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FIRE FIGHTING


A boat fire is a serious marine emergency. You have only seconds to make a decision to fight the fire or abandon the boat.

Fire extinguisher

Classification of Fire Extinguishers

Extinguishing Agent
A = combustible materials Water
B = flammable liquids CO2
C = electrical Dry Chemical

Fire prevention

  • Keep extinguishers properly charged. Periodically check per the manufacturer’s suggestion.
  • Know location of fire extinguisher(s) and have them readily accessible.
  • Keep all flammable liquids in a proper storage container.
  • Do not smoke around flammable liquids or keep open flames.
  • Check all fuel line connections frequently.
  • Inspect electrical wiring. Keep battery terminals clean.

The Fire Triangle

The fire triangle Fire needs three elements to start or continue burning. The three elements are Heat, Fuel, and Oxygen. To extinguish a fire, one of the three sides of the fire triangle must be removed. A Type-B, USCG-approved fire extinguisher removes the oxygen by placing a layer of chemical between the fuels which prevents oxygen from reaching the fuel.

Firefighting

At the first sign of fire, prepare to either fight the fire or abandon ship. Immediate action is essential. Never put the lives of your passengers at risk to save the boat. Staying onboard too long can be worse than abandoning ship.

  • Everyone must put on a life jacket.
  • Radio or call for immediate assistance.

If you decide to fight the fire, follow these steps:
  • Attempt to stop the source of the fire (fuel lines, electrical panel, etc).
  • Maneuver the boat so the prevailing wind helps blow the smoke or flames to the outside of the boat (for a stern fire, point the bow into the wind; for a fire near the bow, point the stern into the wind).
  • When using a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS:
    1. Fire extinguisherP ull the pin
    2. A im the extinguisher at the base of the flames
    3. S queeze the handle trigger
    4. S weep back and forth into the flame base

Note - many of the newer boats with I/O engines have an opening in the engine cover (called a port) where the extinguisher nozzle is inserted, allowing you to apply the extinguishing agent without lifting the cover.

After the Fire is Out

  • Be aware that the fire may restart at any time.
  • Keep a constant watch on the area.
  • Do not attempt to restart the engine until you are certain of the fire source.
  • If no towing assistance is available, use flares to signal for assistance.
  • If the engine and steering are still functional, return to the nearest safe landing.
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