Portable Fire Extinguishers on Ships: Types, Locations and SOLAS Requirements

Understanding marine portable fire extinguisher types, shipboard placement, inspection, maintenance and SOLAS Chapter II-2 compliance

Fire safety is one of the most important aspects of shipboard operations. Ships carry fuel, lubricating oil, electrical equipment, chemicals, cargo and other combustible materials that can create serious fire hazards. A small fire, if not detected and controlled quickly, can develop into a major emergency, threatening crew safety, vessel operations and the marine environment.

Portable fire extinguishers are among the first-line firefighting appliances available to ship crews. However, simply carrying fire extinguishers onboard is not enough. Shipowners and technical managers must ensure that the correct type, capacity and number of extinguishers are provided in suitable locations and maintained in accordance with applicable SOLAS requirements and IMO guidelines.

In this comprehensive guide, we explain the different types of portable fire extinguishers used on ships, their applications, recommended locations, SOLAS requirements, inspection procedures and maintenance intervals.

We also explain how Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd., an India-based marine safety equipment service and supply company, supports shipowners and vessel operators with professional marine fire extinguisher inspection, servicing, refilling, hydrostatic testing and firefighting equipment maintenance.

1. What Are Portable Fire Extinguishers on Ships?

Portable fire extinguishers are manually operated firefighting appliances designed to control or extinguish small fires during their initial stages.

On merchant vessels, portable fire extinguishers are strategically installed in accommodation spaces, engine rooms, galleys, workshops, control stations, cargo areas and other locations where fire hazards may exist.

Unlike fixed firefighting systems, portable extinguishers can be carried by trained crew members to the location of a fire.

Their effectiveness depends on:

• Selecting the correct extinguishing agent for the fire hazard.
• Providing the required number and capacity of extinguishers.
• Installing extinguishers in accessible and visible locations.
• Ensuring proper inspection and maintenance.
• Training crew members in their correct operation.

Portable fire extinguishers form an important part of a vessel's overall fire protection arrangement under SOLAS Chapter II-2.

2. Types of Portable Fire Extinguishers Used on Ships

Different areas of a vessel present different fire hazards. Therefore, marine fire extinguishers are available with different extinguishing agents to handle specific types of fires.

The following are the commonly used portable fire extinguishers onboard merchant ships.

2.1 CO2 Fire Extinguishers

Carbon dioxide (CO2) fire extinguishers use carbon dioxide gas to suppress fires by reducing the oxygen concentration around the flame.

Applications onboard ships:

• Electrical switchboards.
• Engine control rooms.
• Electrical control panels.
• Generator control equipment.
• Navigation and electronic equipment areas, where appropriate.

Advantages:

• Leaves no significant extinguishing-agent residue.
• Non-conductive extinguishing agent.
• Suitable for many electrical fire applications when correctly rated.

Important safety consideration: CO2 can create an asphyxiation hazard, particularly in confined spaces. Personnel must follow the vessel's emergency procedures and avoid exposure to high concentrations of CO2.

2.2 Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

Dry powder fire extinguishers use specially formulated chemical powder to interrupt the chemical chain reaction of combustion.

Depending on the powder formulation, they can be suitable for different fire classes.

Applications onboard ships:

• Engine rooms.
• Machinery spaces.
• Fuel handling areas.
• Workshops.
• General-purpose firefighting locations.
• Areas with mixed fire hazards, subject to the extinguisher's rating.

Advantages:

• Rapid flame knockdown.
• Available in different capacities.
• Suitable for various fire hazards depending on powder formulation and approval.

Important safety consideration: Dry powder can reduce visibility during discharge and leave residue on electrical and sensitive electronic equipment.

2.3 Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam fire extinguishers discharge a foam solution that helps suppress flames and prevent the release of flammable vapours from burning liquid surfaces.

Applications onboard ships:

• Fuel handling areas.
• Oil storage areas.
• Machinery spaces, where specified.
• Workshops.
• Locations containing flammable liquids.

Advantages:

• Suitable for many Class A and Class B fire risks, depending on the foam formulation and approval.
• Helps prevent re-ignition by forming a blanket over burning liquid surfaces.
• Useful for certain solid combustible material fires.

Important safety consideration: Conventional foam extinguishers must not be used on electrical equipment unless specifically approved for that application.

2.4 Water Fire Extinguishers

Water extinguishers primarily extinguish fires by cooling burning materials.

