Portable fire extinguishers
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the complete arrangement for portable fire extinguishers is correctly located, maintained and understood by the crew expected to use it.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1How do you inspect portable fire extinguishers before use?
Check correct medium, charge, pin and seal, hose, body corrosion, bracket, instructions and service label, then confirm the item is suitable for the intended hazard.
2Show the latest service status.
Match the physical identification and seal or marking to the service certificate and onboard inventory.
3How is this equipment used safely?
Explain selecting the correct extinguisher, maintaining escape, approaching the fire and recognising limited capacity, including personal limitations and withdrawal criteria.
4What if an item is missing or discharged?
Replace it immediately with an equivalent approved item and record the defect and restoration.
5How do you know it is in the correct location?
Compare the fire-control plan, station marking, risk and approved inventory with the actual position.
Where an observation may arise
Required equipment was absent, obstructed or incorrectly located within the arrangement for portable fire extinguishers.
Inspection identified low charge, broken seal, corroded cylinder, blocked hose, missing bracket or wrong medium.
Service, pressure test or consumable replacement was overdue or not traceable.
The approved plan or inventory did not match the physical arrangement.
Crew could not explain selecting the correct extinguisher, maintaining escape, approaching the fire and recognising limited capacity.
The equipment or extinguishing medium was unsuitable for the identified hazard.
Master's practical note
Select equipment from a remote station, not only the emergency headquarters. Condition and crew familiarity should be consistent across the vessel.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Use the approved inspection, demonstration and test method. Do not consume, contaminate, discharge or otherwise impair safety equipment solely to satisfy an interview.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 5.3.3
- SOLAS Chapter II-2 regulation 10.3
- IMO resolution A.951(23)
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13