We all know that accidents or emergencies are inevitable, and boats aren’t exempted from that. Even though you are literally on the water, you are still vulnerable to fires, which is why “prevention” should be prioritized. How? Start by choosing and ensuring the right extinguisher on your boat.
Numerous boat fire incidents were reported that have caused fatalities in history and are still prevalent in today’s time. In fact, according to the U.S. Coast Guard 2019 Recreational Boating Statistics, there were 239 boat accidents involving fire. The report also indicates that there were 5 fatalities and 128 injuries because of the fires. This has stressed the importance of “being safe on the water,” which is, however, being overlooked by many boat owners.
Many factors could initiate boat fires. As the report reveals, it could lead to deaths, which is why the readiness of fire extinguishers is indeed a must. We know that fire extinguishers come with letters and Roman numerals that are set depending on its classification and charges. However, aside from that, many people’s knowledge of fire extinguishers are very much limited. It is in our best interest to learn and understand how this critical safety device works.
So, what type of fire extinguisher should you need on a boat? Marine-grade class B is what you should carry on your boat. Simply because this type of extinguisher is used to put out flammable liquids and gases, and those materials are the most common triggers that initiate boat fires, according to the U.S. Coast guard.
Next on the list would be class C since this type is best for fighting electrical fires, which again is part of the common causes of boat fires.
The other type of extinguisher, which is class A is least recommended due to its limited use. It is mainly used for blowing out combustible solids.
Although a little pricey, a good option could be getting a tri-class or the A.B.C. fire extinguisher since it can put out all types of fire.
Hence, if you want to take the safeness measures of your boat into the next level, there are advanced options such as Fixed, Automatic Fire Extinguisher Systems, and Automatic Engine Shutdowns. These extinguishers work greatly in preventing complications in engine departments. These systems are designed to automatically discharge a fire extinguisher in the engine compartment if it detects a fire.
There are a lot of marine fire extinguishers out there that would protect us while we are on the water. The risks for boat fires are still somewhat alarming, which is why a lot of boat experts stick to this advice: to have “spare” extinguisher(s) than the Coast Guards require. This trick would further increase our odds of security in your boats.
I’ve mentioned earlier that one of the factors determining the right extinguisher for your boat is its “length.” Here is a piece of more detailed information about the standards of U.S.C.G. about it:
- Small Boats (under ’26’)
U.S.C.G. requires to have at least one of the B-1 extinguisher present.
- Medium-sized Boats (26′- Under ’40)
Should have either two sets of the B-1 extinguishers (B-1, B-1) or one of the B-2 extinguishers.
- Large-sized Boats (40′- Under 65′)
Need to contain either three sets of B-1 extinguishers (B-1, B-1, B-1) or two sets of B-2 extinguishers (B-2, B-2).
However, if your boat exceeds 65′, the standards and regulations should now be aligned with the Federal guidelines. The number of required extinguishers could also be lessened once your boat has fixed systems, or it has U.S.C.G. approved fire systems installed.
Now that you know these standards, it would also come in handy if you will be educated in fire extinguishers in general. There is still a lot to know. Familiarizing yourself more with this would allow you to implement better safety protocols.
- CLASSIFICATIONS OF FIRE EXTINGUISHER
Fires are caused by different factors and circumstances. There is what you call “A.B.C.s of Fire Extinguishers” that enables us to remember its differences easily:
A– fires that leave A.S.H. These are composed of combustible solids (materials that can catch fire rapidly). Such materials are woods, logs, paper, cloth, trash, and plastics. This class of fire could also be put out with the help of water.
B– fires that BOIL. These are made of flammable liquids or gases such as gasoline, grease, oil-based paints, acetone, varnishes).
C– fires that involve CHARGE. In a general sense, these are fires produced by insulation around wires and have the chance to electrocute someone. When fires at this class happen, the first main goal is to turn off the electricity. However, when the electricity is put off, the class of fire may change to B and A since the power has been cut off already.
Note that the use of water in putting out fires is not applicable for classes B and C. Thus, it could further exacerbate and worsen the fire.
There is also another classification of fires such as D and E. However, it varies from standards per nationality (e.g., American, European, and Australian/Asian). For American standard, here is a list of their classes D and E:
D– Combustible metals (e.g., magnesium, sodium, potassium, titanium, zirconium)
E– Cooking oil or fats
Class E is also referred to as Class “K” that stands for kitchen fires simply because the materials that cause fire are mainly used for cooking.
