What type of fire extinguishers should be onboard a vessel with a permanently installed fuel tank?

Answer 1

Usually one or more USCG-approved Class B-I or B-II are required.

According to US Coast Guard regulations (46 CFR 25.30):

At least one USCG-approved Class B-1 fire extinguisher is required on any powerboat with a permanently installed fuel tank.

A UL-listed 5-B:C extinguisher, with 2 pounds of dry chemical, may provide the basis for the extinguisher, but it must ALSO conform to USCG-approvals (proper corrosion protection, labeling, mounting bracket, etc).

A 4-pound CO2 extinguisher or 6 quarts foam extinguisher may also be rated for USCG B-1 service.

Powerboats over 26 feet may require additional extinguishers, as detailed in the related questions.

Up to 26 feet: one B-I extinguisher;

Over 26 but under 40 feet: two B-I extinguishers;

Over 40 feet but not over 65 feet: three B-I.

Note that two B-I extinguishers may be substituted for a B-II extinguisher.

NOTE: When a fixed fire extinguisher system is installed in the machinery space(s), it will replace one B-1 type portable extinguisher.

Answer 2

A UL-listed 5-B:C extinguisher, with 2 pounds of dry chemical, may provide the basis for the extinguisher, but it must ALSO conform to USCG-approvals (proper corrosion protection, labeling, mounting bracket, etc).

A 4-pound CO2 extinguisher or 6 quarts foam extinguisher may also be rated for USCG B-1 service.

It should be mounted so it is visible from anywhere in the boat.

Motorboats between 26 and 40 feet must have two B-I extinguishers. B-I is either 2 pounds dry chem, 4 pounds CO2 or 6 quarts foam. According to US Coast Guard regulations.

NOTE: When a fixed fire extinguisher system is installed in the machinery space(s), it will replace one B-I type portable extinguisher.

A UL-listed 5-B:C extinguisher, with 2 pounds of dry chemical, may provide the basis for the extinguisher, but it must ALSO conform to USCG-approvals (proper corrosion protection, labeling, mounting bracket, etc).

A 4-pound CO2 extinguisher or 6 quarts foam extinguisher may also be rated for USCG B-1 service.

At least one USCG-approved Class B-1 fire extinguisher is required on any powerboat with a permanently installed fuel tank.

A UL-listed 5-B:C extinguisher, with 2 pounds of dry chemical, may provide the basis for the extinguisher, but it must ALSO conform to USCG-approvals (proper corrosion protection, labeling, mounting bracket, etc).

Answer 3

Carbon Dioxide or foam.