There are four principal types of portable extinguishers usually found on board a ship. They are soda-acid, foam, dry powder and CO2 extinguishers.
Soda-acid extinguisher is used for extinguishing solid material fire (Class A fire) and is found in accommodation areas. Foam extinguisher is used for oil fire (Class B fire) and is located in the vicinity of inflammable liquids. Dry powder extinguisher can be used for all types of fire but it has no cooling effect. CO2 extinguishers are mainly used for Class B and C fires and are found in the machinery space, particularly next to electrical equipment.