Marine fire extinguishers

[dialtone]

Hello! My friends boat caught on fire (small kitchen fire) and I used the extinguishers that came with my C30. Everybody and everything is ok but now I'm on Amazon shopping for extinguishers.

Any suggestions?

My goal is to put one in every area on the boat, two in the kitchen, and a larger one near the transom.

Any pics, suggestions, or safety suggestions related to fire are appreciated.

 

[Crewdog]

Glad your friend's boat is ok and you were able to help.

The USCG Vessel Safety Check manual on page 17 and 18 lists the minimum requirements for marine fire extinguishers, and discusses the types available:

http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/cim_16796_8.pdf

But it never hurts to have more than the minimum; now I think we'll pick up another one just to be on safe side.

Bill

 

[HRowland]

I have 3 extinguishers and a fire blanket. The fire blanket is ideal for a fire on the stove, you can quickly smother a grease or other fire when cooking. I have the fire blanket hanging to the right of the head door in my R27.

My fire extinguishers are in the V-berth, near the helm seat, and in the back corner of the cabin. I bought metal brackets to more securely mount them.

Another thing to remember is to regularly tilt and shake the dry powder type extinguishers, the agent can get packed and fail to discharge properly when needed.

See my album for pictures.

Howard

 

[pugtug613]

The thing that amazed me about fire extinguishers, is how fast they empty. Thanks for reminding me and I'm glad all is well. Definitely have more then minimum. You will have seconds to react and once the extinguisher is empty, you may need to grab another one. Very scary!

 

[dialtone]

I emptied one during the fire and the 2nd one took me more than 10 seconds to locate (reason for buying many more).

Fire blanket is a great idea, thank you.

At home I turn mine upside down a gently tap them with a rubber mallet.

Thanks for the USCG link.

 

[rporterfield]

dialtone
The USCG requirements are MINIMUM requirements. That being said the type one BC extinguisher is rated for B= gas, diesel, etc., and C = electrical. Most of our boats are composed of fiberglass and resin, wood, fabric and the like. Those are classified as A. Therefore we should be carrying USCG approved ABC extinguishers. I have one in the V berth, one opposite the head, and one on the aft cockpit wall. The ABC extinguishers are larger and contain a different chemical. The BC extinguishers that come as part of the factory safety kit are minimum and not adaquite for the type of construction of our vessels. Glad you are safe. Boat fires are BAAD.
Robert Porterfield, USCG Aux. PV, VE [ vessel examiner }, Buoy Navigator R-27

 

[pugtug613]

I just checked mine yesterday. I only have 1! It's a good one, ABC. But, small and I need at least one more. I think in the vee birth. I will get a larger one this time.