Fire Safety on Board

Fire can spread quickly on a boat, on and off the water.

• Alarms and detectors can save lives.
• Always test the alarm when you’re on board.
• Fit them in places where you will hear them if they go off.
• Fit a co detector for any carbon monoxide that may be present.
• Always check and maintain your boats fuel, gas and electrical systems.
• Check the bilges for oil or debris build up.
• Check exhausts systems of inboard engines for leaks.
• Leaks, spills and vapour can ignite easily so clean them up and make sure filler caps are secure.
• Check your handheld VHF is charged up along with a torch.
• Have enough lifejackets and wear them. They are useless unless they’re worn.
• Know how to make a mayday call and to check for landmarks so that you can give your position to the coastguard.

Gas

• Always check to make sure gas cylinders are secure after you have changed them.
• Make sure the airflow is not restricted by blocking air vents or air gaps.
• Always turn gas valves off before going to bed or leaving the boat.
• Store the gas cylinders in a self draining locker, keeping them upright.
• Get your local gas engineer to check for cracking, brittleness or discolouration.
• Before setting out make sure your crew know how to close emergency valves and switches in case of fire.

What do I do if there is a fire on board

• Make a mayday call as soon as possible.
• Do not enter a smoke filled space.
• If you are in the smoke, keep low down where the air is clearer.
• Starve the fire of air; don’t open engine hatches or doors unless you have to.
• Get everyone away from the fire and get their lifejackets fitted.
• Take a handheld VHF radio on deck with you and call for help.

Fire equipment

• Only tackle a fire if you are confident and know how to do it safely.
• Keep fire blankets and extinguishers within easy reach. E.g. near the galley and/or the engine.
• Always check fire extinguishers regularly for leaks and loss of pressure, along with expiry dates.
• Check the pin and firing mechanism on fire extinguishers for any signs of problems and weaknesses.