The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary highly recommends that ALL vessels have at least one portable fire extinguisher onboard, even if federal or state laws do not require one.

• Boats less than 26 feet.

  • At least one B-I type (see below) approved hand portable fire extinguisher.
    (Not required on outboard boats less than 26 feet in length and not carrying passengers for hire if the construction of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosives or flammable gases or vapors and if fuel tanks are not permanently installed.)

• Boats 26 to less than 40 feet

  • At least two B-I type approved portable fire extinguishers; OR at least one B-II type approved portable fire extinguisher.

• Boats 40 to not more than 65 ft.

  • At least three B-I type approved portable fire extinguishers; OR at least one B-I type plus one B-II type approved portable fire extinguishers.

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

  Marine Fire Extinguisher Classification Chart

  Coast Guard Classes	Foam (gals.)	CO2 (lbs.)	Dry Chemical (lbs.)	Halon (lbs.)
  B-I	1.25	4	2	2.5
  B-II	2.5	15	10	10

  KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Coast Guard minimum equipment requirements vary with the size of the boat, type of propulsion, whether operated at night or in periods of reduced visibility, and, in some cases, the body of water on which it is used. For a more thorough discussion and complete details on how many and what types of equipment you must have aboard your vessel, you can request a free copy of Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats by leaving an E-mail message with the Flotilla Communications Services Officer. In addition to the federal requirements listed above, the owner/operator may be required to comply with additional regulations specific to the State in which the vessel is registered or operated. State laws vary. A vessel in compliance with the laws of Florida may not meet the requirements of another State where operated. To insure compliance with State boating laws, contact the appropriate boating agency of your state.

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