (less than 160 hp)
A fire extinguisher type 34B placed close to the engine hold. The latter must have an orifice to spray the engine without opening the hold (so as not to add oxygen).
In board with a power greater than 120 kW (more than 160 hp)
Bilges fitted with an inboard engine of more than 160 hp must be fitted with a fixed fire extinguisher which can be triggered from the helm station.
Excluding motorisation
Kitchen
A kitchen with appliances without an open flame has a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 5A/34B, or a fire blanket.
For a stove with an open flame, it will be protected:
- either by a fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 8A/68B
- or by a fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 5A/34B and a fire blanket.
These means shall be located within 2 m of any permanently installed open flame appliance and shall be so located that they remain accessible in the event of ignition of the appliance.
Sleeping area
A sleeping area has a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 5A/34B, located less than 5 m from the middle of any berth.
Electrical installation
Where the ship is equipped with an electrical installation with an operating voltage greater than 120V continuous or greater than 50V alternating, it shall have at least one 5A/34B dielectric extinguisher.
Overhaul of fire extinguishers
The service life and inspection intervals of the fire extinguishers shall be determined by the manufacturer. The on-board equipment must be up to date with the maintenance visits thus defined.
The USCG has identified certain conditions that legally require a Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher to be on your boat. Does your boat have any of these features?
- Enclosed living and cooking spaces?
- Permanently installed fuel tanks (or tanks that are too heavy to lift)?
- Enclosed engine compartments?
- Seat compartments where engine tanks may be stored?
- Double bottoms not permanently sealed to the hull (or not completely filled with flotation material)?
If you answered ‘YES’ to any one of these features, you are required to have a Coast Guard-approved extinguisher on your boat.
Types of Fires and Fire Extinguishers
Type B:
This fire is caused by flammable liquids (like gasoline, oil or grease).
Type C:
This fire is caused by electrical problems (like a spark in the engine).
Type D:
This fire is caused by combustible metal materials (like titanium).
The number identifies the amount of ‘agent’ that’s inside the extinguisher. ‘Agent’ is the material that puts out the fire. The higher the number, the greater the amount of fire-fighting agent in the device. For example, the B-III fire extinguisher is capable of putting out a bigger fire than the B-I fire extinguisher.
Your Fire Extinguisher Requirements:
If your boat is required to have an extinguisher, you’ll need a proper mounting bracket to hold it in place. Fire extinguishers (and all safety equipment) should be kept in an easily accessible place, like the steering area, where they will be near the operator. Be sure to mount your extinguisher away from areas where a fire could start, like the engine area.Where to Locate Your Fire Extinguisher
Note: Water can put out a Type A fire, but if there is a Type B, C or D fire, water should never be used. Water can cause flammable liquids to spread rather than putting the fire out. Additionally, water could create an electrocution hazard.
Maintaining Your Fire Extinguisher
Monthly inspections are necessary to keep your extinguisher working properly. To properly inspect and maintain your extinguisher, you should:
- Have a qualified professional maintain, service and recharge your fire extinguishers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Look at the gauge and ensure that the fire extinguisher is fully charged.
- Check the hoses and seals for any cracks or signs of damage.
- Weigh the extinguisher to check that it meets the weight requirements on the label.
- Recharge the fire extinguisher whenever necessary.
Recreational vessels are required to carry fire protection equipment in accordance with the Marine Safety Regulations.
Depending on the type of vessel and equipment on board, fire protection equipment may include one or more of the following:
Portable fire extinguishers are required on all powered recreational vessels equipped with an electric start motor, gas installation, fuel stove or where any fuel is carried. They must be of a dry chemical type that complies with the relevant Australian Standards.
Table 1: Number of fire extinguishers required by vessel size
The table shows the number of fire extinguishers that vessels are required to carry according to its size.
| Less than 8m | One |
| 8m to 12m | Two |
| Greater than 12m | Three |
Table 2: Minimum fire extinguisher capacity
The table describes the minimum required size of a fire extinguisher according to a vessels capacity of flammable or combustible liquids that are able to be carried on the vessel.
| Less than 115 litres | 0.9 kg |
| 115 to 350 litres | 2.0 kg |
| 351 to 695 litres | 4.5 kg |
| More than 695 litres | 9.0 kg |
A fire blanket must also be carried on vessels where cooking facilities are located in an enclosed space. For example, the galley on a yacht.
The blanket must be positioned in a conspicuous location that is readily accessible to a person using the
cooking facilities. It must comply with Australian Standard AS/NZS 3504 "Fire blankets".
A bucket with lanyard must be carried on all powered recreational vessels. A bucket with lanyard allows water to be used to extinguish wood, paper and plastic fires.
The lanyard should be long enough to safely lower the bucket over the side of the vessel and retrieve full of water.
The bucket should be of a size that is able to be hoisted over the side of the vessel full of water. A ten litre bucket full of water weighs about ten kilograms.
The bucket may also be used as a bailer to bail water out of the vessel.
Instead of using a portable fire extinguisher, the master may fit their vessel with an approved fixed fire extinguishing system to the enclosed engine compartment, as long as it is of the equivalent size.
If the vessel must have multiple extinguishers, the fixed fire extinguishing system must be equivalent to the nominated portable fire extinguisher size and the additional portable fire extinguishers can be any size.
Examples
Michelle's 4.2m aluminium boat with a 25 HP engine has a fuel carrying capacity of 40 litres. The minimum fire fighting requirements are:
- one 0.9kg dry chemical portable fire extinguisher (vessel less than 8m, with less than 115 litre fuel capacity)
- one bucket with lanyard.
John's 10m Sports Cruiser can carry 1,000 litres of fuel (including cooking gas) and has a galley below deck. The minimum fire fighting requirements are:
With fixed fire extinguishing system:
- fixed fire extinguishing system of at least 9.0kg capacity
- one dry chemical portable fire extinguisher of any size
- one fire blanket
- one bucket with lanyard.
Without fixed fire extinguishing system:
- two dry chemical portable fire extinguishers, one of which must be a 9.0kg dry chemical portable fire extinguisher
- one fire blanket
- one bucket with lanyard.
A fixed fire extinguishing system must comply with International Standard ISO 9094 "Small craft - Fire protection" Part 1 and Part 2.
Visit our vessel maintenance section for information about boat fire prevention and fire extinguisher maintenance.
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