An ignition-protected marine electrical device carries a USCGA certification, and probably a few other, it's not just a marketing gimmick
Kevin, the spark can come from the pumps metal armature spinning around inside the pumps electrical windings. An ignition protected marine rated electrical device is designed to contain any sparks. Oh, insurance and USCG investigators are pretty good at spotting non-IP devices while sifting through the rubble of what used to be your boat!