Applications onboard ships:

• Accommodation areas.
• Offices.
• Storage spaces containing ordinary combustible materials.
• Other suitable Class A fire-risk areas.

Advantages:

• Effective cooling action.
• Suitable for ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper and textiles.
• Simple operating principle.

Important safety consideration: Water extinguishers must not be used on energized electrical equipment or flammable liquid fires unless the specific equipment is approved for that application.

2.5 Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

Wet chemical extinguishers are specifically designed for certain cooking oil and fat fires.

They discharge a special chemical solution that cools the burning oil and forms a protective layer over the surface.

Applications onboard ships:

• Ship galleys.
• Cooking stations.
• Deep-fat frying equipment.
• Commercial kitchen areas.

Advantages:

• Suitable for appropriate cooking oil and fat fire hazards.
• Helps prevent re-ignition.
• Provides cooling and surface protection.

Important safety consideration: The extinguisher must be suitable for the particular cooking equipment and fire risk.

Quick Comparison of Marine Fire Extinguishers

The correct extinguisher must always be selected according to its approval, fire rating, manufacturer's instructions and the vessel's approved fire control arrangements.

3. SOLAS Requirements for Portable Fire Extinguishers on Ships

The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) establishes international requirements for fire protection, detection and extinction onboard ships.

The primary regulatory provisions for portable fire extinguishers are found in:

• SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10: Fire fighting.
• SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 14: Operational readiness and maintenance.
• International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code), Chapter 4: Fire extinguishers.
• IMO Resolution A.951(23): Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers.
• IMO MSC.1/Circ.1275 and Corr.1: Unified interpretation of the number and arrangement of portable fire extinguishers onboard ships.

3.1 Minimum Number of Portable Fire Extinguishers

SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.3.2.1 requires accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations to have appropriate portable fire extinguishers in sufficient numbers to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and above must carry at least five portable fire extinguishers under this provision.

This is a minimum requirement and does not mean that five extinguishers are sufficient for every ship.

The actual number depends on:

• Vessel type and gross tonnage.
• Number and arrangement of accommodation spaces.
• Machinery space configuration.
• Service and control spaces.
• Cargo arrangements.
• Applicable flag Administration requirements.

3.2 Fire Extinguisher Placement Near Entrances

SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.3.2.2 requires one of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in a particular space to be stowed near the entrance to that space.

This allows crew members to access firefighting equipment quickly without entering a potentially dangerous compartment.

3.3 CO2 Fire Extinguishers in Accommodation Spaces

Under SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.3.2.3, carbon dioxide fire extinguishers must not be placed in accommodation spaces.

In control stations and other spaces containing electrical or electronic equipment essential to ship safety, extinguishing media must be neither electrically conductive nor harmful to the equipment and appliances.

3.4 Accessibility and Readiness

SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.3.2.4 requires portable fire extinguishers to be:

• Easily visible.
• Readily accessible.
• Available for immediate use.
• Protected against weather, vibration and other external factors that could impair their serviceability.

Portable extinguishers must also have devices indicating whether they have been used.

3.5 Portable Fire Extinguisher Technical Requirements

The FSS Code Chapter 4 specifies important technical requirements.

For conventional portable extinguishers:

These requirements should be read together with the applicable FSS Code provisions, equipment approvals and vessel-specific arrangements.

4. Where Should Fire Extinguishers Be Located on Ships?

Correct placement is as important as selecting the correct extinguisher.

IMO MSC.1/Circ.1275 provides guidance on the number and arrangement of portable fire extinguishers in different shipboard spaces.

The following are important areas to consider.

4.1 Accommodation Spaces

Portable fire extinguishers should be provided in suitable accommodation areas, including public spaces, corridors and other applicable locations.

The IMO unified interpretation provides the following guidance:

• Public spaces: One Class A extinguisher per 250 m² of deck area or fraction thereof.
• Corridors: Travel distance to an extinguisher should not exceed 25 metres within each deck and main vertical zone.
• Hospitals: One Class A extinguisher.

4.2 Engine Room and Machinery Spaces

Engine rooms contain several potential fire hazards, including fuel oil, lubricating oil, electrical equipment and hot machinery surfaces.

Suitable approved extinguishers should be located according to the machinery space arrangement and fire risks.

SOLAS also contains specific additional requirements for machinery spaces of Category A.

