Fuel on a Boat - Fire Safety » Yachts & Boats

Fuel on a boat can be different, but each boat uses some fuel or gas. Owners of the boats and those steering them need to know how to manage safely boat engines and fuel in them.

Fires on boats are not as common as fires on land. However, if you are on a boat you will need to stay alert and take care as fires spread more quickly on water. Boats pose different fire risks to those who are aboard, but by following some common-sense guidance, you can protect your boat and any crew.

These simple basic safety guidance will reduce the risk of fire on your boat:
- fit a smoke alarm in the best place of the boat;
- 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.

Boat Engine Safe Management
- ventilate the engine compartment before starting up the boat;
- any boat motor maintenance should be followed by ventilating the engine space thoroughly;
- fuel lines and tanks should be checked regularly for any cracks or leaks.

Fuel Safe Management on a Boat
- carry spare fuel only if it's absolutely necessary. Use an approved container for carrying and storing fuel, and always store it on the upper deck;

Safe Refueling of the Boat
- STOP the engine of the boat before refuelling;
- turn off all heating and lighting appliance and extinguish all cigarettes and naked flames;
- use a funnel when decanting;
- ensure tanks vent directly overboard and that fuel lines have a direct shut off valve that works. Fuel on a Boat - Fire Safety

After Refueling of the Boat
- the filler inlet cap has to be tightly secured;
- ensure that there is no leakage or spillage, if there are any spillages - clean them and ventilate the compartment;
- before starting the engine again or using naked lights, first ventilate the boat throughout.

Safe Handling of Gas Cylinders
Be especially carefull when handling the gas cylinders used onboard your boat. Follow these safety tips:
- install a gas detector on the boat;
- gas cylinders should be secured in a sealed, weatherproof container with low-level atmospheric vents;
- use only approved piping;
- isolated and secured gas cylinders when not in use;
- regularly hand-pump bilges to remove potential low-lying vapours;
- hatches and portholes should be opened sufficiently to provide ventilation if weather condition permits;
- any compartment which has not been used for some time should be ventilated thoroughly;
- do not leave a cooker or any other appliances unattended if there is a danger of a wind draft extinguishing the flame.

When Changing Gas Cylinders Aboard
- check that the valve on the empty gas cylinder is turned off before disconnecting;
- ensure the full gas cylinder is secure before connecting;
- do not turn on the gas cylinder valves before connection is complete and has been checked;
- keep empty gas cylinders in the open air and secure them by a safety strap or other quick release device.

If a Fire Occurs on a Boat
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.

Yacht Exploded after Refueling
Houston, September, 2003 - Three people were injured when a yacht exploded on Galveston Bay shortly after the craft was refueled. Following the blast night one man was taken by air to a hospital, he appeared to have two broken legs. Another man and woman were taken by ambulance to area hospitals.
The blast occurred after the yacht, possibly a 38-footer, was refueled with gasoline. The yacht's occupants called the company to bring gasoline because they had run out and captain took them gas around 9 p.m. Minutes after filling up, the boat exploded, sending debris as much as 60 feet from the boat. It was just a major explosion with debris everywhere. The captain circled the blast site in search of the occupants, rescued all three and took them to a boat slip.

Fire on board any vessel has the potential to be very dangerous due to the isolation from land and the volatility of on board fuels, ie: petrol, gas etc. Operators of all boats should have the necessary safety equipment installed and know how to use it in an emergency. Taking simple precautions can help prevent a fire and make your boating safer.
- regularly inspect all fuel lines and the exhaust system for leakages;
- store gas cylinders in well ventilated areas and turn them off at the cylinder when appliances are not in use. Ensure that the cylinder is "in test" and maintain hoses and fittings against salt corrosion.

Boating Fire Safety Tips
- the wind, waves and sun multiply the effects of alcohol so stay under the prescribed limit;
- flammable vapours are heavier than air and accumulate in the lower parts of the vessel, ventilate your vessel prior to attempting to start the motor;
- ventilate battery compartments adequately as the gases produced are explosive;
- a portable fire extinguisher is designed for small fires, read the instructions and familiarise yourself with its operations, know where it is and regularly inspect it.

Fuel on a Boat - Fire Safety