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Which fire extinguishers do I need on my...

Which fire extinguishers
do I need on my boat?

Co-authored by Peter Mansi
(Fire Investigations UK)

Cartoon penguin wielding fire extinguishers stands near a burning boat as a helicopter hovers above, with an iceberg looming in the distance.

In the UK, the regulations for firefighting equipment on boats are primarily governed by the Recreational Craft Regulations 2017 (RCR) and the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD) 2013/53/EU. These regulations set the standards to ensure the safety of persons, property, and the environment by mitigating fire risks on recreational boats.

According to these regulations, all recreational boats must be equipped with appropriate firefighting equipment that meets the fire protection requirements outlined in ISO 9094, Small Craft – Fire Protection. This standard specifies the minimum requirements for firefighting equipment on boats and helps ensure that boats are properly equipped to handle fires. Powered boats, or boats with cooking, heating, refrigerating or lighting appliances must be equipped with the minimum number of portable fire extinguishers according to the following table:

Approximate length of boat	Number of fire extinguishers (consider one for each sleeping cabin)	Minimum rating of each extinguisher	Combined fire rating
Under 7m (23ft)	2	5A/34B	10A/68B
7 - 11m (23-36ft)	2	5A/34B	13A/89B
11 - 13.7m (36-45ft)	3	5A/34B	21A/144B

Table Source rya.org.uk and boatsafetyscheme.org

The number of extinguishers may be reduced by one 5A/34B fire extinguisher if there are no cooking, heating, refrigerating, lighting or fuel-burning appliances on the boat, or if the boat doesn’t have an engine.

What do the markings on a fire extinguisher mean?

Fire extinguishers are categorised to indicate the size of fire for which they are suitable e.g. 5A/34B. The letter indicates the fire group and the number is the size of fire it can tackle, e.g. 5A is equivalent to 5 x 1 ¼ gallons water equivalence over 34 square feet of Class B fires. The higher the number the more effective the extinguisher. Extinguishers capable of dealing with more than one group will have two codes – 5A/34B, for instance.

By combining the ratings of two or more extinguishers, a “combined fire rating” is created e.g. 2 x 5A/34B extinguishers would have a combined fire rating of 10A/68B.

All firefighting equipment must be compliant with UKCA marking (post-Brexit equivalent of the CE marking), which certifies that the equipment meets UK safety standards. Manufacturers are required to provide a declaration of conformity, ensuring that their products meet the necessary legal requirements before they are placed on the market.

What are the different types of fire extinguisher?

Different media are used to fight different types of fire, so it is essential to choose the correct type to address different potential fire hazards on board. The most common are water, dry powder, foam and Carbon Dioxide (CO2). The illustration below shows which type of extinguisher should be used on each class of fire.

A chart showing five types of fire extinguishers—water, dry powder, foam, CO2, and wet chemical—and their appropriate uses.

Media	Advantages	Disadvantages	Suitable for fire groups
Water	Cheap, good cooling properties, non-hazardous	Should never be used on liquid, gas or electrical fires	Type A only
Dry powder	Versatile	Messy, corrosive, leaves a residue, effectiveness can be reduced by wind, can cause breathing difficulties	This is dependent on the type of powder with options of D only, B&C or A B C which is commonly found onboard boats
Foam	Good cooling properties, can create a heat barrier	Not suitable for electrical fires	A and sometimes B - suitability varies between different manufacturers
CO²	Does not cause damage or leave a residue, can be used on live electrical fires	Can cause cold injuries if used incorrectly, can cause an asphyxiant atmosphere if used in a confined space, disperses rapidly in open spaces	Most effective for small class B fires

What type of fire extinguisher should I have on my boat?

Galley – a foam or dry powder extinguisher for fires caused by cooking oils and other flammable liquids.

Engine room – a CO₂ extinguisher is effective on fuel and electrical fires without leaving residue. It should be possible to tackle an engine room blaze without allowing air to enter the space, as this could make the fire worse. A small hole through which a fire extinguisher can be aimed is one solution, but many owners choose to fit a dedicated automatic extinguisher in the engine bay. The fire rating required will depend on the space in question and advice should be sought from the manufacturer. For larger spaces there are specialist fire systems available, often using inert gases as the fire-extinguishing media.