For example, machinery spaces of Category A containing internal combustion machinery require approved foam-type extinguishers of at least 45 litres capacity or equivalent, in sufficient numbers to protect relevant fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems and other fire hazards.

In addition, at least two portable foam extinguishers or equivalent are required, positioned so that no point in the space is more than 10 metres walking distance from an extinguisher.

These provisions are subject to the applicable SOLAS requirements and Administration interpretations.

4.3 Ship Galley

Galleys contain cooking equipment, electrical appliances, cooking oils and other fire hazards.

The IMO unified interpretation recommends:

• One Class B extinguisher.
• An additional Class F or K extinguisher for galleys containing deep-fat fryers.

The selected equipment must be suitable for the actual cooking fire hazards.

4.4 Electrical Control Rooms

Electrical control rooms and switchboard areas require extinguishing agents suitable for electrical fire risks.

CO2 or other approved non-conductive extinguishing media may be provided according to the equipment arrangement and vessel's approved fire protection plan.

4.5 Workshops and Store Rooms

Workshops may contain flammable liquids, electrical equipment, lubricants and combustible materials.

Suitable extinguishers should be provided according to the space's area, contents and fire hazards.

Store rooms of 4 m² or more are specifically addressed in the IMO unified interpretation.

4.6 Cargo Spaces and Weather Deck

The required fire extinguishing arrangements depend on the type of cargo, vessel design and associated fire risks.

Additional provisions apply to certain cargoes, vehicle spaces and dangerous goods.

For example, SOLAS includes special portable extinguisher provisions for vehicle and ro-ro spaces. In such spaces, portable extinguishers are required at each deck level and spaced no more than 20 metres apart on both sides of the space, with at least one extinguisher at each access.

Important: The above examples are not a substitute for the complete IMO distribution table. The vessel's approved fire control plan, flag requirements and applicable SOLAS provisions must be checked before determining the final number and location of extinguishers.

5. Inspection and Maintenance of Marine Fire Extinguishers

Portable fire extinguishers must remain in good working condition throughout the vessel's operation.

SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 14 requires firefighting systems and appliances to be maintained in good working order and readily available for immediate use.

IMO Resolution A.951(23) provides specific guidance for marine portable fire extinguisher inspection and maintenance.

5.1 Annual Inspection and Servicing

Under IMO Resolution A.951(23), extinguishers should be periodically inspected in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and serviced at intervals not exceeding one year.

Annual servicing should include appropriate checks of:

• Cylinder condition and corrosion.
• Pressure gauge and operating pressure, where applicable.
• Safety pin and tamper seal.
• Discharge hose and nozzle.
• Valve and operating mechanism.
• Extinguishing agent condition.
• Identification labels and operating instructions.
• Mounting brackets and accessibility.
• Service identification and maintenance records.

5.2 Five-Yearly Test Discharge

IMO Resolution A.951(23) recommends that at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year and kept onboard should be test discharged at five-year intervals as part of a fire drill.

This requirement should be considered when planning the vessel's fire extinguisher maintenance programme.

5.3 Ten-Yearly Hydrostatic Testing

IMO Resolution A.951(23) provides that all extinguishers, together with their propellant cartridges, should undergo hydraulic testing in accordance with recognized standards or the manufacturer's instructions at intervals not exceeding ten years.

The applicable test procedure and any additional flag or class requirements should be verified for each extinguisher.

5.4 Recharging and Replacement

Portable fire extinguishers that have been discharged must be immediately recharged or replaced with an equivalent unit.

Only compatible extinguishing agents, spare charges and manufacturer-approved components should be used.

Ships should also maintain suitable spare charges or additional extinguishers in accordance with the applicable FSS Code requirements.

5.5 Maintenance Records

Inspection and maintenance records should be maintained onboard.

Records should include:

• Date of inspection.
• Equipment identification.
• Type of maintenance performed.
• Recharging details, where applicable.
• Hydrostatic test details, where applicable.
• Service provider or competent personnel details.
• Next inspection or maintenance due date.

Proper documentation helps shipowners demonstrate that firefighting appliances are being maintained in accordance with applicable requirements.

6. Common Fire Extinguisher Deficiencies Found During Ship Inspections

During vessel safety inspections, flag surveys and class surveys, several fire extinguisher-related deficiencies may be identified.

