Fire extinguisher requirements for boats - Canada

The number before the letters on the extinguisher tells you how big a fire it will put out compared to other extinguishers. For example, a 10BC device will put out a larger fire than a 5BC device. 

What determines the number of fire extinguishers required on a pleasure craft?

The type of devices on board and the length of the boat will determine the number and type of fire extinguishers required on your pleasure craft.

Where must a fire extinguisher be located on a boat?  

Fire extinguishers should always be stored in a convenient and easily accessible place on your boat. 

Certification

The fire extinguisher you choose must be certified and labelled by the Coast Guard (for marine use), Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) or Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.(UL). You may no longer refill your fire extinguishers yourself, but have them refilled by a competent manufacturer's representative.

Fuels, such as gasoline and propane, can be very dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. The fumes from these fuels are heavier than air and tend to collect in the cabin, bilge and other low lying areas of the boat. It is of utmost importance that you keep these areas clean and free of trash because those are the areas of the boat where oxygen tends to accumulate. The missing ingredient to then start a fire is heat. Just turning the ignition switch could spark a fire!

Basic rules - maintenance

Some basic safety rules that you should follow on your boat:

• check your fire extinguishers often for correct operating pressure and make sure that you and your passengers know how to use them. 
• Have a qualified service representative check the extinguishers and recharge them as per the manufacturer’s instructions. 

What should be done to prevent fire extinguisher from clumping

• Every month, you should turn them upside down and shake them vigorously. 

These rules apply to: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and NorthWest Territories.