Fire Safety on Your Boat

Even though you’re surrounded by water while on a boat, the risk of fire is still present. And a boat fire can, in some instances, be even worse than a fire on land. Because once you abandon ship, there’s nowhere to go until help arrives. So it’s prudent to take fire safety into consideration before leaving the dock.

One of the most important safety measures is ensuring your boat is stocked with fire extinguishers. They should be inspected at least once a season to check the expiration date and see if any damages are present. A fire extinguisher should be located near an exit in order to maintain an escape route.

Just as important as having fire extinguishers is learning how to use them. Remember the acronym PASS.

P—Pull the pin

A—Aim the nozzle

S—Squeeze the trigger

S—Sweep the nozzle back and forth across the fire’s base

Fueling creates a risky situation since gasoline is flammable. Take precaution by asking passengers to step off the vessel during fueling. Turn off the engine and electrical equipment and close the hatches before fueling. Once finished, open the hatches for ventilation and run the blower for a few minutes. Any accidental gas spills should be cleaned up immediately.

Take a look at the fuel lines regularly and replace any that appear cracked or discolored. Then check the gas tank too. Metal tanks can corrode, while plastic tanks can bulge or become discolored. Any of these issues should be inspected by a professional.

To that note, you should also regularly look at electrical systems and wiring for signs of corrosion, cracking or discoloration. These may signify poor connections or overheating, which could lead to a fire if not fixed in a timely manner.

So long as you take steps to prevent onboard fires, boating can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience for the whole family.