Some common examples include:

1. Expired or overdue service identification.
2. Corroded or physically damaged extinguisher cylinders.
3. Missing safety pins or damaged tamper seals.
4. Low pressure or defective pressure gauges.
5. Damaged discharge hoses and blocked nozzles.
6. Incorrect extinguisher type for the intended fire hazard.
7. Fire extinguishers obstructed by cargo or other equipment.
8. Missing or incomplete maintenance records.
9. Incorrect installation or damaged mounting brackets.
10. Missing or unsuitable spare charges.

Shipowners and technical superintendents should conduct regular onboard inspections to identify and rectify these deficiencies before the next scheduled survey.

7. Why Professional Marine Fire Extinguisher Servicing Is Important

Marine fire extinguishers operate in challenging environments where humidity, saltwater exposure, vibration and temperature variations can affect equipment condition.

Professional servicing helps ensure that extinguishers remain operational, properly maintained and ready for emergency use.

A marine fire extinguisher servicing programme may include:

• Visual inspection and equipment identification.
• Cylinder condition assessment.
• Pressure and weight verification, as applicable.
• Inspection of valves, hoses and nozzles.
• Extinguishing agent examination.
• Refilling and recharging.
• Hydrostatic testing, where due.
• Replacement of defective components.
• Final inspection and service identification.
• Maintenance documentation and certification.

For shipowners, using a marine-focused service provider helps ensure that equipment servicing considers the relevant SOLAS requirements, IMO guidelines, flag state regulations, class requirements and manufacturer's instructions.

8. Marine Fire Fighting Appliances Service by Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd.

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. is an India-based marine safety equipment service and supply company providing comprehensive lifesaving and firefighting appliance services to shipowners, ship managers, fleet operators and marine professionals.

With more than a decade of experience in the marine industry, Marinetech focuses on maintaining the operational readiness of shipboard safety equipment through professional inspection, servicing, maintenance and supply.

Our firefighting equipment service scope includes:

• Portable Fire Extinguishers – Inspection, Annual Servicing, Refilling and Hydrostatic Testing.
• SCBA Sets and Cylinders – Inspection, Cleaning, Testing and Refilling.
• Fixed CO2 Fire Extinguishing Systems – Inspection and Maintenance.
• Foam Systems – Hot and Deck Foam System Servicing.
• Wet Chemical Fire Suppression Systems.
• Water Mist Systems.
• Fire Hoses and Nozzles – Inspection and Pressure Testing.
• Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems.
• Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD).
• Breathing Air Analysis.
• Clean Agent Systems, including applicable Novec and FM-200 systems.
• Supply of Marine Fire Fighting Equipment and Related Safety Materials.

Our Approvals and Technical Capabilities

Marinetech's firefighting service operations are supported by classification society approvals and accreditations including:

• ABS
• Bureau Veritas (BV)
• DNV GL
• RINA
• ClassNK
• Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)
• Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
• Lloyd's Register
• Korean Register
• China Classification Society (CCS)

The company also has manufacturer approvals for relevant firefighting equipment and systems.

Our technical infrastructure and service capabilities include:

• 9 leading classification society approvals/accreditations for relevant services.
• 40+ qualified engineers.
• 7,000+ sq. ft. service station infrastructure.
• Advanced testing and inspection equipment.
• More than 10 years of marine industry experience.

Marine Fire Fighting Appliances Service Across India

Marinetech supports vessels calling at major Indian ports and shipping locations, including:

• Mumbai and JNPT
• Mundra
• Surat and Hazira
• Sikka and Jamnagar
• Vadinar
• Visakhapatnam (Vizag)
• Chennai and Ennore
• Paradip
• Other major Indian ports, subject to service availability.

For complete information about our services, inspection capabilities and firefighting equipment maintenance, visit our dedicated page:

Marine Fire Fighting Appliances Inspection & Service – Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd.

https://marinetechss.com/services/fire-fighting-appliances

Shipowners and vessel managers looking for marine fire extinguisher servicing, inspection, refilling, hydrostatic testing and comprehensive firefighting equipment maintenance can contact our team for service coordination and quotations.

9. Importance of SOLAS-Compliant Fire Extinguisher Maintenance for Shipowners

Portable fire extinguishers are essential emergency appliances that help crew members respond to fires during their initial stages.

For shipowners and technical managers, maintaining these appliances is not just a regulatory obligation. It is an important part of protecting crew members, cargo, vessel assets and the marine environment.