Living areas – dry powder extinguishers for their versatility in handling different types of fires.

Where should I mount the fire extinguisher on my boat?

Mounting fire extinguishers in strategic locations on your boat is crucial for ensuring quick and effective response in case of a fire.

Key locations

Near the Galley, to quickly address any cooking-related fires.
The engine room – mount an extinguisher outside the engine room but close enough to access quickly.
Mount extinguishers at the entrances to cabins and companionways. This ensures that you can grab an extinguisher while escaping the area.
For open boats or larger boats, placing an extinguisher in the cockpit and on the deck ensures accessibility from multiple locations.

Mounting guidelines

Ensure fire extinguishers are easily accessible and visible. They should be mounted in a way that allows quick removal, but will not dislodge by themselves due to the boat’s movement.

Mounting at a height that allows easy access for all adults on board, typically around waist level is ideal, and if they are to be mounted on an open deck, it’s crucial to ensure they are in weatherproof cases to protect from the elements.

What maintenance do I need to carry out on fire extinguishers on my boat?

Maintaining the fire extinguishers on your boat is essential for ensuring they function correctly in an emergency.

Illustration of a penguin holding a fire extinguisher with one flipper and the hose in the other.

Monthly Checks

Visual inspection:
- Ensure the extinguisher is in its designated place and is easily accessible.
- Check for any signs of damage, corrosion, or tampering.
- Ensure the nozzle is free from blockages.
Pressure gauge check:
- Verify that the pressure gauge needle is in the operable range (usually marked in green).
Seal and pin:
- Check that the tamper seal and safety pin are intact.

Annual Maintenance

Professional servicing:
- Have a qualified service agent conduct a thorough inspection and servicing annually. This may include internal examination, refilling, or replacing parts as needed.
- Ensure the servicing agent provides documentation of the maintenance performed.
Weight check:
- Weigh the extinguisher to ensure it is full. A significant weight loss could indicate a leak.
Condition of labels:
- Ensure that labels and instructions on the extinguisher are legible and intact.

Five-year and ten-year maintenance

Extended service (every five years):
- For water, foam, and powder extinguishers, an extended service should be carried out every five years. This involves a more detailed examination by a professional, including checking for internal corrosion and refilling with new extinguishing agent.
Hydrostatic testing (every ten years):
- Carbon dioxide extinguishers require hydrostatic testing every ten years to check the integrity of the cylinder.

After use

Recharging:
- After any use, even partial, the extinguisher must be recharged or replaced immediately.
Inspection post-use:
- Have a professional inspect the extinguisher after use to ensure it is in proper working condition for future use.

Documentation and Record Keeping

Log book:
- Maintain a log book documenting all inspections, maintenance, and servicing activities. Include dates, findings, and actions taken.

Should I have an automatic fire suppression system
in the engine room of my boat?

In the UK, automatic fire suppression systems are not mandatory on recreational boats under 13.7 meters in length. However, their installation is strongly recommended as they provide an additional layer of safety by automatically detecting and extinguishing fires, thereby protecting both your boat and its occupants.

Benefits of Automatic Fire Suppression Systems

Immediate response: These systems are designed to detect fires early and extinguish them before they can spread. This immediate response is crucial in confined spaces like engine rooms, where fires can escalate quickly.
Minimal manual intervention: Automatic systems activate without the need for manual intervention, which is particularly beneficial in situations where crew members might be unable to reach the fire due to smoke or other hazards.
Protection of critical areas: Engine rooms are high-risk areas due to the presence of flammable fuels and electrical components. An automatic suppression system ensures that fires in these critical areas are dealt with swiftly and effectively

What type of automatic fire suppression system are available?

Clean agent systems

FE-36 and Novec 1230: These are popular choices for marine applications due to their effectiveness and environmental friendliness. They are suitable for Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires, which are common on yachts. Clean agents do not leave residues, making them ideal for protecting sensitive equipment in engine rooms.
Benefits: Non-conductive, safe for use on electrical equipment, and minimal cleanup required after discharge.

