(a) Each portable fire extinguisher on a vessel must be of an approved type. The minimum number of portable fire extinguishers required on a vessel must be acceptable to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, but must not be fewer than the minimum number required by table 1 to § 181.500(b) and other provisions of this section.
(b) Table 1 to § 181.500(b) 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.
Table 1 to § 181.500(b)—Required Portable Fire Extinguishers
| Space
| Portable fire extinguishers
|
|---|
Minimum
required
rating
| Quantity and location
|
|---|
| Operating Station | 10-B:C | 1.
|
| Machinery Space | 40-B:C | 1 in the vicinity of the exit.
|
| Open Vehicle Deck | 40-B | 1 for every 10 vehicles.
|
| Accommodation Space | 2-A | 1 each for each 2,500 square feet (232.3 square meters) or fraction thereof.
|
| Galley | 40-B:C | 1.
|
| Pantry, concession stand | 2-A | 1 in the vicinity of the exit. |
(c) A vehicle deck without a fixed sprinkler system and exposed to weather must have one 40-B portable fire extinguisher for every five vehicles, located near an entrance to the space.
(d) The frame or support of each semi-portable fire extinguisher permitted by paragraph (a) of this section must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.
[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48300, July 22, 2016, as amended by USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76707, Sept. 18, 2024]
Portable fire extinguishers must be located so that they are clearly visible and readily accessible from the space being protected. The installation and location must be to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.
authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103,
3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4
source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 982, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.
cite as: 46 CFR 181.520