Boating

Every year, more than 350 small boats are involved in fire in the United Kingdom. These result in a number of deaths and injuries. By taking a number of Fire Precautionary measures these fires and injuries can be prevented.

General Safety

• Fit a smoke alarm.
• Ensure furnishings and foam insulation is fire retardant.
• Run wiring looms through conduit to avoid chafing.
• Contain and vent battery boxes.
• Don't store non safety matches.
• Have at least one fire extinguisher located near the cabin exit. A fire blanket is also a good idea.

Engine

• Before starting up ventilate the engine compartment.
• Any engine maintenance should be followed by ventilating the engine space thoroughly.
• Inspect fuel lines and tank periodically to check for integrity.

Petrol

• Don't carry it. However - if necessary use approved containers and store on upper deck.
• Use a funnel when decanting.
• Ensure tanks vent directly overboard and fuel lines have a shut off valve that works.
• Clear any spillages and ventilate.

Fueling

• Stop the engine
• Turn off all cooking and lighting appliances.
• Extinguish all smoking materials and other naked flames.
• Close all hatches, doors and portholes.
• To avoid overfilling, check the fuel tank carefully with a dip stick.
• Make sure that the tap between the fuel tank and the engine is turned off.

After fueling

• Fuel should not be carried on board in portable containers unless it is unavoidable.
• All portable fuel containers should be constructed and marked in accordance with current regulations.
• Where there are portable containers they should only be decanted or opened in the open air.
• These containers should be kept in the open air where they should be secured by a safety strap or other quick release device.
• These precautions should also be taken for diesel oil even though it is much safer than petrol.

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas)

• Do not leave a cooker unattended.
• Fit a gas detection system.
• Secure cylinders in a sealed container with atmospheric vent.
• Use approved piping.
• Isolate cylinders when not in use.
• Maintain adequate ventilation.
• Regularly 'hand pump' bilge's to remove potential low lying LPG vapours.
• Hatches and portholes should be opened sufficiently to provide essential ventilation, but beware of draughts which may extinguish the cooker or other appliance flame.
• Ventilate thoroughly any compartment which has not been used for some time. When taking over a hired craft, ventilate all compartments.

Changing Cylinders

• Check the valve on the cylinder is turned off before disconnecting, if two cylinders are connected to a manifold turn off both cylinder valves before disconnecting.
• Make sure the full cylinder is securely fixed into position.
• Do not turn on the valve of the full cylinder until it is connected up.
• Spare and empty containers should be kept in the open air secured by a safety strap or other quick release devices.

If A Fire Occurs

• Get out if you can.
• Tackle the fire if it is safe to do so.
• Isolate petrol and gas if possible.
• Avoid getting too close to other craft and alert them.
• Prepare emergency grab bag and liferaft.
• Remove non essential crew.
• Think of your own safety, abandon ship if necessary!