Over The Bow Volume 79 Issue 1 Fall 2020 | Page 43

After prevention, the first line of defense against a vessel fire are its fire extinguishers, classified into “A”, “B” and “C” types (there is also a less common type “D” for chemical/combustible metals fires such as would be created by some flares). Each of these extinguishers comes in sizes (based on pounds of

suppressant). For the private boater, size 1 (I) or 2 (II) are the most common and manageable; the minimum number of extinguishers required depends upon the size of the vessel COMO Pica explained.

Patrick Alarcon 014-07-02 Norwalk CT conducts vessel safety checks at Shore and Country Club in Norwalk Harbor.

Photo by Jason Farrow