A well-planned fire extinguisher maintenance programme should include:

• Correct extinguisher selection.
• Proper placement according to the approved fire control plan.
• Regular onboard inspections.
• Annual servicing by competent personnel.
• Five-yearly test discharge arrangements.
• Hydrostatic testing at applicable intervals.
• Proper maintenance documentation.
• Crew familiarization and firefighting drills.

Working with an experienced marine firefighting service provider helps shipowners maintain the operational readiness of their firefighting appliances.

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. supports the maritime industry with marine fire extinguisher servicing, firefighting appliance inspection, equipment maintenance and supply solutions across major Indian ports.

For professional marine firefighting equipment servicing, visit our dedicated service page:

https://marinetechss.com/services/fire-fighting-appliances

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. How many portable fire extinguishers are required on a ship as per SOLAS?

Under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.3.2.1, ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and above must carry at least five portable fire extinguishers in accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations. Additional extinguishers are required depending on the vessel's size, type, machinery spaces, cargo arrangements and applicable regulations.

Q2. Which types of fire extinguishers are used onboard ships?

Common marine fire extinguishers include CO2, dry powder, foam, water and wet chemical extinguishers. The correct type depends on the fire hazard, equipment rating, vessel arrangement and applicable approval requirements.

Q3. Can CO2 fire extinguishers be used in ship accommodation areas?

No. SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10.3.2.3 specifically prohibits carbon dioxide fire extinguishers in accommodation spaces. Suitable alternative extinguishing agents should be selected for these areas.

Q4. How often should marine fire extinguishers be serviced?

According to IMO Resolution A.951(23), marine portable fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced at intervals not exceeding one year, following the manufacturer's instructions and applicable requirements.

Q5. When is hydrostatic testing required for marine fire extinguishers?

IMO Resolution A.951(23) recommends hydraulic testing of extinguishers and their propellant cartridges at intervals not exceeding ten years, in accordance with recognized standards or manufacturer's instructions. Additional requirements may apply depending on the extinguisher and its approval.

Q6. Where should portable fire extinguishers be installed onboard ships?

Portable extinguishers should be installed in easily visible, accessible locations near the spaces they protect. SOLAS requires one extinguisher intended for use in a particular space to be stowed near its entrance. The final distribution should follow MSC.1/Circ.1275, the approved fire control plan and applicable flag requirements.

Q7. What is the difference between a CO2 and a dry powder fire extinguisher?

CO2 extinguishers discharge carbon dioxide gas and leave no significant residue, making them useful for many suitable electrical fire applications. Dry powder extinguishers discharge chemical powder and offer rapid flame knockdown across different fire classes depending on their formulation. However, powder residue can contaminate sensitive electrical equipment.

Q8. Where can I get marine fire extinguisher servicing in India?

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. provides marine firefighting equipment inspection, servicing, refilling and hydrostatic testing, along with maintenance of other firefighting appliances and systems. Visit our dedicated Fire Fighting Appliances Service page or contact our team at info@marinetechss.com.

11. Related Marine Safety Blogs

For additional information about shipboard fire safety, fire extinguisher maintenance and marine firefighting equipment, explore these related articles from Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd.:

1. CO2 vs Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher: Which Is Best for Marine Electrical Fire?
2. Marine Fire Extinguisher Servicing Before Safety Survey
3. Fire Extinguisher Service – Inspection, Refilling & Maintenance
4. Fire Fighting Appliances Service in India – Complete Guide
5. Fire Fighting Equipment on Ships: What SOLAS Requires & What Marinetech Supplies

These articles provide additional guidance for shipowners, technical superintendents and vessel operators.

12. Contact Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. for Marine Fire Fighting Appliances Service

Looking for reliable marine fire extinguisher servicing, inspection, refilling, hydrostatic testing or complete firefighting equipment maintenance in India?

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. provides marine safety equipment services and supplies to support vessel safety and operational readiness.

Our Services: Fire Fighting Appliances Inspection & Service

Email: info@marinetechss.com

Website: https://marinetechss.com/

Phone: +91 72270 38216 | +91 79 7743 0002

Dedicated Service Page: https://marinetechss.com/services/fire-fighting-appliances

Marinetech Safety Pvt. Ltd. – Navigating Safety, Supplying Confidence.

Regulatory note: This article is intended for general marine safety information. The applicable SOLAS edition, FSS Code, IMO circulars, vessel construction date, flag Administration instructions, classification society requirements and approved fire control plan should always be checked before making compliance decisions.