Fire Extinguisher on board.

[Some Old Guy 968]

I have a built in gas tank in my boat. Am I required to have a fire extinguisher in the boat? If I am, what type do I need.

Roger

[Guest MNR]

In Canada more than 150 people die each year in boating accidents. The Small Vessel Regulations and the Competency of Operators of Pleasure Craft Regulations enacted by the Federal government have been effect for several years. These regulations are aimed at preventing unnecessary injuries and death.

The Small Vessel Regulations govern what type of safety equipment is to be carried on board and are broken down by type of boat, propulsion method and the boat’s overall length. Pleasure craft, those that are used for pleasure activities such as fishing, water sports and entertaining friends are covered under these regulations. The safety equipment required on board is categorized into; fire fighting, navigation, Life-Saving Appliances and Personal Life-Saving Appliances, Life-Saving Appliances and Visual Signals and Vessel Safety Equipment.

Fire fighting equipment is required if the pleasure craft is equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance. For a vessel under 6 meters in length, a 5B:C portable extinguisher is required. This is a minimum 3 lb. multi purpose dry chemical (ammonium phosphate) extinguisher.

Transport Canada has published an easy to use “Safe Boating Guide” that details exactly what type of equipment is required on board each vessel being used in Canada. It is available on the web at www.boatingsafety.ca and at Canada and Ontario Service counters and kiosks.

It is important to note that any equipment required to be carried must be in good working order. A fire extinguisher without adequate pressure won’t be of any help to you if a fire starts.