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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.
For further information on safety, either on the water or at the beach, visit the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's Sea Smart website.