The best way to handle a fire on your yacht is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. By engaging in proper marine fire safety practices you can protect your passengers, crew, yourself, and your yacht from a fire.
Here are some tips for you to consider if you own or manage a yacht or marine vessel.
Have the right equipment aboard your yacht to alert you if there’s a fire
Besides having a smoke detector, which only really detects smoke, you should consider having a flame detector and/ or heat detector to alert you of a fire as soon as possible. In many cases, smoke detectors can sound after the fire has grown, this is why you need to consider which device is best for your vessel. A flame detector can detect the flicker frequency of fire and a heat detector alerts you when there is a sudden change in temperature in an area.
Marine Fire Suppression Systems are a must
Having the right fire suppression system is critical in keeping the fire from spreading and to combat the fire. The right marine fire suppression system can save lives and prevent injuries from occurring. They are also a great way to give your passengers and yourself peace of mind.
Be mindful of cigarettes
Yacht fires caused by cigarettes are one of the most common types of marine vessel fires, and this is because people carelessly discard lit cigarettes thinking they’re not hot enough to start a fire or that they’ll turn off by themselves. Obviously, this is a mistake that needs to be addressed on marine vessels. A way to combat this is to have designated smoking areas where there’s a place people can safely throw their cigarette away when they’re finished with it. You can also have nonsmoking areas and enforce this rule.
Maintain, inspect, and monitor
A great way to prevent a fire from occurring is to regularly inspect and monitor your equipment. Look out for equipment that may need repairs and properly address this as soon as possible. Watch out for any leaks in the marine vessel especially in areas that are susceptible to a fire. Some notable locations include the engine room or area, the kitchen, and wherever there are pipes and electrical equipment.
Have a plan
In the event of a fire preparation is everything. Always know where the nearest fire extinguisher is and make sure it can easily be accessed. Have a plan to communicate with nearby vessels and with the Coast Gaurd for help. Make sure to inform everyone aboard your vessel as soon as possible. Ensuring everyone is aware of the fire can save lives and help prevent people from being injured. It is also important to have a plan to abandon the ship if needed, and how to safely go about that.
Why follow marine fire safety practices?
To save lives, prevent people from being injured and to protect your investment – your yacht!