#boatfire

Uncontrolled fires can be devastating and frightening on boats. A boat fire can grow by up to 7 seconds per hour, so it is important to have the right extinguisher at the right spot.

boat fire extinguisher is classified using a number and a letter. The letter denotes the type of fire it is intended to extinguish (A, B or C), The extinguisher's size is indicated by the numerals I, II, III and IV. The extinguisher's size will depend on how high the number is. Sizes I, II, and IV are hand-portable, while sizes III, IV, and V are semi-portable.

Class A extinguishers can be used to put out fires that produce Ash. Water or chemical foam are the best extinguishing agents to put out an A fire.

Class B fires boil. They contain flammable liquids like gasoline, diesel, grease, gasoline and diesel. Carbon dioxide, dry chemical or an aqueous film-forming mousse (AFFF) are the best extinguishing agents to put out a B flame.

Class-C fires are caused by a Charge from energized electric equipment. They can electrocute or shock people if water-based extinguishing agent is used. When fighting a Class C fire, it is important to turn off the electricity. The status of a class C fire will be changed to one that is a class A or B. Carbon dioxide is the best extinguishing agent. You can also use dry chemical.

Each boat should have at least one extinguisher that can put out a fire of any class ( ABC extinguisher). All extinguishers that are used on boats must have U.S. Coast Guard approval and be rated for marine use. Boats less than 26 feet in length must have at least one B-1 extinguisher; boats between 26 and 40 feet must have at most two. Boats greater than 40 feet in length but less than 65ft must have three.