There are many different types of fire extinguishers.
As a speed boat operator it is important you know
the differences between the different types and which one
you are required to have on your boat.
Fire extinguishers are extremely important for safety.
Not every motorboat is required to carry this device but it
is best if you do have one on board.
Each fire extinguisher will be approved by the U.S. Coast
Guard.
Fire extinguishers are classified by a class of fire they have the
capability to put out which are according to letters and numbers.
A, B, C, and D are set forth to indicate the class of fire
the fire extinguisher is designed to put out.
There will be a number that stands for the capacity of the
fire the extinguisher can put out.
The larger the number the larger the capacity.
Fire Classes
The four classes of fires include class A, B, C, and D.
A Class A fire is considered a fire full of combustible
solids that can be wood or anything else.
Class B fires are fires with flammable liquids like
gasoline. Class C is
an electrical fire and a Class D is a fire with combustible
metals.
Carbon Dioxide CO2 Fire Extinguisher
A carbon dioxide fire extinguisher can take care of a class B or C
situation. The carbon
dioxide fire extinguisher has a large blast of high pressure gas.
This fire extinguisher is not designed to put out amber and
ash fires. Spraying
this type of extinguisher on ambers and ash will cause the fire to
spread everywhere.
Halon Fire Extinguisher
The Halon fire extinguisher is designed for Class A, B, and C
rating fires. This
extinguisher is designed for small class A fires.
The halon fire extinguisher
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
A dry chemical fire extinguisher is designed for
a class B or C fire. This
type of extinguisher comes in three different varieties.
You can find them in sodium bicarbonate, potassium
bicarbonate, and mono ammonium phosphate.
The dry chemical is not recommended for use on speed boats because
the materials are corrosive.
It has a Class A rating because it has the ability to melt
the item on fire to encase it and put the fire out.
Foam Fire Extinguisher
A foam fire extinguisher is designed for a class A or B fire and
it is the best solution when boating.
Foam extinguishers have the ability to provide a blanket
over a fire and completely smother it.
The foam separates the vapor layers in Class B fires also.
All gasoline powered boats are required to carry B-1 approved fire
extinguishers.
If you have a fire on your boat the only place to go is in the
water. Three things
make up the elements of a fire and they include oxygen, fuel, and
heat. By removing one
of these elements you can put a fire out.
Gasoline and propane are very dangerous fuels.
The fumes often collect in areas like the cabin, lower
areas of the boat and the bilge.
They are naturally surrounded by oxygen so all they need
for a fire to ignite is heat. Just a spark from the ignition could
cause the boat to explode.
Be sure you read the instructions on your fire extinguisher and
you know how to use it.
Never hesitate and always be prepared to use an
extinguisher and put a fire out.
Direct the extinguisher at the flames and use short bursts.
As you are blasting the fire sweep the extinguisher from
side to side.
