Ships carry multiple types of portable fire extinguishers, each matched to specific classes of fire — using the wrong type isn’t just ineffective, it can actively make certain fires worse.
Fire Classes and Matching Extinguisher Types
- Class A (ordinary combustibles — wood, paper, textiles) — water or foam extinguishers work well
- Class B (flammable liquids — oil, fuel, paint) — foam, CO2, or dry powder; never water, which can spread burning liquid rather than extinguish it
- Class C (electrical fires) — CO2 or dry powder; never water, given electrocution risk
- Class D (metal fires) — specialized dry powder agents; rare aboard merchant ships but relevant near certain machinery
Why Extinguisher Placement and Marking Matters
Extinguishers are positioned and clearly marked throughout the vessel according to the specific fire risks of each area — an engine room has different extinguisher provisions than accommodation spaces, reflecting the different fire classes likely in each location.
Inspection and Servicing
Portable extinguishers require regular visual inspection and periodic professional servicing/testing to ensure they’ll actually function when needed — an expired or improperly pressurized extinguisher provides false confidence, not real protection.
Using an Extinguisher: PASS
A commonly taught technique: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire (not the flames themselves), Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.
Exam Relevance
Fire extinguisher types, fire classification, and correct extinguisher selection are core Safety topics tested in both written exams and practical firefighting assessments for deck and engine officers.