2.3 Fire protection and control

The most common fire sources are the engine and the stove. If there is a fire in the boat, it may result in an explosion.

Fire usually spreads very fast — be quick to extinguish the fire with the fire extinguisher on the boat!

See the section Safety diagram for the exact location of the fire extinguisher(s).

If the fire starts to get out of control, leave the burning boat to save lives.

Always put down the fire by depriving the fire of oxygen.

Do not use water!

Using water in fire involving flammable liquids can spread the liquid and make the fire worse.

If the fire reaches the fuel containers, an explosion may occur and cause a large area around the boat to burn.

  • Keep the bilge clean and check it regularly for fuel and gas fumes or fuel and oil leaks.

  • Do not hang curtains or other flammable material near or above the LPG cooker or other equipment with naked flames.

  • Never leave the boat unattended when the cooker or heater is switched on.

  • Never refuel or replace gas containers when the engines are running.

  • Never smoke when handling fuel or gas.

  • Never block evacuation routes or emergency exits.

  • Never block access to safety equipment such as fuel valves or main power switches.

  • Never block access to fire extinguishers, visible or concealed.

  • Never modify the boat’s systems (especially electrical, fuel or gas systems).