Regal 32 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 28 / 364

7
Safety On Board
U. S. Coast Guard approved fi re extinguishers are required
on all Regal boats. Besides the minimum Coast Guard
requirements always check state and local agencies for
additional requirements and equipment.
Coast Guard approved extinguishers are hand-portable,
either B-I or B-II classification. U. S. Coast Guard
approved hand-portable and semi-portable extinguishers
contain a metal plate that shows the manufacturers name
and extinguisher type, capacity and operating instructions.
They have a special marine type mounting bracket which
keeps the extinguisher solidly mounted until needed. The
extinguisher needs to be mounted in a readily accessible
location but one that will not be bumped by people
while underway. All approved extinguishers shall have an
indication gauge.
U.S.C.G APPROVED FIRE EXTINGUISHER
TYPES & FEATURES
n The carbon dioxide unit uses
CO2 gas under high pressure, with a
funnel discharge hose usually swivel
mounted. This extinguisher leaves
no residue and does not cause
interior engine harm. To ensure
workability, weigh the unit annually.
A 10% maximum weight variance
is allowed.
Another type of liquifi ed gas used today is FE-241.This
gas is colorless and odorless, heavier than air and sinks
to the lower bilge to extinguish fi res. Since the year 2000
ingredients have changed to a more environmental friendly
formula (Chlorotetrafl uoroethane or FE-241). FE-241
is used in portable-hand units along with making up the
majority of boat automatic fi re extinguishing systems.
The canister needs to be weighed once a year. These clean
agent units feature a dash mount indicator.
Refer to the information regarding fi re prevention in this manual.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
All vessels used on coastal waters, any of the Great Lakes,
territorial seas, and those waters connected directly to
them up to a point where a body of water is less than two
miles wide, must be equipped with Coast Guard approved
visual distress signals.
Vessels owned in the United States operating on the high
seas must be equipped with U.S.C.G. approved visual
distress signals.
n The dry chemical agent is widely
used because of its convenience and
low cost. The extinguisher canister
is fi lled with a white dry chemical
powder along with a pressurized
gas. It is a good idea to shake this
type periodically because they tend to
“pack” on the canister bottom.
n The foam type uses a chemical
foaming agent plus water and is
best when used for fi res involving
fl ammable liquids- solvents, gasoline,
oil, grease and various paints. It
will work on fi res involving rubber,
plastics, cloth, wood, and paper. It
leaves a messy residue. Do not use this extinguisher for
electric fi res.