As the start of the boating season heads into full steam, we also see Boat Fire Safety week and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service asking local boat owners to make sure vital safety checks and precautions are carried out on their vessels. In the last 20 years 30 boaters have been killed in fires on their vessel, and another 30 died through carbon monoxide poisoning.
The Boat Fire Safety Week focuses on the risks of boat ownership, adhering to appliance operating guidelines, making regular checks and using easy steps to deal with fire and carbon monoxide dangers.
This year's Boat Fire Safety Week has the support of the Royal Yachting Association, The Maritime and Coastguard Agency and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). RNLI Coastal Safety Manager Will Stephens said, "The RNLI is happy to support Boat Fire Safety Week. In 2012 the charity's lifeboats launched to 81 incidents involving boat fires and a further 77 in 2013. If we can all help raise awareness of the actions that boat users can take to help prevent fire, and the sources of potential risk, more people can continue to enjoy their boating and avoid a potential tragedy"
Fit alarms and detectors for safety.
- Optical sensor alarms with hush buttons and 'sealed for life' batteries are best for boats.
- Fit alarms in places you will hear them clearly if they go off.
- Test the alarm when you board.
- Never disconnect it or remove working batteries.
- Fit a CO detector to alert you to any poisonous carbon monoxide.
- Check your detector is suitable for marine use and meets the EN50291 standard.
- Push the test button routinely to check for leaks in any gas systems on board.
- Look out for approved symbols when buying alarms.
Safety On Board
- Never leave cooking unattended.
- Turn things off until you come back.
- Be extra careful when frying oil as it sets alight easily.
- Avoid cooking when tired or after taking prescription drugs and alcohol can cause drowsiness.
- Barbecues SHOULD NOT be used on boats – hot charcoal gives off dangerous amounts of CO and blown embers could set your boat alight.
- Keep cabin well ventilated and clear to prevent a build -up of toxic CO.
- Check the flues of coal and wood burning stoves for signs of leaks and blockages.
- Keep cigarettes or pipes away from anything that could catch fire, such as curtains.
- Turn all appliances of after use. Emergency PlanningKeep a torch easily available to help you escape at night, have spares and test them regularly.
- Don't go to sea without a VHF radio.
- Have a charged-up, hand-held, waterproof one ready for use at any time.
- There could be no signal for mobile use so don't rely on it and it may not be waterproof.
- Have enough life jackets for everyone on board, and keep them in good condition.
- Track your location so you can tell the emergency services where you are if needed.
- Check for landmarks incase a mayday is needed.
- Consider having a 'grab-bag' for removing vital possessions in an emergency.
These are just a few of the precautions that can be taken to protect your vessel and your lives, the full Fire Safety on Boats leaflet can be downloaded from here.Enjoy your time boating by being safe.