250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-80-00-1.8

Current through December 26, 2024

Section 250-RICR-80-00-1.8 - Fire Extinguishing Equipment

A. Applicability

This section applies to all motorboats and motor vessels used on waters subject to the jurisdiction of this state.

B. Prohibition

No person may use a motorboat or motor vessel unless it meets the requirements of § 1.8(D) of this Part.

C. Classification of Fire Extinguishing Equipment

1. Hand-portable fire extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems are classified by a combination letter and number symbol; the letter indicates the type of fire which the unit could be expected to extinguish, and the number indicates the relative size of the unit.

2. For the purpose of this section, all required hand-portable extinguishers and semi-portable fire extinguishing systems are of the "B" type, i.e., suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, greases, etc.

3. The number designations for size will start with "I" for the smallest to "V" for the largest. For the purpose of this section, only sizes I through III will be considered. Sizes I and II are considered hand-portable fire extinguishers and sizes III, IV, and V are considered semi-portable fire extinguishing systems which shall be fitted with suitable hose and nozzle or other practicable means so that all portions of the space concerned may be covered.

D. Fire Extinguishing Equipment Required:

1. All motorboats shall carry at least the minimum number of hand- held portable fire extinguishers set forth in § 1.26 of this Part, except motorboats less than 26 feet (7.9 meters) in length, propelled by outboard motors and not carrying passengers for hire. These need not carry such portable fire extinguishers if the construction of such motorboats will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gasses or vapors. See § 1.8(E) of this Part.

2. All motor vessels shall carry at least the minimum number of hand-portable fire extinguishers set forth in § 1.26 of this Part and the following fire extinguishing equipment fitted in each machine space:

a. One Type B-II hand-portable fire extinguisher shall be carried for each 1,000 B.H.P. of the main engines or fraction thereof. However, not more than six such extinguishers need to be carried.

b. On motor vessels over 300 gross tons, either one Type B-III semi-portable fire extinguishing systems shall be fitted, or alternatively, a fixed fire extinguishing system shall be fitted in the machinery space. The frame or support of each Type B-III fire extinguisher required must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.

E. Exemptions - A person using a motorboat equipped with an outboard motor, less than 26 feet (7.9 meters) in length need not comply with § 1.26 of this Part if the construction of such motorboat will not permit the entrapment of explosive or flammable gases or vapors. The motorboat must comply with § 1.26 of this Part if one or more of the following conditions exist:

1. Closed compartment under thwarts and seats wherein portable fuel tanks may be stored.

2. Double bottoms are not sealed to the hull or that are not completely filled with flotation material.

3. Closed living spaces.

4. Closed stowage compartments in which combustible or flammable materials are stowed.

5. Permanently installed fuel tanks: A tank is considered permanently installed if it is secured so that it cannot be moved in case of a fire or other emergency or if it is such a weight that it cannot be moved by persons on board.

F. Stowage - Each item of fire-extinguishing equipment required by § 1.8(D) of this Part must be:

1. Stowed away from the potential hazard area.

2. Readily accessible.

G. Approval: Condition: Marking - Each item of hand-portable or semi-portable fire extinguishing equipment and each fixed fire extinguishing system required by § 1.8(D) of this Part must be:

1. Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, under 46 C.F.R. § 162.028 or §162.039, incorporated above at § 1.4(D) of this Part as applicable.

2. Shall be in compliance with 33 C.F.R. § 175 Subpart E, incorporated above at § 1.4(B) of this Part.

H. Fire Extinguishing Equipment Prohibited - The carriage of the following types of fire extinguishers is prohibited:

1. Dry chemical stored pressure type, not fitted with pressure gauges or indicating devices.

2. Vaporizing liquid type containing tetrachloride, chloroboromethane, or other toxic vaporizing liquids.

250 R.I. Code R. 250-RICR-80-00-1.8

Amended effective 4/2/2023