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Basic safety guidance

These simple precautions will reduce the risk of fire on your boat:

• fit a smoke alarm
• ensure furnishings and foam insulation are fire-retardant
• wiring looms should be run through a conduit to avoid chafing
• battery boxes should be contained and vented
• only store safety matches - vibration could set off non-safety matches
• have at least one fire extinguisher, which should be located near the cabin exit

Avoiding fuel fires

Engine management

• before starting up, ventilate the engine compartment
• any engine maintenance should be followed by ventilating the engine space thoroughly
• fuel lines and tanks should be checked regularly for any cracks or leaks

Fuel management

• only carry spare fuel if absolutely necessary and then, only in approved containers and always stored on the upper deck
• the engine should be stopped before refuelling commences
• all smoking materials and naked flames should be extinguished and cooking/lighting appliances turned off
• ensure you use a funnel when decanting
• tanks should vent directly overboard and fuel lines have a direct shut-off valve that works
• after refuelling, ensure the filler inlet cap has been tightly secured
• any spillages should be cleared and ventilated
• ventilate the boat thoroughly before starting the engine or using naked lights again
  

Safe handling of gas cylinders

You should take special care when handling the gas cylinders used onboard your boat. Follow these safety tips:

• do not leave a cooker unattended
• a gas detection system should be installed
• cylinders should be secured in a sealed, weatherproof container with low-level atmospheric vents
• only use approved piping
• cylinders should be isolated and secured when not in use
• regularly hand-pump bilges to remove potential low-lying vapours
• if weather permits, ensure hatches and portholes are opened sufficiently to provide ventilation
• any compartment which has not been used for some time should be ventilated thoroughly
• when changing cylinders, make sure all cylinder valves are turned off before disconnecting
• ensure the new cylinder is secure before connecting
• do not turn on the cylinder valves before connection is complete and has been checked
• spare and empty cylinders should be kept in the open air and secured by a safety strap or other quick release device

If a fire occurs onboard

Preparation is the key to dealing with a fire, if and when it should occur. You should always make sure that everyone knows how to escape danger, where fire safety equipment is installed and how to make an emergency call. These are the essential points to remember:

• think of your own safety: get out and abandon ship immediately
• isolate fuel and gas if possible
• avoid getting too close to other craft and alert them to the danger posed by your boat
• prepare an emergency grab bag and life-raft

More useful links

• Boat moorings
• Enjoying waterways (travel and transport section)