Whilst fire is unlikely on a boat that is well maintained to minimum safety standards, it is a grave concern to boaters who can be caught unawares or in a situation where escape is difficult. Take a look at the Fire Safety on Boats leaflet with advice on preventing fires and what to do should fire break out. |
Breathing in a space filled with toxic fumes and smoke is like drowning out of the water. Two breaths and you could be unconcious. Give you and your crew an early warning fit a smoke alarm if you stay aboard your boat. Test the alarm routinely - when you return to the boat after a period away and weekly when you are staying aboard. Push the button not your luck Know what to do should fire break out, have a plan and eveyone aboard must know it too! |
Tip-sheet for installing smoke alarms on boats What is the best type of smoke alarm to buy for boats? Where is it best installed? Does it need much looking after? All these questions are answered in these Guidelines.
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If your boat has no proper galley facilities, consider using a flask for hot drinks when aboard, as portable camping equipment is not suitable. Following explosions, fires and CO incidents in boats caravans and other enclosed spaces, boaters should heed any instructions for portable gas equipment that states it should only be used outdoors. Unless any portable gas equipment is specifically designed for boat use, then its usage should be restricted to times ashore. And whatever else happens, fuel canisters should always be changed away from the boat and away from ignition sources. [more] |