(class B fires) and electrical fires (class C). Carbon dioxide is good on combustible solids (class A fires) such as paper or wood as well as class B and C fires. All of these extinguishers work best in enclosed areas or away and sheltered from the wind. Check your extinguishers frequently to ensure that they are fully charged and undamaged. Check the pressure gauge, replace cracked or broken hoses, and keep the nozzle free of blockages. Never test the extinguisher to see if it works, rather have it inspected by a professional to determine its reliability. A fire generally needs three things in order to burn: heat, fuel, and oxygen. If you can sufficiently remove any one of the three components, the fire will go out. Be familiar with the extinguisher and its method of effective extinguishing before you need to use it. Read the label and instructions on its use. Be certain that the extinguisher is readily accessible and properly mounted in its bracket. Vessels with inboard engines are more susceptible to fires that may ignite and take hold before the operator is aware. The enclosed nature of the engine space combined with the potential for gasoline leaks can create an explosive situation. Operators of gasoline inboard powered vessels should consider the option of installing an automatic fixed extinguishing system in order to reduce the danger of fire aboard these vessels. Anchor All mechanically propelled vessels, except PWC, must carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and strength to provide the vessel with safe anchorage. Select an anchor for the type of waters in 25