Classification of fire and applicable extinguishing agents
Governing: STCW Table A-VI/1-2; REG Yacht Code Part A, 15A.6, 15A.7 and Table 15A.1; BS EN 3 colour coding. Builds on: L1.2.
The agents
| Agent | Colour band | Works by | Use on | Do not use on |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Red | Cooling | A | Burning oil, live electrics |
| Foam | Cream | Smothering, some cooling | A, B | Live electrics unless tested; Class F |
| Dry powder | Blue | Breaking the chain reaction, smothering | A, B, C, electrical | Confined spaces where visibility matters |
| CO2 | Black | Smothering by displacing oxygen | B, electrical | Accommodation; open windy decks |
| Wet chemical | Yellow | Cooling and forming a soapy layer | F, some A | Electrics |
Water is the most important agent at sea: unlimited, and the best at cooling. Applied as a spray it absorbs heat quickly and gives some protection; as a jet it reaches further.
CO2 leaves no residue, which makes it the choice for electrical and electronic equipment, but it does not cool much, so a fire can re-ignite. It also displaces oxygen in small spaces.
Dry powder knocks down flame quickly but obscures vision, is corrosive to electronics, and does not cool.
REG Yacht Code distribution
For accommodation and service spaces, section 15A.6 requires:
- on each deck, a portable extinguisher within 10 m of any location;
- at least 3 on board;
- as far as practical, a uniform method of operation, approved 5 kg / 9 litre type;
- no CO2 portables in accommodation spaces;
- spare charges for at least 50% of each type and capacity.
Table 15A.1 (yachts under 500 GT) adds, for a Category A machinery space with internal combustion engines, a fixed system and one portable oil-fire extinguisher for each 74.6 kW of power up to 7, or two portables plus a 45 litre foam or 16 kg CO2 unit. A galley needs a fire blanket.
Worked example
Two 373 kW engines: 746 kW in total. 746 ÷ 74.6 = 10, capped at 7 portable oil-fire extinguishers.
Using a portable extinguisher
- Check it is the right type for the fire.
- Pull the safety pin; test briefly away from the fire.
- Approach with your escape route behind you, low, from upwind on deck.
- Aim at the base of the fire, not the flames.
- Squeeze and sweep across the base.
- Watch for re-ignition; do not turn your back on it.
On a Class B liquid spill, direct foam onto a surface behind the fire so it flows over the liquid; a jet straight in splashes burning fuel.
Fire blankets
For a pan fire: turn off the heat if safe, lay the blanket over the pan away from you, leave it for a long time to cool, and do not lift it to look.
WARNING — Water on oil Water thrown onto burning cooking oil turns to steam instantly and throws burning oil across the galley. Blanket, wet chemical, or close the lid.
CAUTION — CO2 cold burns The CO2 horn gets extremely cold. Hold the handle, not the horn.
TIP — Same type, same operation Know the extinguishers on your deck by feel. The Code's uniform-operation rule helps, but check.