Boat fire safety

Did you know that in the past 20 years, 30 boaters were killed in boat fires and another 30 lost their lives to the highly toxic carbon monoxide (CO) gas? Most fires are preventable and the following link provides tips and advice on how to protect your boat and crew from fire and what to do should a fire break out.

Below you will find some useful information on how to stay safe whilst spending any length of time on a boat.

How to make your boat safe

• Fit a smoke detector
• Fit a carbon monoxide (CO) detector

Generally smoke alarms should be mounted on the deckhead or ceiling. This should be 30cm from the cabin sides and within five metres of each protected area of the vessel. On some boats this will mean installing more than one alarm. It is recommended to choose units that can be linked together.

• Ensure furnishings and (foam) insulation are fire retardant
• Run wiring looms through conduits to avoid chaffing
• Contain and vent battery boxes

Hazards

Petrol

• Use an approved container for carrying and storing petrol.

Refuelling

• Stop the engine
• Turn off all heating and lighting appliance
• Extinguish all cigarettes and naked flames
• Use a funnel when decanting
• Ensure tanks vent directly overboard and that fuel lines have a direct shut off valve that works

After refuelling

• Secure cap tightly
• Ensure that there is no leakage or spillage
• Before starting the engine, first ventilate the boat throughout

Butane

• Fit in a gas detector
• Secure cylinder in a weatherproof container with low-level atmospheric vents
• Use approved piping
• Isolate cylinders when not in use
• Ventilate thoroughly any compartment which has not been used for some time
• Regularly hand pump bilges to remove potential low-lying vapours
• Do not leave a cooker or any other appliances unattended if there is a danger of a draught extinguishing the flame
• Hatches and portholes should always be opened sufficiently to maintain essential ventilation. (Where prevailing weather condition permits.)

When changing cylinders

• Check that the valve on the empty cylinder is turned off before disconnecting
• Do not turn on the valve of the full cylinder until it is securely connected

Recommended fire fighting equipment

At least one of the following:

• Dry Powder 1.5 kg
• AFFF 2 litre
• Foam 2 litre
• Carbon Dioxide (CO²) 2 kg
• Bucket 9 litre
• Fire Blanket 0.75m x 0.75m

Action to be taken in event of fire:

• Call the coastguard on the radio VHF channel 16
• If the boat is moored, call the fire and rescue service on 999
• Tackle the fire (if safe to do so)

When possible:

• Put life jackets on 
• Isolate petrol and gas if possible
• Avoid and alert other craft
• Prepare an emergency 'grab bag' and life raft