Boat Safety

In the event of a Fire

• Fire at sea - first call the Coastguard on either VHF ch16 or 999
• Fire alongside in harbour or a marina - first call the Fire Service '999'
• Give your location wherever possible.
• Act quickly and make for the nearest landing.
• If you have one, use a fire extinguisher, if not use water from over the side.
• Never allow fire to block your exit.
• Get everyone not involved in fighting the fire off of the boat.
• If the fire is close to a gas cylinder, turn off the valve, disconnect the cylinder and remove it to a safe place.
• If the fire continues to grow leave the boat.

Equipment you need to fight a fire

• All firefighting equipment must be maintained in good condition and kept readily accessible for use in an emergency.
• All vessells must carry specific firefighting equipment:
  • Dry powder extinguisher.
  • Foam extinguisher.
  • CO₂ extinguisher - do not operate in an occupied cabin.
  • Nine litre bucket.
  • Fire blanket 0.75 m x 0.75 m.

Gas cylinders

• Make sure that the valve is switched off before you disconnect the cylinder.
• Make sure that any new cylinder is properly connected before you switch the valve on.
• Make sure the full cylinder is securely fixed into position.
• Make sure the LGR regulator is compatible with your appliances.

Before taking on fuel

• Stop the engine.
• Turn off all heating, cooking and lighting appliances and extinguish all naked flames and smoking materials.
• Close all hatches, doors and portholes.
• Ensure the tap between the tank and engine is switched off.
• Avoid overfilling, check the tank with a dipstick.

After taking on fuel

• Secure the tap tightly.
• Ensure that fuel has not overflowed or leaked.
• Mop up any spillages.
• Ventilate thoroughly before starting the engine or using naked flames/lights.

Spare fuel

• Petrol should not be carried on board in portable containers if at all possible.
• Where containers cannot be avoided only containers designed for this purpose should be used.
• Containers should only be decanted or opened in a well ventilated area.
• Containers should always be secured by a safety strap or quick release device.

Cooking

• Never leave a cooker or appliance unattended.
• Hatches and portholes that may cause a through-draught should be closed.
• Keep spare/empty containers in the open air.

Leaks

• Stop the engine and extinguish all naked flames.
• Put out cigarettes, do not operate electrical switches.
• Turn off petrol, shut off cock and gas cylinder valve.
• Ventilate the affected space as much as possible, consider use of bilge pump.
• Tie up or anchor at a safe distance from other craft.
• Evacuate the vessel.
• Warn others in the vicinity.
• Call the Fire Service '999' and Coastguard on 'VHF Channel 16'.

General considerations

• Avoid smoking below deck.
• Check bunk cushions conform with fire retardant material.
• Consider fitting a domestic smoke detector.
• When evacuating due to a fire, ensure all crew are wearing life jackets.