Boat safety
Boating can be an enjoyable and relaxing lifestyle, pastime or holiday.
However boats have different fire risks to buildings because they are generally small enclosed spaces and have additional hazards like gas cylinders. Due to this you may suffer extensive property damage, burns and smoke inhalation in the event of a fire.
Follow the safety tips below to reduce the risk of fire on your boat:
- fit a smoke alarm
- make a fire escape plan
- have at least one fire extinguisher, which you should put near the boat exit
- make sure the cooker is not left unattended
- make sure furnishings and foam insulation are ‘fire-retardant’, which means they don’t catch fire easily
- only store safety matches – vibration could set off non-safety matches
- make sure you know the contact details of the local Fire and Rescue Service
- you can’t see, feel or smell carbon monoxide but it can be fatal if you breathe it in - a detector will let you know if any carbon monoxide is present on your boat - these are reasonably priced in local DIY stores and are easy to fit
- take care when doing repairs, keep interiors well ventilated when using adhesives, paints and spirit based products
- routinely check battery terminals and fuse box connections for damaged strands and signs of over heating
- always keep and eye on a solid fuel stove when it's lit, try to avoid leaving the boat when the stove is lit
How to avoid fuel fires:
When using the engine:
- before starting up the engine ventilate the engine compartment
- when you complete any maintenance checks ventilate the engine space thoroughly afterwards
- regularly check fuel lines and tanks for any cracks or leaks
Taking care with fuel:
- only carry spare fuel if absolutely necessary and, only in approved containers and always store it on the upper deck
- before refuelling stop the engine and put out all smoking materials and naked flames
- ensure you use a funnel when pouring fuel from one container to another
- after refuelling, secure the filler inlet cap tightly and clear up any spillage's
- make sure air and gas from tanks are released directly overboard and fuel lines have a direct shut-off valve that works
- ventilate the boat thoroughly before starting the engine or using naked lights again
- regularly remove rubbish, oil and debris from all areas
Safe handling of gas cylinders:
- do not leave a cooker unattended
- a gas detection system should be installed
- cylinders should be secured in a sealed, weatherproof container with low-level atmospheric vents
- only use approved piping
- cylinders should be isolated and secured when not in use
- regularly hand pump bilges to remove potential low-lying vapours
- if weather permits, ensure hatches and portholes are opened sufficiently to provide essential ventilation
- any compartment which has not been used for some time should be ventilated thoroughly
- when changing cylinders, make sure all cylinder valves are turned off before disconnecting
- ensure the new cylinder is secure before reconnecting
- do not turn on the cylinder valves before connection is complete and has been checked
- spare and empty cylinders should be kept in the open air secured by a safety strap or other quick release device
In the event of a fire:
If the worst ever happens, preparation and knowledge are key. Make sure everyone knows how to escape danger, where the fire safety equipment is installed and how to make an emergency call.
Preparing for a fire:
- for each sleeping position plan the best escape route
- make sure everyone knows where fire safety equipment is installed
- you should also make sure your life-raft and emergency equipment, like flares, are in good condition
- keep a torch easily available to help you escape at night. Make sure you have spares and test them regularly
These are the essential points to remember if a fire starts on board:
- think of your own safety – get out and abandon ship immediately
- if you need to break glass to escape use a blanket to prevent injury
- if possible switch off fuel and gas
- avoid getting too close to other craft and alert them to the danger posed by your boat
- tackle the fire if it is safe to do so, use a fire extinguisher
- take a note of nearby landmarks that may help emergency services identify your location
