Final answer:
Portable marine fire extinguishers should be mounted in areas where fires are most likely to occur and where they can be quickly accessed, such as near the engine compartment, in the galley, and in the sleeping quarters.
Step-by-step explanation:
Portable marine fire extinguishers should be mounted in locations where they are readily accessible in the event of a fire. In general, they should be placed:
- Near the engine compartment, as this is a common source of fires on board a vessel.
- In the galley, another area where fires are likely to occur due to cooking activities.
- In the sleeping quarters, to ensure that they can be reached quickly during an emergency, especially at night when most occupants are likely to be in these areas.
The option 'On the bow' is less ideal as fires are less likely to start here and it may not be quickly accessible during an emergency.