On the evening of 16th August 2005, a ferocious fire destroyed two boats in Hythe Marina, Southampton, England. Five people jumped into the water even though the boats were in a marina. About thirty firefighters fought the blaze and gave medical assistance to four who where taken to hospital.
Fortunately such incidents are rare, but the risk is always there - so what can you do to prevent it happening to you?
Fire occurs when three components come together – a flammable material, oxygen and a source of heat. Boat fires frequently involve fuel - petrol, paraffin, diesel or gas. Paints and solvents are other flammable substances, and there is usually no lack of oxygen. The heat source can be as insignificant as a tiny spark from an electric switch, or a discarded cigarette and a fire can be triggered by electrical overheating or a shorted battery.
Is petrol the real problem?
Undoubtedly, petrol is a major potential hazard, partly because it is highly volatile and because fumes are heavier than air. Fumes can settle in bilges, engine rooms and lockers. The right “mix” of petrol fumes and oxygen becomes a bomb, which can produce a devastating explosion.
Any flammable substance has the potential to cause fire or explosion – especially butane or propane LPG (liquid petroleum gas), which is often used for cooking or refrigeration. Even diesel fuel, (which has a reputation for safety), can ignite if it drips or is sprayed on to a hot surface like an exhaust.
Don’t be blasé about blazes!
Even if you have a diesel engine, remember you probably have petrol for your outboard, or paint thinners left over from winter maintenance. A few years ago a leaking tin of lighter fuel was traced to the cause of a serious boat fire.
Tackling fire on board
Although it is very important to have the right safety equipment, and to know how to use it, prevention is much better than cure. There are important tips you can implement now
Take care while refueling – turn the engine OFF!,
turn all electrical and gas appliances OFF!
turn your mobile phone OFF!
Don’t touch any electric switches
Avoid fuel spillage and mop up any that does occur, disposing of the wipe carefully
Try to avoid using fuel cans – especially for petrol. Visit the fuel jetty instead, If you do use a can, use a funnel of correct size and design
Don’t overfill tanks
Carefully secure filler caps
Ventilate the cabin, lockers and bilges after refueling
Purge gas fuel lines before going to bed
Make sure all smokers are aware of the need for extra care
Fit an approved gas and vapour detector
Marine Fire Safety
Unit D4, Hays Bridge Business Centre,
Brickhouse Lane, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8JW
