Regulations last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

Title 46 - Shipping last revised: Nov 04, 2024
§ 193.50-10 - Location.

(a) Approved portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems must be installed in accordance with Table 193.50-10(a) of this section. The location of the equipment must be to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection (OCMI). Nothing in this paragraph must be construed as limiting the OCMI from requiring such additional equipment as he or she deems necessary for the proper protection of the vessel.

(b) Table 193.50-10(a) indicates the minimum required classification for each space listed. Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations may be used if the extinguishers meet the requirements of the table.

(c) Semi-portable fire extinguishing systems must be located in the open so as to be readily seen.

(d) If portable fire extinguishers are not located in the open or behind glass so that they may be readily seen, they may be placed in enclosures together with the firehose, provided such enclosures are marked as required by § 196.37-15 of this subchapter.

Table 193.50-10(a)—Carriage of Portable Fire Extinguisher and Semi-Portable Fire Extinguishing Systems

Space Minimum required rating Quantity and location
Safety Areas
Wheelhouse or fire control roomNone.
Stairway and elevator enclosuresNone.
Communicating corridors2-A1 in each main corridor not more than 150 ft apart. (May be located in stairways.)
Lifeboat embarkation and lowering stationsNone.
Radio room20-B:C 12 in the vicinity of the exit. 1
Accommodations
Staterooms, toilet spaces, public spaces, offices, lockers, isolated storerooms, pantries, open decks, etcNone.
Service Spaces
Galleys40-B:C1 for each 2,500 sq ft or fraction thereof.
Machinery Spaces
Paint and lamp rooms40-B1 outside space in the vicinity of the exit.
Accessible baggage, mail, and specie rooms, and storerooms2-A1 for each 2,500 sq ft or fraction thereof located in the vicinity of the exits, either inside or outside the spaces.
Carpenter shop and similar spaces2-A1 outside the space in the vicinity of the exit.
Coal-fired boilers: Bunker and boiler spaceNone.
Oil-fired boilers: Spaces containing oil-fired boilers, either main or auxiliary, or their fuel-oil units40-B2 required. 2
160-B1 required. 3
Internal combustion or gas turbine propelling machinery spaces40-B1 for each 1,000 brake horsepower, but not fewer than 2 nor more than 6. 4
120-B1 required. 5 6
Electric propulsive motors or generators of open type40-B:C1 for each propulsion motor or generator unit.
Enclosed ventilating systems for motors and generators of electric propelling machineryNone.
Auxiliary Spaces
Internal combustion gas turbine40-B1 outside the space in vicinity of the exit. 6
Electric emergency motors or generators40-B:C1 outside the space in vicinity of the exit. 7
SteamNone required.
Trunks to machinery spacesNone required.
Fuel tanksNone required.
Scientific Spaces
Chemistry laboratory or scientific laboratory40-B:C2 for each 300 sq ft of deck space or fraction thereof, with one (1) of each kind located in the vicinity of the exit.
Chemical storeroom40-B:CSame as for the chemistry laboratory.
Spare Units
2-A10 percent of required units rounded up.
40-B:C10 percent of required units rounded up.

1 For vessels on an international voyage, substitute one 40-B:C in vicinity of the exit.

2 Vessels of fewer than 1,000 GT require one.

3 Vessels of fewer than 1,000 GT may substitute one 120-B.

4 Only one required for motorboats.

5 If oil burning donkey boiler fitted in space, the 160-B previously required for the protection of the boiler may be substituted. Not required where a fixed carbon dioxide system is installed.

6 Not required on vessels of fewer than 300 GT if fuel has a flash-point higher than 110 °F.

7 Not required on vessels of fewer than 300 GT.

(e) Portable fire extinguishers and their stations must be numbered in accordance with § 196.37-15 of this subchapter.

(f) Portable or semi-portable extinguishers, which are required on their nameplates to be protected from freezing, must not be located where freezing temperatures may be expected.

[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48302, July 22, 2016]
authority: 46 U.S.C. 2213,3102,3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; Department of Homeland Security Delegation No. 0170.1
source: CGFR 67-83, 33 FR 1145, Jan. 27, 1968, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 193.50-10