Fire safety on a vessel isn’t something anyone takes lightly. When you’re out at sea, there’s no fire department coming to the rescue. It’s just the crew, the equipment onboard, and the decisions made in those first few critical seconds. That’s why understanding the types of fire extinguishers on ships, where to use them, and why they’re required under SOLAS regulations is such a big deal for any marine operation.

Types of Fire Extinguishers on Ships and Why They Matter for Marine Safety

Whether you manage a cargo vessel, an offshore support ship, a tugboat, or anything in between, knowing this stuff isn’t optional. It’s essential. And if you’re sourcing marine fire extinguishers or safety gear, Amazon Blu Ship Supplies has everything your vessel needs to stay compliant, equipped, and prepared.

Let’s break it all down in a simple, practical way.

Understanding Fire Classes on Ships as per SOLAS

Before picking the right extinguisher, you need to understand the type of fire you’re dealing with. SOLAS categorizes marine fires into six classes. Here’s a quick table to make it easier:

Fire Class	Fuel Source	Common Ship Areas	Recommended Extinguishers
Class A	Wood, paper, cloth	Cabins, storage areas	Water, Foam
Class B	Flammable liquids	Engine room, pump room	Foam, Dry Powder, CO2
Class C	Flammable gases	Machinery spaces	Dry Powder
Class D	Combustible metals	Workshop, machinery areas	Special Dry Powder
Class E	Electrical fires	Control rooms, switchboards	CO2
Class F	Cooking oils & fats	Galley	Wet Chemical

These categories guide which extinguishers you keep in specific parts of the vessel. It’s not only best practice—it’s regulation.

Types of Fire Extinguishers Commonly Used on Ships

Different fires need different extinguishers. Using the wrong one can make the fire worse or even endanger the crew. Here are the main types used across commercial and offshore vessels.

Water Fire Extinguishers

These are straightforward extinguishers used for Class A fires. They cool the burning material and stop the fire from spreading. You’ll mostly find them in accommodation areas and storage spaces.

Foam Fire Extinguishers

Foam is great for both Class A and Class B fires because it forms a barrier that cuts off oxygen. This makes them ideal for engine rooms and areas with fuel or lubricants.

Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers

These are the “all-rounders” on ships. They work on Classes A, B, and C, which means solids, liquids, and gases. Dry powder interrupts the fire’s chemical reaction, making it effective for unpredictable or mixed-origin fires.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguishers

CO2 is perfect for electrical fires because it leaves no residue. You’ll see them near control panels, navigation equipment, switchboards, and engine control rooms.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers

These are specifically for Class F fires such as galley grease fires. When cooking oils ignite, water actually makes things worse, so wet chemical extinguishers are mandatory in ship kitchens.

Water Mist Fire Extinguishers (Newer Technology)

These are becoming more popular due to their versatility. Water mist can handle Classes A, B, C, and some electrical fires, making them extremely practical on modern vessels. Many competitor marine brands now highlight them, so including these boosts your content’s relevance.

Fixed Firefighting Systems vs Portable Extinguishers

Ships use a combination of portable extinguishers and fixed firefighting systems. Each has a purpose.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

These are manually operated and used for small or early-stage fires. They’re placed throughout the vessel based on SOLAS guidelines.

Semi-Portable Extinguishers

These are wheeled units used in engine rooms or machinery spaces.

Fixed Systems

These include:

• CO2 Flooding Systems
• Foam Fixed Systems
• FM-200
• Water Mist Fixed Systems
• Sprinkler Systems
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Fixed systems handle large-scale emergencies where manual extinguishers won’t be enough.

Where Fire Extinguishers on Ships Should to Be Placed

Proper placement is just as important as having the right type.

Common areas include:

• Accommodation corridors and cabins
• Galley
• Engine room and control room
• Pump room
• Cargo spaces
• Bridge
• Deck areas
• Workshop and machinery areas

A well-planned layout saves lives and reduces damage.

Maintenance & Inspection Requirements (Don’t Skip This Part)

Fire extinguishers on ships require constant monitoring. SOLAS, IMO, and classification societies all mandate proper inspection schedules.

Your crew should follow the basics:

• Monthly visual checks
• Annual servicing by an authorized technician
• Pressure gauge inspection
• Weight check for CO2 cylinders
• Look for corrosion, leakage, seal issues
• Test discharge when due

Lack of maintenance is one of the top causes of fire equipment failure at sea.

Why Marine Fire Safety Equipment Must Meet SOLAS Requirements

Ships operate in isolated and hazardous environments. That’s why every firefighting system onboard must comply with IMO, SOLAS, and FSS Code standards. Using non-certified or poor-quality extinguishers can lead to fines, detentions, and major safety risks.

How Amazon Blu Ship Supplies Helps You Stay Safe at Sea

Amazon Blu Ship Supplies provides a complete range of certified marine fire extinguishers and firefighting systems for vessels operating across the UAE and global shipping routes.

Here’s what we offer:

• All types of portable & semi-portable extinguishers
• CO2 fixed systems
• Fire hoses, nozzles, hydrants
• Fire blankets and smoke detectors
• SOLAS-approved safety gear
• Inspection, refilling, and maintenance support
• Fast delivery to ports across UAE

If your vessel needs reliable, SOLAS-approved fire extinguishers or complete marine fire safety solutions, Amazon Blu Ship Supplies is here to support you.
Get fast delivery, expert advice, and top-tier safety equipment trusted by ship owners across the UAE.

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FAQs: Types of Fire Extinguishers on Ships

1. Which fire extinguisher is best for engine room fires?
Foam, dry powder, or CO2 depending on the fire class involved.

2. Can water extinguishers be used on electrical fires?
No, they should never be used on electrical fires.

3. How often must extinguishers be inspected on ships?
Monthly by crew and annually by certified technicians.

4. What extinguisher is used for flammable gas fires?
Dry powder extinguishers.

5. Are water mist extinguishers suitable for ships?
Yes, they are increasingly used due to wide fire-class compatibility.

6. What extinguishers are required in a ship’s galley?
Wet chemical extinguishers for cooking oils.

7. Are all marine extinguishers SOLAS-approved?
Not always. You must ensure they comply with SOLAS and IMO codes.

8. How many extinguishers are needed on a ship?
It depends on vessel size, layout, and safety regulations.

9. Do CO2 extinguishers require hydrostatic testing?
Yes, typically every 5 years depending on flag state rules.

10. Where can I buy certified marine fire extinguishers in UAE?
Amazon Blu Ship Supplies provides all fire extinguishers and marine safety equipment approved for ship use.