Fixed fire suppression 'required' on a 32' gas-powered boat?

[BrentwoodBayliner]

re: 1981 32' cruiser, twin gas engines, Canadian resident, no commercial use

Please forgive me if this question has been asked and answered recently - I can't find any record specifically related to gas.

I agree it's a very good idea to install a fixed system (especially with gas engines), but that's not the question. Is there a 'requirement'?

I understand the applicable ABYC standard is A-4.8, but I can't access a copy of it anywhere on-line. I believe it was updated in 2018. And I believe the rules for gas and diesel may be different.

I had always understood there was no requirement for a fixed system in any non-commercial boat under 65', but I have a surveyor trying to tell me otherwise. He says it's required for ANY gas powered boat with engine below decks, but not for diesel.

I'd appreciate it if a member with access to current ABYC reg's could post the exact wording of A-4.8.

Not that it would necessarily apply in Canada anyway, but that's another topic..

BTW - my insurance company has said if the boat didn't come from the factory with a fixed system, they do not require me to add one. And of course, it didn't.

Thank you!

 

[Bacchus]

I dont have the latest ABYC but will look my older copy up to see what the date is.
I am a USPS / USCG Vessel Safety Examiner (recreation only) and can confirm that fixed fire suppression systems are NOT REQUIRED. When present and functional, they satisfy the requirement for one hand held extinguisher.
I can't confirm what Canada's requirement is.
Here is a related post link

https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47453
If Boatpoker doesn't chime in you might PM him as he is likely to be up to date on Canadian reqmts.

 

[rslifkin]

Unless there's a Canadian reg that requires it, then it's not required, just recommended. Your insurance may be slightly cheaper if you have one as well.

 

[Bacchus]

Unless there's a Canadian reg that requires it, then it's not required, just recommended. Your insurance may be slightly cheaper if you have one as well.

When scanning through the link above I noticed mention of a means to discharge a hand held into the engine space in Canada. Im wondering if that means a requirement to have one of those "ports" to do that if there is no fixed system... just reading between the lines re Canada. Boatpoker will likely know for sure.