Aerosol systems

Stat-X Aerosol Fire Suppression: This type of system uses condensed aerosol particles to extinguish fires. It is effective for small to medium-sized compartments and is often used in engine rooms and machinery spaces.
Benefits: Compact, easy to install, and requires minimal maintenance.

Gaseous systems

CO2 systems: While effective, CO2 systems can be hazardous to humans if not properly ventilated. They are typically used in unoccupied spaces like engine rooms.
Benefits: Highly effective at displacing oxygen and extinguishing fires quickly but have no cooling effect.

The installation of an automatic fire suppression system should only be carried out by certified professionals to ensure it meets the required safety standards and is effective in protecting the designated area. Regular maintenance by a specialist is essential to ensure they remain functional. This includes inspecting the system’s components, verifying pressure levels, and ensuring that the detection and activation mechanisms are operational.

It is important to note that if your boat has a maximum designed speed in excess of 17 knots it must have an automatic fire suppression system fitted and properly maintained, to ensure you are fully covered. Please refer to our policy booklet (Section J, 1.9) for further clarification.

Preparing your crew

Having all the necessary safety equipment on board is irrelevant if your crew don’t know how to use it. Providing comprehensive fire training and briefings for your crew, especially if they are new to the boat, is essential for ensuring safety on board.

A briefing should include:

An explanation of the critical nature of fire safety on a boat due to limited escape routes and the potential for rapid fire spread.
Educate the crew on the different types of fires they might encounter (electrical, fuel, galley) and the appropriate extinguishing methods for each, and where they are located.
Instruct your crew on safe cooking practices, such as keeping flammable materials away from heat sources and turning off the gas supply after use.
Instruct your crew to not overload plugs or leave batteries charging unattended.
Explain the emergency procedures in the event of a fire, including how to raise the alarm, shut down fuel and electrical systems, and evacuate the boat.
For crew onboard who may need to fight a fire, it’s important that they understand how to use a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher, including knowing how to pick the correct type. The “PASS” method is easy to remember and there are many diagrammatic signs available which could be kept on board to act as an aide memoire.

Every member of the crew should also be familiar with the process of making a MAYDAY call, and the process for abandoning ship.

Fire extinguisher instructions: 1. Pull pin. 2. Aim nozzle. 3. Squeeze handle. 4. Sweep side to side at base of fire.

MEET THE EXPERT

A smiling man with gray hair in a suit and blue tie, outdoors with greenery in the background.

Peter Mansi

It is safe to say that Peter Mansi is an expert in all things fire and explosion related, both on and off the water. His expertise is highly sought after when it comes to fire related matters on boats, whether it’s the prevention of them, or the investigation of them.

Peter has had a long career in the fire industry. Over 40 years ago, he joined the London Fire Brigade, ultimately serving as Borough Commander of the City of London and Group Manager for the Fire Investigation Team. Moving into the private sector 12 years ago, Peter set up Fire Investigations UK, which specialise in fire investigations around the UK, Middle East and Europe. In that time he has been involved with numerous narrowboat, yacht, motorboat and super yacht fires, and has become the go to fire expert within the marine industry. Peter is a Certified Fire Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators, a Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and a Fellow of the Institution of Fire Engineers.

Find out more about Fire Investigations UK by visiting their website: Fire Investigations UK LLP

Sources

Fire in the environment | Fire Protection Association (thefpa.co.uk)
Environmental impact of fire | Fire Science Reviews | Full Text (springeropen.com)
A Guide to the Different Classes of Fire in the UK from A to F (firerisk.co.uk)
A Guide to Yacht Fire Safety Systems – Live Yachting
Everything you need to know about a yacht’s gas system – Yachting Monthly
Fire safety on boats (gov.uk)
Open fires and wood-burning stoves (defra.gov.uk)
Marine Fire Suppression Solutions | Keep Your Assets Protected (fireward.co.uk)
Fire Suppression System (marinefiresafety.co.uk)
Boat fire prevention: tips to stay safe – Practical Boat Owner (pbo.co.uk)
Gas Safety On Boats (rya.org.uk)

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Which fire extinguishersdo I need on my boat?