Each year boaters die or are made seriously ill from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning or from fire. Whilst fire is unlikely on a boat that is well maintained, it is important to know what to do to prevent fires, to have working smoke and CO alarms and have a plan that everyone on board knows.
Most boat fires occurring locally happen in the early hours of the morning, so ensure that you know how to perform bedtime safety checks.
During this week (27 May to 2 June 2024), we are hoping to raise awareness to owners and residents on how to help prevent fire and carbon monoxide risks on a boat, as well as explaining what to do in the event of a fire.
Fire can spread quickly on a boat, even on water. Follow some of our tips to keep safe this Boat Fire Safety Week:
- Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
- Turn cooking appliances off properly after use.
- Dispose of cigarettes carefully. Put them out, right out.
- Make sure you check and maintain your boats fuel, gas and electrical systems on a regular basis.
- Have appliances properly installed and serviced routinely by competent fitters.
- Make an emergency plan with everyone on board before you set out.
- To extinguish a small fire, or to help you escape safely, consider using an extinguisher.
- If in doubt, don’t fight a fire yourself. Get out, stay out and call 999.
- For more information on boat fire safety and routine safety checks visit www.boatsafetyscheme.org/fire.
If there is a fire:
- If in doubt, don’t fight a fire yourself. Get out, stay out and call 999.
- Do not enter a smoke filled space.
- If you are already in a smoke filled space keep low down where the air is clearer.
- If you need to break glass to escape use a blanket to prevent injury.
- Starve the fire of air. Don’t open engine hatches or doors unless you have to.
- If you are inland or moored near to land move everybody off the boat and call 999 immediately.
Evening routine
You are more at risk from a fire when asleep, so check your boat before you go to bed. Here are some good practices to add to your evening routine:
- Ensure people know how to close emergency valves and switches.
- Make sure cooking and heating appliances are off and candles and cigarettes are fully extinguished.
- Keep a torch easily available to help you escape at night. Make sure you have spares and test them regularly.
- Don’t rely on a mobile phone. (There could be no signal and it may not be waterproof.)
- Have enough life jackets for everyone on board and keep them in good condition.
- Keep exits clear and keys to hand. Don’t lock or bolt doors and hatches from the outside.
- Track your location so you can tell the emergency services where you are if needed.
- Consider having a ‘grab-bag’ for removing vital possessions in an emergency.
- For more information on boat fire safety and routine safety checks visit www.boatsafetyscheme.org/fire.
Carbon Monoxide
Each year boaters die or are made seriously ill from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Boats are built to keep water out, but this also makes them good containers for gases and fumes. CO can kill in minutes – be prepared to act quickly if you think you are being poisoned. If CO is in your cabin space everyone is at risk, no one is immune. Recognise the signs – common symptoms include:
- Headache and bad temper
- Feeling sick and dizzy
- Feeling tired and confused
- Stomach pains and being sick
Refuel safely
- Stop the engine.
- Make sure all naked flames are out.
- Don’t leave anyone on the boat.
- Close door and raise awnings to prevent petrol vapour gathering in cabins and cockpits.
- Avoid spillage.
- Never decant petrol on board, in a lock or next to other craft.
- Re-fuel outboard tanks ashore and well away from the boat.
Gas safety
If you smell gas:
- Turn off the isolation valve, open windows, hatches and doors.
- Turn the engine off.
- Put all naked flames out including pilot lights.
- Don’t switch any electrical goods or mobile phones on or off.
- Evacuate the boat if possible.
