The types of fire extinguishers used on board ships depend on the types of fire on a ship and the material which is acting as fuel. As fires are classified based on the kind of fuel which sources them, fire extinguishers are also classified on the same grounds.

The most commonly used fire extinguishing agents are Class A: Water, Foam, Wet Chemical and sometimes Dry Powder. Class B: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), foam, and dry powder. Class C: Dry Powder and Carbon Dioxide (CO2).

The firefighting system and fire extinguisher types on board ships can be classified into three categories –

1. Portable fire extinguisher
2. Semi-portable fire extinguisher
3. Fixed type fire fighting equipment onboard ship