The standard CO2 fire extinguisher used on Coast Guard boats is what size?

The standard CO2 fire extinguisher used on Coast Guard boats is the 10-pound size. This choice is optimal for marine environments where effective fire suppression is crucial, particularly when dealing with flammable liquids and electrical fires. The 10-pound CO2 extinguisher provides a balance between weight and capacity, allowing crew members to handle the extinguisher effectively while delivering a sufficient amount of extinguishing agent to combat potential fires.

In maritime operations, where space and weight are significant considerations, the 10-pound model is designed to be manageable for crew members while still being powerful enough to extinguish fires quickly. Smaller extinguishers, like the 2-pound and 5-pound options, may not provide enough coverage for larger fires or prolonged incidents, which makes them less suitable for the specific demands of the Coast Guard. Meanwhile, a 15-pound extinguisher might offer more agent but could be too cumbersome for quick deployment in emergency situations. Overall, the 10-pound CO2 extinguisher is the standard because it strikes the best balance for the varied scenarios faced in Coast Guard operations.