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Boat Fire Extinguisher Rules in Canada: Type and Number Required

Portable marine fire extinguishers are a vital type of safety equipment that is required on most boats. 

Fire is probably not the first hazard you think of when considering boating safety. Although boats are usually surrounded by water, they are not immune to catching fire. Onboard electrical components, flammable liquids, and other hazardous materials pose a fire and burn risk if exposed to an open flame.

In this article, we explain the types of fire extinguishers and the number required on different sizes of boats navigating on Canadian waters.

Key takeaways

• Boat fire extinguishers are classified according to the type (Class A, B or C) and size of fire they can put out (indicated by a number).
• Boaters are responsible for having the right number and type of fire extinguisher on board according to the length of their boat. 
• Fire extinguisher maintenance is a part of boat maintenance.
• Boaters should check their extinguisher before taking to the water, and always follow all instructions for maintenance and use, including shaking the extinguisher vigorously in an upside-down position at least once a month.

Table of contents

• Types of fire extinguishers for boats
• Number of fire extinguishers required on a pleasure craft in Canada
  • Pleasure craft up to 6 m
  • Pleasure craft over 6 m and up to 9 m
  • Pleasure craft over 9 m and up to 12 m
  • Pleasure craft over 12 m and up to 24 m
  • Pleasure craft over 24 m
• Boat fire extinguisher use and maintenance
• Frequently Asked Questions

Types of fire extinguishers for boats

Not every type of boat fire extinguisher works for every kind of fire. There are three main classifications of fire extinguishers, each of which corresponds to a different type of fire.

• Class A: Effective against solid combustibles such as wood, textiles, paper, etc.
• Class B: Effective against liquid combustibles such as gas, grease, oil, paint, etc.
• Class C: Effective against electrical fires in the engine, dashboard and electric cables.

A number placed before the letter(s) signifies the size of fire the extinguisher can put out effectively. For example, a 10BC extinguisher will be able to put out a larger fire than a 5BC extinguisher.

Number of fire extinguishers required on a pleasure craft in Canada

A pleasure craft must carry a fire extinguisher. It is a required piece of boating safety equipment for recreational boaters in Canada, as outlined in the Small Vessel Regulations.

The type and number of fire extinguishers you need depends on what other equipment you have on board, and the length of your boat.

Pleasure craft up to 6 m

• 1 5BC fire extinguisher if equipped with an inboard engine, a fixed fuel tank of any size, or a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance

Pleasure craft over 6 m and up to 9 m

• 1 5BC fire extinguisher if the vessel is power-driven
• 1 5BC fire extinguisher if equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance

Pleasure craft over 9 m and up to 12 m

• 1 10BC fire extinguisher if the vessel is power-driven
• 1 10BC fire extinguisher if equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance

Pleasure craft over 12 m and up to 24 m

• A 10BC fire extinguisher at the following locations:
  • At each access to a space equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance
  • At the entrance to any accommodation space
  • At the entrance to the machinery space

Pleasure craft over 24 m

• A 10BC fire extinguisher at the following locations:
  • At each access to a space equipped with a fuel-burning cooking, heating or refrigerating appliance
  • At the entrance to any accommodation space
  • At the entrance to the machinery space
• Pleasure craft over 24 m are also required to have 1 power driven fire pump located outside the engine space, fitted with a fire hose and nozzle that can direct a jet of water to any part of the vessel.

Boat fire extinguisher use and maintenance

Fire extinguisher maintenance is a part of regular boat maintenance. You should inspect your fire safety equipment periodically to make sure it’s in good working order. This includes:

• Verifying that the pressure gauge is in the green zone, the pin is intact, and there is no rust or nozzle blockage.
• Turning your fire extinguisher upside down and shaking it vigorously (once a month) to prevent the chemical agent from clumping.
• Always using it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tip: Make a habit of checking your fire extinguisher every time you check your manual water pump and manual propelling device.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• Government of Canada Small Vessel Regulations (SOR/2010-91) Department of Justice. https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2010-91/page-6.html 
• Government of Canada Vessel Fire Safety Regulations (SOR/2017-14) Department of Justice https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2017-14/page-6.html#h-840402 
• Transport Canada. SAFE BOATING GUIDE. [PDF]. https://tc.canada.ca/sites/default/files/2024-03/tp_511e.pdf

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• Boat Fire Safety: Guidelines for Prevention & Emergencies
• Magnetic Compass Requirements for Boating in Canada
• Boat Distress Flares: Types and Regulations in Canada

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