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LIFE-SAVING, FIRE-EXTINGUISHING AND
NAVIGATING EQUIPMENT

Section 30 to 41 of the Regulations give the requirements for equipment on boats larger than 15 tons, gross tonnage, and sections 53 to 54 for boats 15 tons or less, gross tonnage.

To show at a glance the life-saving and fire-extinguishing equipment needed for any boat, the following lists have been made for boats of various lengths and tonnages. These lists do not include the lights and signaling devices required by the Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, as these items are given in separate lists further on in this booklet.

When equipment is being ordered, it should be specified that it is to be of a type approved by the Ship Safety Branch. Small items of equipment required for boats, dories or skiffs should be stowed in suitable lockers built into the boats, dories or skiffs. Where this is not practical, they should be stowed in separate boxes or canvas bags and kept in the boats, dories or skiffs.

Drinking water required for emergency boat equipment can be most readily contained in good quality plastic containers.

All the required emergency equipment for the inflatable life raft is packed in the raft and is available when the raft is inflated. An inflatable life raft shall be tested and examined annually by an accredited service representative. The interval between successive servicings shall not exceed twelve months and the owner is responsible for arranging to have the inflatable life raft serviced.

Fire extinguishers of all types should be examined regularly to make sure that they are in good condition and readily available in the event of a fire. They are a most important item of equipment so that every effort should be made to keep them serviceable and ready at a moment's notice, should the need arise.

All extinguishers shall be recharged as soon as possible after discharge. Spare charges are available for foam extinguishers, with written instructions, so that this type can be recharged on board the vessel. Carbon dioxide and dry chemical extinguishers can only be serviced and recharged by qualified personnel having the proper equipment.

Carbon tetrachloride extinguishers can be dangerous because they give off poisonous gas when the liquid is sprayed on a fire. This type of extinguisher, which must be not more than one quart in size, is allowed only in the area of the vessel's radio and navigation equipment and electrical switchboards.

All crew members must know how to use all types of fire extinguishers. If there is any doubt about the proper care or use of any extinguisher, advice can be obtained from the Inspector, local fire departments or manufacturer's service depots.

It is recommended that fire buckets be fitted with lanyards, which should be checked regularly to make sure that they have not rotted or frayed.

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