Boat Fire Emergency Guide: Prevention, Response, and Exit Strategy
Strategies for Fire Prevention on Watercraft
Dealing with a boat fire is a nerve-wracking situation. But with the right steps, you can ensure a safer environment for everyone on board. Jon Medez shares practical advice to help prevent fires on a boat and respond effectively if necessary.
Prevention is the key, as boats are mostly made of GRP, a highly flammable material. Spend some time considering your escape plan and where you'd spot a fire early—this could be fire and carbon monoxide alarms in every cabin and enclosed space. Your immediate priorities should be to alert your crew, move everyone to the muster point, put out a Mayday call, and grab available fire extinguishers to fight the fire.
Fires often start in engines, fuel systems, and electrical components, so familiarize yourself with the location of the engine room extinguishers, fuel cut-offs, and battery isolator switches. Some electrical bow and stern thrusters also have a dedicated extinguisher, so make sure that's on your annual checklist. Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries in modern devices like water toys, bikes, drones, phones, and computers can be potential fire hazards if overcharged or exposed to water, so keep an eye on what's on board and do not leave devices charging unattended.
Most boats built within the last 30 years will have at least one manual fire extinguisher fitted, and if there's an enclosed engine space, a fire suppression system too. Portable extinguishers typically have a maximum lifespan of ten years, so make sure you replace them, while larger extinguishers need annual servicing. In addition, consider keeping a portable extinguisher in each cabin and a fire blanket in the galley for added protection.
How to use a fire extinguisher
Familiarize yourself with the location and proper use of fire extinguishers. When you need to use one, aim it at the base of the fire and use it in short bursts. Always ensure you have an exit behind you so you can escape if needed.
Plan your escape
Planning your exit is crucial, particularly for larger craft with multiple decks and cabins. Ensure you have escape hatches and know where they are, and verify that crew members, especially older or larger guests, can actually fit through them. On smaller boats, it is generally obvious, but for larger vessels, it becomes more complex.
Additional fire safety tips
- Store flammable materials in well-ventilated areas, away from potential ignition sources.
- Avoid smoking below deck, as smoking materials are a significant cause of fires on boats.
- Regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems to prevent overheating or short circuits.
- Install and maintain smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to provide early warnings.
By following these basic guidelines and planning your escape routes, you can significantly reduce the risk of a fire and ensure a safe response should a fire occur. Stay vigilant, and enjoy your time on the water!
- In case of a fire on a luxury yacht, swiftly move to the muster point after alerting your crew and issuing a Mayday call, and remember that fires often originate from engines, fuel systems, and electrical components.
- On boats with multiple decks and cabins, plan your escape route carefully, ensuring you have access to escape hatches and have verified that all crew members, including larger or older guests, can fit through them.
- To help prevent fires, keep flammable materials in well-ventilated areas, avoid smoking below deck, and regularly inspect and maintain electrical systems to prevent overheating or short circuits.
- Ensure you have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in every cabin and enclosed space, and consider allocating a fire extinguisher in each cabin for added protection. In addition, regularly check and service the fire extinguishers on your boat, especially portable ones with a maximum lifespan of ten years.
