Fire extinguishers are defined by a number (their volume) and a letter the type of fire for which they are intended ( see here our detailed subject ). To fight fires, the regulations in place define certain rules. If you have to apply them, nothing prevents you from equipping yourself with more or better equipment.
Boat built before or after CE marking
If your boat has a CE marking, the fire fighting means (number of extinguisher, capacity, location, type of extinguisher) are defined by the boat builder. In its specifications, it assessed the risks of fire and fire spread. The location and capacity of this equipment is indicated (on the boat and in the owner's manual).
For vessels which do not have a CE marking (old vessels), fire-fighting means are defined by Division 245 (since 1 May 2015).
This division 245 defines the rules for the construction and equipment of recreational craft excluded from the CE marking with a hull length of less than 24 m.
For motorized vessels
Outboard Motorization
Any fire extinguisher required for the protection of an outboard engine shall be at a distance from the main steering station or cockpit not exceeding 1 m for ships of hull length less than 10 m and not exceeding 2,5 m for other ships.
Outboard motor with a power between 25 and 220 kW (less than 295 hp)
A fire extinguisher fleet with a total capacity of 34B
Outboard over 220 kW (over 295 hp)
A fleet of portable fire extinguishers with a combined total capacity equivalent to 0.3 x P (P being the total power of the engines in kW). For example, a boat powered by 400 hp (298 kW) will have to carry fire extinguishers with a capacity of 90B.
Motorization in board
Inboard power less than 120 kW (less than 160 hp)
A fire extinguisher type 34B placed close to the engine hold. The latter must have an orifice to spray the engine without opening the hold (so as not to add oxygen).
In board with a power greater than 120 kW (more than 160 hp)
Bilges fitted with an inboard engine of more than 160 hp must be fitted with a fixed fire extinguisher which can be triggered from the helm station.
Excluding motorisation
Kitchen
A kitchen with appliances without an open flame has a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 5A/34B, or a fire blanket.
For a stove with an open flame, it will be protected:
- either by a fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 8A/68B
- or by a fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 5A/34B and a fire blanket.
These means shall be located within 2 m of any permanently installed open flame appliance and shall be so located that they remain accessible in the event of ignition of the appliance.
Sleeping area
A sleeping area has a portable fire extinguisher with a minimum capacity of 5A/34B, located less than 5 m from the middle of any berth.
Electrical installation
Where the ship is equipped with an electrical installation with an operating voltage greater than 120V continuous or greater than 50V alternating, it shall have at least one 5A/34B dielectric extinguisher.
Overhaul of fire extinguishers
The service life and inspection intervals of the fire extinguishers shall be determined by the manufacturer. The on-board equipment must be up to date with the maintenance visits thus defined.
