Final answer:
The minimum number of hand portable fire extinguishers required on a recreational boat is based on the boat's length and the presence of an engine compartment or galley. Guidelines for determining the number of fire extinguishers are outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minimum number of hand portable fire extinguishers required on a recreational boat is determined based on the boat's length and the presence of an engine compartment and/or galley. The guidelines for determining the number of fire extinguishers are outlined by the U.S. Coast Guard.
The basic guidelines are:
- Boats under 26 feet in length and without an engine compartment or galley require at least one B-I type fire extinguisher.
- Boats with an engine compartment require at least one B-I type fire extinguisher and an additional B-II type fire extinguisher if the engine compartment is permanently closed.
- Boats with a galley require at least one B-I type fire extinguisher and an additional B-II type fire extinguisher if the galley is fitted with a fixed fuel-burning appliance.
It is important to regularly check and maintain the fire extinguishers on a recreational boat to ensure they are in working condition.