- TYPES OF EXTINGUISHING AGENTS
Aside from the commonly used dry chemicals to put out fires on boats, there are a lot of options that you can use to fight fires everywhere (not restricted on boats). (Source west marine)
- Water– good for CLASS A fires; not used for liquids and electrical charge.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)– B & C- used only for the refined interior; it cannot be used to cool down.
- HFC-227ea– non-toxic, expensive, can be used for all types of fire.
- NOVEC 1230– environmental-friendly; effective in all fires and doesn’t leave any residue after use.
- Halotron 1– safe for computers, electronics, clean rooms, doesn’t leave a residue as well.
- Dry Chemical– low toxicity; inexpensive; effective for B & C; difficult to clean up.
- Tri-class- same as dry chemical; but contains a moderate effect on class A; corrosive (can cause erosion), not a good choice for helm or nav station (boat equipment).
- Aqueous form– effective in A.B.C. classes of fire; just need to avoid contact with eyes and skin.
- WHERE SHOULD YOU PUT YOUR FIRE EXTINGUISHERS?
The answer to this is easy: it should be reachable (at least within arms reach) and accessible. Boat experts advise having fire extinguishers in boat locations such as:
- 1 in Cockpit (semi-enclosed area; location for the controls of the vessel)
- 1 in each State Rooms (rooms in the boat)
- 1 in the Gallery Area (boat’s kitchen)
It would also be more effective if you would allow at least 5 minutes to inform your passengers or companions on where to find these extinguishers and how to use those. Educating them about the P.A.S.S. technique would work wonders. Source: (BoatUS)
- P-ull the safety pin.
- A-im the extinguisher at the base.
- S-queeze the handle.
- S-weep the hose from side to side while discharging (the base of the flame).
Knowing this technique would not just allow them to be familiar, but could also prevent them from panicking when such incidents occur.
- MAINTENANCE & SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Choosing the right extinguisher is just one step, but its maintenance also plays a vital role. Reports are indicating that even the most-well cared vessels still catch fire, which is why knowing the common triggers of boat fires (and how to avoid them) and the proper maintenance for boats should be firmly ensured.
Boat Us Insurance Division reveals the top 5 leading causes of boat fires, namely:
- 90 % in engine systems
- 55 % in electrical wirings
- 24 % in Engine & Transmission Overheating
- 12 % in D.C. Engine circuits
- 8 % Fuel leaks
Learning these boat fire triggers enable us to do preventive measure to stop these hazards from occurring again.
As much as possible, refraining from the exposure of the fire element or to anything that could create fire is the best option. Other measures that can be done include: eliminating oil leaks in engine rooms, ensuring that oil tanks are closed, making sure that cooking oils aren’t leaking on the top of stoves, being wary of the trashes that might be combustible (cigarette matches, paper, etc.) and lastly, keep an eye to defective electrical connections.
Finally, after knowing the precautions, the last step to complete the safety package of one’s boat is to stick to routine maintenance for the fire extinguisher. Such check-ups involve:
- Checking if the gauge is fully charged.
- Ensuring that seals are not damaged/broken.
- Making sure that the hose isn’t cracked.
- For dry chemicals, confirming if its weight corresponds with its label.
Being a boat owner is undoubtedly a thrilling yet exhausting experience, for there are a lot of factors to consider and regulations to meet. Nevertheless, it’s essential to know that no matter how much work there is in owning a boat, the number one factor that should never be compromised is “safety”—safeness of the boat, the equipment, and most importantly, the people.
Related Questions:
What can be done to prevent boat fires? One should be vigilant in everything that’s happening in their boats. Proper watchkeeping is the key to be wary of all the fire hazards. If possible, a night watch should be present for better monitoring of the hazards. Next, the fire-fighting equipment’s preparedness and the maintenance of this equipment and the fuel systems should be strictly observed.
Aside from engine rooms, in which boat locations do fires would most likely occur? Possible fire hazards involve the following:
- 1. Galley-because of the presence of various flammable kitchen materials.
- 2. Accommodation Areas- since the carelessness of the passengers on their trashes that are combustible could initiate fire, and lastly.
- 3. Cargo Space- due to the tendency of the cargo to overheat, which is why proper ventilation for this should be secured.
Fire Extinguisher Recommendations
1-First Alert Fire Extinguisher | Recreation Vehicle and Marine Fire Extinguisher, White, Rechargeable, REC5 (link to amazon)
2-AFO Fire Ball, ABC Fire Extinguisher, Fire Suppression Device, Fire Safety Product With Sign (link to amazon)
3-Mini Firefighter MFF01 Multi-Purpose 4-in-1 Fire Extinguisher Eliminator for Gasoline, Kitchen Grease, Oil, Electric, and Wood Fires. (link to amazon)
