Fire
A fire aboard a vessel is very scary. With an uncontrolled blaze, there is nowhere to go except into the water or a life raft. A boat fire spreads very rapidly. You must attack it immediately and effectively; otherwise you will deplete your extinguishing resources before you put it out.
![A fire on a vessel is one of the most serious emergencies one can face](/sites/default/files/inline-images/display_221-2%5B1%5D%5B1%5D.jpg)
Fire management is especially important on wood and fiberglass boats, as fires aboard these vessels can double in size every 10 seconds. A fire extinguisher only lasts 10-15 seconds. Aim it at the base of the fire, and sweep back and forth.
Approximately 7,500 pleasure boat fires and explosions occur annually; of those affected, 10% are declared total losses.
To effectively extinguish a fire, remember the acronym FIRE,
Find the fire – pinpoint its source and determine its size.
Inform the skipper and crew immediately
Restrict the fire; disable the cause of the fire; de-energize electrical systems in affected space; shut off fuel supply and ventilation.
Extinguish the fire
Fires are divided into four classes, depending on the fuel that is feeding them. Each class requires a different chemical to extinguish it.
- Class A – paper, wood, fabric, fiberglass – Extinguish with water, tri-class powder, CO2.
- Class B – fuel, oil, resin, paint – Extinguish with tri-class powder, CO2, Halon replacements
- Class C – electrical short igniting wires – Break the circuit, turn off main switch, extinguish fire
- Class D – Burning metals, like flares – Get the source off the boat.
Common causes of fire on boats
- Poorly installed electrical systems
- Engine and transmission overheating
- Gasoline fuel leak and a spark
- Poor installation of propane system
Fire Management Tips
- Crew action: As soon as a fire is detected the crew should be prepared to abandon ship with no delay.
- Boat design: Is there any place on the boat - say in an engine compartment or galley by the companionway - where a fire could block exit by the crew?
- Helmsman: should point the boat to fan the fire in a direction most advantageous for the crew (eg downwind so the fire goes away from the cockpit if abandoning ship)
- Install automatic discharging extinguishers in engine compartment
- Mount approved ABC fire extinguishers throughout the boat
- Install an electronic gas detector in the bilge
- After cooking, switch off the solenoid, then let the burner continue to flame until the line is clear of gas, then turn off the burner.
Safety Moment – John Jourdane with thanks to Chuck Hawley and Michael Jacobs