According to USCG requirements, which type of fire extinguisher must be on-board a PWC?

For a Personal Watercraft (PWC), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) mandates that a Class B fire extinguisher must be on board. This requirement is rooted in the type of fire hazards that a PWC might encounter. Class B fire extinguishers are designed to combat fires involving flammable liquids, which are a particular concern in marine environments due to the use of gasoline and other fuels that can ignite easily.

While Class A extinguishers are effective against ordinary combustibles, and Class C extinguishers are for electrical fires, these types are not specifically tailored for the fire risks associated with the operation of a PWC. Class D extinguishers are meant for combustible metals and are not relevant to the typical situations faced on a PWC.

Thus, the requirement for a Class B fire extinguisher ensures that operators are equipped to handle the most probable types of fires they might encounter while operating a PWC, contributing to safety and compliance with USCG regulations.