When you are out on a motorized boat, safety should always be your top priority. You may be aware that having a fire extinguisher on board is required by law, but do you know exactly what type of fire extinguisher you need?
The type of fire extinguisher required on a motorized boat depends on the size of the boat and the type of engine it has. Here is a breakdown of what you need to know:
Type A Fire Extinguishers
A Type A fire extinguisher is designed to put out fires that involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, cloth, and rubber. These types of fires are common on board a boat and can happen due to electrical malfunctions or simple human error. If you have a motorized boat that is less than 26 feet in length, then you must have at least one Type A fire extinguisher on board.
Type B Fire Extinguishers
Type B fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve flammable liquids like gasoline, oil, and diesel fuel. These types of fires are also common on board a boat, especially where there are fuel tanks and engines. If your boat has a Type B fire risk, then you must have at least one Type B fire extinguisher on board. If your boat is less than 26 feet in length, then a Type A fire extinguisher with a USCG-approved Type B rating can be used instead of a standalone Type B fire extinguisher.
Type C Fire Extinguishers
Type C fire extinguishers are designed to put out electrical fires that involve energized equipment like wiring, batteries, and engines. These types of fires can occur on board a boat, whether it be a small leisure or commercial watercraft. If your boat has a Type C fire risk, then you must have at least one Type C fire extinguisher on board.
Type D Fire Extinguishers
Type D fire extinguishers are designed to put out fires that involve combustible metals like sodium, magnesium, and titanium. These types of fires are relatively uncommon on board a boat, but if your boat has a risk of encountering them, then you must have at least one Type D fire extinguisher on board.
Wrapping Up
It is essential to have the correct type of fire extinguisher on board your boat in case of an emergency. Make sure to check and recheck what type you need and that it is properly maintained and stored on board. A little diligence can go a long way to ensuring the safety of yourself and your passengers. Stay safe, and happy boating!