But regardless of type, any fire extinguisher is of no use if it cannot be easily accessed in a fire emergency. Thus, in response to the question of where should the extinguishers be kept, Commodore Pica succinctly advises “where you can get to them – plus the sleeping berths.”
If you awake to a fire, you may have to fight your way out of it. Every other extinguisher should be kept in a convenient place – near the galley but not in it; near the engine but not within the engine space, etc. Regulations and advisory information is important but the use of common sense is equally critical.
Despite all precautions, a fire can still happen while you’re on board. What you do might save your boat; more importantly, it can save your life.
Act quickly. If you have help aboard, use it. To buy time and slow a fire from spreading, turn the boat so the fire is down wind and proceed ahead as slowly as possible while maintaining steerage.
When discharging the fire extinguisher aim it at the base of the flame, not the flames themselves. You are seeking to smother the source of the fire, not the flames themselves. Move the fire extinguisher back and forth across the source of the flame to spread the coverage. If the fire has a source such a flowing charge or liquid, and you can get to a switch or shut-off valve, do it to starve the fire of fuel.