---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 181.500"
title: "46"
number: "181.500"
heading: "Required number, type, and location."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/181.500"
---

# §181.500. Required number, type, and location.

- (a) Each portable fire extinguisher on a vessel must be of an approved type. The minimum number of portable fire extinguishers required on a vessel must be acceptable to the cognizant Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, but must not be fewer than the minimum number required by table 1 to [§ 181.500(b)](#b) and other provisions of this section.
- (b) Table 1 to [§ 181.500(b)](#b) indicates the minimum required classification for each space listed. Extinguishers with larger numerical ratings or multiple letter designations may be used if the extinguishers meet the requirements of the table.
- (c) A vehicle deck without a fixed sprinkler system and exposed to weather must have one 40-B portable fire extinguisher for every five vehicles, located near an entrance to the space.
- (d) The frame or support of each semi-portable fire extinguisher permitted by [paragraph (a)](#a) of this section must be welded or otherwise permanently attached to a bulkhead or deck.

## Notes

### Amendments

[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48300, July 22, 2016, as amended by USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76707, Sept. 18, 2024]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 2103, 3306; E.O. 12234, 45 FR 58801, 3 CFR, 1980 Comp., p. 277; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 85-080, 61 FR 982, Jan. 10, 1996, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48300, July 22, 2016, as amended by USCG-2020-0519, 89 FR 76707, Sept. 18, 2024]